News Archives - First Tee

KenWo Golf Club hosts Canadian Senior Men’s Amateur with focus on growing the game

NEW MINAS, N.S. — This week, the Canadian Senior Men’s Amateur Championship has returned to Nova Scotia, and KenWo Golf Club welcomes the country’s top senior golfers.

For the 103-year-old club in the Annapolis Valley, the championship is about more than competition.

Founded in 1921, KenWo is one of Nova Scotia’s oldest member-owned courses, with a challenging 18-hole layout and a reputation as a premier venue. Its national profile grew in 2016 when it hosted the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.

But KenWo’s leaders say its deeper legacy lies in growing the game at the grassroots level.

“KenWo has always believed golf should be for everyone,” said Rene MacKay, the club’s director of golf. “Hosting a national championship is an honour, but our greatest pride is introducing the game to young people and making it accessible to our community.”

Junior golf and First Tee – Atlantic

KenWo is a proud First Tee – Atlantic program location supported by RBC Community Junior Golf, offering programming at no cost to local youth. PGA of Canada professionals Ryan Trimper and Laura Reid also bring First Tee programming into local schools, expanding opportunities for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to pick up a club.

This season, KenWo partnered with First Tee – Atlantic to deliver an empowering “Girls Try Golf” series that introduced more than 30 girls aged six to 10 to the sport.

Innovation through competition

KenWo was a founding course in the BDO National Golf League, a nationwide, season-long competition created by Golf Canada that enhances the league experience for all and supports First Tee – Canada. For three years the club has run the league in its men’s program, sending players to national finals.

In 2024, KenWo’s Peter Morse and Tim Charles won the inaugural NGL title and advanced to The R&A 9 Hole Challenge at Royal Troon one-week prior to the 152nd Open Championship. After suffering 14 fractures in a car accident in 2015, Morse’s journey to recovery has been no easy feat. Read more about Morse’s resilience through golf here.

Building a legacy

The 2025 championship will also leave a lasting impact. Legacy funding will strengthen First Tee – Atlantic’s ability to partner with five local schools and enhance its collaboration with Acadia University’s S.M.I.L.E. (Sensory Motor Instructional Leadership Experience) program, which supports individuals experiencing disability.

Since 2023, S.M.I.L.E. participants have been introduced to golf through tailored programming, with some joining Special Olympics golf. Following the championship, KenWo, First Tee – Atlantic and S.M.I.L.E. will host an on-course clinic on September 29, giving participants their first green-grass experience.

“Golf has become an incredible tool for inclusion within our program,” said Roxanne Seaman, professor at Acadia University and director of the S.M.I.L.E. program. “Through partnerships like this one, we’re able to provide participants an opportunity to connect with their community.”

As KenWo hosts the Canadian Senior Men’s Amateur, the club hopes the event will leave a mark that lasts well beyond the competition.

“This championship is about more than great golf,” MacKay said. “It’s about building a legacy for the community and ensuring the next generation has even more opportunities to fall in love with the game.”

To learn more, visit firstteeatlantic.ca.

Centennial Park Golf Centre sponsors two First Tee participants in junior golf league

TORONTO, Ont. — Centennial Park Golf Centre sponsored two young golfers from its First Tee all-girls program, covering their entry into a 15-week junior league that began on June 1.

The sponsorship, valued at $455 per participant, gives the players access to weekly rounds at the centre’s nine-hole course, coaching sessions, social events and a Golf Canada membership.

Both girls, Eleanor, 9, and Kendall, 8, have been part of Centennial Park’s First Tee program since 2023. Under coach Graham Turrentine, they have developed their skills and confidence through the sport.

“It’s been a pleasure seeing Eleanor and Kendall develop in our First Tee – Ontario program at Centennial Park Golf Centre,” said coach Graham Turrentine. “I’m extremely proud of their journey — this is just their start.”

Since launching the program at Centennial Park in 2023, more than 120 youth from all backgrounds have taken part, including 52 in the girls-only stream. The program has seen a 54 per cent increase in female participation at the course since it began.

Centennial Park’s support has also helped reduce financial barriers. By becoming a First Tee program location, the course has been able to offer their grassroots program at an affordable cost of $20 per session.

