For 112 years, the Olympic dream for Canadian golf was a historic footnote. That will change this summer in Rio de Janeiro when golf makes its celebrated return to the Olympic Games.

The Olympic spotlight is the brightest in all of sport. The Games — 10,000 athletes from 206 countries competing over 17 days in 306 medal events — are the pinnacle of sport and showcasing golf on that powerful stage will impact the game worldwide.

For 120 golfers — 60 men and 60 women — joining their countrymen in Rio, there is no prize money, no ties, no cut, no major and no next year. They’ll play for their country and their flag — a once-in-a-lifetime moment for an athlete to climb podium-high above his or her competitors and be washed over in the emotional celebration of a national anthem.

Professional golfers are all too often measured by money lists and majors. Golf’s return to the Olympics transcends both. The best players on the planet will challenge for dozens of majors over their career, amassing millions of dollars along the way. The mindset to prep for a competition that offers no next year is foreign to golf — immersed in a bubble with the world’s finest athletes who face the enormous pressure to perform on the biggest stage in sport.

Imagine a scenario where seven groups of competitors come down to the 72nd hole with a gold, silver and bronze medal up for grabs. The emotion of a playoff would be incredible. Winners will rise to the occasion and the rest will wonder what might have been in their Olympic moment. For Canadians watching at home, picture our four golfers proudly wearing the Maple Leaf in defending the Olympic gold medal that George S. Lyon won in 1904. Despite golf’s popularity in this country, courses from coast to coast can share in the spirit of Olympism.

The Olympic movement is more than sport theatre on the biggest stage. It’s a celebration of values — excellence, inclusiveness, equality, fun, integrity, sustainability and access to sport along with physical, mental and social well-being — that are important to Canadian golf. For two weeks in August, the Olympics will connect billions of people through an intense and emotional sport experience.

I believe in the power of heroes. Those moments watching the Olympics play out that ignite our interest in the athletes and our passion for sport. Enthusiasts from around the world that may not feel a connection to golf embracing the world’s best players competing for their country; a son or daughter experiencing the Games and curiously asking mom or dad if they can give golf a try. That’s the true power of golf’s return to the Olympic Games.

For Canadian golf fans — myself firmly included — the only thing more satisfying than the serenity of the golf course this summer would be hearing our national anthem once the final putt drops in Rio.

A golfer’s anthem This article was originally published in the May 2016 edition of Golf Canada Magazine. To view the full magazine, click the image to the left.

Concussions and physical impact in youth sport has never been more top of mind. Parents and medical experts often discuss the benefit versus danger, while some brain experts have questioned whether kids should even participate in contact sports. Golf offers a direct competitive advantage — a safe and social alternative that can provide a lifetime of quality golf experiences.

It’s vital to get children experiencing the game and having fun on the course so families can feel a sense of engagement and attachment to the sport — introducing them to golf’s etiquette and life values, such as integrity, honesty, fair play and the spirit of camaraderie inherent with our game. Consider the health benefits of burning 1,450 calories walking 18 holes as well as muscle endurance, blood circulation, flexibility and mental alertness.

As John Gordon writes in Time for Parents to Pitch In, parents play an important role in connecting children to the game. They decide the activities in which to get their children involved and to what level. A study on youth sport suggests that a child is 50 per cent less likely to participate in a sport or activity if he or she has not been introduced by the age of 12.

I agree wholeheartedly that parents play a critical role. I also believe golf facilities can do more to engage with youngsters and parents. Junior golf is a proven revenue driver for golf clubs. There are numerous success stories of PGA of Canada professionals using innovative programming to grow their junior program and subsequent revenue at their facilities. Many are recognized National Junior Golf Development Centres — recognized by Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada as premier facilities for junior development. Clubs with a strong junior golf program often see the fruit of their efforts as those children get older. Junior members with a connection to the game or a course represent a potential lifetime customer.

Clubs that connect with schools in their community offering Golf in Schools understand engagement. They recognize that students learning golf in a school gym might want to continue with golf after the bell rings. That could be buckets at a driving range, lessons, green fee play or a summer junior membership. With 10,000 elementary schools and 4,500 high schools, Canada’s physical education system is the most concentrated opportunity to get children of all ages and demographics introduced to any sport.

