Golf Canada is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement to join Abuse-Free Sport, the new independent program to prevent and address maltreatment in sport.

Golf Canada will initially adopt Abuse-Free Sport specifically for Team Canada athletes, athlete support personnel, and staff. Other participants will continue to report Safe Sport concerns through ITP Sport, the independent third-party reporting service that is used by Golf Canada.

Team Canada stakeholders will have access to the services of the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC), which serves as the central hub of Abuse-Free Sport, following a transition period which will end no later than June 30, 2023.

“Golf Canada remains fully committed to Safe Sport and supports the creation of a national oversight mechanism. As part of that commitment, we’re pleased to sign on to Abuse-Free Sport and to soon have the OSIC to administer Safe Sport reporting and review processes for our national team athletes, support personnel, and staff,” said Laura Wilson, Golf Canada’s Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Safe Sport.

Golf Canada is in the final stages of updating its internal policies to reflect the most recent version of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS), which it must do before operationally implementing the Abuse-Free Sport program.

Prior to June 30, 2023 all participants who have experienced or witnessed abuse will continue to have access to independent third-party services through ITP Sport by using the phone number and links at the bottom of Golf Canada’s Safe Sport website.

GOLF CANADA’S COMMITMENT TO SAFE SPORT

Golf Canada is fully aligned with the important work of Sport Canada and recognizes our obligation and responsibility to protect the health, safety and physical and mental well-being of athletes, staff, volunteers, and other participants involved in our sport. The organization recognizes that Safe Sport is everyone’s responsibility and has taken important steps to foster safer environments in golf including:  preventative education through the Respect Group; enhanced screening practices for all employees and volunteers; a full suite of Safe Sport Policies including the adoption of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport; and an Independent Third Party to manage the intake of complaints and determine the appropriate manner and forum to address the allegations. All golf enthusiasts deserve to participate and compete in an environment free from harassment, abuse, or discrimination, regardless of gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, religion, language, age, and ability. Golf Canada takes any situation involving misconduct or maltreatment very seriously. We are committed to enacting and enforcing strong, clear, and effective policies and processes so anyone participating in golf can do so within a culture of inclusivity and respect. 

2022 Annual Report & Financial Statements are now available

Golf Canada releases its new five-year Strategic Plan (2023-2027)

Judy Astle recognized by Golf Canada as its 2022 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year

Volunteers Kay Thompson and Nick Marrone along with golf journalist and historian Joe McLean to be recognized with Golf Canada’s 2023 Distinguished Service Award

Golf Canada recognizes 2022 National Junior Facility Award winners

(March 2 – Golf Canada) – Golf Canada’s 2023 Annual Meeting culminated on Thursday, March 2 with the election of David McCarthy of Toronto as the 117^th President of the National Sport Federation.

McCarthy, a senior partner at Stikeman Elliott LLP, has been a volunteer with Golf Canada for more than 20 years across various committees and councils. A member of both the Donalda Golf & Country Club and the St. Andrews Golf Club, McCarthy was part of Golf Canada’s Governors Council (2014-2018) and has served on the Board of Directors since 2018.

“I am extremely honoured that the Nominating Committee has extended its confidence in me to serve as the 117^th President of Golf Canada,” said McCarthy. “There is great momentum for Golf Canada and golf in Canada and I look forward to assisting our sport to grow with pace.”  

Based on the report of Golf Canada’s Nominating Committee, McCarthy will be joined on the 2023 Board of Directors by newly elected Vice-President Adam Daifallah of Montreal, Que. in leading the 13-member Board of Directors who will work closely with Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum.

Returnees to the Board of Directors include Susan MacKinnon of Calgary, Alta., Patrick Kelly of Victoria, B.C., Shawn Evans of Kitchener, Ont., Alison Chisholm of Rothesay, N.B., Diane Drury-Clarke of Montreal, Que., Peter Major of Calgary, Alta., Jean-Sébastien Monty of Montreal, Que., and Michelle Collens of Vancouver, B.C. along with new additions Teri Yamada of Toronto, Ont., Kelly Roberts of London, Ont., and Adam Zubak of Vancouver, B.C. 

