Calgary, Alta. – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are proud to officially announce the creation of the Jocelyne Bourassa Legacy Fund, honouring the legacy of Canadian Golf Hall of Famer and trailblazer Jocelyne Bourassa. In a fitting tribute to the inaugural winner of the CPKC Women’s Open.

The Jocelyne Bourassa Legacy Fund was created with two clear objectives: First, to increase the number of women in the high-performance coaching profession by providing full tuition grants to successful applicants of the year long Women in Coaching Program led by Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada. Secondly, to provide education grants for women athletes who are part of Golf Canada’s Team Canada Program.

“The Bourassa Legacy Education Grant will be critical in supporting our best women amateurs by allowing them to focus on their pursuit of the LPGA Tour while knowing they will be supported when they choose to continue their education in the future,” said Emily Phoenix, Director of High Performance, Golf Canada. “Additionally, the support for the Women in Coaching Program will increase opportunities for women in high-performance coaching and impact the next generation of Canadian golfers.”

The fund is part of Golf Canada’s high-performance strategic plan to help 30 Canadians reach the LPGA and PGA TOUR by 2032. The modern path to the LPGA Tour often requires the best amateurs to turn professional before graduating from college – only 20 per cent of the current top 50 women on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings graduated from university. The creation of the educational grants will support high performance players as they face the difficult decision of when to turn professional.

Team Canada member, Brooke Rivers of Brampton, Ont. will be the first eligible recipient of the Bourassa Legacy Education Grant. Rivers recently turned professional following one-year of collegiate golf at Wake Forest University. In her freshman year, Rivers notched two Top 15 finishes and reached her best ranking of no. 141 on the World Amateur Golf Rankings. In her professional debut, Rivers finished as runner-up at the GolfBC Group BC Women’s Open as part of the She Plays Golf Championship series, earning an exemption in the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open. As a Bourassa Legacy Education Grant recipient, Rivers would be supported to finish her education in the future.

The financial objective of the Bourassa Fund is to raise $1 million. One year after a soft launch the Fund is closing in on 50 per cent of its fundraising goal. Jocelyne Bourassa Legacy Fund committee members include Joelle Efford (Chair, Jocelyne Bourassa Legacy Fund and Sr. Director Development, Golf Canada Foundation), Diane Dunlop-Hebert (Golf Canada Past President and Honorary Life Governor), Chris Greatrex (former LPGA and PGA of Canada professional), Debbie Savoy-Morel (Professional Emeritus and Ambassador, Club de Golf Le Mirage), Mary-Lee Cobick (Sr. Vice President, LPGA Foundation and Professionals), Libby Skinner (trusted colleague of Jocelyne) and Liz Hoffman (Golf Canada Past President, Honorary Life Governor and Golf Canada Foundation Board member).

Jocelyne Bourassa won the first LPGA Tour Canadian event in 1973 formally known as La Canadienne, now the CPKC Women’s Open. Bourassa served as the executive director of the du Maurier Classic, one of the LPGA’s four major championships. She was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1972 and was inducted into the Quebec Golf Hall of Fame in 1995, Golf Canada’s Hall of Fame in 1996 and into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. Bourassa passed away on August 3, 2021, at the age of 74.

For more information on the Jocelyne Bourassa Legacy Fund, please contact Joelle Efford at jefford@golfcanada.ca. To make a donation to the Jocelyne Bourassa Legacy Fund, please click here.

Golf Canada and Golf Town are proud to announce a multi-year extension of their partnership that will see Canada’s largest golf specialty retailer remain an official partner of the CPKC Women’s Open.

This year, Golf Town is excited to build on its existing activations, with the debut of its state-of-the-art Players Tour Truck on-site near the practice area at Earl Grey. The tour truck will provide access to elevated professional fittings and club services and help to consolidate LPGA Tour player equipment needs during tournament week. Click here for more information.

