First Tee – Canada posted its highest participation numbers in 2025, with more than 106,000 youth taking part in programs across the country, a 25 per cent increase from last year. Since its inception in 2021, First Tee – Canada has reached over 276,000 young Canadians.
In addition, 481 locations offered programming across schools, community centres and golf facilities, supported by nearly 350 coaches, both increases from last year. First Tee – Canada continues to be a leader in youth programming with a focus on strengthening diversity and equity in the sport. In 2025, 74 per cent of partnered schools and community organizations served underrepresented communities with close to 60 per cent of programs delivered at no cost to participants. Through the efforts of six First Tee chapters nationwide, youth participation is becoming more reflective of Canada’s diversity with 42 per cent of on-course participants identifying as female and 36 per cent as BIPOC. The program’s growth was backed by strong donor support with the Golf Canada Foundation raising more than $10 million for the sport in 2025, including $4.5 million for First Tee – Canada.
First Tee – Canada was also the proud charitable beneficiary of the 2025 RBC Canadian Open and First Tee – Alberta received nearly $200,000 through it’s partnership with the Rogers Charity Classic in 2025. In keeping with golf’s charitable giving, the CPKC Women’s Open continues to leave a meaningful legacy in each host city through its CPKC Has Heart program, this year donating a record $4.5 million for MacKids and Trillium Health Partners, supporting pediatric and cardiac health.
Read First Tee – Canada’s full 2025 Annual Review here.
Golf Canada is deeply saddened by the loss of PGA of Ontario Class “A” Associate Professional and First Tee – Ontario Level 3 coach, Kerri Slaughter of St. Catharines, Ont. who passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026 at the age of 54.
Slaughter was an integral member of St. Catharines Golf & Country Club’s teaching and professional team for the past eight years. With a focus on teaching junior golfers, Slaughter became a certified First Tee coach in 2022, leading the youth development program at the private course for children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to play.
Slaughter strived to advance youth golf through affordable introductory opportunities across St. Catharines. She championed outreach and led ‘try golf’ events for local schools and community organizations to ensure children who may not have thought of golf as a sport for them could experience the game. Since 2022, Slaughter engaged nearly 400 participants aged 7-16 in First Tee programming, particularly introducing more girls to the sport through numerous all-girls try golf events.
Slaughter was also an advocate in building awareness for the First Tee – Canada program among the membership at St. Catharines Golf & Country Club, encouraging members to get involved by donating or volunteering as an assistant coach for programs. She also lent her time to leading First Tee introductory golf clinics at Golf Canada’s Amateur and Professional Golf Championships, including the 2023, 2024 and 2025 World Junior Girls Championship and the 2023 RBC Canadian Open.
One of the Ontario chapter’s longest-standing coaches, Slaughter embodied the values of First Tee – Canada through her teaching style, offering kindness and comfort that made youth new to the sport feel like they belonged. She was a strong believer that youth should have access to the game that supported her since she was young, and worked toward that mission.
Slaughter touched the lives of many across her personal and professional network and is survived by her parents, John and Jill Slaughter (Chatham, Ont.), brother Andy (Danielle), nephew, Lukas, and niece, Mackenzie.
A link to the obituary notice from Tallman Funeral Homes is below:
OAKVILLE, Ont. – First Tee – Canada is proud to announce a new partnership with adidas that will support youth programming through the adidasBirdies for Game Changers initiative.
Partnering with five-time PGA TOUR winner and adidas athlete Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., adidas will provide $300 in support to First Tee – Canada for every birdie or better that Taylor makes on the PGA TOUR this season.
“This adidas Birdies for Game Changers initiative provides a platform for Nick’s great play on the golf course to directly benefit youth in Canada,” said Adam Hunter, executive director, First Tee – Canada. “We are very appreciative to adidas and Nick for their continued support. This initiative will allow First Tee – Canada to introduce more children to golf in a way that is welcoming, inclusive and empowering.”
The adidas Birdies for Game Changers initiative supports First Tee – Canada in providing youth from all backgrounds with access to valuable life lessons through golf. First Tee – Canada’s mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and promote healthy choices.
“At adidas, we believe that through sport we have the power to change lives, so we’re excited to support First Tee – Canada by helping expand access to programs that use golf as a platform for growth,” said Jeff Lienhart, president, adidas Golf. “Knowing we can play a small part alongside Nick’s performance on the PGA TOUR this season to directly impact the next generation of golfers in Canada makes this initiative especially meaningful. We’ll be cheering him on, knowing that every birdie helps create opportunities for young people across the country to build confidence, develop life skills and discover what’s possible through the game.”
A First Tee – Canada ambassador, Taylor has been a champion of the program’s mission and values. Since 2024, the Taylor family has been supporting their regional chapter, First Tee – British Columbia as a charitable beneficiary of the Nick Taylor Charity Classic. A portion of the funds raised at the tournament directly support the growth of the grassroots program in Cultus Lake and surrounding communities in the province.
“Golf has given our family so much both on and off the course,” said Nick Taylor. “Andie and I are very proud of our partnership with First Tee – Canada and thrilled that adidas will continue to strengthen that relationship, guided by our shared values of promoting the game and the valuable life lessons it instills in youth across Canada.”
