Marco Trstenjak of Elmhurst Golf & Country Club shot an 8-under par 63, one stroke off tying a course record, at Winkler Centennial Golf Club Sunday to finish with the low score of 55 Amateur Men vying for a spot in the 2024 Manitoba Match Play Championship presented by St. Vital Dental Centre.

Trstenjak’s round featured a streak of six straight birdies on holes through 10 through 15. Grady Chuback of St. Charles Country Club and Terence Rafferty of Southwood Golf & Country Club tied for second at 1-under par 70.

Team Manitoba member Addison Kartusch of St. Charles fired the Women’s low round at 1-under par 70, two strokes better than Breezy Bend Country Club‘s Charmaine Hayden.

Rossmere Country Club‘s Rob Oliphant at 1-over par 72 edged clubmate Blair Neal by a single stroke in the Senior Men’s division.

For the complete Manitoba Blue Cross leaderboard, click here.

We appreciate the time and effort of the host club, Winkler Centennial Golf Club led by General Manager Colton Harder, Superintendent Tyler Street, Food & Beverage Manager Andrea Knight, their staff, club members and volunteers for their warm welcome.

Six days of Match Play competition gets underway Monday, May 27th at Breezy Bend Country Club with the Senior Men’s division.

2:30: Oliphant vs Rey / Diamond vs Smyth
2:37: Moore vs Register / Warwick vs Slobodian
2:45: Neal vs Nicholson / Berney vs Lechman
2:52: Doyle vs Burnett / Wozny vs Barakat

Competition in the Men’s bracket opens Tuesday followed by the Women on Friday.

As the Match Play Championship Qualifier presented by St. Vital Dental Centre continues at Winkler Centennial Golf Club, Golf Manitoba’s Director of Communications & Development Brian Munz visits with General Manager Colton Harder.

For the live leaderboard, click here.

The 2024 Golf Manitoba Championship season is officially underway as Winkler Centennial Golf Club hosts the Manitoba Match Play Championship Qualifier presented by St. Vital Dental Centre.

For the live leaderboard, click here.

They are vying for a spot in the brackets of 32 men, eight women and 16 senior men to be contested Monday, May 27th to Sunday, June 2nd at Breezy Bend Country Club.

As our 2024 championship season begins, Golf Manitoba would like acknowledge our Official Performance Partners:

Manitoba Blue Cross

PUMA GOLF – Ryan Sommerfeld, PGA of Canada, Territory Manager

Taylormade Canada – Eric Johnson, Sales & Marketing Territory Manager

Stay connected on the course following Golf Manitoba’s official Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts for live coverage.

Tim Charles and Peter Morse have been crowned the inaugural champions of the BDO National Golf League following a playoff win over Reid Middleton and Brian Thorne at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Ancaster, Ont. on Saturday.

Three teams represented Manitoba with Brett Charette and Nicolas Hince of St. Boniface Golf Club finishing the highest with 18 stableford points. Josh Blatt and Curtis Markusson of St. Charles Country Club along with Daniel Beaupre and Benoit Mowbray of Glen Lea Golf Course each finished with 14 points.

Play was stopped on two occasions Saturday morning due to inclement weather. In order to complete play, tournament formatting was altered with pairings playing their respective nine holes, with the top teams from the back and front nine then meeting in a playoff for the championship. Play resumed shortly before 1 p.m. local time for all 52 pairings (104 golfers).

Charles of North Kentville, N.S. and Morse of New Minas, N.S. earned 22 stableford points from the front nine to advance to the playoff, Middleton and Thorne of New Brunswick posted a similar score of 22 points to emerge as the top team on the back nine.

Both pairings competed on the 18th hole in-front of an enthusiastic crowd, all with par putts awaiting them. After the duo from New Brunswick narrowly missed their putts, Morse drained a lengthy putt to claim the championship for the Nova Scotia duo.

“Just out of this world, I couldn’t describe it for you. We came here to play and have a good time and if we managed to get in and win this thing, Peter had already planned to go to the British Open and now apparently, I have to go with him and I’m really looking forward,” said an elated Charles following the playoff.

