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Glendale Golf & Country Club named Golf Canada Junior Golf Opportunity Award winner

The National Facility Awards for Junior Golf were established in 2022 to shine a light on the Golf Clubs and facilities across Canada going above and beyond to develop young Canadian golfers. These awards focus on facilities that provide exceptional experiences for their juniors by way of access, programming, development, and competition.

“The National Facility Awards for Junior Golf continue to be an incredible showcase of the country’s top clubs supporting junior golf in Canada,” said Ryan Logan, Director of External Relations, Golf Canada. “This year’s awards program was highlighted by outstanding achievements from coast to coast to coast, further elevating the quality of programming, expanding access, and deepening community partnerships that foster welcoming, accessible, and safe environments for young Canadians. We are honoured to celebrate these 2025 award winners and to shine a spotlight on the remarkable work being done to support junior golf nationwide. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners!”

The 2025 winners and finalists are as follows:

Junior Golf Opportunity Award

Awarded to a facility that provides exceptional access and membership opportunities for junior golfers. Special consideration is given to facilities with strong non-family sponsored junior programs and facilities with fundraising programs to help athletes compete at provincial, national, and international competitions.

WINNER: Glendale Golf & Country Club (Winnipeg, Man.)

With programming available for children as young as three, Glendale Golf & Country Club offers a stellar, well-rounded junior golf experience. From first swings and introductory clinics to summer camps and family events for recreational players, season-long challenges and competitive opportunities, Glendale supports juniors at every stage of their development. The club’s commitment to access and growth ensures young golfers not only build golf skills but develop a lasting love for the game.

Finalist: Club de golf Lotbinière (Saint-Gilles, Que.)
Finalist: The Marshes Golf Club (Ottawa, Ont.)

Youth on Course Program Location of the Year

Awarded to a facility that demonstrates exceptional commitment to youth golf development by providing extensive course access through Youth on Course, leading to more juniors playing at a subsidized rate throughout the calendar year.

WINNER: South Ajax Golf Club (Ajax, Ont.)

With 494 unique participants, South Ajax Golf Club had another outstanding Youth on Course season, with juniors playing a total of 2,712 rounds during the 2025 golf season, up from 1,433 rounds the previous season. Youth on Course is integrated alongside the club’s existing junior programs, ensuring it complements the offerings already in place. By allowing participants to play at any time and actively tracking rounds through the Youth on Course portal, South Ajax Golf Club maintains strong operational standards. The club’s ongoing engagement with juniors highlights its commitment to supporting Youth on Course and fostering a thriving junior golf environment.

Finalist: The Nest at Cabot Cape Breton (Inverness, N.S.)
Finalist: Meridian Hills Golf Club (Surrey, B.C.)

Tournament Host of the Year
Awarded to a facility that gives back to junior golf by embracing the opportunity to host junior competitions. The facility creates an excellent tournament experience for players and involves the local community through volunteers and fundraising support.
 
WINNER: Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club (Bathurst, N.B.)

Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club was the host of the 2025 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO. The club staff, led by Adam Chamberlain and the Host Club Committee, led by Shawn Patterson, both excelled in the planning and execution stages of what was an incredible championship. The club recruited upwards of 150 volunteers to ensure that competitors and guests alike were welcomed with typical East Coast hospitality. Despite an unusually dry and hot summer, the golf course remained in impeccable condition thanks to the tireless efforts of the greens staff. The event had a professional feel from start to finish, and Gowan Brae shined as a national championship host club.

Finalist: Pitt Meadows Golf Club (Pitt Meadows, B.C.)
Finalist: Club de Golf Sainte-Marie (Sainte-Marie, Que.)

First Tee Program Location of the Year

Awarded to a First Tee – Canada Program Location that demonstrates excellent enrolment in First Tee – Canada programming and makes a significant impact on growing participation among new juniors within its community.
 
WINNER: Antigonish Golf Club (Antigonish, N.S.)

Antigonish Golf Club has fully embraced First Tee in their second season offering programming. By developing meaningful relationships within their community, and creating unique fundraising opportunities, they were able to increase participation from 12 juniors in their first season, to 120 in 2025 – an increase of 900 percent. They offered six, six-hour First Tee programs at maximum capacity, and an additional six-hour, all girls session in the fall. Antigonish Golf Club’s dedication to accessibility and fostering a safe environment has created life-enhancing golf experiences for youth from all backgrounds in Atlantic Canada.

Finalist: Broadmoor Public Golf Course (Sherwood Park, Alta.)
Finalist: Cultus Lake Golf Club (Cultus Lake, B.C.)

Grassroots Junior Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program that is excelling at creating new junior golfers through local programming.

WINNER: Bowen Island Golf Club (Bowen Island, B.C.)

A returning finalist from 2024, Bowen Island continued to grow their impressive programming into 2025. In addition to free golf and club rentals for juniors, the club has connected with schools and youth programs in the area, as well as hosting various community events throughout the summer, making the club as accessible as possible for young golfers in the area. In 2025, Bowen Island registered over 1,500 rounds played by juniors, all free of charge.

Finalist: The Oaks of St. George Golf Club (Paris, Ont.)
Finalist: Paragon Golf & Country Club (Kingston, N.S.)

Competitive Junior Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program with many junior athletes competing in provincial and national championships and earning strong results in those championships.

WINNER: Club de golf de la Vallée du Richelieu (Sainte-Julie, Que.)

Club de golf de la Vallée du Richelieu demonstrates a deep commitment to developing young athletes into high-performing golfers. Supported by a foundation dedicated solely toward growing their junior programming, the club provides a comprehensive training environment that combines targeted on-course practice with off-course specialists in physical training, nutrition and sport psychology. This dedication is evident in their golfers’ successes, with many juniors competing provincially, and an impressive nine players representing the club at the 2025 Canadian Junior Boys and Girls Championships.

Finalist: Summit Golf Club (Richmond Hill, Ont.)
Finalist: Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club (Surrey, B.C.)

Golf Canada extends its congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all winners and finalists for their dedication to junior golf. Their efforts continue to shape the future of the sport, ensuring young golfers across the country have the opportunities and resources available to succeed.

For more information about the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf Presented by Humi, please visit golfcanada.ca/national-facility-awards-for-junior-golf/.

If you have any questions regarding the awards or nomination process, please feel free to email NFAJG@golfcanada.ca.