First Tee, Golf Digest honour 2025 network award winners advancing youth through golf

MONCTON, N.B. — What began as a routine school day ended in celebration for Michelle Phillips LeBlanc.

Last September, colleagues, students and members of First Tee – Atlantic gathered at Forest Glen School to surprise Phillips LeBlanc with the news that she had been named the 2025 First Tee Teacher of the Year, a networkwide honour presented annually by First Tee in partnership with Golf Digest.

The award recognizes educators who excel in implementing the First Tee School Program and fostering connections between their schools and the local First Tee chapter. Phillips LeBlanc was selected for her efforts in increasing access to golf and life skills for hundreds of students in one of Moncton’s most culturally diverse communities.

“Michelle goes above and beyond every day,” said Heather Davis, principal of Forest Glen School. “She inspires teachers and students alike and has built a phys. ed. program unlike anything I’ve seen before.”

Since introducing First Tee at Forest Glen in 2021, Phillips LeBlanc has engaged more than 400 students, many of whom are new to Canada and unfamiliar with golf. Through multilingual signage, adaptive equipment and flexible lesson plans, she has created an inclusive environment where all students can participate in the program’s character-building activities.

Her impact extends beyond the school. Phillips LeBlanc organized field trips for Grade 3 and 4 students to a local First Tee facility, giving many their first experience on a golf course. These visits sparked increased interest and enrolment in on-course programming.

To meet growing demand, Phillips LeBlanc and a colleague completed First Tee Assistant Coach training and volunteered as on-course coaches to promote ongoing learning. She also coordinated transportation and centralized pickup locations to reduce barriers for families.

“Michelle is humble, kind, and passionate about everything she does,” said Kiley MacDonald, coordinator of First Tee – Atlantic. “She embodies the mission and values of First Tee.”

Phillips LeBlanc believed the September 10 visit was for filming program content. As students took part in activities in the gym, they were quietly informed of the real reason for the visit and invited to share what made their teacher special. When the announcement was made, the room filled with tears and applause.

“Mrs. Phillips is very nice and always makes sure no one misses out,” said a Grade 4 student.

Phillips LeBlanc was officially named Teacher of the Year on November 5, 2025, as part of First Tee’s network awards. Each recipient receives a $25,000 award from First Tee and Golf Digest, with $12,500 supporting the local First Tee chapter and $12,500 awarded to the facility where the program is delivered. In Phillips LeBlanc’s case, the funding will support First Tee – Atlantic and Forest Glen School.

For First Tee – Atlantic, the recognition highlights the powerful role educators play in growing the game and using golf as a tool for positive youth development — benefiting students’ lives one swing at a time.

Learn more or get involved at firstteecanada.ca.

See the 2025 First Tee network award recipients receive their awards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISuI8oTAeQc

Read the articles from First Tee and Golf Digest.

Shane Lowry to support RBC’s long-standing commitment to golf through multi-year sponsorship

TORONTO, ON — RBC announced professional golfer Shane Lowry as its newest Team RBC brand ambassador, joining a world-class roster that embodies excellence, leadership and community. Lowry will wear the RBC shield for the first time today at the TGL Golf match in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He will also join the field for the 2026 RBC Heritage and RBC Canadian Open.  

Lowry is one of the world’s best golfers, with a 13-year career on the PGA TOUR that includes 33 top-ten finishes, three PGA TOUR wins and a standout achievement as the 2019 Open Championship winner. He also represented Europe at the Ryder Cup in 2021, 2023 and 2025, and Ireland at the Paris 2024 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

“RBC’s reputation as a top, global financial institution and their unwavering commitment to golf is something I deeply admire,” said Shane Lowry, Team RBC ambassador. “Throughout my career on the PGA TOUR, I’ve seen how their insight and expertise makes them a partner I can trust as I establish and grow my legacy for me and my family. I’m thrilled to be the newest member of Team RBC and am proud to represent their brand on TOUR.”

Team RBC is comprised of elite touring professionals on the PGA TOUR and LPGA TOUR, including Adam Hadwin, Alena Sharp, Brooke Henderson, Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, Nick Taylor, Sahith Theegala, Sam Burns and Taylor Pendrith. RBC is the title sponsor of two PGA TOUR events, the RBC Canadian Open and the RBC Heritage, and is a partner of the CPKC Women’s Open on the LPGA TOUR.

“From supporting dozens of professional golfers through Team RBC, to introducing over 108,000 young people to the sport through RBC Community Junior Golf, RBC is proud to champion golf at all levels,” said Mary DePaoli, Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, RBC. “Our Team RBC ambassadors represent the highest calibre of talent and inspire the next generation, making their platform an important part of RBC’s long-standing dedication to helping attract new audiences to the game. As a fan-favourite player with an impressive career on the PGA TOUR, Shane Lowry is an exceptional addition, and we’re thrilled to partner with him in the years to come.”

RBC’s commitment to golf also extends to helping grow the game at the amateur and grassroots levels, as well as benefiting community organizations. Through its title tournaments, RBC has helped Golf Canada and the Heritage Classic Foundation raise more than $56 million for local charities across North America. In partnership with Golf Canada, RBC Community Junior Golf, has introduced young people across Canada to the sport through First Tee – Canada and Youth on Course programming. RBC is also a proud partner of Golf Canada’s National Team program and the Golf Canada Foundation.

