Recreational golf continued growth in Canada in 2024 thanks to youth, female programs

John Chidley-Hill/ Canadian Press
Playing recreational golf became one of the go-to activities during the COVID-19 pandemic as the nature of the game made it safe under Canada’s public health measures.
Golf Canada’s 2024 annual report, released on March 6, shows that the pandemic bubble growth wasn’t just a passing fad. Nearly six million Canadians played golf last year, including more than 360,000 Golf Canada members who posted nearly 11 million rounds to the national sport body’s scoring centre.
“This surge that we felt has really stabilized with continued growth,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum on Tuesday. “Technological advancement, the shifting of lifestyles and the work week has really helped the participation side, as has the expansion of new formats for golf, like shorter formats, simulator golf.
“It’s actually all these factors have come together to help continue that growth.”
Golf Canada’s youth and accessibility programs have also fuelled the growth of its participation numbers.
First Tee – Canada, a youth development program that gives children life-enhancing experiences, was rolled out in every province in 2024 with more than 100,000 participants since it was launched in 2021.
Youth on Course, another program that aims to make golf more financially accessible for kids, expanded across nine provinces with 105 golf courses participating. Over 32,900 rounds of golf at $5 or less were played by 5,382 unique golfers thanks to Youth on Course.
“(First Tee) is a life skills program that uses golf, and they’re having a blast,” said Applebaum. “We were seeing a lot of really strong participation from golfers and our demographics had been getting older but in ’23 and ’24 we saw the demographic ages actually slide younger and skew younger and more female.”
First launched in Calgary in 2023, She Plays Golf festivals were also held in Toronto and Vancouver last year. Organized by Golf Canada, the weeklong events are designed to introduce women and girls to the game in a safe, fun and judgment-free environment.
Applebaum said that these programs that help people try golf when they’ve never picked up a club before, as well as a women’s executive program for professionals in the marketplace that have always wanted to be part of the golf environment, have buoyed those annual participation numbers.
“So it’s not one thing, it’s probably 15 or 20 things that are coming together,” he said. “Golf has hit that moment as an incredible sport for physical and mental health that has really connected with people of all ages and stages.”
Golf Canada also introduced two new championships in 2024: the Canadian U15 Championship and the Canadian Collegiate Invitational, for a total championship schedule that included 36 titles.
The BDO National Golf League, a countrywide, season-long competition created by Golf Canada also encouraged players to get in more rounds over the year. It allows golfers participating in the club’s league to also compete provincially and nationally.
More than 10,000 participants from 107 leagues competed, with 52 pairings qualifying for the league championship at Hamilton Golf and Country Club during the 2024 RBC Canadian Open.
The champions represented Canada at Royal Troon in Scotland for The R&A 9 Hole Challenge at the 152nd British Open.
Sask. Amateur Women’s champion wins in college, three local student-athletes on the course last week

Ella Kozak of Yorkton’s second event of the spring was shortened by weather last week in Humacoa, Puerto Rico. The Western Carolina Catamounts were at Palmas Del Mar on March 4 to 6 for the Puerto Rico Shootout. With rounds of 77 and 73, the Yorkton product tied for 34th after round three was cancelled.
Western Carolina placed seventh in the team competition. The Catamounts are in Raleigh, North Carolina for the City of Oaks Collegiate beginning March 21 at Lonnie Poole Golf Club.
Saskatoon’s Symone Ripley’s spring season with the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) Heat got underway on March 4 and 5 in Henderson, Nevada. Competing at the Reflection Bay Golf Club the nursing student fired rounds of 90, 92, and 90 for a 54-hole total of 56-over, 272. Ripley was 39th in the field.
The Heat were third as a team, 2023 Saskatchewan Amateur Women’s champion Emily Cornwall of UBCO won the event finishing 2-over par.
The Heat remain in Nevada and will compete in the Vegas Warrior Invitational at Wildhorse Golf Club in Henderson beginning March 14.
Chase Pochylko and the Nicholls University Colonels were in action for the second time this spring in Sugar Land, Texas for the HCU Colin Montgomerie Invitational hosted at Sweetwater Country Club. The Riverside Country Club player opened with a 78 I round one on March 3, the Saskatoon product followed that up with 73 and 74 to finish in a tie for 33rd at 12-over par.
Nicholls was eighth as a team. The Colonels are already on the course again this week competing in South Texas Match Play in McAllen, Texas.
Upwards of 20 student-athletes could begin their spring schedules this week. Golf Saskatchewan will have more results later this week.
Golf Canada to recognize volunteers Jack McDonald, Lee Griffin, Jean Stone-Séguin and retired PGA of Canada professional Muncie Booth with its 2025 Distinguished Service Award