This marked the second of two playoff wins for the duo, having won in a playoff in their provincial championship.

“I wanted to win it again because I was able to the first time around, but I didn’t get a chance because Peter made his putt, now in the long run, really happy he made it,” laughed Charles.

Travel issues played a role as their flights were cancelled late on Thursday night. They were able to secure early morning flights on Friday on very little sleep to get to Hamilton to compete.

“We were excited about the whole experience, playing this golf course, having the opportunity to be here when it’s set up for the RBC Canadian Open, nobody else gets that,” said Charles.

“We just like to have fun, we’re not low handicappers and that’s why this is such a great event in my opinion, anybody can do well at it, the guys we played with today were awesome, we had so much fun and that’s what golf’s all about,” added Morse.

Along with becoming the inaugural champions, Charles and Morse will be heading to Royal Troon in Troon, Scotland to represent Canada in The R&A 9 Hole Challenge one-week prior to the 152nd Open Championship. Morse already had plans to attend as a fan.

“I plan to go and take in the full experience and go there, that’s how much it means to me and to go there and play is even cooler. Thanks to Golf Canada, just unbelievable that they’ve done this for us and given us this opportunity,” said Morse.

“I hope my wife is aware that I’m going to have to spend a week there now. Could be news to her,” added Charles with a laugh.

This championship means a little more for Morse, a vice principal at Horton High School in Wolfville, N.S. In 2015, he was involved in a serious car accident, where he suffered 14 fractures and had to learn to walk again.

“To be concerned I wouldn’t be able to walk and then I started playing golf, shooting 99-100, just slowly working my way back to low 80’s, high 70’s and it means the world to me because I can’t play any other sports now. I can’t run, my legs just don’t do it. As someone who played a lot of sports it’s hard on the head, mental health as everyone knows is a big deal, so for me to be able to go out twice a week and golf with my friends and hack it up has just made all the difference in the world for me to be honest,” Morse said with a smile as he walked off the 18th green a national champion.

The BDO National Golf League was launched by Golf Canada ahead of the 2023 season as a nationwide, season-long competition to enhance weekly recreational league experiences for men, women and junior golfers. The inaugural season saw 10,000 participants from 107 leagues from coast-to-coast. Scoring followed a 9-hole net stableford format that took place during a six-week period of a club’s league season. Within those six weeks, the best four scores were used to determine the individuals that would advance to the provincial championships.

The provincial championships were contested in the fall of 2023 over 13 regional tournaments across all 10 provinces between September and October, competing for spots into the league championship in Hamilton. Travel expenses to the BDO National Golf League Championship for all participants were covered by Golf Canada.

“Today’s championship represents the culmination and a celebration of a successful inaugural BDO National Golf League season. The inaugural season included roughly 10,000 participants from over 100 leagues hailing from every province across Canada. Our championship field of 104 golfers collected enough points in their respective league major weeks to qualify for provincial playoffs and successfully advanced to today’s championship,” said Tim McLaughlin, Chief Marketing Officer, Golf Canada. “It has been amazing to see players of all skill levels competing here today. Enhancing league play for all recreational golfers was a key goal of the BDO National Golf League. This friendly competition has also made significant impact on creating a brighter and more inclusive future for golf in our country as 100 per cent of the proceeds will be directed to First Tee – Canada.”

Registration is now open for the 2024 BDO National Golf League.

To sign-up or for more information, please visit nationalgolfleague.ca.

Golf Manitoba, in association with Golf Canada, is pleased to welcome Gladstone Golf & Country Club as our newest member club.

Located 25 kilometers north of the Trans Canada Highway or four kilometers south of the Town of Gladstone along Provincial Trunk Highway 34, this nine hole course can be played from two sets of tee boxes ranging from 2,725 to 3,051 yards.

Gladstone Golf & Country Club also features a driving range, putting green and a full service restaurant. The pro shop offers club rentals, pull and power cart rentals, basic golf supplies, and apparel.

As an official Golf Manitoba / Canada member club, all rounds played at Gladstone Golf & Country Club are acceptable for handicap purposes and may be recorded toward establishing or maintaining an official Golf Canada Handicap Index.