The 2026 RBC Canadian Open will take place June 10-14 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit rbccanadianopen.com.

The Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC) has announced their golf story of the year, as well as various Player of the Year awards for the 2025 season.

Below are the GJAC’s selections for the 2025 season.

Brooke Henderson’s Victory at the CPKC Canadian Women’s Open Named Golf Story of the Year

Brooke Henderson’s memorable win at the CPKC Canadian Women’s Open at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club was named the GJAC Canadian Golf Story of the Year. Henderson captured her second CPKC Canadian Women’s Open title in August, prevailing by one stroke in a dramatic final round over Minjee Lee. The victory marked a special moment for Canadian golf, as Henderson once again claimed the national championship in front of a home audience.

Corey Conners Named Male Professional Player of the Year

Corey Conners earned Male Professional Player of the Year honours following one of the most consistent seasons of his PGA TOUR career. Conners finished fourth in the FedEx Cup standings and recorded three top-five finishes despite not securing a tournament victory. He also posted top-20 finishes in all three major championships he completed during the season. Conners concluded the year ranked 30th in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Brooke Henderson Named Female Professional Player of the Year

Brooke Henderson was also named Female Professional Player of the Year, continuing her leadership among Canadian players on the LPGA Tour. Her season included a top-10 finish at the CPE Group Tour Championship and her historic victory at the CPKC Canadian Women’s Open. Henderson finished the year ranked 24th in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.

Hunter Thomson and Isaiah Ibit Named Male Amateur Players of the Year

The GJAC selected co-winners for Male Amateur Player of the Year.

Isaiah Ibit enjoyed an impressive freshman season at Kent State University, earning MAC Freshman of the Year honours. He also made the cut at a PGA TOUR Americas event and finished runner-up at the Can-Am Championship. Ibit concluded the year ranked 359th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Hunter Thomson, who attended the University of Michigan, won his NCAA Regional, finished 24th on PGA TOUR U, and turned professional during the season while retaining his Amateur Ranking status for 2026. Despite competing as an amateur for only part of the year, his accomplishments earned strong recognition from voters. Thomson turned professional ranked 68th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Aphrodite Deng Named Female Amateur Player of the Year

Aphrodite Deng was named Female Amateur Player of the Year following a standout season that included a tie for 20th and low amateur honours at the CPKC Canadian Women’s Open, along with a strong showing at the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship and multiple junior victories throughout the year. Deng also captured Rolex Junior Player of the Year honours and finished the season ranked 14th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

“It is an exciting time in our calendar where we share the results of our Association vote for our year end players and Canadian golf story of the year awards,” said Mike Johnny, President of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada. “While the competitive golf landscape in Canada continues to thrive, it is nice to see new names emerge, reflective of the competition within Canada to compete on the world stage. At home, participation in the game remains high and grassroots initiatives to expand engagement in golf are flourishing. A Canadian winning our national open is always exciting. Canada is always proud to showcase the best players coming to compete on the world stage.”

Indoor golf is booming, and today’s simulator technologies make it easier than ever to train intentionally – whether you’re grinding through winter or using data-driven insights to improve your weekly practice. But with so many platforms and launch monitors on the market, how do you choose the right one for you?

Here’s a quick, friendly overview of some of the most common simulator platforms available at Golf Canada member facilities. While there are other technologies out there, these are the platforms most golfers will encounter. Each facility listed on the Golf Canada website and in the Golf Canada App specifies the platform they use, making it easier to find the experience that suits your game.

Foresight (camera launch monitor)

A powerhouse indoors. Foresight systems are known for precise, reliable club- and ball-data capture. For players who appreciate detailed numbers and consistent indoor performance, this is a top choice.

TrackMan (radar launch monitor)

A tour favourite. TrackMan’s dual-radar and camera system provides top-level accuracy and an immersive software environment. If you want the same data trusted by the world’s best players, this is the one.

SkyTrak+ (camera + Doppler)

A blend of accuracy and versatility. SkyTrak+ integrates smoothly with platforms like E6, TGC 2019, and FSX, providing great value and adaptability for all types of golfers.

HD Golf (simulation software + camera sensors)

Think ‘golf theatre’. HD Golf combines high-fidelity visuals with integrated swing analysis tools, delivering a fully immersive experience that feels as close to the real course as you can get indoors.

Uneekor EYE XO / QED (overhead camera systems)

Designed for fixed indoor bays, Uneekor’s overhead units deliver rapid club and ball tracking. The setup maintains a clean hitting area, making it perfect for dedicated training spaces.

Golfzon (proprietary system)

Golfzon offers a premium all-in-one experience, featuring a moving swing plate, auto-tee system, and refined software. If you want a complete simulation package without compromise, this is the one.

SkyCaddie SkyTrak (launch monitor)

Compact and broadly compatible, SkyTrak is a popular choice for golfers who like to combine different software platforms and seek simple, reliable data.

