This year, young girls across Atlantic Canada had more opportunities than ever to discover golf, build confidence, make new friends, and see themselves as part of a new sports community.
Across various programs led by First Tee – Atlantic, more than 150 girls aged 5 to 13 took part in experiences designed to introduce them to golf or help them keep learning the game in welcoming, supportive, and fun environments.
The season included a series of Girls Try Golf events at Humber Valley Resort, The Willows at Holyrood and Glendenning Golf Club and Eden Golf & Country Club. Across these four events, 73 girls had the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the game.
For girls ready to continue building their skills and confidence, dedicated all-girls programming took place at Antigonish Golf & Country Club, Hampton Golf Club, Moncton Golf Club, Gander Golf Club and Bell Bay Golf Club.
Another 51 girls participated in these programs, creating opportunities to play, improve and connect with other girls who share an interest in golf.
Led by three female First Tee coaches, Humber Valley Resort launched its Girls Mentorship Program; a program designed specifically for girls aged 10 to 12 who are beginning the transition from the practice area to the golf course and their introduction to competition. Through golf instruction, on-course experiences, team activities and mentoring conversations, seven girls participated in an engaging and supportive setting where they could build confidence, skill level, connections and a lifelong love for the game.
The season also featured a special six-hour all-girls camp at Kingswood Golf Course in New Brunswick, led by all-female coaches, bringing together 24 girls aged 5 to 13 for a full day of learning and socializing. The camp included introductory golf skills, a Captains & Poets workshop, lunch and on-course team scrambles. It was an opportunity for participants to experience different sides of the game while enjoying the camaraderie and collaboration that comes from playing together.
This year, a record 12 female coaches completed First Tee coach training, strengthening First Tee – Atlantic’s network of women making golf more inclusive and accessible for girls across Atlantic Canada. Their leadership gives young participants role models who help them see the many ways they can belong in the game.
And while the numbers tell an important part of the story, the impact goes beyond participation.
It’s about creating spaces where girls feel comfortable picking up a club and taking their first swing. It’s about meaningful connections formed on the course, confidence built by learning something new, and young golfers seeing a place for themselves in the sport.
The First Tee – Atlantic team sincerely thanks all the coaches, facilities, parents and donors, as well as the Calgary Foundation and the Atlantic Senior Ladies Golf Association, who helped make this year’s girls’ golf series a success.