Week-long women’s golf festival with competitive and introductory programming for all ages of women and girls across Calgary to run in conjunction with enhanced Digital Commercial Bank Glencoe Invitational.

March 8, 2023 – Golf Canada and The Glencoe Golf and Country Club in Calgary have announced a partnership that will support enhancements to the prestigious Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational, along with the pilot launch of a week-long women’s golf festival taking place across the Calgary region during the week of the championship.

Established in 1992, the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational is one of the premiere golf competitions in Canada with approximately 100 athletes – both professionals and elite amateurs in the women’s division and amateurs only in the men’s division – competing over 54 holes on The Forest Course at The Glencoe Golf & Country Club. The championship runs June 15-17 and will feature an expanded prize purse of at least $60,000 CAD in the women’s division. The winner of the women’s championship will also receive an exemption into the 2023 CP Women’s Open. 

Team Canada athletes will compete in the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational and Golf Canada will assist in recruiting international players to compete in the championship. Team Canada will also conduct training camps in Calgary surrounding the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational with athletes and coaches from the men’s, women’s, and NextGen squads. Following the championship, Golf Canada will host a US Women’s Amateur Qualifier on Monday, June 19 at the Sundre Golf Club in Sundre, Alta.

“The Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational is a premier golf competition in this country, and it is exciting to see the enhancements take shape, especially the progressive investment to elevate opportunities for women,” said Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer, Kevin Blue. “We are thankful for The Glencoe and the leadership they are demonstrating to help foster the growth of women’s golf in Canada. We are proud to partner in the enhancement of the women’s championship and deliver additional community golf activities to advance participation among women and junior girls in the Calgary area.”

“We are excited to grow the success of the tournament by partnering with Golf Canada,” said Tournament Chair, Dale Goehring. “This year’s event will enable more elite Canadian male and female players to compete on home soil.  Working alongside with Golf Canada with the tournament and Festival events aligns with the Glencoe Golf & Country Club’s mission to create exceptional experiences and grow the game of golf for both women and men.”

In addition to enhancements to the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational, Golf Canada will pilot a women’s golf festival concept that will take place during the week of the championship. Beginning on June 12, Golf Canada will host several introductory community events at Calgary area golf courses promoting recreational women’s and junior girls’ golf participation with a focus on the fun and social aspects of the game.

Information about new and existing clinics, leagues and programs for women and girls in the Calgary region will be shared throughout the week. The R&A is also providing important support for the Calgary area women’s golf festival pilot.    

“We are proud to have  support from Glencoe and the R&A in helping to pilot the Canadian Women’s Golf Festival with a dedicated focus on programming for women and girls that spans the full participation pathway from first involvement to high performance,” said Laura Wilson, Golf Canada’s Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Safe Sport. “We see this being a week-long celebration of women’s golf. The enhancements to the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational along with highly visible programming will address participation gaps and bring greater awareness among women of the physical, psychological, and social benefits of golf.”

Activities planned for the Women’s Golf Festival during the week of The Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational include:

• Tee it Up Clinics – a first trial opportunity for young girls with introductions to fundamental skills such as driving, chipping, and putting in a fun and relaxed environment filled with music, games, and laughter.
• Team Scramble – a women focused fun and non-traditional nine-hole event for women and junior girls.
• Try Golf Taster – introductory events to encourage women to try golf in a low pressure, unintimidating environment.
• Women in Coaching – women’s only coach education sessions that will present an opportunity to develop leaders and role models in golf, especially focused on community coaching.

Golf Canada will work with Alberta Golf, City of Calgary, golf courses in the Calgary area and community-based organizations to operate the Women’s Golf Festival during the week of The Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational as a pilot project with a goal that the concept can draw sustainable funding to support expansion to four Canadian markets in 2024. 

2022 Annual Report & Financial Statements are now available

Golf Canada releases its new five-year Strategic Plan (2023-2027)

Judy Astle recognized by Golf Canada as its 2022 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year

Volunteers Kay Thompson and Nick Marrone along with golf journalist and historian Joe McLean to be recognized with Golf Canada’s 2023 Distinguished Service Award

Golf Canada recognizes 2022 National Junior Facility Award winners

(March 2 – Golf Canada) – Golf Canada’s 2023 Annual Meeting culminated on Thursday, March 2 with the election of David McCarthy of Toronto as the 117^th President of the National Sport Federation.

