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.

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 114^th 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.  

On March 6, during Golf Canada’s 2025 Annual General Meeting, Adam Daifallah of Westmount, Que. was elected as the organization’s 118th President. He most recently served as vice president for consecutive terms and has been a board member since 2018.

Golf Canada sat down with Daifallah to talk about a range of topics, from his early days as a competitive golfer, where he became a provincial champion, his wide-ranging career path, what led him to join Golf Canada and eventually becoming the youngest president in the organization’s history. We also discuss his thoughts on the strength of Canadian golf and much more.

You grew up in Peterborough, Ontario…what sports or activities were you drawn towards as a child? Was golf always high on your list?

I wasn’t interested in any sports until I found golf at age 10. My parents didn’t play but my grandfather did, though wasn’t playing anymore. I sort of caught the “golf bug” channel flipping the TV one day. The Skins Game was on, and I saw Lee Trevino make a hole-in-one, then proceed to jump up and down and hug his caddie, Herman. I said to my parents that I really want to try that game! I asked them to go to the bookstore and I picked up an instructional book. It was called The Golfer’s Bible. I spent that winter in the basement copying the swing movements in the book’s photos, so that in the spring, I would be ready to play for the first time. I started that year and totally loved it.  

That is a perfect segway into my next question, you were a competitive junior golfer and won the Ontario Bantam Boys’ Championship in 1992. What are your memories from that win? Do you still have the trophy or medal?

(Laughing) Yes, I still have the trophy. I also still have the prize that the OGA (now Golf Ontario) used to give for provincial winners, which was a Tudor watch. My main memory of it was playing with [eventual PGA tour member] David Hearn and defeating him by eight shots. That was the first and last time I ever beat David! We became good friends.

Shifting gears if I may to your studies. You hold a BA with honours in history and political studies from Queen’s University, and began working as a Washington correspondent at the New York Sun. From there you joined the editorial board of the National Post and wrote two books on Canadian politics. You’ve also contributed pieces for SCOREGolf. What about the journalism world interested you to pursue that early on in your career?

I have always loved writing. I was always interested in public policy and public debate, and I saw journalism as a way to advance the ideas and the causes I believed in. I liked the idea of getting those ideas out to a wider audience.

You were a Sauvé Scholar at McGill University and enrolled into law school at Université Laval. You later became a member of the Quebec Bar and practiced law at Norton Rose Fulbright (then Ogilvy Renault) in Montréal. What was the draw for you to transition from the journalism world into practicing law?

I was interested in politics from a young age and someone I idolized was Brian Mulroney. I always wanted to be near him, and he was a lawyer at Ogilvy Renault in Montréal. He was the primary reason that drove me to do that.

You later co-founded HATLEY Strategy Advisors, which was then acquired by Teneo in 2020, where you currently work as a senior managing director. Teneo offers corporate consulting, strategy and advising. On paper, those are three different paths in your career from journalism to law to consulting, but I have to feel there would be many similarities in each profession?

Absolutely. The corporate consulting work I did at HATLEY and now at Teneo allows me to draw on the skills developed from past experiences in politics, journalism and law. I use them daily in my work.

In addition to your role with Teneo and serving as president of Golf Canada you’ve also given your time as a volunteer to Dunham House in Dunham, Que. a residential treatment centre specializing in mental health and addiction recovery. What drives your passion to give back to your community?

It really boils down to wanting to get directly involved in causes you believe in. When you have a personal interest, and you’re invested in it on an emotional level, you do more. In the case of Dunham House, it’s an institution that founded by a very good friend who was touched by the issues of addiction and mental health. So, I am happy to contribute and support that cause.

Let’s talk about how you joined Golf Canada. Your journey originally began in 2013 as a volunteer. Was there something or someone that drew you or spoke to you about joining?

I had always wanted to get involved and I was fortunate to have a friend, Norman John Hébert, whose mother, Diane Dunlop Hébert, was then president of Golf Canada. She is the one who opened the door to help me get involved as a volunteer.

In your time with Golf Canada, you have sat on the committees across a number of areas including Compensation, Investment, Governors Council, People and Culture, Heritage Services and Volunteer Services Working Group, and volunteered on duty rosters, including as a starter at the RBC Canadian Open. You were then elected to the Board of Directors in 2018, became vice president for consecutive terms in 2023 and 2024, and are now the 118th president. I would have to think, that amount of experience across a number of committees has helped you ahead of joining the board and eventually becoming VP and now president?