What happens when your child is old enough to make their own choices to spend recreational dollars? What is awaiting intermediate-aged golfers who want to enjoy the game but are cost-conscious on spending? The sport cycle relies on those same folks — they will have their own families and will make choices on what sports are best for their kids.

Clubs need to offer golf experiences that deliver the values that today’s consumers are expecting. That includes children, families and potential enthusiasts such as new Canadians or under-represented demographics. For some, it’s a function of cost. For others, it’s joining recreational activities that are social and open to innovation.

Access is important. I wonder if every golf course offered free access to children, how many kids and their families would take up the offer? Kids need to feel welcomed at the golf course. Grassroots programs like Golf in Schools, CN Future Links and Take a Kid to the Course are introducing thousands to the game each year. But kids and their parents make choices. Golf is competing for their attention with other sports and activities.

Junior golf is good for our kids. And it might just be the perfect alternative that safety-conscious parents are looking for.

Golf’s no-contact rule This article was originally published in the April 2016 edition of Golf Canada Magazine. To view the full magazine, click the image to the left.

Earlier this week I attended a city council meeting in my hometown of Brantford, Ont., to show my support for a community-driven campaign to save Arrowdale Municipal Golf Course, a nine-hole facility that is one of two municipal golf courses managed by the city of Brantford.

The campaign to save Arrowdale from closure ran over the past four months and I was proud to submit a letter in support of the Arrowdale campaign. As I shared in my letter (which you can read below), municipal golf courses and practice facilities are important entry points to the game. Not every golfer is a member of a club—in fact 84 per cent of all golfers are public players.

When it came down to the final decision, council voted not only to keep the facility open, but also to invest in both Arrowdale as well as the 18-hole Northridge Municipal Golf Course as part of the city’s 10-year capital forecast. Both facilities meant a lot to me personally growing up as I spent time at both when I began to take up the game as a youngster.

View from the tee at hole No. 9 at Arrowdale

A report on the council’s decision from the Brantford Expositor can be found here.

Canada is blessed to have 2,346 facilities across Canada, however, the role that municipal golf courses as well as practice ranges and short course play in welcoming both new and avid enthusiasts cannot be overstated. With nine-hole golf courses accounting for 37 per cent of Canada’s total supply of golf facilities, we need more Arrowdales, not less when it comes to overall health of our sport. At the same time, it’s important to remind those community leaders about golf’s economic, health, social, environmental, charitable and employment benefits.

The proposed closure of Arrowdale is not uncommon in communities across Canada as municipalities evaluate their viability of their recreational facilities. Every city council is weighing the cost/benefit of their golf operation and I know many factors come into play when councilors evaluate the viability of a municipal golf facility for their respective community.

I want to congratulate the members of the ‘Save Arrowdale Action Committee’ who put their full passion into the public campaign to save the golf course. It’s great to see their tremendous efforts pay off.

March 4, 2016

To the Members of Brantford City Council,

This letter is to share my concern with the potential closure of Arrowdale Municipal Golf Course.  Affordable and accessible facilities including practice ranges and municipal golf courses play an important role in introducing golf to enthusiasts in communities across Canada. Closing Arrowdale would be a big loss to the community and to the sport of golf.

As CEO of Golf Canada, I am proud to have been introduced to golf in my hometown of Brantford, Ont., I grew up playing at Northridge Municipal Golf Course and Learning Centre as a junior and also hold fond memories of time spent at Arrowdale. I went on to work in the back shop at Northridge as a summer student and then joined Brantford Golf and Country where I am still a proud member today. I know how important Arrowdale is to the Brantford golf community and that passion is evident in those working hard to keep the facility open.

Representing the National Sport Federation for golf, I recognize the important impact golf has on the livability of communities like Brantford. Golf as a sport is a good for our children, instilling etiquette and values such as integrity, honest, fair play and the spirit of camaraderie. Consider as well the health benefits of burning 850 calories walking nine holes as well as muscle endurance, blood circulation, flexibility and mental alertness.

Golf also has a significant economic impact in communities across Canada generating more than $14.3 billion in economic impact and employing more than 300,000 jobs, nearly 40% of which are summer students. Golf courses also steward essential greenspace in the community in addition to hosting more than 37,000 charity events that raise more than $533 million annually to support important causes.

