One day. One hundred holes. A commitment that leaves a lasting mark. Across the country, participants in Youth on Course’s annual 100 Hole Hike closed out a demanding day on the course with a shared sense of achievement and a clear view of the difference they are making in junior golf accessibility.

Golf Canada offers affordable access to the sport through Youth on Course, which provides members aged six to eighteen with subsidized green fees of $5 or less at over one hundred participating courses. The 100 Hole Hike is the program’s flagship fundraising initiative. Golfers walk one hundred holes in a single day to raise funds for local Youth on Course programs. Since 2019, over 120,000 rounds have been subsidized. This season alone, 8,154 members played nearly 50,000 subsidized rounds across the country.

Four Youth on Course 100 Hole Hikes took place from August to October at Silverwood Golf Club in Saskatoon, Sask.; Bic sur Mer in Rimouski, Que.; Mill Run Golf Club in Uxbridge, Ont.; and Cabot Cape Breton in Inverness, N.S. This included the second international Youth on Course Premier 100 Hole Hike, a three-day event.

A total of 44 Hikers participated this year, raising $92,800 to expand Youth on Course access in communities across Canada.

Each event showcased stories of resilience, purpose, and personal motivation.

Honouring a loved one

At the Ontario event, a foursome traveled from Collingwood early that morning to honour the late David Moser, a husband, friend, and avid supporter of junior golf.

“Golf played an instrumental role in David’s life,” said his wife, Janet. “He strongly believed in affordable junior golf, so Joy, Derek, Danielle and I were thrilled to honour him through this fundraiser.”

Support from media and influencers

At Cabot Cape Breton, media personalities and influencers joined the Premier Hike, lending their voices to the program’s mission.

“Golf is an incredible game that teaches different life lessons,” said Adam Scully, host and producer of Golf Talk Canada at TSN. “To support such an amazing cause that gives back to others who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play, at one of the greatest facilities in Canada, means the world to me.”

A challenge with purpose

From the first tee at sunrise to the final putt at dusk, participants embraced both the physical challenges and the purpose behind their efforts. Many shared the satisfaction that comes from helping to lower financial barriers for young golfers while taking on a test of endurance.

“For me personally, access to junior golf provided an opportunity to grow as a young man on and off the course,” said Hiker Chris Bowman, who took part to support his son’s continued involvement in the game. “There is so much value in what the game can teach our youth, and providing these benefits to juniors who normally would not have the chance makes a real impact.”

Impact on host facilities

For host clubs, the event underscored the tangible influence of Youth on Course and the enthusiasm of communities committed to growing the game.

“We have seen firsthand how Youth on Course benefits our junior golfers. Just this year, nearly 500 subsidised five-dollar rounds were provided to Youth on Course members at our facility,” said Matt Savage, general manager at Mill Run Golf Club. “Hosting the Hike was an easy decision, and our members were fully supportive.”

Looking ahead

The success of this year’s events shows both the dedication of participants and the ongoing demand for affordable junior golf opportunities. Golf Canada aims to build on this momentum next season by increasing the number of subsidised rounds offered through Youth on Course initiatives.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took on the challenge this season,” said Nathalie Mihalek, Golf Canada’s National Manager of Youth on Course. “Their efforts directly help more youth get out on the golf course, and we look forward to welcoming even more Hikers next year.”

For more information or to take part in a Youth on Course 100 Hole Hike next season, visit golfcanada.ca/youthoncourse/.

The 2025 golf season was a reminder that the momentum in Canadian golf not only continued but accelerated with pace. Driven by wins on and off the course, expanded programming, commercial and philanthropic success, and a passion for the sport that spans coast-to-coast, Canadian golf is in a great place.

Golf holds its place as the number one participation sport in Canada as is evident by another record-breaking year, with 11.2 million scores posted on the Golf Canada App by more than 360,000 Golf Canada members at 1,550 member clubs across the country.

The professional game mirrored the success of recent years as Canadian golf fans were treated to another memorable year. Ask a Canadian golf fan to pick a highlight from 2025 and they would probably say Brooke Henderson’s win at the CPKC Women’s Open. Henderson’s triumph at the Mississaugua Golf and Country Club returned her to the winners’ circle after an incredible performance in front of the home crowd to win her second CPKC Women’s Open title. Henderson’s win further strengthened her position as the most successful Canadian professional golfer in history with her 14th win on the LPGA Tour. She closed the LPGA season with a T7 finish at the CME Group Tour Championship.

Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. continued his winning ways on the PGA TOUR, taking the Sony Open in Hawaii in January for his fifth career title on Tour. Taylor has won at least once in three consecutive years and all three via playoff, including the historic 2023 RBC Canadian Open in a thrilling four-hole playoff with Tommy Fleetwood. Taylor also added a T19 finish at the Tour Championship in November.

Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont. continues to assert himself as one of the game’s best, earning seven top 10 finishes on the PGA TOUR including a T4 finish at the Tour Championship and his fourth top 10 finish at The Masters. Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont. added four top 10’s as well as a T5 finish at the PGA Championship in May.

More noise was made by Canadians on the global professional circuits, including 17-year-old Anna Huang of Vancouver, B.C. who turned pro in January and went on to win back-to-back tournaments in September on the Ladies European Tour (LET). The Team Canada member earned her first professional win at the La Sella Open in Spain and followed it up a week later with a win at the Lacoste Ladies Open de France and closes the year ranked no. 114 on the Rolex World Rankings.

Sudarshan Yellamaraju of Mississauga, Ont. recorded his first professional win at the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic in January and finished the year with four top 10’s on the Korn Ferry Tour. The 24-year-old earned his PGA TOUR card for 2026 by finishing 19th in the Korn Ferry Tour season standings and will be the youngest Canadian on Tour next year.

Joining the Canadian contingent will be A.J. Ewart of Coquitlam, B.C. Ewart earned medalist honours at PGA TOUR Q-School last Sunday. The Team Canada member was joined by Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C. who kept his card by finishing T2. Ewart and Svensson bring the Canadian contingent up to seven members on the PGA TOUR in 2026.

Myles Creighton of Digby, N.S. and Leah John of Vancouver, B.C. earned their first professional wins in 2025, with Creighton winning The Wichita Open in June on the Korn Ferry Tour and John earned her first Epson Tour win at the Four Winds Invitational in August. John earned her 2026 LPGA Tour card finishing T10 at the LPGA Q-Series Final Qualifying Stage. Maude-Aimee LeBlanc also retained her status for 2026, joining Henderson and John as the Canadian contingent on the LPGA Tour next year.

The amateur circuit brought another banner year for Team Canada, led by 15-year-old Team Canada – NextGen member, Aphrodite Deng of Calgary, Alta. In July, Deng won the 76th U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship becoming the first Canadian to win the title in tournament history. One month later, Deng followed up her historic performance and captivated the crowds in Mississauga with a T20 finish at the CPKC Women’s Open, earning the Marlene Stewart Streit Low Amateur Award. Deng also won twice on the AJGA taking the Junior Invitational and Mizuho Americas Open and was later named junior player of the year by the AJGA.

Shauna Liu of Maple, Ont. won her second straight Canadian Junior Girls Championship in August and became the ninth multi-time winner and first back-to-back winner since Heather Kuzmich in 1982. Liu added four additional wins in 2025, including the Peloton Glencoe Invitational. Michelle Xing of Richmond Hill, Ont. won the 2025 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship in July. Both Liu and Xing earned silver medals as part of Team Canada 1’s runner-up finish at the 2025 World Junior Girls Golf Championship in September with Clairey Lin of Langley, B.C. Team Canada 2 represented by Clara Ding of White Rock, B.C., Eileen Park of Red Deer, Alta. and Ruihan Kendria Wang of Vancouver, B.C. finished sixth led by Ding, the individual runner up who also added a 2025 win at the GolfBC Group BC Women’s Open.

Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C. earned her second collegiate win for the University of Texas at the Betsy Rawls Invitational in March and competed in her second consecutive Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Vanessa Borovilos of Etobicoke, Ont. won the Chevron Collegiate in her freshman year at Texas A&M University. Team Canada teammates, Tillie Claggett of Calgary, Alta., Nicole Gal of Oakville, Ont. and Vanessa Zhang of Vancouver, B.C. were all victorious in 2025 as well.

Austin Krahn of Christina Lakes, B.C. took home gold at the 2025 Canada Summer Games and added two provincial titles this past year while Dawson Lew of Toronto, Ont., a recent addition to the Team Canada program, won the Canadian Junior Boys Championship in August and added four additional wins in 2025.

