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.
World No. 1 Jin Young Ko, Rising Star Rose Zhang & Canadian Sensation Brooke Henderson Headline Early Commitments to 2023 CPKC Women’s Open
Vancouver, B.C. (July 10, 2023) – Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Golf Canada and the LPGA Tour today announced a new agreement for CPKC to extend its title sponsorship of the CPKC Women’s Open for up to four more years.
Since becoming title sponsor of the CPKC Women’s Open in November of 2013, CPKC has worked closely with Golf Canada to enhance Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship including the overall experience for players and fans. CPKC has also established a meaningful charitable legacy through CPKC Has Heart, which has helped raise more than $17.3M for heart health initiatives in the event’s host communities.
“We are excited to extend our partnership with Golf Canada as title sponsor of the CPKC Women’s Open and proud of the significant contributions this event has made to heart health in communities across Canada,” said Keith Creel, CPKC President and Chief Executive Officer. “The success of this tournament and the community benefits it brings have only grown in the last 10 years. We look forward to continuing that success in the years to come.”
In addition to being title sponsor of the CPKC Women’s Open, CPKC is extending its role as a premier partner of Golf Canada’s National Team Program (Team Canada) which supports Canadian emerging golf talents in their path to the LPGA Tour and PGA Tour. CPKC also proudly supports 13-time LPGA Tour winner Brooke Henderson along with Canadian golf legend Lorie Kane as CPKC Ambassadors. CPKC will also continue its support of the CPKC Women’s Leadership Summit as part of its multi-faceted support for Canadian women’s golf.
As part of CPKC’s title sponsorship extension, the prize purse for the CPKC Women’s Open will increase to $2.5M US, beginning with the 2023 event, August 22-27 at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver.
“CPKC has made an incredible impact in supporting Canadian golf excellence and leaving a meaningful legacy in our host communities, and we are extremely honoured for their continued partnership.” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “CPKC is a major supporter of women’s golf globally, and under the leadership of Keith Creel, their commitment to delivering a world-class experience for players, caddies, fans and charitable beneficiaries, has bolstered the status of Canada’s National Women’s Open to one of the premier events on the LPGA Tour.”
The new agreement keeps CPKC as the title sponsor for the 2025 and 2026 tournaments. The agreement contains an option to maintain the title sponsorship in 2027 and 2028. Additional terms of the partnership were not disclosed.
Early Field Commitments for 2023 CPKC Women’s Open….
Golf Canada and CPKC have also announced that many of the world’s top players have committed to compete in the 49th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship later this summer at Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club.
The list of early commitments features 9 of the current top-10 players on the 2023 Race to the CME Globe Standings, 9 of the current top-10 on the Rolex Rankings and 20 of the top-25 on the 2023 LPGA Tour Money List. Leading the field is Jin Young Ko, currently ranked no. 1 in the world and no. 3 on the current Race to the CME Globe Standings. The 2019 CPKC Women’s Open champion has won twice this season including the HSBC Women’s World Championship and the Cognizant Founders Cup.
Thirteen-time LPGA Tour winner and the winningest golfer in Canadian history Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., will join Ko in leading a field of early commitments including: Lydia Ko, Minjee Lee, Jennifer Kupcho, In Gee Chun, Danielle Kang, Lexi Thompson, Nelly Korda, Megan Khang, Sei Young Kim, Linn Grant, Stacy Lewis, and Paula Creamer.
Defending champion Paula Reto (2022) is among eight past CPKC Women’s Open champions competing for Canada’s National Open Championship including: Jin Young Ko (2019), Brooke Henderson (2018), Sung Hyun Park (2017), Ariya Jutanugarn (2016), Britney Lincicome (2011), Cristie Kerr (2006) and three-time winner Lydia Ko (2015, 2013, 2012) who will be chasing a record fourth CPKC Women’s Open title.
Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club will welcome 14 LPGA Tour in-year winners, including 2023 Major winners: Lilia Vu (The Chevron Championship), Ruoning Yin (KPMG Women’s PGA Championship), Allisen Corpuz (U.S. Women’s Open). Other in-year winners include Brooke Henderson, Grace Kim Jin Young Ko, Celine Boutier, Hannah Green, Pajaree Anannarukarn, Rose Zhang, Ashleigh Buhai, Patty Tavanatanakit, Ariya Jutanugarn, Moriya Jutanugarn.
