Inside Golf House

Golf Canada announces winners of the 2024 National Facility Awards for Junior Golf presented by Humi

National Facility Awards x Humi Lockup Logo

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

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

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

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

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

The 2024 winners and finalists are as follows:

Youth on Course Location of the Year

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

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

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

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

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

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

WINNER: Innisfail Golf Club (Innisfail, Alta.)

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

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

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

First Tee – Canada Program of the Year

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

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

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

Finalist: Wildwood Golf Club (Saskatoon, Sask.)

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

Grassroots Program of the Year

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

WINNER: NINE Golf Academy (Belleville, Ont.)

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

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

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

Junior Golf Opportunity Award

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

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

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

Finalist: Dufferin Heights (Stanstead, Que.)

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

Competitive Junior Program of the Year

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inside Golf House

Golf Canada Annual General Meeting concludes with Adam Daifallah elected as new President

Adam Daifallah - 118th President

2024 Annual Report & Financial Statements are now available

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2025 Annual General Meeting Recording

Inside Golf House

David McCarthy, Diane Barabé, Robert Laing and the late Teri Yamada appointed Honorary Life Governors by Golf Canada

Honorary Life Governors

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

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

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

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

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

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

David McCarthy – Toronto, Ont.

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

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

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

Diane Barabé – Granby, Que.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teri Yamada – Collingwood, Ontario (posthumously):

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

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

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

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

Inside Golf House

Golf Canada to recognize volunteers Lee Griffin, Jack McDonald, Jean Stone-Séguin and retired PGA of Canada professional Muncie Booth with its 2025 Distinguished Service Award

2025 DSA Winners

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Golf Canada 2025 Distinguished Service Award Honourees:

Lee Griffin (Volunteer) – Cambridge, Ont.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inside Golf House

Tom Forestell named the recipient of the 2024 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award by Golf Canada

2024 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tom Forestell

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

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

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

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

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

Inside Golf House

Golf Canada set to host its 2025 Annual General Meeting

2025 AGM Advancer

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

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

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

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

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

Heritage Inside Golf House

Susan Wright-Cassan and Carly Crooks named 2024 recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards

2024 Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award winners

Wright-Cassan wins Community Leader Award; Crooks wins
Future Leader Award following submission of nominations
from the Canadian golf community

Duo will be honoured during the RBC Hall of Fame Day in August at the CPKC Women’s Open

Oakville, ON – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are pleased to announce that Susan Wright-Cassan of Thunder Bay, Ont. and Carly Crooks of Scarborough, Ont. have been named the 2024 recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards.

Following a national call for nominations to the Canadian golf community, Wright-Cassan and Crooks were identified by the selection committee as recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards. The recognition celebrates a pair of individuals who demonstrated excellence in using golf as a platform to positively impact their communities.

“On behalf of Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation, we are very proud to recognize Susan Wright-Cassan and Carly Crooks as our 2024 Lorie Kane Community Spirt Award recipients,” said David McCarthy, President, Golf Canada. “Nominations were brought forth from across the country highlighting the many contributions of passionate individuals who willingly give their time to inspire others through the game of golf. Congratulations to Susan and to Carly for this deserved honour and we thank them for their continued contributions to the sport in their communities.”

Wright-Cassan has been named the recipient of the 2024 Lorie Kane Community Leader Award, having made a significant impact in her community where she has been volunteering for over 20 years. Wright-Cassan currently serves as the President of Golf Manitoba and is a member of the Emerald Greens Golf Course and Driving Range in Thunder Bay, Ont. Wright-Cassan earned her community coaching certificate from First Tee and has been teaching junior golf and supporting the introductory First Tee – Canada program in Thunder Bay. Among her many contributions to the game, she has organized a variety of programming including “Golf in Schools” for over 1000 students, “Summer Camps for Kids”, the “Thunder Bay Queens”, “Try Golf Day” held in conjunction with the Thunder Bay Multi-Cultural Association and the Superior North Ladies Golf Association which has an outreach of 800 kms. Last year, Golf Manitoba presented Wright-Cassan with her 20-year volunteer certificate in recognition of her involvement with course rating in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.

“I want to thank those that have supported me in my golf endeavors. I am honoured to be the recipient of the 2024 Lori Kane Community Leader Award. I must thank the people with the First Tee Program and Golf in School, those that I’ve met teaching at the junior and adult levels, playing at club and competitive levels and especially to those that without thinking of it, have encouraged myself and others,” said Susan Wright-Cassan. “This is a game that I love both to play and share my passion. It is a game for all ages, juniors through senior. The social aspects at all ages, the discipline, self-imposed applications of the rules, health benefits, friendships developed and maintained over the years, and other countless benefits are a few of the reasons that I and many others are involved with the game. The Lorie Kane Community Leader Award will fuel me to carry on with the programs I’m involved with.”