Liz Hoffman of Wasaga Beach, Ont. concluded her two-year term as the association’s 116^th President and transitions to become an Honorary Life Governor. Two other long-time volunteers – Patricia Thompson of Kelowna, B.C. and Michael Richards of Montreal – were also named by Golf Canada as new Honorary Life Governors in recognition of their longstanding contributions to the association.

As part of its Annual Meeting, Golf Canada also released the association’s 2022 Annual Report including its Financial Statements which are available here.

Golf Canada Releases its New Five-Year Strategic Plan

As part of the Annual Meeting, Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum presented the  new five-year Strategic Plan (2023-2027), a roadmap for the organization’s operational, governance, sport, competitive and commercial areas of focus. The evolution of the Strategic Plan supports the organization’s vision to be a world leader in golf and its mission to better the lives of Canadians through participation and excellence in golf. Click here to see Golf Canada’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.

Judy Astle named 2022 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year…

In the continued celebration of volunteerism, Golf Canada recognized New Brunswick native Judy Astle as the 2022 recipients of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award. Now in its 17^th 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. Click here for more.

Volunteers Kay Thompson and Nick Marrone along Golf Journalist & historian Joe McLean to Receive Golf Canada’s 2023 Distinguished Service Award…

Golf Canada announced that three accomplished golf contributors – tireless volunteers Kay Thompson of St. John’s, N.L. and Nick Marrone of Toronto along with golf journalist and Ottawa Valley golf historian Joe McLean – will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to the sport as the 2023 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award. The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award will be celebrated in person with the recipients later this year. Click here for more.

Golf Canada Recognizes 2022 National Junior Facility Award Winners…

Golf Canada has named the six inaugural winners of the National Junior Facility Awards, a collection of Canadian golf facilities recognized across various areas for their positive contributions to impact and advance junior golf at their club and in their community. Click here for more.

Golf Canada’s 2022 Annual Meeting was conducted virtually on Thursday, March 2 with volunteers, staff, member clubs, and key industry stakeholders participating.

(Golf Canada) – Golf Canada is thrilled to recognize the winners of its National Facility Awards for Junior Golf from the 2022 season.

The National Facility Awards for Junior Golf were developed to recognize the critical role that golf facilities play in the development of young golfers across Canada. These awards honour the courses and academies that made an especially extraordinary impact on the advancement of junior golf in their communities during the 2022 season.

“We are proud to honour this collection of outstanding golf courses and academies for their extraordinary impact on junior golf,” said Kevin Blue, Golf Canada’s chief sport officer. “Advancing golf participation and developing Canada’s next generation of world-class athletes are both important parts of Golf Canada’s mission. These priorities are critical for the long-term health of our sport and require commitment from many industry stakeholders, including the courses where our sport is practiced and played. We are grateful for all facilities across Canada who support junior golf and are eager to celebrate the inaugural class of award winners.”

The winners and finalists of the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf will be officially recognized as part of Golf Canada’s 2023 Annual General Meeting being held virtually on March 2 at 1:00pm EST. 

The 2022 winners and finalists of the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf are:

Junior Golf Opportunity Award

Awarded to the 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 that help athletes compete at provincial, national, and international competitions.

Winner: Sawmill Golf Club (Fenwick, Ont.)

This family owned-and-operated course operated programs to support junior golfers of every age group and at every level, including summer golf camps, golf-hockey camps, golf in schools, USGA/LPGA girls golf, and a junior league.

Sawmill Golf Club reserved tee times exclusively for junior golfers during the summer and organized family fun nights to encourage entire families to play golf together. The club also hosted numerous junior golf fundraisers. Its exceptional commitment to junior golf set a powerful example for other facilities.

• Finalist: Centre de Golf de Lanaudière (L’Assomption, Que.)
• Finalist: Whitewater Golf Club (Thunder Bay, Ont.)

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: Academie de Golf Fred Colgan (Quebec City, Que.)

Academie de Golf Fred Colgan (AGFC) supported a number of provincial competitors, national competitors, and Team Canada – NextGen players in 2022 including JP Parr, the repeat champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship. AGFC continued its close integration with the provincial development system in Québec and assembled an in-depth staff of coaches to provide comprehensive support for its competitive players.  

