#MyGolfYear is back for 2022
The 2022 edition of Golf Canada’s successful campaign for #MyGolfYear fueled by JOURNIE Rewards features personalized achievements and countless golf stories from across the country
OAKVILLE (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada’s #MyGolfYear fueled by JOURNIE Rewards is back, and the 2022 edition is loaded with more achievements, more milestones and more fun for every member who logged their scores this year.
Building on the success of the 2021 campaign and the hugely popular Spotify Wrapped, Golf Canada has enhanced this year’s #MyGolfYear experience with a snapshot from golf scores posted during the season. In addition to total rounds, best round, total holes played, total distance played, users will now have more personalized insights in the form of Achievements.
“Last year we saw how much Golf Canada members loved sharing their #MyGolfYear stats on social media,” said Golf Canada’s Chief Marketing Officer, Lisa Ferkul. “So, this year we really wanted to step up our game and give members even more personal achievements to be proud of when posting to social media channels.”
The full list of achievements for 2022 include:
- Top Golfer: You’re in rarefied air; your handicap ranks you as one of the top X% golfers in Canada.
- Every Day I’m Golfing: You played golf every day of the week this year; something you and 106,943 other Canadians did in 2022.
- Golfer for All Seasons: You played at least one round in each of April, May, June, July, August, September and October.
- Have Clubs, Will Travel: You and XX,XXX other Canadians ventured out and played golf in Y different cities in Canada in 2022.
- #MyGolfDay: You play golf on Sundays and only on Sundays. That’s your day. No ifs, ands or buts.
- Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: You managed to play at least a round of golf five weeks in a row this year.
- Peak Summer: Canada’s warmest day in 2022 was July 28th; on that day, you and another 56,894 Canadians played golf.
- Hole in One: The highest of achievements; you and just 3,089 other Canadians got a hole-in-one in 2022.
- From Sea to Sea: You really get around; you and just X,XXX others played golf in Y different provinces of Canada this year.
- I Am Canadian: You and 109,718 others celebrated Canada Day weekend in the best possible way: Getting in a round of golf.
- Giving Thanks: An ideal Thanksgiving may or may involve turkey, but for you and 32,704 other Canadians, it definitely involved a round of golf.
- Golf Supporter: You’ve been a supporter of Golf Canada and golf in Canada for more than five years—thank you!
- Golf Protector: You’ve supported Golf Canada for over 10 years and helped us grow the game—thank you!
- Breaking Not Bad: You scored a round under 100 / 90 / 80 / 70 this year—congrats!
- New To The Club: You’re new to the Golf Canada community for 2022—welcome!
“We want Golf Canada members to see their achievements from score posting as badges of pride and measures of participation and improvement,” Ferkul said. “We also think it will be great when they receive validation of those achievements from their friends when they post their #MyGolfYear roundup on social media.”
With more than 270,000 Golf Canada members posting scores in 2022, the marketing team at the national sports organization started digging into the data that would eventually lead to #MyGolfYear months ago. Sully Syed, Golf Canada’s Senior Director of Digital Experience and Technology said that once his team started exploring the data behind the posted scores, several things caught his attention.
“Once we started getting through the score posting data, we really started learning about Golf Canada members,” Syed said. “We learned about the days of the week they play, what golf courses they play most, how far they will travel to play golf, and so much more about their golfing habits in 2022.”
The data also revealed several amazing individual member stories, like that of Jeff Forgrave—whose posted scores indicated he did a few things no one else in Canada did in 2022. Forgrave played golf in all 10 provinces, played 103 different golf courses and played in 50 different cities in 2022.
“I’m an overly avid golfer,” Forgrave admits. “I’ve previously played in all 10 provinces, but never in the same year. This year was one of extensive travels and a lot of golf.”
While Forgrave is a longtime golfer, there were other stories from brand new Golf Canada members like Kathryn McCully of Petitcodiac Valley Golf and Country Club in New Brunswick. As a new Golf Canada member in 2022, McCully logged 89 rounds of golf for the year.