Some familiar names also added national championships to their trophy cabinets this year. Shelly Stouffer of Nanoose Bay, B.C. won her third Canadian Women’s Senior Championship, Judith Kyrinis of Thornhill, Ont. claimed her fourth Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, Charles Fitzsimmons of King, Ont. won his third Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship and Natasha Stasiuk of Oakville, Ont. won her fifth straight Canadian All Abilities Championship. The UBC Thunderbirds claimed the men’s and women’s Canadian University/College Championship in convincing fashion once again.

Beyond the professional and amateur ranks, the future of golf in Canada shrines bright. The sport has welcomed a new wave of participants with grass roots programming that has introduced golf to more youth and women annually.

First Tee – Canada posted its highest participation numbers in 2025, with more than 106,000 youth taking part in programs across the country, a 25 per cent increase from last year. Since its inception in 2021, First Tee – Canada has reached over 276,000 young Canadians.

In addition, 481 locations offered programming across schools, community centres and golf facilities, supported by nearly 350 coaches, both increases from last year. First Tee – Canada continues to be a leader in youth programming with a focus on strengthening diversity and equity in the sport. In 2025, 74 per cent of partnered schools and community organizations served underrepresented communities with close to 60 per cent of programs delivered at no cost to participants. Through the efforts of six First Tee chapters nationwide, youth participation is becoming more reflective of Canada’s diversity with 42 per cent of on-course participants identifying as female and 36 per cent as BIPOC. The program’s growth was backed by strong donor support with the Golf Canada Foundation raising more than $10 million for the sport in 2025, including $4.5 million for First Tee – Canada.

First Tee – Canada was also the proud charitable beneficiary of the 2025 RBC Canadian Open and First Tee – Alberta received nearly $200,000 through it’s partnership with the Rogers Charity Classic in 2025. In keeping with golf’s charitable giving, the CPKC Women’s Open continues to leave a meaningful legacy in each host city through its CPKC Has Heart program, this year donating a record $4.5 million for MacKids and Trillium Health Partners, supporting pediatric and cardiac health.

For the first time, the Youth on Course program was available in every province across the country. The program allows Golf Canada members between the ages of 6 to 18 to play subsidized rounds for $5 or less at participating courses during designated times. In 2025, Youth on Course members played nearly 50,000 subsidized rounds across Canada, marking a record high season and a 51 per cent increase over rounds played in the previous year. The program also drove strong engagement, with 4,470 new members joining Golf Canada to access these affordable playing opportunities.

She Plays Golf expanded in 2025 with the addition of a week-long festival in Atlantic Canada in the fall complimenting stops in Vancouver, Calgary and the Greater Toronto Area. The She Plays Golf Championship Series once again aligned with week-long festivals and provided four exemptions into the CPKC Women’s Open.

She Plays Golf featured 24 events across 19 golf facilities and engaged with more than 800 women and girls. Across all festivals, over 700 participants were new to the game and took part in beginner friendly activities led by close to 90 women coaches and volunteers.

Feedback remained overwhelmingly positive, with 97 per cent of participants sharing that the event(s) provided an atmosphere that made them feel comfortable and welcome, and 88 per cent indicating they are very likely to continue participating in golf following their experience.

In addition, 23 girls-only Try Golf clinics were delivered through RBC Community Junior Golf, reaching 275 girls.

Bolstered by another record-breaking year for scores posted, the Golf Canada App received a major update in 2025. New enhancements included group score posting, making it easier than ever to record scores for your playing partners during group rounds. The introduction of smartwatch support for Android wearables brought on-wrist GPS yardages and digital scoring to a wide range of devices, while upgraded GPS tools now provide precise front, middle and back-of-green distances to support smarter club selection and on-course strategy. The update also introduced a Golf Canada membership referral program and a new achievements system, along with enhanced privacy controls that allow users to choose whether their scores appear in their friends’ feeds.

An exciting new chapter for the RBC Canadian Open was written in June, as TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. became the 38th course in tournament history to host Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship. Fans were treated to a thrilling finish as New Zealand’s Ryan Fox beat Sam Burns in a four-hole playoff. The 115th playing of the RBC Canadian Open will return to TPC Toronto in 2026.

