Golf Canada values its members and we’d love for you to take advantage of exclusive member savings for all your home and auto insurance needs.

Licensed RBC Insurance® advisors are available to offer you personalized insurance advice and explain your coverage options to you. 

Member benefits designed with you in mind.

• Customized, easy-to-understand coverage 
• Dedicated Advice Centre support, in addition to local RBC Insurance stores 
• 24/7 claims service
• Quick and simple claims process, with digital notifications on your claim’s status 
• Lifetime guarantee on all covered home and auto repairs completed by a preferred vendor 
• No interest or service charges 
• Convenient self-serve options to view coverage and update payment preferences 
• Additional saving opportunities 
• Claims Service Satisfaction Guarantee

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Call 1-800-769-2529 and ask for your group plan rate

Visit your exclusive group member site to learn more about how we can help protect you:

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Please see your policy for all terms and conditions. Home and Auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, RBC Insurance does not offer auto insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

Service provided by Aviva General Insurance Company. Clients may call 1-888-885-5915 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, ET). Service not available in Quebec. Quebec residents may call 1-888-563-7119 for questions about their policy and coverages.

Golf Canada and STALK&BARREL Handcrafted Canadian Whisky announced today a multi-year partnership that will see STALK&BARREL become the official Canadian Whisky Partner for Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.

Through its partnership position which runs through 2025, STALK&BARREL Handcrafted Canadian Whisky will be poured exclusively at the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open hospitality and concession locations with fan activations planned at the Recipe Unlimited Fare Way food and beverage experience onsite at both championships.

“Welcoming a premium, locally crafted whisky to our corporate hospitality and concessions offering will further enhance the festival experience of our National Open Championships and we are pleased to introduce STALK&BARREL as our Official Canadian Whisky for the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open,” said John Sibley, Chief Commercial Officer of Golf Canada.

STALK&BARREL is a handcrafted Canadian Whisky, made locally at a craft distillery in Ontario with a true ‘grain to glass’ commitment.  It’s a small batch, single malt that is 100% Canadian owned and operated and aspires to inspire new traditions among Canadians. 

“The STALK&BARREL team is ecstatic to be aligned with a great Canadian institution like Golf Canada.  We’re proud to affiliate ourselves with an organization that embodies the same Canadian spirit and values as ours and Golf Canada was the clear choice. We look forward to working together with them through their partner clubs, members, and marquee events for 2022 and beyond.” said Steven Ciccolini, President, CIVC.

The 2022 RBC Canadian Open will be held June 6-12 at St. George’s Golf & Country Club in Toronto, Ont. with nearby Islington Golf serving as the official practice facility. The 2022 CP Women’s Open will be contested August 22-28 at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont.  

Golf Canada announced today that Salimah Mussani has been promoted from Assistant Coach and named as Women’s Head Coach for Team Canada. Mussani will oversee the development of Canada’s top female amateur and professional golfers with the objective of increasing the number of Canadian players on the LPGA Tour.

“I am extremely honoured and grateful to have this opportunity to lead our women’s program into this next phase,” said Mussani. “Having the opportunity to help our country’s top female golfers achieve their dreams and succeed is a blessing. “I am looking forward to working together with everyone who is involved in the development of our players on their journey to the LPGA Tour.”

Mussani assumes the Women’s Head Coach position after serving as Assistant Coach under Tristan Mullally, who transitioned into the role of National Talent Identification Director as part of Golf Canada’s enhancement to its player development program.

A two-time Ontario Junior champion and two-time Canadian Junior champion, Mussani brings a wealth of competitive experience having been a key member of a NCAA runner-up golf team at Stanford University before competing as a professional on the Epson and LPGA Tours, as well as the (former) Canadian Women’s Tour. Mussani is a former PGA of Canada Women’s champion and winner on the Epson Tour and (former) Canadian Women’s Tour. Mussani has held assistant coaching roles with Stanford University, University of British Columbia, and Team Canada. Originally from Burlington, Ont., Mussani is a PGA of Canada class “A” professional  who now resides in Vancouver.

Jennifer Greggain of Chilliwack, B.C. joins Mussani on the coaching staff of Team Canada as a full-time Associate Coach, transitioning from her current role as Assistant Coach for the National Junior Squad. A former LPGA Tour player with 22 years of professional golf experience, Greggain previously served as a Provincial Coach for British Columbia Golf and as the Assistant Coach for Team Canada.