“Golf can be seen as out of reach for many families,” is an expression shared by much of the Centennial Park Golf Centre team. “Making it accessible is part of our commitment to the community.”

From their dedication and growth in the First Tee program, Eleanor and Kendall have also become role models to fellow participants. “Their confidence on and off the course has really blossomed,” Turrentine said.

Centennial Park was among the first golf facilities in Ontario to run the First Tee all-girls program, part of a national effort to provide welcoming spaces for more young women to get into the sport. Since 2023, the course has partnered with Golf Canada and First Tee – Ontario to empower youth through a blend of golf instruction and life-skill development.

“It has been amazing to witness the growth of the First Tee program at Centennial Park Golf Centre over the past three seasons,” said program manager of First Tee – Ontario, Brandon Costa. “The inclusive and fun environment created by coach Graham and the team at Centennial Park is reflected in the participants’ engagement with the program year to year.”

Centennial Park Golf Centre is excited to announce that the Junior League scholarship opportunity for two First Tee participants will continue into the 2026 season. The coaching team looks forward to continuing the momentum of all-girls programming this fall and beyond, with a continued emphasis on inclusivity and a search for women coach support.

Learn more or get involved at firstteeontario.ca/get-involved/.

Nick Taylor named First Tee – Canada ambassador

TORONTO, Ont. — Canadian golf star Nick Taylor is no stranger to thrilling golf fans and inspiring the next generation of players. All it took was draining a historic 72-foot putt on a fourth playoff hole to become the first Canadian in 69 years to win Canada’s National Open Golf Championship.

Now the five-time PGA TOUR winner and 2023 RBC Canadian Open champion is giving back to youth golf, becoming an official ambassador for First Tee – Canada and taking on a leading role alongside his wife Andie and their family in inspiring children from all backgrounds to experience the sport and its core values.

As the program’s newest ambassador, the 2024 Olympian will carry the First Tee – Canada logo on his TOUR bag in support of the national youth development program delivered by Golf Canada which has introduced nearly 200,000 youth to the sport since launching in 2021.

“Being part of First Tee – Canada is an incredible opportunity to give back to the game that has given me so much,” said Taylor, the only Canadian male golfer to have won the Canadian Junior, Amateur and National Open trifecta. “Golf has shaped my life in many ways, and I want kids across our country to experience the values of discipline, friendship, integrity and the joy of competing which they can carry into everything they do. Andie and I are humbled to be able to support First Tee – Canada through our annual charity event.”

First Tee – Canada, a program designed to make golf more accessible by providing equipment, coaching and inclusive spaces, has quickly expanded into schools, community centres and golf facilities nationwide. Many of the program’s nearly 200,000 youth participants have joined from communities that would not otherwise have the opportunity to play the sport. Along with golf instruction, participants learn about perseverance, integrity, teamwork and respect — skills that reach beyond the fairway.

With First Tee – British Columbia as one of the charitable beneficiaries of the Nick Taylor Charity Classic since 2024, Taylor strives to make the sport he loves more accessible and inclusive for youth. His support for the program has helped the BC chapter expand no-cost programming to Cultus Lake Golf Club, reaching hundreds of participants near his hometown of Abbotsford, B.C.

Fundraising for First Tee – Canada is led by the Golf Canada Foundation, and the program is proudly supported by RBC and other contributing partners.

As a member of Team RBC, Taylor’s ambassador role also builds on his involvement with the RBC Community Junior Golf initiative, launched by RBC in partnership with Golf Canada in 2022, which brings affordable and community-based golf opportunities to children across Canada.

“Golf Canada has been fortunate to know Nick and the Taylor family since he was a young teenager,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “He has excelled at every level of golf, from junior through his amateur young pro career and now being one of the top professionals on the PGA TOUR. What has been equally amazing to witness is Nick’s commitment to making an impact when he’s off the golf course. In becoming a First Tee – Canada ambassador, it further demonstrates Nick’s incredible contribution to golf, to Canada and to the youth and families whose lives he will shape and inspire.”

With the shared commitment of Taylor as a proud ambassador, Golf Canada will continue to expand the First Tee – Canada program across the country, encouraging more equity-deserving youth to discover the game, embrace its values and develop skills for life.

