Representing some 319,000 members from coast-to-coast, Golf Canada actively conducts championships, programs and services to help shape the present and future of golf in Canada.

High performance athlete development, National Golf in Schools, Golf Fore the Cure, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum and Future Links, driven by Acura, Canada’s national junior golf program, are only some of the initiatives the association delivers in conjunction with the provincial and other national golf associations.

Sign and Image Credit: The Links at Brunello/Nova Scotia

Those who play, watch, follow, volunteer in, administrate or are somehow involved with golf will be the first to attest that there are very unique elements to the game that fascinate and contribute to it being such a passion-inducing pursuit.

One particular editor we know has come to respond to the question of 'What is it that you like most about golf?' with the simple observation that, "It's where you get to be..." as in, outside on a golf course, with friends and/or others who share your love of being in that environment for all the right reasons.

From $6,000 in Incident Protection to the ability to track an Official Golf Canada Handicap Factor®, Golf Canada Goldhas something for everyone.

PLUS even more golfer benefits!

• Discounts on merchandise and event tickets
• Free or discounted access to online rules education
• Golf benefits with RBC Home Insurance
• Discounts on Golf Canada merchandise
• Discounts on event tickets to the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open

You may be good on bentgrass, but not with bent clubs.

• Golf Canada Incident Protection provides up to $2,500 reimbursement for damaged, lost or stolen equipment

Bad shots are now pane free.

• The only thing worse than an errant shot is one followed by a loud crash. Golf Canada Incident Protection provides relief in the event your ball damages a window on or near the course

Your drives rock, but your driving not so much?

• Golf Canada Incident Protection covers you in the event of an unfortunate, and potentially costly, golf cart accident

What’s your number?

• You hear it on the first tee of almost every round. Your Golf Canada Handicap Factor® is as much a part of the game as your putter

West Vancouver's Matt Matheson (L) And Langley's Khan Lee (R) Were Your Top Two Qualfiers At The RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier Held At Ledgeview GC In Abbotsford, BC - Image Credit Brad Ziemer

By Brad Ziemer, British Columbia Golf

ABBOTSFORD -- Matt Matheson tries to make sure he has fun every time he plays golf. Some days are easier than others. Take Tuesday, for example, when the 24-year-old West Vancouver amateur rolled in a 40-foot putt for eagle on the 18th green to shoot a five-under 65 and top the field at the RBC Canadian Open regional qualifier being held at Ledgeview Golf Course in Abbotsford.

Monday, mind you, wasn’t quite as much fun. Matheson travelled to the Seattle area and played in a U.S. Open local qualifier and shot a six-over 78. So he won’t be teeing it up this summer at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.

But thanks to Tuesday’s round, Glen Abbey Golf Club remains a distinct possibility. The top six players and ties from Ledgeview’s 39-man field earned a spot in the Monday qualifier for this summer’s RBC Canadian Open.

Announcement Means Slight 2018 Schedule Adjustment

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA—The Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada announced today that its newly created Osprey Valley Open, the first Greater Toronto Area-based tournament in Mackenzie Tour history, will be played July 19-22 at Osprey Valley Golf Course in Caledon, Ontario.

In conjunction with the addition of this tournament to the 2018 schedule, the Mackenzie Investments Open presented by Jaguar Laval is moving to a previously open date on the schedule, September 6-9, at Elm Ridge Country Club in L'Île-Bizard, Quebec.

Osprey Valley is a 54-hole facility, featuring three courses all designed by renowned Canadian golf course architect Doug Carrick — the Hoot, the Heathlands and the Toot courses. The Osprey Valley Open will be held at the Toot Course, a parkland-style layout that features rolling fairways, large landing areas and undulating greens.

Attention all golfers who'd like the opportunity to test out and be fitted for Titleist golf clubs. Titleist will be holding complimentary fittings at two different BC locations.  Over the next 7 Thursdays at Northview Golf & Country Club in Surrey as well as 4 of the next 5 Thursdays at the Okanagan Golf Club in Kelowna.

Check the schedule below, then go to the Titleist website for more information and to book online.

All Images Courtesy African American Golfer's Digest

As We Move Closer To International Women’s Day, Here's A Great Example Of A Group Demonstrating How To Get More Women And Diversity Into The Game - (British Columbia Golf)

By James R. Beatty  (African American Golfer's Digest - reprinted with permission)

If you are even thinking about taking up the game of golf— and have found reason after reason to keep putting it off— then, you must read this story.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Many have either delayed or totally put off the one decision which can and will change your life. Read here about Clemmie Perry, founder and CEO of Women Of Color Golf (WOCG) and how she has helped to impact the lives of women in Tampa, Florida, forever by introducing them to all of the benefits that come with participating and enjoying the game.