Without a doubt. I think it’s important to know the organization well if you’re going to lead the board. I’ve benefited from being involved in a lot of areas of the organization which has allowed me to not only understand how it works operationally but also get to know a lot of the key staff, which is nice.

There has been a shift in governance at Golf Canada in compliance with Sport Canada best practices, recently the addition of an athlete category on the board and many working professionals have taken positions. In your opinion, what makes for an effective board for a national sports federation.

I think there are two things. One is people who bring a passion to the cause and a deep affection for the sport in question. And two, a diversity in range and skill sets so that everything required to govern effectively — things like legal background, accounting, human resources, etc…is covered. You need people who represent all the different skill sets and backgrounds needed.

You were on the board when the current strategic plan launched. What are your thoughts on the operational and commercial success of the organization coming out of the pandemic and the strength of the organization’s financial performance in recent years?

We’re so fortunate to be in such a strong position. We’ve been the beneficiaries of strong leadership by our CEO, Laurence Applebaum, combined with good fortune. A lot of new people have picked up the game due to the pandemic, and many who had quit have come back. The numbers keep on increasing even though we’re a few years out of the pandemic. So I think it’s a combination of good leadership and the positive impacts of external factors. There’s that saying that “luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

People across Canada are engaged in golf. Record numbers of participation, 11 million scores posted on the Golf Canada App. There is great strength in Canadian golf and programming from First Tee – Canada, She Plays Golf, the Team Canada High Performance program and those competing professionally on the world stage. It’s all been a point of pride for Golf Canada, what are your thoughts on the state of Canadian golf today?

I would say we’re in an enviable position. I’m not sure that anyone could have predicted where we would be right now, both in terms of the amateur game and the pro game, a few years ago. Tee sheets are jam packed at public courses. Private clubs have waiting lists. We had four Canadians participate in The Masters.

If you could pick one event or moment during your time with Golf Canada thus far that would be your fondest, what would it be?

That’s a tough one. Probably being a first tee starter at the RBC Canadian Open. Meeting the players, introducing the players –especially the Canadians and the ones you’re personally a fan of –that’s a really neat experience. Another that comes to mind is meeting Lee Trevino, who originally sparked my golf interest. He came to the RBC Canadian Open a few years ago and we spoke for about two hours!

In your first year as president of Golf Canada. Are there any particular goals you hope to achieve or see continue this year?

Capitalizing on the growth of the game and the gains of recent years is top of mind. We need to keep the momentum going. Also, good governance and modernization of our volunteer infrastructure. Over the years, people have asked whether I have enough time to volunteer for Golf Canada because I worked full time. We must continue to make our organization friendly to those who work and who have other commitments, like young families.  

During your time as president, Golf Canada will transition its national headquarters to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, home of the 2025 RBC Canadian Open, how exciting is that and another new chapter for Golf Canada?

Tremendously exciting. It’s a project that I’ve seen go from a mere concept to now almost being a reality. There’s been a lot of work and commitment from staff to make this happen and I think everyone is just excited now to see it come to fruition and to be ready. It will be a new era for Golf Canada.

You have been a generous donor to the fundraising activities of the Golf Canada Foundation – how impactful have the efforts of the foundation and its network of donors been to the advancement of Canadian golf?

It really makes a difference. The Golf Canada Foundation under the leadership of Martin Barnard must be lauded for the growth we’ve seen in fundraising in the last number of years – particularly when it comes to the First Tee – Canada program, lining up a lot of major gifts across the country to fund provincial First Tee chapters. It’s going to take a while for us to see the fruits of that because it’s a fairly new program, but I am confident it’s going to pay huge dividends down the road.

I’d like to ask a couple personal questions. How do you maintain relationships? I am sure there are many areas, places and people you’d like to connect with, or re-connect with. How do you achieve that? How do you maintain relationships?

At a basic level it’s about reaching out and keeping frequent contact. Emails, calls, text messages, playing golf together, you have to keep the effort going through touchpoints to keep relationships alive. It does take effort, and it has to be a mutual effort.

You live in Westmount, Quebec with your wife and two young sons. Are they golf enthusiasts?

Everyone plays, including my wife. We have a family membership at Knowlton Golf Club and the boys and I play nine holes almost every weekend there in the summer. They’re showing a keen interest, which is exciting.