“I plan to play as much, if not more in the coming seasons,” McCully says. “My goal is to get technical with my game and do regular lessons with hopes of becoming more consistent, confident and competitive,” she says, adding, “it’s addicting to add your scorecard into the Golf Canada App and watch your handicap hopefully improve.”
With more than 270,000 Golf Canada members posting nearly 10-million scores in 2022, there is no shortage of stories from #MyGolfYear fueled by JOURNIE Rewards. What’s your 2022 #MyGolfYear story?
To learn more about Golf Canada and the benefits of membership, visit join.golfcanada.ca
Golf Canada saddened by passing of Denzil Palmer
Denzil Palmer, who spent more than 40 years in club management, passed away from cancer on November 20 surrounded by family.
He was 70.
Palmer served as the General Manager and Secretary of Royal Montreal for nearly three decades helping the over 1,500 members enjoy all of the iconic facilities’ offerings including 45 holes of golf. Under Palmer’s leadership, Royal Montreal hosted several successful professional and amateur tournaments including three RBC Canadian Open events as well as the 2007 Presidents Cup.
Royal Montreal, of which Palmer was an Honorary Life Member, is set to host the Presidents Cup once again in 2024.
Palmer began his career in golf as the General Manager of Greenhills Country and City Clubs in London, Ont. Prior to that he worked at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier and Holiday Inn Tower in London. Over a decade-and-a-half with Greenhills, Palmer successfully developed both of the member-first clubs which featured 27 holes of golf, 22 tennis courts, swimming, two clubhouses, and a robust calendar of social programmes.
Palmer ended his career as Vice-President, Clubs and Hospitality at Palmer & Associates, a boutique HR firm specializing in leadership coaching, career transition services, and executive search.
Palmer, who is a Canadian Society of Club Managers Honorary Life Member, was presented by the CSCM with its President’s Award – recognizing him as one of CSCM’s longest standing general managers. He also proudly received the Club Manager of the Year Award in 1997 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, only the third recipient of this particular award in over 20 years.
Golf Canada sends its condolences to Palmer’s family as we mourn the passing of golf-industry veteran whose presence and leadership was felt for decades.
A celebration of Palmer’s life will be arranged in the new year. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund is being established in his name, one which will see his legacy of excellence carry forward to future generations. If you would like to make a donation in Denzil’s honour, please contact Alan Palmer at alanpalmergolf@gmail.com.
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You can read more about the impact of Denzil Palmer on his fellow club managers via this story in Club Management Association of Canada’s latest issue.
Jim Clark announced as recipient of GJAC’s Dick Grimm Award
TORONTO – The Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC) have announced Jim Clark is the recipient of the 2022 Dick Grimm Award, the association’s highest honour.
A committee of past GJAC Presidents selected Clark, who has volunteered for the RBC Canadian Open every single year but one since 1984.
Named in honour of Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Richard “Dick” Grimm, whose legendary service to the Canadian Open and the Canadian golf industry is unparalleled in Canadian golf history, the Dick Grimm Award is presented annually to those who have made a significant lifetime contribution to Canadian golf.
Clark’s leadership was put on display 11 times as the RBC Canadian Open Tournament Chair, in addition to being the CP Women’s Open Tournament Chair on two occasions.
Clark has been recognized for his work in the golf industry by virtue of the Golf Canada Distinguished Service Award, which he received in 2016, as well as being named an Honourary Life Governor earlier this year. Clark was named to the Town of Aurora Sports Hall of Fame in 2019 in the ‘builder’ category.
“Over the course of his career, Jim’s work has contributed immensely to the Canadian golf community. We’re proud to present him with this award in the name of Dick Grimm, whose tireless efforts to promote the game of golf in Canada had so much in common with what Jim has achieved with his work with Golf Canada.”
Rick Young, GJAC President
I am so honoured and thrilled to receive the Dick Grimm award from @GJ_AC . Dick Grimm was a friend and mentor of mine for many years which gives this even more special meaning. Much appreciation to the Golf Journalists Association of Canada. https://t.co/NfeGthhg6l
— Jim Clark (@cognashene) September 9, 2022
Grimm, who passed away in 2014, was a true giant of the game in Canada, and in the world of golf. He was an energetic supporter of GJAC, and the association’s highest annual award is named after him.