Pay particular attention to the reflections of one of these women, who put it in perspective in her own words.

Golf Canada President Leslie Dunning Headed An Industry-Wide Working Group That Established A Ground-Breaking Initiative, The “Equity, Diversity And Inclusion Policy.” - Image Credit Golf Canada

By John Gordon/Golf Canada

Kris Jonasson is many things. All of them good, although I can’t speak to his golf game. 

Blunt is one of those admirable qualities.

When asked about the push for inclusivity in golf, he summarized it thusly: “Golf has bucked a bad reputation forever. Some of it is justified. We need to be a game for all of the people, not just rich white men.”

Since 1996, Jonasson has run British Columbia Golf, that province’s amateur association. In 2004, he led the successful movement to meld the separate men’s and women’s amateur associations into one entity.

For Immediate Release – Vancouver, BC (April 18th, 2018)

Maui Jim Canada Elevating BC Women's Golf In 2018

British Columbia Golf along with the Vancouver Golf Tour welcomes MAUI JIM CANADA as a Major Partner in developing BC Women’s Golf. Through the partnership British Columbia Golf has with the VGT, Maui Jim Canada has elevated their sponsorship to include a Presenting Sponsorship Role in all 7 of British Columbia Golf’s Women’s Championships in 2018.

The BC Golf Women's Championship events begin June 18th with the Women's Senior, Super-Senior and Net-Stableford Championship and conclude with the Juvenile Girls Championship August 23rd. At the same time the VGT will launch the MAUI JIM WOMEN’S SERIES.

For many of us trying to squeeze in the last few rounds of the season, or for those planning on heading south during the winter, it’s important to note the “active season” in the region, province or country you’re playing in.

Golf Canada’s Handicap System stipulates every player is responsible for returning all acceptable scores into one’s scoring record from rounds played on courses observing their active season, which is part of the golf season when courses have acceptable playing conditions.

Canada's Brooke Henderson Picked Up LPGA Career Win Number 6 In Hawaii Over The Weekend - Image Credit Jurgen Kaminski (JKam Photos)/British Columbia Golf

Courtesy Golf Canada

KAPOLEI, Hawaii – For the final two days of the Lotte Championship, it was pretty clear that the only player who could beat Brooke Henderson was Brooke Henderson.

She wasn’t about to let it happen Saturday at windy Ko Olina Golf Club, where she won by four shots. The Smiths Falls, Ont., native was too talented, and she had some very important people to play for, dedicating her victory to the people involved in the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team bus crash in Saskatchewan.

Richmond, BC's Chris Crisologo Has A Bright Future In Front Of Him - Image Credit Bryan Outram/British Columbia Golf

By Steve Ewen Province Sports Reporter

Chris Crisologo gets it.

There aren’t many people in this country more skilled with a golf club in their hands and a golf ball at their feet than Crisologo.

The SFU Clan senior star knows that it’s going to give him opportunities, like when he took part in the South American Amateur in Buenos Aires, Argentina, back in January.

Crisologo won the tournament. He also found the time to get out, to see the sights, to have an experience. The way he can plunk a golf ball down exactly where he wants from 220 yards away with the wind whipping and assorted foliage encroaching will take him places he may not normally visit. He wants to take advantage of that.

To read complete story by Steve Ewen please CLICK HERE

Recently, Kelowna's Gail Graham was inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame along with renowned course architect A.V. Macan. (See story by Brad Ziemer HERE).

The two will be formally introduced to the hall during the RBC Canadian Open week at Glen Abbey in July.

Prior to that date Graham has announced the inaugural Gail Graham & Friends Hall of Fame Pro-Am taking place Sunday, June 3 and Monday, June 4, 2018 at the Kelowna Golf & Country Club where her brother Rob Anderson is the Head Golf Professional. 

LPGA ‘Legends’ currently committed to the event are: Gail Graham, Lorie Kane, Elaine Crosby, Michelle McGann, Nancy Scranton and Patty Sheehan.

It is the intention of the Gail Graham & Friends Hall of Fame Pro-Am to direct ALL net proceeds to charity. 

The Team Canada Development Squad Used A Late Push To Tie Mexico For Top Spot In The Toyota Junior Golf World Cup Qualifier Held At Bear Mountain Resort In Victoria - Image Credit Golf Canada

Courtesy Golf Canada

VICTORIA, B.C. – Team Canada’s Development Squad boys and girls teams both finished atop the leaderboards in Thursday’s qualifying event at Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa to secure a spot to play in the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup.

