PGA TOUR

It took Rory McIlroy 17 years to win his first Masters title, but only one year (less a day) to win his second. McIlroy made back-to-back birdies at Amen Corner on his way to a one-stroke victory at Augusta National. He joins Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo and Jack Nicklaus as the only repeat winners of the Masters. It was also the 31st time in the last 36 Masters that the winner came from the final pairing. It is his sixth major title, which ties him with Faldo, Lee Trevino and Phil Mickelson. The win is also McIlroy’s 30th on the PGA Tour, which puts him in a tie for 16th on the all-time list. Scottie Scheffler became the first player in the last 82 years to play the final two rounds bogey-free, but his bid for the largest 36-hole comeback in Masters history came up one stroke short. It’s his third runner-up finish in a major and his fifth consecutive top-10 result at Augusta. Tyrrell Hatton recorded not only his best finish at the Masters, but his best result in any golf major after finishing in a four-way tie for third. He was joined by Russell Henley, who was trying to become the first player to win the tournament on his birthday, Justin Rose, who despite being the only player in the field with all four rounds under par, came up short once again in his bid to become the second-oldest champion at age 45, and Cameron Young, who started the final round tied for lead. …Nick Taylor‘s opening round 71 was his best start at the Masters and just two strokes off his career low at Augusta. For the first time as a pro, he was inside the top 10 at a major championship at the end of a round. …Corey Conners recorded his lowest result in seven weekend finishes at Augusta. His two double bogeys in the final round were his first since the second round of the 2024 Masters. …Mike Weir‘s opening round 81 was his highest since shooting 82 at the 2015 Masters.

NEXT EVENT: RBC Heritage (Apr 16)

CANADIANS ENTERED: Corey Conners, Taylor Pendrith, Nick Taylor, Sudarshan Yellamaraju, A.J. Ewart (alternate)

The Masters marks the unofficial start of spring for Canadian golfers, but Golf Canada’s chief executive officer is hopeful that it could mean a little bit more this year.

Laurence Applebaum says watching the first major of the men’s golf season at Augusta National Golf Club is traditionally a signal to recreational players that it’s time to start playing again. But with Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., and Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont., in the field, he likes the chances of a Canadian winning the event.

“Canadians feel like this is a special week, because it’s sort of the unofficial start of our outdoor season,” said Applebaum in a phone interview as he travelled to Georgia. “So many Canadians are now playing all year round, but as we watch the Masters on TV, we find that this is our chance to get ready to swing clubs outside.”

Weir is the only Canadian man to win one of golf’s majors, earning the green jacket at the 2003 Masters. Although it inspired the current generation of golfers like Conners and Taylor, no one has replicated the feat at Augusta, the U.S. Open, the British Open or the PGA Championship.

Applebaum said he thinks the time is right for a Canadian man to once again win a major. He said that it’s partly because Toronto’s Vanessa Borovilos, Calgary’s Aphrodite Deng and Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C., all did so well at last week’s Augusta National Women’s Amateur and set the tone for their fellow Canadians.

It was the first time that three Canadians participated in the elite event and all three of them made the cut, with Borovilos tying for 11th.

“We’ve had a really special start already with three of our Team Canada athletes playing in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and our best finish ever by Vanessa Borovilos,” said Applebaum. “But to the main event, which is the Masters tournament, I just think the world of both Nick Taylor and Corey Conners. 

“I think we are primed for maybe a breakout week for one of them at the tournament this year.”

Of any Canadian, Conners has come the closest to winning at Augusta recently. He’s cracked the top 10 four times over the past six years, tying for 10th in 2020, tying for eighth in 2021, tying for sixth in 2022 and tying for eighth again last year.

“I love the golf course, love how it sets up,” said Conners. “I feel like my iron play has been on a number of those years and that’s an important aspect of the game.

“You need everything to be working to contend here, but the iron play has been sharp and that’s definitely helped me.”

It’s become a special Masters tradition that Weir invites whatever Canadians make the field to play a practice round with him on the Tuesday of tournament week. Taylor said he relishes the ritual.