PAST WINNERS
2021- Garry McKay
2020 – Kim Locke
2019 – Doug Carrick & Tom McBroom
2018 – Lorie Kane
2017 – John Gordon
2016 – Marlene Stewart Streit
2015 – Lorne Rubenstein
2014 – Jocelyne Bourassa
2013 – Bob Weeks
2012 – Sandra Post
2011 – Jim Barclay
2010 – Dick Grimm
Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship earns autonomy in 2023
(AUGUST 31, 2022) – Golf Canada announced today format changes to the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Effective 2023, the national championship, currently held in conjunction with the Canadian Women’s Senior Championship, will act independently as a stand-alone event.
“The decision to proceed with format changes to our Women’s Mid-Amateur aligns with the growth of golf in Canada,” said Golf Canada’s Director of Amateur Championships and Rules, Mary Beth McKenna. “We feel that this championship deserves its own spotlight and we’re confident that the talent displayed in 2023 and beyond will reflect that.”
Since 2007, the Women’s Mid-Amateur has a provided women over the age of 25 a chance to compete on a national stage. From its inaugural year to 2014, the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship ran in conjunction with the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship. In 2015, the tournament shifted gears and joined forces with the Canadian Women’s Senior Championship, but Breezy Bend Country Club will serve as the final joint venture for the two events.
In 2023, the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship will take place at Mad River Golf Club in Creemore, Ont., July 24-27. The field size will cap at 90 players and an Interprovincial team competition will also be incorporated into the reformatted event. As in years past, the Mid-Master division – a division for players 40 years or older – will remain a part of the national championship.
The winner of the 2023 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship will earn an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship. Past winners of the event include 2017 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Champion, Judith Kyrinis; six-time champion Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Champion, Christina Spence Proteau; and 2022 British Women’s Senior Amateur Champion, Terrill Samuel.
Golf Canada & Golf Canada Foundation pay tribute to a legend renaming the new Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards
Earlier this year, Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation announced the creation of a new recognition award to acknowledge and celebrate the commitment of individual leaders who are using golf as a platform to positively impact their communities.
On the eve of the 2022 CP Women’s Open, to honour Canadian golf legend Lorie Kane who will make her 30th and final playing appearance at Canada’s National Open Championship, Golf Canada has announced that that recognition will be renamed the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards.
The inaugural Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards will recognize a pair of remarkable individuals under two separate categories – the Community Leader Award and the Future Leader Award.
Kane, a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, Canada Sports Hall of Fame, and recipient of the Order of Canada, has been extremely active in supporting youth and charitable activities during her career. As a CP ambassador, Kane has also supported CP’s charitable platform that has helped to raise more than $13M in support of children’s cardiac care in the host markets of the CP Women’s Open.
“Lorie Kane has become one of the most active voices and passionate ambassadors for Canadian golf and it is truly deserving that Lorie Kane Community Leader Awards be named in her honour,” said Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman. “Lorie has been generous with her time in mentoring youth in PEI and across Canada, supporting future generations of up and coming athletes and giving back to the game that has meant so much to her incredible career. Lorie has worked with Golf Canada to engage the business community in their greater support of the women’s game and is a champion for our sport both on and off the golf course.”
The Lorie Kane Community Leader Award will celebrate an individual over the age of 19 with a demonstrated ability to lead community initiatives; someone who has contributed a measurable impact through volunteerism or charity; or an individual who has showcased excellence in their involvement with, or support of youth programs such as First Tee – Canada or other junior golf activities.
The recipient of the Lorie Kane Community Leader Award will receive a $5,000 donation from the Golf Canada Foundation to advance a golf program or golf-related initiative of their choice.