“I am incredibly excited to work alongside Salimah as we lead our women’s program into the future. We are both very passionate about Canadian women’s golf and feel well-prepared to help Canada pursue its player development goals,” said Greggain.

Mussani and Greggain will support an expanded women’s roster of Team Canada athletes that includes eight players on the Amateur Squad as well as five players on the Young Pro Squad. 

“We are excited about the leadership that Salimah and Jennifer will provide for our women’s program. In addition to enhancing the performance of Canada’s best amateur and professional players, they will create a supportive and communicative culture that prioritizes overall wellbeing for our Canadian women during their journeys to the LPGA tour,” said Golf Canada High Performance Manager Emily Phoenix.

Golf Canada’s High-Performance program builds on the support that Canadian athletes have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations. In addition to Golf Canada Foundation and the generosity from the major donor Trustee program, Golf Canada’s High-Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly supported by RBC, Canadian Pacific, Audi, Titleist, FootJoy, COBRA PUMA GOLF, Foresight Sports, Heritage Canada, Bear Mountain Resort, Citi Canada (Young Pro) and the Canadian Olympic Committee. 

Golf Canada is proud to announce a new partnership with Johnsonville that will see the company become the Official Sausage Partner of Golf Canada and its two signature events – the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.

The partnership positions Johnsonville as the exclusive supplier of sausage products – including their signature bratwurst – at Canada’s National Open Golf Championships beginning in 2022.

Spectators at the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open will also enjoy sampling new and sensational flavours from one of North America’s leading sausage brands at the Johnsonville Trailer within the Recipe Unlimited Fare Way food and beverage experience.

“We are very pleased to welcome Johnsonville’s globally renowned products as the Official Sausage Partner of the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open,” said John Sibley, Chief Commercial Officer of Golf Canada. “Golf fans will be treated to a premium food and sampling experience, and we look forward to this partnership enhancing the summer-fun festival vibe across our two flagship properties.”

Johnsonville has remained committed to excellence since its inception in 1945. For the 77-year-old organization, partnering with the National Sport Federation is an opportunity to showcase their signature products to an engaged golf audience at two of Canada’s premier sporting events.

“Our brand has always been one to bring family and friends together around good food and good times – at backyard barbeques and sporting events of all kind. We’re proud to bring golf fans our delicious Johnsonville bratwurst at Golf Canada events and serve as the official sausage of the CP Women’s Open and RBC Canadian Open” said Brad Martin, Managing Director of Johnsonville Canada.

The 2022 RBC Canadian Open will be held June 6-12 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 will be contested August 22-28 at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont.

Golf Canada’s 2022 Annual Meeting culminated on Thursday, March 3^rd with the election of Liz Hoffman of Wasaga Beach, Ont. to serve a second term as the 116^th President of the National Sport Federation.

Hoffman, a member of both Mad River Golf Club in Creemore, Ont. as well as The Thornhill Club in Vaughn, Ont. is joined by Vice-President Dale Jackson of Victoria, B.C. in leading the 13-member Board of Directors who will work closely with Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. 

Based on the report of Golf Canada’s Nominating Committee, Hoffman and Jackson will be joined on the 2022 Board of Directors by returnees Alison Chisholm of Rothesay, N.B., Adam Daifallah of Montreal, Que., Diane Drury-Clarke of Montreal, Que., Shawn Evans of Kitchener, Ont., Patrick Kelly of Victoria, B.C., Susan MacKinnon of Calgary, Alta., Peter Major of Calgary, Alta., David McCarthy of Toronto, Ont., Jean-Sébastien  Monty of Montreal, Que., and Rai Sahi of Mississauga, Ont., along with new addition Michelle Collens of Vancouver, B.C. 

“In 2021, the organization and our sport continued to grow with pace and 2022 is going to be another special year. Our National Open Championships are back, Canadian high-performance golf is accelerating, First Tee – Canada will continue to roll out across Canada, industry collaboration with our provincial and national partners has never been stronger, and most importantly, people are enjoying the game and everything it has to offer.”   

Long time Golf Canada volunteers Barbara Allan of Kingston, Ont. and Jim Clark of Aurora, Ont. were recognized at the Annual Meeting for their contributions to the association as Honorary Life Governors. Golf Canada’s 2022 Annual Meeting was conducted virtually over two days, March 2-3 with volunteers, staff, member clubs, and key industry stakeholders participating.