During tournament week a new initiative, Birdies for Trails was created in collaboration with partners at TPC Toronto and WM. Every birdie at The Rink Hole (no. 14) directly contributed to raise $29,500 for the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation and the development of the Credit Valley Trail, a passageway stretching 100 kilometres in length, linking Orangeville, Ont. with Port Credit (Mississauga), Ont.

Following the tournament, RBC and the PGA TOUR announced a multi-year extension of the bank’s title sponsorship of the RBC Canadian Open. RBC, a long-time supporter of professional and amateur golf in Canada had been the proud title sponsor of the Men’s National Open Championship since 2008.

As the outdoor season drew to a close in most parts of the country, Golf Canada launched a comprehensive off-course golf strategy to enhance the year-long golf experience. Golf has evolved into a 12-month activity, and the strategy is supported by the Just Swing campaign, highlighting the benefits and different forms of off-course golf. The strategy also focuses on Provincial Golf Associations and their partnership with Golf Canada in launching a new facility membership offering, specifically designed for off-course operators to promote their operations to Canada’s largest and most engaged golf audience.

As Canadian golf continues to write exciting new chapters, one will end in early 2026. Glen Abbey Golf Club has been the home of Golf Canada and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame since 1977. In February 2026, Golf Canada will move its operation to the new home for Canadian golf at TPC Toronto.

The new home for Canadian golf will also be home to First Tee – Canada along with a 30,000 square foot 18-hole community putting course that is free and open to the public. For more information on the home for Canadian golf, please click here.

In February, three new members were inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, including accomplished amateur golfer, Richard Scott, former professional golfer Jerry Anderson and renowned course architect Charles Blair Macdonald. Elements of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame are proudly weaved into the main clubhouse, locker rooms and accommodation villas at TPC Toronto. Memorabilia highlighting Canadian golf legends and significant moments in Canadian golf history are also being showcased across the property.

Canadian golf couldn’t happen without the many wonderful people – volunteers, club staff, superintendents, PGA of Canada professionals, operators, media, and other industry stakeholders – whose efforts are paramount to the success of the sport. Closer to home, Golf Canada is proud of its staff for their efforts to advance the sport and who once again earned the organization its Great Places to Work designation.  

With the holiday season upon us and the book on 2025 drawing to a close, one thing is certain, Canadian golf has never been stronger. The momentum continues and it brings the promise of more great moments that lie ahead.

The entire staff at Golf Canada hopes you enjoy a safe and happy holiday season and we extend our best wishes for the New Year.

Please be advised of Golf Canada’s hours of operation during the holidays.

Hours of Operation

Closed beginning Friday, December 19, 2025 at 5 p.m. and will reopen at 9 a.m. on Monday January 5, 2026. All times EST.

Even two of the greatest golfers in Canadian history say they were still learning on the course in 2025.

Brooke Henderson and Nick Taylor both won at the highest levels of golf this past year and said they were still working on their games more than a decade into their professional careers.

“I think that’s something that every golfer learns, is that you can never perfect it. You’re always trying to grow and to learn,” said Henderson, who won this year’s CPKC Women’s Open for a second time. “Every day is a challenge, new challenges, old challenges, but every day is definitely a challenge. 

“You’re just trying to better yourself. Every day you just get up, and you try to learn something new.”

Henderson won the Women’s Open, Canada’s national championship and only LPGA Tour event north of the border, on Aug. 24 by a stroke at Mississauga Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont. It was the 14th win of her storied LPGA Tour career.

Taylor started the year off on the right foot, winning the Sony Open at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii on Jan. 12. It was the fifth win of his PGA Tour career and, impressively, his third consecutive playoff victory.

“I think I was most proud of the level of play that I kept up, even after a win, not really settling or being satisfied, that I kept pushing, trying to improve,” said Taylor from his hometown of Abbotsford, B.C. “I felt like I kept a level play up that I really haven’t had that consistency, probably, in my career. 

“Although 2023 was obviously a phenomenal year with consistency as well, with the RBC Canadian Open win, I felt like last year was just a slight step above that.”

Taylor’s victory at the Sony Open also moved him up the all-time wins list for Canadians on golf’s top tours. He’s now fifth behind Henderson’s 14 and a three-way tie of eight wins between Winnipeg’s George Knudson, Sandra Post of Oakville, Ont., and Mike Weir of Brights Grove, Ont.

