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RBC Community Junior Golf continues opening doors to golf for young Canadians

CALEDON, Ont. — From municipal golf courses to the RBC Canadian Open, RBC Community Junior Golf helped more young Canadians discover the game through First Tee – Canada programming in 2026.

An initiative launched by RBC and Golf Canada, RBC Community Junior Golf supported First Tee programming at 38 program locations across Canada in 2026, helping reduce barriers to participation and create welcoming pathways into the sport for youth from all backgrounds.

“Golf is about more than the game itself — it’s about the character, confidence and connections young people build along the way,” said Shannon Cole, chief brand officer of RBC. “Through RBC Community Junior Golf, we’re helping ensure that every kid in Canada who wants to pick up a club has the opportunity to do so. Seeing the impact across the country reinforces why this partnership matters so much to us. We’re not just introducing youth to a sport — we’re opening doors to possibility.”

Since launching in 2022, RBC Community Junior Golf has engaged more than 170,000 participants through no-cost First Tee programming. In 2026, the initiative reached nearly 63,000 participants from 264 community partners and 38 golf facilities, building on its impact in underserved communities across the country.

The initiative also continues to help broaden golf’s reach, with 46 per cent of participants identifying as female. In addition, 79 per cent of community partners serve low-socioeconomic communities, helping connect more young people with opportunities to participate in a sport they may not have otherwise had the chance to play.

“We’re incredibly grateful to RBC for their continued commitment to First Tee – Canada,” said Adam Hunter, executive director of First Tee – Canada. “Each season, through RBC Community Junior Golf, we see children pick up a club for the first time and leave with more confidence, new friendships and skills that extend well beyond golf. That impact simply wouldn’t be possible without RBC.”

Bringing the 72’ Putt challenge into communities

RBC Community Junior Golf engaged fans through its 72’ Putt activation at the 2026 RBC Canadian Open. Inspired by Nick Taylor’s historic 72-foot putt to win the 2023 championship, the activation gave fans a chance to recreate the putt, with proceeds supporting First Tee – Canada programming across the country.

The activation raised nearly $45,000 during tournament week and provided an opportunity to connect the excitement of Canada’s National Open Championship with the importance of introducing more Canadian youth to the game.

The challenge reached RBC Community Junior Golf-supported First Tee – Canada sessions, where participants tested their putting skills for a chance to win prizes. The activity offered a fun way for young golfers to practise their skills and build enthusiasm for the game.

Recognition for impact

RBC Community Junior Golf’s backing of First Tee – Canada to advance inclusion and create meaningful community impact was recognized by Sponsorship Marketing Council Canada this year through three Sponsorship Marketing Awards: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Purpose-Led / Social Cause, and Best in Show.

“Being recognized by Sponsorship Marketing Council Canada is incredibly meaningful for our team, but what makes these awards truly special is what they represent — real, measurable progress toward making golf more accessible for young Canadians,” said Mark Soder, director of brand marketing at RBC. “RBC Community Junior Golf is a great example of how our sponsorships at RBC are designed to champion and give back to our communities.”

The recognition highlights the initiative’s focus on using golf to create positive change and increase access for young people. Through its support of First Tee – Canada, RBC Community Junior Golf helps foster environments for youth to learn the game, develop relationships and build valuable skills they can carry through life.

Looking ahead

As First Tee – Canada continues to grow, RBC Community Junior Golf will remain an important accelerator in expanding access to golf for young Canadians, particularly in underserved communities.

Continued support from RBC and the Golf Canada Foundation will help First Tee – Canada reach more youth, strengthen local programming and reduce barriers to participation. The partnership aims to give more Canadian children and families the opportunity to experience golf, regardless of their background or circumstances.

About RBC Community Junior Golf

RBC Community Junior Golf is an initiative launched by RBC and Golf Canada that aims to build greater inclusion in golf. The initiative supports the growth of First Tee – Canada programming at municipal and publicly accessible golf courses by providing affordable access to the game for youth in underserved communities across the country.

About First Tee – Canada

First Tee – Canada is Golf Canada’s youth development program that uses golf to teach life skills such as confidence, resilience and integrity. Through programming delivered at golf facilities, schools and community centres across the country, First Tee – Canada strives to ensure youth from all backgrounds can access the game and develop skills that extend beyond the fairways.

First Tee – Atlantic expands reach through continued girls’ golf series

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.

First Tee – Premier départ Québec and Club 24 create new opportunities for Indigenous youth through golf

*Photo credit: Bruno Guérin / IG: bruno_guerin*

KAHNAWAKE, Que. — Over the course of one week, 27 Indigenous youth came together to learn the game of golf, build new skills and forge meaningful connections. What unfolded went well beyond the fundamentals of the sport.