FlightScope Mevo+ (radar launch monitor)

Portable and powerful. Mevo+ works indoors and outdoors, offers strong shot-tracking capabilities, and includes access to different simulation modes; a great choice for golfers on the go.

Swing Caddie (radar launch monitor)

A versatile solution combining Doppler radar with visual swing analysis. It’s an easy choice for players seeking useful metrics without a complicated setup.

Garmin Approach R10 (radar launch monitor)

Ultra-portable and budget-friendly. The R10 pairs easily with E6 and other software, making it ideal for casual sessions, small spaces, or practice that travels with you.

ProSim (simulation software)

Praised for precise 3D ball tracking and a more “free” hitting environment, ProSim emphasizes reliable shot analysis with fewer setup constraints.

Full Swing (radar + high-speed camera)

Trusted by some of the game’s biggest names, Full Swing combines radar tracking with high-speed imaging to provide accurate ball and club data. Instant feedback and seamless indoor/outdoor performance make it a preferred choice for players seeking precision and versatility in one premium package.

Which one is right for you?

Ask yourself what matters most: tour-level precision, immersive visuals, portability, or flexible software. There’s no single “best” platform – just the one that meets your goals, space, and budget.

Every Golf Canada member simulator facility lists its platform technology in its profile on the Golf Canada App and on the Find a Facility page at golfcanada.ca/justswing, making your search easier than ever. Happy practicing, and see you on the (virtual) course.

One day. One hundred holes. A commitment that leaves a lasting mark. Across the country, participants in Youth on Course’s annual 100 Hole Hike closed out a demanding day on the course with a shared sense of achievement and a clear view of the difference they are making in junior golf accessibility.

Golf Canada offers affordable access to the sport through Youth on Course, which provides members aged six to eighteen with subsidized green fees of $5 or less at over one hundred participating courses. The 100 Hole Hike is the program’s flagship fundraising initiative. Golfers walk one hundred holes in a single day to raise funds for local Youth on Course programs. Since 2019, over 120,000 rounds have been subsidized. This season alone, 8,154 members played nearly 50,000 subsidized rounds across the country.

Four Youth on Course 100 Hole Hikes took place from August to October at Silverwood Golf Club in Saskatoon, Sask.; Bic sur Mer in Rimouski, Que.; Mill Run Golf Club in Uxbridge, Ont.; and Cabot Cape Breton in Inverness, N.S. This included the second international Youth on Course Premier 100 Hole Hike, a three-day event.

A total of 44 Hikers participated this year, raising $92,800 to expand Youth on Course access in communities across Canada.

Each event showcased stories of resilience, purpose, and personal motivation.

Honouring a loved one

At the Ontario event, a foursome traveled from Collingwood early that morning to honour the late David Moser, a husband, friend, and avid supporter of junior golf.

“Golf played an instrumental role in David’s life,” said his wife, Janet. “He strongly believed in affordable junior golf, so Joy, Derek, Danielle and I were thrilled to honour him through this fundraiser.”

Support from media and influencers

At Cabot Cape Breton, media personalities and influencers joined the Premier Hike, lending their voices to the program’s mission.

“Golf is an incredible game that teaches different life lessons,” said Adam Scully, host and producer of Golf Talk Canada at TSN. “To support such an amazing cause that gives back to others who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play, at one of the greatest facilities in Canada, means the world to me.”

A challenge with purpose

From the first tee at sunrise to the final putt at dusk, participants embraced both the physical challenges and the purpose behind their efforts. Many shared the satisfaction that comes from helping to lower financial barriers for young golfers while taking on a test of endurance.

“For me personally, access to junior golf provided an opportunity to grow as a young man on and off the course,” said Hiker Chris Bowman, who took part to support his son’s continued involvement in the game. “There is so much value in what the game can teach our youth, and providing these benefits to juniors who normally would not have the chance makes a real impact.”

Impact on host facilities

For host clubs, the event underscored the tangible influence of Youth on Course and the enthusiasm of communities committed to growing the game.

“We have seen firsthand how Youth on Course benefits our junior golfers. Just this year, nearly 500 subsidised five-dollar rounds were provided to Youth on Course members at our facility,” said Matt Savage, general manager at Mill Run Golf Club. “Hosting the Hike was an easy decision, and our members were fully supportive.”

Looking ahead

The success of this year’s events shows both the dedication of participants and the ongoing demand for affordable junior golf opportunities. Golf Canada aims to build on this momentum next season by increasing the number of subsidised rounds offered through Youth on Course initiatives.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took on the challenge this season,” said Nathalie Mihalek, Golf Canada’s National Manager of Youth on Course. “Their efforts directly help more youth get out on the golf course, and we look forward to welcoming even more Hikers next year.”

For more information or to take part in a Youth on Course 100 Hole Hike next season, visit golfcanada.ca/youthoncourse/.

The 2025 golf season was a reminder that the momentum in Canadian golf not only continued but accelerated with pace. Driven by wins on and off the course, expanded programming, commercial and philanthropic success, and a passion for the sport that spans coast-to-coast, Canadian golf is in a great place.