Crooks has been named the recipient of the 2024 Lorie Kane Future Leader Award. The 21-year-old has dedicated her summers to coaching with First Tee – Canada, both in her community and across Ontario. After completing training as a First Tee – Canada coach in 2023, Crooks has coached in First Tee – Canada programming at the RBC Canadian Open, Golf Ontario’s Indigenous Try it Day, All-Girls First Tee along with programming at Tam O’Shanter Golf Course in Scarborough, Ont.

“Winning this award is so exciting, and I couldn’t have done it without the amazing people in my corner,” said Carly Crooks. “Shout out to my coach, Sean Burke, for always pushing me to be better, and to my parents for their endless support. My twin sister has been with me through everything, and I’m especially grateful to the First Tee – Ontario team for getting me involved.”

Wright-Cassan will receive a $5,000 donation from the Golf Canada Foundation to advance a golf program or golf-related initiative of her choice. Crooks will receive a $5,000 donation towards her post-secondary education. Wright-Cassan and Crooks will be honoured during the RBC Hall of Fame Day in August during the CPKC Women’s Open at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont.

Submissions for the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards 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.  

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.

The Lorie Kane Future Leader Award honours a young individual 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 Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards were named to honour the Canadian golf icon for a longstanding commitment to advancing the sport, charitable work and giving back to the game that defined her Hall of Fame career. Kane is a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Canada Sports Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Order of Canada.

A call for nominations for the 2025 Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards will go out later this year.

Inside Golf House PGA of Canada

Applications Open for the 2025 Women in Coaching Program

Glencoe
Highlights from Golf Canada’s Women’s Try Golf Event at the Wingfield Golf Club in Calgary, AB on June 14, 2023. (Photo: Dave Holland/Golf Canada).

Are you ready to take your coaching career to the next level? The PGA of Canada and Golf Canada are thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Women in Coaching Program—and this year marks the program’s fifth anniversary!

This groundbreaking initiative is dedicated to increasing the representation of female high-performance coaches, reflecting the diversity of the Canadian golfing community. Since its launch, the program has empowered 32 coaches, and we’re eager to support even more in 2025!

Participants in this year-long program will benefit from:

  • Virtual learning sessions tailored to your growth.
  • Individualized learning plans with expert guidance from Master Coach Developer Beth Barz.
  • Coach shadowing opportunities with top-tier professionals including Golf Canada national team coaches Salimah Mussani and Jennifer Greggain
  • An in-person technical development session designed to elevate your skills.

Thanks to the generous support of the Jocelyn Bourassa Legacy Fund (JBLF), this program is shaping the future of women in golf, creating strong leaders and role models who inspire the next generation. To learn more about how the JBLF is positively impacting women’s golf or to make a contribution to the fund, please click here.

Hear from past participants:

The Women in Coaching Program has significantly boosted both my confidence and hands-on experience as a coach. Through specialized coaching education, leadership training, and personalized mentorship, I’ve been able to refine my skills, gain valuable insights from other experienced Canadian women coaches, and built a stronger belief in my abilities as a coach. I now feel equipped to take on greater responsibilities, advocate for change, and pave the way for future generations of women in coaching. – Kristi Roach, 2024 program participant

“The Women in Coaching Program has accelerated the development of my coaching skills by providing valuable knowledge and offering high-level coaching experiences.  Thanks to the incredible support I received from Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada, Team Canada coaches and the women’s golf professional community, the program has significantly boosted my confidence in coaching.”  – Kat Kennedy, 2023 program participant

The 2025 program will launch with an in-person session in March and another in November, location TBD, where participants will shadow national team coaches and take part in dynamic technical development sessions.

Applications close on Monday, February 5, 2025, at 11:00 p.m. ET.

Don’t miss your chance to join this transformative program. Apply Now!

For questions or more information, contact Emily Phoenix at ephoenix@golfcanada.ca.

Let’s shape the future of coaching—together!

Inside Golf House

Golf Canada saddened by the passing of Teri Yamada

Teri Yamada - English

Golf Canada is deeply saddened by the loss of former colleague and recent Board member Teri Yamada of Collingwood, Ont. who passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, at the age of 66 following a difficult battle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD).