I am sure that your responsibilities as a father and husband take you in many different directions. On-top of that you work full-time and volunteer your time extensively. With that, how important is it to maintain a good work-life balance?

It’s very challenging, but it’s essential. There’s always a tension between the two and you just have to do the best that you can. It’s a juggling act. It helps if you have a supportive spouse or partner, and I am lucky to have that.

How would you describe your golf game today?

(Laughs) I’d say that I am pleased with it, considering my age and how often I play. I am very happy to break 80 on any given day.

Finally, what is something that we should know about you, beyond reading your bio?

I am a very communicative and open person. I am an open book. I want to be accessible so if anybody ever wants to reach me, please do not be shy. Pick up the phone or send the email if I can help with anything.

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

The 2025 participants are:​

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 2024 winners and finalists are as follows:

Youth on Course Location of the Year

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

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

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

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

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

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

WINNER: Innisfail Golf Club (Innisfail, Alta.)

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

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

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

First Tee – Canada Program of the Year

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

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

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

Finalist: Wildwood Golf Club (Saskatoon, Sask.)

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

Grassroots Program of the Year

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

WINNER: NINE Golf Academy (Belleville, Ont.)

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

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

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

Junior Golf Opportunity Award

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

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

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

Finalist: Dufferin Heights (Stanstead, Que.)

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

Competitive Junior Program of the Year

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2024 Annual Report & Financial Statements are now available

Longtime Rules Official Tom Forestell recognized as 2024 recipient of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award

Volunteers Lee Griffin, Jack McDonald, and Jean Stone-Séguin along with retired PGA of Canada professional Muncie Booth to be recognized with Golf Canada’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award

Past President David McCarthy along with Diane Barabé, Robert Laing and the late Teri Yamada appointed Honorary Life Governors in recognition of their remarkable contributions to the sport

Oakville, Ont. – Golf Canada’s 2025 Annual General Meeting concluded on Thursday, March 6 with the election of Adam Daifallah of Montréal, Que. to serve as the 118th President of the National Sport Federation.

A volunteer with Golf Canada since 2013, Daifallah joined the Board of Directors in 2018 and most recently served two consecutive terms as vice president (2023-2024). He is currently a Senior Managing Director at Teneo, the global CEO advisory firm, with responsibility for Teneo’s Montréal office. Previously he was co-founder and Managing Partner of the public affairs firm HATLEY Strategy Advisors, which was acquired by Teneo in 2020. Prior to that, Daifallah practiced law at the Montréal office of Norton Rose Fulbright (then Ogilvy Renault), sat on the editorial board of the National Post, and was Washington correspondent of The New York Sun. He is co-author of two books on Canadian politics. A link to Daifallah’s full bio is here.

“It is an honour to be named the 118^th President of Golf Canada and to represent our member clubs and golfers from coast to coast,” said Adam Daifallah, President, Golf Canada. “Our sport has experienced an incredible resurgence, with strong interest from both avid players and new enthusiasts, as well as sponsors, donors, and supporters getting behind the game in a major way. “There is a great energy driving growth and excitement in Canadian golf and I look forward to the continued success of the organization.”

Based on the Report of Golf Canada’s Nominating Committee, Daifallah will be joined on the 2025 Board of Directors by new Vice President, Jean-Sébastien Monty of Montréal. They will lead the 11-member Board of Directors who will work closely with Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum and Golf Canada’s management team.

Returnees to the Board of Directors include Patrick Kelly of Victoria, B.C., Lori Dithurbide of Halifax, N.S., Katie Mahon of Kingston, Ont., Louise Patry of Montréal, Que., Nafeez Hirji of Calgary, Alta., Peter Broome of Jupiter, Fla. and former LPGA Tour player and Team Canada graduate Britanny Marchand of Mooresville, N.C.

New additions to Golf Canada’s Board of Directors include Steven Young of Banff, Alta. and Pamela Huff of Toronto, Ont.

For the biographies of Golf Canada’s Board of Directors, click here.

As part of its virtually conducted Annual General Meeting, Golf Canada also released the organization’s 2024 Annual Report including its Financial Statements which are available here.

Tom Forestell named 2024 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award…

In celebration of volunteerism, Golf Canada recognized Tom Forestell of Toronto, Ont. as the 2024 recipient of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award. Forestell is longtime volunteer with Golf Canada, most recently serving as Chair of the Rules and Amateur Status Committee. He has officiated at countless provincial, national and international golf competitions and has played an impactful role in supporting Golf Canada’s Rules Education program. In 2024, Forestell completed his final year serving as Committee Chair for Golf Canada’s Rules and Amateur Status Committee. Click here for more.

