Golf Canada is proud to announce the first nationally sanctioned pathway connecting simulator golf to an on-course national competition.

Off-Course Member Facilities of Golf Canada now have the opportunity to host and participate in the inaugural BDO National League indoor qualifier. Players who compete in facility-run simulator leagues will have the opportunity to advance to outdoor Provincial Finals as part of the BDO National Golf League.

“We are excited to offer this new pathway for players that compete in off-course leagues,” said Tim McLaughlin, Chief Marketing Officer. “This new pathway brings great value to off-course member facilities and offers their customers a competitive pathway tied to a national championship. This opportunity also creates greater connectivity between off-course and on-course facilities.”

Off-Course Member Facilities must host a simulator league that concludes by August 31 to be eligible. Competition is facility-defined while being supported by the standardized league guidelines provided by Golf Canada. Following the season of simulator league play, the top player at each participating facility will be eligible to advance to an outdoor Regional Final in their home province.

Top Regional Final teams advance to the National Championship, held the Saturday prior at the host venue of the RBC Canadian Open.

Golf Canada Off-Course Membership connects facilities to Golf Canada’s national off-course strategy, giving access to recognized leagues, marketing exposure, and programs that promote participation, engagement and the growth of off course golf.

To become an Off-Course Member Facility, click here. For more information on facility membership and the new player pathway please contact offcoursegolf@golfcanada.ca.

(Courtesy: Mike Masaro / Golf Canada)

Golf Manitoba, in association with Golf Canada, is pleased to welcome Anderson’s Homestead Golf Course as our newest member club.

Located along Johnston Road on the northwest corner of Dryden, Ontario, this 9 hole, par 35 course can be played from two sets of tee boxes ranging from 2,765 to 3,080 yards.

Anderson’s Homestead Golf Course features a fully licensed clubhouse and restaurant available to host corporate gatherings, fundraisers and weddings. Stay and Play packages are available with an RV park located on site. There is also a driving range and putting green.

As an official Golf Manitoba / Canada member club, all rounds played at Anderson’s Homestead Golf Course 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 (807) 223-4653.

You can also follow Anderson’s Homestead Golf Course on Facebook and Instagram.

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.

Golf Manitoba Director of Competitions & Rules Sam Beavis-Hickey is pleased to announce the addition of two new divisions to the 2026 Golf Manitoba Match Play Championship Championship presented by St. Vital Dental Centre.

Competitors will now have the opportunity to participate in the Men’s Super Senior (65+) and Women’s Senior (50+) divisions, expanding the total to five brackets for Match Play competition.

The Match Play Qualifier is scheduled for Saturday, May 23rd at Scotswood Links with the Match Play Championship to follow Thursday, May 28th to Sunday, May 31st at Whispering Winds of Warren Golf & Country Club.

Registration for the qualifier is open and closes on May 2nd at 11:59 PM.

To be eligible:

– Super Senior Men must be aged 65 or older with a Handicap Index of 20.0 or less.
– Senior Women’s division is open to players aged 50 and over with a Handicap Index of 25.0 or less.

All age categories are calculated as of May 23, the day of the qualifier.

“These new divisions reflect Golf Manitoba’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and competitive opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels” said Beavis-Hickey. “The introduction of these two new divisions are expected to enhance the championship experience and continue the growth of amateur golf across the region.”

The qualifier will consist of an 18-hole stroke play competition, with formats tailored to each division. The Super Senior Men will compete using GROSS scores, with the low 16 players advancing to the match play championship. Should the field include 15 players or fewer, top seeds will receive a bye into the quarterfinal round.

The Senior Women’s division will compete using NET scores. The low 8 players will advance to match play, with byes to the semifinals awarded if the field includes 8 players or fewer.

The championship stage will feature single-elimination match play brackets. The Super Senior Men’s division will include a 16-player bracket requiring four match wins to claim the title. The Senior Women’s division will consist of an 8-player bracket, with three match wins needed to become champion.

Players interested in competing are encouraged to register early, as fields are limited to 20 players for Super Senior Men and 12 players for Senior Women.

For more information and to register, click here.

An Active Season is the period of time when acceptable scores from Golf Manitoba / Canada member courses should be submitted for handicap purposes.

To view a directory of Golf Manitoba / Canada member courses, click here.