The four recipients will be celebrated later this summer
for their outstanding contributions to Canadian golf
Oakville, ON – Four accomplished contributors to Canadian golf will be acknowledged for their dedicated efforts in and around the game as the 2025 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award.
Long-time Golf Canada volunteers Lee Griffin of Cambridge, Ont., Jack McDonald of Kamloops, B.C. and Jean Stone-Séguin of Rockland, Ont. along with retired PGA of Canada professional Muncie Booth of Vancouver, B.C. will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to Canadian golf.
“Golf Canada is proud to honour the outstanding contributions of Lee Griffin, Jack McDonald, Jean Stone-Séguin and Muncie Booth, as our 2025 Distinguished Service Award recipients,” said David McCarthy, President, Golf Canada. “The incredible dedication that these four honourees have for the game is truly outstanding. The impact they have had in both their home communities and across the country has left an indelible mark on golf in Canada and we are proud to honour and recognize them.”
Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award has been presented annually since 1993 to recognize individuals who have had an outstanding impact on Canadian golf either nationally or within their community.
The announcement of the 2025 Distinguished Service Award honourees coincides with Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting, conducted virtually on Thursday, March 6 at 1:00 p.m. EST.
The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to this year’s honourees will be celebrated later this season at events and locations to be determined.
Golf Canada 2025 Distinguished Service Award Honourees:
Jack McDonald (Volunteer) – Kamloops, B.C.
Jack McDonald’s contributions to the growth of golf in British Columbia and across Canada have been exceptional as a volunteer and most impactfully as a Rules Official. He has been actively involved as a golf volunteer dating to 1987 when he started with British Columbia Golf (B.C. Golf) has also volunteered at his home golf clubs (Elmwood Golf Club, Prince George Golf and Curling Club, Kamloops Golf and Country Club, Rivershore Golf Links) in various roles including the Board and various golf committees. McDonald is an accomplished player having competed in several Saskatchewan, B.C. and Canadian Amateur events. He served as president of B.C. Golf (1997-98) and would go on to join Golf Canada as a volunteer in 1998 serving on several committees including Junior Golf, Greens, Player Development, Amateur Championships, and the Rules of Golf. McDonald served as Golf Canada’s Rules Chair (2005-2008) and in 2000 became a member of The R&A. He is also an honoured member of both the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame and the Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame. In 2010, McDonald served as the 107th President of Golf Canada and to this day, continues to be an active rules official with Golf Canada serving annually on the championship duty roster.
Lee Griffin (Volunteer) – Cambridge, Ont.
For more than 30 years, Lee Griffin of Cambridge, Ont. has supported the Rules of Golf provincially in Ontario and nationally at a countless number of championships. She has served as a member of the Rules & Amateur Status Committee (2020-2023) and has been an active contributor to Golf Canada’s Rules Education Subcommittee. She created a webinar series in Ontario for prospective Referees in 2010 which is still in use today. She participated in the development of the curriculum and presentations for Level 2 and Level 3 Rules Education and has served as an instructor for both levels. Griffin has also served Golf Ontario as a member and past Chair of the Rules Committee having been a referee for the past 25 years and previously with the former Ontario Ladies Golf Association. Griffin is a member of the Galt Country Club and has refereed at the U.S. Women’s Open as well as countless National Amateur Championships and Qualifiers. Her outstanding contributions to the game have also been recognized by the (former) Canadian Ladies Golf Association as its 2003 Volunteer of the Year, as well as Golf Ontario as its 2009 and 2020 Volunteer of the Year, 2011 Honorary Life Director and 2017 Distinguished Service Award recipient.
Jean Stone-Séguin (Volunteer) – Rockland, Ont.
A longtime volunteer and Past President of the Ottawa Valley Golf Association, Jean Stone-Séguin’s contribution to the game of golf have been outstanding. A member of Camelot Golf and Country Club, her history of volunteerism with Golf Canada dates to 2006-07 when she served as Vice President of the RCGA Women’s Division – Ottawa District. Stone-Séguin would go on to become President of the RCGA Women’s Division – Ottawa District and supported the amalgamated Ottawa Valley Golf Association (OVGA). She served as the first President of the newly amalgamated OVGA (2010-11) and is also a Past President of her home club, Camelot (2009-10). A certified referee, Stone-Séguin’s contributions to Golf Canada’s Rules Committee dates to 2012 and is also a past Chair of Golf Canada’s Amateur Status Committee. In 2017 and 2022, she served as Tournament Chair of the CPKC Women’s Open at Ottawa Hunt and Country Club and has also worked as a Rules Official at both Golf Ontario and Golf Quebec championships. She is a past Chair of Golf Canada’s Governors Council and served as a past member of Golf Canada’s Board of Directors. Presently, she is involved in Golf Canada’s Rules Education Subcommittee preparing the program to teach those who wish to pass the R&A exam to become nationally certified referees.
Muncie Booth (Industry) – Vancouver, B.C.
Muncie Booth of Vancouver, B.C. is a long-time PGA of Canada professional and former head professional at McCleery Golf Club who retired at the end of 2024 following a distinguished 40-year career. Booth, a former competitive player with experience working at Mission Golf and Country Club as well as Chilliwack Golf Club, is renowned across the B.C. golf community as a leader in making the game of golf more accessible to Vancouver inner city youth at municipal golf facilities, McCleery Golf Course and Langara Golf Course. For nearly 30 years, he partnered with local community centres in operating the Inner City Youth Golf program, bringing community youth to experience golf at McCleery and Langara. Through his leadership, thousands of juniors experienced the game of golf through free clinics, instruction, and fun drills complimented by lunch in the clubhouse. Booth’s contributions to the game were recognized by his peers as a past recipient of the PGA of Canada’s Warren Crosbie Community Leader Award for his work with Inner City Youth Golf. He is a former BCPGA Junior Promoter of the Year, a past recipient of the City of Vancouver’s Volunteer of the Year Award and upon his retirement, was extended a Lifetime Membership at all of the Vancouver City Golf Courses.
Dialling in your mindset for the start of golf season

