CALEDON, Ont. — From municipal golf courses to the RBC Canadian Open, RBC Community Junior Golf helped more young Canadians discover the game through First Tee – Canada programming in 2026.
An initiative launched by RBC and Golf Canada, RBC Community Junior Golf supported First Tee programming at 38 program locations across Canada in 2026, helping reduce barriers to participation and create welcoming pathways into the sport for youth from all backgrounds.
“Golf is about more than the game itself — it’s about the character, confidence and connections young people build along the way,” said Shannon Cole, chief brand officer of RBC. “Through RBC Community Junior Golf, we’re helping ensure that every kid in Canada who wants to pick up a club has the opportunity to do so. Seeing the impact across the country reinforces why this partnership matters so much to us. We’re not just introducing youth to a sport — we’re opening doors to possibility.”
Since launching in 2022, RBC Community Junior Golf has engaged more than 170,000 participants through no-cost First Tee programming. In 2026, the initiative reached nearly 63,000 participants from 264 community partners and 38 golf facilities, building on its impact in underserved communities across the country.
The initiative also continues to help broaden golf’s reach, with 46 per cent of participants identifying as female. In addition, 79 per cent of community partners serve low-socioeconomic communities, helping connect more young people with opportunities to participate in a sport they may not have otherwise had the chance to play.
“We’re incredibly grateful to RBC for their continued commitment to First Tee – Canada,” said Adam Hunter, executive director of First Tee – Canada. “Each season, through RBC Community Junior Golf, we see children pick up a club for the first time and leave with more confidence, new friendships and skills that extend well beyond golf. That impact simply wouldn’t be possible without RBC.”
Bringing the 72’ Putt challenge into communities
RBC Community Junior Golf engaged fans through its 72’ Putt activation at the 2026 RBC Canadian Open. Inspired by Nick Taylor’s historic 72-foot putt to win the 2023 championship, the activation gave fans a chance to recreate the putt, with proceeds supporting First Tee – Canada programming across the country.
The activation raised nearly $45,000 during tournament week and provided an opportunity to connect the excitement of Canada’s National Open Championship with the importance of introducing more Canadian youth to the game.
The challenge reached RBC Community Junior Golf-supported First Tee – Canada sessions, where participants tested their putting skills for a chance to win prizes. The activity offered a fun way for young golfers to practise their skills and build enthusiasm for the game.
Recognition for impact
RBC Community Junior Golf’s backing of First Tee – Canada to advance inclusion and create meaningful community impact was recognized by Sponsorship Marketing Council Canada this year through three Sponsorship Marketing Awards: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Purpose-Led / Social Cause, and Best in Show.
“Being recognized by Sponsorship Marketing Council Canada is incredibly meaningful for our team, but what makes these awards truly special is what they represent — real, measurable progress toward making golf more accessible for young Canadians,” said Mark Soder, director of brand marketing at RBC. “RBC Community Junior Golf is a great example of how our sponsorships at RBC are designed to champion and give back to our communities.”
The recognition highlights the initiative’s focus on using golf to create positive change and increase access for young people. Through its support of First Tee – Canada, RBC Community Junior Golf helps foster environments for youth to learn the game, develop relationships and build valuable skills they can carry through life.
Looking ahead
As First Tee – Canada continues to grow, RBC Community Junior Golf will remain an important accelerator in expanding access to golf for young Canadians, particularly in underserved communities.
Continued support from RBC and the Golf Canada Foundation will help First Tee – Canada reach more youth, strengthen local programming and reduce barriers to participation. The partnership aims to give more Canadian children and families the opportunity to experience golf, regardless of their background or circumstances.
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About RBC Community Junior Golf
RBC Community Junior Golf is an initiative launched by RBC and Golf Canada that aims to build greater inclusion in golf. The initiative supports the growth of First Tee – Canada programming at municipal and publicly accessible golf courses by providing affordable access to the game for youth in underserved communities across the country.
About First Tee – Canada
First Tee – Canada is Golf Canada’s youth development program that uses golf to teach life skills such as confidence, resilience and integrity. Through programming delivered at golf facilities, schools and community centres across the country, First Tee – Canada strives to ensure youth from all backgrounds can access the game and develop skills that extend beyond the fairways.