“We’re trying to get to a major, to be along with Mike Weir (who won Augusta in 2003), on the men’s side of golf,” said Taylor on his place in the history books. “It feels like Brooke’s on an island of her own with all her success, and it might be untouchable for all of us, but something to admire and work towards.

“But I’m definitely proud of the fact I got to five wins. I didn’t really think about the history side of it, but it’s going to keep me pushing to try to get more.”

Henderson, from Smiths Falls, Ont., is one of three Canadians who will have full-time status on the LPGA Tour in 2026. She’ll be joined by Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que., and Vancouver’s Leah John, who earned their cards through qualifying earlier this month.

There will be seven Canadians with full rides on the PGA Tour in the new year: Taylor, Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., A.J. Ewart of Coquitlam, B.C., Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., and Sudarshan Yellamaraju of Mississauga, Ont.

John, Ewart and Yellamaraju will all be rookies on golf’s top circuits.

“What a great couple of months for Canadian golf, right? Sudarshan, AJ, Leah, all getting their rookie cards,” said Paul Perrier, who was named Golf Canada’s new chief sport officer on Dec. 3. “I think it speaks to the global competitive momentum that Golf Canada has.

“The high-performance pathway was designed to create this exact process where we’re providing opportunities, resources, coaching for our next superstars to really jump into these tours, to help them be in this position and be in the best position to succeed and perform at this level.”

Perrier also confirmed that Golf Canada is still committed to its strategic plan of having 30 players on the PGA and LPGA Tours by 2032, a goal set by his predecessor, Kevin Blue, in February 2022.

The raw materials are certainly in place, as Golf Canada reports that recreational play across the country again grew in 2025. 

Their last national survey was in 2024, when nearly six million Canadians played golf. However, more than 11 million scores were posted to Golf Canada’s app in 2025, up six per cent year-over-year and 54 per cent above pre-pandemic levels.

Golf Canada’s annual report also says that more than 200,000 young people now engage with programming through golf courses, schools, and community centres. Also, more than $12 million has been raised since 2020 to support equitable access, coach training, and youth curriculum provided by the national sport organization.

“It’s a sport of connection, and it’s something that really invites everyone to participate in,” said Perrier. “When you’re in a country like Canada, where typically you’re not able to get outside all the time, when you do get that opportunity, you want to find activities that are challenging, that will allow you to be social and around people.”

Henderson said the growth of recreational golf in Canada has been amazing.

“To think that I may have played a small part in that is really exciting to me,” said Henderson, who started playing as a three-year-old. “I think it’s an incredible game that you can play your entire life, and you can really build friendships and relationships, really network. 

“I feel like it just teaches you so many great life lessons, especially as a kid. Honesty, perseverance, integrity, just so many good things come from it.”

The Golf Canada App and website now allow golfers to record their rounds and practice sessions at member simulator facilities, with stats and goals automatically syncing throughout the year.

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada has released the latest update to the Golf Canada App, now supporting indoor simulator integration. Whether playing on a course or practicing at a simulator in a Golf Canada member facility, golfers can easily track and log rounds and practice sessions in one centralized location, providing a comprehensive view of their performance both indoors and outdoors. Golfers can easily find participating simulator facilities on golfcanada.ca/findacourse/ or directly through the App on their mobile devices. This update also adds the average number of putts per round to your stats, along with bug fixes and other enhancements to improve the overall app experience.

What this means for you

• Complete round tracking, including indoor sessions. Play a simulated 9- or 18-hole round at a participating facility and record your score as you would for a traditional on-course game.

• Practice sessions also matter. Whether you’re recording a practice bucket, working on your short game indoors, or tracking a particular skill or goal, it’s now possible. Each session adds to your game‑improvement metrics, ensuring your progress remains in focus.

• Stats and goals remain consistent. Your handicap‑related data, scoring history, shot metrics, and personal performance goals are kept current, whether the swing takes place on a fairway or inside a simulator bay.

• Golfers can find nearby simulator facilities using filters like technology platform or amenities, and view details such as the number of simulator bays, booking links, and addresses on an interactive map available on Golf Canada’s website and App.

• The Golf Canada App is your all-in-one platform for managing your golf history, stats, and progress tracking, anytime and anywhere you play.

Indoor simulators are increasingly popular across Canada, especially during the colder months when many outdoor courses close. By supporting indoor facilities, Golf Canada helps golfers develop and track their skills year-round.