• Finalist: Glencoe Golf and Country Club (Calgary)
• Finalist: The Golf Garage at Savage Creek (Rob Houlding) (Richmond, B.C.)
• Finalist: Royal Ottawa Golf Club (Gatineau, Que)

Grassroots Junior Program of the Year

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

Winner: Blomidon Golf and Country Club (Corner Brook, Newfoundland & Labrador)

Led by an extraordinary role model and junior golf leader in Wayne Allen, Blomidon offered a multitude of programs in 2022 for junior golfers ranging in age from 5 to 18 – including a girls club that features weekly instruction from women coaches. In addition to reserving tee times each day for juniors, Blomidon also executed a unique “close the course for a day” event that catered to junior golfers and their families.  

• Finalist: Hollinger Golf Club (Timmins, Ont.)
• Finalist: Gorge Vale Golf Club (Victoria, B.C.)

Tournament Host of the Year

Awarded to a facility that gives back to youth 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: Royal Regina Golf Club (Regina)

The Royal Regina Golf Club made a public pledge to increase its support for junior grassroots and competitive opportunities. It followed through on its commitment by stepping up to successfully host the Saskatchewan Junior Golf Championship. Its membership provided robust volunteer and financial support and created a memorable experience for contestants.

Youth on Course Program Location of the Year

Awarded to the facility that hosted the largest number of Youth on Course rounds in the calendar year.

Winner: Shaganappi Point Golf Course (Calgary)

Shaganappi Point, a municipal course in Calgary, led the country by hosting a total of 1,832 Youth on Course rounds in 2022. Youth on Course golfers paid $5 for their green fees – a price that was made possible by over $13,000 in green fee subsidies.  

First Tee Canada Program Location of the Year

Awarded to a First Tee Canada program location that demonstrates excellent enrollment in First Tee programming and makes a significant impact on growing participation among new juniors within its community.

Winner: Club de Golf Municipal Dallaire (Rouyn-Noranda, Que.)

Club de Golf Municipal Dallaire hosted 66 youth participants for in-depth and fun First Tee sessions during the inaugural season of First Tee – Québec in 2022. Club de Golf Municipal Dallaire also facilitated two field trips from local schools who were operating First Tee in their physical education classes.

Nomination and Selection process

From September 1 until October 31 of 2022, all individual members and facility members of Golf Canada were able to nominate facilities for each award category.

All nominations were reviewed and feedback about nominees was provided by members of the Golf Industry Advisory Council, Sport Committee, and Amateur Championships Committee. Final award selections were made by Golf Canada staff.

Nominations for the 2023 National Facility Awards for Junior Golf are expected to open in September.

(Golf Canada) – A trio of accomplished contributors and volunteers will be acknowledged for their tremendous efforts in and around the game as the 2023 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award.  

Long-time Golf Canada volunteers Catherine (Kay) Thompson of St. John’s, N.L. and Nick Marrone of Toronto, Ont. along with golf journalist and historian Joe McLean of Ottawa, Ont. will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to Canadian golf.

“Golf Canada is thrilled to recognize the long-time contributions of Nick Marrone and Kay Thompson, along with the written and historical work of Joe, and honour them as our 2023 Distinguished Service Award recipients,” said Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman. “The effort put forth by this year’s honourees have been incredibly impactful to golf in their communities as well as at the provincial and national level. They’ve all left an indelible mark on golf in Canada and with great respect we honour each of them for their passion for this great game.”  

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 2023 Distinguished Service Award honourees coincides with Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting, conducted virtually on Thursday, March 2 at 1:00pm EST.

The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to this year’s honourees will be celebrated in person at locations to be determined. 

Golf Canada 2023 Distinguished Service Award Honourees:

Nick Marrone (Volunteer)

Nick Marrone of Toronto, Ont., is a past member of the Golf Canada Board of Directors. His contributions to Golf Canada date back to the early 1990s when he was the sponsorship and marketing lead at Bell Canada when the company sponsored the Canadian Open. Marrone joined the Canadian Olympic Committee as its head of marketing in 2000 where he worked with National Sport Federations on their marketing campaigns. It was this experience that prompted Golf Canada to recruit Marrone to join its Governor’s Council in 2010 and later the Sport Committee. Marrone was also an experienced committee member, serving on or chairing numerous including Sport (2011-15), Communications (2013-17), Professional Championships (2013-17), Membership (2012-13), and HR (2014-15).