McCarthy, a senior partner at Stikeman Elliott LLP, has been a volunteer with Golf Canada for more than 20 years across various committees and councils. A member of both the Donalda Golf & Country Club and the St. Andrews Golf Club, McCarthy was part of Golf Canada’s Governors Council (2014-2018) and has served on the Board of Directors since 2018.

“I am extremely honoured that the Nominating Committee has extended its confidence in me to serve as the 117^th President of Golf Canada,” said McCarthy. “There is great momentum for Golf Canada and golf in Canada and I look forward to assisting our sport to grow with pace.”  

Based on the report of Golf Canada’s Nominating Committee, McCarthy will be joined on the 2023 Board of Directors by newly elected Vice-President Adam Daifallah of Montreal, Que. in leading the 13-member Board of Directors who will work closely with Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum.

Returnees to the Board of Directors include Susan MacKinnon of Calgary, Alta., Patrick Kelly of Victoria, B.C., Shawn Evans of Kitchener, Ont., Alison Chisholm of Rothesay, N.B., Diane Drury-Clarke of Montreal, Que., Peter Major of Calgary, Alta., Jean-Sébastien Monty of Montreal, Que., and Michelle Collens of Vancouver, B.C. along with new additions Teri Yamada of Toronto, Ont., Kelly Roberts of London, Ont., and Adam Zubak of Vancouver, B.C. 

Liz Hoffman of Wasaga Beach, Ont. concluded her two-year term as the association’s 116^th President and transitions to become an Honorary Life Governor. Two other long-time volunteers – Patricia Thompson of Kelowna, B.C. and Michael Richards of Montreal – were also named by Golf Canada as new Honorary Life Governors in recognition of their longstanding contributions to the association.

As part of its Annual Meeting, Golf Canada also released the association’s 2022 Annual Report including its Financial Statements which are available here.

Golf Canada Releases its New Five-Year Strategic Plan

As part of the Annual Meeting, Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum presented the  new five-year Strategic Plan (2023-2027), a roadmap for the organization’s operational, governance, sport, competitive and commercial areas of focus. The evolution of the Strategic Plan supports the organization’s vision to be a world leader in golf and its mission to better the lives of Canadians through participation and excellence in golf. Click here to see Golf Canada’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.

Judy Astle named 2022 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year…

In the continued celebration of volunteerism, Golf Canada recognized New Brunswick native Judy Astle as the 2022 recipients of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award. Now in its 17^th year, candidates for the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award are put forth to Golf Canada for consideration by the respective provincial golf associations in acknowledgment of significant contributions to the game of golf in their community. Click here for more.

Volunteers Kay Thompson and Nick Marrone along Golf Journalist & historian Joe McLean to Receive Golf Canada’s 2023 Distinguished Service Award…

Golf Canada announced that three accomplished golf contributors – tireless volunteers Kay Thompson of St. John’s, N.L. and Nick Marrone of Toronto along with golf journalist and Ottawa Valley golf historian Joe McLean – will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to the sport as the 2023 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award. The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award will be celebrated in person with the recipients later this year. Click here for more.

Golf Canada Recognizes 2022 National Junior Facility Award Winners…

Golf Canada has named the six inaugural winners of the National Junior Facility Awards, a collection of Canadian golf facilities recognized across various areas for their positive contributions to impact and advance junior golf at their club and in their community. Click here for more.

Golf Canada’s 2022 Annual Meeting was conducted virtually on Thursday, March 2 with volunteers, staff, member clubs, and key industry stakeholders participating.

With more than five decades of commitment to golf in New Brunswick, Astle will be recognized during Golf Canada’s 2023 Annual General Meeting

(Golf Canada) – Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Judy Astle of New Brunswick has been named the 2022 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year.

“Golf Canada could not operate its tournaments, events, or initiatives without volunteers, and we are very proud to recognize Judy Astle for her deep and continued contribution to golf,” said Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman. “Judy has supported golf in New Brunswick in countless ways, all with a big smile on her face, and she has continued to have an impact on the advancement of the sport in New Brunswick and beyond.” 

The Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award is named in recognition of Toronto native Bruce Mitchell who, in 2017-18, was the first Canadian to serve as captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A). Born in Victoria and raised in Edmonton, the former President of the Toronto Golf Club and R&A member since 1988 was just the ninth internationally-appointed captain of the R&A, one of the most prestigious volunteer positions in the world of golf. Duties as captain included representing the R&A as a global ambassador and aiding in the R&A’s effort to develop golf around the world.

