Sudarshan Yellamaraju’s unconventional journey to the PGA Tour reached another milestone Sunday as the Canadian rookie delivered a breakthrough performance at THE PLAYERS Championship.

Yellamaraju carded a final-round 4-under 68 at TPC Sawgrass to finish tied for fifth at 9 under par, four shots behind winner Cam Young.

The 24-year-old’s finish marked his first career top-10 result on the PGA Tour and the best showing by a rookie at the tournament in more than a decade. It was also the strongest result by a Canadian at The Players since Stephen Ames won the event in 2006.

Yellamaraju said the result reinforced his belief that he can compete at the highest level.

“I know I can compete and contend, and I have a lot of belief in myself, but that results-based confidence is something you can’t match,” he said. “Once you do something, you know you can do that or better.”

Making his tournament debut, Yellamaraju approached the week with modest expectations while still aiming to contend.

“As a rookie you just go out and see what you can do,” he said. “I always want to win every tournament, but that’s not realistically possible.”

Yellamaraju’s final round started quickly. The Canadian made three birdies in his opening four holes and added another at the par-5 ninth to reach the turn in 4-under 32.

A bogey on the short par-4 12th slowed his momentum, but he rebounded with birdies at Nos. 15 and 16 before finishing with a bogey at the difficult closing hole.

Playing in front of the large Sunday crowds at TPC Sawgrass was another new experience for the rookie.

“It was awesome,” Yellamaraju said of the fan support. “Yesterday when I had that run of birdies the crowd started cheering me on and it kept me motivated even when I was getting a little tired.”

The strong finish also reflected a mindset that has helped define his rise through the professional ranks.

“I’m not someone who packs it in,” he said. “I never give up. I’m very resilient.”

Yellamaraju credited that approach for helping him handle the challenge of one of the PGA Tour’s most demanding courses.

“Everything has to be really good on this course,” he said. “You’ve got to drive it well, hit good approach shots, chip it well and putt it well.”

The Canadian earned US$925,000 for the result, the largest payday of his young PGA Tour career.

Corey Conners was the next-best Canadian in the field, finishing tied for 13th after a final-round 74, his third straight top-15 result at The Players Championship.

Nick Taylor shot a 1-over 73 on Sunday to finish tied for 42nd, while Taylor Pendrith also closed with a 73 to tie for 46th.

Registration is now open for 2026 Golf Canada National Championships.

A reminder, two national championships will be hosted in Manitoba this summer.

Neepawa Golf & Country Club welcomes the NextGen Prairie Championship June 19th to 21st followed by the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship presented by BDO September 8th to 11th at Niakwa Country Club.

For the 2026 Golf Canada Calendar, click here.

The Golf Canada Foundation and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame are proud to announce the creation of the Golf Canada Foundation Heritage Grant Program.

The newly established Heritage Project Grant will provide financial assistance of up to $2,000 to support community heritage projects related to the game of golf in Canada.

The Heritage Project Grant is open for applications to all Golf Canada members (golf course, facilities and individual members). The deadline for applications is Friday, March 27, 2026. To apply for the grant and review specific evaluation criteria, please click here.

“We are excited to announce the launch of the Heritage Project Grant and appreciate the generous support from our donors and partners with the Golf Canada Foundation for making this possible,” said Meggan Gardner, Director, Heritage Services, Golf Canada. “Bringing to life the history of various golf events and competitions, its champions, and most importantly, the community that golf creates, is what this grant will support.”

Heritage Projects that would qualify for the Heritage Project Grant can include, but are not limited to:

• Collection and digitization of historical documents, photographs and artifacts related to golf in Canada.
• Conducting oral history interviews with golfers, historians and members of the golf community.
• Dissemination of findings through a dedicated website, community events and social media channels to engage the public.
• Supporting the publishing of printed or electronic history books and websites.

For more information on the Heritage Project Grant, please contact Meggan at mgardner@golfcanada.ca.

Golf Canada is pleased to announce its full 2026 championship schedule, which includes amateur and professional competitions in addition to various qualifiers hosted at member clubs across Canada.

Coming to Manitoba is the NextGen Prairie Championship June 19th to 21st at Neepawa Golf & Country Club followed by the Canadian Senior Men’s Championship September 8th to 11th at Niakwa Country Club.

