PGA of Canada

De Groot, Rutherford, Ward, Ciot and Wong to represent Canada at 2nd PGA Women’s Cup in New Mexico 

Teams from Canada, USA, Australia, Great Britain & Ireland, South Africa, and Sweden are set to head to Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico from October 24-29 for the second PGA Women’s Cup, where Canada will look to build on their runner-up finish from the 2019 event in Texas. 
 
Two new players, Caroline Ciot and Katy Rutherford, will join second-time competitors Emma de Groot, Casey Ward and Christine Wong at Twin Warriors Golf Club. Wong was the top player on the Canadian squad in 2019, firing the team’s low score two out of three days in the form of a 70 and 71. 
 
“I am so excited to head to New Mexico with this talented team of Canadian women to represent the PGA of Canada as playing captain,” said Emma de Groot. “The inaugural event in 2019 was such an amazing experience, and after a COVID hiatus we are excited to head to New Mexico and proud to represent the PGA of Canada. This event showcases women in the industry and provides an opportunity for collaboration, networking and competition against likeminded women with a desire to grow the game.”
 
Each of the five players will play their own ball each day, with the low three scores on each team counting for that round. The low aggregate score following the third round will determine the champion. 

The players:

Emma de Groot  
Playing Captain  
Age: 34-years old  
(Modern Golf Teaching Professional)  
 
Member of the 2019 Canadian Women’s PGA Cup Team. Holds the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women’s golf school records for tournament wins (6) and lowest career scoring average (74.5). She has notched 20-career top-5 finishes at the NCAA level. Since turning professional, the Modern Golf Director of Women’s Development has placed in the top-25 at the ORORO PGA Women’s Championship six times.
 
Katy Rutherford  
Age: 23-years old  
Silver Springs Golf and Country Club Apprentice Professional  
 
Received an exemption into the 2021 ATB Financial Classic on the PGA TOUR Canada. Finished as the runner-up at the Glencoe Invitational in 2021, won the Calgary Ladies Amateur and finished 42nd in the 2021 Canadian Women’s Amateur in her final summer as an amateur. Was the runner-up to Christine Wong at the 2021 ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada. Most recently, won the PGA of Alberta Women’s Championship by nine strokes last month.  
 
Casey Ward  
Age: 32-years old 
(Credit Valley Golf and Country Club Professional) 
 
Member of the 2019 Canadian Women’s PGA Cup Team. Prior to turning professional, won the 2015 Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur, firing 3-under par over the three-day event. Was named the 2021 PGA of Ontario Teacher of the Year as the Head Teaching Professional at Credit Valley Golf Club and was also nominated for Canadian Teacher of the Year.  
 
Caroline Ciot 
Age: 31-years old  
(Golf Chateau Bromont Apprentice Professional)  
 
Held status on the Symetra Tour in 2019, playing in two events. Finished as the low PGA of Canada professional at the 2022 ORORO PGA Women’s Championship in Bromont, Quebec and finished fourth at the event in 2021. Also won the professional division of the 2022 Glencoe Invitational earlier this summer in Calgary, Alberta.  
 
Christine Wong 
Age: 30-years old  
(University Golf Club Apprentice Professional)  
 
Member of the 2019 Canadian Women’s PGA Cup Team. Alumnae of the Golf Canada National Women’s Amateur Squad (2011-2013) and National Junior Squad (2010), and represented San Diego State University from 2009-2013, winning four individual titles. In addition, Wong is a two-time BC Women’s Amateur Champion and was the second-lowest amateur at the U.S. Women’s Open held at Oakmont Country Club in 2010. Most recently, Wong claimed the PGA of B.C.’s Women’s Championship in 2020 and claimed the 2021 ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada.  
 
The first round is set to begin on October 27. More information and scoring can be found here.

Inside Golf Canada PGA of Canada

Women in Coaching program applications now open for 2022

Together with the PGA of Canada, Golf Canada is excited to announce the continuation of the National Women in Coaching program and formally open applications for the 2022 cohort. 

The Women in Coaching program is an initiative started in 2021 with nine participants, that strives to reach a stronger gender balance among high-performance coaches. Each participant receives in-depth career development support that is focused on four main areas: individualized learning plans, virtual and in-person coaching education, hands-on training experiences with coaches and top players, and new for 2022, integration with the PGA of Canada mentorship program.  

“The Women in Coaching program has given me access to a wealth of knowledge that I did not have and has allowed me to meet our country’s leaders in coaching,” said Sarah-Andréa Landry, 2021 program participant and PGA of Canada professional. “The opportunity to share experiences and leadership tools developed during this program allows me to actively contribute to my club, the players I coach and the golf industry in general.”

The 2022 cohort will kick off with an in-person session at the national junior squad training camp in Phoenix, Ariz., where participants shadow national team coaches and engage in content including technical skill development and women in sport leadership.  

“The Women in Coaching program presents an opportunity for some of Canada’s most-accomplished female leaders to further their career developments together,” said Jennifer Greggain, coach of Team Canada’s Junior Squads. “The strong collection of coaches will drive the initiative forward through knowledge and experience sharing on the way to building a foundation for the future.” 

Now in its second year, the program is led by Greggain, Glenn Cundari (Technical Director, PGA of Canada) and Emily Phoenix (Manager, High Performance Sport, Golf Canada). The program receives financial support through Sport Canada’s Safe Sport and Gender Equity Fund, along with contributions from the R&A and the Golf Canada Foundation Women’s Fund. 

How to apply

PGA of Canada professionals interested in the Women in Coaching Program can click here to apply and are encouraged to reach out to Emily Phoenix (ephoenix@golfcanada.ca) with any questions. 

Applications close on Monday, Dec. 6 at 12 p.m. ET.