Now in its 17th year, candidates for the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award are put forth to Golf Canada for consideration by the respective provincial golf associations in acknowledgment of significant contributions to the game of golf in their community.

JUDY ASTLE

Judy Astle has dedicated countless hours, days, and weeks of her time to serve a variety of positions within the Province of New Brunswick over the past 50 years.

She has been a volunteer rules official, board member with the New Brunswick Golf Association (and formerly the New Brunswick Ladies Golf Association), the director of junior development, and most recently, the president of Golf New Brunswick.

She has impacted the lives of thousands of people in New Brunswick and beyond as a teacher, coach, mentor, organizer, and official and executive member. Judy has also been a full-time paramedic since 1995 and while she’s juggled her teaching, coaching, family, and volunteer commitments she continues to balance all that with her Ambulance New Brunswick shifts. On top of that, she’s also a rules official for all provincial tournaments and Golf Canada and PGA of Canada national events.

Beyond Judy’s efforts at local, provincial, and national levels, plus her responsibilities as association president, paramedic, mother, and grandmother, Judy has a perfect attendance record at Golf NB events for over six years where she’s served as either a rules chair or official.

The Astle, N.B. resident helped guide Golf NB as its president through the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and shut-down of almost all events and activities plus the re-introduction of programs as golf was deemed a safe thing to participate in. During the final stages of her extended term as President of Golf NB, Judy launched ‘Golf Fore Everyone’ – the mantra behind the association’s new strategic plan for the next three years, along with a new brand identity. Beyond golf, Judy’s community contributions include a 37-year teaching career as well as nearly 25 years as a paramedic. A recipient of both the Order of New Brunswick and the Queen’s Platinum Jubiliee, Judy (along with her late husband) is most proud of their four children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. 

 2024 marks first time the historic club will play host to the stars of the LPGA Tour; 50th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship returns to Alberta for the 7th time and first since 2016 

Through Canadian Pacific’s community investment program, CP Has Heart, the event will once again be making a significant contribution to pediatric cardiac care in the host community 

(February 28, 2023) – The stars of the LPGA Tour are headed back to Calgary as Golf Canada and Canadian Pacific (CP) have announced that the 2024 CP Women’s Open will be contested at the historic Earl Grey Golf Club from July 22-28, 2024. 

The 2024 CP Women’s Open will mark the 7th time that the province of Alberta has hosted Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship and first since 2016. The 2024 event will be the 50th playing of Canada’s National Open Championship and the first time that Earl Grey will challenge the stars of the LPGA Tour. 

“Together, with our partners at Canadian Pacific and the LPGA Tour, we are very excited to bring the 2024 CP Women’s Open to the world-class city of Calgary and the prestigious Earl Grey Golf Club,” said CP Women’s Open Tournament Director Ryan Paul. “Calgary and the province of Alberta is home to a tremendously passionate golf community, and we are excited to see the LPGA Tour’s best challenge one of Canada’s premier golf courses.” 

Through its CP Has Heart campaign, CP will once again be making a significant charitable contribution to the host community. In its nine years of title sponsorship from 2014-2022, the campaign has raised more than $16 million for children’s cardiac care in the tournament’s host communities. 

“On behalf of the Canadian Pacific team and our more than 2,000-strong Calgary-based employees, we are proud to be part of such a tremendous event and excited to bring the tournament back to Calgary, an integral city within our rail network and home to CP’s headquarters,” said Keith Creel, CP President and CEO. “We look forward to continuing CP’s significant charitable legacy in our home community through CP Has Heart.” 

A host community beneficiary of the 2024 CP Women’s Open will be named by CP and Golf Canada at a later date. 

Originally founded in 1919 as a five-hole layout and now on its current site overlooking the picturesque Glenmore Reservoir since 1932, Earl Grey is world-class championship facility located in the heart of Calgary. The club, which features an 18-hole championship course as well as a nine-hole Par 3, has hosted numerous major provincial, national and international competitions including the Alberta Men’s Open, the Alberta Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships, the Alberta Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships, The Alberta Junior Boys Championship, and the Canadian Junior Girls Championship, in addition to the Alberta Men’s Amateur Championship, the Canadian Junior Girls Championship, and the former Peter Jackson Championship. 

