The Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC) Virtual Summit presented by RBC: Economic Impact of Golf in Canada took place May 24, 2024, as part of an ongoing GJAC series intended to help membership stay connected, as well as to generate discussion and opportunities around important issues in the game.

GJAC Virtual Summits presented by RBC are recorded for public viewing. You can watch this recording below.

The format consists of a moderated question and answer period, followed by a brief opportunity for questions from attendees. 

Panelists for this Virtual Summit included:

• Tom McGuire, Principal/Co-founder, 21FSP Advisory Inc.
• Laurence Applebaum, Golf Canada
• Jeff Calderwood, National Golf Course Owners Association

Moderator: Dan Pino, Golf Canada

Golf Canada is thrilled to announce Connect Hearing as the Official Hearing Healthcare Partner of Golf Canada. This partnership marks a significant milestone in enhancing the well-being and hearing care accessibility for the golfing community across the country.

As a trusted leader in hearing healthcare, Connect Hearing is renowned for its commitment to improving the lives of individuals through innovative hearing solutions and personalized care. Through this partnership with Golf Canada, Connect Hearing aims to extend its support to the golfing community by promoting awareness of hearing health.

Connect Hearing will provide educational resources and solutions to golfers, coaches, and fans alike. By raising awareness of the importance of hearing health and offering convenient access to essential services, Connect Hearing and Golf Canada aim to empower individuals to prioritize their hearing health while enjoying the game they love.

Connect Hearing is set to offer spectators an exclusive experience at two prestigious golf events – the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open – through its innovative activation, the Connect Hearing Listening Lounge. Situated amidst the excitement of the tournament, this viewing lounge promises panoramic views of the course coupled with invaluable insights into maintaining optimal hearing health.

Guests visiting the Connect Hearing Listening Lounge will not only enjoy front-row seats to witness professional golfers in action but can engage with Connect Hearing experts. Here, they will gain access to vital information and resources aimed at enhancing their understanding of hearing health and its impact on overall well-being.

Golf Canada’s Official Ready to Drink Partner, Cottage Springs, is proud to announce the creation of an exclusive product tailored for golf enthusiasts, only available at Golf Canada’s Professional Championship events. This collaboration unveils the launch of the Cottage Springs Transfusion, a refreshing beverage crafted specifically for the discerning tastes of golfers.

The Transfusion is a modern twist on the classic golf cocktail, crafted to deliver a blend of flavours that perfectly complement the leisurely pace of a day on the golf course. Featuring a delightful blend of vodka, real grape juice, zesty ginger and fresh lime, this new, limited edition release contains only 3g of sugar and 120 calories per 355mL can.

“As a Canadian company that values innovation, we are thrilled to introduce the Cottage Springs Transfusion” said Keith Walker, VP of marketing at Cottage Springs. “The creation of the Transfusion reflects our commitment to excellence, as we aim to enhance the enjoyment of golfing events across the country.”

Spectators will have the opportunity to taste this iconic drink at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, where Cottage Springs will be activating both in the Fare Way, and with a public grandstand and beverage cart on 13 where fans can enjoy the atmosphere as their favourite PGA TOUR players come through the popular rink hole.

“We are excited to collaborate with Cottage Springs to offer this unique beverage experience to our fans,” said David Vladars, Director, Partnerships at Golf Canada. “The Cottage Springs Transfusion adds a new dimension to our championships, further enhancing the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of the event.”

The launch of the Cottage Springs Transfusion marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Cottage Springs and Golf Canada, setting the stage for future collaborations aimed at enhancing the golfing experience for enthusiasts nationwide.

Moreover, Cottage Springs has also renewed their partnership with Golf Canada and will serve as the official Ready to Drink Partner until the end of 2027.

Cottage Springs and Golf Canada are thrilled to continue this partnership, ensuring that golfers across the nation can enjoy premium, signature beverages while experiencing the camaraderie and excitement of the sport. This extended partnership reaffirms a mutual commitment to fostering memorable moments on and off the green, enriching the golfing experience for years to come.

For more information about Cottage Springs and its products, visit www.cottagesprings.ca. To learn more about Golf Canada and upcoming championships, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

About Ace Beverage Group
Ace Beverage Group (“ABG”) is a leading better-for-you (“BFY”) beverage alcohol company in Canada. Its flagship brand, Cottage Springs, is one of the biggest and fastest growing ready-to-drink brands in Canada. Additional popular brands include Ace Hill, Cabana Coast and Casa Del Rey. ABG’s mission is to develop, launch and market the world’s best tasting BFY alcoholic beverages.