For more information about First Tee – Canada, visit firstteecanada.ca.

‘Goosebump moments’: First Tee – Atlantic hosts inspiring fireside chat at Canadian Women’s Amateur

ROTHESAY, N.B. — An evening of storytelling and mentorship unfolded at Riverside Golf Club as First Tee – Atlantic hosted a fireside chat alongside the 111th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, drawing 32 attendees to a conversation aimed at empowering young women through sport.

Supported by presenting sponsor Lindsay Construction, the event brought together a panel of inspiring women leaders: Jill MacDonald, adaptive golfer and keynote speaker; Bari Gourley, PGA teaching professional and longtime advocate for women in sport; and Allie Beckwith, content creator and entrepreneur.

“The evening was more than I could have ever dreamt of,” said First Tee – Atlantic Coordinator Kiley MacDonald. “Unique women sharing their stories and being vulnerable goes a long way in a world filled with judgement and fear. I still get goosebumps when I reflect on the evening.”

The fireside chat highlighted First Tee – Atlantic’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces for youth, especially girls, to develop confidence and leadership skills through golf. Offered at no cost to attendees, the event was a reminder of the power of community support.

“Lindsay Construction is proud to support First Tee – Atlantic,” said Regional Director for New Brunswick Marc Dixon. “Their mission to empower youth through golf aligns with our values of mentorship and lifelong learning. By investing in First Tee, we’re helping young people gain confidence, resilience and leadership skills that extend far beyond the course.”

The evening was part of a larger effort to encourage greater female participation in golf. Alongside the chat, First Tee – Atlantic staff hosted two Girls Try Golf sessions in Fredericton and Rothesay, where 30 girls aged six to 13 picked up a club — many for the first time — in a fun, welcoming setting.

“The energy and engagement were incredible,” said First Tee – Atlantic Community Program Operator and participant parent Jace Ferguson. “Coaches were encouraging, making connections with every child and creating an atmosphere where children learned new skills in a fun, safe way. The positive energy and interactions made the experience truly impactful.”

First Tee – Atlantic currently leads all First Tee – Canada regional chapters in female participation and is expanding its reach across the region. With the help of donors and partners like Lindsay Construction, the chapter will continue to empower girls through low-barrier golf opportunities and the life skills the game promotes.

This fall, the team will launch two six-week all-girls programs at Antigonish Golf Club and Hampton Golf Club, keeping the momentum going with meaningful, memorable and impactful opportunities for participants. To learn more or support First Tee – Atlantic’s efforts, visit firstteeatlantic.ca/giving.

Creating Space on the Fairways: RBC Community Junior Golf Helps Empower Quebec Girls Through Golf

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.

RBC breaks down barriers to golf for Canadian youth

As a long-time supporter of professional golf, RBC deepened its commitment to the sport in 2021 with the launch of RBC Community Junior Golf and continues to support this initiative, which provides affordable access to golf for youth across Canada.

In partnership with Golf Canada, RBCsupports the national delivery of two junior golf programs, First Tee – Canada and Youth on Course.

First Tee – Canada, launched in 2021 by Golf Canada in partnership with First Tee, is a youth development program that offers life-enhancing experiences through accessible golf programming for young people from low socio-economic communities. Youth on Course is a complimentary program to First Tee – Canada that provides youth aged six to 18 with subsidized rounds of golf for five dollars or less.

Since 2022, RBC Community Junior Golf has engaged over 55,000 youth through providing First Tee – Canada programming at no cost and subsidizing green fees for junior golfers through Youth on Course.

“The growth of our programs and the ability to introduce thousands of young people to golf every year would not be possible without the steadfast support of RBC,” said Adam Hunter, Executive Director, First Tee – Canada. “RBC Community Junior Golf has expanded our reach and has played a pivotal role in providing communities across Canada with inclusive and affordable access to golf.”

All RBC Community Junior Golf sites across Canada, including municipal or publicly accessible golf courses, offer no-cost First Tee – Canada programming to participants with all necessary equipment, and provide participants with a complimentary Youth on Course membership to play affordable rounds of golf at participating golf courses.