“We are excited to welcome the very best LPGA Tour players to Earl Grey Golf Club for the 2024 CP Women’s Open,” said Marion Burnyeat, Earl Grey Club President. “Hosting this historic tournament gives us the opportunity to share our championship golf course to challenge the top players in the world. The local golf community will come together in 2024 for this world-class tournament supported by the volunteer spirit for which Calgary is known.” 

The Tournament Partners of the LPGA awarded the CP Women’s Open with Tournament of the Year in 2022. Golf Canada and CP also received Gold Driver Awards for Best Sponsor Activation in 2019 and 2022 as well as Best Community and Charity Engagement in 2017, 2019 and 2022. 

“Hosting this prestigious event is a tremendous opportunity to showcase to the world the outstanding local partners and experiences that make Calgary the Ultimate Host City,” says Cindy Ady, CEO of Tourism Calgary. “It has been a pleasure to work alongside Golf Canada to secure the CP Women’s Open for the city and we are thrilled to welcome world’s best female golfers to Calgary in 2024.” 

Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship has traditionally featured one of the strongest fields on the LPGA Tour vying for a total purse of $2.35 million USD. The 2023 CP Women’s Open is being held at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in Vancouver from August 21-27, 2023. 

First conducted in 1973, Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship has allowed the brightest stars of the LPGA Tour to shine on Canadian soil to inspire the nation’s next generation of female golfers. Brooke Henderson’s historic victory in 2018 was the first time a Canadian had won the National Open since golf legend Jocelyne Bourassa 45 years earlier. 

Information about volunteer opportunities and corporate hospitality for the 2024 CP Women’s Open at the Earl Grey Golf Club will be available in the coming weeks. 

(February 28, 2023) – Golf Canada will host its 2023 Annual Meeting on Thursday, March 2 utilizing a virtual format as the National Sport Federation looks ahead to the 2023 season.

The Annual Meeting brings together Golf Canada’s Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers as well as representatives from Canada’s provincial golf associations and other industry stakeholders.

The virtual meeting begins at 1:00 pm EST and will include the release of the Association’s 2022 Annual Report & Financial Statements.

During the Annual Meeting, Golf Canada will introduce its 2023 Board of Directors including David McCarthy of Toronto as its 117^th President.

CEO Laurence Applebaum will also present Golf Canada’s new five-year Strategic Plan (2023-2027).

Golf Canada will also celebrate outstanding contributions to the game of golf including a presentation of the 2022 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award and the appointment of three new Honorary Life Governors. Golf Canada will also recognize its 2022 National Junior Facility Award winners and announce the 2023 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A LIVE STREAM OF GOLF CANADA’S ANNUAL MEETING

Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing more than 319,000 golfers and 1,435 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf.

Successful nominations will celebrate Samij and Beauchemin for demonstrating excellence in using golf as a platform to positively impact their communities.

(February 27, 2023) – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are pleased to announce that Fareen Samij of Burlington, Ont. and Bob Beauchemin of Brampton, Ont. have been named the inaugural winners of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award.

Following a national call for nominations to the Canadian golf community in 2022, Samij and Beauchemin were identified by the selection committee as co-recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Leader Award, celebrating a pair of individuals who demonstrated excellence in using golf as a platform to positively impact their communities.

“So many spirited and well-intentioned individuals use golf as a platform to contribute to their community and we are extremely proud to celebrate Fareen Samij and Bob Beauchemin as the inaugural recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award,”

said Golf Canada President Liz Hoffman. “Both were nominated by their peers for their wonderful efforts to share the golf experience in their community and I am pleased to congratulate them on this much deserved honour.”

A 5-time Canadian Women’s Long Drive champion and former golf touring professional, Samij is a respected entrepreneur, speaker, and author who founded the Smashing the Grass Ceiling golf program to engage women and young girls to connect and be inspired on the golf course.

“It’s amazing to see the support from the community around creating access to golf and long drive,” said Samij. “I’m humbled to receive this award and will continue to forge ahead and work to help people use the sport to create meaningful relationships.”

Beauchemin, a PGA of Canada professional and Head Teaching Professional at Oakdale Golf and Country Club, was nominated for his efforts to advance junior golf including First Tee Canada, as well as his mentorship to countless golf industry professionals through the Humber College Professional Golf Management Program.   