In collaboration with Club 24 Athletics Foundation, a non-profit organization serving Indigenous athletes, First Tee – Premier départ Québec hosted a week-long day camp. Held in Kahnawake, and at no cost to participants, the camp, led by First Tee coach Thunder Lahache, welcomed youth ages 9 to 18. Supported by First Tee – Canada’s apparel partner adidas, each participant was outfitted in a First Tee branded adidas T-shirt.

The week-long event also marked an important step in expanding First Tee programming in Quebec. Thunder is the chapter’s only coach to have completed First Tee Level 3 coach training, making Club 24 the first program location in Quebec to offer First Tee programming for youth ages 14 to 18.

Throughout the week, participants worked through progressive drills, skill-building activities and mini-competitions designed to develop different areas of their game. The camp concluded with a Vegas-style tournament at Patton’s Glen Golf Club, a par-3 course in Kahnawake, giving participants an opportunity to put their skills into practice.

A three-hole putting competition challenged teams of three to work together while applying lessons from earlier sessions, including precision, tempo and reading the green. Participants learned how to walk their putting line, identify slopes and set up their ball before working together to post the lowest score possible.

On the range, targets stretching from 20 to 200 yards encouraged participants to try different clubs and shots, working their way from wedges and irons to drivers. Coaches tailored their instruction to each participant, helping golfers of different experience levels build confidence and challenge themselves.

Even heavy rain could not slow them down. Participants remained on the range, continuing to work on their skills and put their newfound confidence into practice.

For Thunder, seeing young athletes recognize their own potential is one of the most rewarding parts of coaching with First Tee.

“A lot of the kids don’t see the potential they have,” said Thunder. “Some of them never realize that they actually can swing a golf club, and it turns into a passion maybe later on in life. What we’re trying to do is make it happen now.”

That focus on confidence extended beyond the golf course. Throughout the camp, participants and coaches built relationships through a mix of friendly competition, playful teasing and a shared desire to help one another improve.

The camp is also a reminder of what can happen when organizations come together around a shared goal. Through the support of adidas and community partners like Club 24, First Tee – Premier départ Québec is helping Indigenous youth discover golf and the opportunities for growth, confidence and connection that come with it.

By offering programming at no cost and expanding opportunities for older youth, First Tee – Premier départ Québec and its partners are helping more young athletes discover that golf can be a sport where they belong.

First Tee – British Columbia celebrates season with inaugural end-of-summer tournament

SURREY, B.C. — Fifty-three young golfers from across the Lower Mainland came together September 4 for the inaugural First Tee – British Columbia end-of-summer tournament, celebrating a season of learning, development and fun on the golf course.

Hosted at The BackYard Golf’s Clayton Hills Par 3 Golf Course, the event brought together First Tee participants ages 7 to 14, ranging from beginners experiencing golf on the course for the first time to more experienced young players.

The nine-hole tournament gave participants an opportunity to take the skills they developed through their First Tee lessons and put them into practice on the course, creating a natural continuation of their participation in the program.

For First Tee – British Columbia, the event also provided an opportunity to introduce young golfers and their families to the course in a welcoming environment, helping participants see golf as a sport they can continue to enjoy and pursue.

“The end-of-summer tournament is a great way for our participants to apply what they’ve learned in their First Tee lessons to an actual round on the golf course,” said Scott Stefani, program manager with First Tee – British Columbia. “It gives them the opportunity to play, learn and have fun with their families, while showing them that golf can be a sport where they belong and continue to grow.”

The tournament also gave participants a chance to build on their skills outside of regular lessons. The day featured coaching sessions, a barbecue lunch and a used equipment sale, creating opportunities for youth and families to connect with coaches and the broader First Tee community.

The event was supported by adidas, First Tee – Canada’s apparel partner. Participants received adidas hats and T-shirts, helping create a shared sense of belonging and giving the young golfers an opportunity to feel like part of the sport.

adidas’ support also helped First Tee – British Columbia subsidize registration costs, making the tournament more accessible to participants and their families, with registration available for as little as $25.

For parent Sanyee Wang, the event offered a chance to see the skills her child had developed through First Tee lessons come to life on the course.

“Everything from the check-in, T-shirt, hat and used equipment sale was great,” Wang said. “It was fantastic to see the kids put their lesson skills to the test by playing nine holes. Lots of golf balls were lost, but they definitely had fun. It gives them something now to go back and work on.”

The day also gave families an opportunity to enjoy golf together, with participants walking and playing the course as they gained experience in a setting beyond their regular First Tee lessons.

The inaugural tournament marked the beginning of what First Tee – British Columbia plans to make an annual end-of-summer tradition, giving young golfers a chance to celebrate their progress while looking ahead to the next stage of their development.

Jarred Pompey gives back to First Tee – Premier départ Québec through Loyola school project

MONTREAL, Que. — For Jarred Pompey, giving back to First Tee – Premier départ Québec was about more than raising money. It was an opportunity to support a program that has helped shape his life and create similar experiences for the next generation of young golfers.