Golf holds its place as the number one participation sport in Canada as is evident by another record-breaking year, with 11.2 million scores posted on the Golf Canada App by more than 360,000 Golf Canada members at 1,550 member clubs across the country.

The professional game mirrored the success of recent years as Canadian golf fans were treated to another memorable year. Ask a Canadian golf fan to pick a highlight from 2025 and they would probably say Brooke Henderson’s win at the CPKC Women’s Open. Henderson’s triumph at the Mississaugua Golf and Country Club returned her to the winners’ circle after an incredible performance in front of the home crowd to win her second CPKC Women’s Open title. Henderson’s win further strengthened her position as the most successful Canadian professional golfer in history with her 14th win on the LPGA Tour. She closed the LPGA season with a T7 finish at the CME Group Tour Championship.

Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. continued his winning ways on the PGA TOUR, taking the Sony Open in Hawaii in January for his fifth career title on Tour. Taylor has won at least once in three consecutive years and all three via playoff, including the historic 2023 RBC Canadian Open in a thrilling four-hole playoff with Tommy Fleetwood. Taylor also added a T19 finish at the Tour Championship in November.

Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont. continues to assert himself as one of the game’s best, earning seven top 10 finishes on the PGA TOUR including a T4 finish at the Tour Championship and his fourth top 10 finish at The Masters. Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont. added four top 10’s as well as a T5 finish at the PGA Championship in May.

More noise was made by Canadians on the global professional circuits, including 17-year-old Anna Huang of Vancouver, B.C. who turned pro in January and went on to win back-to-back tournaments in September on the Ladies European Tour (LET). The Team Canada member earned her first professional win at the La Sella Open in Spain and followed it up a week later with a win at the Lacoste Ladies Open de France and closes the year ranked no. 114 on the Rolex World Rankings.

Sudarshan Yellamaraju of Mississauga, Ont. recorded his first professional win at the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic in January and finished the year with four top 10’s on the Korn Ferry Tour. The 24-year-old earned his PGA TOUR card for 2026 by finishing 19th in the Korn Ferry Tour season standings and will be the youngest Canadian on Tour next year.

Joining the Canadian contingent will be A.J. Ewart of Coquitlam, B.C. Ewart earned medalist honours at PGA TOUR Q-School last Sunday. The Team Canada member was joined by Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C. who kept his card by finishing T2. Ewart and Svensson bring the Canadian contingent up to seven members on the PGA TOUR in 2026.

Myles Creighton of Digby, N.S. and Leah John of Vancouver, B.C. earned their first professional wins in 2025, with Creighton winning The Wichita Open in June on the Korn Ferry Tour and John earned her first Epson Tour win at the Four Winds Invitational in August. John earned her 2026 LPGA Tour card finishing T10 at the LPGA Q-Series Final Qualifying Stage. Maude-Aimee LeBlanc also retained her status for 2026, joining Henderson and John as the Canadian contingent on the LPGA Tour next year.

The amateur circuit brought another banner year for Team Canada, led by 15-year-old Team Canada – NextGen member, Aphrodite Deng of Calgary, Alta. In July, Deng won the 76th U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship becoming the first Canadian to win the title in tournament history. One month later, Deng followed up her historic performance and captivated the crowds in Mississauga with a T20 finish at the CPKC Women’s Open, earning the Marlene Stewart Streit Low Amateur Award. Deng also won twice on the AJGA taking the Junior Invitational and Mizuho Americas Open and was later named junior player of the year by the AJGA.

Shauna Liu of Maple, Ont. won her second straight Canadian Junior Girls Championship in August and became the ninth multi-time winner and first back-to-back winner since Heather Kuzmich in 1982. Liu added four additional wins in 2025, including the Peloton Glencoe Invitational. Michelle Xing of Richmond Hill, Ont. won the 2025 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship in July. Both Liu and Xing earned silver medals as part of Team Canada 1’s runner-up finish at the 2025 World Junior Girls Golf Championship in September with Clairey Lin of Langley, B.C. Team Canada 2 represented by Clara Ding of White Rock, B.C., Eileen Park of Red Deer, Alta. and Ruihan Kendria Wang of Vancouver, B.C. finished sixth led by Ding, the individual runner up who also added a 2025 win at the GolfBC Group BC Women’s Open.

Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C. earned her second collegiate win for the University of Texas at the Betsy Rawls Invitational in March and competed in her second consecutive Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Vanessa Borovilos of Etobicoke, Ont. won the Chevron Collegiate in her freshman year at Texas A&M University. Team Canada teammates, Tillie Claggett of Calgary, Alta., Nicole Gal of Oakville, Ont. and Vanessa Zhang of Vancouver, B.C. were all victorious in 2025 as well.

Austin Krahn of Christina Lakes, B.C. took home gold at the 2025 Canada Summer Games and added two provincial titles this past year while Dawson Lew of Toronto, Ont., a recent addition to the Team Canada program, won the Canadian Junior Boys Championship in August and added four additional wins in 2025.