In 2025, Taylor recorded 309 birdies and six eagles in 24 events played on the PGA TOUR.
The adidas Birdies for Game Changers initiative will begin this week as Taylor opens the 2026 PGA TOUR season with the defence of his Sony Open title in Honolulu, Hawaii on Thursday.
First Tee, Golf Digest honour 2025 network award winners advancing youth through golf
MONCTON, N.B. — What began as a routine school day ended in celebration for Michelle Phillips LeBlanc.
Last September, colleagues, students and members of First Tee – Atlantic gathered at Forest Glen School to surprise Phillips LeBlanc with the news that she had been named the 2025 First Tee Teacher of the Year, a networkwide honour presented annually by First Tee in partnership with Golf Digest.
The award recognizes educators who excel in implementing the First Tee School Program and fostering connections between their schools and the local First Tee chapter. Phillips LeBlanc was selected for her efforts in increasing access to golf and life skills for hundreds of students in one of Moncton’s most culturally diverse communities.
“Michelle goes above and beyond every day,” said Heather Davis, principal of Forest Glen School. “She inspires teachers and students alike and has built a phys. ed. program unlike anything I’ve seen before.”
Since introducing First Tee at Forest Glen in 2021, Phillips LeBlanc has engaged more than 400 students, many of whom are new to Canada and unfamiliar with golf. Through multilingual signage, adaptive equipment and flexible lesson plans, she has created an inclusive environment where all students can participate in the program’s character-building activities.
Her impact extends beyond the school. Phillips LeBlanc organized field trips for Grade 3 and 4 students to a local First Tee facility, giving many their first experience on a golf course. These visits sparked increased interest and enrolment in on-course programming.
To meet growing demand, Phillips LeBlanc and a colleague completed First Tee Assistant Coach training and volunteered as on-course coaches to promote ongoing learning. She also coordinated transportation and centralized pickup locations to reduce barriers for families.
“Michelle is humble, kind, and passionate about everything she does,” said Kiley MacDonald, coordinator of First Tee – Atlantic. “She embodies the mission and values of First Tee.”
Phillips LeBlanc believed the September 10 visit was for filming program content. As students took part in activities in the gym, they were quietly informed of the real reason for the visit and invited to share what made their teacher special. When the announcement was made, the room filled with tears and applause.
“Mrs. Phillips is very nice and always makes sure no one misses out,” said a Grade 4 student.
Phillips LeBlanc was officially named Teacher of the Year on November 5, 2025, as part of First Tee’s network awards. Each recipient receives a $25,000 award from First Tee and Golf Digest, with $12,500 supporting the local First Tee chapter and $12,500 awarded to the facility where the program is delivered. In Phillips LeBlanc’s case, the funding will support First Tee – Atlantic and Forest Glen School.
For First Tee – Atlantic, the recognition highlights the powerful role educators play in growing the game and using golf as a tool for positive youth development — benefiting students’ lives one swing at a time.
VANCOUVER — After a successful pilot in 2024, the First Tee All-Girls program at Queen Elizabeth Pitch and Putt has expanded significantly in 2025, offering 72 young golfers more than just a chance to improve their swing. The program combines golf instruction with life skills, friendship building, and confidence-boosting experiences.
“All-girls junior programs empower participants, not just on the course but in life,” said Coach Yanni Sui. “It’s about creating a space where girls can learn, grow, and truly thrive.”
Queen Elizabeth Pitch and Putt has played a key role in the program’s success. The staff ensures every participant feels welcome, and the course is perfectly sized for all skill levels. Its supportive, inclusive community has helped make the First Tee All-Girls program a safe and encouraging environment for learning and growth.
Supported by RBC Community Junior Golf, the First Tee All-Girls program was delivered at no cost to the participants and their families, with all equipment provided, lowering the barriers and intimidation of the sport even further.
The program has already had a profound impact on participants like Audrey, who dreams of becoming a professional golfer. Through the All-Girls program, Audrey has developed her golf skills while also gaining confidence, leadership, teamwork, and perseverance. She has become a supportive teammate, encouraging others and sharing her love of the game with friends.
Parents have noticed the difference as well. Dorothy Fong, whose daughter Victoria attends the program, said: “Victoria really enjoyed the classes and always came home excited to share what she had learned. Our family thanks First Tee – British Columbia and Coach Yanni for the kindness, patience, and enthusiasm that radiated through each lesson.”
Coach Sui added that working with the girls has been equally rewarding. “Their positive energy, bright smiles, and eagerness to learn light up my day. I’ve learned as much from them as they’ve learned from me. We’re truly grateful to RBC Community Junior Golf for making this program possible.”
The First Tee All-Girls program at Queen Elizabeth Pitch and Putt continues to grow, proving that when young golfers are given a supportive, equal environment, they will not only improve their game, they will also gain confidence, skills, and friendships that last beyond the fairways.
The First Tee – British Columbia team looks forward to continuing its work to increase female participation in golf across the province. Any women coaches or leaders who are interested in supporting the next generation of girls in the sport can contact [email protected].
TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Que. — Golf Les Rivières has become a hub for junior golf in Quebec since joining First Tee – Quebec in 2022, helping hundreds of young people learn the game while developing life skills.
The course, which features nine executive holes, a mini-putt course, a practice range and disc golf, now welcomes more than 80 unique participants annually through First Tee programming. For coaches, seeing familiar faces each season has become a point of pride.
“My greatest pride is seeing young participants come back every year,” said coach Audrey-Ann Comeau. “More than 50 per cent of the young people here this year are returning from last year, with over 60 per cent of them doing more than one activity.”
Maxime Charron / @UNconventionalGolf
Among those returning is 10-year-old Coralie Lemay, who joined First Tee four years ago. For her, golf has become more than a sport.
“I have been participating in the First Tee program for four years. Every year, the teachers teach us lots of things,” Lemay said. “I really enjoy going out on the course; that’s what I like best.”
Maxime Charron / @UNconventionalGolf
Her story reflects the program’s mission to make golf fun, accessible and community driven. At Golf Les Rivières, that mission comes to life through colourful, engaging games including Tic-Tac-Toe on the putting green, chipping into hula hoops, and football-inspired challenges on the driving range. These activities make learning the sport exciting while empowering participants to achieve goals on the course and make good choices off it.
“It’s really important for us to introduce youth to the First Tee program so that golf can be fun and accessible to everyone,” Comeau said. “For our sport to be healthy, we need to take care of the next generation. The most important shot is the next one.”
Maxime Charron / @UNconventionalGolf
First Tee – Quebec continues to expand across the province with programming offered at clubs in Montréal, Lévis, Lac Saint-Jean, Gatineau, Rimouski, Val d’Or, Rouyn-Noranda, Grandy, Mirabel, Rive-Sud and Lanaudière, in addition to Trois-Rivières.
This summer, Golf Les Rivières hosted weekly classes from May through August, along with four weeks of day camps. By combining skill instruction with playful activities and character-building lessons, the program continues to grow stronger each year. Rising participant retention shows that youth across Quebec are not only learning golf — they are embracing it as a fun, meaningful sport that fosters values extending beyond the fairways.
CALGARY, Alta. — First Tee – Alberta celebrated a milestone moment in 2025, with nearly $200,000 raised through the generosity of its partnership with the Rogers Charity Classic.
Backed by Calgary’s Patron Group of business leaders along with PGA TOUR professional Stephen Ames, the Rogers Charity Classic (formerly the Shaw Charity Classic) is the lone Canadian stop on the PGA TOUR Champions. Since its launch in 2013, the tournament has raised an incredible $137 million for more than 300 charities supporting children and families in need across Alberta.
The generous funding to First Tee – Alberta is helping Golf Canada expand the reach of its youth development program across the province, providing more equity-deserving children access to golf while fostering life skills development, confidence and community connection. Since 2024, First Tee – Alberta has introduced more than 6,000 youth to the sport through programming at schools, community centres, and golf facilities.
“A year like this doesn’t happen without meaningful partners who believe in what we’re building,” said Kelsey Chadwick, development officer of First Tee – Alberta. “The impact of the Rogers Charity Classic and its philanthropic efforts in the community have been transformational. First Tee is proud to be supported by the Rogers Charity Classic and the event’s tremendous commitment to helping the next generation of golfers thrive both on and off the course.”
A highlight for the program’s fundraising activity came during the Rogers Legends of Hockey Shootout, where junior elite golfer Sydney Bisgrove represented First Tee – Alberta in a 100-yard closest-to-the-pin challenge. Bisgrove’s performance helped secure a $115,000 donation, marking a turning point for the chapter.
“Being part of that moment was unbelievable,” said Bisgrove. “To represent First Tee – Alberta in front of so many people and know that it helped raise such a big donation that will have an impact on grassroots golf opportunities across the province is something I’ll never forget.”
Sean Van Kesteren, executive director of the Rogers Charity Classic, is proud to see the tournament’s impact extend far beyond golf.
“Our mission has always been to showcase the game’s greats while using the tournament to give back,” Van Kesteren said. “The Legends of Hockey event brings fans and families together in a unique way, while also driving real support for charities like First Tee – Alberta.”
Through the 2025 Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink program, donations made between March and August were matched up to 50 per cent, generating additional funding of $17,000 for the Alberta chapter.
First Tee – Alberta also received a $50,000 Charity Champion Grant earlier this season which supported First Nation outreach and provided access to the program for communities that may not otherwise have the opportunity to play.
“The Rogers Charity Classic has become a staple in Calgary’s summer calendar and a great example of what can happen when community and sport come together,” said Van Kesteren.
First Tee – Alberta continues to grow thanks to the generous support of donors, organizations and events such as the Rogers Charity Classic. The support of Calgary’s signature championship in helping the chapter achieve this fundraising milestone demonstrates the power of sport in bringing people together and creating lasting change both on and off the golf course.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Sean Mundy Photography
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.
Sean Mundy Photography
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.
Sean Mundy Photography
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.
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.
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.
