As the National Sport Federation and governing body, Golf Canada is committed to increasing Canadian participation in golf by providing leadership, resources, and education. With a focus on values including fun and inclusivity, Golf Canada is dedicated to expanding opportunities for women in golf through programs designed specifically for women and girls that span the full participation pathway from First Involvement to High Performance.
The She Plays Golf initiative is designed to celebrate women’s golf at all levels and address gaps in the participation pathway for women and girls. Taking place at golf courses across Calgary from June 12-17, the 2023 She Plays Golf Festival was a pilot project created to leverage the elevated Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational to celebrate women’s golf at all levels. Events included in the week-long festival were designed to address gaps in the participation pathway for women and girls from First Involvement to High Performance and provide a safe, welcoming and stress-free environment for their engagement in golf.
“It was great to meet other women who are interested in getting into golf and I’m excited to continue golfing and learning with the women I connected with at the events.”
Launched in 2021 by Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada, the Women in Coaching program aims to strike a stronger gender balance with high-performance coaches that better reflects the Canadian golf community. Each year approximately eight participants are selected to receive in-depth career development focusing on four main areas: individualized learning plans with monthly one-on-one check-ins, virtual and in-person coaching education and hands-on training experience. Applications for the 2024 program will open November 2023 and the link will be posted on the Golf Canada and PGA of Canada websites.
“The Women in Coaching program gives women in our industry an opportunity to network with likeminded, talented, and strong leaders to help increase the female representation in the sport. This program is led by women who are driven to make coaching in this country more equal and equitable.”
Jennifer Ha, 2022 program participant, Assistant Coach of Team Canada – NextGen
The Women in Coaching program is supported by generous donors through the Jocelyne Bourassa Legacy Fund. Learn more about the Jocelyne Bourassa Legacy Fund or to make a donation to the fund.
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Women in Coaching Participants – 2023
- Shannon Raina – Calgary, Alta.
Earl Grey Golf Club, Apprentice Professional and Junior Development Leader - Kat Kennedy – Richmond, B.C.
Simon Fraser University, Men’s and Women’s Assistant Coach - Megan Ratcliffe – Campbell River, B.C.
Storey Creek Golf Club, Assistant Professional - Michelle Waters – Vancouver, B.C.
Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club, Apprentice Professional - Winnie Hyun – Langley, B.C.
Marine Drive Golf Club, Assistant Professional - Anne Rogerson – Dorval, Que.
Golf Le Champêtre, Head Professional - Leila Harman – Surrey, B.C.
Morgan Creek Golf Course, Saunders Performance Golf Academy Instructor - Nicola Greaves – Calgary, Alta.
Willow Park Golf & Country Club, Associate Professional & Junior Leader
- Shannon Raina – Calgary, Alta.
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Women in Coaching Participants – 2022
- Alison Timlin – Ottawa, Ont.
Golf Instructor and Coach, Kevin Haime Golf Center / Associate Head Coach, Carleton University Golf Team - Alyssa Getty – Cambridge, Ont.
Coach, The Ontario Golf Academy at Whistle Bear Golf Club - Carrie Vaughan – Rothesay, N.B.
Head Professional, Riverside Country Club - Christine Wong – Vancouver, B.C.
Apprentice Professional, The Academy at University Golf Club - Jennifer Ha – Calgary Alta.
Assistant Coach, Team Canada – NextGen - Keri Moffat – Vancouver, B.C.
Director of Instruction, Mayfair Lakes Golf Club / Assistant Coach, UBC Women’s Golf Team - Lindsay Manion – Surrey B.C.
Coach, Lindsay Manion Performance Training At Northview Golf and Country Club - Marie-Pierre Bernier – Levis, Que.
Assistant Professional, L’Académie du Golf La Tempête
- Alison Timlin – Ottawa, Ont.
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Women in Coaching Participants – 2021
- Bri-ann Tokariwski – Winnipeg, Man.
Assistant Professional, Elmhurst Golf & Country Club /Head Coach, Team Manitoba – Junior Girls - Carla Munch – Cambridge, Ont.
Head Professional, Cambridge Golf Club / Head Coach, University of Waterloo Women’s Team - Casey Ward – Mississauga, Ont.
Director of Instruction, Credit Valley Golf & Country Club - Dawn Turner – Ottawa, Ont.
Head Teaching Professional, GreyHawk Golf Club - Elizabeth Asselin – Laval, Que.
Coach, Académie de golf Elizabeth Asselin at Club de golf Royal Quebec - Emma de Groot – Hamilton, Ont.
Golf Instructor, Emma de Groot Golf - Sarah-Andrea Landry – Aylmer, Que.
Head Professional, Club de golf Rivermead - Kyla Inaba – Kelowna, B.C.
Director of Academy, Predator Ridge Resort - Michelle McCann – Victoria, B.C.
Teaching Professional & Junior Co-Ordinator, Uplands Golf Club
- Bri-ann Tokariwski – Winnipeg, Man.
For more information on Women in Coaching, please contact Emily Phoenix, High Performance Manager, (ephoenix@golfcanada.ca).