At RBC Community Junior golf sites, youth in surrounding low socio-economic communities are prioritized access to the First Tee program.

Private, no cost registration links are shared with select schools and community groups, and RBC covers transportation costs to the golf course, to encourage participation from families who may not have considered golf as a sport for them.

RBC also covers the cost of First Tee coach certification, helping to onboard more dedicated coaches, increase program offerings, and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for participants.

Partnered schools and youth centres are also able to run First Tee programming in-house at no cost, with provided curriculum, training modules and equipment kits.

“We believe young people from all communities deserve the chance to play golf and reap the benefits the sport has to offer,” said RBC’s Chief Brand Officer, Shannon Cole. “Together with Golf Canada, we are breaking down barriers of entry to the game and bringing golf directly to communities in a meaningful and engaging way.”

Last year, in addition to the 36 established RBC Community Junior Golf sites, nearly 165 elementary schools, community centers, and youth organizations across the country partnered with RBC Community Junior Golf to further expand the benefits of First Tee programming. This expansion resulted in nearly 3,500 subsidized Youth on Course rounds being played at RBC Community Junior Golf sites alone.

Looking ahead, RBC Community Junior Golf will continue to grow the game, inspire the next generation of golfers and help make a positive impact in their lives, on and off the course.

First Tee – Premier départ Québec and FitSpirit provide secondary school girls a new swing at confidence

For the third year in a row, First Tee – Premier départ Québec has partnered with FitSpirit to introduce more young girls to sport — and to golf, for the first time.

Between May 6 and May 27, First Tee coaches were on site at all five of FitSpirit’s Celebration events, which brought together thousands of girls aged 12 to 17 from secondary schools across Québec. The events — held at community parks in various regions — featured a mix of physical activities, social connection and leadership-building workshops in an inclusive, all-girls setting.

FitSpirit, a Québec-based non-profit, focuses on promoting physical activity and wellness among teenage girls. Its Celebration events aim to help girls build confidence, try new things and experience the joy of movement.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with First Tee – Premier départ Québec to offer golf discovery at FitSpirit Celebrations,” said Élisabeth Lagacé, program advisor at FitSpirit. “A welcoming, non-judgemental introduction to golf shows teenage girls that they belong in this sport and that trying something new can be exciting, rather than intimidating.”

Each participant was given a card to collect hole punches by completing different activities. The First Tee stations — each led by one of four female coaches — offered a welcoming space where girls could learn golf fundamentals and develop life skills through sport. Activities included a chipping target practice and a distance control putting challenge, all rooted in First Tee’s emphasis on confidence, respect and perseverance.

The Celebration events were held at Parc Maisonneuve (Montréal), Parc de la Pointe-aux-Lièvres (Québec City), Parc de la Terre-des-Loisirs (Trois-Rivières), Parc Beauséjour (Rimouski), and Centre de plein air Hélène-Larochelle (Gatineau).

Across the five events, nearly 3,350 girls participated — many experiencing golf for the first time.

“Over 95 per cent of FitSpirit participants were discovering golf for the first time,” said Marie-Michèle Richer, program manager for First Tee – Premier départ Québec. “It was incredible to see them focus on their tee shots and celebrate hitting the target. The more they played, the more they connected — with the game and with each other. We’re grateful to FitSpirit for welcoming us and making it possible to share golf with so many girls.”

At the conclusion of this year’s FitSpirit Celebrations, participation at the First Tee – Premier départ Québec stations rose by 55 per cent compared to 2024.

First Tee – Premier départ Québec aims to continue working with FitSpirit each season, using golf to empower more girls across the province to be active, confident and brave with anything that comes their way.

Learn more at firstteequebec.ca/en/register or fitspirit.ca.

Jim Nantz welcomed as new Honorary Chair of First Tee during RBC Canadian Open

On May 23, 2025, Jim Nantz, a legendary broadcaster best known as the voice of CBS Sports, was named Honorary Chair of First Tee—a role previously held by former U.S. president George W. Bush. Read the full press release here.

Saturday, June 7, marked a special moment for First Tee – Canada as new Honorary Chair Jim Nantz visited the First Tee Game Changers Pavilion at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open.