“At Golf Town, from day one, we have been committed to promoting equality in our sport of golf,” said Frederick Lecoq, Chief Marketing Officer at Golf Town. “By introducing our Players Tour Truck at the CPKC Women’s Open, we are taking a significant step in providing female athletes with the expertise and resources to help them perform their best on Canada’s greatest stage.”

As part of the renewed agreement, Golf Town will once again feature the popular Brooke Brigade initiative. Since 2017, the Brooke Brigade initiative has united junior golfers across the country who share a passion for the sport along with supporting Canada’s winningest golfer, Brooke Henderson.

This year at the CPKC Women’s Open at Earl Grey Golf Club, two Brooke Brigade viewing zones will be available for junior fans. They will offer front row viewing options on the 10th and 16th greens and provide t-shirts, snacks and drinks for junior participants who come to support Brooke in Calgary.

Golf Town will also return as the presenting sponsor of Autograph Alley, located at the 18th green at Earl Grey, providing a space along the ropes where youth fans can get autographs from their favourite LPGA Tour stars.

“We are excited to welcome the new Players Tour Truck experience to this year’s event and applaud Golf Town’s impactful commitment to deliver a premium player equipment and servicing experience that will be easily accessible for the field of athletes competing for Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship.” said Laurence Applebaum, Chief Executive Officer, Golf Canada. “We are also excited that our extended partnership continues to provide more viewing options for junior enthusiasts with the Brooke Brigade areas and Autograph Alley which will continue to bring the world’s best LPGA Tour stars closer to young golf fans at the CPKC Women’s Open.”

In addition, as part of the introduction of the Golf Town Players Tour Truck, any guest to the CPKC Women’s Open can receive a free custom fitting at their local Golf Town by presenting their event ticket.

The 50th playing of the CPKC Women’s Open takes place July 23-28 at the Earl Grey Golf and Country Club in Calgary, Alta. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here.

Mississauga, Ont.  The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA), in conjunction with other global superintendent groups, is recognizing those who are essential to golf’s success with an international “Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day,” encouraging all golfers, those who are in the golf business or anyone who benefits from the game to thank superintendents for their hard work and dedication to the game. 

“Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day” will be celebrated September 10, 2024.

In addition to CGSA, other groups taking part in the global event include the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), the Australia Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA), and The Federation of European Golf Greenkeepers Associations (FEGGA). All together the groups represent more than 31,000 golf course management professionals in 78 countries around the world.

The celebration will include commercials that will appear on the Golf Channel, print advertisements and social media messages sharing the many ways that superintendents benefit the game and their communities.

Golfers and others are encouraged to join in the conversation on social media using the hashtags “#ThankASuper” or “#ThankAGreenkeeper” depending on their country’s nomenclature. In addition, golf courses and other groups are encouraged to provide special recognition for their superintendent and course maintenance staff on Sept. 10. A social media tool kit will be available on golfsupers.com with materials to aid in the celebration. 

During the 2023 Thank A Golf Course Superintendent Day, social media messages reached more than 14.7 million followers around the world while broadcast media reached an additional 18 million people.

RBC Canadian Open Tournament Director Bryan Crawford will be leaving the organization as he has accepted the role of Commissioner with the Ontario Hockey League.

“Bryan has played an instrumental role in the growth of the RBC Canadian Open into one of Canada’s signature sport properties and we are extremely appreciative of his contributions over the past six years as Tournament Director,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Bryan is a talented and dynamic sports executive who has made a wonderful impact on our team and our National Men’s Open Championship during his time with Golf Canada. He is well positioned for continued success in leading the Ontario Hockey League.”  

Since joining Golf Canada in 2018, Crawford has been leading force in the continued elevation and commercial growth of the RBC Canadian Open, which has become a festival experience featuring world-class golf, music and food experience. Crawford has also worked with the PGA TOUR’s Tournament Advisory Council, serving most recently as its Vice-Chair. A former member of the Toronto Argonauts Football Club, Crawford has previously worked in leadership positions with Basketball Canada and Ontario University Athletics (OUA).