Some familiar names also added national championships to their trophy cabinets this year. Shelly Stouffer of Nanoose Bay, B.C. won her third Canadian Women’s Senior Championship, Judith Kyrinis of Thornhill, Ont. claimed her fourth Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, Charles Fitzsimmons of King, Ont. won his third Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship and Natasha Stasiuk of Oakville, Ont. won her fifth straight Canadian All Abilities Championship. The UBC Thunderbirds claimed the men’s and women’s Canadian University/College Championship in convincing fashion once again.

Beyond the professional and amateur ranks, the future of golf in Canada shrines bright. The sport has welcomed a new wave of participants with grass roots programming that has introduced golf to more youth and women annually.

First Tee – Canada posted its highest participation numbers in 2025, with more than 106,000 youth taking part in programs across the country, a 25 per cent increase from last year. Since its inception in 2021, First Tee – Canada has reached over 276,000 young Canadians.

In addition, 481 locations offered programming across schools, community centres and golf facilities, supported by nearly 350 coaches, both increases from last year. First Tee – Canada continues to be a leader in youth programming with a focus on strengthening diversity and equity in the sport. In 2025, 74 per cent of partnered schools and community organizations served underrepresented communities with close to 60 per cent of programs delivered at no cost to participants. Through the efforts of six First Tee chapters nationwide, youth participation is becoming more reflective of Canada’s diversity with 42 per cent of on-course participants identifying as female and 36 per cent as BIPOC. The program’s growth was backed by strong donor support with the Golf Canada Foundation raising more than $10 million for the sport in 2025, including $4.5 million for First Tee – Canada.

First Tee – Canada was also the proud charitable beneficiary of the 2025 RBC Canadian Open and First Tee – Alberta received nearly $200,000 through it’s partnership with the Rogers Charity Classic in 2025. In keeping with golf’s charitable giving, the CPKC Women’s Open continues to leave a meaningful legacy in each host city through its CPKC Has Heart program, this year donating a record $4.5 million for MacKids and Trillium Health Partners, supporting pediatric and cardiac health.

For the first time, the Youth on Course program was available in every province across the country. The program allows Golf Canada members between the ages of 6 to 18 to play subsidized rounds for $5 or less at participating courses during designated times. In 2025, Youth on Course members played nearly 50,000 subsidized rounds across Canada, marking a record high season and a 51 per cent increase over rounds played in the previous year. The program also drove strong engagement, with 4,470 new members joining Golf Canada to access these affordable playing opportunities.

She Plays Golf expanded in 2025 with the addition of a week-long festival in Atlantic Canada in the fall complimenting stops in Vancouver, Calgary and the Greater Toronto Area. The She Plays Golf Championship Series once again aligned with week-long festivals and provided four exemptions into the CPKC Women’s Open.

She Plays Golf featured 24 events across 19 golf facilities and engaged with more than 800 women and girls. Across all festivals, over 700 participants were new to the game and took part in beginner friendly activities led by close to 90 women coaches and volunteers.

Feedback remained overwhelmingly positive, with 97 per cent of participants sharing that the event(s) provided an atmosphere that made them feel comfortable and welcome, and 88 per cent indicating they are very likely to continue participating in golf following their experience.

In addition, 23 girls-only Try Golf clinics were delivered through RBC Community Junior Golf, reaching 275 girls.

Bolstered by another record-breaking year for scores posted, the Golf Canada App received a major update in 2025. New enhancements included group score posting, making it easier than ever to record scores for your playing partners during group rounds. The introduction of smartwatch support for Android wearables brought on-wrist GPS yardages and digital scoring to a wide range of devices, while upgraded GPS tools now provide precise front, middle and back-of-green distances to support smarter club selection and on-course strategy. The update also introduced a Golf Canada membership referral program and a new achievements system, along with enhanced privacy controls that allow users to choose whether their scores appear in their friends’ feeds.

An exciting new chapter for the RBC Canadian Open was written in June, as TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. became the 38th course in tournament history to host Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship. Fans were treated to a thrilling finish as New Zealand’s Ryan Fox beat Sam Burns in a four-hole playoff. The 115th playing of the RBC Canadian Open will return to TPC Toronto in 2026.

During tournament week a new initiative, Birdies for Trails was created in collaboration with partners at TPC Toronto and WM. Every birdie at The Rink Hole (no. 14) directly contributed to raise $29,500 for the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation and the development of the Credit Valley Trail, a passageway stretching 100 kilometres in length, linking Orangeville, Ont. with Port Credit (Mississauga), Ont.

Following the tournament, RBC and the PGA TOUR announced a multi-year extension of the bank’s title sponsorship of the RBC Canadian Open. RBC, a long-time supporter of professional and amateur golf in Canada had been the proud title sponsor of the Men’s National Open Championship since 2008.

As the outdoor season drew to a close in most parts of the country, Golf Canada launched a comprehensive off-course golf strategy to enhance the year-long golf experience. Golf has evolved into a 12-month activity, and the strategy is supported by the Just Swing campaign, highlighting the benefits and different forms of off-course golf. The strategy also focuses on Provincial Golf Associations and their partnership with Golf Canada in launching a new facility membership offering, specifically designed for off-course operators to promote their operations to Canada’s largest and most engaged golf audience.