“I am very humbled to receive this wonderful honour,” said Beauchemin. “Golf has been an integral part of my life for almost 60 years and has given me so much. If I have, in anyway, been responsible for passing on valuable knowledge or igniting a passion and love for the game of golf to the next generation, I feel it is a privilege.”

Samij and Beauchemin will each receive a $5,000 donation from the Golf Canada Foundation to advance a golf program or golf-related initiative of their choice.

Submissions for the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award were evaluated by a selection committee that includes representatives from Golf Canada, the Golf Canada Foundation, Honoured Members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, industry representatives and the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.  

Get to Know Fareen Samij….

A 5-time Canadian Women’s Long Drive champion and former golf touring professional, Fareen Samij is a respected entrepreneur, speaker, mentor and author who founded the Smashing the Grass Ceiling golf program to engage women and young girls to connect and be inspired on the golf course. The golf program features a series of events ranging from 9-hole tournaments to clinics and retreats all designed to take the “scary” out of golf. The junior component to the program—Smashing Girls—is designed to give girls without access to golf, aged 11-17 the opportunity to learn golf, meet successful women mentors and learn critical interpersonal skills. Samij is also the Tour Commissioner and coach for ALD Canada Long Drive and works actively to recruit and develop long drivers to represent Canada at international events.

 

Samij published her book, Smashing the Grass Ceiling in 2017 to empower, motivate and inspire professional women to make meaningful connections. Through the Smashing program she runs workshops and clinics to help professionals increase confidence and learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Born and raised in Mombasa, Kenya, the McMaster graduate is an entrepreneur who works in the field of event management, orthotics, orthopedic footwear, compression therapy and bracing.

 

Samij has been nominated for Citizen of the Year two times and is the winner of a Provincial Canada 150 award as well a recipient of the Leading Women Leading Change award. She is also the founder and creator of Pythons’ Pit, an entrepreneurial pitch contest for high school students that helps to foster innovation and creativity.

Get to Know Bob Beauchemin

A respected PGA of Canada Class A professional, Bob Beauchemin’s contributions to advance the sport of golf have impacted thousands of industry professionals and juniors over a distinguished career in the game. As Head Teaching Professional at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Beauchemin has been a driving force behind the club’s commitment to the First Tee Canada program designed to increase the accessibility of golf for youth in traditionally underrepresented communities. Beauchemin operated two First Tee Canada programs at Oakdale in 2022, providing community youth with no-cost access to experience the sport, using golf as a vehicle to have fun and build confidence.

 

Beauchemin has also taught more than 1,000 aspiring golf industry professionals over his career through the Humber College Professional Golf Management Program (1997-present) in addition to the development and execution of The Humber PGM Player Development Program (2000-present). He has inspired new generations of industry professionals to become passionate and trusted custodians of the game, providing education and mentorship on the rules, etiquette and proud history of the sport. Prior to the launch of First Tee Canada, Beauchemin taught the former Future Links junior golf program since its inception, supporting hundreds of aspiring junior golfers at Oakdale and from the surrounding community through camps, clinics and lessons. An accomplished former Touring Professional (1975-1986), Beauchemin competed on golf tours around the world including the PGA TOUR, Australian Tour, and the Asian Tour in addition to the former Canadian Tour (now PGA TOUR Canada) with which he later served eight years as Commissioner and CEO (1985-1993). He was honoured by PGA TOUR Canada as a Life Member in 2007 for contributions to the advancement of the Tour and its players.

The Lorie Kane Community Leader Award celebrates individuals over the age of 19 with a demonstrated ability to lead community initiatives; who have contributed a measurable impact through volunteerism or charity; or have showcased excellence in their involvement with, or support of youth programs such as First Tee – Canada or other junior golf activities.

Launched in the summer of 2022, the recognition was renamed the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards (both the Community Leader Award as well as the Junior Leader Award) as a tribute to the Canadian golf legend’s contributions to advance the sport and charitable initiatives both on and off the golf course.

A call for nominations for the 2023 Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards will go out later this year.

The updated version of the Rules of Golf came into effect January 1^st and to complement the rollout, golf’s governing bodies have published two important publications to communicate the updates.

These two publications cover the rules of golf and provide helpful insights for those involved in the game.

The Rules of Golf is the primary publication for officials and the main resource for players, golf club committees and referees. It covers the rules and includes updates and amendments from the 2019 edition.