Marrone also supported Golf Ontario on several committees and was a three-year member of the Board of Directors with Golf Canada. He continues to serve Golf Canada today as a member of the Governor’s Council and Nominating Committee.

Catherine (Kay) Thompson (Volunteer)

Kay Thompson of St. John’s, N.L. has served on several Golf Canada committees and has been a nationally certified rules official and referee since 2003. Over two decades, Thompson has worked approximately 30 Golf Canada events – mostly in Atlantic Canada – as a rules official, rules chair, tournament chair, and starter/scorer. Although Thompson did not start playing golf until she was nearly 50, she immediately got involved with club and provincial boards along with learning the Rules of Golf. Thompson is a founding member of a pair of tournaments, formerly a co-author of a weekly golf rules column, and was the rules chair or referee for numerous championships in her home province. Thompson is a multi-year recipient of the Golf Newfoundland-Labrador Official of the Year and in 2017 was named the Golf NL Volunteer of the Year.

Joe McLean (Media)

Joe McLean, of Ottawa, Ont., was a near 30-year contributor to Flagstick Golf Magazine, supporting the coverage and storytelling of golf in the Ottawa Valley. He retired in 2022. McLean, 74, first began working with the Ottawa Valley Golf Association in 1983 and has been its historian and archivist since 2000. After spending 31 years as a public health inspector (he retired in 2001), McLean has given back to golf in Eastern Ontario and the Ottawa Valley in an unparalleled way. It took a top-secret effort – since McLean is the committee’s co-chair – but the Ottawa Valley Golf Hall of Fame named him as an inductee in 2022.

With more than five decades of commitment to golf in New Brunswick, Astle will be recognized during Golf Canada’s 2023 Annual General Meeting

(Golf Canada) – Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Judy Astle of New Brunswick has been named the 2022 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year.

“Golf Canada could not operate its tournaments, events, or initiatives without volunteers, and we are very proud to recognize Judy Astle for her deep and continued contribution to golf,” said Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman. “Judy has supported golf in New Brunswick in countless ways, all with a big smile on her face, and she has continued to have an impact on the advancement of the sport in New Brunswick and beyond.” 

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 17th 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.

JUDY ASTLE

Judy Astle has dedicated countless hours, days, and weeks of her time to serve a variety of positions within the Province of New Brunswick over the past 50 years.

She has been a volunteer rules official, board member with the New Brunswick Golf Association (and formerly the New Brunswick Ladies Golf Association), the director of junior development, and most recently, the president of Golf New Brunswick.

She has impacted the lives of thousands of people in New Brunswick and beyond as a teacher, coach, mentor, organizer, and official and executive member. Judy has also been a full-time paramedic since 1995 and while she’s juggled her teaching, coaching, family, and volunteer commitments she continues to balance all that with her Ambulance New Brunswick shifts. On top of that, she’s also a rules official for all provincial tournaments and Golf Canada and PGA of Canada national events.

Beyond Judy’s efforts at local, provincial, and national levels, plus her responsibilities as association president, paramedic, mother, and grandmother, Judy has a perfect attendance record at Golf NB events for over six years where she’s served as either a rules chair or official.

The Astle, N.B. resident helped guide Golf NB as its president through the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and shut-down of almost all events and activities plus the re-introduction of programs as golf was deemed a safe thing to participate in. During the final stages of her extended term as President of Golf NB, Judy launched ‘Golf Fore Everyone’ – the mantra behind the association’s new strategic plan for the next three years, along with a new brand identity. Beyond golf, Judy’s community contributions include a 37-year teaching career as well as nearly 25 years as a paramedic. A recipient of both the Order of New Brunswick and the Queen’s Platinum Jubiliee, Judy (along with her late husband) is most proud of their four children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. 

(February 28, 2023) – Golf Canada will host its 2023 Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 2 utilizing a virtual format as the National Sport Federation looks ahead to the 2023 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 pm EST and will include the release of the Association’s 2022 Annual Report & Financial Statements.

During the Annual Meeting, Golf Canada will introduce its 2023 Board of Directors including David McCarthy of Toronto as its 117^th President.

CEO Laurence Applebaum will also present Golf Canada’s new five-year Strategic Plan (2023-2027).