To join the Golf Manitoba / Canada membership, click here.

The Rules of Handicapping stipulates that every player is responsible for submitting all acceptable scores into one’s scoring record for rounds played on courses during the active season.

It is the responsibility of authorized provincial golf association to declare active and inactive seasons, with area clubs and players required to observe these dates for score posting purposes. To make this process easier, the Golf Canada Score Centre automatically considers the active season of the course being played when a score is posted and whether it should be included in calculating a player’s Handicap Index.

In Canada, the active season in each province is as follows:

BC =     Mar.1 – Nov.15
AB =     Mar.1 – Oct.31
SK =     Apr.15 – Oct.31
MB =    Apr.15 – Oct.31
ON =    Apr.15 – Oct.31
QC =    Apr.15 – Oct.31
NS =     Apr.15 – Oct.31
NB =     May.1 – Oct.31
PE =     Apr.16 – Nov.14
NL =     Apr.1 – Nov. 30

Scores made at a golf course in an area observing an active season must be posted for handicap purposes, even if the golf club where the player is a member is observing an inactive season. The club’s Handicap Committee must make it possible for a player to post these away scores at the beginning of the active season.

It’s important to note that if you are travelling to other countries or regions, you should confirm their active seasons to ensure all acceptable scores are posted. Your home club needs all acceptable scores (even if played during a Canadian “off-season”) to ensure that your Handicap Index is accurate and reflects your demonstrated ability.

For example, if a player belonging to a golf club in Manitoba plays golf in Florida (which observes a year-round active season) during January, any score(s) made in Florida are acceptable and must be submitted to the player’s scoring record. If the player is also a member of a golf club in Florida and Manitoba, it is important to remember that all acceptable scores must be posted to each scoring record. 

The Golf Canada Score Centre has tools available to link Canadian and USGA accounts, so that a score posted to one account is automatically transferred to the other.  For more information, or to set up this link, please contact members@golfcanada.ca or phone 1-800-263-0009, extension 399.

For a detailed list of active and inactive schedule in the United States, click here.

For more information on handicapping, click here.

Golf Manitoba, in association with Golf Canada, is pleased to welcome Valleyview Golf Club – Rapid City as our newest member club.

Located along Highway #24, 30 minutes north of Brandon and 20 minutes southwest of Minnedosa, this 9 hole, par 34 course can be played from two sets of tee boxes ranging from 2,454 to 2,761 yards.

As an official Golf Manitoba / Canada member club, all rounds played at Valleyview Golf Club – Rapid City 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 Dean at (204) 447-7266 or go on the Valleyview Golf Club – Rapid City Facebook page.

(Courtesy: Michele Dion / Golf Canada)

Every foursome has its own chemistry: an unpredictable blend of personalities, rituals, quirks, and conversations that somehow always gels into something meaningful. While golf is often seen as a game of quiet focus and individual performance, the real health benefits occur between shots, between laughs, and between the people who make up the group.

Let’s meet said group.

The Analyst – The data-driven dynamo

For the Analyst, golf is equal parts sport and science experiment. Their pre-round routine involves checking three weather apps, calibrating their swing sensor, and stretching with the focus of someone training for the long-drive world championships. At the first tee, they announce the group’s collective step goal for the day. Nobody asked, but everyone nods in agreement anyway.

What they teach us about health:

• Physical: The Analyst embodies consistency—regular movement, measurable progress, and structured warm-ups.
• Mental: Tracking data provides them with a sense of control and motivation, turning golf into a grounding routine.
• Social: They share tips generously… sometimes too generously, but always with good intentions.

The Analyst approaches golf like a beautifully structured experiment. Sometimes the experiment succeeds. Sometimes it ends with them whispering encouragement to their 7‑iron.

The Therapist – The heart of the group

The Therapist shows up carrying two coffees and a calm presence that instantly slows the morning down. By the third hole—or third simulator bay—they’ve checked in on everyone’s week, listened to two minor crises, and somehow convinced the Athlete that perfection isn’t the point.

What they teach us about health:

• Physical: Their relaxed approach helps the group settle into a comfortable, steady pace.
• Mental: They turn each round into a walking (or riding) reset with space to breathe, talk, release.
• Social: They build trust without trying. People open up around them the way bunkers open up around golf balls.

The Therapist is the one who reminds the foursome that golf is less about the score and more about the stories that unfold between shots.