To reserve a tee time or for more information, call the proshop at (204) 385-2998 or go online gladstonegolf.com.

PUMA Golf has launched its latest Maple Leaf Collection, marking the third consecutive season of creating exclusive gear for Canadian golfers. This new collection features over a dozen fresh styles of apparel and headwear designed to unite the nearly 6 million Canadians passionate about the sport.

Inspired by Canada’s iconic maple leaf, PUMA’s Maple Leaf Collection transforms this national symbol into contemporary designs suitable for both on and off the golf course. The collection represents the maple leaf’s elegance while presenting a sophisticated, fashion-forward aesthetic that celebrates Canadian golf.

“No matter if it’s a pivotal shot at your local club or a crucial putt on a grand stage, Canadians are always ready to seize the moment,” said Dwayne Boecker, Vice President at COBRA PUMA GOLF. “Our bold designs reflect this competitive spirit, allowing golfers to perform at their best while representing Canada with pride. This collection showcases our unique perspective on the game at PUMA.”

The collection prominently features a red, white, and black color palette, traditional for Canadian gear. Highlights include the Maple Dot Polo, showcasing a distinctive maple leaf and ditsy dot pattern, available in both men’s and women’s sizes. The Maple AOP Polo features an all-over print of repeating black and red maple leaves, creating a dynamic and visually striking design perfect for any Canadian. Additionally, the Women’s Microdot Polo adds texture and visual interest with a black base adorned with small red microdots, offering a subtle contrast that’s sure to become a wardrobe staple.

Each piece in the Maple Leaf Collection is crafted with PUMA’s premium-quality materials, including tech-forward fabrics that wick moisture and keep players cool under pressure. Additional features include contrasting plackets, solid collar stands, and recycled materials, ensuring both performance and sustainability.

“Our team captured Canada’s essence through the Maple Leaf, reflecting a shared national identity,” said Chris MacNeill, Teamhead, PLM – Golf Apparel & Accessories, PUMA Golf. “Incorporating this symbol into our products fosters a cultural connection among fans and golfers across the country and beyond.”

The collection also includes stylish headwear options. The Canada Snapback Cap features a structured, flat-brim design with a classic six-panel construction, adorned with a maple leaf emblem whose stems are mini golf clubs. The Reversible Bucket Hat offers a versatile design with a wide brim for sun protection, featuring a playful print on one side and a more subtle dual-colored stripe on the other.

DUE TO UNPLAYABLE COURSE CONDITIONS, THE MATCH PLAY QUALIFIER HAS BEEN MOVED TO SUNDAY, MAY 26.

TEE TIMES REMAIN AS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED

The 2024 Golf Manitoba Championship calendar tees off Sunday morning at Winkler Centennial Golf Club as 92 competitors take part in the Manitoba Match Play Championship Qualifier presented by St. Vital Dental Centre.

They are vying for a spot in the brackets of 32 men, eight women and 16 senior men to be contested Monday, May 27th to Sunday, June 2nd at Breezy Bend Country Club.

There will be a new men’s champion in 2024 as defending champion Braxton Kuntz of Breezy Bend is unable to attend due to the U.S. Open Qualifier. 2022 champion Marco Trstenjak of Elmhurst Golf & Country Club is back vying for another title.

Rossmere Country Club’s Blair Neal returns to defend his senior men’s championship.

Addison Kartusch of St. Charles Country Club also returns to defend her crown in the women’s bracket.

For Sunday’s tee times, click here.

Registration by Member Clubs:

Bel Acres Golf & Country Club (1)
Breezy Bend Country Club (10)
Bridges Golf Course (1)
Carman Golf & Curling Club (1)
Dauphin Lake Golf Club (2)
Delahunt Golf & Country Club (1)
Elmhurst Golf & Country Club (11)
Glenboro Golf & Country Club (1)
Glendale Golf & Country Club (3)
Golf Manitoba Public Players Club (15)
La Broquerie Golf (1)
Niakwa Country Club (10)
Pine Ridge Golf Club (8)
Rossmere Country Club (6)
Sandy Hook Golf Club (1)
Shilo Country Club (3)
Southwood Golf & Country Club (6)
St. Boniface Golf Club (1)
St. Charles Country Club (6)
Steinbach Fly-In Golf Club (1)
Wheat City Golf Course (1)
Winkler Centennial Golf Club (2)