“You get the text from Mike a month or two out and schedule it in,” said Taylor after this year’s practice round. “It was a lot of fun. The weather is awesome. The golf course is somewhat receptive, but knowing the forecast, it’s going to only get firmer.

“It’s always just a great stroll around Tuesday morning.”

Taylor will tee off with Americans Keegan Bradley and Ryan Gerard on Thursday morning then Weir will play with American Wyndham Clark and Argentine amateur Mateo Pulcini. Conners is in an afternoon group with England’s Harry Hall and Michael Brennan of the United States.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Canada will be represented by three players at the Masters this week, with Nick Taylor, Corey Conners and former champion Mike Weir all set to tee it up at Augusta National.

Taylor, Conners and Weir are among a field featuring players from around the world competing in the season’s first major.

Taylor, of Abbotsford, B.C., will play alongside Americans Keegan Bradley and Ryan Gerard in the opening two rounds. Their group is scheduled to tee off at 9:31 a.m. EDT on Thursday and 12:44 p.m. on Friday. Taylor’s best result at the Masters is a tie for 29th, recorded in 2020.

Conners, from Listowel, Ont., is grouped with England’s Harry Hall and American Michael Brennan. They are set to begin play at 12:44 p.m. on Thursday and 9:19 a.m. on Friday. Conners has twice finished tied for sixth at Augusta National (2020, 2022).

Weir, the 2003 Masters champion from Brights Grove, Ont., will play with American Wyndham Clark and Argentina’s amateur Mateo Pulcini. Their tee times are 11:27 a.m. on Thursday and 8:02 a.m. on Friday. Weir’s victory in 2003 remains the best result by a Canadian at the Masters.

The Masters begins Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club.

It only took two rounds of golf for Vancouver’s Leah John to have her “welcome to the LPGA Tour” moment.

John had just finished playing in Blue Bay LPGA, the first tournament of her rookie season on the top-flight women’s golf circuit, when she got approached for an autograph. And another. And another.

Although John had missed the cut on March 6 at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course on Hainan Island, China, there was a crowd waiting to meet her and get her signature. There were so many people that security actually had to move the large group to one side so as to not block other golfers from getting to the clubhouse.

“I had this mob of people wanting my signature, which was so much fun, like it was so nice to feel like I could have an impact on people and just make them happy,” said John. “I am very much living my dream.

“I loved it.”

John qualified for the LPGA Tour through the qualifying stage of the circuit in December. Blue Bay LPGA wasn’t just her first tournament as a full-fledged member of the tour, it was her first time to Asia.

“That’s the farthest I’ve ever travelled for a tournament, so it was really exciting to go to Asia and see what the lay of the land is like there,” said John. “The golf course was amazing. It’s so pristine and beautiful and I didn’t play my best per se, but it really was an awesome first week to start just getting into the groove, getting yourself familiar with your surroundings.

“Simple things (like) what does practice usually look like and what’s the vibe of the tour.”

The 25-year-old John will tee it up again this week at the Fortinet Founders Cup at Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club in Menlo Park, Calif. Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que., is the other Canadian in the field.

John said it will take a while to realize that she belongs on the LPGA Tour.

“Just getting used to seeing your idols out here, and having to realize that you are amongst them, and feeling comfortable with that,” she said. “That’s still something that’s taken some time.

“That’s one of the biggest adjustments I’ve had to make is still believing in myself, even though I’m up against some really good competition, and embracing the challenge of that, rather than feeling defeated by it.”

John is not the only Canadian making memories in their rookie seasons.

Sudarshan Yellamaraju of Mississauga, Ont., tied for fifth at the prestigious Players Championship on Sunday. He finished four shots back of eventual winner Cameron Young of the United States.

“I never thought I was going to have a chance to win, to be honest,” Yellamaraju told reporters after his final round at TPC Sawgrass. “I would have to do something miraculous, and I almost did.