First Tee is a youth development program that empowers youth from all backgrounds through golf, helping them build confidence, character and life skills both on and off the course. With Nantz lending his support, the program will continue to grow its presence and impact across North America and internationally.

Upon arriving at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. to commentate through tournament weekend, Nantz made a stop at the First Tee Game Changers Pavilion, where 20 young golfers were waiting to greet him.

He sat down with Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum to speak with the group and share some words of encouragement.

“It’s a fantastic program to be a part of,” said Nantz. “When I see the First Tee program, which is expanding every year, and the commitment Golf Canada has made […] it’s been a rocket ship of success. Because when you get around golf, you learn to do things the right way.”

After the conversation, the group gathered for a photo with Nantz. To welcome him into the First Tee family, the team surprised Nantz with a congratulatory cake. The celebration continued with the presentation of a framed First Tee – Canada flag, signed by program participants.

First Tee – Canada extends its thanks to Jim Nantz for taking the time to inspire the next generation of golfers. His leadership as Honorary Chair is destined to further elevate the program’s reach and long-term impact.

Dear Coach: The Unsung Heroes of First Tee

In honour of First Tee Week, we are celebrating the incredible coaches, teachers, and community leaders who bring our mission to life—on and off the course.

Across Canada, more than 270 certified First Tee coaches are delivering life-enhancing experiences through golf at over 100 green grass facilities.

We are also proud to partner with passionate teachers and community leaders who have introduced First Tee in nearly 360 schools and community centres—more than 70% of which serve equity-deserving communities.

Thanks to their efforts, more than 170,000 youth have experienced the impact of First Tee since 2021—learning life skills that extend far beyond the game.

Being a First Tee coach is more than just a title.

At First Tee – Canada, golf is more than getting the lowest score—it’s about helping youth develop into the best version of themselves. This starts with the mentors in front of them.

Our coaches are role models. They guide and support our youth. They create safe, inclusive spaces where participants feel seen, heard, and ready to realize their full potential.

That commitment begins before stepping onto the course. Each coach completes Safe Sport certifications and training to understand golf as a vehicle to teach valuable life skills.

Through engaging activities, participants develop resilience, focus and leadership. Our coaches teach youth how to navigate life’s obstacles and remind them that failure is a stepping stone to growth.

To every First Tee coach, teacher, and community leader—thank you.

Thank you for leading with purpose and shaping the next generation of Canadian golfers, one swing at a time.

Become a Coach

Susan Wright-Cassan and Carly Crooks named 2024 recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards

Wright-Cassan wins Community Leader Award; Crooks wins
Future Leader Award following submission of nominations
from the Canadian golf community

Duo will be honoured during the RBC Hall of Fame Day in August at the CPKC Women’s Open

Oakville, ON – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are pleased to announce that Susan Wright-Cassan of Thunder Bay, Ont. and Carly Crooks of Scarborough, Ont. have been named the 2024 recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards.

Following a national call for nominations to the Canadian golf community, Wright-Cassan and Crooks were identified by the selection committee as recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards. The recognition celebrates a pair of individuals who demonstrated excellence in using golf as a platform to positively impact their communities.

“On behalf of Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation, we are very proud to recognize Susan Wright-Cassan and Carly Crooks as our 2024 Lorie Kane Community Spirt Award recipients,” said David McCarthy, President, Golf Canada. “Nominations were brought forth from across the country highlighting the many contributions of passionate individuals who willingly give their time to inspire others through the game of golf. Congratulations to Susan and to Carly for this deserved honour and we thank them for their continued contributions to the sport in their communities.”

Wright-Cassan has been named the recipient of the 2024 Lorie Kane Community Leader Award, having made a significant impact in her community where she has been volunteering for over 20 years. Wright-Cassan currently serves as the President of Golf Manitoba and is a member of the Emerald Greens Golf Course and Driving Range in Thunder Bay, Ont. Wright-Cassan earned her community coaching certificate from First Tee and has been teaching junior golf and supporting the introductory First Tee – Canada program in Thunder Bay. Among her many contributions to the game, she has organized a variety of programming including “Golf in Schools” for over 1000 students, “Summer Camps for Kids”, the “Thunder Bay Queens”, “Try Golf Day” held in conjunction with the Thunder Bay Multi-Cultural Association and the Superior North Ladies Golf Association which has an outreach of 800 kms. Last year, Golf Manitoba presented Wright-Cassan with her 20-year volunteer certificate in recognition of her involvement with course rating in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.