Golf Canada Past President David McCarthy along with Diane Barabé, Robert Laing and the late Teri Yamada appointed Honorary Life Governors…

Golf Canada’s immediate past president David McCarthy of Toronto along with Diane Barabé of Granby, Que., Robert Laing of West Vancouver, B.C. and Teri Yamada (posthumously) of Collingwood received the organization’s highest volunteer honour as they were named Honorary Life Governors for their outstanding contributions to the organization. Click here for more.

Volunteers Lee Griffin, Jack McDonald, and Jean Stone-Séguin along with retired PGA of Canada professional Muncie Booth recognized with Golf Canada’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award…

Golf Canada announced that four accomplished golf contributors – long-time Golf Canada volunteers Lee Griffin of Cambridge, Ont., Jack McDonald of Kamloops, B.C. and Jean Stone-Séguin of Rockland, Ont. along with retired PGA of Canada professional Muncie Booth of Vancouver, B.C. – will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to Canadian golf. The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to this year’s honourees will be celebrated later this season at events and locations to be determined. Click here for more.

Golf Canada’s 2025 Annual Meeting was conducted virtually on Thursday, March 6, 2025, with volunteers, staff, member clubs, and industry stakeholders participating.

2025 Annual General Meeting Recording

Four long-time Golf Canada contributors receive the organization’s
highest volunteer honour

Golf Canada is pleased to appoint immediate past president David McCarthy along with Diane Barabé, Robert Laing and Teri Yamada (posthumously) as Honorary Life Governors for the outstanding contributions to the organization as long-time volunteers.

“On behalf of the Honorary Life Governors Selection Committee, we are pleased to welcome four individuals whose incredible contributions have made a lasting legacy on both the game of golf and on Golf Canada,” said Roland Deveau, Chair, Honorary Life Governors Selection Panel. “David, Diane, Rob and Teri are truly deserving of this prestigious honour, and we thank them for their commitment to the game and to Golf Canada.”

The appointment of an individual as an Honorary Life Governor is the highest honour which can be bestowed upon Golf Canada volunteers. All Past Presidents of Golf Canada including the former Canadian Ladies Golf Association are Honorary Life Governors.

In 2020, a change to Golf Canada’s by-laws permitted individuals who are not past presidents to be named as Honorary Life Governors. Since then, Golf Canada has welcomed Barb Allen and Jim Clark (2022), Mike Richards and Pat Thompson (2023) and Doug Roxburgh (2024) as Honorary Life Governors.

Honorary Life Governors have an individual vote at Golf Canada’s Annual and Special General Meetings. The selection panel will consider the overall service record of those nominated including local, regional, national and international service with prime consideration for service to Golf Canada. In addition, length and level of service are also taken into consideration.

David McCarthy – Toronto, Ont.

David McCarthy most recently served two consecutive terms as president of Golf Canada (2023 and 2024). He has been a volunteer with Golf Canada for more than 20 years across various committees, councils, and championships. McCarthy joined Golf Canada’s Board of Directors in 2018 after having previously served on the Governors Council from 2014 to 2018.

In addition, McCarthy sat on the Governance and Professional Championships Committees and was the Chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee. He was the Golf Canada Tournament Chair for the 2019 and 2022 RBC Canadian Open and was the Tournament Chair for the 2017 Men’s Canadian Amateur Championship. McCarthy has been a starter for numerous RBC Canadian Opens and the CPKC Women’s Open as well as a starter and scorer for numerous amateur championships and USGA Qualifiers. He has also provided legal counsel to Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation for over a decade.

McCarthy is a member of the Donalda Golf & Country Club, the St. Andrews Golf Club, and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

Diane Barabé – Granby, Que.

Diane Barabé has been an active volunteer with Golf Canada since 1997 and her involvement with the former Canadian Ladies Golf Association (CLGA) dates to the early 1990’s. Notably, Barabé has served in significant governance roles with Golf Canada, including as the first woman to act as Chair of Golf Canada’s Rules and Amateur Status Committee and serve as Canada’s representative on the Joint Rules of Golf Committee. Sitting with representatives of the Royal and Ancient (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA), this international body is responsible for governing the rules of golf for the world.