“I just wanted to play one shot at a time and play the best golf I could because this course is so tough and you’ve just got to stay patient and just keep grinding.”

The performance rocketed Yellamaraju up the FedEx Cup standings from 67th to 30th. He’s now the highest ranked Canadian on the PGA Tour in just the seventh start of his first full season on the circuit.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Sudarshan Yellamaraju’s unconventional journey to the PGA Tour reached another milestone Sunday as the Canadian rookie delivered a breakthrough performance at THE PLAYERS Championship.

Yellamaraju carded a final-round 4-under 68 at TPC Sawgrass to finish tied for fifth at 9 under par, four shots behind winner Cam Young.

The 24-year-old’s finish marked his first career top-10 result on the PGA Tour and the best showing by a rookie at the tournament in more than a decade. It was also the strongest result by a Canadian at The Players since Stephen Ames won the event in 2006.

Yellamaraju said the result reinforced his belief that he can compete at the highest level.

“I know I can compete and contend, and I have a lot of belief in myself, but that results-based confidence is something you can’t match,” he said. “Once you do something, you know you can do that or better.”

Making his tournament debut, Yellamaraju approached the week with modest expectations while still aiming to contend.

“As a rookie you just go out and see what you can do,” he said. “I always want to win every tournament, but that’s not realistically possible.”

Yellamaraju’s final round started quickly. The Canadian made three birdies in his opening four holes and added another at the par-5 ninth to reach the turn in 4-under 32.

A bogey on the short par-4 12th slowed his momentum, but he rebounded with birdies at Nos. 15 and 16 before finishing with a bogey at the difficult closing hole.

Playing in front of the large Sunday crowds at TPC Sawgrass was another new experience for the rookie.

“It was awesome,” Yellamaraju said of the fan support. “Yesterday when I had that run of birdies the crowd started cheering me on and it kept me motivated even when I was getting a little tired.”

The strong finish also reflected a mindset that has helped define his rise through the professional ranks.

“I’m not someone who packs it in,” he said. “I never give up. I’m very resilient.”

Yellamaraju credited that approach for helping him handle the challenge of one of the PGA Tour’s most demanding courses.

“Everything has to be really good on this course,” he said. “You’ve got to drive it well, hit good approach shots, chip it well and putt it well.”

The Canadian earned US$925,000 for the result, the largest payday of his young PGA Tour career.

Corey Conners was the next-best Canadian in the field, finishing tied for 13th after a final-round 74, his third straight top-15 result at The Players Championship.

Nick Taylor shot a 1-over 73 on Sunday to finish tied for 42nd, while Taylor Pendrith also closed with a 73 to tie for 46th.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Six Canadians will be in the field this week as the PGA TOUR’s flagship event, THE PLAYERS Championship, returns to the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass from March 10–15.

Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., A.J. Ewart of Coquitlam, B.C., and Sudarshan Yellamaraju of Mississauga, Ont., are all part of the 123-player field announced Monday.

The tournament features 47 of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking and competitors representing 24 countries.

Conners enters the week as Canada’s highest-ranked player in the field and continues to be one of the PGA TOUR’s most consistent tee-to-green players. The two-time PGA TOUR winner has established himself as a regular contender in golf’s biggest events and will look to build on another steady start to the season.

Pendrith returns to TPC Sawgrass after breaking through for his first PGA TOUR title in 2024. One of the longest hitters on TOUR, the Richmond Hill native has continued to climb the FedExCup standings and remains a regular presence near the top of leaderboards.

Taylor, who won the 2023 RBC Canadian Open in dramatic fashion to become the first Canadian to win the country’s national men’s open in 69 years, is also back in the field. The five-time PGA TOUR winner has been one of Canada’s most consistent performers in recent seasons.

Hughes, a two-time PGA TOUR winner, returns to THE PLAYERS after another solid start to the campaign. Known as one of the TOUR’s strongest putters, the Dundas native has repeatedly contended in big events and will look to navigate the demanding Stadium Course.