“I want to thank those that have supported me in my golf endeavors. I am honoured to be the recipient of the 2024 Lori Kane Community Leader Award. I must thank the people with the First Tee Program and Golf in School, those that I’ve met teaching at the junior and adult levels, playing at club and competitive levels and especially to those that without thinking of it, have encouraged myself and others,” said Susan Wright-Cassan. “This is a game that I love both to play and share my passion. It is a game for all ages, juniors through senior. The social aspects at all ages, the discipline, self-imposed applications of the rules, health benefits, friendships developed and maintained over the years, and other countless benefits are a few of the reasons that I and many others are involved with the game. The Lorie Kane Community Leader Award will fuel me to carry on with the programs I’m involved with.”

Crooks has been named the recipient of the 2024 Lorie Kane Future Leader Award. The 21-year-old has dedicated her summers to coaching with First Tee – Canada, both in her community and across Ontario. After completing training as a First Tee – Canada coach in 2023, Crooks has coached in First Tee – Canada programming at the RBC Canadian Open, Golf Ontario’s Indigenous Try it Day, All-Girls First Tee along with programming at Tam O’Shanter Golf Course in Scarborough, Ont.

“Winning this award is so exciting, and I couldn’t have done it without the amazing people in my corner,” said Carly Crooks. “Shout out to my coach, Sean Burke, for always pushing me to be better, and to my parents for their endless support. My twin sister has been with me through everything, and I’m especially grateful to the First Tee – Ontario team for getting me involved.”

Wright-Cassan will receive a $5,000 donation from the Golf Canada Foundation to advance a golf program or golf-related initiative of her choice. Crooks will receive a $5,000 donation towards her post-secondary education. Wright-Cassan and Crooks will be honoured during the RBC Hall of Fame Day in August during the CPKC Women’s Open at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont.

Submissions for the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards were evaluated by a selection committee that includes representatives from Golf Canada, the Golf Canada Foundation, Honoured Members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, industry representatives and the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.

The Lorie Kane Community Leader Award celebrates individuals over the age of 19 with a demonstrated ability to lead community initiatives; who have contributed a measurable impact through volunteerism or charity; or have showcased excellence in their involvement with, or support of youth programs such as First Tee – Canada or other junior golf activities.

The Lorie Kane Future Leader Award honours a young individual who embodies community leadership; has a history of sportsmanship or demonstrated activities to make the game more inclusive; or an individual who has used golf to create a meaningful impact in their community.

The Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards were named to honour the Canadian golf icon for a longstanding commitment to advancing the sport, charitable work and giving back to the game that defined her Hall of Fame career. Kane is a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Canada Sports Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Order of Canada.

A call for nominations for the 2025 Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards will go out later this year.

Read the full story here, written by Golf Canada’s Mike Masaro.

First Tee – Atlantic Hosts a Girls Golf Series to Drive Female Participation

“It’s not often that golf, or sports in general, are just for girls,” said a mom of one of the 150 First Tee – Atlantic participants.

For the third consecutive year, First Tee – Atlantic has recorded the highest percentage of female participants among six First Tee Canadian chapters.

In 2024, over 8,000 young females were introduced to golf out east, representing more than half of the chapter’s participant base.

First Tee – Atlantic has prioritized female participation by hosting free golf events for girls aged five to 13. The events are hosted at golf courses across all four Atlantic provinces, with over 90 percent of participants being first time golfers.

Coaching at each event is female dominant, with a total of 16 female First Tee trained coaches supporting the initiative.

The force behind the Girls Golf Series is Emily Nickerson, program coordinator, First Tee – Atlantic.

“Sports helped shape me into the person I am today, so being able to motivate girls to try something new, make a new friend, or have a female coach to look up to is fulfilling,” said Nickerson. “If we can make a positive impact on even one girl and she sticks to golf, or another sport, then I’m happy.”

The series is bigger than golf – it’s about girlhood.