Golf Canada and Magic Window (Magic) announced a multi-year partnership that will see Magic become the official Window and Doors partner of Golf Canada and the RBC Canadian Open.

“Golf Canada is proud to welcome Magic as the official Window and Doors partner of Golf Canada and the RBC Canadian Open,” said Craig Sharp, senior director, partnerships, Golf Canada. “Magic is well recognized for their innovative and award-winning products, which are designed and manufactured right here in Canada. We are pleased to have them join Golf Canada as a partner with Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship.”

Magic is an Ontario-based designer and manufacturer of revolutionary windows, sliding patio doors, and folding glass wall systems. From its inception in 1979, Magic’s sole focus has been to develop innovative window and door technology that solves issues associated with traditional window and door design. Magic’s portfolio has grown to include crank-less casement window hardware, retractable bug screens, retractable solar shades / thermal blinds, and bi-folding door systems. Magic aims to perfect the customer journey by managing every aspect of the sales process; including sales, installation, and after-market service.

“We’re proud to become the official Window & Door Partner of Golf Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship through 2026. This groundbreaking partnership marks the first time a Canadian home improvement brand has partnered with Golf Canada and the PGA TOUR’s RBC Canadian Open. We’re excited to introduce Canadian homeowners to our innovative products at the PGA TOUR’s premiere Canadian event while helping to grow the great game of golf in Ontario and across Canada,” said Lior Goldenberg, managing director, Magic.

Magic will have a unique on-course activation at the RBC Canadian Open on the 17th tee of Hamilton Golf and Country Club that will provide a spectacular view overlooking the property with great views of the hole. In addition, Magic will have an activation located in The Fare Way featuring The Keg adjacent to the 18th green where their leading-edge window technology will be on display along with brand ambassadors that will educate spectators on the product itself.

For more information about Magic, please visit www.magicwindow.ca/.

Golf Canada is honoured to recognize the winners of its National Facility Awards for Junior Golf presented by Humi from the 2023 season.

The National Facility Awards for Junior Golf is a program designed to acknowledge the crucial contribution of golf facilities and academies to the growth of young golfers throughout Canada. These awards celebrate the facilities that have notably influenced the progression of junior golf within their local communities throughout the 2023 season.

“The 2023 season produced another outstanding number of facilities that are offering exceptional support of junior golf in Canada,” said Laurence Applebaum, Golf Canada’s Chief Executive Officer. “The National Facility Awards for Junior Golf is a program that sets out to recognize the role that facilities and academies play in growing and developing junior golf athletes. Promoting golf engagement while cultivating Canada’s future generation of elite athletes are integral aspects of Golf Canada’s mission. We extend our sincere gratitude to all facilities across Canada that champion and prioritize junior golf in their communities, and we eagerly anticipate the honour of recognizing our 2023 award winners.”

The winners and finalists of the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf will be officially recognized at the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame’s induction ceremony on Tuesday, May 28 during the 2024 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club.

The 2023 winners and finalists of the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf are:

Junior Golf Opportunity Award

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

Winner: Sawmill Golf Club (Fenwick, Ontario)

Finalist: Revelstoke Golf Club (Revelstoke, British Columbia)

Finalist: Tangle Creek Golf Club (Thornton, Ontario)

Finalist: River Hills Golf & Country Club (Clyde River, Nova Scotia)

Grassroots Junior Program of the Year

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

Winner: Deep River Golf Club (Deep River, Ontario)

Finalist: Lakewood Golf Resort (Sylvan Lake, Alberta)

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: Royal Ottawa Golf Club (Gatineau, Quebec)

Tournament Host of the Year

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

Winner: South Muskoka Curling & Golf Club (Bracebridge, Ontario)

Youth on Course Program Location of the Year

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

Winner: Shaganappi Point Golf Course (Calgary, Alberta)

First Tee – Canada Program Location of the Year

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

Winner: Fraserview Golf Course (Vancouver, British Columbia)

Nomination and Selection process

From September 1 to October 31, 2023, all individual members and facility members of Golf Canada were able to nominate facilities for each award category.