She was involved as Captain of the Eastern Township section of the CLGA from 1994 to 2001 and later became Chair of the CLGA Rules Committee (Quebec branch) in 2003 – 2004, and chair of the Rules Committee of Golf Quebec, after the merger with the men’s section (2008 to 2011). She has served on the Golf Canada Rules and Amateur Status Committee for almost 20 years, including as the Chair from 2017 to 2020. She has participated as a referee at countless national and international events, including the U.S. Open (men’s and women’s) – the Masters, the Open Championship, the PLAYERS Championship, and the World Amateur. Her knowledge, experience and dedication allowed her to develop close links on behalf of Canada with golf associations throughout the world, particularly the R&A, the USGA, the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour.

Throughout her tenure on the Golf Canada Rules and Amateur Status Committee, she was very active in promoting rules education both at the national and provincial level. Barabé is still active instructing rules workshops and at referee schools. She has been Chair of Golf Canada’s Rules Translation sub-committee for the last several years and has been a driving force in translating the Rules of Golf and the Official Guide, a significant task which requires countless hours every year. She also served on Golf Canada’s Governors Council for several years and while she continues active involvement with Golf Canada, she has come full circle as president of the Eastern Township regional golf association of Golf Quebec, where it all began some 30 years ago.

Robert (Rob) Laing – West Vancouver, British Columbia:

Rob Laing has served Golf Canada for more than two decades across various volunteer capacities. In addition to being a member of various committees (several of which he has chaired), Laing has fulfilled important governance roles, including as a member of Golf Canada’s Governors Council and the former RCGA Board of Governors.

Laing has also represented Golf Canada internationally. First, as Chair of Amateur Status Committee from 2010 to 2014, he represented Canada on the R&A Amateur Status Committee. Along with related meetings of the R&A and USGA Joint Rules of Amateur Status Committee, he played an important role with the international body which governs and sets the Rules of Amateur Status for the golf world.

Laing is an accomplished amateur golfer and was Non-Playing Captain for Canada at the 2010 World Junior Championship. In addition to chairing various Golf Canada national championships, Laing also acted as Chair of the RBC Canadian Open (2011) and Co-chair of the CPKC Women’s Canadian Open (2012).

Teri Yamada – Collingwood, Ontario (posthumously):

One of Canadian golf’s leading voices in agronomy, turfgrass and environmental research, Teri Yamada served the Canadian golf industry for nearly 40 years, including the past 16 years as owner of TY Environmental Strategic Ltd. supporting golf courses’ use of science to minimize their environmental impact. She was a leading voice in the agronomic and business analysis of golf course operations and specialized in government relations, industry communication and interpreting complex scientific information.

Yamada spent 18 years with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada) across several senior leadership roles. She served as the association’s tournament agronomist for National Open and Amateur Championships, working with host clubs and their superintendents to set up and condition golf courses hosting all national championships.

Yamada returned to Golf Canada as a volunteer in 2021, serving three years a member of the Governance Committee, two years as a member of the Governors Council (2022-2023) and two years on the Human Resources Committee. In 2023, she joined Golf Canada’s Board of Directors becoming one of the few individuals to have served the association in both a staff and Board of Directors capacity. She was also one of three Canadian women members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St Andrews, Scotland.

Yamada passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, after a brief illness and this is the first posthumous honour bestowed by the Honorary Life Governor Selection Panel.

The four recipients will be celebrated later this summer
for their outstanding contributions to Canadian golf

Oakville, ON – Four accomplished contributors to Canadian golf will be acknowledged for their dedicated efforts in and around the game as the 2025 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award. 

Long-time Golf Canada volunteers Lee Griffin of Cambridge, Ont., Jack McDonald of Kamloops, B.C. and Jean Stone-Séguin of Rockland, Ont. along with retired PGA of Canada professional Muncie Booth of Vancouver, B.C. will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to Canadian golf.

“Golf Canada is proud to honour the outstanding contributions of Lee Griffin, Jack McDonald, Jean Stone-Séguin and Muncie Booth, as our 2025 Distinguished Service Award recipients,” said David McCarthy, President, Golf Canada. “The incredible dedication that these four honourees have for the game is truly outstanding. The impact they have had in both their home communities and across the country has left an indelible mark on golf in Canada and we are proud to honour and recognize them.”

Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award has been presented annually since 1993 to recognize individuals who have had an outstanding impact on Canadian golf either nationally or within their community.