Two Canadians will be making their tournament debuts this week.

Ewart, a PGA TOUR rookie and former standout at Barry University, earned his place in the field as part of his first full season on TOUR. Yellamaraju, another rookie, will also make his first appearance at THE PLAYERS after earning status on the PGA TOUR.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy headline the field and will both be seeking a third career PLAYERS Championship title. Scheffler won the event in 2023 and 2024, while McIlroy captured the title in 2019 and again in 2025.

Past champions Justin Thomas, Si Woo Kim, Jason Day, Rickie Fowler and Adam Scott are also in the field for the PGA TOUR’s premier event, often referred to as golf’s “fifth major.”

Sudarshan Yellamaraju, Anna Hung and Leah John named
2025 Emerging Professional of the Year Award recipients

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada is proud to announce the names of 20 professional athletes that have been named to the 2026 men’s and women’s Team Canada squads.

Golf Canada’s National Team program aims to help more Canadian athletes achieve success on the world’s leading professional tours, including the PGA TOUR and the LPGA Tour. The Team Canada program supports a group of experienced amateurs on the pathway to playing professional golf along with a group of young professional golfers building their careers as touring pros.

The professional players will join the 34 amateur and junior players that were previously announced as part of the Team Canada program last December. With players choosing to turn professional at different points in the season, an athlete’s involvement in the Team Canada program including financial support continues during their transition from amateur to professional golf. 

2026 Team Canada Rosters:

Team Canada – Women

Team Canada – Men

“Golf Canada is proud to announce the professional athletes selected to the 2026 Team Canada Men’s and Women’s National Team Program. Many of these players achieved significant milestones and enjoyed strong seasons last year, and we look forward to supporting their continued development across all tours while providing them with the resources they need to excel in 2026,” said Paul Perrier, Chief Sport Officer, Golf Canada. “We also extend our sincere thanks to the generous donors of the Golf Canada Foundation and our corporate partners. Their ongoing support of player development is critical in equipping our athletes to train, compete, and pursue success at the highest levels. We are also grateful to the Selection Committee for their diligence and commitment to a rigorous, athlete-focused selection process.”

Team Canada Coaches…

As previously announced, the coaching staff for the men’s and women’s Team Canada squads will return in full for the 2026 season. Team Canada – Men will be led by head coach Derek Ingram (Winnipeg, Man.) and assistant coach Louis Melanson (Moncton, N.B.). The coaching staff will be supported by mental performance coach, Dr. Adrienne Leslie-Toogood (Winnipeg, Man.) along with strength and conditioning coach Greg Redman (Kelowna, B.C.). Team Canada – Women will be led by Stollery Family Women’s head coach Salimah Mussani (Vancouver, B.C.) along with associate coach Jennifer Greggain (Vancouver, B.C.), strength and conditioning coach Andrea Kosa (Calgary, Alta.) and mental performance coach Judy Goss (Toronto, Ont.).

Team Canada coaches work with athletes and their personal support teams to develop annual training plans and identify areas to impact athlete growth in all areas of their game. Athletes are also supported by an integrated sport science team that includes physical conditioning, mental performance, and mental health support. Players are brought together regularly for training camps with national team coaches and sport science staff.

Team Canada Athletes….