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

Nominations for the 2024 National Facility Awards for Junior Golf are expected to open in September 2024.

Multi-year partnership includes sponsorship of Golf Canada’s National Open Championships
and support of Golf Canada Member Facilities across the country.

Golf Canada and Humi announced a multi-year integrated partnership that will see Humi become the official payroll, human resources, and benefits partner of Golf Canada.

The partnership extends across Golf Canada’s National Open Championships – the RBC Canadian Open and the CPKC Women’s Open. In addition, Humi will become the inaugural Presenting Partner of Golf Canada’s National Facility Awards for Junior Golf.

“Golf Canada is proud to announce this multifaceted partnership with Humi, aimed at elevating numerous initiatives to foster inclusive and diverse opportunities throughout the golf season,” said Laurence Applebaum, CEO, Golf Canada. “We have integrated the Humi platform into our People and Culture operation and look forward to their enhanced impact on Canadian golf.”

Humi will also become the presenting partner of the Lodge Hospitality Suites at both the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open. In this capacity, Humi will elevate the experience for all corporate hospitality guests within these exclusive spaces.

Humi’s partnership position will extend to support the CPKC Women’s Leadership Summit, an annual summit during the CPKC Women’s Open that engages influential leaders from both the business and sports world. The CPKC Women’s Leadership Summit embodies Humi’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and empowerment, by featuring impactful speakers with diverse perspectives on topics such as diversity of thought and women in leadership positions.

“Humi is committed to supporting Canadian businesses, which is why we’re thrilled to partner with Golf Canada – a leading Canadian organization and valued client. They do amazing work to support the spirit of golf for all Canadians, as well as a network of golf courses across the country, which serve as the bedrock of the sport. We look forward to working together with Golf Canada to support hard working Canadians from coast to coast,” said Kevin Kliman, CEO of Humi.

Founded in 2016, Humi launched as a simple cloud-based web app that stored employee data. Today, Humi has become the best all-in-one people operations software solution for Canadian businesses. Creating safe and inclusive environments that embrace diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and opinions remains a core value at Humi. As a part of this commitment, Humi’s partnership will focus on enhancing experiences at Golf Canada’s events that foster inclusive experiences and environments for all.

Through their expertise in people operations solutions, Humi will provide additional support to Golf Canada member golf clubs and facilities via best-practice resources and relevant industry case studies. In addition, their support will extend into the Golf Canada Facility Awards for Junior Golf presented by Humi, with a donation of $1,000 to each winning facility to be invested back into junior golf initiatives. More details on the program can be found here www.golfcanada.ca/national-facility-awards-for-junior-golf/.

Golf Canada Launches Season-Long Campaign That Highlights
The Many Health Benefits of The Sport

New Golf and Health campaign website along with Golf Canada mobile app enhancements to focus on the sport’s positive physical, mental, and social benefits for participants.

Golf Canada is highlighting the physical, mental, and social benefits that the sport can provide on Canadians through its brand-new Golf and Health campaign.

The campaign – Golf, It’s Good for You – launches this weekend leading into World Health Day April 7. All of the World Health Organization’s key criteria for health enhancing physical activity can be achieved through the sport of golf and Golf Canada is prioritizing communicating health as part of its strategic plan.

“We are proud to launch this campaign ahead of World Health Day to showcase the breadth and depth of mental, physical and social health benefits that the game of golf can provide for all participants,” said Tim McLaughlin, chief marketing officer with Golf Canada. “The campaign brings awareness to what Canadians think they know about golf with the many known health benefits they might not be aware of. We launched a website resource with the latest clinical research focused on golf and health. We are also working with golf clubs across the country to share this impact with golfers who are enjoying the game in record numbers. We have also made it easier for Canadians to track their health progress through new health tracking features and enhancements to our Golf Canada Mobile App.”

The Golf and Health campaign focuses on three key pillars: mental, physical, and social.

The mental benefits of golf include enhanced overall well-being, improved brain health, and helping to reduce the risk of dementia. Golf can also assist to boost confidence, promote increased focus and concentration, and help to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. Being out on the golf course can also help to slow down stress response and induces a feeling of calm.