The role of the municipal golf course, practice range or entry level facility cannot be understated—these facilities have been the conduit for close to 5.7 million golfers playing close to 60 million rounds annually in making golf the most participated sport in this country. Golf is such a great family sport that teaches all the right values for success in life.

Among more than 820 golf facilities province-wide in Ontario, less than 30% are nine-holes. Courses like Arrowdale are critical to introducing people to the game and we need MORE of them in Canada, not less. Brantford is a passionate golf community and I hope that Arrowdale can continue to engage public golfers and be the gateway for new enthusiasts into the game. 

Sincerely,

Scott Simmons
CEO
Golf Canada

Below is a transcript of Golf Canada’s 113th president, Roland Deveau’s, acceptance speech during the 2016 Annual General Meeting.

It is a great honour to accept the nomination to become the 113th President of Golf Canada. It is a responsibility that I humbly accept, recognizing the significant and unselfish contributions made by our previous leaders and all of the many dedicated volunteers, like you, who work each day across Canada for the betterment of our sport.

In the period since I’ve been asked to lead this great organization, I’ve reflected on the many individuals who have influenced me along the way, including many in this room. I’m very appreciative of their help and encouragement.

I also greatly value the words of wisdom and advice I have received from all our prior Presidents. Their collective experience and insight is something I will continue to draw upon throughout the year.

I want to thank Golf Canada’s Board of Directors for their unwavering support. This group works tirelessly to provide strategic direction to our organization. While the Directors all come from different backgrounds, they work as a cohesive group to address our challenges, and pursue the opportunities for the future.

One person deserves particular mention. Our outgoing President, Paul MacLean. Paul came to Golf Canada in 2010 as someone well-known in the golf industry as the leader of a very successful business. He has unselfishly given of his time and his expertise for the advancement of our sport and of Golf Canada. I know that the Board values his unique perspective and we have very much appreciated his words of wisdom and advice. Paul, thank you very much for your service. Because of you, Golf Canada is in a much better position to meet our future challenges.

Scott Simmons, our CEO, and his dedicated staff, also deserve our thanks. While many of us look forward to the opportunities for our organization, Scott and his staff are dealing with the difficult day-to-day operational challenges of running this national sport federation. The Board and I know it is not an easy task. But they do it professionally and with a level of dedication that makes our organization a “best in class” sport federation respected by its peers in this country and by other stakeholders around the world. For that we thank you.

On a personal note, I want to recognize the support I have received from my family and friends. This obviously extends to the most important person in my life, my wife Jacqueline. She has supported me throughout my involvement in golf, and as some of you know, the many other things I have been involved in over the years. I would not be here if it were not for her. Jackie, I love you very much and I appreciate all the support that you’ve given me.
I also appreciate the kind words of support I have received from all of you – the Governors, Provincial representatives and Committee members. I look forward to working together to fulfill Golf Canada’s mandate.

On that note, I’d like to share with you some of my thoughts on the road ahead for Golf Canada.

I have long recognized and appreciated the many individuals, like you, who support the game of golf with your volunteering efforts. People who give a lot more to the game than you could ever expect in return. Whether you work directly under the Golf Canada umbrella, or simply support golf in your community, your collective effort is something that greatly benefits our sport. We simply could not function without it.

There are also many individuals who earn their livelihood from the game. They are the backbone of the industry given their critical roles on the front lines of the facilities. This includes golf professionals, owners, managers, superintendents, and others. Many of these people represent our NAGA (National Allied Golf Association) partners and are here with us tonight.

The common element between the volunteers and those who earn a livelihood from golf is that we all share a passion for the sport. We all want a better future for the game we love.

We all know what we want for the future of our sport. Golf has been very good to all of us in this room. We enjoy the game, the friendships we’ve made and the excitement of a well-struck shot. We have all indulged in the serenity of an early morning round with dew still on the fairways. And we have all admired the golden landscape of our home course in the setting sun.

These are the quality golf experiences that we treasure…

And I believe it is our common goal at the end of the day to ensure that all golfers who play this great game, as well as new enthusiasts, get to enjoy these same quality golf experiences.