Golf Canada’s 2026 competition calendar includes 11 National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, six NextGen Championships, two Canadian Collegiate Invitationals, the BDO National Golf League Finals and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship, presented by BFL CANADA.

As the National Sport Organization and governing body, Golf Canada conducts the country’s premier amateur and professional golf championships to support the development of the nation’s top talent through world-class competition.

“We are proud to announce the full championship schedule for 2026 and are excited to welcome the top golf athletes from across Canada and around the world competing for our prestigious national championships,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Golf Canada Director, Amateur Championships and Rules. “On behalf of Golf Canada and all of the competitors, I would like to thank our corporate partners, our host clubs, tournament staff and volunteers across the country for their continued commitment and support of our championships and our sport.”

The Canadian Financial Assistance Program supported by Gary Cowan Heritage Fund and the Canadian Senior Golf Association will once again be available for juniors competing in the NextGen Championships, all National Junior Championships (Juniors and U15), and players competing at the Canadian All Abilities Championship who meet eligibility requirements. More details on the program for the 2026 season will be released next month.

Golf Canada will also conduct several professional and amateur championship qualifiers including five RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifiers along with Final Qualifying for both the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open. The 2026 schedule features two National Open Championships — the 115th playing of the RBC Canadian Open, taking place at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. June 10-14 and the 52nd playing of the CPKC Women’s Open, being held at Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton, Alta., August 19-23.

Following changes to PGA TOUR field sizes for the 2026 season, players who finish within the top ten per cent of the field (and ties) at each Regional Qualifying event will earn a spot into Final Qualifying. The Final Qualifier will take place on Sunday, June 7 at The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont. The top four finishers will earn an exemption into the 2026 RBC Canadian Open.

The She Plays Golf Championship Series will award three exemptions into the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open through three tournaments across Canada. The first will be the GolfBC Group BC Women’s Open, taking place June 11-13 at Nicklaus North Golf Course in Whistler, B.C., followed by the Peloton Glencoe Invitational, taking place June 18-20 at The Glencoe Golf and Country Club in Calgary, Alta. The final stop will be the PGA Women’s Championship of Canada with more information announced later. Each tournament winner will earn an exemption into the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open.

Other notable qualifiers conducted for USGA Championships on the 2026 schedule include a U.S. Open Local and Final Qualifier, a U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier in addition to qualifiers for the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Amateur and Women’s Amateur and the U.S. Junior Amateur and Girls’ Junior Championship.

Golf Canada’s championship season kicks off May 1-3 with the NextGen Pacific Championship at Morningstar Golf Club in Parksville, B.C. The season concludes with the World Junior Girls Golf Championship, presented by BFL CANADA at Brampton Golf Club in Brampton, Ont. from September 30 to October 3.

To view Golf Canada’s 2026 Championship Schedule including all host venues, registration requirements and volunteer opportunities visit golfcanada.ca/competitions-calendar/.

2026 Amateur Championship Season at a Glance:

The third annual BDO National Golf League Finals will be held at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. on June 6 ahead of tournament week for the RBC Canadian Open. Fifty-two teams will compete in a four-ball net stableford format to crown the BDO National Golf League champions and earn an invitation to represent Canada at The R&A’s 9 Hole Challenge.

The Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO, will be held June 15-19 at Club de Golf La Tempête in Lévis, Que. The championship includes both a team and individual component featuring Canada’s top university and college talent. The winning men’s and women’s team will qualify for their respective 2026 Canadian Collegiate Invitationals, and the individual winners will receive exemptions into their respective 2026 Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championship.

The 112th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, takes place July 20-24 at The Toronto Golf Club in Mississauga, Ont. The champion will earn an exemption into the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open, the 2026 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship and the 2027 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.

The 121st Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, will be contested July 25-30 in Calgary, Alta. at Mickelson National Golf Club and Heritage Pointe Golf Club. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2027 RBC Canadian Open, as well as an invitation to the 2026 U.S. Amateur Championship. The winner will also receive an exemption into Final Qualifying for the 2027 U.S. Open and into the 2027 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.

The Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, will be held August 5-7 at the Burlington Golf & Country Club in Burlington, Ont. The field is open to female amateurs aged 25-and-over. The winner will receive exemptions into the 2026 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, 2027 Canadian Women’s Amateur and the 2027 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championships.

The Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO, will be played at Hylands Golf Club in Gloucester, Ont. from August 5-7. The national championship for players with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments, is contested over 54-holes. Natasha Stasiuk of Oakville, Ont. is the five-time defending champion on the women’s side, while Josh Williams of Tavistock, Ont. won his first men’s title last year. The gross stroke play men’s and women’s champion earn an exemption into the 2027 U.S. Adaptive Open (if eligible).

The Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, will be contested August 11-14 at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Sask. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2027 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, 2027 Canadian Junior Boys (if eligible) and 2027 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship. Dawson Lew of Toronto, Ont. became the 12th player to claim both the Junior Boys and Juvenile titles in the same year last summer.

The Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO, will run August 11-14 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (Heathlands Course). The winner will earn an exemption into the 2027 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, the 2027 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship and the 2027 Canadian Junior Girls Championship (if eligible).

The Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, will be held August 17-21 at Brantford Golf & Country Club in Brantford, Ont. The field is open to male amateurs aged 25-and-over. The winner will receive exemptions into the 2026 U.S. Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, 2027 Canadian Men’s Amateur and the 2027 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championships.

The Canadian U15 Championship, presented by BDO, will be contested August 24-27 at Loyalist Country Club in Bath, Ont. The boys and girls’ individual champions will earn exemptions into their respective 2027 Canadian Junior Championships and invitations into the 2026 NextGen Selection Camp.

The Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO, will be played at Niakwa Country Club in Winnipeg on September 7-11. The winner will earn exemptions into the 2026 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship, the 2027 Canadian Men’s Amateur, 2027 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur and the 2027 Canadian Men’s Senior Championships. Last year, Don Martone of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. comfortably claimed his first national championship by eight shots.

The third playing of the Men’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational will return to Öviinbyrd Golf Club in MacTier, Ont. from September 12-15. The tournament will be once again co-hosted by Kent State University and Penn State University. The tournament features 13 NCAA Division I teams along with the winners from the 2026 Canadian University/College Championship. The individual champion will receive an exemption into the 2027 RBC Canadian Open and the top five will earn exemptions into the 2027 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish successfully defended their team title last fall, led by Calen Sanderson (Notre Dame) who took home individual honours. The 2026 Boys NextGen Selection Camp will run concurrently during tournament play.

The Canadian Women’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO, will take place September 15-18 at Pine Hills Golf Club in Rocky Mountain House, Alta. The winner will receive an exemption into the 2026 U.S. Women’s Senior Amateur Championship, the 2027 U.S. Women’s Senior Open, as well as the 2027 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur and the 2027 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championships.

The second playing of the Women’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational will take place at Beacon Hall Golf Club in Aurora, Ont., from September 20-22. The tournament will be co-hosted by Kent State University and the University of Michigan. The tournament will feature 11 NCAA Division I teams along with the team champions from the 2026 Canadian University/College Championship. The individual winner will earn an exemption into the 2027 CPKC Women’s Open and the top five will earn exemptions into the 2027 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.

The season will conclude with the 11th playing of the World Junior Girls Golf Championship, presented by BFL CANADA and will take place at Brampton Golf Club in Brampton, Ont., from September 28 to October 3. Teams compete as three-member squads while also competing for an individual title. The Republic of Korea are the two-time defending champions, holding off Team Canada 1 and Spain for the title last year. The 2026 individual champion will earn an exemption into the 2027 CPKC Women’s Open.

2026 NextGen Championships

The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2026 national junior championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf.

The 2026 NextGen Championship host clubs include: Morningstar Golf Club (Parksville, B.C.), Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club (Thornton, Ont.), Wolf Creek Golf Resort (Ponoka, Alta.), Neepawa Golf & Country Club (Neepawa, Man.), Club de golf Lachute (Lachute, Que.), and Hampton Golf Club (Hampton, N.B.).

2026 Registration Information

Registration for Golf Canada’s 2026 competitions will open on the following dates:

• NextGen Championships: Wednesday, February 18 at 12:00pm EST
• RBC Canadian Open Qualifying: Wednesday, February 25 at 12:00pm EST
• National Amateur Championships: Wednesday, March 4 at 12:00pm EST

Please visit the Golf Canada competitions calendar and select the tournament of your choice for more information or to register, following the dates listed above.