To recognize youth who are making an impact in their community, the Lorie Kane Future Leader Award will honour an individual 19 years of age or younger who embodies community leadership; has a history of sportsmanship or demonstrated activities to make the game more inclusive; or an individual who has used golf to create a meaningful impact in their community.
The recipient of the Lorie Kane Future Leader Award will be awarded a $5,000 donation towards their post-secondary education and will also be offered a paid work internship with Golf Canada.
The Canadian golf community is invited to submit individual nominations for the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards through an online nomination form. The nomination period will close at 11:59 pm EST on August 31, 2022.
Click here to nominate an individual for the Lorie Kane Community Leader Award.
Click here to nominate an individual for the Lorie Kane Future Leader Award.
At the conclusion of the nomination period, all Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award submissions will be compiled and evaluated by a selection committee that includes representatives from Golf Canada, the Golf Canada Foundation, Honoured Members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, industry representatives and the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.
The inaugural Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards recipients will be announced during the 2022 World Junior Girls Championship, October 12-15 at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont.
Government of Canada supports return of CP Women’s Open and RBC Canadian Open
The CP Women’s Open and the RBC Canadian Open draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to our country each year. As major contributors to the local economy, the cancellation of these tournaments due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 resulted in the significant loss of revenue for Golf Canada and the communities hosting the tournaments. The Government of Canada is committed to revitalizing major events and festivals and the hard-hit tourism industry, while strengthening communities and local economies.
Today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Vanier, on behalf of the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced an investment of nearly $4.4 million for Golf Canada to support the return of the CP Women’s Open and the RBC Canadian Open tournaments.
This non-repayable investment, made through the Major Events and Festivals Support Initiative (MFESI), is supporting the 2022 CP Women’s Open as well as the RBC Canadian Open, which took place in Toronto in June, to not only return to but exceed their pre-pandemic scale. With this support, Golf Canada is improving its digital presence, enhancing on-site offerings and accommodating more attendees.
This investment is ensuring that Golf Canada safely brings back visitors and succeeds in the future, while providing spillover economic and job benefits to businesses across the region.
Quotes
“The CP Women’s Open and RBC Canadian Open are great contributors to our region’s local economy. This Government of Canada investment supports the return and enhancement of Golf Canada’s Open events, bringing back hundreds of thousands of visitors to enjoy this major sporting event while generating revenue and jobs across southern Ontario.”
–The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“The CP Women’s Open and RBC Canadian Open have been missed during the past two years by many. The support announced today for Golf Canada will help bring these tournaments back even stronger while also creating important economic benefits and attracting tourists across the region.”
–The Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Vanier
“The CP Women’s Open and RBC Canadian Open attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to our country, generating significant revenues and creating jobs throughout the region. Today’s investment will not only help Golf Canada recover from the pandemic, but also position itself for future growth by bringing high-level talent, increased tourism revenues for local businesses and economic growth in the region.”
-The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
“Golf Canada is deeply appreciative of the support and vision of the Government of Canada in supporting the recovery and celebrated return of major festivals and events such as the CP Women’s Open and RBC Canadian Open. The investment in infrastructure afforded by FedDev Ontario’s support will have a profound impact on our spectator experiences and the long-term success of our National Open Golf Championships.”
–Garrett Ball, Chief Operating Officer, Golf Canada
Quick facts
- Golf Canada, the governing body for golf in Canada, represents more than 270,000 golfers and 1,400 member clubs across the country.
- As an official event on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour, the CP Women’s Open has been Canada’s national golf championship tournament since 1973. It has playing members from over 30 countries and has been televised in over 160 nations. The CP Women’s Open is the only Canadian event on the LPGA tour.
- RBC Canadian Open took place in Toronto between June 9-12, 2022, and attracted 132,000 attendees, a new tournament record.
- The Major Events and Festivals Support Initiative (MFESI) is a $200 million national fund to support major Canadian festivals and events that have been hit hard by the economic impacts of COVID-19 as they adapt and enhance their events. The program is delivered in southern Ontario by FedDev Ontario.
- Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $190 million in more than 180 projects in Ottawa, estimated to create over 8,000 jobs and maintain over 35,000 jobs.