Rising star Rose Zhang, who won in her first professional start at the Mizuho Americas Open last month, will draw one of the largest crowds on course. Zhang turned pro in May after a successful collegiate career and was the no. 1 ranked amateur in the world for a record 141 weeks. Since turning professional, Rose has finished in the Top 10 of all three events she has played including the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship & US Women’s Open.
Henderson, a CPKC Ambassador who made history at the Wascana Country Club in Regina in 2018 becoming the first Canadian since the late Jocelyne Bourassa 45 years earlier to win Canada’s National Women’s Open, will be joined by fellow Canadians Maude-Aimee Leblanc, Maddie Szeryk, Alena Sharp, Sarah-Eve Rheaume, Selena Costabile and Victoria Liu (Shaughnessy member and Glencoe Invitational winner), as well as a collection of talented Canadian athletes expected to receive tournament exemptions in the coming weeks to compete in Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship.
The 156-player field will be competing at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club for the first time in tournament history. This marks the first time the province of British Columbia has hosted the CPKC Women’s Open since 2015. Shaughnessy also becomes the only Canadian golf club to host both the Women’s and Men’s National Open Championships in the last twenty years.
The 2023 edition of the CPKC Women’s Open will be a celebrated return of the LPGA Tour to British Columbia after Shaughnessy way originally tapped to host the 2020 (then 2021) events cancelled due to the pandemic. The Vancouver golf community is ready for the return with a full roster of 1,200 volunteers confirmed for the event, strong advance ticket sales and one of the largest corporate build footprints in event history with a record number of public viewing and hospitality built on nine holes.
“Together with our friends at CPKC, we are very excited to treat golf fans to the much-anticipated return of the CPKC Women’s Open to Vancouver,” said Tournament Director Ryan Paul. “Golf fans in this community have gotten behind our National Open Championship and major professional golf in a significant way and with a strengthening field, engaging fan activities and digital enhancements to the tournament experience, we can’t wait to host a can’t miss summer celebration.”
CPKC HAS HEART CAMPAIGN TO BENEFIT BC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION…
CPKC and Golf Canada are proud to support the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation as the primary charitable beneficiary for the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open. Among the charitable engagements tournament week will be the Birdies for Heart hole on no. 16 at Shaughnessy with a $5,000 donation made for every birdie made on the hole during the four rounds of the competition. In addition, CPKC is also proud to support a community beneficiary in Royal Inland Hospital Foundation in support of cardiac care. In nine years of title sponsorship of the CPKC Women’s Open, more than $16 million has been raised to support children’s heart health in the event’s host communities.
CPKC WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT RETURNS TO KICK OFF TOURNAMENT WEEK…
Golf Canada and CPKC will host the sixth annual CPKC Women’s Leadership Summit on Tuesday, August 22 at nearby Marine Drive Golf Club as part of the weeklong excitement of the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open. The CPKC Women’s Leadership Summit will bring together like-minded businesspeople from across the country for a day of networking, empowerment, and philanthropy. The Summit will also raise awareness for the CPKC Women’s Open, with attendees receiving access to the tournament during the week and participating in clinics.
“THE RINK” FAN EXPERIENCE RETURNS…
Golf Canada is pleased to announce that the fan-favourite Rink hole spectator experience will return following a successful debut last year in Ottawa. The energetic hockey-themed hole, complete with fan-pounding rink boards, volunteers dressed as referees and a surrounding hospitality experience will be situated on par-3 17th hole at Shaughnessy.
CPKC WOMEN’S OPEN BROADCAST…
The 2023 CPKC Women’s Open will feature four days of domestic and international television broadcast coverage including Canadian broadcast partner TSN as well as international coverage on GOLF channel.
KIDS 12-AND-UNDER GET IN FREE…
Golf Canada and CPKC are committed to offering a fan friendly, family event with the CPKC Women’s Open. To introduce more juniors to the sport, children aged 12-and-under get FREE admission to the CPKC Women’s Open for the entire week.