As indoor golf grows rapidly across Canada, off‑course facilities are gaining a better understanding of the benefits of Golf Canada’s new membership program — and why it matters. Early operator feedback highlights practical wins that help manage their businesses, keep players engaged throughout the year, and strengthen connections within the wider golf community. From digital tools that confirm simulator usage to simplified access to national programs, their on‑the‑ground perspective is beginning to show how this model can deliver meaningful value right where it matters most: in their bays, with their customers.

One of the clearest examples comes from operators who have embraced the program’s new digital features tailored to indoor facilities. Ged, who founded DBLCRS Sim Lounge in Guelph, Ont., three years ago, praised the updated Golf Canada app, emphasizing how important it is for customers to see their simulator sessions acknowledged alongside outdoor rounds. Tracking indoor activity within a familiar national platform helps reinforce that sim golf is part of the overall game, enhancing credibility for operators and offering more engagement points for players year‑round.

“I just want to give a massive shout‑out to having that functionality on the actual app itself. I noticed people scrolling through the Golf Canada app [while at our facility]…” — Ged, DBLCRS Sim Lounge

Many operators are also discovering how the membership opens doors to national programs that can help drive traffic during slower seasons. In Calgary, JJ Golf’s Jamil was considering strategies to attract players as winter winds down. He has started coordinating with his local First Tee chapter and Golf Canada’s She Plays Golf leadership to introduce more organized programs at his facility. He views membership as a way to connect with the right people faster and turn those ideas into action. For operators experiencing seasonal fluctuations, such direct connections can be the difference between a slow spring and a bustling one.

“…through this membership, I get in front of the right person quicker. What can I do to keep my facility busy? So these types of programs, like She Plays Golf, [are interesting to me]. I have to get them running, and I’d love to have the support.” — Jamil, JJ Golf

Operators are increasingly recognizing opportunities beyond digital tools, especially through programming and membership resources. Interest in initiatives like She Plays Golf and First Tee – Canada is growing among indoor venues, which see simulators as low‑pressure, accessible environments for newcomers. Some facilities are already turning that potential into action. At Centre de Golf de Lanaudière, staff have hosted three themed First Tee nights — including a wildly popular Minecraft‑inspired event — that introduced children to golf in a playful, welcoming way. These sessions helped lower barriers for many parents and young golfers, demonstrating how off‑course facilities can serve as meaningful entry points for the next generation.

Looking ahead, the potential for off-course facilities goes far beyond introductory programs. Golf Canada and its Member Facility operators see growing opportunities to create community‑driven initiatives, structured leagues, and even regional or national indoor tournaments. These future developments will be guided by operator input to ensure they align with the needs of their businesses and communities. Whether it’s local events, cross-facility competitions, or a nationwide simulator series, the aim is to develop a flexible framework that allows facilities to implement ideas that suit them while fostering a more connected, year-round golf ecosystem.

As Golf Canada’s Just Swing campaign and off‑course strategy continue to expand nationally, operator perspectives are helping steer this evolution. With scalable programming, year‑round marketing support and an expanding digital ecosystem, the membership program is positioning off‑course facilities as an integral part of the sport’s future.

Canada’s Brooke Henderson has been named to the inaugural group of LPGA Tour players committed to WTGL, a new tech‑driven women’s team golf league launching in the winter of 2026‑27.

The LPGA and TMRW Sports announced the first five confirmed athletes, a group that includes World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand, England’s Charley Hull, New Zealand’s Lydia Ko, U.S. standout Lexi Thompson and Henderson, the winningest professional golfer in Canadian history.

Henderson, 26, enters the league with a résumé unmatched in Canadian golf: 14 LPGA Tour victories, including two majors, three Olympic appearances and multiple season‑ending honours such as the LPGA Founders Award. Her inclusion places her alongside both the current world No. 1 and several established global champions as WTGL positions itself as a modern, entertainment‑oriented showcase for the women’s game.

WTGL will feature short‑form, team‑based match play inside the custom‑built SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the same venue that hosts TGL presented by SoFi, the men’s league co‑founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

“WTGL will be a global stage to showcase LPGA Tour stars, and this first wave of committed players represents that opportunity with some of the world’s best,” said Mike McCarley, founder and CEO, TMRW Sports. “These players will thrive in WTGL’s competitive environment as fans will witness their skill and connect more deeply with their personalities through the unprecedented access the league delivers with every player mic’d in the modern match play team format.”

Additional WTGL player announcements and team information are expected in the coming months. More details are available at WTGLGolf.com.