1. Accept That Rust is Normal
Your swing might feel off, and that’s okay! Even the pros take time to get back into rhythm.
Expect some bad shots and inconsistent rounds early on. Focus on shaking off the rust instead of chasing perfect shots.
2. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Set small, realistic goals (e.g., “Hit more fairways” instead of “Shoot my lowest score”).
Track personal improvements rather than comparing yourself to others.
Find one key area to work on each round (e.g., driving accuracy, short game, or course management).
3. Start with Simple Practice Goals
Spend more time on short game (chipping & putting)—it’s the fastest way to lower scores.
Ease into full rounds by playing 9 holes before jumping into 18.
Play fun formats like best ball or scramble to remove pressure.
4. Enjoy the Game & The Outdoors
Appreciate being back on the course after winter. Fresh air, good company, and fun shots matter more than score.
Play with friends or family who help keep the game lighthearted.
Celebrate small wins—a great drive, solid chip, or long putt—even if your score isn’t perfect.
5. Don’t Let One Bad Shot Ruin Your Round
Every golfer, even pros, hits bad shots. Let them go quickly and focus on the next shot.
Try the “10-yard rule”—after 10 yards of walking, forget about the bad shot and move on.
6. Keep Your Expectations Realistic
If you didn’t play all winter, don’t expect mid-season form right away.
Improvement comes from consistent play and practice over time.
Remind yourself: The first few rounds are about getting comfortable, not setting records.
7. Play for Fun, Not Just Score
Try different game formats like match play, skins, or playing against your own past performance.
Use a positive mindset: Instead of thinking, “I have to play well,” think, “I get to play golf today!”
Would you like a printable checklist to help manage expectations and track your early-season progress? ⛳
Staines commits to college in Pennsylvania

Another one of Saskatchewan’s top junior golfers has signed a commitment with a college golf squad in the United States.
Saskatoon resident Ben Staines will attend Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pennsylvania starting in the fall of 2025..
Staines has climbed the ranks of Saskatchewan junior men’s golf in the last couple years, the Riverside Country Club member was 58th in his first provincial championship in 2002, in 2023 Staines was 21st, last year he was 14th.
With one year of under-19 competition ahead and a future amateur career following university, Staines hopes some national opportunities arise as well.
He joined Golf Saskatchewan to speak about his start in golf, route to college, and future in the game.
Spring college season slowly picking up pace

As we get closer to spring, especially in the United States, college golf schedules are getting busier.
Last week Nipawin’s Cole Taylor was the lone player in action competing for Park University in Arizona. The Buccaneers started the season with a team win at the Sea Beggar hosted by Providence Baptist Invitational on Feb. 18 and 19. The team won the event by seven shots over the host school. Taylor tied for 14th with rounds of 75 and 81 at the Angeles National Gold Club in Sunland, California.
The Bucs are in Lubbock, Texas on March 10 and 11 for the Wayland Baptist Invitational.
Yorkton’s Ella Kozak began her spring season with the Western Carlina Catamounts on Feb. 21 to 23 at the Reynolds Lake Oconee Invitational in Greensboro, Georgia. The 2024 Saskatchewan Junior champion shot 81, 85, and 75 to place 73rd overall at the National Course.
The Catamounts were 13th as team. Kozak and Western Carolina will be in Puerto Rico from March 4 – 6 for the Puerto Rica Classic at Palmas del Mar.