GOLF CANADA MOBILE APP EXPERIENCE…
Spectators at Shaughnessy will experience the CPKC Women’s Open like never before by downloading the Golf Canada Mobile App on their iOS or Android device. Essential features include a live map, mobile ordering, leaderboard and pairings, tickets, breaking news, and unique events. Golf enthusiasts can also use the Golf Canada Mobile App to enhance their everyday golf experience while playing! Find golf courses, track your game, set up matches against friends, access GPS yardages and more. Click here to download.
ABOUT THE CPKC WOMEN’S OPEN
The stars of the LPGA Tour will challenge for the CPKC Women’s Open from August 22-27, 2023, at the Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club in Vancouver, B.C. Through its CPKC Has Heart program, title sponsor CPKC will once again make a substantial donation to the host community of Canada’s National Open Golf Championship by supporting the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation. The 2023 CPKC Women’s Open is proudly sponsored by CPKC, BDO, Audi, RBC, theScore, Levelwear, Transitions, Titleist, FootJoy, Journie Rewards, Hilton, Sleeman Clear 2.0, Think Turkey, The Keg, Johnsonville, Cayman Islands, Masi, Celebrity Cruises, STALK&BARREL, Matt & Steve’s, Coca-Cola, Rolex and is supported by Sport Hosting Vancouver, the Province of British Columbia, and the Government of Canada.
For information visit www.cpkcwomensopen.com.
ABOUT CPKC
With its global headquarters in Calgary, Alta., Canada, CPKC is the first and only single-line transnational railway linking Canada, the United States and México, with unrivaled access to major ports from Vancouver to Atlantic Canada to the Gulf of México to Lázaro Cárdenas, México. Stretching approximately 20,000 route miles and employing 20,000 railroaders, CPKC provides North American customers unparalleled rail service and network reach to key markets across the continent. CPKC is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpkcr.com to learn more about the rail advantages of CPKC.
ABOUT GOLF CANADA
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. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
BDO’s multi-year enhanced commitment to Canadian golf will impact Golf Canada’s entire operation with touchpoints in professional and amateur championships, sport programming, volunteerism, and philanthropy
Building off a successful first year as the Official Business and Professional Services sponsor of Golf Canada, BDO Canada LLP (BDO) is leaning into golf in an incredibly meaningful way, agreeing to a new multi-year enhanced commitment as Golf Canada’s first-ever Elite-Level Sponsor.
Through their Elite sponsorship, BDO will continue to serve as presenting sponsor of Golf Canada’s National Amateur Championships. With their enhanced commitment to the sport, BDO will extend their impact across Golf Canada’s entire operation with touchpoints in sport programming, professional championships, volunteerism, and philanthropy. The extent of BDO’s Elite sponsorship will include:
- Title sponsorship of Golf Canada’s volunteer program at both National Open Championships (RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open) as well as Canada’s National Amateur Championships
- Expanded hospitality investment at the National Open Championships
- Canada’s first ever international Trustee-level investment into the First Tee – Canada program
- Naming rights of the newly established National Golf League (commencing at the NGL Regional Playoffs in the fall of 2023)
For BDO, enhancing their involvement with the National Sport Organization to engage with Canada’s considerable golf audience reflects a firm-wide commitment through sport to give back to communities served across the country.
“We are thrilled to announce our expanded relationship with Golf Canada, a remarkable connection that embodies our shared dedication to community, progress, and growth. As the proud, and first-ever, Elite Level Sponsor, we join forces with esteemed Canadian brands, collectively dedicated to elevating the sport of golf to new horizons. This event heralds an exciting chapter, where the love for golf thrives and new possibilities unfold,” said Bruno Suppa, CEO of BDO Canada LLP.
In commenting on the new agreement, Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum remarked, “BDO has shown the ability to help transform businesses across Canada to help them achieve new heights. We could not be more excited that through this elevated sponsorship, BDO will power Golf Canada to achieve greater success, enhance our sport and volunteer programming, and create a community impact for youth through their involvement with First Tee – Canada.”