The women’s professional team sees seven returning players including 17-year-old Anna Huang of Vancouver, B.C. Huang turned professional in 2025 and went on to win twice on the Ladies European Tour (LET). Her first professional win came at the La Sella Open in Spain in September, she followed that up with a win at the Lacoste Ladies Open de France the next week. Huang added two top 10’s and six top 20’s over 19 tournaments and finished 11th in the Order of Merit on LET in her rookie season. Leah John of Vancouver, B.C. also found the winner’s circle last season, claiming the Four Winds Invitational in August for her first professional win. John added two top 10 finishes in 20 starts on the Epson Tour. In December, John finished in the top 25 at LPGA Final Qualifying to earn her LPGA Tour card for 2026. Five women will be competing on the Epson Tour this year including, Brooke Rivers of Brampton, Ont. Last season, Rivers earned five top 10’s including a third place finish at the Casella Golf Championship in July on the Epson Tour. Also returning are a pair of 2025 Epson Tour rookies including Monet Chun of Richmond Hill, Ont., who earned four top 20 finishes and made the cut in 16 of 19 tournaments played last season. Along with Chun is Mary Parsons of Delta, B.C. Last season, Parsons earned two top 25 finishes in 12 events on Epson. Savannah Grewal of Mississauga, Ont. returns to the Epson Tour after competing on the LPGA Tour last season. Grewal earned five top 50 finishes in 16 starts on the LPGA Tour. Brigitte Thibault of Rosemère, Que. will also be returning to Epson following three top 40 finishes last year. Yeji Kwon of Port Coquitlam, B.C. will be returning to the program for 2026. Last season, Kwon earned two top 40 finishes in 18 starts last year on Epson.

The men’s professional team sees 10 returning players from 2025 and two additional returnees from past years. Three players will compete on the Korn Ferry Tour (KFT) this season, including Myles Creighton of Digby, N.S., Stuart Macdonald of Vancouver, B.C. and Matthew Anderson of Mississauga, Ont. Last season, Creighton earned his first Korn Ferry Tour title at the Wichita Open in June. He added another top five, a top 10 and four top 25 finishes in 25 events on Tour. This season, Creighton has earned two top 25 finishes in five events on the KFT. Macdonald earned a runner-up finish at the Tulum Championship last May and added a top five, three top 10’s and five top 25 finishes on the KFT last season. Macdonald has two additional top 25 finishes this season in five events played. Anderson collected a third place finish, a top five, two top 10’s and three top 25’s last season on KFT; he also finished T47 at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open. Five players will compete on PGA TOUR Americas including Brendan MacDougall of Calgary, Alta., Hunter Thomson of Calgary, Alta., Noah Steele of Kingston, Ont., Étienne Papineau of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que. and returning member, Peyton Callens of Langton, Ont. Callens was last a junior team national team member in 2019. Also returning to the national team after two seasons is Henry Lee of Coquitlam, B.C. Lee spent the past two years competing on the Vancouver Golf Tour and won twice in 2025 while adding five runner-up finishes. Lee earned playing status for both the Korean Tour and Asian Tour for the 2026 season. Piercen Hunt of Calgary, Alta. and Brady McKinlay of Lacombe, Alta. and Johnny Travale of Hamilton, Ont. who competed on PGA TOUR Americas last season will return to the national team for 2026. Sudarshan Yellamaraju of Mississauga, Ont. and A.J. Ewart of Coquitlam, B.C. have both graduated from the Team Canada program, following their progression to the PGA TOUR this season.

For full Team Canada athlete and coach bios along with tournament results and additional information, please click here.

Team Canada is proudly supported by RBC, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Titleist, FootJoy, Puma, Foresight, Golf Canada Foundation and Sport Canada.

EMERGING PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS OF THE YEAR AWARD

Golf Canada Foundation is proud to announce Sudarshan Yellamaraju as the male recipient of the Emerging Professional of the Year Award, presented by Andrew Cook. The female co-recipients are Anna Huang and Leah John. 

“We are thrilled to continue the Emerging Professional awards again this year, with three deserving players getting a head start on their 2026 season with a grant to offset the many costs associated with starting your professional career,” said Martin Barnard, Chief Executive Officer, Golf Canada Foundation. “Andrew Cook has been a long-time supporter of the Foundation and golf in Canada, and his generous support is meaningful and impactful for Team Canada players again this year.”

The Emerging Professional of the Year Award is funded by a generous donation from Andrew Cook, a proud Trustee of the Golf Canada Foundation and past President of Golf Canada. Each year, the top male and female professionals receive a $10,000 grant to support their next season. Past recipients include PGA TOUR member Taylor Pendrith, current and former Korn Ferry Tour members Matthew Anderson, Myles Creighton, Stuart Macdonald, Wil Bateman, Etienne Papineau and current and former LPGA Tour members Maude‑Aimée Leblanc, Savannah Grewal and Maddie Szeryk. 