Golf Canada will also celebrate outstanding contributions to the game of golf including a presentation of the 2022 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award and the appointment of three new Honorary Life Governors. Golf Canada will also recognize its 2022 National Junior Facility Award winners and announce the 2023 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award.

Click here To watch a live stream of Golf Canada’s Annual Meeting

Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing more than 319,000 golfers and 1,435 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf.

Successful nominations will celebrate Samji and Beauchemin for demonstrating excellence in using golf as a platform to positively impact their communities.

(February 27, 2023) – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are pleased to announce that Fareen Samji of Burlington, Ont. and Bob Beauchemin of Brampton, Ont. have been named the inaugural winners of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award.

Following a national call for nominations to the Canadian golf community in 2022, Samji and Beauchemin were identified by the selection committee as co-recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Leader Award, celebrating a pair of individuals who demonstrated excellence in using golf as a platform to positively impact their communities.

“So many spirited and well-intentioned individuals use golf as a platform to contribute to their community and we are extremely proud to celebrate Fareen Samji and Bob Beauchemin as the inaugural recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award,” said Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman. “Both were nominated by their peers for their wonderful efforts to share the golf experience in their community and I am pleased to congratulate them on this much deserved honour.”

A 5-time Canadian Women’s Long Drive champion and former golf touring professional, Samji is a respected entrepreneur, speaker, and author who founded the Smashing the Grass Ceiling golf program to engage women and young girls to connect and be inspired on the golf course.

“It’s amazing to see the support from the community around creating access to golf and long drive,” said Samji. “I’m humbled to receive this award and will continue to forge ahead and work to help people use the sport to create meaningful relationships.”

Beauchemin, a PGA of Canada professional and Head Teaching Professional at Oakdale Golf and Country Club, was nominated for his efforts to advance junior golf including First Tee Canada, as well as his mentorship to countless golf industry professionals through the Humber College Professional Golf Management Program.   

“I am very humbled to receive this wonderful honour,” said Beauchemin. “Golf has been an integral part of my life for almost 60 years and has given me so much. If I have, in anyway, been responsible for passing on valuable knowledge or igniting a passion and love for the game of golf to the next generation, I feel it is a privilege.”

Samji and Beauchemin will each receive a $5,000 donation from the Golf Canada Foundation to advance a golf program or golf-related initiative of their choice.

Submissions for the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award were 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.  

Get to Know Fareen Samji….

A 5-time Canadian Women’s Long Drive champion and former golf touring professional, Fareen Samji is a respected entrepreneur, speaker, mentor and author who founded the Smashing the Grass Ceiling golf program to engage women and young girls to connect and be inspired on the golf course. The golf program features a series of events ranging from 9-hole tournaments to clinics and retreats all designed to take the “scary” out of golf. The junior component to the program—Smashing Girls—is designed to give girls without access to golf, aged 11-17 the opportunity to learn golf, meet successful women mentors and learn critical interpersonal skills. Samji is also the Tour Commissioner and coach for ALD Canada Long Drive and works actively to recruit and develop long drivers to represent Canada at international events.

Samji published her book, Smashing the Grass Ceiling in 2017 to empower, motivate and inspire professional women to make meaningful connections. Through the Smashing program she runs workshops and clinics to help professionals increase confidence and learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Born and raised in Mombasa, Kenya, the McMaster graduate is an entrepreneur who works in the field of event management, orthotics, orthopedic footwear, compression therapy and bracing.

Samji has been nominated for Citizen of the Year two times and is the winner of a Provincial Canada 150 award as well a recipient of the Leading Women Leading Change award. She is also the founder and creator of Pythons’ Pit, an entrepreneurial pitch contest for high school students that helps to foster innovation and creativity.

Get to Know Bob Beauchemin

A respected PGA of Canada Class A professional, Bob Beauchemin’s contributions to advance the sport of golf have impacted thousands of industry professionals and juniors over a distinguished career in the game. As Head Teaching Professional at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Beauchemin has been a driving force behind the club’s commitment to the First Tee Canada program designed to increase the accessibility of golf for youth in traditionally underrepresented communities. Beauchemin operated two First Tee Canada programs at Oakdale in 2022, providing community youth with no-cost access to experience the sport, using golf as a vehicle to have fun and build confidence.