As published in The R&A Golf and Health Report, and in addition to the mental benefits, the physical benefits of golf are undeniable. Research has shown that playing golf regularly can add five years to your life highlighted by the physical exercise, mental stimulation, and time spent outdoors while playing. As a physical activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime, golf can also help to prevent or lessen the impact of over 40 different chronic illnesses including diabetes, cancer, along with heart attacks and stroke.

Golf is viewed as a moderately demanding form of exercise and is a great way to contribute to daily step goals. The average golfer walks 5,000 steps in a 9-hole round which is the equivalent of three to five kilometres. With nearly 2,300 golf courses in Canada including both public and private facilities, the sport is highly accessible and significant strides have been made in accessible technology to make the game more inclusive for the differently abled people of all ages.

The inherent social nature of the game is also an important factor in helping increase social well-being and is a great way to bond with old friends and meet new ones. It is a sport that welcomes families and partners to be active together and is also an effective way to network and build business relationships.

Operating as small businesses in communities across Canada, golf courses provide players of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to enjoy the game. Golf Canada is collaborating with the Provincial Associations to provide information and assets on the Golf and Health campaign to club operators across the country.

Golf Canada has launched a new website that highlights the benefits of the game including helpful resource information and articles – please visit health.golfcanada.ca to find out more.

The Golf Canada Mobile App continues to be the all-in-one place to track progress and connect with colleagues and friends. In support of the Golf and Health campaign, the app is providing significant health tracking enhancements to the golfer experience. In addition to tracking scores and stats, users can now gain valuable personal insights into how each round positively affects their health. New health stat features include number of steps, distance walked, stand time, calories burned, elevation gained and heart rate. Users will also be able to view health statistics over different periods of time all of which is private and secure within their profile. For more information on the Golf Canada Mobile App, please click here. To download on Apple devices click here, to download on Google Play devices, click here.

“Golf brings people together and has an incredible impact on our personal heath and well being,” added McLaughlin. “Whether through physical activity over a lifetime, mental health improvements or the wonderful social experience shared by family and friends, now is a great moment for the Golf and Health campaign to inspire golfers and new enthusiasts to consider the incredible impact that our sport is having on Canadians.”

The Golf, It’s Good for You campaign will run season long and be featured at Golf Canada championships and events including Canada’s National Open Championships – the RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Ancaster, Ont. and the CPKC Women’s Open at Earl Grey Golf Club Calgary, Alta.

2023 Annual Report & Financial Statements are now available.

Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Member Doug Roxburgh Named an Honorary Life Governor with Golf Canada in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the sport.

CPKC Women’s Open Volunteers Cheryl Lee & Carolyn Naylor recognized as 2023 Co-Recipients of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award

Longtime Volunteer and junior golf supporter Duncan Mills, Industry Veterans Tiffany Gordon, and the late Denzil Palmer along with former SCOREGOLF Publisher Kim Locke to be recognized with Golf Canada’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award

Golf Canada’s 2024 Annual Meeting culminated on Thursday, March 7 with the election of David McCarthy of Toronto to serve a second term as the 117^th President of the National Sport Federation.

McCarthy, who recently retired as a senior partner at Stikeman Elliott LLP, has been a volunteer with Golf Canada for more than 20 years across various committees, councils, and championships. A member of the Donalda Golf & Country Club, the St. Andrews Golf Club, and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, McCarthy has served on the Board of Directors of Golf Canada since 2018.

“I am extremely honoured that the Nominating Committee has extended its confidence in me to serve a second term as President of Golf Canada,” said McCarthy. “We are coming off a remarkable 2023 season of strong participation and incredible performances by our Canadian golfers domestically and on the world stage. We are also excited to introduce this year an initiative to use golf to promote mental health and physical well being. There is a great momentum in Canadian golf and together with the Board of Directors, our industry and provincial association partners and volunteers from coast to coast, I look forward to helping advance our sport in 2024.”

Based on the report of Golf Canada’s Nominating Committee, McCarthy will be joined on the 2024 Board of Directors by returning Vice-President Adam Daifallah of Montréal, Que. in leading the 13-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 Susan MacKinnon of Calgary, Alta., Jean-Sébastien Monty of Montréal, Que., Michelle Collens of Vancouver, B.C. Kelly Roberts of London, Ont. and Patrick Kelly of Victoria, B.C.

New additions to Golf Canada’s Board of Directors include 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.

For the biographies of Golf Canada Board members, click here.