As Canadian golf continues to write exciting new chapters, one will end in early 2026. Glen Abbey Golf Club has been the home of Golf Canada and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame since 1977. In February 2026, Golf Canada will move its operation to the new home for Canadian golf at TPC Toronto.

The new home for Canadian golf will also be home to First Tee – Canada along with a 30,000 square foot 18-hole community putting course that is free and open to the public. For more information on the home for Canadian golf, please click here.

In February, three new members were inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, including accomplished amateur golfer, Richard Scott, former professional golfer Jerry Anderson and renowned course architect Charles Blair Macdonald. Elements of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame are proudly weaved into the main clubhouse, locker rooms and accommodation villas at TPC Toronto. Memorabilia highlighting Canadian golf legends and significant moments in Canadian golf history are also being showcased across the property.

Canadian golf couldn’t happen without the many wonderful people – volunteers, club staff, superintendents, PGA of Canada professionals, operators, media, and other industry stakeholders – whose efforts are paramount to the success of the sport. Closer to home, Golf Canada is proud of its staff for their efforts to advance the sport and who once again earned the organization its Great Places to Work designation.  

With the holiday season upon us and the book on 2025 drawing to a close, one thing is certain, Canadian golf has never been stronger. The momentum continues and it brings the promise of more great moments that lie ahead.

The entire staff at Golf Canada hopes you enjoy a safe and happy holiday season and we extend our best wishes for the New Year.

Please be advised of Golf Canada’s hours of operation during the holidays.

Hours of Operation

Closed beginning Friday, December 19, 2025 at 5 p.m. and will reopen at 9 a.m. on Monday January 5, 2026. All times EST.

Even two of the greatest golfers in Canadian history say they were still learning on the course in 2025.

Brooke Henderson and Nick Taylor both won at the highest levels of golf this past year and said they were still working on their games more than a decade into their professional careers.

“I think that’s something that every golfer learns, is that you can never perfect it. You’re always trying to grow and to learn,” said Henderson, who won this year’s CPKC Women’s Open for a second time. “Every day is a challenge, new challenges, old challenges, but every day is definitely a challenge. 

“You’re just trying to better yourself. Every day you just get up, and you try to learn something new.”

Henderson won the Women’s Open, Canada’s national championship and only LPGA Tour event north of the border, on Aug. 24 by a stroke at Mississauga Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont. It was the 14th win of her storied LPGA Tour career.

Taylor started the year off on the right foot, winning the Sony Open at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii on Jan. 12. It was the fifth win of his PGA Tour career and, impressively, his third consecutive playoff victory.

“I think I was most proud of the level of play that I kept up, even after a win, not really settling or being satisfied, that I kept pushing, trying to improve,” said Taylor from his hometown of Abbotsford, B.C. “I felt like I kept a level play up that I really haven’t had that consistency, probably, in my career. 

“Although 2023 was obviously a phenomenal year with consistency as well, with the RBC Canadian Open win, I felt like last year was just a slight step above that.”

Taylor’s victory at the Sony Open also moved him up the all-time wins list for Canadians on golf’s top tours. He’s now fifth behind Henderson’s 14 and a three-way tie of eight wins between Winnipeg’s George Knudson, Sandra Post of Oakville, Ont., and Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont.

“We’re trying to get to a major, to be along with Mike Weir (who won Augusta in 2003), on the men’s side of golf,” said Taylor on his place in the history books. “It feels like Brooke’s on an island of her own with all her success, and it might be untouchable for all of us, but something to admire and work towards.

“But I’m definitely proud of the fact I got to five wins. I didn’t really think about the history side of it, but it’s going to keep me pushing to try to get more.”

Henderson, from Smiths Falls, Ont., is one of three Canadians who will have full-time status on the LPGA Tour in 2026. She’ll be joined by Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que., and Vancouver’s Leah John, who earned their cards through qualifying earlier this month.

There will be seven Canadians with full rides on the PGA Tour in the new year: Taylor, Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., A.J. Ewart of Coquitlam, B.C., Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., and Sudarshan Yellamaraju of Mississauga, Ont.

John, Ewart and Yellamaraju will all be rookies on golf’s top circuits.

“What a great couple of months for Canadian golf, right? Sudarshan, AJ, Leah, all getting their rookie cards,” said Paul Perrier, who was named Golf Canada’s new chief sport officer on Dec. 3. “I think it speaks to the global competitive momentum that Golf Canada has.

“The high-performance pathway was designed to create this exact process where we’re providing opportunities, resources, coaching for our next superstars to really jump into these tours, to help them be in this position and be in the best position to succeed and perform at this level.”

Perrier also confirmed that Golf Canada is still committed to its strategic plan of having 30 players on the PGA and LPGA Tours by 2032, a goal set by his predecessor, Kevin Blue, in February 2022.

The raw materials are certainly in place, as Golf Canada reports that recreational play across the country again grew in 2025. 

Their last national survey was in 2024, when nearly six million Canadians played golf. However, more than 11 million scores were posted to Golf Canada’s app in 2025, up six per cent year-over-year and 54 per cent above pre-pandemic levels.