The announcement of the 2025 Distinguished Service Award honourees coincides with Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting, conducted virtually on Thursday, March 6 at 1:00 p.m. EST.

The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to this year’s honourees will be celebrated later this season at events and locations to be determined. 

Golf Canada 2025 Distinguished Service Award Honourees:

Lee Griffin (Volunteer) – Cambridge, Ont.

For more than 30 years, Lee Griffin of Cambridge, Ont. has supported the Rules of Golf provincially in Ontario and nationally at a countless number of championships. She has served as a member of the Rules & Amateur Status Committee (2020-2023) and has been an active contributor to Golf Canada’s Rules Education Subcommittee. She created a webinar series in Ontario for prospective Referees in 2010 which is still in use today. She participated in the development of the curriculum and presentations for Level 2 and Level 3 Rules Education and has served as an instructor for both levels. Griffin has also served Golf Ontario as a member and past Chair of the Rules Committee having been a referee for the past 25 years and previously with the former Ontario Ladies Golf Association. Griffin is a member of the Galt Country Club and has refereed at the U.S. Women’s Open as well as countless National Amateur Championships and Qualifiers. Her outstanding contributions to the game have also been recognized by the (former) Canadian Ladies Golf Association as its 2003 Volunteer of the Year, as well as Golf Ontario as its 2009 and 2020 Volunteer of the Year, 2011 Honorary Life Director and 2017 Distinguished Service Award recipient.

Jack McDonald (Volunteer) – Kamloops, B.C.

Jack McDonald’s contributions to the growth of golf in British Columbia and across Canada have been exceptional as a volunteer and most impactfully as a Rules Official. He has been actively involved as a golf volunteer dating to 1987 when he started with British Columbia Golf (B.C. Golf) has also volunteered at his home golf clubs (Elmwood Golf Club, Prince George Golf and Curling Club, Kamloops Golf and Country Club, Rivershore Golf Links) in various roles including the Board and various golf committees. McDonald is an accomplished player having competed in several Saskatchewan, B.C. and Canadian Amateur events. He served as president of B.C. Golf (1997-98) and would go on to join Golf Canada as a volunteer in 1998 serving on several committees including Junior Golf, Greens, Player Development, Amateur Championships, and the Rules of Golf. McDonald served as Golf Canada’s Rules Chair (2005-2008) and in 2000 became a member of The R&A. He is also an honoured member of both the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame and the Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame. In 2010, McDonald served as the 107th President of Golf Canada and to this day, continues to be an active rules official with Golf Canada serving annually on the championship duty roster.

Jean Stone-Séguin (Volunteer) – Rockland, Ont.

A longtime volunteer and Past President of the Ottawa Valley Golf Association, Jean Stone-Séguin’s contribution to the game of golf have been outstanding. A member of Camelot Golf and Country Club, her history of volunteerism with Golf Canada dates to 2006-07 when she served as Vice President of the RCGA Women’s Division – Ottawa District. Stone-Séguin would go on to become President of the RCGA Women’s Division – Ottawa District and supported the amalgamated Ottawa Valley Golf Association (OVGA). She served as the first President of the newly amalgamated OVGA (2010-11) and is also a Past President of her home club, Camelot (2009-10). A certified referee, Stone-Séguin’s contributions to Golf Canada’s Rules Committee dates to 2012 and is also a past Chair of Golf Canada’s Amateur Status Committee. In 2017 and 2022, she served as Tournament Chair of the CPKC Women’s Open at Ottawa Hunt and Country Club and has also worked as a Rules Official at both Golf Ontario and Golf Quebec championships. She is a past Chair of Golf Canada’s Governors Council and served as a past member of Golf Canada’s Board of Directors. Presently, she is involved in Golf Canada’s Rules Education Subcommittee preparing the program to teach those who wish to pass the R&A exam to become nationally certified referees.

Muncie Booth (Industry) – Vancouver, B.C.