In the boys division, Canada traded shots with Mexico through the 54-hole event but found themselves trailing heading into the final stretch. A late push by the four-man Canadian squad saw the contingent force a tie for the lead after going 5 under collectively on the final three holes. The two teams netted out tied at 23 over par, each grabbing one of two qualifying spots available on the boys side.

The Vancouver Parks Board trio of golf courses have announced their plans to take part in the upcoming International Women's Golf Day on Tuesday, June 5th, 2018.

Check out the information links below to see how you can join in on this important day of golf and camaraderie. 

WOMEN'S GOLF DAY

Join us June 5th to celebrate Women's Golf Day at Fraserview Golf Course with an evening of golf tips, great food and of course, some retail therapy at special rates. This is an event you don't want to miss!

All are welcome to participate. Registration opens at 5:30pm. Light snacks available upon arrival. Clinics start at 6:00pm. Limited Spaces Available.

Sign up at Fraserview , McCleery or Langara Golf Shops or call 604-257-6923 or contact golfspecialevents@vancouver.ca today!

Get more Women's Golf Day information.

Both Men & Women Can Benefit From Incorporating A Game Of Golf Into Their Business Dealings - Image Courtesy pixabay.com

By John Gordon/Courtesy Golf Canada

If you’re a golfer who has been in the business world for any length of time, then the gist of this blog will be much like, as the old saying goes, preaching to the choir.

You understand the inestimable value of being able to spend a few relatively uninterrupted hours in a scenic setting with valued clients, co-workers or colleagues. For the most part, it’s less about golf than it is about building relationships.

But if you’re new to golf or the business world or both, then it’s well worth your time to read on.

OAKVILLE, ONT. (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada is pleased to announce its 2018 championship schedule which includes a record-30 amateur and professional competitions plus qualifiers hosted at golf facilities in communities across Canada.

The 2018 schedule is headlined by Golf Canada’s premier professional championships—the RBC Canadian Open from July 23-29 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., and the CP Women’s Open at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Sask. from August 20-26.

The 2018 competition calendar includes eight National Amateur Championships, six Future Links, driven by Acura regional junior competitions and the World Junior Girls Championship.

Golf Canada will also host 11 qualifying events in 2018 including qualifiers for prestigious international competitions such as the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup and the U.S. Open (Local Qualifying), as well as the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Women’s Amateur.

Victoria's Nolan Thoroughgood Will Be Playing In His Own Backyard As He Represents Canada In The Toyota Junior Golf World Cup Qualifier At Bear Mountain Resort This Week - Image Credit Jurgen Kaminski (JKam Photos)/British Columbia Golf

Courtesy Golf Canada

VICTORIA, B.C. – The Toyota Junior Golf World Cup Qualifier makes its return to Canadian soil on Tuesday, with four nations competing for a spot in both the Boys and Girls divisions at Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa, Team Canada’s National Training Centre.

The 54-hole stroke play tournament is comprised of teams from host nation Canada, Mexico, Guatemala and Puerto Rico. The Boys division consists of four athletes per team, each submitting a cumulative total from the three lowest scores per round (omitting the highest score). The two lowest team scores after Thursday’s final round will qualify for the 2018 Toyota Junior Golf World Cup.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2018

Vancouver, B.C. – viaSport is supporting the advancement of women in sport through a new grant that will provide greater access to leadership opportunities to break down the barriers for female coaches, officials and organizational staff throughout B.C.

“I congratulate viaSport for offering this important grant to promote gender equity. Having female role models in these key positions in sport is vital to inspiring the next generation,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

“This funding will make it possible for many British Columbian girls and young women to discover the lifelong skills of resilience and leadership that sport generates – a great thing for our whole society.”

Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley Made An Historical Announcement Today Regarding The Establishment Of The Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship - Image Courtesy Twitter

Via Masters.com 

AUGUSTA, GA (April 4, 2018) - Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, announced today the establishment of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship, which will be held annually the week prior to the Masters and will culminate with the final round taking place at Augusta National.

“Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts left behind a legacy of always trying to contribute meaningfully to the game of golf,” Ridley said. “The Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship embodies that principle, and we believe this event will have a significant and lasting impact on the future of the women’s game. Our hope and expectation is that this event will further energize those who already love the sport and inspire others through the dream of competing at Augusta National.”

The 54-hole, stroke play tournament will feature an international field of 72 players. Invitees will be determined by awarding winners of other recognized championships and using the Women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking.

CLICK HERE to read full story.