HONOLULU — Defending champion Nick Taylor was sharp with his irons and handled the par 3s at Waialae Country Club for an 8-under 62, giving him a share of the lead Thursday with Kevin Roy as the PGA Tour season started at the Sony Open.

This is the latest start to the tour season because The Sentry at Kapalua on Maui was canceled due to water issues. The Sony attracted a strong field, with four of the top 10 in the world.

Taylor, who won last year in a playoff, and the early starters caught a break when the wind didn’t arrive until the afternoon. Only four players from the top 16 on the leaderboard played late.

“I think we got lucky with the forecast this morning. I expected some more wind,” Taylor said. “A lot of the wind is going with the dogleg, so it felt like some of the tee shots maybe weren’t as challenging. I hit it great, but this course fits my eye.”

Taylor made birdie on three of the par 3s. The one par 3 he didn’t birdie produced what he felt was his best swing of the day, a 4-iron to the top shelf on the difficult fourth hole that left a 25-footer he narrowly missed.

The Canadian was pleased, though not surprised with his game despite this being the first event of the year. He played just enough in the offseason to stay sharp and still get rest, playing only in Mexico and then the Nedbank Challenge in South Africa.

Roy had seven birdies in 11 holes at the start, and the finished with a birdie on the par-5 18th.

S.H. Kim played late and birdied his last three holes in a bogey-free round for a 67. He was in a group with Ben Griffin, coming off a three-win season and a Ryder Cup debut, and Scottish Open champion Chris Gotterup.

Vijay Singh, the 62-year-old Hall of Famer who used a one-time career money exemption, had two double bogeys and still shot a 68. Also at 68 was Jordan Spieth, who had six birdies against four bogeys and a late club change that he figures cost him 2 1/2 shots.

Spieth put in a 3-iron instead of his hybrid.

“The problem is I had four months to get ready for this week and I dug five 3-irons out and I hit them the day before I came here and then I brought them all here and then I was trying to figure out which one I liked here and they were all good,” he said. “So then I got to pick one and it just … I just haven’t been playing with it, so I think I’m going to go back to the hybrid.”

Robert MacIntyre of Scotland and Adam Scott were at 67. Scott’s tee shot on the par-5 ninth to end his round hit the net lining the driving range and settled in the mesh at the bottom, inches outside the out-of-bounds stakes. He had to go back to the tee, hit 6-iron to 4 feet and saved par.

Scott was coming from Australia and figured Waialae, one of his favorite courses, was on the way to California for his next two starts. There’s also a feeling this might be the last Sony Open as the tour revamps its entire schedule.

OAKVILLE, Ont. – First Tee – Canada is proud to announce a new partnership with adidas that will support youth programming through the adidas Birdies for Game Changers initiative.

Partnering with five-time PGA TOUR winner and adidas athlete Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., adidas will provide $300 in support to First Tee – Canada for every birdie or better that Taylor makes on the PGA TOUR this season.

“This adidas Birdies for Game Changers initiative provides a platform for Nick’s great play on the golf course to directly benefit youth in Canada,” said Adam Hunter, executive director, First Tee – Canada. “We are very appreciative to adidas and Nick for their continued support. This initiative will allow First Tee – Canada to introduce more children to golf in a way that is welcoming, inclusive and empowering.”

The adidas Birdies for Game Changers initiative supports First Tee – Canada in providing youth from all backgrounds with access to valuable life lessons through golf. First Tee – Canada’s mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and promote healthy choices.

“At adidas, we believe that through sport we have the power to change lives, so we’re excited to support First Tee – Canada by helping expand access to programs that use golf as a platform for growth,” said Jeff Lienhart, president, adidas Golf. “Knowing we can play a small part alongside Nick’s performance on the PGA TOUR this season to directly impact the next generation of golfers in Canada makes this initiative especially meaningful. We’ll be cheering him on, knowing that every birdie helps create opportunities for young people across the country to build confidence, develop life skills and discover what’s possible through the game.”