Golf Canada’s Derek Ingram and Tristan Mullally were presented with their 2025 PGA of Canada National Awards during Canada Night on Wednesday during the PGA Show in Orlando, Fla.

Ingram of Winnipeg, Manitoba was awarded the Ben Kern Coach of the Year Award, marking the third time he’s earned the prestigious honour and his sixth career National PGA of Canada Award.

“I am both honoured and thrilled to win the PGA of Canada’s Ben Kern Coach of the Year Award. Ben was a legend playing and coaching in Canada and it is a privilege to win the award with his namesake,” said Ingram.

Ingram’s contributions to both the amateur and professional game make him one of Canada’s most distinguished coaches. Ingram has coached Team Canada at three Olympic Games including Rio 2016, Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 and serves as full-time PGA TOUR coach to Corey Conners, Taylor Pendrith and Sudarshan Yellamaraju, who recently earned his card for 2026. Ingram also serves as coach to Aaron Cockerill and Myles Creighton.

Along with his work in the professional game, Ingram has coached Team Canada at eight World Junior Team Championships, and six World Amateur Team Championships, earning a silver medal in Japan in 2014. A longtime contributor to Golf Canada’s High Performance Program, Ingram is also the head coach of Team Canada’s Men’s National Team.

“There is very little more gratifying than being recognized by your peers and the PGA of Canada for the work I have done this year and past years. One simple goal, to help Canadians players achieve their goal of playing on the PGA Tour. Huge thank you to the players and Golf Canada for putting their trust in me. Excited for the future,” added Ingram.

Mullally of Dundas, Ontario was named the Tex Noble Professional Development Award winner in recognition of his contributions to coach education, mentorship and the advancement of professional development in Canada.

“To be recognized by my peers in developing coaches is a truly humbling honour,” said Mullally. “So many mentors had had a significant influence on my career, and it’s been so great to fulfill that role for others on behalf of Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada.”

Mullally works as Golf Canada’s Head of National Talent Identification, overseeing the national talent identification system that was established in 2022. In this role, Mullally provides support to a promising group of young junior golfers and their existing coaching teams to grow the pool of future Team Canada prospects. In 2026, six players have transitioned from Talent ID to Team Canada – NextGen.

Golf Canada congratulates all the 2025 PGA of Canada National Award winners and extends a heartfelt thank you for their continued support and advancement of our sport across the country.

For the full list of award winners and more information on each recipient, please click here.

Former Winnipegger Sudarshan Yellamaraju had a week to remember in Hawaii.

The 24 year old ended play at the Sony Open at 9-under par 271 (67-67-72-65) to finish T13 on the leaderboard taking home $163,041.

Yellamaraju started strong in Sunday’s final round at the Wai’alae Country Club with back to back birdies on the first and second holes carding a 3-under par 32 on the front enroute to the 5-under par 65.

This was the second PGA Tour event for Yellamaraju who made his debut at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open.

Taylor Pendrith was highest placing Canadian at 11-under par 269, T6 on the leaderboard.

For the final leaderboard, click here.

With winter underway, it’s a great time to brush up on a few Handicapping terms. Whether you’re travelling south for a round or two, or simply preparing for next season, understanding these concepts will help you get the most out of your Handicap Index all year round.

1. Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC)

The Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) becomes especially relevant during Canadian winter and shoulder seasons. PCC automatically recalibrates Score Differentials on days when course conditions are notably harder or easier than usual. If the scores posted that day show that players, as a group, performed worse than expected, the PCC may adjust by +1, +2, or +3. Conversely, if scoring was better than anticipated, it may adjust by -1.

The best part? PCC is fully automatic. Golfers and clubs don’t need to do anything. The system reviews results at the end of each day, helping to keep your Handicap Index accurate and fair, even with unpredictable conditions.

2. Active Season

Canada’s Active Seasons vary by province. The Active Season is the period during which course conditions are suitable for generating acceptable scores for handicapping purposes. Any score recorded within a specific province during its Active Season will be included in your Handicap Index.

To simplify this process, the Golf Canada Score Centre automatically recognizes the Active Season of the course being played. Golfers simply post their round, and the system handles the rest. For more information on Active Seasons, please click here.

3. Most Likely Score

The most likely score is used when a golfer begins a hole but doesn’t finish it. This is especially common during cold weather rounds when players pick up more often.