Associated links
A place to call home…
With the new Canadian golf campus announced for construction on the property of TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont., I know that buildings and structures will not advance our great sport. Collaboration will.
A home for Canadian golf. A national point of convergence for players, coaches, facilitators, administrators, donors, and enthusiasts of the game.
Embarking on this exciting multi-phase journey with partners to share facilities and ideas, drive programs, celebrate heritage and work collectively for the betterment of golf in this country. To collaborate in an environment that supports rules education, handicap and course rating, tournament administration, education, and so many other functions of Canadian golf.
Golf Canada’s vision to be a world leader in golf contemplates more than a physical building—culture, collaboration, and innovation are critical elements.
Establishing a campus environment for the golf community to meet, work, play, train, plan, celebrate and collaborate will be a transformative moment for our sport.
The vision that the Humeniuk family and the leadership group at Osprey Valley have invited us to be a part of with this world-class property is progressive and incredibly exciting. Chris Humeniuk and his team have welcomed Golf Canada to align with their vision for this wonderful property—a facility and a family that wants to give back to the game.
Similar to the 54-holes of golf at TPC Toronto, every touchpoint on the new Canadian golf campus will be welcoming and publicly accessible. This aligns with our commitment as the National Sport Federation to create a safe, diverse, and welcoming environment within our organization and across our sport.
In addition to Golf Canada’s new base of operation, a reimagined Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum will celebrate the storied history of the game. With thoughtful consideration, we will highlight the rich history of the game represented through archives, artifact collections, and the country’s foremost golf library and research resource.
To the honoured members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, the new home for Canadian golf will proudly celebrate your outstanding legacies and stories woven throughout the entire property, celebrating the artifacts and treasures for Canadian golf enthusiasts to engage with.
The vision for phase one of the Canadian golf campus will also include a 30,000 sq. foot community putting green that pays homage to the R&A’s Himalayas putting course at St Andrews in Scotland. A place for youth, families, new enthusiasts, and the community to come out and experience the game at no cost.
Phase two will feature a new national headquarters for First Tee – Canada that will support coaching education and program development for First Tee chapters across Canada. First Tee fosters inclusivity with affordable access and curriculum that empowers young people to build character through the game of golf. First Tee uses golf as the amazing medium in teaching life skills and this national centre will be both a headquarters for the entire program but also a community hub for Caledon and Peel Region.
In 2021, the Humeniuk Family Foundation and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley made a major chapter-founding gift to Golf Canada Foundation that aligns with the property serving as the national headquarters for First Tee – Canada.
First Tee – Canada headquarters will house an indoor short game complex that will double as a national talent identification centre for the next generation of Canadian players, bolstering Golf Canada’s goal to advance 30 Canadians to the LPGA and PGA Tours by 2032.
Phase two aligns with a multi-million-dollar Drive Campaign launched by the Golf Canada Foundation to fund the First Tee – Canada headquarters, chapters, and programming along with enhancements to Team Canada’s high-performance program. To date, $39.3M of the $70M fundraising goal has been secured through major gift donations. The Golf Canada Foundation, its Board, and their network of donors and trustees has become the most impactful fundraising body in Canadian golf. Visionaries and true champions for the sport.
Before breaking ground on a new home, it is important to recognize where we came from. Since 1976, Glen Abbey Golf Club, the town of Oakville, and Golf Canada have shared a special connection—nearly 50 years of partnership that contributed to the success of our respective operations. Glen Abbey and our friends at Clublink will always hold a special place in Golf Canada’s history.
Now we begin a new chapter.
Caledon, Ont. will become a must-visit destination in Canadian golf. The town and the Region of Peel has welcomed this project with fervour, and we invite the community to be a part of our journey.
To Golf Ontario and the Club Management Association of Canada, thank you for joining us in this exciting project. As well, to the PGA of Canada and its members, your expertise will create an environment to learn, develop programs and share ideas.
We will also invite our global friends and affiliates in the game—the R&A, PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour, and others – to feel welcomed on campus with their deep-rooted Canadian interests.