Golf Canada’s annual report also says that more than 200,000 young people now engage with programming through golf courses, schools, and community centres. Also, more than $12 million has been raised since 2020 to support equitable access, coach training, and youth curriculum provided by the national sport organization.

“It’s a sport of connection, and it’s something that really invites everyone to participate in,” said Perrier. “When you’re in a country like Canada, where typically you’re not able to get outside all the time, when you do get that opportunity, you want to find activities that are challenging, that will allow you to be social and around people.”

Henderson said the growth of recreational golf in Canada has been amazing.

“To think that I may have played a small part in that is really exciting to me,” said Henderson, who started playing as a three-year-old. “I think it’s an incredible game that you can play your entire life, and you can really build friendships and relationships, really network. 

“I feel like it just teaches you so many great life lessons, especially as a kid. Honesty, perseverance, integrity, just so many good things come from it.”

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.

Tony Hanna, Andersons Creek Golf Club, Hole #8

I was introduced to golf by my cousin Peter when I lived in Ontario. I enjoyed the game but was only able to get out once a month. I never really dedicated the time to the game that it deserves. That was 35 years ago. When I met my wife, I introduced her to the game, and she became an avid fan. We golfed a lot in Ontario, but my game never really improved.

My wife, originally from P.E.I., and I moved here in 2018. Every year, we purchased the Green Card, which allows holders to golf 18 different courses at a significantly reduced price. However, we fell in love with one specific course, Countryview Golf Club, a true hidden gem. The course is always in great condition, the staff are fantastic, and the members and owners are good-hearted people. That is where I met a great chap named Bernie Hope, who works at Countryview.

At the end of the 2024 golf season, I discovered that my boss also enjoys golf. We promised each other that we would get out for a round in 2025.

At the start of 2025, my wife and I decided to become full members at Countryview. As a new member, I also joined the Thursday night men’s league, where I met another great lad named Chris MacDougall.

Throughout 2025, my boss and I managed to get out a few times after work, mostly on Friday nights at Countryview. I also found out that he knows both Bernie and Chris. They have been playing hockey together for years. The Island really is a small place.

Leading up to September 29, 2025, my boss suggested we play either Andersons Creek or Green Gables. I booked a foursome at Andersons Creek. The group included me, my boss, Bernie Hope and Chris MacDougall.

On that sunny day, I was driving to the course when I received a call from my boss telling me that a situation had come up and he could not make it. He cancelled.

Now, not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I believe the three remaining golfers would have rather played our home course. Still, we endured the sunny but windy conditions.

On the first hole, I scored an eight, or as we like to call it, the dreaded snowman. After that, I settled down and played my usual bogey-or-double-bogey golf, with the rare birdie and occasional par.

We arrived at hole 8, a par 3 with a two-tiered green. On this day, from the white tees, it was 130 yards to the pin. The pin was on the upper tier, about 10 feet from the front edge. The wind was at our backs, roughly a one-club wind. I normally hit my approach wedge about 118 yards. I felt it was the right club given the wind, but I had been coming up short all day.

I decided to grab my pitching wedge.

Bernie hit first and landed on the green, pin-high but on the left fringe. Chris followed, landing short on the lower tier of the green.

It was now my turn. As Bernie often does, he tried to get into my head. We discussed the wind, and he asked what I was hitting. I replied that I was hitting my pitching wedge but contemplating my approach.

As I walked up to the tee box to tee up my Tour Yellow Srixon Soft Feel No. 1, Bernie said loudly that I was pitching wedge all day. We all chuckled.

I gripped my pitching wedge, took aim, adjusted my stance and swung. The ball took flight. I lost it in the air for a moment, then spotted a little yellow torpedo heading straight for the pin. The three of us watched as someone said, “Looks good, Big Dog,” which is what Bernie calls me and others as well.

The ball landed just left of the pin and began rolling forward. From where I stood, I could not see the bottom of the flagstick. A few seconds passed as we watched what appeared to be the ball coming to rest just short of the hole, an easy tap-in, or so we thought.

Chris said he wanted to hit another shot but would not count it toward his score. As I bent down to pick up my tee, I glanced toward the hole.

I said to Bernie that I did not see my ball. He replied that it might have gone in. Chris asked if it went in. We all stared at the green. Bernie and Chris both thought it had dropped, but I still had my doubts. Bernie gave me a fist bump, and Chris followed with a high five. I remained unconvinced.

As we were leaving the tee box, two delightful senior ladies drove up to the 8th tee. Chris announced that I had just made a hole-in-one. I told them it probably rolled past the hole. They smiled and wanted to hear more.

Still, I could not confirm anything yet.

Bernie raced ahead in his cart while Chris and I pushed ours toward the green. Chris headed straight for his ball, while I walked along the cart path.

Bernie reached the green first. I saw him walk past the hole and glance down, then heard him snicker. From my position, I still could not see my ball. I assumed it was sitting right on the edge. I grabbed my putter, a Ping Doc 15, just in case.

As I stepped onto the green, I still could not find my ball.

I looked at Bernie and saw him standing over his own ball with his phone raised, taking photos. I turned to Chris and saw him doing the same.

That was the moment I truly realized it.

I had just made the elusive hole-in-one.

