Momentum continues…2025 Year in Review
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.
Happy Holidays from Golf Canada
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.
#MyGolfYear is here; look back on your 2025 season
Golf Canada members can now relive their 2025 golf season with #MyGolfYear, the annual personalized recap of rounds played, milestones and achievements, presented by BDO.
#MyGolfYear gives golfers a snapshot of their season, including total rounds played, best score, distance walked, number of birdies and other key stats, all in a custom graphic that members can download or share across social media. Since launching after the 2021 season, it has become a favourite way for golfers across Canada to reflect on their performance and share their progress with friends and fellow members.
“#MyGolfYear is a fun and engaging way for golfers to reflect on their season and celebrate their achievements,” said Tim McLaughlin, Chief Marketing Officer at Golf Canada. “It’s about more than scores; it’s about inspiring members to stay active, connect with the community, and continue enjoying the game year-round.”
What’s New for 2025?
The 2025 edition of #MyGolfYear offers more detailed personalization, including new scoring statistics such as total pars, birdies and eagles, as well as your average 18-hole score. In the achievements section, golfers who recorded a hole-in-one will see a dedicated HIO badge, alongside highlights for those who played in multiple provinces or completed a milestone number of rounds this past season (i.e. 50 or 100). A year-over-year comparison of your handicap is also included.
How to Access Your #MyGolfYear
Members who logged their rounds online, in the Golf Canada App or at club kiosks during 2025 can access their personalized recap via e-mail or the Golf Canada App.

Celebrate Your Golf Season
Whether you played once or logged multiple rounds, achieved personal bests or simply enjoyed time on the course with friends, #MyGolfYear is a way to look back and celebrate your year in golf.
Thank you to all members for making 2025 a memorable season. Download your #MyGolfYear, share your story, and get ready for another great season in 2026.
Golf Canada appoints Paul Perrier as Chief Sport Officer
National Sport Organization welcomes former USC Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director to advance Canadian golf participation and competitive excellence.
(December 3, 2025) – Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Paul Perrier has joined the National Sport Federation as its new Chief Sport Officer (CSO).
Born in Sherbrooke, Que. and raised in Aurora, Ont., Perrier is an accomplished and dynamic sports administration executive who brings more than 15 years of senior leadership experience in NCAA Division I athletics, most recently serving as Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director and Deputy Athletic Director at the University of Southern California (USC).
As Chief Sport Officer, Perrier will oversee Golf Canada’s sport portfolio, including Team Canada high-performance and athlete development, National Amateur Championships, grassroots participation programs such as First Tee – Canada and She Plays Golf, and Safe Sport compliance. Reporting to CEO Laurence Applebaum as a member of Golf Canada’s Executive Team, Perrier will play a pivotal role in advancing Canadian golf participation and competitive excellence for the National Sport Organization.
“Paul is a dynamic sport executive and former high-level athlete with extensive leadership experience across sport including golf, coach development, compliance, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, revenue generation and fundraising within both elite and public NCAA Division I athletic departments,” said Applebaum. “His experience managing complex sport organizations and building high-performance programs will help to further advance the sport and elevate Canadian golf on the global stage.”
During his tenure at USC (2019–2025), Perrier was a member of the Executive Leadership Team, with oversight and support for 23 varsity programs and 600 athletes. He led strategic planning, resource allocation, and performance initiatives and fostered inclusive, collaborative cultures that drove innovation and excellence. Perrier also managed the men’s and women’s golf programs, guiding them to multiple NCAA championship appearances and supporting elite athletes who advanced to the LPGA and PGA Tours.
Perrier, who will work collaboratively with the Golf Canada Foundation, also brings experience in fundraising and donor relations, having helped drive capital campaigns at USC and Rutgers. He also oversaw a $750,000 renovation of USC’s golf training facility and served as Tournament Director for the Trojan Golf Classic. His ability to build trust-based relationships with donors, alumni, and corporate partners has been a hallmark of his leadership.