The two events in New Brunswick were hosted in collaboration with She is Active NB, an organization focused on enhancing barrier-free opportunities for women and girls to be physically active through sport and recreation.

At these events, participants learned more than how to chip and putt. After learning skills on the golf course, participants were led through a confidence building workshop, spearheaded by Meghan Beland at She is Active NB.

“That’s what sets First Tee apart from other junior golf programs or sports programs,” said Nickerson. “We focus on building golf skills with a life skills integration, and we are striving to break down barriers to reach underrepresented groups, like females, and make golf more inclusive.”

First Tee – Atlantic has been in operation since 2023 and currently offers programming at partnered locations across 16 golf courses, 46 schools and 23 community centres.

The goal for 2025 is to continue to increase female participation through more try golf series and introduce a six-week registered girls program supported by an extensive roster of female coaches.

The work First Tee – Atlantic has done to drive female participation would not be possible without a supportive network including the Calgary Foundation’s Daryl K. Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund, the four provincial golf associations, and community partners like the Multicultural Association of Fredericton and She is Active NB.

To help introduce more girls to the game and make positive impacts on young females across the Atlantic, please visit https://firstteeatlantic.ca/giving/ or https://firstteeatlantic.ca/get-involved/.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 is a day for Canadians to honour, acknowledge, and reflect on the history of residential school systems and ongoing hardships Indigenous communities face. We will also highlight the resilience of Indigenous peoples and continue to strengthen our allyship and existing bonds with Indigenous communities.

Golf Canada is committed to ensuring that golf reflects the strengths of Canada’s diversity. Through First Tee – Canada, we offer accessible, inclusive and safe golf programming to children from all backgrounds. First Tee staff have developed trusting relationships with community groups, schools, and golf enthusiasts in Indigenous communities across the country. In collaboration, we are providing life-enhancing experiences through golf to youth.

First Tee – British Columbia

First Tee – British Columbia has connected with the Indigenous populations of the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc First Nations as well as the Okanagan Indian Band to run programming at golf courses, schools and community centres. During CPKC Women’s Open tournament week, First Tee – BC and Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy hosted over 40 Indigenous youth for a clinic including special guest Rose Zhang. Additionally, over 200 Indigenous youth recently participated in First Tee programming during the Hope and Health Sports Day.

First Tee – Prairies

First Tee – Prairies wrapped up its first summer of programming. The team will continue to engage with key Indigenous leaders to begin offering programming in several Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

First Tee – Ontario

First Tee – Ontario has developed strong relationships with and engaged many participants from Indigenous communities across the province. These groups include the Indigenous Sport & Wellness, Anishnabeg Outreach, Akwesasne Mohawk Territory as well as both the Niagara and Fort Erie Native Friendship Centres.

First Tee – Premier départ Québec

First Tee – Premier départ Québec collaborates with the Mohawk community of Kahnawake, the Cree community of Waskaganish, and the First Nation of Mashteuiatsh through golf course, school, and community programming. The chapter also works closely with the Club 24 Athletics Foundation, an organization that works to support young Indigenous leaders through sport and education.

The Kahnawake First Nations reserve has seven golf courses. First Tee – Premier départ Québec has collaborated with the community to introduce golf to children who have previously only had access to lacrosse and hockey. In addition, programming will be provided at no cost to participants and with an entirely Indigenous coaching staff.

First Tee – Atlantic

First Tee – Atlantic currently has two key partnerships with the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq and Wagmatcook First Nation to provide youth in these communities with access to First Tee at golf courses and at the community level. Mill River Resort, a First Tee – Atlantic program location in PEI also recently held a golf clinic for Indigenous Youth from Lennox Island.

First Tee – Canada

Golf Canada is fortunate to have received $60K in grant funding from Sport Canada to launch all three First Tee program settings (golf course, school & community centre) within three Indigenous communities in 2023/2024. Chapter staff have identified two communities in Nova Scotia and Ontario and have begun outreach to offer programming.

Our continued focus is to foster partnerships with community organizations, volunteers and youth leaders to create accessible pathways for golf participation and provide support for equity-deserving groups in communities across Canada.

To learn more, please reach out to [email protected].

Category: News