Think Turkey and Golf Canada Team Up to Support First Tee
TORONTO – This summer, Think Turkey is proud to be an official partner of Golf Canada and this year’s RBC Canadian Open June 5 to11 at Oakdale Golf & Country Club in Toronto and the CPKC Women’s Open at Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club in Vancouver from August 21 to 27.
The partnership will tee up the first ever Make Birdies Count challenge at both events, calling on players to make ‘turkeys,’ (known as three birdies in a row – or better!) to benefit First Tee – Canada, a national organization focused on introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to young people, with a donation of up to $15,000.
“Like a delicious turkey dinner, golf brings people of all ages together.” said Darren Ference, Chair of Turkey Farmers of Canada. “We’re proud to partner with Golf Canada to support First Tee, which introduces youth to a sport that helps build confidence, character and connections to communities.”
“We are very excited to welcome Think Turkey as an Official Partner of Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open, and the CPKC Women’s Open,” said Lisa Ferkul, Chief Commercial Officer of Golf Canada. “The Make Birdies Count challenge is a great initiative and we’re looking forward to working alongside their team on this fun competitive story on the course, while making an impact that will benefit First Tee – Canada.”
Graham DeLaet, retired Canadian golfer and broadcaster, has signed on as an ambassador for the Make Birdies Count challenge, promoting it to players, media, the Golf Canada network and fans.
“A turkey on the golf course or at home is always exciting,” said Graham DeLaet. “First Tee – Canada is a charity that’s close to many players hearts, including mine, and I’m pleased to help raise awareness for the Make Birdies Count challenge and drive some added competition for a great cause.”
Turkey Player Stats
At the 2022, RBC Canadian Open, pros made 45 turkeys at St. George’s Golf & Country Club, with defending champ Rory McIlroy achieving one. Players in the CPKC Women’s Open in 2022 made 25 turkeys, with Brooke Henderson scoring one and Lydia Ko and Stephanie Kyriacou achieving two turkeys.
Chances for a Turkey at RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf & Country Club
The back nine of Oakdale golf course presents the greatest opportunity for a turkey with holes 12 (553 yards, par 5), 13 (424 yards, par 4), 14 (172 yards, par 3), 15 (419 yards, par 4), 16 (398 yards, par 4), 17 (432 yards, par 4), and 18 (494 yards, par 5) most likely for players to make three birdies in a row. Defending RBC Open champion, Rory McIlroy, may be on a path to achieve the ultimate turkey – three consecutive wins of the Canadian Open.
“The Canadian turkey industry prides itself on serving our communities through programs that fight food insecurity and support youth,” said Nicolas Paillat, Director, Chicken and Turkey Primary Processing Sectors. “We’re proud that the Make Birdies Count challenge will support and empower youth through the sport of golf to build values and skills which will serve them for life and fuel their game.” Golf Canada and Think Turkey will be sharing a daily ‘turkey tally’ during the RBC Canadian Open and the CPKC Women’s Open. Visit Thinkturkey.ca to learn more.
May 18, 2023 – Golf Canada and The Keg have announced that The Keg will become the official restaurant partner of Golf Canada for 2023 and 2024, which includes the RBC Canadian Open and the CPKC Women’s Open events.
The Fare Way featuring The Keg
As part of the agreement, The Keg will be the featured brand of the Fare Wayoffering re-imagined Keg classics on site. Originally introduced at the 2019 RBC Canadian Open, the Fare Way is a food and beverage experience for fans to enjoy throughout the week at both tournaments.
The Fare Way featuring The Keg will be located on course at the Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto and the Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club in Vancouver.
“As Canada’s favourite steakhouse, we are thrilled to become Golf Canada’s official restaurant partner,” said Chantal Chiarelli, The Keg’s Vice President, Marketing. “We look forward to celebrating the RBC Canadian Open and the CPKC Women’s Open with an elevated sense of hospitality and delicious food and beverage offerings for everyone to enjoy during these fantastic events. With over 100 locations across Canada and the USA, we can’t wait to bring The Keg’s famous experience to Golf Canada.”