Will Danielson (pictured above) opened his last spring season with the Milsaps Majors in Houston, Texas at Gus Wortham Park Golf Course on Feb. 24 and 25. The Saskatoon product opened with a 1-over par, 72 in round one, he fired a 76 in round two and 79 in the final round to finish in a tie for 25th. Milsaps placed seventh in the team competition.
Next up is a trip to Opelika, Alabama for the LTU Spring Break Invitational from March 12 to 14 at Grand National Golf Club.
Down in New Orleans, Louisianna on Feb. 24 and 25 Chase Pochylko and Nicholls University teed it up for the first time this spring. The Saskatoon-born player carded rounds of 74, 76, and 77, the Riverside Country Club member tied for 52nd at English Turn in the ‘Big Easy.’
The Colonels tied for 11th. Their next event is the HCU Colin Montgomerie Invitational starting March 3 at Sweetwater Country Club in Sugar Land, Texas.
Several more Saskatchewan student-athletes will start their seasons in the first week of March, by the middle of the month all schools will have had an event.
The Legends Golf Club eager to host NextGen Championship

The NextGen Prairie Championship is coming to The Legends Golf Club in Warman this year, the first Golf Canada event ever hosted by the course.
Almost 120 players from five provinces, and 36 players from Saskatchewan are on the pending registration list, Golf Canada started taking entries on Feb. 19. The 54-hole championship runs from June 13 – 15. Legends General Manager and Davidson Matyczuk said the club is delighted to host the event.
“We are very excited to have been given the opportunity to host this Golf Canada event,” Matyczuk said. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Warman and the Legends Golf Club this June. It’s going to be a great event for both the juniors in our province as well as those traveling from other provinces to participate.”
The Legends is a par-72 championship caliber course that plays over 7,200 yards from the back tees. Matzczuk said the competitors are all talented players and will be tested by the course in various aspects.
“The players should expect to see a very strong field with the top juniors from Saskatchewan competing alongside some of the top junior golfers in Canada. The Legends has a history of identifying worthy champions as proven by the list of winners in previously held provincial championships. We expect the course will provide a fair but challenging test where their skills, course management, and mental toughness will all be required to be successful,” he added.
The NextGen Prairie Championship rotates between Saskatchewan and Manitoba each year. In 2023 Nipawin’s Evergreen Golf Course hosted the event over three days in June. Killarney, Man. product Cala Korman and Alberta resident Kye Fisher were the champions that year. Both players are now Division 1 collegiate players in the United States. Matyczuk, a longtime professional that has played around the world on several professional tours. He said events such as the NextGen Championship could be key in any junior golfer’s development.
“A win in any NextGen Championship has proven to be huge. It is often a turning point in a player’s development as well as opening new opportunities going forward. Events like this are a fantastic means for individuals to begin to validate their skills and building their own personal belief that they can compete amongst the best Canada. I’m hopeful that for many players (and specifically the Saskatchewan players) that this event might become a defining experience. For some it comes in the form of a win or earning an exemption into the Canadian championships, but even if it doesn’t, this event hopefully lights a spark and gives them the confidence to keep advancing towards their individual goals,” Matyczuk added.
The NextGen Prairie Championship will also be part of the Canada Summer Games qualifying process in Saskatchewan. Golf Saskatchewan will release the entire qualification process in March.
Three Saskatchewan student-athletes tee off in spring season openers