Perrier joins Golf Canada at a time where the organization is experiencing strong momentum with a rise in participation and rounds played, Canadian continued success on the global stage and increased investment in the game from donors and corporate partners.
The opportunity to return to Canada to champion further growth is an opportunity for Perrier to apply his executive leadership experiences across a sport that has been a longtime passion.
“Joining Golf Canada is an incredible honour, and I’m inspired to help accelerate the sport’s growth and impact across the country,” said Perrier. “Together with our athletes, coaches, donors, and partners, we will continue to build pathways that drive participation and elevate Canada’s success on the world stage.”
Previously, Perrier served as Senior Associate Athletic Director at Rutgers University (2015–2019), where he helped develop a five-year strategic plan, oversaw sport programs, and led compliance and governance during a critical transition to the Big Ten Conference. Prior to joining Rutgers, Perrier held several progressive leadership roles with USC including Associate Vice President for Athletic Compliance.
Perrier also co-founded the NACDA Sport Administrator Leadership Institute, served on the Big Ten Olympic Sports Oversight Committee, and was selected for the NCAA Pathway Program, a national initiative preparing senior administrators for CEO roles.
He holds a Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Oswego State, where he was also a student-athlete (hockey) and co-president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
A proud Canadian who is married with two sons, Perrier has started in the CSO role and will be relocating back to Canada in the coming months.
Canada’s Peter Broome elected honorary member of the PGA of America
Canadian golf executive Peter Broome has been elected an honorary member of the PGA of America in recognition of his lifelong commitment to the game and his support for golf professionals around the world.
Broome, a native of Montréal, becomes only the 13th person to receive the honour. The recognition was formally presented during the PGA of America’s annual meeting in November 2025.
Broome’s connection to the game began at Royal Montreal Golf Club and Club de Golf Mount Bruno, where he played competitively as a junior and collected several local and provincial titles. His early development under PGA of Canada professional Bob Hogarth helped shape his appreciation for the work of club professionals and the business of golf.
After completing a degree in education at McGill University, Broome began working in golf operations before joining the Acushnet Company — the parent company of Titleist and FootJoy. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, he rose to senior vice-president of brand management and industry relations. He oversaw business operations in Canada and Latin America and built partnerships with many of golf’s leading governing bodies and associations.
“Both Adam and I were thrilled to learn of this incredible honour bestowed on our colleague Peter Broome. Being named an Honorary Member of the PGA of America is a testament not only to his remarkable career but also to the countless individuals whose careers he has profoundly influenced. Peter’s contributions to the game are immense, reflecting his deep love for golf and his unwavering commitment to its growth and success in Canada. We are overjoyed for Peter and his family,” said Laurence Applebaum, Golf Canada’s chief executive officer.
Golf Canada president Adam Daifallah echoed Applebaum’s remarks, adding that Broome’s recognition “underscores the lasting impact of his leadership and dedication to advancing the sport both in Canada and internationally.”
Broome joined the Golf Canada board of directors in 2024 as a director-at-large. He currently co-chairs the Golf Industry Advisory Council and serves on the organisation’s Compensation Committee. His experience and insight have strengthened Golf Canada’s collaboration with manufacturers, facilities and professional bodies across the country.
In 2024, Broome was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The following year, he and his family established the Bridge Foundation to support ALS research, treatment and patient care. His courage and continued involvement in golf have inspired many within the sport.
From promising junior to global industry leader, Broome’s career has reflected a deep respect for the game and the professionals who make it possible. His election as an honorary member of the PGA of America stands as a testament to his contributions and to the lasting impact of Canadian leadership within the sport. Golf Canada congratulates Peter Broome and his family on this achievement.
Golf Canada announces strategic partnership with Tourism Calgary
Men’s and Women’s Canadian Amateur Championships to benefit from partnership
OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Tourism Calgary, that will provide support for two prestigious amateur championships over the next two years in the Calgary area.