But to achieve this we have to work together. As the National Sport Federation, we have to show leadership for the betterment of the game. We have to work cooperatively with the provinces and our NAGA partners. If one of us benefits, we will all benefit. Our leadership must provide the vision for success, but it is critical that all stakeholders share in developing, and are aligned with, ONE COMMON VISION for our sport.

In 2013, we made great progress with the provinces at our meetings in Charlottetown. We have continued the work this past week….Much still needs to be done and I undertake to work with all of you to ensure we reach our common objective.

I understand both the national and provincial perspectives in addressing the challenges that we face. My involvement in golf began at the club level, proceeded through the local zone and extended through to the provincial level. Having now been involved at the national level, I can see the tremendous benefits of working together.

Scott Simmons mentioned it in his CEO welcome session—COLLABORATION. We must avoid duplication, share resources where possible, and become aligned in our strategies.

It is not an easy task, but the greatest rewards do not come without sacrifice and effort. We owe it to the game to ensure every golfer can enjoy the same quality golf experiences that we’ve had.

And we must all work together with our NAGA partners, because we all share the same ultimate customer – the golfer. This is an important time in our sport. The challenging economic climate requires us to find ways to engage with more golfers. We must look for new ways of connecting with our members and the golfing public.

We must be innovative in the delivery of our programs and services and how we connect with golfers. Whether through an attractive suite of member benefits, core services and programing, or utilizing technology to enhance digital experiences through our website or social media, it is critical that we connect with a greater share of Canada’s 5.7 million golfers. And if all are aligned, we will have a much better chance to succeed.

All of you should be proud of the work you do for Golf Canada. Whether that’s running national championships across our great country, long-term player development, handicapping, rules education, or the development of new digital experiences for our membership, we offer “best in class” programs that are recognized both in Canada and around the world.

This organization is respected among our global peers and we will continue to work with golf’s governing bodies, the R&A and the USGA, to promote this game whenever we can.

But in order to grow and succeed, we must be bold. We must take bold steps to show that Golf Canada is a leader when it comes to turning ideas into reality.

We do have people in Canada that are prepared to show leadership. We admire pioneers like Marlene Streit and Diane Dunlop-Hébert, who recently became members of the R&A.

We took our own progressive steps this week with the announcement that, for the first time, Canada has selected two female representatives, both of whom I am proud to count among my friends, to represent our country as our Rules Chair and as our advisory member on the R&A Amateur Status Committee. This shows leadership. I know that Diane Barabé as our Rules Chair and Jean Stone-Seguin with Amateur Status will be tremendous representatives for our country on the world stage.

AND we will be taking bold steps to promote and encourage diversity within our organization by establishing a Diversity Enhancement Working Group, as most of you have heard about this week. That means reaching out to connect with new Canadians and underrepresented groups. It’s also about growing the Golf in Schools initiative—with 10,000 elementary and 4,500 high schools, the Canadian school physical education system is the single most concentrated opportunity to introduce students of all demographics to the sport.

Another big reason I am excited about my term as President is that 2016 marks the long-awaited return of golf to the Olympic Games. I believe the Olympics represent a quality golf experience that I spoke about earlier tonight. It has the potential to attract new enthusiasts to our sport.

George S. Lyon, a Canadian, was the last golfer to win an Olympic gold medal in 1904 and I’m thrilled to have the magnificent Olympic trophy here this week. While we will always celebrate our history and our heritage, the 2016 Rio Olympic Games has the potential to excite a golfing nation.
As the National Sports Federation, we will be part of the mission team including coaches supporting four athletes competing for Canada in the golf competition.

We have 25 Golf Canada program graduates competing on professional tours around the world. Most, if not all, of our four qualifying Olympic athletes will be graduates of Golf Canada’s player development system. A system that is delivering results.

Our sport needs heroes! When Canadian golfers compete and win, especially in events like the Olympic Games, their passion inspires the next generation of golfers to take up the game. We have a wonderful opportunity with the Olympics to share the values and benefits of our sport with millions of viewers across Canada, and around the world. It is an opportunity we cannot squander.