I am encouraged by the success experienced by Golf Australia, the USGA, the PGA TOUR, PGA of America and other organizations that have taken similar progressive paths to create collaborative home bases.
While a project of this significance requires adjustment, it will not change Golf Canada’s commitment to support the needs of more than 305,000 members at 1444 member clubs nationwide.
The home for Canadian golf is an enterprise we share with our talented staff and committed volunteers who embrace Golf Canada’s mission to increase participation and excellence in the sport.
This is an exciting time for golf.
Participation, investment, and levels of play have been bolstered by a global pandemic that brought golfers together. Working through the pandemic has challenged every business to be innovative and be open to charting new operational paths.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the power of collaboration—something we can all look forward to with the new home for Canadian golf.
Golf Canada partners with TPC Toronto Osprey Valley to build a new home for Canadian golf
In July 2022, Golf Canada and Osprey Valley announced a major partnership and bold vision to build a new Home for Canadian Golf – a momentous project that will see the National Sport Federation relocate its corporate base of operations to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont.
In addition to Golf Canada’s national headquarters and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, the vision for the Canadian golf campus on the grounds of TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley will feature the national headquarters for First Tee – Canada which will include a publicly accessible 18-hole community putting course and next generation high-performance training amenities.
Golf Ontario and the Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC) have committed to having corporate presence at the headquarters, collaborating with Golf Canada to embrace the golf community and develop a dynamic home campus for Canadian golf.
The invitation for Canadian golf industry partners as well as government stakeholders, and long-time global affiliates at the R&A, PGA TOUR, and LPGA Tour to be part of the Home for Canadian Golf, will be significant towards the advancement of the sport of golf in Canada.
“Our vision to be a world leader in golf contemplates more than just a physical building—culture, collaboration, and innovation are critical elements,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Establishing a new headquarters and a Canadian golf campus with our partners to meet, play, train, plan, celebrate and collaborate, represents a transformative moment to advance the sport.”
“The vision that the Humeniuk family and the leadership group at Osprey Valley have invited us to be a part of with this world-class property is progressive and incredibly exciting.”
Laurence Applebaum
TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley is a renowned 54-hole golf facility in Peel Region, located in the heart of Caledon, Ont. The property is currently undergoing a significant privately funded expansion and commercial development that includes the construction of two new clubhouses and conference amenities as well as improvements to the practice facility and guest experience with accommodations and hosting facilities onsite.
For Osprey Valley President Chris Humeniuk, partnering with Golf Canada and industry partners to bring a Canadian golf campus to life is part of the ongoing story of Osprey Valley becoming a signature destination for Canadian golf and an effort to uplift the game of golf in Canada.
“We’re thrilled by the vision presented by the entire Golf Canada team and are elated to collaborate with partners who share our vision of elevating golf to new heights in this country,” said Humeniuk.
“Our family has long dreamed of Osprey Valley as a great Canadian golf destination, and we believe this announcement is a wonderful addition to the momentum we’ve been fortunate to experience in recent years.”
Chris Humeniuk
TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley is welcoming a number of signature events in Canadian golf including the Osprey Valley Open on PGA TOUR Canada, the 2024 Fortinet Cup Championship on PGA TOUR Americas, as well as acting as the annual host of Team Canada’s selection camp. The facility has also hosted qualifier events for both the RBC Canadian Open and the US Open and has committed to host the 2026 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO.
In 2021, the Humeniuk Family Foundation and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley made a major chapter-founding gift to Golf Canada Foundation that aligns with the property serving as the national headquarters for First Tee – Canada.
Phase one of the Home for Canadian Golf project—which will include the corporate headquarters, a reinvigoration of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, and a 30,000 square foot community putting course designed by golf course architect Paul Jansen – will break ground in 2024 with an expected completion by 2025.
The vision for phase two includes the creation of a stand-alone, world-class training centre for a variety of Golf Canada’s sport development programs including First Tee – Canada that will support coaching education and programming for First Tee chapters across Canada. The training centre will double as a national talent identification hub for the next generation of Canadian players, bolstering Golf Canada’s goal to advance 30 Canadians to the LPGA and PGA Tours by 2032.