A personal obituary written by Teri Yamada along with visitation details is available here:

https://www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com/memorials/teri-yamada/5536387/index.php

Golf Canada’s Board of Directors along with staff both current and past extend its sincere condolences to Teri’s partner, Doug Moxon, along with her family and the extensive personal and professional network of friends and golf industry peers who knew and admired her genius, expertise, work ethic, friendship and incredible generosity to charitable causes that meant so much to her. 

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

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

She joined the organization in 1990 as National Director, Greens Section (1990-98), which at the time was Golf Canada’s turfgrass research and consulting division providing the Canadian golf industry with turfgrass information and best practices. In 1993, she authored the Environmental Guidelines for Canadian Golf Courses following an 18-month consultative process with regulators, environmental interest groups and the golf industry leaders.

Yamada then spent 10 years (1996-2006) as the association’s Managing Director, Golf Programs and Services supporting Golf Canada member club programs and services (handicapping, junior golf, amateur status, heritage, etc.) in addition to turfgrass and environmental research.

From 2005-2008, the role evolved into Managing Director, Communications and Government Relations, serving as a leading government liaison on issues affecting the Canadian golf industry. During this period, she also spent two years (2006-2008) as Executive Director of the RCGA Foundation (now Golf Canada Foundation) and has since supported the Foundation as a generous donor.

Yamada returned to Golf Canada as a volunteer in 2021, serving three years a member of the Governance Committee, two years as a member of the Governors Council (2022-2023) and two years on the HR Committee. In 2023, she joined Golf Canada’s Board of Directors becoming one of the few individuals to have served the association in both a staff and Board of Directors capacity. 

During her accomplished career, Yamada served the Canadian and global golf community in a variety of roles including an invitation to participate in the development of the Environmental Principles for Golf Courses in the United States and was referenced in An Environmental Strategy for Golf in Europe.

She spent 14 years (2009-2023) as Executive Director of the IPM Council of Canada (Integrated Pest Management) which administered the IPM Accreditation program for golf courses, public works (hydro and railway corridors) and specialty turf.

Yamada also served as President, Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System of Canada Inc. (1996-2007); Executive Secretary and past Board member with the Canadian Turfgrass Research Foundation (CTRF) (1992 – 2008); was a past Board Member of the Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation (2009-2012); member of the Halton-Hamilton Source Protection Committee (2007-2025); was a member of the Strategic Planning Committee and Environmental Programs committee member, Environmental Institute for Golf, Kansas (2003-2007); served as a USGA Turfgrass & Environmental Research Committee member (1996-2004); member and Past Chair of the Ontario Pesticide Advisory Committee (2009-2020); Chair, Scientific Program Committee for 9th International Turfgrass Research Conference (2000-2001); and was an Advisory Committee member with the Selkirk College Golf Management Program – Nelson, BC (1996-2001).

She graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture and Environmental Horticulture).

A passionate golfer and proud member of Mad River Golf Club (as well as the York Downs Golf and Country Club prior), Yamada was a very active volunteer giving back to both clubs across a variety of roles including four years on the Member Board of Directors with Mad River (2019-2023) as well as the Grounds Committee, Finance and Audit Committee, and the Governance and Nominating Committee. She also served four years on the Board of York Downs as well as two years as the club’s Green Committee Chair. 

Yamada was also one of three Canadian women members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St Andrews, Scotland.

A visitation will be held on January 23 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm with tributes taking place at 3:00pm at Fawcett Funeral Home at 82 Pine Street in Collingwood. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Amateur Golf Canadian Golf Hall of Fame CPKC Women's Open First Tee Home for Canadian Golf Inside Golf House National Golf League Olympics Presidents Cup RBC Canadian Open She Plays Golf

2024 – Good for the Game

Good For The Game

Last year, Canadian golf fans were treated to a truly momentous year in Canadian golf.

Highlighted by Nick Taylor cementing his place in Canadian sports history with his unforgettable 72-foot winning putt to become the first Canadian to win the RBC Canadian Open in 69 years. The silhouette of Taylor’s iconic putter toss now finds it’s permanent place as the tournament’s official logo.

RBCC Trophy

While there is much to celebrate from this year’s on-course performances, milestones off the course deserve as much attention.

Year end is often time for pause and reflection on moments and experiences that helped to shape our past season. 2024 is no different, with much to reflect upon and celebrate that was simply, good for the game.

Golf, It’s Good For You – Ahead of World Health Day, Golf Canada launched a season-long campaign that highlights the many health benefits that the sport can provide. The campaign – Golf, It’s Good for You – focused on golf’s positive physical, mental and social benefits to significantly improve one’s quality of life.