2021 Annual Report & Financial Statements

Click here to read Golf Canada’s 2021 Annual Report, which includes a recap of the past season, as well as the organization’s 2021 Financial Statements, which were released during Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting.

Feature Presentations

Golf Canada’s 2022 Outlook & Operational Plan – presented by Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum

Keynote Address: Fireside Chat with International Golf Federation President & World Golf Hall of Fame Member, Annika Sörenstam – hosted by Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman

Canadian Golf High-Performance Strategy – presented by Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer Kevin Blue

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Safe Sport – Introduced by Golf Canada Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Safe Sport, Laura Wilson

Ken Casey and David Atkinson named co-recipients of the 2021 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year… 

In the continued celebration of volunteerism, Golf Canada also recognized Ken Casey of St. John’s, N.L. and David Atkinson, formerly of Vancouver, B.C. and now Goderich, Ont. as the 2021 co-recipients of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award. Now in its 16^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 Ruth & Ian Giles along Golf Journalist Garry McKay to Receive Golf Canada’s 2022 Distinguished Service Award…

Golf Canada announced that three accomplished golf contributors from Hamilton, Ont. – tireless volunteers Ruth and Ian Giles along with esteemed golf journalist Garry McKay – will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to the sport as the 2022 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award. The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award will be celebrated in person during the week of the 108^th playing of the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, July 19-22 at Westmount Golf and Country Club in Kitchener, Ont.  Click here for more.

Three accomplished golf contributors from Hamilton, Ont. – tireless volunteers Ruth and Ian Giles along with esteemed golf journalist Garry McKay – will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to the sport as the 2022 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award.

The announcement of the 2022 Distinguished Service Award honourees will be made during Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting which will be conducted virtually on Thursday, March 3. 

“Golf Canada is extremely proud to recognize two long-serving volunteers in Ruth and Ian Giles along with respected golf journalist Garry McKay as the recipients of our 2022 Distinguished Service Award,” said Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman.

“Each of their collective efforts has left a meaningful mark on the Canadian golf landscape and it is with great respect and admiration that we honour each of them for their passion and commitment to our sport.”

The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to this year’s honourees will be celebrated in person during the week of the 108^th playing of the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, July 19-22 at Westmount Golf and Country Club in Kitchener, Ont. 

Golf Canada 2022 Distinguished Service Award Honourees:

Ruth & Ian Giles (Volunteer)

The Giles’ pairing are long tenured golf volunteers who have shared their time and passion for the game with both Golf Ontario and Golf Canada, serving on numerous committees at the operational and executive level. Over the past four decades, the Hamilton residents have supported hundreds of local, provincial, national, international, and professional championships as duty roster volunteers in a rules or starting and scoring capacity.

Ruth was previously honoured with the 2007 Golf Ontario Volunteer of the Year, the 2007 Bruce Mitchell Golf Canada Volunteer of the Year, and the Golf Ontario 2011 Dick Grimm Distinguished Volunteer of the Year. She also supported Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board middle school golf tournament over the years. 

Ian served as the President of the Ontario Golf Association (OGA) in 2001 and in 2002 helped lead the association’s amalgamation with the Ontario Ladies Golf Association – today Golf Ontario. Before becoming President, he spent six years as a Golf Ontario Director chairing numerous committees including the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame committee in 2007 and 2008. A Level 3 rules official and past governor with Golf Canada (2003-2012), Ian has given his time to numerous Golf Canada volunteer committees including the Governors Council and has also served on a number Golf Ontario Volunteer committees. In 2014, Golf Ontario named Ian the recipient of the Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award. 

The Giles’ have been long-time contributors to the Hamilton Halton Junior Golf Tour—Ruth has served since 1999 in a variety of roles including past President (2002-03), secretary and a board member. Ian served as President from 1996-98 and has also contributed over the years as a board member and rules official. The selection of Ruth and Ian Giles marks the first time that a family duo has been selected for Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award.

Garry McKay (Media)

A past President and founding director of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC), McKay is a respected sports journalist who has covered golf for more than 43 years. He first reported on the RBC Canadian Open in 1968 for CKOC radio and is highly respected as the longtime golf reporter for the Hamilton Spectator where he has covered all aspects of the sport from local golf to the professional game. McKay has also contributed to a multitude of Canadian and international publications during his tenure including Pro Shop, SCOREGolf, Ontario Golf and Golf Canada Magazine.