P.S. I am giving my boss a two-stroke penalty. The first is for not being part of this once-in-a-lifetime memory, and the second is for not using his name, on purpose, anywhere in this story.

Gary Davis, Pike Creek Golf Centre, Hole #10

There is no better way to spend a day with three of your best friends, Lance, John and Rick and getting a hole-in -ne at Pike Lake in Clifford, Ontario. Hole #10 is slightly up hill and the pin was behind the trap at 131 yards. I used a 9 iron and was so pleased the shot spun back and into the hole. 47 years later, I got my first hole-in-one. I wish everyone the best to get a hole-in-one.

Caroline Belhumeur, The Lakes Barcelo Golf Course, Hole #12

I was playing with Marie-Andrée Ouimet, Lori Batson and Gale Legault. The hole was 65 yards. I used a 60 degree wedge.

Kim Newcombe, Cornwall Golf & Country Club, Hole #18

My husband Mark Finstad is an accomplished golfer who re-introduced me to golf when we relocated to Cornwall in 2022. I am absolutely obsessed with the game! I manage to play 80-90 rounds a year while being on call as an International Flight Nurse. I jokingly tell my boss that I am “playing golf until the phone rings!”

In 2025 my golf goals were to break 90 and to lower my handicap into the teens. I managed to accomplish both. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get a hole-in-one to boot!

On October 26 we were trying to squeeze our last few rounds of the season in before the long winter hiatus. On hole #18, Mark’s tee shot landed on the green so close to the pin that I commented to him that it looked like a tap-in birdie. I was on the Ladies tee, which is green at Cornwall, 113 yards. I used my 7 wood off the tee. I felt that I hit it well and saw it clear the sand trap in front. I saw it hit the green and bounce. I thought it had rolled behind the pin. Mark thought differently, but he is a foot taller than me! He said, “Kim, that went in!” I said, “no I’m sure it’s behind the pin or maybe rolled off the green.”

We walked up the fairway and I didn’t see my ball on or behind the green. Mark encouraged me to go and check the hole. What an incredible feeling and a perfect ending to my last hole on my last round of 2025!

Betty Feijo, Landings Golf Course, Hole #9

My very first hole-in-one and definitely exciting. I was in shock as I thought it rolled off the back of the green but nope, it dropped in the hole. I would say it was about 105 yards and I used my 7 iron. It hit the green and rolled in the hole. I was playing with Maija, Irene, Kathy, Karen, Linda, Teresa and Mona (two tee groups). The most amazing ladies and so supportive. This hole-in-one meant a lot as I lost my dad on July 2nd and life has been a hurdle. Without these ladies these last few months could have been worse however their encouragement and love made it even amazing.

The Golf Canada App and website now allow golfers to record their rounds and practice sessions at member simulator facilities, with stats and goals automatically syncing throughout the year.

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada has released the latest update to the Golf Canada App, now supporting indoor simulator integration. Whether playing on a course or practicing at a simulator in a Golf Canada member facility, golfers can easily track and log rounds and practice sessions in one centralized location, providing a comprehensive view of their performance both indoors and outdoors. Golfers can easily find participating simulator facilities on golfcanada.ca/findacourse/ or directly through the App on their mobile devices. This update also adds the average number of putts per round to your stats, along with bug fixes and other enhancements to improve the overall app experience.

What this means for you

• Complete round tracking, including indoor sessions. Play a simulated 9- or 18-hole round at a participating facility and record your score as you would for a traditional on-course game.

• Practice sessions also matter. Whether you’re recording a practice bucket, working on your short game indoors, or tracking a particular skill or goal, it’s now possible. Each session adds to your game‑improvement metrics, ensuring your progress remains in focus.

• Stats and goals remain consistent. Your handicap‑related data, scoring history, shot metrics, and personal performance goals are kept current, whether the swing takes place on a fairway or inside a simulator bay.

• Golfers can find nearby simulator facilities using filters like technology platform or amenities, and view details such as the number of simulator bays, booking links, and addresses on an interactive map available on Golf Canada’s website and App.

• The Golf Canada App is your all-in-one platform for managing your golf history, stats, and progress tracking, anytime and anywhere you play.

Indoor simulators are increasingly popular across Canada, especially during the colder months when many outdoor courses close. By supporting indoor facilities, Golf Canada helps golfers develop and track their skills year-round.

This update continues Golf Canada’s effort to provide a comprehensive digital golf experience for Canadian golfers. Earlier updates added features like GPS-based course maps, hole-by-hole scoring, smartwatch integration, score posting for playing partners, and social features. Now, with indoor simulator integration, we connect real-world rounds with simulator play, offering golfers a unified view of their performance.

How to get started

Make sure your Golf Canada App is up to date.

Go to a participating Golf Canada member simulator facility to complete your round or practice session.

Record the round or session in the Golf Canada App as you would for any on-course game; your stats and goals will automatically update.

The Golf Canada App is available as a free download from the App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android. Golfers can sign in with an existing Golf Canada account or create one directly in the app to start tracking their game.

For a complete list of Golf Canada App features, visit golfcanada.ca/app.

Just Swing