All of the World Health Organization’s key criteria for health enhancing physical activity can be achieved through golf. It is an activity that incorporates strength, balance, endurance and cognitive challenges, and has also been shown to improve cardiovascular fitness, enhance mental agility and foster social connections. In recent studies, it’s even been found to combat over 40+ chronic diseases.

Along with the launch of the campaign a golf and health website along with enhancements to Golf Canada’s Mobile App were introduced. For more information on the many health benefits the game can provide, please click here.

Expansion of She Plays Golf Festivals and introduction of new Championship Series – She Plays Golf was first piloted in Calgary in 2023 and expanded to the Greater Vancouver Area and Greater Toronto Area in 2024 providing more programming and opportunities for women to try golf. She Plays Golf festivals feature inclusive programming for women and girls, addressing gaps in the participation pathway and introducing new women and girls to the game in a safe, fun and judgement-free environment.

She Plays Golf

Three week-long festivals featured 23 events at 18 golf facilities with over 800 women and girls engaged in She Plays Golf programming. Over 580 festival participants who were new to golf experienced activities led by close to 90 women coaches and volunteers.

In addition to the festivals, a new championship series was introduced featuring three enhanced 54-hole tournaments. The Peloton Glencoe Invitational, GOLFBC Group BC Women’s Open and the ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada were part of the She Plays Golf Championship Series in 2024. In addition to prize money, the top two finishers at each event earned direct exemptions into the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open. Team Canada members Lauren Kim and Anna Huang (Peloton Glencoe Invitational), Ellie Szeryk and Brooke Rivers (GolfBC Group BC Women’s Open) and Michelle Xing and Katie Cranston (ORORO PGA Women’s Championship) earned exemptions.

Plans for She Plays Golf in 2025 will be announced in the new year, for more information, please click here.

First Tee – Canada fully operational coast-to-coast – 2024 officially marked First Tee – Canada programming being available in every province across the country. In addition to this significant advancement, First Tee – Canada achieved another milestone by surpassing 100,000 participants since its inception in 2021. This year alone, First Tee – Canada provided programming to over 84,500 participants at 386 facilities (golf facilities, schools and community centres) led by 239 coaches across Canada. Seventy per cent of programming was offered at no cost to participants and 74 per cent of partnered schools and community centres serve equity-deserving communities with 45 per cent of participants identifying as BIPOC and 41 per cent identifying as female.

First Tee Stats

The continued growth of First Tee – Canada reflects the sustained impact of corporate and champion donors driving the philanthropic excellence of the Golf Canada Foundation which experienced another banner year with more than $11.2 million in funds raised in support of the game of which $5.487 million was for First Tee – Canada.

Youth On Course will be fully national in 2025 – In 2024, over 32,900 rounds of golf at $5 or less were played with 5,382 unique participants marking significant increases for both. Youth On Course programming was available across nine provinces and 105 golf courses participated in the program that saw expansion to Manitoba and Saskatchewan. 2025 will see planned expansion into Quebec, making the program fully national.

Inaugural BDO National Golf League champions crowned – The BDO National Golf League was launched ahead of the 2023 season as a nationwide, season-long competition to enhance weekly recreational league experiences for men, women and junior golfers. The inaugural season saw 10,000 participants from 107 leagues from coast-to-coast. Scoring followed a 9-hole net stableford format that took place during a six-week period of a club’s league season. Within those six weeks, the best four scores were used to determine the individuals that would advance to the provincial championships for a chance to be one of 52 pairings that would compete for the league championship at Hamilton Golf and Country Club the weekend before the RBC Canadian Open.

Storyline twists occurred during the championship round thanks to inclement weather that halted play on two occasions, resulting in a re-formatting of play. To complete the championship, pairings played their respective nine holes, with the top teams from the back and front nine then meeting in a playoff for the championship.

Tim Charles and Peter Morse were crowned the inaugural champions of the BDO National Golf League following a playoff win over Reid Middleton and Brian Thorne. Morse drained a lengthy putt to claim the championship for the Nova Scotia duo.

NGL
HAMILTON, ON – MAY 25: Golfers participate in the 2024 BDO National Golf League Championship on Saturday, May 25 at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ontario.

Along with becoming the inaugural champions, Charles and Morse travelled to Royal Troon in Troon, Scotland to represent Canada in The R&A 9 Hole Challenge one-week prior to the 152nd Open Championship as part of winning the national championship. For more information on the league and how to get involved, click here.

Golf – the number one participation sport in Canada – This past year saw an increase in public playing members with a Golf Canada membership. This year also marks back-to-back years of 10 million+ scores being posted by Golf Canada members. Last year marked the first time that the 10 million milestone had been reached and Golf Canada members surpassed that number in 2024 with 10.6 million scores posted to the Golf Canada Score Centre! For more information on a Golf Canada membership, click here. For more information or to download Golf Canada’s Mobile App, click here.