A decorated journalist across a number of sports, he has garnered a number of achievements including a SCOREGolf Award. McKay has served on the selection committees for the World Golf Hall of Fame, PGA of Canada Hall of Fame, Ontario Golf Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and has also volunteered his time with the Stanley Thomson Society and Golf Canada’s Heritage Committee. McKay is also a founding director, current board member, and treasurer of the Golden Horseshoe Athlete of the Year Award as well as a founding director and current chair of the Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame. He is also a founding director of the Hamilton Halton Junior Golf Tour (1984), an organization he continues to serve on the board of directors and as a volunteer at the registration table, as a rules official, and at the scoreboard. 

McKay was recognized by Golf Ontario with the 2015 Lorne Rubenstein Media Award and in 2021 was honoured by his GJAC peers with the Dick Grimm Award.

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. 

In addition to the 2022 Distinguished Service Award, Golf Canada will also celebrate Ken Casey of St. John’s, N.L. and David Atkinson, formerly Vancouver, B.C. and now Goderich, Ont. as co-recipients of the 2021 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year.

Another pair of distinguished Golf Canada volunteers – Barbara Allan of Kingston, Ont. and Jim Clark of Aurora, Ont.– will be named Honorary Life Governors for their long serving contributions to the organization. 

Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting will culminate with Liz Hoffman of Wasaga Beach, Ont., a member of both Mad River Golf Club and The Thornhill Club sworn in to serve a second term as President of Golf Canada. 

Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Ken Casey of St. John’s, N.L. and David Atkinson, formerly of Vancouver, B.C. and now Goderich, Ont. have been named the 2021 co-recipients of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award. A presentation of the award will take place on Thursday, March 3^rd as part of Golf Canada’s Virtual Annual Meeting.

“Volunteers are integral to the success of golf in this country and on behalf of Golf Canada and all of the provincial golf associations, we are very proud to recognize Ken Casey and David Atkinson for their deep contributions to the advance the game,” said Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman. “They have supported golf in Newfoundland and British Columbia as well as at the national level and have had a major impact on the advancement of the sport in their communities.”

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 16^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.

Get to Know – Ken Casey (Golf Newfoundland & Labrador)

Golf Newfoundland & Labrador is extremely proud of their long-time friend, Ken Casey.

At 12 years old, he took up the game at Bally Haly Golf Club in St. John’s, N.L. and has enjoyed it for a lifetime. Ken began to volunteer at Bally Haly in the late 1980s where he was elected to serve on the golf committee and several years later was named Golf Captain. In 1990, Ken assembled a group of volunteers to organize the Bally Haly Men’s Invitational (one of the largest in the province) which 30 plus years later continues to draw golfers from all across the province.

In 1994 Ken became President of what was then the Newfoundland Labrador Golf Association (NLGA) and had served the organization across a number of activities and committees over the years. A decade later, he was approached to serve on the Board of Directors of newly formed Golf Newfoundland Labrador ( Golf NL) as Treasurer and after a two-year term, accepted the nomination to serve as President where he spent four years helping to direct the growth and development of the organization.

Ken’s contributions have been felt across the entire organization including the development of a new membership model that provided financial stability. He has also been a champion for new policies to address safe sport, enhancements to the player development program and ensuring that funds were allocated to develop a three-year marketing plan for the organization.

Ken also guided the creation of the Go Golf Booklet initiative and has supported fundraising activities including the development of a junior golf scholarship program.   

Get to Know – David Atkinson (British Columbia Golf)

Although he now lives in Ontario, David Atkinson’s support for the game in British Columbia and nationally has been outstanding.

A constant presence at golf championships in British Columbia, David volunteered as a starter and scorer at a multitude of zone, provincial and national championships as well as the Vancouver Golf Tour. David also has the great honour of serving as the non-playing captain of three Lamley Cup teams.

Administratively, he served seven years on the Board of Directors with of BC Golf including three years as President and three more as Past President. His contributions to the organization were felt across a number of committees including Human Resources, Finance and Governance, and he played an important role helping BC Golf to diversify its Board.

David also plugged in to support the Pacific Coast Golf Association, serving eight years as a Trustee and two years as President in addition to his work at four of the association’s championships.