This update continues Golf Canada’s effort to provide a comprehensive digital golf experience for Canadian golfers. Earlier updates added features like GPS-based course maps, hole-by-hole scoring, smartwatch integration, score posting for playing partners, and social features. Now, with indoor simulator integration, we connect real-world rounds with simulator play, offering golfers a unified view of their performance.

How to get started

Make sure your Golf Canada App is up to date.

Go to a participating Golf Canada member simulator facility to complete your round or practice session.

Record the round or session in the Golf Canada App as you would for any on-course game; your stats and goals will automatically update.

The Golf Canada App is available as a free download from the App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android. Golfers can sign in with an existing Golf Canada account or create one directly in the app to start tracking their game.

For a complete list of Golf Canada App features, visit golfcanada.ca/app.

Just Swing

PGA TOUR

A.J. Ewart birdied three of his final six holes to finish atop the leaderboard and become one of five players to secure the PGA Tour cards for next season at the PGA Tour Q-School. The Team Canada member secured membership on the PGA Tour on his first appearance at the final stage. Ewart, who made a hole-in-one in round two to vault him to the top of the leaderboard, had three top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour Americas this past year, which secured him a spot in the second qualifying stage. He advanced to the final stage after finishing in a tie for fifth at the event in Arizona. Fellow Canadian Adam Svensson had five birdies and a bogey in the final round to climb 10 places and finish runner-up, retaining his card for another season and improving his status heading into 2026. Svensson finished 167 in the FedEx Cup standings this year and was in danger of losing his status after his exemption for winning the 2022 RSM Classic had expired. Ben Silverman birdied three of his first four holes in the final round to climb seven places and be among the top five to secure a Tour card. In the past, the top five and ties would have been safe, but this year, a hole-by-hole playoff was needed to determine the final recipient. Dylan Wu made a 20-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to claim the final card, leaving Silverman with conditional status and a chance to improve his standing through the first 14 events of the season. The remaining Canadians will have conditional status through the first reshuffle, which will take place after the sixth event of the season, and all have membership on the PGA Tour Americas. …This is the first time since 2014 that Adam Hadwin will not be a full-time member on the PGA Tour.

NEXT EVENT: Sony Open (Jan 15)

LPGA TOUR

Andrew Novak made three straight birdies on the back nine, and Lauren Coughlin made a birdie putt on the final hole as the duo captured the Grant Thornton Invitational by a record three strokes. Novak and Coughlin, who teamed up for the first time in this modified four-ball event, broke the tournament scoring record at 28-under 188. It is Novak’s second team event win after claiming the Zurich Classic of New Orleans earlier this year. Novak and Coughlin each earned US$500,000 for the win, the largest payoff for Coughlin, who won twice on the LPGA last year. The teams of Nelly Korda / Denny McCarthy and Jennifer Kupcho / Chris Gotterup finished tied for second, with Korda missing a 10-foot birdie putt on the final hole that would have given them solo second place. …Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners, playing as a team for the third time in this event, finished in a tie for fifth. They had previously finished second and fourth.

NEXT EVENT: Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions (Jan 29)

EUROPEAN TOUR

Jayden Schaper made an eagle on the first playoff hole to defeat Shaun Norris in the weather-shortened Alfred Dunhill Championship. It is Schaper’s first European Tour win. Norris birdied four of his last six holes and appeared on his way to successfully defending the title he won a year ago until Schaper finished with two birdies over his final three holes to force the playoff. Schaper found the fairway bunker with his tee shot on the first extra hole but made a spectacular approach to set up the winning eagle putt. The tournament was reduced to 54 holes after rain left the course unplayable on Saturday.

NEXT EVENT: AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open (Dec. 18)
CANADIANS ENTERED: Aaron Cockerill

LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR

Team Canada member Yeji Kwon was among the qualifiers to advance to the final stage of Ladies European Tour Q-School after finishing a tie for 19th at the qualifying event in Morocco. Ashley Chow failed to advance after finishing in a tie for 32nd at a separate event in Morocco, missing the cut line by four strokes. Maude-Aimee Leblanc and Kwon will be among the 155 players in the final stage, with the top 65 and ties after four days of play advancing to the final round, where the top 20 and ties will earn a card for the 2026 season. Those finishing 21 to 50 will get conditional status.