A First Tee – Canada ambassador, Taylor has been a champion of the program’s mission and values. Since 2024, the Taylor family has been supporting their regional chapter, First Tee – British Columbia as a charitable beneficiary of the Nick Taylor Charity Classic. A portion of the funds raised at the tournament directly support the growth of the grassroots program in Cultus Lake and surrounding communities in the province.

“Golf has given our family so much both on and off the course,” said Nick Taylor. “Andie and I are very proud of our partnership with First Tee – Canada and thrilled that adidas will continue to strengthen that relationship, guided by our shared values of promoting the game and the valuable life lessons it instills in youth across Canada.”

In 2025, Taylor recorded 309 birdies and six eagles in 24 events played on the PGA TOUR.

The adidas Birdies for Game Changers initiative will begin this week as Taylor opens the 2026 PGA TOUR season with the defence of his Sony Open title in Honolulu, Hawaii on Thursday.

The Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC) has announced their golf story of the year, as well as various Player of the Year awards for the 2025 season.

Below are the GJAC’s selections for the 2025 season.

Brooke Henderson’s Victory at the CPKC Canadian Women’s Open Named Golf Story of the Year

Brooke Henderson’s memorable win at the CPKC Canadian Women’s Open at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club was named the GJAC Canadian Golf Story of the Year. Henderson captured her second CPKC Canadian Women’s Open title in August, prevailing by one stroke in a dramatic final round over Minjee Lee. The victory marked a special moment for Canadian golf, as Henderson once again claimed the national championship in front of a home audience.

Corey Conners Named Male Professional Player of the Year

Corey Conners earned Male Professional Player of the Year honours following one of the most consistent seasons of his PGA TOUR career. Conners finished fourth in the FedEx Cup standings and recorded three top-five finishes despite not securing a tournament victory. He also posted top-20 finishes in all three major championships he completed during the season. Conners concluded the year ranked 30th in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Brooke Henderson Named Female Professional Player of the Year

Brooke Henderson was also named Female Professional Player of the Year, continuing her leadership among Canadian players on the LPGA Tour. Her season included a top-10 finish at the CPE Group Tour Championship and her historic victory at the CPKC Canadian Women’s Open. Henderson finished the year ranked 24th in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.

Hunter Thomson and Isaiah Ibit Named Male Amateur Players of the Year

The GJAC selected co-winners for Male Amateur Player of the Year.

Isaiah Ibit enjoyed an impressive freshman season at Kent State University, earning MAC Freshman of the Year honours. He also made the cut at a PGA TOUR Americas event and finished runner-up at the Can-Am Championship. Ibit concluded the year ranked 359th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Hunter Thomson, who attended the University of Michigan, won his NCAA Regional, finished 24th on PGA TOUR U, and turned professional during the season while retaining his Amateur Ranking status for 2026. Despite competing as an amateur for only part of the year, his accomplishments earned strong recognition from voters. Thomson turned professional ranked 68th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Aphrodite Deng Named Female Amateur Player of the Year

Aphrodite Deng was named Female Amateur Player of the Year following a standout season that included a tie for 20th and low amateur honours at the CPKC Canadian Women’s Open, along with a strong showing at the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship and multiple junior victories throughout the year. Deng also captured Rolex Junior Player of the Year honours and finished the season ranked 14th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

“It is an exciting time in our calendar where we share the results of our Association vote for our year end players and Canadian golf story of the year awards,” said Mike Johnny, President of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada. “While the competitive golf landscape in Canada continues to thrive, it is nice to see new names emerge, reflective of the competition within Canada to compete on the world stage. At home, participation in the game remains high and grassroots initiatives to expand engagement in golf are flourishing. A Canadian winning our national open is always exciting. Canada is always proud to showcase the best players coming to compete on the world stage.”