Many viewers who will watch the Olympics may be occasional golfers. Others, including young children, may never have played at all! But they will be drawn to these champions because they are Olympic athletes… If these viewers already play golf, we want them inspired to play more often, or to support the game by engaging with Golf Canada.

I encourage all of you to join me in celebrating the Olympic movement! Many of you have played a role in the development of our young athletes. You may have volunteered at a provincial or national competition. You may have been a tournament or rules official, or helped youngsters learn about the game. Be proud that your work has contributed to their development and ability to compete at the highest levels, including the Olympic Games. The Olympic team is your team! It is Canada’s team!

…And I truly believe our Olympic golf athletes have an opportunity to medal in Rio… and to win!

This is an important time for Golf Canada to leverage golf’s return to the Olympic Games. TO RECOGNIZE that success at the Olympics and showcasing our game on the brightest stage could translate to the growth of our grassroots programs. TO WORK with partners such as RBC, Hudson’s Bay Company and BMW who live within the Olympic and Canadian Olympic Committee ecosystem.

Ladies and gentlemen, athletes like Brooke Henderson, Alena Sharp, David Hearn, Graham DeLaet, and Adam Hadwin are doing amazing things and will look to defend the title that earned George S. Lyon this majestic Olympic trophy in 1904.

In 2016, we’ll see Golf Canada’s marketing and communications efforts infused with an Olympic theme. That also means inviting other industry stakeholders—owners, managers, pros and facilities—to share in the celebration of the Canadian Olympic golf dream.

We want the Canadian golf community to share in the Olympic celebration.

And in doing so, we hope to inspire Canadians to play more often, or feel inspired to take up the game.

Yes, this is an exciting time for our sport and I look forward to working with everyone in this room to create quality experiences for all golfers in Canada. In closing, I wish to again thank the members of Golf Canada for having entrusted me to serve as the 113th president of this storied association.

Thank you.

To view the entire strategic plan as a PDF, click here.

Rémi Bouchard – one of the best known names in golf in Quebec – has accepted the head pro position at Pinegrove Country Club and will be leaving Golf Canada after five years of dedicated service. The Candiac, Que., native’s final day will be February 29 following Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting in Halifax.

Since 2011, Bouchard has held the position of Regional Director, Membership with Golf Canada, servicing Quebec and New Brunswick.

The National Sport Federation has been very fortunate to have had the affable and knowledgeable Bouchard serve as an ambassador for the sport. As one of Quebec’s most outstanding golf professionals, his commitment to the sport and his well-respected reputation within the golf community have been tremendous assets in building membership for Golf Canada, Golf Quebec and New Brunswick Golf.

Bouchard has been a strong proponent of junior golf programming and in improving the working relationships between Canada’s provincial golf associations, the national organizations and member clubs.

His selection as head pro was made official in recent days at a meeting of the executive office of Pinegrove.

The 52-year-old insists he will keep fond memories of his time at Golf Canada. A graduate of Indiana State, Bouchard is also President of the PGA of Quebec.

Bouchard has found success on every level of competition in his home province and is looking forward to employing those lessons learned in his new position.

“I want to get involved in club activities and the formation of an academy is in the cards. It will be busy and there are staff to hire,” added Bouchard.

Several Quebec amateur standouts call Pinegrove home, including Raoul Ménard, Joey Savoie and Étienne Papineau.

The health of the game in this country relies on a myriad of factors, most notably, a commitment to put the golfer’s interests above all else. With the golfer in mind, I am sincerely thankful to the many organizations and individuals that drive the success of golf in Canada.

That gratitude starts with the 5.7 Canadians who play 60 million rounds of golf annually. Consumers make tough decisions with how to spend their recreational dollars. Golf as a sport is fortunate to have a strong base of loyal customers and casual enthusiasts that enjoy the game at 2,346 facilities from coast to coast.

Being a customer-centric business means listening to the golfer and searching for innovative ways to create meaningful engagement. It’s encouraging when golfers share their passion for the game. I’m just as appreciative of the customers who share constructive criticism. It means they care and are willing to hold the golf industry accountable.

To the 3,700 PGA of Canada professionals who represent the frontline of our industry—thank you for committing to the golfer through instruction and program delivery at the club level; for helping avid golfers, new enthusiasts, lifelong members, families and juniors get the most out of their golf experiences.