NEXT EVENT: LET Q-School-Final Stage (Dec. 16)
CANADIANS ENTERED: Yeji Kwon, Maude-Aimee Leblanc

Ewart tops leaderboard to increase Canadian contingent on PGA TOUR to seven for 2026

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – A.J. Ewart and Adam Svensson have increased the Canadian contingent on the PGA TOUR to seven for next year after finishing in the top five at PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry at Ponte Vedra, Fla.

Ewart of Coquitlam, B.C. finished atop the leaderboard at 14-under following rounds of 66-67-67-66-266 to earn his PGA TOUR card for 2026. The Team Canada member was within the top five for majority of the four days and added a hole-in-one during Friday’s second round.

This past season, Ewart competed in 16 events on PGA TOUR Americas with one runner-up finish at the Times Colonist Victoria Open, four top 10’s and seven top 25’s, finishing 15th on the PGA TOUR Americas season standings. Ewart has competed in two PGA TOUR events during his career, with both coming at the RBC Canadian Open in 2022 and 2025. In addition, Ewart has one win on PGA TOUR Americas, coming at the 2024 Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open.

Svensson of Surrey, B.C. has regained his PGA TOUR card after finishing T2 at 12-under following rounds of 70-64-68-66-268. Svensson has competed in 159 PGA TOUR tournaments since joining the Tour in 2019 with one win at the RSM Classic in 2022.

This past year, Svensson played in 29 tournaments and earned three top 25 finishes on the PGA TOUR, with his best finish coming at the 3M Open in July at T14.

Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont. finished T5 at 11-under following rounds of 68-69-65-67-269. Due to a change in the number of cards awarded this year, Silverman was forced into a playoff with Dylan Wu for the fifth and final card but fell on the first hole after Wu birdied.

The top five players earned their PGA TOUR cards for 2025 from the field of 174 golfers competing at Dye’s Valley Course and Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra, Fla. Nine Canadians teed off this week including, Adam Hadwin (Abbotsford, B.C.) and Drew Nesbitt (Toronto, Ont.) finishing T62 at 2-under, Roger Sloan (Calgary, Alta.) finished T79 at 1-under, Stuart Macdonald (Vancouver, B.C.) finished T92 at 1-over, Myles Creighton (Digby, N.S.) at T124, 5-over and Peyton Callens (Langton, Ont.) at T150, 11-over.

Ewart and Svensson join fellow Canadians, Corey Conners (Listowel, Ont.), Nick Taylor (Abbotsford, B.C.), Taylor Pendrith (Richmond Hill, Ont.), Mackenzie Hughes (Dundas, Ont.) and Sudarshan Yellamaraju (Mississauga, Ont.) on the PGA TOUR in 2026.

For the final standings from PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry, please click here.

With colder weather well underway and many courses across the country shifting into winter routines, it’s a great time to brush up on a few Handicapping terms. Whether you’re still playing, travelling south for a round or two, or simply preparing for next season, understanding these concepts will help you get the most out of your Handicap Index all year round.

1. Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC)

The Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) becomes especially relevant during Canadian winter and shoulder seasons. PCC automatically recalibrates Score Differentials on days when course conditions are notably harder or easier than usual. If the scores posted that day show that players, as a group, performed worse than expected, the PCC may adjust by +1, +2, or +3. Conversely, if scoring was better than anticipated, it may adjust by -1.

The best part? PCC is fully automatic. Golfers and clubs don’t need to do anything. The system reviews results at the end of each day, helping to keep your Handicap Index accurate and fair, even with unpredictable conditions.

2. Active Season

Canada’s Active Seasons vary by province. The Active Season is the period during which course conditions are suitable for generating acceptable scores for handicapping purposes. Any score recorded within a specific province during its Active Season will be included in your Handicap Index.

To simplify this process, the Golf Canada Score Centre automatically recognizes the Active Season of the course being played. Golfers simply post their round, and the system handles the rest. For more information on Active Seasons, please click here.

3. Most Likely Score

The most likely score is used when a golfer begins a hole but doesn’t finish it. This is especially common during cold weather rounds when players pick up more often.

To determine your most likely score, take:

· The strokes you have already taken (including penalties), plus

· The estimated number of extra strokes you would likely require to complete the hole from your current position.

The Rules of Handicapping include recommended guidelines. For example, if you’re within 5 feet, add 1 stroke; if you’re between 5 and 20 feet, add 2 or 3 strokes.