The Athlete – The engine of enthusiasm

The Athlete arrives already warmed up… sometimes alarmingly so. They stride from the parking lot to the tee with the energy of someone who considers 18 holes “light cardio.” Their golf bag contains speed sticks, snacks, and a foam roller that’s seen more greenside use than their wedge.

What they teach us about health:

• Physical: They lead by example: walk more, move more, swing with intention.
• Mental: Their determination rubs off on the group, even when the motivation is simply to keep up.
• Social: They celebrate everyone’s good shots like they’re highlight‑reel moments.

The Athlete doesn’t just play golf; they power the day. And when they suggest doing “extra reps” on the range afterward, the Analyst is the only one who says yes.

The Fourth – The wildcard

The fourth spot changes weekly, making them the most unpredictable and beloved part of the group. The rotation keeps everything fresh, like the final ingredient in a recipe that never tastes quite the same twice.

Sometimes it’s the Social Butterfly – The connector

They show up with a portable speaker, a list of post‑round brunch spots, and three new stories before the first tee shot. The health benefits they bring include laughter, a sense of belonging, and a comforting reminder that movement feels easier when you’re having fun.

Sometimes it’s the Zen Seeker – The calm in the crosswinds

Their backswing is slow, their breathing even slower. They find beauty in bad bounces and wisdom in water hazards. They bring a sense of health through mindfulness, being present, and embracing the gentle art of not taking golf—or anything—too seriously.

Depending on the week, the fourth brings the spark, the serenity, or the soundtrack.

As the foursome moves through their round—whether it’s along sunlit fairways, across a buzzing range, or inside the glow of a simulator—they settle into their familiar rhythm. The Analyst strategizes, the Therapist listens, the Athlete powers ahead, and the ever‑changing Fourth adds their own texture to the day. Pep talks, shared glances, a few overly enthusiastic fist bumps, and at least one debate about whether a mulligan “counts if nobody saw it” weave themselves naturally into the experience. They walk, they swing, they breathe, they banter… and somewhere inside that easy pattern, they carve out a quiet kind of well‑being that stays with them long after the last putt drops.

And when next week rolls around, the ritual begins again. The Analyst will already be studying the forecast, the Athlete will be plotting a dynamic warm‑up, and the Therapist will arrive with coffees in hand. The Fourth will be whoever shows up; and whoever they are, they’ll fit right in.

Because for the foursome, it’s never just a round of golf. It’s a ritual, a rhythm, a story they keep writing together. One shot and one round at a time, proving in their own way that golf really is good for you.

Golf Manitoba, in association with Golf Canada, is pleased to welcome Black Bear Golf Club as our newest member club.

Located in Lee River, just 15 minutes east of Lac du Bonnet and 15 minutes south of Granite Hills Golf Club along Highway #433, this 9 hole, par 34 course can be played from two sets of tee boxes ranging from 4,400 to 5,324 yards.

Black Bear Golf Club, under new ownership of the Angers Family, features a fully licensed clubhouse and restaurant available to host fundraisers, weddings and corporate gatherings. Golf club rentals are available in the proshop along with the availability to purchase balls, clothing and all of your golfing needs.

As an official Golf Manitoba / Canada member club, all rounds played at Black Bear Golf 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) 345-9977 or click here to book online.

You can also follow Black Bear Golf Club on Facebook and Instagram.

Canada will be represented by three players at the Masters this week, with Corey Conners, Nick Taylor and former champion Mike Weir all set to tee it up at Augusta National.

Conners, from Listowel, Ont., is grouped with England’s Harry Hall and American Michael Brennan. They are set to begin play at 11:44 am CST on Thursday and 8:19 am on Friday. Conners has twice finished tied for sixth at Augusta National (2020, 2022), the best result among the Canadians in the field.

Taylor, of Abbotsford, B.C., will play alongside Americans Keegan Bradley and Ryan Gerard in the opening two rounds. Their group is scheduled to tee off at 8:31 am on Thursday and 11:44 am on Friday. Taylor’s best result at the Masters is a tie for 29th, recorded in 2020.

Weir, the 2003 Masters champion from Brights Grove, Ont., will play with American Wyndham Clark and Argentina’s amateur Mateo Pulcini. Their tee times are 10:27 am on Thursday and 7:02 am on Friday. Weir’s victory in 2003 remains the best result by a Canadian at the Masters.

