April 4, 2023 – Golf Canada and Hilton have announced the renewal of their multi-year integrated partnership with Hilton as the official hotel partner for the National Sport Federation and its members. 

Golf Canada is proud to have Hilton’s continued support of Canada’s signature National Open Golf Championships – the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open as well as a new integrated partnership with Team Canada. Through this new partnership, Hilton will be featured prominently on Team Canada athlete uniforms and will be the official hotel partner for Golf Canada’s National Team Program, Canadian Amateur Golf Championships presented by BDO and the World Junior Girls Championship presented by Sargent Farms. 

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Golf Canada as Official Hotel Partner and look forward to building on our relationship with their sponsorship of Team Canada,” said Jennifer White Hilton’s Director of Destination Marketing for US and Canada. “Golf is becoming an increasingly popular sport in Canada, and we look forward to welcoming Golf Canada members, fans, and players from all around the world to stay with us and experience our signature Hilton hospitality.”  

Hilton is deeply engaged, and we are pleased to continue to expand their commitment to Canadian golf across so many areas of our organization, specifically on Team Canada,” said Craig Sharp, Golf Canada Senior Director, Partnerships. “Their new commitment to the development of the team will no doubt have a lasting effect as we work towards our goal of 30 Canadian players of the LPGA and PGA Tours by 2032.  Our robust partnership has a premium touchpoint with so many levels of Canadian golf and its exciting for our members across Canada to continue accessing a meaningful suite of travel and lifestyle benefits.”

Your League Levelled Up!

(April 3, 2023) – Golf Canada has announced the launch of The National Golf League (NGL), a nationwide network of existing recreational golf leagues designed to enhance the league experience for participants and generate charitable support for First Tee – Canada.

Built for golfers of all skill levels, the National Golf League will feature a six-week regular season that takes place within existing recreational league play during the summer. A series of regional playoff tournaments across Canada will take place in the fall at premium golf courses. The National Golf League will culminate with the NGL National Championship at Hamilton Golf and Country Club as part of the 2024 RBC Canadian Open tournament week celebration.

The National Golf League will also contribute to the development of a more sustainable and inclusive future for the sport by supporting a charitable component through First Tee – Canada. First Tee is a youth development program that provides accessible pathways to golf participation at schools, community centres, and golf courses across the country.

“League play is one of the most popular ways that Canadians engage with golf. The National Golf League will build on the fun that league golfers already have by supplementing and levelling up existing leagues through a national platform for regular season play and an exciting and unique playoff format,” said Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer, Kevin Blue. “The National Golf League will also provide important charitable support to First Tee – Canada, a program that creates youth participation opportunities for the next generation of recreational golfers.”

National Golf League competitions will utilize an official Golf Canada Handicap applied towards a net Stableford scoring system that allows golfers to earn points for the net score they record on each hole.

Regular season NGL competition will take place over nine holes during six weeks of identified league play called “NGL Majors” that are integrated into existing league play and scheduled at the convenience of the local league operator. A golfer’s best four net Stableford point totals of the six NGL Majors will count towards their season-long points total on the NGL leaderboard.

A portion of the top regular season finishers in each participating league will qualify for the NGL Regional Playoffs, which will take place at premium courses across Canada. Qualifying golfers will select a guest teammate who also played in their regular season league and participate as a team of two in a best-ball net Stableford competition over 18 holes. Successful teams in the NGL Regional Playoffs will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to the NGL National Championship.

The NGL is open to recreational golf leagues played at both private and public courses. Participants must be Golf Canada members to ensure an official handicap is used. There is no registration fee for golfers or leagues to join the National Golf League. Participants will be asked to support First Tee – Canada in their home province by way of donation.

The size of the National Golf League will be limited in its launch year to ensure a positive experience for players and league operators. A limited number of spots remain for leagues to join the National Golf League in 2023—interested league operators should contact Ryan Logan (rlogan@golfcanada.ca) to express interest before April 15. For more information visit NationalGolfLeague.ca.

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

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

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

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

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

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

GOLF CANADA’S COMMITMENT TO SAFE SPORT

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

2022 Annual Report & Financial Statements are now available

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

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

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

Golf Canada recognizes 2022 National Junior Facility Award winners

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Golf Canada Releases its New Five-Year Strategic Plan

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

Judy Astle named 2022 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year…

In the continued celebration of volunteerism, Golf Canada recognized New Brunswick native Judy Astle as the 2022 recipients of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award. Now in its 17^th year, candidates for the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award are put forth to Golf Canada for consideration by the respective provincial golf associations in acknowledgment of significant contributions to the game of golf in their community. Click here for more.

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

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

Golf Canada Recognizes 2022 National Junior Facility Award Winners…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Junior Golf Opportunity Award

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

Winner: Sawmill Golf Club (Fenwick, Ont.)

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

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

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

Competitive Junior Program of the Year

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

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

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

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

Grassroots Junior Program of the Year

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

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

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

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

Tournament Host of the Year

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

Winner: Royal Regina Golf Club (Regina)

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

Youth on Course Program Location of the Year

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

Winner: Shaganappi Point Golf Course (Calgary)

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

First Tee Canada Program Location of the Year

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

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

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

Nomination and Selection process

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Golf Canada 2023 Distinguished Service Award Honourees:

Nick Marrone (Volunteer)

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

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

Catherine (Kay) Thompson (Volunteer)

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

Joe McLean (Media)

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

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

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

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

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

Now in its 17th year, candidates for the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award are put forth to Golf Canada for consideration by the respective provincial golf associations in acknowledgment of significant contributions to the game of golf in their community.

JUDY ASTLE

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

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

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

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

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

(February 28, 2023) – Golf Canada will host its 2023 Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 2 utilizing a virtual format as the National Sport Federation looks ahead to the 2023 season.

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

The virtual meeting begins at 1:00 pm EST and will include the release of the Association’s 2022 Annual Report & Financial Statements.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submissions for the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award were evaluated by a selection committee that includes representatives from Golf Canada, the Golf Canada Foundation, Honoured Members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, industry representatives and the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.  

Get to Know Fareen Samji….

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

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

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

Get to Know Bob Beauchemin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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