May 30, 2024 – Golf Canada and Audi Canada are proud to announce the extension of their partnership that will see the luxury automotive brand remain the Automotive Partner for Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open through 2025.

As part of the renewed partnership, Audi Canada will continue to deliver premium experiences at both of Canada’s National Open Championships, the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open. In addition, Golf Canada and Audi will collaborate on the “Canadian National Audi quattro Cup”. The Audi quattro Cup is the world’s largest amateur golf tournament.

Since its founding in Germany in 1991, 38 nations have participated in the Audi quattro Cup. The tournament currently attracts about 70,000 players a year across the world. More than 2.1 million golfers have participated in Audi quattro Cup competitions during the previous 33 years, establishing the competition’s impressive global expansion.

“We are very excited to extend our partnership with Audi Canada, who have been a tremendous partner of Golf Canada with a collective vision of advancing the sport of golf in our country with precision and excellence,” said Laurence Applebaum, Chief Executive Officer, Golf Canada. “We look forward to continuing to offer golf fans unique experiences at both of our National Open Championships.”

Golf Canada and Audi Canada are committed to inclusivity and diversity and removing barriers from the game of golf, while helping to grow the women’s game in Canada. With this focus, Audi will introduce the Audi Precision Award at the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open, July 23-28 at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, Alberta. The Audi Precision Award will reward the tournament’s “most precise player” and a donation will be made in the winner’s name to a local charity that focuses on growing and advancing women’s golf. More details will be announced at a later date.

“Golf Canada has been a strong strategic partner supporting the growth of our business and the Audi quattro Cup, the world’s largest amateur golf tournament. We are proud to expand our partnership, working together to remove barriers for underrepresented groups. We look forward to the continued partnership and shared spirit of growth with Golf Canada,” said Joseph Ottorino, Head of Marketing, Audi Canada.

As part of the continued partnership, Audi Canada will also remain as the Presenting Partner of the Golf Canada Mobile App. The Golf Canada Mobile App continues to be the all-in-one place to track progress and connect with colleagues and friends. The Golf Canada Mobile App offers users an exceptional experience while at the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open. For more information on the Golf Canada Mobile App, please click here. To download on Apple devices click here, to download on Google Play devices, click here.

ABOUT AUDI
The Audi Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium and luxury segment. The brands Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Ducati produce at 21 locations in 12 countries. Audi and its partners are present in more than 100 markets worldwide.

In 2023, the Audi Group delivered 1.9 million Audi vehicles, 13,560 Bentley vehicles, 10,112 Lamborghini vehicles, and 58,224 Ducati motorcycles to customers. In the 2023 fiscal year, Audi Group achieved a total revenue of €69.9 billion and an operating profit of €6.3 billion. Worldwide, an annual average of more than 87,000 people worked for the Audi Group in 2023, more than 53,000 of them at AUDI AG in Germany. With its attractive brands and numerous models, the group is systematically pursuing its path toward becoming a provider of sustainable, fully networked premium mobility.

theScore BET to Continue as Exclusive Official Gaming Partner of Canada’s Premier Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships

TORONTO (May 29, 2024) — PENN Entertainment (“PENN” or the “Company”) announced today that it has reached an agreement with Golf Canada on a multi-year extension for theScore BET to continue as the organization’s exclusive Official Gaming Partner. The partnership includes sponsorship of Canada’s marquee national golf championships, the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open.

The agreement provides theScore BET with access to activate across Golf Canada’s high-profile events and large digital footprint. Over the last three years since the partnership commenced, theScore BET has created unique and highly engaging on-course activations across Golf Canada events, including theScore BET Skyline Seats, Hole Zero and the Greenside Lounge.

“Golf Canada has been a tremendous partner over the last three years, and we are extremely pleased to extend our relationship,” said Jason Birney, VP of Operations, PENN Interactive. “The RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open are foundational, best-in-class events that we’re proud to align theScore BET brand with. Through our sponsorship and creative on-site activations, we look forward to providing golf fans with unique and memorable experiences in the years ahead.”