Golf Canada also announced during its Annual General Meeting that Canadian Golf Hall of Fame member Doug Roxburgh of Vancouver, B.C. has been named an Honorary Life Governor of Golf Canada in recognition of his longstanding contributions to the association and the sport.

As part of its Annual General Meeting, which was conducted virtually, Golf Canada also released the organization’s 2023 Annual Report including its Financial Statements which are available here.

Cheryl Lee and Carolyn Naylor named 2023 Co-Recipients of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award…

In the continued celebration of volunteerism, Golf Canada recognized Vancouver natives Cheryl Lee and Carolyn Naylor as the 2023 recipients of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award. The duo served as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Player Services Committee for the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club.  Now in its 18^th year, candidates for the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award are put forth for consideration in acknowledgment of significant contributions to the game of golf in their community. Click here for more.

Volunteer Duncan Mills, Industry Veterans Tiffany Gordon, and the late Denzil Palmer along with former publisher Kim Locke to Receive Golf Canada’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award…

Golf Canada announced that four accomplished golf contributors – volunteer and junior golf supporter Duncan Mills of Edmonton, Alta., respected PGA of Canada professional Tiffany Gordon of Calgary, Alta., former SCOREGOLF Publisher Kim Locke of Toronto and the late Denzil Palmer, the longtime respected club manager who spent nearly 30 years as General Manager and Secretary of Royal Montreal Golf Club – will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to the sport as the 2024 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award. The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award will be celebrated in person with the recipients later this year. Click here for more.

Golf Canada’s 2024 Annual Meeting was conducted virtually on Thursday, March 7 with volunteers, staff, member clubs, and industry stakeholders participating.

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

Four accomplished contributors to Canadian golf will be acknowledged for their dedicated efforts in and around the game as the 2024 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award. 

Long-time Golf Canada volunteer Duncan Mills of Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders Tiffany Gordon of Calgary, Alta. And the late Denzil Palmer of Montréal, Que. along with former golf publisher Kim Locke of Toronto, Ont. will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to Canadian golf.

“Golf Canada is proud to honour the long-time contributions of Duncan Mills, Tiffany Gordon, the late Denzil Palmer and Kim Locke, as our 2024 Distinguished Service Award recipients,” said Golf Canada President David McCarthy. “The effort and collective dedication of this year’s honourees has been influential and impactful to the game in their communities as well as the provincial and national level. We are proud to recognize and honour each for the indelible mark they have had on golf in Canada.”

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 2024 Distinguished Service Award honourees coincides with Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting, conducted virtually on Thursday, March 7 at 1:00 p.m. EST.

The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to this year’s honourees as well as the Palmer family will be celebrated later this season at event locations to be determined. 

Golf Canada 2024 Distinguished Service Award Honourees:

Duncan (Dunc) Mills (Volunteer) – Edmonton, Alta.

Dunc Mills’ contributions to the growth of golf in Alberta have been exceptional as a volunteer and administrator, and in the media space as the creator and lead contributor for the Alberta Golfer Magazine. Dunc began volunteering at Alberta Golf events in 1991 and for more than 25 years, has been the driving force behind the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour where he began serving as the Tour’s Executive Director in 1996. Over the years, he has spent time on the Alberta Golf Executive Committee, volunteered at many Alberta Golf and Golf Canada events as well as other professional tours when they visited Alberta. His impact on junior golf in the province through the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour has been incredible, having been a part of more than 600 events through its history. Dunc Mills’ outstanding contributions to the sport earned him nomination to the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame in 2023.

Denzil Palmer (Industry / Posthumous) – Montréal, Que.

The late Denzil Palmer is synonymous with excellence in Canadian golf club management. He spent more than 40 years as a leading figure in Canadian golf club management including nearly 30 years as General Manager and Secretary of The Royal Montreal Golf Club. He was a great supporter of Golf Canada as well as the RBC Canadian Open during his tenure when the club hosted Canada’s National Open Championship. Denzil also played a major role in the success of the 2007 President’s Cup at Royal Montreal, helping to solidify Royal Montreal’s historic standing as a signature hosting venue in Canada. Prior to his passing in 2022, Denzil was long-renowned as one of the premier club managers in Canada, having earned the highest honours of the Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC) including the President’s Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Excellence in Club Management Award Program. He was named an honorary member of both Royal Montreal and CMAC prior to his passing.