10 Million Scores Posted 2024

Canadians competing with the world’s best – Canadians continued to find themselves on the world’s biggest stage as Nick Taylor, Corey Conners, Brooke Henderson and Alena Sharp wore the Maple Leaf at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Henderson and Sharp were competing in their third consecutive Olympic Games since golf was re-introduced at Rio 2016. In three games, Henderson has earned finishes of 7, T29 and T13. Conners earned the best men’s finish since golf returned with a T9 finish in Paris.

Olympics

Canadian Golf Hall of Famer, Mike Weir was named Captain of the International Team for the 2024 Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Que. Joining Weir were Conners, Mackenzie Hughes and Taylor Pendrith who were Captain’s picks for the International Team. After a difficult opening day, the International Team responded by winning all five foursome matches on Friday to sit tied heading into the weekend. In the end, Team U.S.A. retained the title, winning 18.5 – 11.5 over Team International. Conners and Pendrith both earned two full points for their team during the biennial event. The 2026 Presidents Cup will take place at Medinah Country Club in Chicago, Ill.

Canadian golf fans set new records in Hamilton and Calgary – Canadian golf fans took in both National Open Championships in record numbers this past year. Over 209,000 fans combined attended the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open setting new attendance records for both tournaments.

The success of Canada’s National Open Championships was recognized by both the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour in their season-ending tournament recognition awards. The RBC Canadian Open took home the PGA TOUR’s Best Marketing Initiative award for the logo and branding of the tournament changing to Nick Taylor’s iconic putter toss silhouette. Originally designed to be a one-year tribute, the change will now be permanent.

The CPKC Women’s Open was awarded the Gold Driver Award for Best Volunteer Appreciation. Volunteerism was a critical part of the success of the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, Alta. The tournament was conducted for the first time at Earl Grey and saw 1,300 dedicated volunteers, whose positions were filled ahead of schedule, help to deliver an exceptional experience in Calgary. To recognize the work of its volunteers, the tournament hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Day which included a complimentary breakfast, happy hour and gifts that were given to all volunteers to celebrate the 50th playing of Canada’s National Women’s Open.

Offering more tournaments and pathways for Canadian amateur golfers – This season saw the introduction of a new championship added to the amateur championship calendar with the debut of the Canadian U15 Championship. The tournament provided young players the opportunity to compete for a national championship while receiving information about the high-performance journey through an educational summit following play.

Golf Canada also introduced the inaugural Canadian Collegiate Invitational, bringing some of the best NCAA Division I Men’s teams north of the border. The event will expand to include a women’s competition in 2025.

In total, 12 national amateur championships, 16 qualifiers, six NextGen tournaments and two Team Canada NextGen selection camps provided Canadians with opportunities to compete coast-to-coast from the junior level all the way to the senior ranks. The season concluded with the World Junior Girls Golf Championship which showcased some of the brightest upcoming golfers from around the world.

Lisa Meldrum becomes the 86th inductee into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame – In keeping with the importance of celebrating Canadian golf excellence, Lisa Meldrum of Montreal, Que. was named the 86th member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in February.

Lisa Meldrum HOF

Meldrum enjoyed an accomplished junior and amateur career, having won 12 championships between 1997 and 2003.

Her successful competitive run was highlighted by winning the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship three consecutive years in a row from 2001 to 2003. During that time SCOREGolf recognized her as the Best Female Amateur Golfer in Canada all three years. Prior to the Canadian Women’s Amateur three-peat, Meldrum won the 1998 Canadian Juvenile Girls Championship and the 2000 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, later earning SCOREGolf’s Best Female Junior Golfer recognition in 2000.

For more on Meldrum’s incredible career, please click here.

A new home for Canadian Golf – Phase one of construction on a new home for Canadian golf is well underway at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. Originally announced in July 2022, the 26,000 sq. ft. facility will be the national headquarters of Golf Canada along with the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum. Elements of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame can already be found in the main clubhouse and locker rooms at TPC Toronto. Lockers and memorabilia highlighting Canadian golf legends and significant moments in both the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open history are now part of the fabric at TPC Toronto. The new facility will also be the national headquarters for First Tee – Canada and will include an 18-hole publicly accessible community putting green. To follow the progress and for more information on the new home for Canadian golf, please click here.

From the season’s opening drive to the final putt and the many volunteers, partners and stakeholders who support Canadian golf, there is much to celebrate and reflect upon that was simply, good for the game in 2024.