Golf Canada is pleased to appoint Rob MacDonald and Michel St-Laurent as Honorary Life Governors for the outstanding contributions to the organization as long-time volunteers.

“On behalf of the Honorary Life Governors Selection Committee, we are proud to welcome two individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact on both the game of golf and on Golf Canada,” said Roland Deveau, Chair, Honorary Life Governors Selection Panel. “Rob and Michel are truly deserving of this prestigious honour, and we thank them for their long-time commitment to the game and to Golf Canada.”

The appointment of an individual as an Honorary Life Governor is the highest honour which can be bestowed upon Golf Canada volunteers. All Past Presidents of Golf Canada including the former Canadian Ladies Golf Association are Honorary Life Governors.

In 2020, a change to Golf Canada’s by-laws permitted individuals who are not past presidents to be named as Honorary Life Governors. Since then, Golf Canada has welcomed Barb Allen and Jim Clark (2022), Mike Richards and Pat Thompson (2023), Doug Roxburgh (2024), and Diane Barabé, Robert Laing and Teri Yamada (2025) as Honorary Life Governors.

Honorary Life Governors have an individual vote at Golf Canada’s Annual and Special General Meetings. The selection panel will consider the overall service record of those nominated including local, regional, national, and international service with prime consideration for service to Golf Canada. In addition, length and level of service are also taken into consideration.

Rob MacDonald – Winnipeg, Man.

Rob MacDonald has been an active volunteer with Golf Canada since 2011 but his service to the game in Canada spans more than three decades at the club, provincial and national levels.

Following his appointment to the Governors’ Council in 2011, MacDonald joined Golf Canada and served on the Council until 2013, including Provincial Council which he Chaired in 2014 and 2015. MacDonald served on Golf Canada’s Board of Directors from 2014 to 2020 and played a key role in strengthening Golf Canada’s governance and financial oversight during his tenure. In addition, he served on the Audit & Risk Committee from 2013 to 2020 which included Chairing the Committee for five consecutive years (2016-2020). MacDonald also functioned as Chair of the Investment Committee in 2014 and 2015 and currently serves on the Nominating Committee, since 2023. His leadership has contributed to the long-term stewardship of Golf Canada’s financial assets.

MacDonald has been an active volunteer with Golf Manitoba since 1992. At the provincial level, he has served as President of the Manitoba Golf Association (2000-2001) and as President of Golf Manitoba (2011-2013). MacDonald is a long-time member of Elmhurst Golf & Country Club where he has served as Club President, member of the Board of Directors as well as various committees with the Club.

Michel St-Laurent – Longueuil, Que.

For over 20 years, Michel St-Laurent held important governance roles for the former Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) on its Board of Governors and Executive Committee along with Golf Canada’s Governors Council and Board of Directors.

St-Laurent has also functioned as Chair of the Amateur Status Committee (2006-2009), Treasurer (2008), and represented Canada on The R&A’s Amateur Status Committee (2008-2009), a committee which governs and sets the Rules of Amateur Status for the golf world. In addition to his extensive executive work, St-Laurent holds Canada’s highest referee certification and has officiated tournaments across provincial, national, and international levels for 35 years.

He has served as a volunteer at all levels of tournaments and as Chair of both national and international championships. He was Chair of both the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships when they celebrated their respective 100^th anniversary, both won by 15-year-olds – the 2004 Men’s Amateur at Beaconsfield Golf Club won by Darren Wallace and the 2013 Women’s Amateur at Club de golf Beloeil won by Brooke Henderson. St-Laurent also served as a Tournament Chair for both the 2011 CPKC Women’s Open at Hillsdale Golf Club and the 2014 RBC Canadian Open at Royal Montreal Golf Club.

St-Laurent has also served on Golf Quebec’s Board of Directors, including a term as President in 2001 and currently serves on the Selection Committee for the Quebec Golf Hall of Fame. St-Laurent served two terms as President at Beloeil Golf Club in Beloeil, Que. (1985-86 and 2004-05) and as Club Captain (2013-14). He currently volunteers at Club de Golf La Vallée du Richelieu in Sainte-Julie, Que. as men’s captain and continues to serve on the tournament duty roster for Golf Canada competitions.