For the leadership group at Golf Ontario and the Club Management Association of Canada, joining forces on the Canadian golf campus was an opportunity for deeper collaboration across the sport.
“We are thrilled to rally and support this tremendous project and new home for Canadian golf, helping to unify and provide the golf community a true base which will no doubt create efficiencies, inspire collaboration, and help introduce more participants to our great sport,” said Golf Ontario CEO Kyle MacFarlane.
“Our purpose is to develop, promote and support the profession of club management by providing educational and networking opportunities for our members, including golf, city, multi-sport, yacht, faculty and social clubs,” said Suzanne Godbehere, CEO of the Club Management Association of Canada. “Integrating CMAC’s operation into the Canadian golf campus really is a special opportunity for thought sharing with our partners.”
The cost for phase one of the Home for Canadian Golf project is estimated at approx. $23M and the financial funding model will be led by Golf Canada along with a donation from Osprey Valley. Phase two of development is will proceed upon successful fundraising campaigns supported by the Golf Canada Foundation and private donors as well as through naming rights, contributions from industry partners, and government support.
The Home for Canadian Golf project aligns with a $70 million-dollar Drive Campaign launched by the Golf Canada Foundation to fund First Tee – Canada chapters and programming along with enhancements to Team Canada’s high-performance program.
“We’re excited to partner with the Humeniuk family, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, and Golf Canada on a new Home for Canadian Golf,” said Golf Canada Foundation CEO Martin Barnard. “Our major donor Trustees have a long history of supporting up-and-coming Canadian players and have now also put substantial support behind launching First Tee in Canada, ensuring broad access for all young Canadians to the character-building life lessons the sport of golf can provide.”
“We’re excited to partner with the Humeniuk family, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, and Golf Canada on a new Home for Canadian Golf,” said Golf Canada Foundation CEO Martin Barnard. “Our major donor Trustees have a long history of supporting up-and-coming Canadian players and have now also put substantial support behind launching First Tee in Canada, ensuring broad access for all young Canadians to the character-building life lessons the sport of golf can provide.”
Van Groll & Associates Inc. has been selected by Golf Canada as the architect of record to bring the Canadian golf campus to life.
The announcement of the Home for Canadian Golf follows several years of due diligence by Golf Canada to explore a long-term solution and forward-looking vision for the relocation of its corporate headquarters as well as the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, which are currently located on the grounds of Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame has called Glen Abbey Golf Club home since 1977 with the museum constructed in 2003 providing visitors the ability to walk around the fixed displays while learning about the history of the game and Honoured Members. Over the last 20 years, the collection has continued to grow and the need to evolve with new displays, outreach and interactive content has reached its pinnacle.
The move by Golf Canada, along with the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum to TPC Toronto, will allow the museum to refresh and refocus on celebrating and preserving golf history. Canada’s rich golf history will be prevalent when visitors submerse themselves within the TPC Toronto property.
History and memories will be abundant as nearly 60,000 annual visitors roam the halls, locker rooms, and facilities of TPC Toronto’s development with permanent displays and galleries custom built for the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame. Launched and opened to the public on May 9, 2024, visitors can expect to experience rotational exhibits, including trophy and memorabilia displays, historical photographs from the museum’s archives, and curated lockers of some of the best golfers in the sport. These lockers will first include collaborations with current Hall of Fame members such as Lorie Kane, Marlene Streit, Mike Weir, Nick Taylor, and Bob Vokey, highlighting special mementos from their careers.
In addition, seventeen (17) villas across the property are scheduled to open with each individual villa being named after a Canadian golf legend and the interior design of each villa focused on celebrating that individual’s legacy.
“TPC Toronto is proud to recognize the importance of golf heritage and those who have shaped the game,” exclaimed Chris Humeniuk. The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame is excited to share that TPC Toronto will grant honorary memberships (or playing privileges) to all Honoured Members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.