With Golf Canada, in addition to joining the duty roster at various championships, he served three  years on the Board of Directors and has been an active member of the Governors Council where he participated on and chaired several committees. David has also been active contributor with the Golf Canada Foundation as a member of the Grants and Scholarship Committee.

Golf Canada announced today that sports marketing executive Lisa Ferkul has joined the organization as its new Chief Marketing Officer, beginning March 21, 2022. 

Ferkul joins the Executive Team of the National Sport Federation after serving more than ten years with Scotiabank, most recently in the role of Director & Head, Canadian Sponsorship Marketing. Her portfolio of responsibilities included all brand, creative, strategic development, digital and social media as well as relationship management for the Bank’s sponsorship marketing portfolio in Canada inclusive of two verticals: Hockey and Arts & Culture.

“Lisa is a dynamic and accomplished sports executive who will take on an instrumental role in the advancement of Golf Canada’s sport programs and commercial properties as well as our signature golf championships,” said Golf Canada CEO, Laurence Applebaum. “Lisa brings exceptional energy and a depth of leadership that will play a critical role in the continued development and execution of Golf Canada’s integrated marketing, communications, digital strategy.”

“I am beyond excited to be joining the incredibly talented team at Golf Canada at a time when golf is thriving across the country,” said Ferkul. “As a passionate golfer and sports marketer, I look forward to contributing to the growth and development of the sport and will work tirelessly to continue driving that momentum.”

The Toronto resident was also a leader in the development of Scotiabank’s diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy in hockey (hockey for all), extensive growth of the bank’s community hockey programming, and was a key member of the deal team that negotiated the landmark $800MM MLSE partnership expansion including Scotiabank Arena naming rights as well as official bank status of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors.

In 2017, Ferkul was named among the 5 to Watch – Canada’s Sport Business Awards, an annual recognition of five of the most influential and accomplished Canadians under the age of 40 in the business of sport.

A depth of professional association and volunteer experience, Lisa has contributed to a number of organizations including the BlackNorth Initiative; the Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada; and the Toronto chapter of Women in Sport & Events (WISE).

Ferkul is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario (Honours BA, Kinesiology) and earned a Public Relations Post-Graduate Certificate from the Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.

Golf Canada will host its 2022 Annual Meeting this week (March 2-3) utilizing a virtual format as the National Sport Federation looks ahead to the 2022 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 opening day session of the Annual Meeting on Wednesday, March 2^nd runs from 1-3 p.m. with feature presentations that include:

• Golf Canada’s 2022 Outlook & Operational Plan – presented by Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum

• Keynote Address: Fireside Chat with International Golf Federation President & World Golf Hall of Fame Member, Annika Sörenstam – hosted by Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman

• Canadian Golf High-Performance Strategy – presented by Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer Kevin Blue

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Safe Sport – Introduced by Golf Canada Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Safe Sport, Laura Wilson

The event continues on Thursday, March 3^rd with the association’s virtual Annual General Meeting beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET which will include the release of the 2021 Annual Report & Financial Statements.

Golf Canada will also introduce its 2022 Board of Directors including the re-election of Liz Hoffman of Wasaga Beach, Ont., a member of both Mad River Golf Club and The Thornhill Club, to serve a second term as the association’s President.

In addition, Golf Canada will celebrate outstanding contributions to the game of golf including a presentation of the 2021 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award to co-recipients Ken Casey of St. John’s, N.L. and David Atkinson, formerly of Vancouver, B.C. and now Goderich, Ont.

Golf Canada will also announce the 2022 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award. The honourees will be celebrated in person later this summer during the week of the 108^th playing of the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, July 19-22 at Westmount Golf & Country Club in Kitchener, Ont. 

To watch a live stream of Golf Canada’s Annual Meeting, click the links below:

Day 1 – Annual Meeting Presentations on Wednesday, March 2 (1-3 p.m. ET)

Day 2 – Golf Canada Annual General Meeting on Thursday, March 3 (1:00 p.m. ET)

Golf continues to provide a record number of Canadians safe refuge during the COVID-19 global pandemic as a proven activity that benefits physical and mental health. 

As we look ahead to 2022, there is comfort in knowing golf can continue to be a haven for safe gathering and fitness – for all. 

And beyond just the ability to continue to play the game, the world of golf has given Canadians much to be excited about as we look ahead to a new year! 