“We are excited to have The Keg become the official restaurant partner of Golf Canada,” said Lisa Ferkul, Chief Commercial Officer, Golf Canada. “The Fare Way has become a destination experience for fans at both the RBC Canadian Open and the CPKC Women’s Open and we look forward to The Keg along with all of our premium food and beverage partners delivering an exceptional festival vibe onsite at our National Open Championships.”
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.
Week-long women’s golf festival with competitive and introductory programming for all ages of women and girls across Calgary to run in conjunction with enhanced Digital Commercial Bank Glencoe Invitational.
March 8, 2023 – Golf Canada and The Glencoe Golf and Country Club in Calgary have announced a partnership that will support enhancements to the prestigious Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational, along with the pilot launch of a week-long women’s golf festival taking place across the Calgary region during the week of the championship.
Established in 1992, the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational is one of the premiere golf competitions in Canada with approximately 100 athletes – both professionals and elite amateurs in the women’s division and amateurs only in the men’s division – competing over 54 holes on The Forest Course at The Glencoe Golf & Country Club. The championship runs June 15-17 and will feature an expanded prize purse of at least $60,000 CAD in the women’s division. The winner of the women’s championship will also receive an exemption into the 2023 CP Women’s Open.
Team Canada athletes will compete in the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational and Golf Canada will assist in recruiting international players to compete in the championship. Team Canada will also conduct training camps in Calgary surrounding the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational with athletes and coaches from the men’s, women’s, and NextGen squads. Following the championship, Golf Canada will host a US Women’s Amateur Qualifier on Monday, June 19 at the Sundre Golf Club in Sundre, Alta.
“The Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational is a premier golf competition in this country, and it is exciting to see the enhancements take shape, especially the progressive investment to elevate opportunities for women,” said Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer, Kevin Blue. “We are thankful for The Glencoe and the leadership they are demonstrating to help foster the growth of women’s golf in Canada. We are proud to partner in the enhancement of the women’s championship and deliver additional community golf activities to advance participation among women and junior girls in the Calgary area.”
“We are excited to grow the success of the tournament by partnering with Golf Canada,” said Tournament Chair, Dale Goehring. “This year’s event will enable more elite Canadian male and female players to compete on home soil. Working alongside with Golf Canada with the tournament and Festival events aligns with the Glencoe Golf & Country Club’s mission to create exceptional experiences and grow the game of golf for both women and men.”
In addition to enhancements to the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational, Golf Canada will pilot a women’s golf festival concept that will take place during the week of the championship. Beginning on June 12, Golf Canada will host several introductory community events at Calgary area golf courses promoting recreational women’s and junior girls’ golf participation with a focus on the fun and social aspects of the game.
Information about new and existing clinics, leagues and programs for women and girls in the Calgary region will be shared throughout the week. The R&A is also providing important support for the Calgary area women’s golf festival pilot.
“We are proud to have support from Glencoe and the R&A in helping to pilot the Canadian Women’s Golf Festival with a dedicated focus on programming for women and girls that spans the full participation pathway from first involvement to high performance,” said Laura Wilson, Golf Canada’s Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Safe Sport. “We see this being a week-long celebration of women’s golf. The enhancements to the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational along with highly visible programming will address participation gaps and bring greater awareness among women of the physical, psychological, and social benefits of golf.”
Activities planned for the Women’s Golf Festival during the week of The Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational include:
- Tee it Up Clinics – a first trial opportunity for young girls with introductions to fundamental skills such as driving, chipping, and putting in a fun and relaxed environment filled with music, games, and laughter.
- Team Scramble – a women focused fun and non-traditional nine-hole event for women and junior girls.
- Try Golf Taster – introductory events to encourage women to try golf in a low pressure, unintimidating environment.
- Women in Coaching – women’s only coach education sessions that will present an opportunity to develop leaders and role models in golf, especially focused on community coaching.
Golf Canada will work with Alberta Golf, City of Calgary, golf courses in the Calgary area and community-based organizations to operate the Women’s Golf Festival during the week of The Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational as a pilot project with a goal that the concept can draw sustainable funding to support expansion to four Canadian markets in 2024.
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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 117th 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 117th 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 116th 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 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. 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.