The second publication, The Official Guide to the Rules of Golf 2023, provides context and sample scenarios for the rules, as well as clarifications and procedures for committees to follow. The Official Guide to the Rules of Golf essentially acts as a guidebook. Committees and officials will find information on the Rules, its clarifications, and any appropriate supporting procedures. It will act as a vital resource document intended as a supplementary publication for golf administrators, referees, officials and players.

“The 2023 Rules have a focus on making the rules easier to understand and more accessible with an emphasis on inclusion and sustainability,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Golf Canada’s Director of Amateur Championships and Rules. “The use of gender-neutral terms and the inclusion of Rule 25: Modifications for Players with Disabilities shows the games efforts on welcoming golfers of all abilities and demographics. Equally, there has been a reduction in the number of publications printed, encouraging casual golfers to utilize the Rules of Golf online or through the R&A app.”

Where to purchase them?

Golf Canada is the authorized distributor for The Rules of Golf Publications in Canada.

You will be able to access digital copies of both publications here.

The Rules of Golf and The Official Guide to Golf can also be purchased online using the links below;

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE RULES OF GOLF

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE OFFICIAL GUIDE

Golf Canada provides both publications in English and French.

Note; The printed publications of the Rules of Golf and Official Guide are intended for golf administrators, referees and officials and rules enthusiasts.

In an effort to be more sustainable, please consider accessing the Rules of Golf for free through digital channels either on golfcanada.ca/rules, by visiting randa.org or usga.org/rules. Full updates to the official Rules of Golf digital applications are available now.

It’s all been coming together for Megan Osland this winter.

Osland fired a 6-under 66 in the third round of Sunday’s Cactus Tour event for a one-shot victory. It’s the third win the native of Kelowna, B.C., has earned on the mini-tour this winter, and she feels she’s reaping the rewards of her hard work.

“I think it validates all the work that I’ve been doing in the off-season,” she said in an phone interview from Scottsdale, Ariz. “All my training is paying off.

“I’ve been working with my swing coach, my putting coach, and my mental coach. Everything’s coming together with all three of those.”

Osland said that she’s just made small adjustments in every facet of her game.

“Nothing major in any, in any category, just tweaking little things and just improving kind of the consistency of each area,” said Osland.

Those changes paid off in a three-stroke victory at the Sun City Country Club on Nov. 2, a seven-shot win at Riverview Golf Club on Jan. 15, and then Sunday’s win at Willow Creek Golf Club.

All three of those events were in Sun City, Ariz., but the Cactus Tour will shift to Beaumont, Calif., for its next two tournaments.

Osland plans to play in both as they could be a stepping stone from the developmental Cactus Tour to the second-tier Epson Tour. That circuit serves as a direct feeder to the LPGA Tour, the highest level of women’s professional golf.

“The carrot for that is the you get points for both of those tournaments and the overall point winner at the end of the two tournaments gets an exemption into an Epson Tour event,” said Osland, who played in five Epson Tour events in 2022 and was a regular on the second-tier circuit 2016-2019.

“Getting back on the Epson Tour full time is the biggest thing that I need to do. Then from there, obviously, the goal is to get an LPGA Tour card, whether that’s through Epson or Q-school at the end of the season.”

Osland’s hot start to the season puts her in a strong position to quickly meet her goals, as long as she continues to produce results.

“You’ve just got to play, well make some money, and then they’ve got a reshuffle in May,” said Osland, referring to the LPGA and Epson Tour’s annual recategorization. “Basically you can get reshuffled into having full status again, if you’ve made enough money.

“That’s the route that would be ideal if I can just get a couple starts early in the season.”

The Epson Tour kicks off its season next week with the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic at the Country Club of Winter Haven in Winter Haven, Fla. Sue Kim of Langley, B.C., won the event in 2015 and Samantha Richdale, also from Kelowna, took the title the next year for back-to-back Canadian wins.

Canadian golf icon and philanthropist to help foster donor relationships and support the advancement of First Tee programming for children and families across Canada

TORONTO, February 21, 2023 – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are pleased to announce that Canadian Golf Hall of Famer and dedicated philanthropist Mike Weir has been named the first official First Tee – Canada ambassador.

As an ambassador for First Tee – Canada, Weir will support the program through attendance at fundraising events, helping to foster donor relationships, and broadening the reach of First Tee – Canada’s positive impact on children and families.