Here are nine things Canadians should be excited about in 2022: 

BROOKE’S BACK AT THE CP WOMEN’S OPEN

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, planning for the 2022 CP Women’s Open is full-steam ahead. Hosted by Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, it’s the first time our national open will be in our nation’s capital since 2017. That year Brooke Henderson made the cut on the number and proceeded to fire a course-record 63 on Saturday to zip up the leaderboard. Henderson would, of course, go on to win the CP Women’s Open in 2018 and end up in the final group on Sunday in 2019. Tickets are on sale now for Ottawa’s event and it’s a fabulous opportunity to see some of the best golfers in the world tee it up – including our home-grown hero. 

RBC CANADIAN OPEN WELCOMES THE GAME’S TOP STARS

Like the CP Women’s Open, plans for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open are well underway as the excitement for the return of Canada’s lone PGA TOUR stop is at an all-time high. Hosted by St. George’s Golf and Country Club and Islington Golf Club’s practice facility, signs are pointing to this event – last won by Rory McIlroy in Hamilton in 2019 – being a very special one. There is set to be a ton of fabulous new activations for Canadian golf fans and there’s nothing quite like seeing our guys, like the top-ranked male Corey Conners, tee it up in person. Get your tickets here.

PRESIDENTS CUP HOPEFULS

Speaking of Corey Conners! Both he and childhood friend – and long-time Golf Canada National Team member – Mackenzie Hughes are in the conversation to be part of the International Presidents Cup team at Quail Hollow come September. Mike Weir is back as an Assistant Captain, and if Hughes and Conners both make the team it will be the first time in history with multiple Canadians on the squad. 

NEW YEAR, NEW GEAR

We say it often enough, but the top brands in golf continue to put out amazing gear to help you look, feel, and play better year after year. The Titleist Pro V1 (and Pro V1x) continue to be the No.1 ball in golf, while Puma and Levelwear are set to make clothing drops that are fit for the fairways or streamlined for the streets. Look in your bag or your closet to see what might need replaced in the new year and you won’t be disappointed at what’s on offer now, or what’s to come. 

FIRST TEE LAUNCHES IN CANADA

In concert with the PGA of Canada, Golf Canada was thrilled to put in motion the launch of the First Tee – Canada in 2021, with a targeted growth strategy for next year and beyond. The commitment from golf’s key stakeholders in Canada will allow for the next generation of divot-diggers to be able to thrive in any environment. With a big thanks to the Golf Canada Foundation and some key donations through this year, it’s an exciting time to be a youngster involved in golf in this country. 

ROAD TRIP! 

If the last two golf seasons have shown anything to Canadians, it’s that we have a lot of darn good golf courses in this country. Whether you’re looking for a hidden gem somewhere in Saskatoon, keen to combine golf and wine in Niagara, ready to heed the call of the mountains in Canmore Kananaskis, hot for history in Quebec City, or finally ready to check that bucket-list item off your list at Cabot Cape Breton, there’s no better time that grabbing some friends and safely hitting the road, or the skies, to explore what kind of great golf is on offer in this country. Find your course here.

CLUB COMPETITIONS

Perhaps the last two years have been restrictive in terms of who can play and when, but with more safety measures installed at clubs across Canada it’s likely you might have the opportunity to get those competitive juices flowing once again. Maybe you want to test your mettle at your club, or tee it up at a provincial tournament? Or maybe you can finally bring your friend to your place for a thrilling member-guest experience? Whatever the event may be, we’ve got our fingers-crossed that there will be more opportunities in 2022. 

GOLF’S GROWING POPULARITY

Whether there was play at a local muni, a nine-hole layout, or a championship 18-hole track, 2021 saw more Canadians teeing it up than ever before – this after a record-setting year in 2020. As Golf Canada continues its commitment to inclusion at all levels, don’t be surprised to see more people from all backgrounds enjoying the game more in 2022. A safe space means more enjoyment for all. 

ALWAYS TRYING TO GET BETTER

Even Tiger Woods, the greatest modern player in history, is trying to chase improvements on the course. While Woods’ return – of which we saw a tease of in December – is something itself to look forward to in 2022, take a page out of Woods’ book and keep working on your own game. The opportunity to improve (be sure to speak with a PGA of Canada professional!) is something that makes golf a game for a lifetime, and a new year means more time to try to shave a few strokes. Trying to get just a little bit better next year is something that carries many Canadians through wintertime. To keep detailed stats on your game, give Golf Canada’s free mobile app a try.