A tip of the cap goes out to the golf course superintendents who put in extremely long days to deliver a golf experience that balances playability, enjoyment and sustainability. Meeting and exceeding golfer expectations can seem insurmountable and I have a tremendous respect for the commitment of maintenance staff that are so much more than experts in growing grass.

Golf is big business. To the course operators, manufacturers and member clubs that represent an $11.3 billion impact to the Canadian economy—thank you for underwriting the risk of the Canadian golf industry. For most of us, golf is a game but for operators, club managers and other industry partners with a financial stake in our game, golf is a competitive business uninsulated from economic uncertainty.

No single factor has a greater impact on the game than weather, so a debt of thanks is owed to Mother Nature for shining a kind eye on the 2015 golf season. Conditions in most regions of the country were exceptional, and it showed with 9.8% uptick in rounds played nationally versus 2014 based on Rounds Played and Weather Reporting from the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada. The highest increase in rounds played was Alberta (13.2%), followed by Saskatchewan/Manitoba (8.4%), British Columbia (6.5%), Ontario (6%) and Quebec (5%). The lone dark cloud was an 11. 6% decline in Atlantic Canada based on an extremely late start to the season. Overall it was a season of sunny skies for course operators which fuels great optimism for 2016.

To the 37,000 charity events held annually at golf courses—thank you for leveraging our sport to raise funds in communities across Canada. Each year, more than $533 million in charitable giving is generated through golf and I applaud participants and charity event organizers for being a part of this wonderful story.

To the talented professionals, competitive amateurs, rising stars and legends of Canadian golf—thank you for inspiring us with your play and for showing the world that Canada can be a force on the international golfing stage.

Volunteers have long been the driving force behind golf in this country and enough can’t be said to thank the tens of thousands of individuals that give their time to make the game better. The same is true for the many sponsors and local supporters that align their brands and their businesses with Canadian golf.

Kudos as well to our closest partners—the staff and volunteers at the 10 provincial golf associations with whom we share a vested stake through membership, program delivery, junior golf and player development. I would be remiss if I did not extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Golf Canada for their enthusiasm and commitment to both our sport and our association.

Finally—to the individual members and member clubs that Golf Canada has the honour to represent, a most sincere thank you for supporting golf in this country and for sharing in the celebration of this great game.

Dear Friend in Golf,

As we close the book on the 2015 golf season, I would like to thank you for your support of golf in Canada as a member of Golf Canada and Golf Association of Ontario.

Your dues support programs like the following:

• National Golf in Schools – 2,795 schools across Canada (2,501 elementary, 12 intermediate and 282 high schools)
• CN Future Links – Canada’s national junior golf program: 518 participating clubs in Canada
• Golf Fore the Cure – 145 participating sites in Canada
• National, Provincial and Regional golf competitions
• Course and Slope Rating; Rules and Handicap seminars; coach training and certification

In an effort to keep you up to date on the many programs and services provided to both clubs and members, I am pleased to share the following statistics that that reflect the engagement of member golfers:

• Canada’s #1 website for golf – Golfcanada.ca – had over 6.7 million views this year
• Over 7 million rounds were posted the Golf Canada Score Centre by Golf Canada members

Golf Canada is committed to investing in the growth and overall health of the game. As always, it has been a pleasure to work with our Provincial Golf Associations to deliver the grassroots programs that have filled the pipeline with elite athletes and recreational golfers all across Canada.

We are confident that your support through membership dues are helping to create a new generation of golfers that will contribute to the vitality of the game.

I would like to wish you a safe and healthy winter season and look forward to celebrating our great game together in 2016.

Sincerely,

Scott Simmons
Executive Director/CEO
Golf Canada

Click below to listen to Scott Simmons on Prime Time Sports with Bob McCown.

ClubLink has informed Golf Canada of their intention to explore possible alternative uses of Glen Abbey Golf Club. They will be keeping us informed on their due diligence, however at this stage, there is no impact on Golf Canada’s operation including our corporate offices and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.

Speculating on Glen Abbey’s future would be premature at this time. Right now it is business as usual – Golf Canada is set to bring the RBC Canadian Open to Glen Abbey next July and the club will continue to be considered for hosting future Opens beyond 2016 as well.