To determine your most likely score, take:

· The strokes you have already taken (including penalties), plus

· The estimated number of extra strokes you would likely require to complete the hole from your current position.

The Rules of Handicapping include recommended guidelines. For example, if you’re within 5 feet, add 1 stroke; if you’re between 5 and 20 feet, add 2 or 3 strokes.

For more details on the most likely score, see Rule 3.3 in the Rules of Handicapping.

4. Scoring Record

A common misconception is that rounds played during your home province’s inactive season shouldn’t be posted because they won’t count toward your Handicap Index. While it’s true that inactive season rounds don’t factor into your Index, you should still post them, especially if you’re travelling somewhere that is in an active season.

So even if your course is open but not in its active season, or you’re playing somewhere that is in their active season, be sure to post all your scores. This helps you maintain a complete scoring record, even if some rounds don’t directly impact your Handicap Index.

5. Simulator Golf

Simulator golf continues to expand across Canada as winter leagues and indoor facilities become more prevalent. While excellent for skill development, competition, and enjoyment, simulator rounds cannot be posted for handicap purposes.

Why not?

· Simulators don’t have official ratings

· Playing conditions are controlled rather than natural

· Although simulators can be highly accurate, it’s tough to replicate variables such as elevation change, firmness, wind, rough length, etc.

Though simulator scores do not count toward your Handicap Index, we strongly encourage golfers to use these facilities during the winter.

For more information on the benefits of simulator golf and how to find a facility near you, please visit the homepage for our new Just Swing initiative.

Golf Manitoba is pleased to announce its 2026 Winter Rules Education Series which includes virtual, in-person and self-guided learning opportunities. Sessions include both beginner and intermediate sessions on the Rules of Golf Level 1 Rules of Golf Certification, Provincial and National Certifications.

Winter Rules of Golf Education

Our winter education series is for those interested in learning more about the Rules of Golf.

Rules of Golf

The first of our winter education series will be a virtual Rules of Golf for the beginner session on January 26, 2026, from 7:00-8:30pm. Our second virtual session is February 17, 2026, from 7:00-8:30pm and is for those with Rules experience and for those who want to expand their knowledge of the Rules of Golf.

Both virtual sessions are available at no charge for all Golf Manitoba/Canada members.

Click here to sign-up.

Level 1

Level 1 Rules education focuses on easy ways to learn the basics of the Rules of Golf with its main interest on Etiquette, the principle definitions and commonly encountered situations on the course.

Level 1 is available online and students will be able to test their knowledge by taking the review questions at the end of each section before attempting the online Level 1 Exam.

Earn your stripes!

Do you have interest in becoming a certified referee? If so, Golf Manitoba is hosting an in-person Level 2 Provincial Certification Seminar March 20-22, 2026.

This provincial education and certification series is designed for those who are new to rules and wanting to advance their rules education, active Level 2 tournament referees and PGA of Canada members. Level 2 referees who pass the exam become eligible to referee in all Golf Manitoba provincial championships.

Click here to sign-up.

Level 2 Pre-requisite:

• has achieved 85% or better on the Level 1 Online Exam.

Requirements to be Provincially Certified:

• Attend and achieve a minimum of 80% on the Provincial exam, administered by Golf Manitoba.
• Complete 50 hours of on-course experience as a Referee.
• Complete an additional 10 hours accompanying a Nationally certified Referee at a championship.

Level 2 certified referees are volunteers however Golf Manitoba covers all eligible expenses including mileage, accommodations (when necessary), meals and also provides a uniform package.

To learn more about volunteering with Golf Manitoba, please click here.

Handicap Certification

As part of the Handicap License Agreement, Golf Canada requires that every member club and league have a Handicap Committee in place, and that one person (ideally the Chairperson of the Committee) has successfully completed a Handicapping certification seminar.

Handicap Certification can be achieved either through the Golf Canada online seminar and certification test, or through Handicap Seminars conducted by your Provincial Golf Association.

The Online Rules of Handicapping Certification consist of a series of videos that will guide you through the Rules of Handicapping, providing the knowledge necessary to achieve certification and successfully oversee handicap duties at your club.

• Watch the Golf Canada self-guided online video seminar
• Take the Golf Canada online certification test

Learn More & Register

To learn more about the Rules of Golf and for more information and to register for one of our Rules of Golf education opportunities, please visit golfmb.ca/rules.