“On behalf of Golf Canada, we are very appreciative of the support from Tourism Calgary that will help boost two of our most prestigious amateur championships over the next two years,” said Garrett Ball, Chief Operating Officer, Golf Canada. “We look forward to continuing working with the team at Tourism Calgary to develop impactful and meaningful legacy initiatives with the local community that connect our championships to the residents of the area. With the success of the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open and Calgary being a great host city, we are excited to bring our men’s and women’s amateur championships to the Blue Sky City.”
The first tournament that will benefit as part of the strategic partnership is the 2026 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO. The 121st playing of the tournament will be co-hosted by Mickelson National Golf Club and Heritage Pointe Golf Club in Calgary, Alta., July 27-30, 2026. As previously announced, the third oldest amateur championship in the world returns to Alberta for the first time since 2008 when it was held at Paradise Canyon Golf and Country Club in Lethbridge, Alta. This past July, Australia’s Declan O’Donovan claimed the Earl Grey Cup over Team Canada – NextGen member, Isaiah Ibit of Orleans, Ont. in a playoff to become the first Australian winner since Gary Simpson in 1993.
The second tournament that will benefit from the partnership will be the 2027 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO. The 113th playing of the championship will take place at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club, in Calgary, July 27-30, 2027. Priddis Greens is a three-time host of the CPKC Women’s Open. Australia’s Karrie Webb won in 1999, Norway’s Suzann Pettersen won the 2009 tournament and Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand won the most recent championship held at the course in 2016. The province of Alberta last hosted the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship in 2021 at the Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club in Edmonton.
“Tourism Calgary is proud to work with and support Golf Canada in hosting two prestigious amateur championships in 2026 and 2027. We are excited to host these tournaments that will not only showcase elite golf talent but also reinforce Calgary’s strong reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events in Canada,” said Carson Ackroyd, Senior Vice President, Tourism Calgary. “Calgary is a strong supporter of golf in Canada as evident from high participation numbers and fan support of championships in our city. Most recently the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open at Earl Grey Golf Club set a new attendance record for the tournament, and we are incredibly proud of that accomplishment. We look forward to welcoming elite playing fields and their families along with tournament officials to our city and hope they enjoy everything Calgary has to offer.”
The full 2026 championship schedule will be announced in the new year.
Golf Canada’s President says “Thank you for an incredible 2025 golf season!”
Dear Golf Canada Members & Clubs,
With another remarkable golf season winding down, I want to share my heartfelt thanks to our 360,000 members and more than 1,550 member clubs for making 2025 such an extraordinary year for golf in Canada.
Golf’s popularity here and around the world continues to reach new heights, including multi-year successive growth in rounds played. A record number of scores are being tracked through the Golf Canada Score Centre — a reflection of the vitality of our game and the enthusiasm of Canadian golfers. Scores posted to date are up 6% from last year’s record-setting result (11M+ scores) and up an incredible 54% over pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The sport’s continued rise in participation speaks volumes about the engaging environment presented by our member clubs and the passion of golfers who invite others to share in the game.
And the future looks even brighter. The sport is seeing a wave of new enthusiasts of all ages. Programs such as First Tee – Canada have inspired more than 200,000 young people in chapters across the country, helping to shape the next generation of golfers. The expansion of She Plays Golf is also engaging more women and girls across a series of fun and inviting festival golf experiences.
Canadian athletes have given us plenty to cheer about on the world stage. What an outstanding year for Aphrodite Deng, the Calgary-born 15-year-old who became the first Canadian ever to win the U.S. Junior Girls Championship and then finished T20 at the CPKC Women’s Open in August. We’ve seen stellar performances by rising talents such as Sudarshan Yellamaraju – a 24-year old who just qualified for his PGA Tour card – Myles Creighton, Anna Huang and others, reflecting the talent and growing reputation of Canadian golf around the globe. Nick Taylor’s win at the 2025 Sony Open reminds us that Canadian depth on the PGA TOUR continues to impress, and of course, no player captivated us more than 14-time LPGA Tour winner Brooke Henderson, whose victory at the CPKC Women’s Open – her second victory at the event – furthers her standing as one of this country’s all-time great athletes.