For more details on the most likely score, see Rule 3.3 in the Rules of Handicapping.

4. Scoring Record

A common misconception is that rounds played during your home province’s inactive season shouldn’t be posted because they won’t count toward your Handicap Index. While it’s true that inactive season rounds don’t factor into your Index, you should still post them, especially if you’re travelling somewhere that is in an active season.

So even if your course is open but not in its active season, or you’re playing somewhere that is in their active season, be sure to post all your scores. This helps you maintain a complete scoring record, even if some rounds don’t directly impact your Handicap Index.

5. Simulator Golf

Simulator golf continues to expand across Canada as winter leagues and indoor facilities become more prevalent. While excellent for skill development, competition, and enjoyment, simulator rounds cannot be posted for handicap purposes.

Why not?

· Simulators don’t have official ratings

· Playing conditions are controlled rather than natural

· Although simulators can be highly accurate, it’s tough to replicate variables such as elevation change, firmness, wind, rough length, etc.

Though simulator scores do not count toward your Handicap Index, we strongly encourage golfers to use these facilities during the winter. For more information on the benefits of simulator golf and how to find a facility near you, please visit the homepage for our new Just Swing initiative.

Golf Canada members can now relive their 2025 golf season with #MyGolfYear, the annual personalized recap of rounds played, milestones and achievements, presented by BDO.

#MyGolfYear gives golfers a snapshot of their season, including total rounds played, best score, distance walked, number of birdies and other key stats, all in a custom graphic that members can download or share across social media. Since launching after the 2021 season, it has become a favourite way for golfers across Canada to reflect on their performance and share their progress with friends and fellow members.

“#MyGolfYear is a fun and engaging way for golfers to reflect on their season and celebrate their achievements,” said Tim McLaughlin, Chief Marketing Officer at Golf Canada. “It’s about more than scores; it’s about inspiring members to stay active, connect with the community, and continue enjoying the game year-round.”

What’s New for 2025?

The 2025 edition of #MyGolfYear offers more detailed personalization, including new scoring statistics such as total pars, birdies and eagles, as well as your average 18-hole score. In the achievements section, golfers who recorded a hole-in-one will see a dedicated HIO badge, alongside highlights for those who played in multiple provinces or completed a milestone number of rounds this past season (i.e. 50 or 100). A year-over-year comparison of your handicap is also included.

How to Access Your #MyGolfYear

Members who logged their rounds online, in the Golf Canada App or at club kiosks during 2025 can access their personalized recap via e-mail or the Golf Canada App.

Celebrate Your Golf Season

Whether you played once or logged multiple rounds, achieved personal bests or simply enjoyed time on the course with friends, #MyGolfYear is a way to look back and celebrate your year in golf.

Thank you to all members for making 2025 a memorable season. Download your #MyGolfYear, share your story, and get ready for another great season in 2026.

MOBILE, Ala. – Leah John is heading to the LPGA Tour, while Maude-Aimee LeBlanc will be returning after finishing inside the top 25 at the LPGA Q-Series Final Qualifying Stage at Magnolia Grove in Mobile, Ala. on Tuesday.

John, a Team Canada member from Vancouver, B.C. finished T10 with total score of 8-under. John led following an opening round of 8-under 64 and followed up with rounds of 72-69-73 to earn her card for the 2026 season.

John has competed in two LPGA Tour events in her career including the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, Alta. and the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills in Hartford, Wis.

This past season on the Epson Tour, John earned her first professional win at the Four Winds Invitational in South Bend, Ind. in August. Jaohn finished 22nd in the Race for the Card points rankings just outside the top 15.

LeBlanc from Sherbrooke, Que. finished T17 at 6-under following rounds of 70-68-72-70 to retain her tour card for 2026.

This past season, LeBlanc competed in 10 events on the LPGA Tour, and her best finish was T20 at the CPKC Women’s Open at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club. LeBlanc first joined the LPGA Tour in 2012.

The field of 115 faced delays throughout the final stage of qualifying. Opening round play was delayed and eventually suspended for the day due to unplayable course conditions on Friday. Weather played a factor again on Sunday forcing the third round to resume Monday morning, followed by the start of round four. The tour decided to reduce the LPGA Q-Series Final Qualifying to a 72-hole event, finishing on Tuesday afternoon.

For the final standings from the 2025 LPGA Q-Series, final qualifying stage, please click here.