As our 2024 championship season begins, Golf Manitoba would like acknowledge our Official Performance Partners:

Manitoba Blue Cross

PUMA GOLF – Ryan Sommerfeld, PGA of Canada, Territory Manager

Taylormade Canada – Eric Johnson, Sales & Marketing Territory Manager

Stay connected on the course following Golf Manitoba’s official Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts for live coverage.

Four Manitobans are in central Alberta this weekend competing in the NextGen Western Championship at the Leduc Golf Club in Leduc, Alberta.

Team Manitoba‘s Adam Blair of Pine Ridge Golf Club, Payne Wood of St. Boniface Golf Club and Shilo Country Club‘s Spence Mott along with Zostrianos Gross of Shilo tee off today in the 54 hole championship that concludes on Sunday.

For the opening round tee times, click here.

For the leaderboard, click here.

Golf Manitoba is proud to keep you updated on amateur golfers from our region who are on the course during these winter months while attending post secondary educational facilities.

• May 23 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) shot a final round 74 to finish at 12-over par 304 in the NJCAA Division 1 Women’s Golf Championship at the Duran Golf Club in Melbourne, Florida. Final leaderboard

• May 22 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) shot a 78 in the third round of the NJCAA Division 1 Women’s Golf Championship at the Duran Golf Club in Melbourne, Florida. Final leaderboard

• May 21 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) shot a 74 in the second round of the NJCAA Division 1 Women’s Golf Championship at the Duran Golf Club in Melbourne, Florida. Final leaderboard

• May 20 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) shot a 78 in the opening round of the NJCAA Division 1 Women’s Golf Championship at the Duran Golf Club in Melbourne, Florida. Final leaderboard

• May 15 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) carded a 4-over par 74 in the final round of the NCAA Division 1 Chapel Hill Regional at The UNC Finley Golf Course in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Finished T21. Final leaderboard 

• May 13 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) shot an 8-under par 62 in the opening round and a 2-over par 72 in the second round of the NCAA Division 1 Chapel Hill Regional at The UNC Finley Golf Course in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Final leaderboard 

• April 30 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) shot an 8-over par 80 in the second round of the NJCAA Southwest District Women’s Championship in Fort Worth, Texas.

• April 29 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) shot a 4-over par 76 in the opening round of the NJCAA Southwest District Women’s Championship in Fort Worth, Texas.

• April 28 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) shot an 8-over par 80 in the final round of the Mid-American Conference Men’s Golf Championship at The Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield, Indiana. Finished T29. Final leaderboard

• April 27 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) carded his second straight 1-over par 73 in the second round of the Mid-American Conference Men’s Golf Championship at The Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield, Indiana. Live leaderboard

• April 26 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) opened the Mid-American Conference Men’s Golf Championship at The Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield, Indiana shooting a 1-over par 73. Live leaderboard

• April 21 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) shot a 2-over par 73 in his final round of the Fighting Illini Spring Collegiate at the Atkins Golf Club in Urbana, Illinois. Finished T12. Final leaderboard

• April 20 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) opened the Fighting Illini Spring Collegiate at the Atkins Golf Club in Urbana, Illinois playing 36 holes carding a 1-over par 72 and 4-over par 75. Final leaderboard

• April 10 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) playing final round of the Bobcat Desert Classic at the Golf Club of Estrella in Goodyear, Arizona. Final leaderboard

• April 9 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) shot a 3-over par 75 in the second round of the Bobcat Desert Classic at the Golf Club of Estrella in Goodyear, Arizona. Final leaderboard

• April 9 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) shot an 82 in the final round of the Oral Roberts Invitational on the River Course at The Club at Indian Springs in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Finished T71. Final leaderboard

• April 8 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) shot rounds of 82 and 83 on the opening day of the Oral Roberts Invitational on the River Course at The Club at Indian Springs in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Final leaderboard

• April 8 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) shot a 1-over par 73 in the opening round of the Bobcat Desert Classic at the Golf Club of Estrella in Goodyear, Arizona. Live leaderboard

• April 7 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) shot a 4-over par 75 his final round of the Mason Rudolph Championship on the South Course at the Vanderbilt Legends Club in Franklin, Tennessee. Finished T33. Final leaderboard

• April 6 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) carded his second straight 1 over par 72 in the second round of the Mason Rudolph Championship on the South Course at the Vanderbilt Legends Club in Franklin, Tennessee.