Both the RBC Canadian Open in its first-ever visit to TPC Toronto and the CPKC Women’s Open at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club delivered incredible moments, showcasing top international fields, emerging Canadian talents and passionate Canadian golf fans. These championships, along with our national amateur competitions, are made possible through the unwavering support of our host clubs and the tireless contributions of volunteers — the true heartbeat of our sport. To those thousands of volunteers who give back to the game at their club, in the community or in support of golf championships nationwide, your wonderful contributions to the game are immeasurable.
I also want to recognize the invaluable partnership of our Provincial Golf Associations and the many national golf organizations who share in the leadership and advancement of the sport across the country. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive golf community. Our gratitude also extends to Golf Canada’s corporate partners along with the donors and trustees of the Golf Canada Foundation, whose generous support is elevating investment in the game and creating meaningful impact at every level. Thanks to the continued support of the membership and our multitude of partners, Golf Canada is well positioned for continued investment into the growth of the sport.
Thank you again to our members and member clubs for being the driving force behind golf’s continued success in this country. Your passion for the game and support of Golf Canada make everything we do possible.
With sincere appreciation,
Adam Daifallah
President
Golf Canada
The importance of Rules of Handicapping certification
Golf thrives on fairness, integrity, and inclusivity—values that are upheld by the Rules of Handicapping, a key component of the World Handicap System (WHS). These rules ensure handicaps are calculated and maintained accurately, allowing players of all skill levels to compete equitably and enjoy the game. They rely on everyone (Handicap Committees, golfers, club staff and event organizers) to play their role and ensure the integrity of the World Handicap System.
To ensure proper understanding & knowledge, the certification program is designed to educate individuals on how handicaps work and the role everyone plays in maintaining them. This includes topics such as:
- What a Handicap Index is and how it ensures equitable play
- The role of the Handicap Committee, golf club staff and golfers in upholding the Rules of Handicapping
- Acceptability of scores for handicap purposes
- Properly adjusting hole scores (when needed)
- What to do if you have a question or concern about your Handicap Index or a fellow golfers’
Completing the Rules of Handicapping certification is critical for Handicap Committee members, players and club officials who want to ensure the game remains fair and transparent. Certified individuals are better equipped to manage their own handicaps and support best practices at their clubs.
Moreover, the certification strengthens the governance and integrity of the game. Handicap Committees rely on certified individuals to enforce correct procedures, review anomalies, and maintain the integrity of handicap records. Without proper understanding of the rules, inconsistencies and misunderstandings can undermine confidence in the system.
Benefits for Club Officials (Handicap Committee, Club Staff, Event/League organizers)
- Accurate Handicap Oversight through properly trained Handicap Committee members.
- Equitable Competition across all club events with accurate and validated Handicap Indexes.
- Greater Credibility and Trust among members through transparent score management.
- Improved Customer Service with informed staff and volunteers ready to support players and resolve issues.
- Support for Inclusive Play by promoting a system that adjusts for skill level, gender, age, and ability.
- Enhanced Club Reputation for upholding the values of the game.
- Compliance with Golf Canada’s handicap system policies and governance requirements.
Benefits for Golfers
- Understanding How Your Handicap Works—know exactly how your Index is calculated and updated.
- Confidence in Competition with assurance that everyone is playing by the same standards.
- Equitable Play regardless of skill level, thanks to adjustments made through the system.
- Improved Score Management through accurate and timely posting of rounds.
- Contribution to a Fair Golfing Community by being informed, responsible, and participating in Peer Review.
To complete the Rules of Handicapping certification, please watch the online seminar and complete the certification quiz –free and available at your convenience! For more information about the Rules of Handicapping, please visit our website at www.golfcanada.ca/handicapping.
Golf Canada and PUMA Canada announce extension as Official Apparel Partner of Team Canada
PUMA continues its support as Official Headwear and Apparel sponsor of
Team Canada and Team Canada – NextGen
Toronto, ON – Golf Canada and PUMA Canada are proud to announce a long-term extension of their existing partnership with Golf Canada’s National Team Program.