Tiffany Gordon (Industry) – Calgary, Alta.

Tiffany Gordon is a 30+ year member of the PGA of Canada and has contributed greatly to the advancement of the game as a Head Professional, General Manager, Director of Clubhouse Operations, and ambassador for golf in Alberta and at a national level. A past president and board member with the PGA of Alberta, Tiffany has also supported the game as a past member of both the NGCOA Canada and the Canadian Golf Superintendent’s Association. Tiffany has also been recognized as a past winner of the Alberta PGA Club Professional of the Year and the PGA of Canada Professional of the Year. A great support of Golf Canada championships including junior events and the (former) Canadian Women’s Tour, Tiffany has also served on the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Now working as Director of Clubhouse Operations and Membership Ambassador with Carnmoney Golf Club, Tiffany also serves as Secretary and Incoming Vice-President on the PGA of Canada National Board.

Kim Locke (Media) – Toronto, Ont.

As the former longtime owner and publisher of SCOREGolf, Kim Locke was a major driving force for the growth of SCOREGolf media properties into a trusted voice for Canadian golf. Prior to selling the SCOREGolf brand to a partnership between Torstar Inc. and Golf Town, Kim was a strong supporter for the game of golf and created a path for numerous writers, editors, and contributors to chronicle Canadian golf, both through SCOREGolf Magazine and other print properties including Golf Canada magazine. Those editorial contributions also impacted Golf Canada’s National Open Championships along with other professional golf properties through souvenir programs and other partner storytelling engagements across SCOREGolf print, digital and broadcast channels. The annual SCOREGolf Awards became an annual recognition of Canadian golf excellence among amateur players, professionals, and industry contributors nationwide. The argument can be made that without Kim Locke as the financial and editorial driving force for SCOREGolf, there would not have been a platform for respected voices such as Bob Weeks, Jason Logan, John Gordon, Lorne Rubenstein, Rick Young, and others to become such trusted voices in Canadian golf. SCOREGolf was honoured by the PGA of Canada as the 2019 recipient of the George Cumming Distinguished Service Award and Kim’s contributions to Canadian golf were also recognized by the Canadian Golf Journalists Association as a past recipient of their Dick Grimm Award.

The duo from Vancouver played a key role in the success of the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open, Lee and Naylor will be recognized during Golf Canada’s 2024 Annual General Meeting

Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Cheryl Lee and Carolyn Naylor of Vancouver have been named the co-recipients of the 2023 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year award.

“Golf Canada could not operate its tournaments, events, or initiatives without volunteers, and we are very proud to recognize both Cheryl Lee and Carolyn Naylor for their contributions to the success of the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open,” said Golf Canada President David McCarthy. “Cheryl and Carolyn were instrumental in overseeing the Player Services Committee at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club and went above and beyond to ensure the players felt welcome, comfortable and were treated to an exceptional experience in Vancouver.” 

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 18th 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.

CHERYL LEE AND CAROLYN NAYLOR

Cheryl Lee and Carolyn Naylor served as Chair and Vice Chair of the Player Services Committee for the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club and played an instrumental role in the success of the championship.

The duo was responsible for pairing 74 LPGA players and seven caddies with billet families in the host community. They were successful in recruiting 54 billet families to fulfill the requests during tournament week.

The lengthy process included canvassing the club for interest, reviewing every application, and eventually connecting the billet families with the player or caddie.

A significant amount of time was required to ensure that the billet families met and completed all necessary screening requirements, and a considerable amount of time and effort went into communication with the players and families.

Carol and Cheryl were also responsible for recruitment and oversaw a strong group of volunteers during the tournament.

During their recruitment they made a concerted inclusive effort to have volunteers on their committee that spoke different languages such as Korean, Mandarin, and Japanese. This was a very considerate and thoughtful touch that made the players feel welcome and comfortable.

The duo kept the care and comfort of the players top of mind. Gestures like ensuring players had access to snacks in the locker room, having extra stashes of bug spray and sunscreen, managing all requests for items to be signed, and ensuring that extra ticket requests were actioned quickly were just some of the things that ensured a positive impact for those competing in Vancouver.

Cheryl and Carolyn were outstanding volunteers who represented Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, Golf Canada, and the Vancouver community exceptionally well.