Finally, the revitalization of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame will also be prominent in the new Golf Canada headquarters, Community Putting Course, and phase 2 development. Numerous in-house displays will showcase some of the country’s most treasured artifacts and untold stories including the RBC Canadian and CPKC Women’s Open trophies.
A brand-new library inside the main atrium of the Golf Canada headquarters will be accessible to visitors and researchers where they can experience the vast collection of publications, periodicals, and rare books curated by the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame. The 18th hole of the Community Putting Course, situated on Main St. in the village of Alton, will replicate the now infamous putt sunk by Nick Taylor on the 18th hole of the 2023 RBC Canadian Open.
Once complete, the Home for Canadian Golf will be a multifaceted, world-class tourist facility that will support community recreational benefits; drive inclusivity and community among equity-deserving youth; and become a foundational pillar that supports grassroots participation and high-performance golf.
Watch the full announcement
Renowned sports photographer Bernard Brault named Order of Canada recipient
OTTAWA – Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, announced 85 new appointments to the Order of Canada and four promotions within the Order on Wednesday.
Among the list of appointees was renowned sports photographer and Golf Canada veteran Bernard Brault of Longueuil, Que. Read more on his journey in golf here.
Click here for the full list of appointees.
All appointees will be presented with their insignia at future investiture ceremonies (dates to be determined).
“The Order of Canada celebrates the lives, endeavours and successes of people from coast to coast to coast and from all walks of life. Those being appointed today come from a variety of sectors, have achieved national and international success, and have shown ingenuity, innovation and generosity. What’s more, they have made a difference in their communities and for Canada with their outstanding dedication and commitment. Congratulations to the new Order of Canada appointees, as well as those celebrating a promotion within the Order.”
The Order of Canada was created in 1967, by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to honour people whose service shapes our society, whose innovations ignite our imaginations, and whose compassion unites our communities.
More details to come…
Masi wines named as Official Wine Partner of Golf Canada
Canada’s National Open Golf Championships will welcome a new wine partner as Golf Canada has aligned with Masi Wines, the historic Italian wine producer which celebrates its 250th anniversary this year, as the Official Wine of Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.
Through the partnership, Masi’s premium portfolio, led by Masianco Pinot Grigio, the iconic red Campofiorin and the exciting new Fresco di Masi line – two refreshing organic blends perfect for summer – will be the feature wines poured at Golf Canada’s two National Open Golf Championships.
Masi will also elevate the summer festival atmosphere at the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open with a pouring experience from the one-of-a-kind Masi Airstream Trailer that offers spectators a custom retreat at the Masi Wine Garden.
“Golf Canada is very proud to partner with Masi Wines to deliver a selection of premium wines to our two flagship properties,” said John Sibley, Chief Commercial Officer at Golf Canada. “Masi’s diverse wine portfolio is well-positioned as the Official Wine of Golf Canada as we look forward to building on the festival atmosphere at the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open.”
Masi is distributed in Canada by fourth-generation family-owned and operated Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants – a national fine wine and spirits importer and distributor headquartered in Mississauga, Ont. For Masi, the partnership will allow the wine brand to leverage Canadian golf while continuing to advance its brand profile and portfolio of golfing, hosting, ticketing, and media assets.
“We are delighted to partner with Golf Canada and honoured to serve as the Official Wine of the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.” says Luc Desroches, Sales Managing Director, Canada for Masi. “Golf, like wine, brings people closer together and is at its best when shared amongst good friends. We look forward to introducing golfers across Canada to our exciting range of wines from the beautiful Venetian territories of northeast Italy and beyond. With golf growing in Canada (and Italy!) we are excited to be along for the ride as the preferred glass of the 19th hole.”
As the National Sport Federation, Golf Canada will conduct the RBC Canadian Open June 6-12, 2022 at St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Toronto Ont. with nearby Islington Golf Club as the official practice facility. The CP Women’s Open, takes place August 22-28, 2022 at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont.
Click here for more information on the RBC Canadian Open.
Click here for more information on the CP Women’s Open.