Muncie Booth of Vancouver, B.C. is a long-time PGA of Canada professional and former head professional at McCleery Golf Club who retired at the end of 2024 following a distinguished 40-year career. Booth, a former competitive player with experience working at Mission Golf and Country Club as well as Chilliwack Golf Club, is renowned across the B.C. golf community as a leader in making the game of golf more accessible to Vancouver inner city youth at municipal golf facilities, McCleery Golf Course and Langara Golf Course. For nearly 30 years, he partnered with local community centres in operating the Inner City Youth Golf program, bringing community youth to experience golf at McCleery and Langara. Through his leadership, thousands of juniors experienced the game of golf through free clinics, instruction, and fun drills complimented by lunch in the clubhouse. Booth’s contributions to the game were recognized by his peers as a past recipient of the PGA of Canada’s Warren Crosbie Community Leader Award for his work with Inner City Youth Golf. He is a former BCPGA Junior Promoter of the Year, a past recipient of the City of Vancouver’s Volunteer of the Year Award and upon his retirement, was extended a Lifetime Membership at all of the Vancouver City Golf Courses.  

Long-time Rules Official has been instrumental in Rules Education as well as officiating at the amateur and professional ranks

Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Tom Forestell of Toronto, Ont. has been named as the 2024 recipient of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year award.

A passionate golfer and enthusiast for the Rules of Golf, Forestell is a longtime volunteer with Golf Canada, most recently serving as Chair of the Rules and Amateur Status Committee. He has officiated at countless provincial, national and international golf competitions and has played an impactful role in supporting Golf Canada’s Rules Education program.

In 2024, Forestell completed his final year serving as Committee Chair for Golf Canada’s Rules and Amateur Status Committee.  

“The Rules of Golf are an integral part of the game and Tom Forestell is among the very best when it comes to Rules education and their implementation,” said Golf Canada President David McCarthy. “Tom has proudly represented Golf Canada for years at our Amateur Championships and National Open Championships and has offered valuable council to many over the years. He is a truly deserving recipient and as he concludes his term as Rules Chair, Golf Canada is proud to name Tom the 2024 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year.”

The Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award is named in recognition of Toronto native Bruce Mitchell who, in 2017-18, was the first Canadian to serve as captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A). Born in Victoria and raised in Edmonton, the former President of the Toronto Golf Club and R&A member since 1988 was just the ninth internationally appointed captain of the R&A, one of the most prestigious volunteer positions in the world of golf. Duties as captain included representing the R&A as a global ambassador and aiding in the R&A’s effort to develop golf around the world.

Now in its 19th year, candidates for the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award are put forth to Golf Canada for consideration by the respective provincial golf associations in acknowledgment of significant contributions to the game of golf in their community.

Tom Forestell

A longtime member of the Emerald Hills Golf Club, Tom Forestell of Toronto is a passionate supporter for the Rules of Golf and has served as the Golf Canada Rules & Amateur Status Committee Chair. As Chair, he has represented Canada on the R&A Rules of Golf Committee and sits on the Joint Rules Committee with representatives from the R&A and USGA.

He is a member of Golf Canada’s Audit & Risk Committee and sits on the Amateur Competitions Committee.

Forestell has represented Golf Canada internationally at numerous high-profile events including The PLAYERS Championship, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the World Amateur Team Championships. He has represented Golf Canada on the Rules Committee at the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open and has served as Tournament Rules Chair and on the Rules Committee at the World Junior Girls Championship, Canadian Women’s and Men’s Amateur Championships, the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier, the RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier, the U.S. Open Local Qualifier, the U.S. Open Final Qualifier, the Canadian U15 Championship and the BDO National Golf League Finals.

Committed to sharing his passion for the Rules of Golf, Forestell has been an instructor at the Golf Canada Regional Referee School. His involvement with Golf Canada’s Rules Education program includes the creation of mock exams, updating presentations and instruction on the 8-week instructional program.

Always willing to share his expertise, Forestell frequently responds to Rules questions from other officials across the country. He has done an incredible amount of work to support Golf Canada’s Amateur Championships and the Rules of Golf. He travels extensively to officiate at tournaments and his deep expertise has had a meaningful impact at Golf Canada.

Golf Canada will host its 2025 Annual General Meeting on Thursday, March 6 utilizing a virtual format as the National Sport Federation looks ahead to the 2025 season.

The Annual Meeting brings together Golf Canada’s Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers as well as representatives from Canada’s provincial golf associations and other industry stakeholders.

The virtual meeting begins at 1:00 p.m. EST and will include the release of the Association’s 2024 Annual Report & Financial Statements. Click here for the Annual Report.

During the Annual Meeting, Golf Canada will introduce its 2025 Board of Directors including Adam Daifallah of Montreal as its 118th President.

Golf Canada will also celebrate outstanding contributions to the game of golf including a presentation of the 2024 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award and the appointment of new Honorary Life Governors. The Association will also announce the 2025 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award.