Born and raised in Bright’s Grove, Ont., the eight-time PGA TOUR winner and 2003 Masters champion has been a philanthropic supporter of Canadian youth for nearly 20 years through the charitable work of the Mike Weir Foundation.

First Tee – Canada provides affordable access to golf for youth across the country, striving to diversify and grow the game of golf to reflect the strengths of Canada’s multiculturalism more closely. Inclusive programming is delivered at golf courses, schools, and community centres introducing golf and providing life-enhancing experiences through sport to children.

“I am honoured to take on the role of First Tee – Canada ambassador,” said Weir. “Historically, golf has not been the most accessible sport for families to get involved with, and I am proud to be part of a program that is working with donors and community leaders to break down those barriers. My passion for golf and supporting children’s development is well aligned with the First Tee – Canada’s mission and I am excited to contribute wherever I can.”

“We are extremely proud to welcome Mike Weir as a First Tee – Canada ambassador,” said Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer Kevin Blue. “Mike has meant so much to Canadian golf and his altruism and charitable experience will help generate meaningful awareness of First Tee across the Canadian philanthropic community. We highly anticipate Mike’s ambassadorship adding to the continued advancement of the program, and its ability to positively impact Canadian youth.”

Weir, who took up the game at Huron Oaks near Sarnia, Ont. was recently named International Team Captain of the 2024 Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal Golf Club. As a philanthropist, the Mike Weir Foundation has raised over $8,000,000 for Canadian children’s charities since 2004.

Launched in 2020 with the generous support of the Golf Canada Foundation and its network of donors, First Tee – Canada has operating chapters in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, the Atlantic region, and a newly launched Prairies region. With programming in schools, at community centres, and at golf courses, Golf Canada’s goal is to welcome 100,000 First Tee – Canada participants by 2024.

For more information and to learn how you can support First Tee – Canada, visit www.firstteecanada.ca.

BRAMPTON, ONT. – Brampton Golf Club will open its fairways to elite talent from across the globe when it plays host to the World Junior Girls Championship presented by Sargent Farms from October 2–7, 2023.

In addition to 72-hole team and individual golf competitions, the World Junior Girls Championship will be a celebration of the sport with a focus on developing the game. Prior to the tournament getting underway, the World Junior Girls Championship will host a coaching summit and a girl’s skill development clinic supported by Sargent Farms and their partnership of the event.

The opportunity to host the week-long event spurs a sense of pride for Brampton’s membership.

“We’re truly excited to be sharing our course with the top girls from around the world,” said Boris Uvakov, Brampton’s General Manager. “We’re invested in the growth of the game at all levels and our membership is proud to do our part in hosting world-class championships.”

The World Junior Girls Championship is conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario and supported by the R&A and International Golf Federation. Recognized by the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), the World Junior Girls Championship will run for its 8^th time, with the individual champion earning an exemption into the 2024 CP Women’s Open.

Since its inception in 1921, the fairways at Brampton Golf Club have hosted many of Canada’s best. The venerable club has hosted the PGA of Canada Championship, the PGA of Canada Senior Championship, PGA TOUR Canada, the Ontario Men’s Amateur and Ontario Women’s Amateur.

The club will provide an opportunity to showcase its recently renovated golf course to the world’s top 78 junior golfers from 25 countries across the globe, an increase from 2022 and the largest field size of the tournament’s history.

“Being in the GTA there are a lot of opportunities for visiting girls to explore outside of the golf competition,” added Uvakov. “We’re very proud to welcome competitors, coaches and spectators to our course and the great city of Brampton.”

Many of the Canada’s top-ranked golfers have competed in the World Junior Girls Championship since its inception, including LPGA superstar Brooke Henderson who competed in the 2014 inaugural competition.

Other notable competitors who went on to become LPGA Tour winners include world Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand who won back-to-back World Junior titles in 2018 and 2019 as well as Yuka Saso of Philippines who won the 2016 World Junior title. Other former World Junior competitors who have gone on to win on the LPGA Tour include Hannah Green of Australia and Maja Stark of Sweden.

In 2022, Spaniard Cayetana Fernández saved her best for last at Angus Glen Club in Markham, Ont., as the 17-year-old shot a final-round 2-under 70 to lead Spain to victory. Sweden finished second, with Chinese Taipei picking up third.

Admission to the championship is complimentary.