• April 5 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) shot a 1-over par 72 in the opening round of the Mason Rudolph Championship on the South Course at the Vanderbilt Legends Club in Franklin, Tennessee.

• April 3 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) T3 finish at the Butler University Don Benbow Invitational carding a pair of 68’s to finish at 136.

• April 2 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) wins OCAC Championship at Crimson Creek Golf Course in El Reno, Oklahoma. Peake finished the 36 hole event at 1-under par 143 carding rounds of 1-under par 71 and even par 72. Final leaderboard

• March 26 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) wins the Hardscrabble Invitational in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Due to weather only 18 holes were played. She shot a 1-over par 71 at the Hardscrabble Country Club. Final leaderboard

• March 18 – Armaan Dhillon (Elmhurst Golf & Country Club) / University of Victoria) finished T24 at the Vikes Spring Shootout at the Cordova Bay Course in Victoria, B.C. Final leaderboard

• March 17 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) 5-over par 77 in the final round of the Red Rocks Invitational at the in Sedona, Arizona. Finished T88. Final leaderboard

• March 16 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) 5-over par 77 in the second round of the Red Rocks Invitational at the in Sedona, Arizona. Final leaderboard

• March 16 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) 9-over par 81 in the opening round of the Red Rocks Invitational at the in Sedona, Arizona. Final leaderboard

• March 12 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) 11-over par 83 in the final round of the Tiger Invitational at the Auburn University Club. Finished T73. Final leaderboard

• March 12 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) 11-over par 83 in the second round of the Tiger Invitational at the Auburn University Club. Final leaderboard

• March 11 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) 4-over par 76 in the opening round of the Tiger Invitational at the Auburn University Club. Final leaderboard

• March 9 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) 3-over par 75 in the final round of the Pizza Hut Lady Thunderbird Invitational at the Sunbrook Golf Course in St. George, Utah to finish T35 on the leaderboard. Korman’s Weber State University team finished second in the team standings at 904, 10 stroke back of first place Boise State. Final leaderboard

• March 8 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) 8-over par 80 in the second round of the Pizza Hut Lady Thunderbird Invitational at the Sunbrook Golf Course in St. George, Utah. Final leaderboard

• March 7 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) 6-over par 78 in the opening round of the Pizza Hut Lady Thunderbird Invitational at the Sunbrook Golf Course in St. George, Utah. Final leaderboard

• March 5 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) 7-over par 77 in the second round of the Diffee Ford Lincoln Invite at Kickingbird Golf Course in Edmond, Oklahoma. Finished T13 on the individual leaderboard. Final leaderboard

• March 4 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) 6-over par 76 in the opening round of the Diffee Ford Lincoln Invite at Kickingbird Golf Course in Edmond, Oklahoma. Final leaderboard

• February 27 – Ryan Blair (Elmhurst Golf & Country Club / South Mountain Community College) finished T12 on the leaderboard at the Paradise Valley Puma Spring Invitational in Phoenix, Arizona with rounds of 70 and 73. Blair’s South Mountain team won the team championship at 5-under par 555.

• February 26 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) rain cancelled the final round round of the Dorado Beach Collegiate Championship in Puerto Rico. Kuntz finished T48 after shooting back to back 71’s.

• February 26 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) shot an 81 in her final round at the Causeway Invitational at Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento, California to finish T55 on the leaderboard.

• February 25 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) opened with a 75 at the Causeway Invitational at Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento, California.

* If you have information on players not listed, please email Golf Manitoba Director of Communications & Development Brian Munz at brian@golfmb.ca.