The college golf season is getting underway in the warmer states of the U.S.A.
Autumn Neiszner and the highly ranked Keiser University Seahawks team were in Jekyll Island, Ga. for the Coastal Georgia Winter Invitational on Feb. 10 and 11. The Regina product competed as an individual at the Jekyll Island Golf Course, she shot 82 and 80, good enough for a tie for 34th in the field of 76 players.
Neiszner’s team took the overall championship of the event. Next up for the Seahawks is the Babs Steffens Invitational hosted by Stetson University on Feb. 24 and 25 in DeBary, Flo.
Fellow Regina golfer Luke Cote and the Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Muleriders opened their spring season in Texas at the Golf Club of Houston on Feb. 10 and 11. The Royal Regina Golf Club member tied for 46th place after rounds of 73 and 78.
The Muleriders were 10th in the team competition. SAU travels to Edmond, Okla. on March 17 for the Oak Tree Invitational at Oak Tree Golf Club
Saskatoon product Carter Degelman got his spring season underway at Dominican University of California on Feb. 10 and 11. The Penguins placed 13th at the CSUSM Fujikura Invitational with Degelman at 68th. The Riverside Country Club player fired 80, 79, and 87 at Shadowridge Golf Club in Vista, Cal.
The Tim Tierney Pioneer Shootout in Alameda, Cal. at Corica Park Golf Course on March 10 and 11 is next up for Dominican.
Former Golf Saskatchewan president recognized for community service in Yorkton

Dick DeRyk, who was president of Golf Saskatchewan following the amalgamation of the amateur women’s and men’s organizations in the province has been honoured by the City of Yorkton.
DeRyk served as the president of Golf Saskatchewan from 2000 to 2002. He has also been a key member of many golf events hosted by Deer Park Municipal Golf Course serving as either the chair or co-chair of many provincial and national events hosted by the club between 1986 and 2017.
The city of Yorkton celebrated their sixth edition of the annual Civic Recognition Awards prior to a council meeting on Jan. 27.
More details from Yorkton This Week can be found here -> Dick DeRyk chosen as Yorkton’s Civic Recognition Award winner – SaskToday.ca.
Golf Canada releases 2025 Championship Schedule