Scott Simmons
CEO
Golf Canada

“If the facts don’t fit the theory, change the facts.”

It’s a quote made famous by Albert Einstein which came to mind after the release of Golf Facilities in Canada 2015, the definitive report on golf facilities and development in Canada.

Released in June, Golf Facilities in Canada 2015 identifies all existing public and private facilities across Canada. The report – a collaborative effort between Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada – also includes information on facility openings and closings, as well as the number and type of facilities currently in development.

Since its release, I’ve been questioned on what value the report delivers to the golf industry. Quite simply, it provides a factual snapshot of 2,346 golf facilities—from public and private clubs to resorts, residential or nine-hole layouts in communities across Canada. The report outlines boom periods of growth during the 1960’s and again in the 90’s that delivered Canadians the third highest total supply of golf courses in the world.

The report provides a comprehensive breakdown of the golf courses and projects that form the Canadian golf landscape. The facts present a compelling argument that our sport, with the highest participation rate of any in Canada, is affordable, has tremendous accessibility and has options for players of all abilities and wants. The current supply of golf courses may be greater than what is needed to satisfy the 5.7 million Canadians who play more than 60 million rounds annually. Golf’s highs and lows have been cyclical for more than a century and like any industry, competition and market forces will eventually right size the number of golf courses and that’s probably a good thing.

Since 2010, there have been 22 documented course openings. In addition, 31 facilities – all public – are currently in planning or under construction across Canada. The study reinforces golf’s accessibility with facts to show that nearly 90 per cent of all courses are open to the public.

A finding I found most compelling was that more than 37 per cent of facilities are nine holes in addition to countless 18-hole facilities that offer nine-hole pricing. Those who theorize that golf takes too long or is too costly should consider the nine-hole round when formulating their opinion. Golf, like any recreational activity takes a certain time commitment and the facilities report confirms that Canadian golf enthusiasts can take advantage of a multitude of options.

The facts reinforce that golf facilities are the foundation for major sport participation, more than $14 billion in economic impact, tourism, charitable giving and environmental stewardship in communities across Canada.

GOLF FACILITIES IN CANADA 2015– A SNAPSHOT:

• Canada is home to 2,346 public and private golf facilities; ranking it third in the world in total supply.
• Seventy-seven per cent of the total golf supply is located in Canada’s four most populated provinces—Ontario, Québec, Alberta and British Columbia.
• Golf remains extremely accessible in Canada as more than 90 per cent of the country’s supply is open to the public.
• Of the 2,126 public facilities in Canada, half are located in Ontario and Québec, which together account for 61 per cent of the country’s total population and 73 per cent of Canada’s 220 private clubs.
• Nine-hole golf accounts for almost 37 per cent of Canada’s total supply, outnumbering 18-hole supply in Manitoba and Saskatchewan In Saskatchewan, 18-hole courses are outnumbered 3 to 1 by 9-hole courses.
• Canada features nine 12-hole facilities (six of which are in Ontario) and three 6-hole facilities.
• Resort golf, though a small segment of Canada’s overall supply, is a significant contributor to tourism in several provinces. Countrywide, 167 facilities (or approximately 7 per cent) of total supply are connected to a resort or a resort/real estate operation.
• Course construction peaked in the 1960s with the opening of more than 420 facilities and then again between 1990 and 1999, when more than 310 courses—13 per cent of total supply —opened. The growth was highlighted by the opening of 257 facilities in the four largest provinces: Ontario, Québec, Alberta and British Columbia.
• Since 2010, 29 facilities have opened in six different provinces. In recent years, Canada has seen only moderate growth, and currently has 31 18-hole equivalent facilities in various stages of development.
• Of those facilities in various stages of development, 17 have broken ground including seven in Alberta and four in Nova Scotia. Nearly 60 per cent of new projects are tied to a real estate development.
• In the past five to 10 years, 158 facilities have closed. One in five of those closures were located in Ontario, which is home to 35 per cent of the total supply of Canada’s facilities. Three of Canada’s 10 provinces have seen fewer than five facility closures during the past decade.

Download the complete report at: golfcanada.ca/GolfFacilitiesinCanada2015