After a four-year pause due to COVID-19, the National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA) are on Parliament Hill leading National Golf Day and discussing with Parliamentarians the many positive benefits of golf for Canadians.

The golf industry representatives are also releasing the results of a new Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study highlighting golf’s financial contributions and incredible popularity as the number one participation sport in Canada.

National Golf Day also celebrates golf’s physical and mental health benefits, its safe sport attributes, social merits, environmental stewardship, diversity, life skills for youth, and economic value to the business community. National data indicates that hundreds of thousands of Canadians have entered the sport since Covid-19, totaling six million Canadian golfers and further strengthening golf’s status as the number one participation sport in the country.

“Canadians played 74 million rounds of golf in 2023, a considerable 24% increase from the last Study in 2019,” stated Jeff Calderwood, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada, and Chair of NAGA.

“Existing golfers have been playing more often and new golfers have been taking up the game at impressive levels,” said Calderwood. “The broad appeal of golf as a safe, healthy, outdoor recreation that can be enjoyed by all ages, genders, abilities, and budgets, anywhere in Canada, generates continued growth in the game. The impressive economic impacts that are then generated reflect that popularity.”

NAGA conducts an economic impact study every five years to measure such financial contributions as employment, charitable support, tourism, and gross domestic product. The sport and business of golf are thriving post-pandemic and continue to be an important economic engine for Canadians and their communities across Canada. Some of the highlights from the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study include:

• Golf contributes a massive amount to Canada’s GDP at $23.2 billion, an increase of $4 billion since the previous Study.
• Golf supports 237,000 person-years of employment, illustrating its importance as a vital source of livelihood for countless Canadians. Nearly 135,000 Canadians work directly in golf, with 45,000 being student employment.
• Golf-related activities generated over $14.2 billion in labour income, sustaining families and generating significant economic spin-off spending.
• $382 million was raised through golf activities for charities across Canada, a return to the pre-Covid-19 range and tops among all participation sports.
• Approximately 6 million Canadians played golf in 2023, an all-time high for the number one participation sport in the country, generating 74 million rounds played.
• Golfer spending totalled $14.2 billion in 2023.
• Golf course operations contributed $8.1 billion to Canada’s GDP.
• Capital expenditure by golf course operations in 2023 was $907 million.
• Taxes paid to governments by the Canadian golf industry were $4.7 billion in 2023.

“Golf is a sport that brings so many benefits to Canadians – not just the economic contributions. It is also a holistic solution to many of life’s necessities and an activity that can enjoyed for a lifetime,” said Laurence Applebaum, CEO, Golf Canada.

“Golf is a healthy, safe activity, promoting environmental stewardship, providing exceptional social value, and is great for business. And importantly, we’re seeing tremendous diversity in our growth with incredible levels of engagement,” said Applebaum. “In addition, the recent success of our Canadian LPGA and PGA Tour Pros has further propelled the enthusiasm for the sport, with such stars on the world stage as Brooke Henderson and Nick Taylor.”

Other attributes of Canadian golf include:

• 18 holes of golf burns up to 2000 calories, a very healthy 15 km walk and active exercise in nature.
• 95% of golfers in Canada feel that golf is very good for their mental health, which has also been clinically proven.
• 83% of Canadian golfers state that the social aspects of golf are important to them and improve their lives.
• Spectator interest in professional golf is at an all-time high. The RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open are setting records for attendance and commercial success.
• Golf is a trusted Safe Sport environment for both recreational and competitive play.
• Canadian golf has been experiencing great diversity, including a 6% increase in active women golfers and 33% growth in BIPOC golfers in 2023.
• Off-course golf including simulator play and virtual golf experiences have bolstered the growth in  participation.
• Sustainable golf has become a leading environmental stewardship movement in Canadian golf, with golf courses throughout the country embracing sustainability pledges and best practices.

Golf flourished during the pandemic as the nature of the sport easily allowed for social distancing while delivering a social recreation experience that could not be found elsewhere.

With golf now better recognized as an important part of the solution, and all of the health, social and economic benefits, the positive spotlight on golf and its impact on Canadian communities has since sustained most of that increased demand.