Championship schedule to include 12 National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, six NextGen Championships, the World Junior Girls Golf Championship and two Canadian Collegiate Invitationals in addition to Canada’s National Open Championships –
the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open
Golf Canada will also conduct qualifiers for several USGA Championships including Local and Final Qualifying for the U.S. Open as well as the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Men’s and Women’s Amateurs and U.S. Junior Girls and Boys Championships
February 6, 2025 – Golf Canada is pleased to announce its full 2025 championship schedule, which includes amateur and professional competitions in addition to various qualifiers hosted at golf facilities across Canada.
The 2025 schedule is headlined by Golf Canada’s two National Open Championships — the RBC Canadian Open, taking place at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. June 4-8 and the CPKC Women’s Open, being held at the historic
Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont., August 20-24.
Golf Canada’s 2025 competition calendar also includes 12 National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, six NextGen Championships, two Canadian Collegiate Invitationals and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship.
As the National Sport Federation and governing body of golf in Canada, 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 pleased to announce the full championship schedule for 2025 and look forward to hosting the top amateur athletes from across the country 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, I would like to thank our corporate partners, our host clubs across the country, our tournament staff and volunteers coast-to-coast who are essential in making these tournaments possible.”
The Canadian Junior 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 and all National Junior Championships (Juniors and U15) who meet eligibility requirements. More details on the program for the 2025 season will be released later this month.
Golf Canada will also conduct several professional and amateur championship qualifiers including five regional qualifiers into the RBC Canadian Open as well as final qualifiers for both the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open.
Other notable qualifiers conducted for USGA Championships on the 2025 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. Junior Amateur and Girls’ Junior Championships, U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, and a local qualifier for the U.S. Men’s Amateur Final qualifier.
Golf Canada’s championship season kicks off May 1-4 with the NextGen Pacific Championship at Ledgeview Golf Club in Abbotsford, B.C., the home course of 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion, Nick Taylor. The season concludes with the inaugural playing of the women’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational at Beacon Hall Golf Club in Aurora, Ont., September 22-23.
To view Golf Canada’s 2025 Championship Schedule, including all host venues, registration requirements and volunteer opportunities visit, golfcanada.ca/competitions-calendar/.
2025 Amateur Championship Season at a Glance:
The second annual BDO National Golf League Finals will be held at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. on May 31 ahead of tournament week of the RBC Canadian Open. Fifty-two teams will compete in a four-ball net stableford format to crown the BDO National Golf League champions.
The Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO, will be held June 2-6 at Rivershore Golf Links in Kamloops, B.C. 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 2025 Canadian Collegiate Invitationals.
The 111th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, takes place July 21-25 at Riverside Country Club in Rothesay, N.B. The champion will earn an exemption into the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open, the 2025 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship and the 2026 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.
The 120th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, will be contested July 28-31 in Gatineau, Que. at The Royal Ottawa Golf Club and the Rivermead Golf Club. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2026 RBC Canadian Open, as well as an invitation to the 2025 U.S. Men’s Amateur Championship. The winner will also receive an exemption into final qualifying for the 2026 U.S. Open and into the 2026 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
The Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO, will be played at The Dunes at Kamloops in Kamloops, B.C., August 4-7. The national championship for players with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments, will be contested over 54-holes. Natasha Stasiuk of Oakville, Ont. is the four-time defending champion on the women’s side, while Chris Willis of Aurora, Ont. has won the men’s title the past two years.
The Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, will be held August 5-8 at Club de golf Lachute in Lachute, Que. The field is open to female amateurs aged 25-and-over. The winner will receive exemptions into the 2025 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, 2026 Canadian Women’s Amateur and the 2026 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championships.
The Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, will be contested August 11-15 at Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club in Bathurst, N.B. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship and 2026 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
The Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO, will run August 12-16 at Club de golf Sainte-Marie in Sainte-Marie, Que. The winner will earn an exemption into the 2026 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, the 2026 U.S. Girls’ Junior Amateur Championship and the 2026 Canadian Junior Girls Championship (if eligible).
The Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, will be held August 18-22 at Seymour Golf & Country Club in North Vancouver, B.C. The field is open to male amateurs aged 25-and-over. The winner will receive exemptions into the 2025 U.S. Men’s Mid-Amateur, 2026 Canadian Men’s Amateur and the 2026 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championships.
The Canadian Women’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO, will take place August 25-28 at Nanaimo Golf Club in Nanaimo, B.C. The winner will receive an exemption into the 2025 U.S. Women’s Senior Amateur Championship as well as the 2026 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur, 2026 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and the 2026 U.S. Women’s Senior Open.
The second playing of the Canadian U15 Championship will be contested August 26-29 at Pitt Meadows Golf Club in Pitt Meadows, B.C. The boys and girls’ individual champions will earn exemptions into their respective 2026 Canadian Junior Championship, presented by BDO and an invitation into the 2025 NextGen Selection Camp.
The Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO, will be played at KenWo Golf Club in New Minas, N.S., September 8-12. The winner will earn exemptions into the 2025 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship, the 2026 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, 2026 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship and the 2026 Canadian Men’s Senior Championship.
The men’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational will return to Öviinbyrd Golf Club in MacTier, Ont. from September 13-16. The tournament will be once again co-hosted by Kent State University and Penn State University. The intercollegiate tournament will feature eleven NCAA Division I teams along with the winners from the 2025 Canadian University/College Championship. The individual champion will receive an exemption into the 2026 RBC Canadian Open and the top five will earn exemptions into the 2026 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship. The boys NextGen Selection Camp will run concurrently with the invitational.
The tenth playing of the World Junior Girls Golf Championship will take place at St. Catharines Golf & Country Club in St. Catharines, Ont., from September 15-20. Teams compete as three-member squads while also competing for an individual title. The Republic of Korea are the defending champions after beating Team Canada 1 through a tiebreaker. World no. 10 on WAGR, Soomin Oh, from the Republic of Korea won individual honours and will compete at the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open at Mississaugua Golf & Country Club this August. The 2025 individual champion will earn an exemption into the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open.
The 2025 Amateur Championship season concludes with the inaugural playing of the women’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational, being held at Beacon Hall Golf Club in Aurora, Ont., September 21-23. The tournament will be co-hosted by Kent State University and the University of Michigan. The intercollegiate tournament will feature 11 NCAA Division I teams along with the team champions from the 2025 Canadian University/College Championship. The individual winner will earn an exemption into the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open and the top five will earn exemptions into the 2026 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship. The girls NextGen Selection Camp will run concurrently with the Invitational.
2025 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 2025 national junior championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf.
The 2025 NextGen Championship host clubs include: Ledgeview Golf Club (Abbotsford, B.C.), Black Bear Ridge (Belleville, Ont.), Trestle Creek Golf Resort (Entwistle, Alta.), The Legends Golf Club (Warman, Sask.), Rideau View Golf Club (Manotick, Ont.) and Oakfield Golf & Country Club (Enfield, N.S.).
2025 Registration Information
Registration for Golf Canada’s 2025 competitions will open on the following dates:
- NextGen Championships: Wednesday, February 19 at 12:00pm EST
- RBC Canadian Open Qualifying: Wednesday, February 26 at 12:00pm EST
- National Amateur Championships: Wednesday, March 5 at 12:00pm EST