“We are thrilled to have theScore BET continue as Golf Canada’s Official Gaming Partner,” said Craig Sharp, Golf Canada’s Senior Director, Partnerships. “theScore BET has consistently elevated the spectator experience at our National Open Championships and we look forward to integrating their innovative and exciting fan engagements as we continue our partnership.”

The deal provides theScore BET with access to digital marketing opportunities around both tournaments and through Golf Canada’s database. The 2024 RBC Canadian Open takes place this week at Hamilton Golf and Country Club and theScore BET will be on site with its popular Members Lounge located in The Rink at the 13th hole. The Members Lounge offers theScore BET account holders access to a reserved space with amenities and great views of the course.

The 2025 RBC Canadian Open will take place at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. and the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open will take place at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont.

About theScore BET
theScore BET, a wholly owned subsidiary of PENN Entertainment (Nasdaq: PENN), is a natively built mobile Sportsbook and Casino product available in Ontario. Available on mobile and desktop, theScore BET delivers an immersive and holistic mobile sports betting experience, including a comprehensive range of pregame and in-play bet types across all major sports leagues and events. It uniquely integrates with the company’s flagship media app, theScore, to provide a suite of cutting-edge features that seamlessly bring media and betting together in one ecosystem. theScore BET is regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and operates in Ontario pursuant to an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario. theScore BET is an RG Check accredited operator and is committed to making gaming safe and fun for its players.

The Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC) Virtual Summit presented by RBC: Economic Impact of Golf in Canada took place May 24, 2024, as part of an ongoing GJAC series intended to help membership stay connected, as well as to generate discussion and opportunities around important issues in the game.

GJAC Virtual Summits presented by RBC are recorded for public viewing. You can watch this recording below.

The format consists of a moderated question and answer period, followed by a brief opportunity for questions from attendees. 

Panelists for this Virtual Summit included:

• Tom McGuire, Principal/Co-founder, 21FSP Advisory Inc.
• Laurence Applebaum, Golf Canada
• Jeff Calderwood, National Golf Course Owners Association

Moderator: Dan Pino, Golf Canada

Golf Canada is thrilled to announce Connect Hearing as the Official Hearing Healthcare Partner of Golf Canada. This partnership marks a significant milestone in enhancing the well-being and hearing care accessibility for the golfing community across the country.

As a trusted leader in hearing healthcare, Connect Hearing is renowned for its commitment to improving the lives of individuals through innovative hearing solutions and personalized care. Through this partnership with Golf Canada, Connect Hearing aims to extend its support to the golfing community by promoting awareness of hearing health.

Connect Hearing will provide educational resources and solutions to golfers, coaches, and fans alike. By raising awareness of the importance of hearing health and offering convenient access to essential services, Connect Hearing and Golf Canada aim to empower individuals to prioritize their hearing health while enjoying the game they love.

Connect Hearing is set to offer spectators an exclusive experience at two prestigious golf events – the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open – through its innovative activation, the Connect Hearing Listening Lounge. Situated amidst the excitement of the tournament, this viewing lounge promises panoramic views of the course coupled with invaluable insights into maintaining optimal hearing health.

Guests visiting the Connect Hearing Listening Lounge will not only enjoy front-row seats to witness professional golfers in action but can engage with Connect Hearing experts. Here, they will gain access to vital information and resources aimed at enhancing their understanding of hearing health and its impact on overall well-being.

Golf Canada’s Official Ready to Drink Partner, Cottage Springs, is proud to announce the creation of an exclusive product tailored for golf enthusiasts, only available at Golf Canada’s Professional Championship events. This collaboration unveils the launch of the Cottage Springs Transfusion, a refreshing beverage crafted specifically for the discerning tastes of golfers.

The Transfusion is a modern twist on the classic golf cocktail, crafted to deliver a blend of flavours that perfectly complement the leisurely pace of a day on the golf course. Featuring a delightful blend of vodka, real grape juice, zesty ginger and fresh lime, this new, limited edition release contains only 3g of sugar and 120 calories per 355mL can.