Beauchemin has also taught more than 1,000 aspiring golf industry professionals over his career through the Humber College Professional Golf Management Program (1997-present) in addition to the development and execution of The Humber PGM Player Development Program (2000-present). He has inspired new generations of industry professionals to become passionate and trusted custodians of the game, providing education and mentorship on the rules, etiquette and proud history of the sport. Prior to the launch of First Tee Canada, Beauchemin taught the former Future Links junior golf program since its inception, supporting hundreds of aspiring junior golfers at Oakdale and from the surrounding community through camps, clinics and lessons. An accomplished former Touring Professional (1975-1986), Beauchemin competed on golf tours around the world including the PGA TOUR, Australian Tour, and the Asian Tour in addition to the former Canadian Tour (now PGA TOUR Canada) with which he later served eight years as Commissioner and CEO (1985-1993). He was honoured by PGA TOUR Canada as a Life Member in 2007 for contributions to the advancement of the Tour and its players.

The Lorie Kane Community Leader Award celebrates individuals over the age of 19 with a demonstrated ability to lead community initiatives; who have contributed a measurable impact through volunteerism or charity; or have showcased excellence in their involvement with, or support of youth programs such as First Tee – Canada or other junior golf activities.

Launched in the summer of 2022, the recognition was renamed the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards (both the Community Leader Award as well as the Junior Leader Award) as a tribute to the Canadian golf legend’s contributions to advance the sport and charitable initiatives both on and off the golf course.

A call for nominations for the 2023 Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards will go out later this year.

Former Right to Play Chief People Officer to lead Golf Canada’s People & Culture functions in addition to core activities that support the organization’s commitment to DEI & Safe Sport

Golf Canada announced that experienced people and culture executive Niki da Silva has joined the organization as its new Chief People Officer, beginning January 23, 2023.

Da Silva joins the Executive Team of the National Sport Federation after a successful five-year chapter with Right to Play International in Toronto, most recently serving as their Chief People Officer, Global.

In the newly created role, da Silva will collaborate with the Executive Team, Board of Directors, staff, and national volunteer network to lead all people operations strategy, programs and functions including employment practices, recruitment, talent management, performance management, compliance, administration, training, benefits and compensation, and health and safety.

As CPO, da Silva will also work closely with Golf Canada’s Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Safe Sport to advance the organization-wide commitment to DEI and Safe Sport. Da Silva will also have oversight for all staff and HR functions for Golf Canada, the Golf Canada Foundation and First Tee Canada.

“Niki is going to be an amazing partner and resource for every area and department of Golf Canada’s operations. Her infectious enthusiasm and energy will drive a world-class people function for our organization,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Niki is an exceptional leader in global sport and will bring tremendous experience and leadership developed at Right to Play and previous executive roles.”

Da Silva is enthusiastic about reimagining the future of work, inspired by the challenge of developing high-performing organizations and energized by building a world-class employee experience.

“I am thrilled to be joining Golf Canada, supporting our people and the critical work happening across the organization to advance our vision to be a world leader in golf,” said da Silva. “Throughout my career, I have had a first-hand view of the transformative power of sport and I look forward to helping grow the game and make it accessible for even more Canadians.”

As a member of the global executive team at Right to Play, da Silva’s responsibilities included developing the vision for a five-year strategic plan and driving two organizational redesigns that aligned talent and strategic operation from two regional offices to one global office. The Toronto resident led a transformation and scaling of the People and Culture function including talent acquisition and performance management along with learning and talent development programs. During da Silva’s tenure, Right to Play was recognized as “Top for Culture and Values” by Glassdoor and received its first-ever Global Staff Award nomination for “Team of the Year” and three consecutive years of “Great Place to Work” Certifications™.

Da Silva earned a Masters Business Administration with the Rotman School of Management     and BA, Honours Business Administration with the Ivey School of Business. Da Silva is also a Certified Leadership Coach with the Third Factor 3×4 Program and is in progress to become a Certified Human Resource Executive (CHRE) with the Human Resource Professional Association.

Married with two children, da Silva has also contributed to several community groups including the Islington Rangers Soccer Club, Brampton Minor Lacrosse Association, and Toronto Ski Club in addition to past Board positions with Sunnylea Childcare Centre and the YWCA.

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.”

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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

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.