The new four-year agreement sees PUMA continue as the Official Apparel and Headwear partner of Golf Canada’s National Team Program (Team Canada men’s and women’s teams and Team Canada – NextGen boy’s and girl’s teams). Team Canada players, coaches and support staff will continue to exclusively wear PUMA’s premium golf apparel and headwear when representing Team Canada.
The extension also confirms that the athletes and coaches named to Team Canada will wear PUMA’s Golf apparel and headwear as part of the field-of-play uniform for all domestic (Golf Canada amateur championships) and international events including the World Junior Girls Golf Championship, World Amateur Team Championship, Pan American Games and the 2028 Olympic games in Los Angeles.
“We are very happy to extend our partnership with PUMA and to ensure our Team Canada athletes and staff continue to be outfitted by the iconic brand,” Mark Palmer, Chief Commercial Officer, Golf Canada. “PUMA shares our vision for being a world leader in the game of golf and investing in the growth of our sport in Canada.”
The extension builds on a strong relationship between PUMA Canada and Golf Canada that was first announced in November 2021. The partnership ensured all members of the Team Canada program were outfitted with PUMA Golf apparel and headwear.
“We are proud to extend our partnership with Golf Canada and set the stage for even greater success ahead,” said Dwayne Boecker, Vice President of COBRA PUMA GOLF. “The strong values and commitment we share in promoting golf and supporting the country’s next generation of great players and coaches are an excellent fit for our global brand. We look forward to continuing to outfit Team Canada and delivering high-performance products that empower athletes to reach their full potential on and off the course.”
Team Canada athletes, coaches and support staff will continue to wear official PUMA Golf apparel and headwear this season through to the end of 2028. For more information on the Team Canada High Performance Program, including athlete and coaches bios please click here. For more on PUMA Golf or to view the extensive collection for men and women and purchase items, click here. Team Canada is proudly supported by RBC, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Hilton, Puma, Foresight, Golf Canada Foundation and Sport Canada.
Golf Canada welcomes Turkish Airlines as the Official Commercial Airline Partner of the RBC Canadian Open
Oakville, ON – Golf Canada and Turkish Airlines are proud to announce a multi-year partnership, naming Turkish Airlines the Official Commercial Airline Partner of the RBC Canadian Open.
The 114th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship will take place June 4-8, 2025, for the first time ever at TPC Toronto (North Course) at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont.
As the Official Commercial Airline, Turkish Airlines will elevate the fan experience with the debut of the Turkish Airlines Lounge — a premium onsite viewing space that blends elevated comfort with authentic Türkiye hospitality and cuisine. The airline will also engage fans through a national contest offering the chance to travel to Istanbul and experience world-class golf in Türkiye.
This partnership underscores Turkish Airlines’ commitment to bringing people together through sport, and reflects its broader investment in the global golf community. In May 2025, the airline will relaunch the Turkish Airlines Open on the DP World Tour — returning to the Race to Dubai after a six-year hiatus. Turkish Airlines also operates the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup at Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort in Antalya, Türkiye, the world’s largest amateur golf tournament, hosted across 117 destinations in 73 countries.
Through this collaboration with Golf Canada, Turkish Airlines aims to connect with Canada’s passionate and growing golf community, nearly six million active participants, including 360,000 Golf Canada members who posted close to 11 million scores in 2024.
“We are happy to partner with Golf Canada and the RBC Canadian Open as part of our ongoing commitment to building meaningful connections through sport,” said Ahmet Olmustur, Turkish Airlines Chief Commercial Officer. “Golf holds a special place in our global engagement strategy, and we’re excited to deliver a world-class experience to Canadian fans that reflects the warmth of Turkish hospitality.”
“Welcoming Turkish Airlines as a proud partner of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship reflects Golf Canada’s vision of aligning with world-class brands committed to growing the game of golf and supporting the sport’s long-term growth through multi-year collaborations,” said Golf Canada Chief Commercial Officer Mark Palmer.