“As a Canadian company that values innovation, we are thrilled to introduce the Cottage Springs Transfusion” said Keith Walker, VP of marketing at Cottage Springs. “The creation of the Transfusion reflects our commitment to excellence, as we aim to enhance the enjoyment of golfing events across the country.”

Spectators will have the opportunity to taste this iconic drink at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, where Cottage Springs will be activating both in the Fare Way, and with a public grandstand and beverage cart on 13 where fans can enjoy the atmosphere as their favourite PGA TOUR players come through the popular rink hole.

“We are excited to collaborate with Cottage Springs to offer this unique beverage experience to our fans,” said David Vladars, Director, Partnerships at Golf Canada. “The Cottage Springs Transfusion adds a new dimension to our championships, further enhancing the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of the event.”

The launch of the Cottage Springs Transfusion marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Cottage Springs and Golf Canada, setting the stage for future collaborations aimed at enhancing the golfing experience for enthusiasts nationwide.

Moreover, Cottage Springs has also renewed their partnership with Golf Canada and will serve as the official Ready to Drink Partner until the end of 2027.

Cottage Springs and Golf Canada are thrilled to continue this partnership, ensuring that golfers across the nation can enjoy premium, signature beverages while experiencing the camaraderie and excitement of the sport. This extended partnership reaffirms a mutual commitment to fostering memorable moments on and off the green, enriching the golfing experience for years to come.

For more information about Cottage Springs and its products, visit www.cottagesprings.ca. To learn more about Golf Canada and upcoming championships, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

About Ace Beverage Group
Ace Beverage Group (“ABG”) is a leading better-for-you (“BFY”) beverage alcohol company in Canada. Its flagship brand, Cottage Springs, is one of the biggest and fastest growing ready-to-drink brands in Canada. Additional popular brands include Ace Hill, Cabana Coast and Casa Del Rey. ABG’s mission is to develop, launch and market the world’s best tasting BFY alcoholic beverages.

Golf Canada and Magic Window (Magic) announced a multi-year partnership that will see Magic become the official Window and Doors partner of Golf Canada and the RBC Canadian Open.

“Golf Canada is proud to welcome Magic as the official Window and Doors partner of Golf Canada and the RBC Canadian Open,” said Craig Sharp, senior director, partnerships, Golf Canada. “Magic is well recognized for their innovative and award-winning products, which are designed and manufactured right here in Canada. We are pleased to have them join Golf Canada as a partner with Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship.”

Magic is an Ontario-based designer and manufacturer of revolutionary windows, sliding patio doors, and folding glass wall systems. From its inception in 1979, Magic’s sole focus has been to develop innovative window and door technology that solves issues associated with traditional window and door design. Magic’s portfolio has grown to include crank-less casement window hardware, retractable bug screens, retractable solar shades / thermal blinds, and bi-folding door systems. Magic aims to perfect the customer journey by managing every aspect of the sales process; including sales, installation, and after-market service.

“We’re proud to become the official Window & Door Partner of Golf Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship through 2026. This groundbreaking partnership marks the first time a Canadian home improvement brand has partnered with Golf Canada and the PGA TOUR’s RBC Canadian Open. We’re excited to introduce Canadian homeowners to our innovative products at the PGA TOUR’s premiere Canadian event while helping to grow the great game of golf in Ontario and across Canada,” said Lior Goldenberg, managing director, Magic.

Magic will have a unique on-course activation at the RBC Canadian Open on the 17th tee of Hamilton Golf and Country Club that will provide a spectacular view overlooking the property with great views of the hole. In addition, Magic will have an activation located in The Fare Way featuring The Keg adjacent to the 18th green where their leading-edge window technology will be on display along with brand ambassadors that will educate spectators on the product itself.

For more information about Magic, please visit www.magicwindow.ca/.