More than 30 girls from local schools and communities were introduced to the game of golf last month during an all-girls clinic at Le Parcours du Cerf, in Longueuil, Q.C.
Hosted by First Tee – Quebec and She Plays Golf, the event was made possible through support from RBC Community Junior Golf, RBC’s national initiative providing underserved youth with inclusive and low-barrier pathways into the sport.
Among the participants were students from École Adrien-Gamache, a school implementing the First Tee School Program within its physical education curriculum this fall. Since the program does not begin until September, the all-girls clinic marked the students’ first experience on a real golf course and their introduction to the life skills the sport promotes.
“What a positive first experience at a real golf club!” said a group of students from École Adrien-Gamache. “We love hitting with the driver – it makes golf feel easy.”
As part of a growing hub of facilities supported by RBC Community Junior Golf, students who attended the clinic can continue their on-course golf journey at no cost. RBC’s initiative opens the door to new opportunities by covering First Tee program registration fees and equipment for participants.
“We were notified by the school about the event,” said the mother of 11-year-old Sarah Boutchich. “Sarah really enjoyed the clinic and having the opportunity to spend time with her friends in a new setting.”
Led by a team of five First Tee coaches, most of whom were women, the clinic offered a welcoming and supportive environment. The girls rotated through putting and full-swing stations, and older players from the Advanced Golf Academy joined as additional mentors.
“Passing on the passion for golf to young people and teaching them values such as discipline and perseverance is extremely gratifying,” said First Tee coach Miguel Garcia.
The day wrapped up with a hotdog lunch and a friendship bracelet activity, giving the girls time to connect and celebrate the start of summer.
First Tee – Quebec and She Plays Golf share a goal of growing girls’ participation in golf. Their programs and initiatives are designed to foster safe, inclusive spaces where girls can build confidence, develop new skills and feel empowered to stay engaged with the game.
“What I find most rewarding is seeing the participants progress,” said First Tee coach Angélique Maire. “Through our coaching, we help them develop not just golf skills, but life values and a positive attitude towards others.”
Following First Tee – Quebec’s spring season that introduced nearly 3,500 girls to golf across the province, the Longueuil clinic helps build momentum by teeing up a summer filled with expanded program offerings.
With continued support from RBC Community Junior Golf, First Tee – Quebec and She Plays Golf remain committed to breaking down barriers and empowering young girls through the sport.
About RBC Community Junior Golf
RBC Community Junior Golf is an initiative led by RBC in partnership with Golf Canada that is building greater inclusion in golf by providing affordable access for youth across Canada.
RBC Community Junior Golf supports the operation of both First Tee and Youth on Course at 36 municipal and publicly accessible golf courses across Canada. Since 2021, RBC Community Junior Golf has engaged over 55,000 participants by offering no-cost First Tee programming, and has provided over 65,000 subsidized rounds of golf to Canadians 18 and under.
Learn more at golfcanada.ca/rbc-community-junior-golf.
About First Tee – Quebec
First Tee – Quebec is one of six regional chapters of First Tee – Canada, Golf Canada’s youth development program providing life-enhancing experiences through golf for children from equity-deserving communities. Since 2021, First Tee – Quebec has provided over 40,000 youth across the province with low-barrier pathways to golf through programming at schools, community centres, and golf facilities.
Learn more at firstteequebec.ca.
About She Plays Golf
Launched in 2023, She Plays Golf is Golf Canada’s multifaceted women’s participation strategy, leading several key initiatives to grow the game across the country from grassroots participation to professional development. She Plays Golf initiatives include Festivals designed to introduce women and girls to golf in a welcoming, supportive environment; a Championship Series (professional tour) that provides aspiring Canadian women golfers competitive guidance on the path to the LPGA Tour; and a Women in Coaching program aimed at increasing gender diversity among high-performance coaches.
Learn more at golfcanada.ca/sheplaysgolf.