Pompey, 16, recently graduated from Loyola High School, where he participated in the school’s Student Stock Exchange (SSX), an annual entrepreneurial challenge that gives students the opportunity to develop business skills while supporting charitable causes.

As part of the 2026 SSX, Pompey joined the La Cotoletta student-run company, working with his classmates to promote and sell a product, manage finances and raise money for a cause that mattered to them.

For Pompey, the choice of beneficiary was personal.

“I chose to support First Tee – Premier départ Québec because of how important the program has been throughout my life,” he said.

The La Cotoletta group raised more than $7,000, with more than $3,500 going to First Tee – Premier départ Québec. Across the 15 student-run companies participating in SSX, Loyola students raised more than $23,000 for a variety of charitable organizations.

For Pompey, the fundraising achievement was especially meaningful because of the program he was supporting. His connection to First Tee began long before the school project from his father, Simeon’s involvement and advocacy for the program from its earliest days.

“I’ve been involved with First Tee – Premier départ Québec for as long as I can remember,” he said. “It has played a major role in my childhood and in the person I’ve become.”

Lessons that last beyond the golf course

Growing up around the golf course, Pompey learned the game alongside coaches, including his father, and other young people in a community that encouraged him to improve.

Over time, those experiences helped him develop confidence, independence and a greater understanding of the values that extend beyond golf.

“First Tee has taught me values that I can carry with me anywhere,” he said, pointing to integrity, honesty, respect and responsibility among the lessons that have stayed with him.

The program also helped Pompey learn to handle success, learn from mistakes and challenge himself in unfamiliar situations.

Those lessons came into focus during the SSX project, where promoting the group’s product and encouraging people to support its cause pushed him outside his comfort zone.

“You can’t just expect someone to buy something or donate money — you have to explain why it matters,” he said.

The experience strengthened his confidence when communicating with others and reinforced the importance of taking initiative, working as a team and staying committed to a goal.

Giving the next generation an opportunity

Pompey’s connection to golf has also provided opportunities beyond the course. In 2024, he served as an honorary flag bearer at the Presidents Cup, an experience that gave him a new perspective on the sport and the possibilities it can create.

Through the SSX project, he was able to reflect on those opportunities and help make them possible for others.

“Knowing that the money we raised was going back to a program that can give other youth some of those same experiences, exposure, and lessons was truly special to me,” he said.

Pompey hopes the donation will help young people discover a love for golf, build confidence, meet new people and develop values they can carry into everyday life.

He also hopes it will support equipment, staff and the continued growth of First Tee programming.

For Pompey, giving back is something he intends to continue. Whether through coaching, volunteering, donating or staying connected to the First Tee community, he wants to help create opportunities for other young people.

“I know firsthand how much the program can mean to a young person, and I would like to help create those same opportunities for others,” he said.

His experience is a reminder that the impact of First Tee can extend well beyond the golf course — inspiring young people to become leaders, take initiative and use what they have learned to make a difference in the lives of others.

First Tee – Alberta and adidas connect youth to golf at the CPKC Women’s Open

EDMONTON, Alta. — For a group of Edmonton-area youth, a Sunday morning at the CPKC Women’s Open offered a chance to experience golf in a new way — both as a player and as a spectator.

With support from First Tee – Canada’s apparel partner adidas, First Tee – Alberta welcomed 24 children from the BGC Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton, the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta and communities across the Edmonton area to a morning of golf, life skills development and fun during the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open.

Held just outside of Royal Mayfair Golf Club on August 23, the clinic gave participants an opportunity to take part in First Tee programming during the final round of Canada’s only LPGA championship event. Youth rotated through stations focused on putting, chipping and full swing, while also participating in activities designed to build life skills through the game.

For First Tee – Alberta coach Katie Learn, the experience was about giving young people an opportunity to see themselves in golf.

“The goal of First Tee is always bigger than golf,” said Learn. “We want kids to leave our programs with skills and experiences that help them become more confident, resilient and capable in whatever they take on.”

With adidas’ support, First Tee – Alberta was able to create an experience that brought together access, sport and inspiration, showing participants that golf can be a welcoming place for them.

The clinic also demonstrated how First Tee uses golf as a vehicle to help young people navigate challenges, build relationships and develop skills that can extend into their everyday lives.

“Having adidas support an opportunity like this means we can give kids an experience they might not otherwise have — and show them that they have a place in golf,” Learn said.

The experience continued beyond the clinic. After enjoying a pizza party, participants headed onto the grounds with their families to watch the CPKC Women’s Open, giving them the opportunity to see professional golfers compete just steps away from where they had spent the morning learning and playing.

For many of the youth, the day offered a unique connection between their own introduction to the game and golf at its highest level.

The event highlighted the impact that partnerships can have in creating meaningful opportunities for young people. Through its support of First Tee – Alberta, adidas helped bring more youth from the Edmonton area into the game while creating an experience that showed them golf can offer much more than what happens on the course.

First Tee – Premier départ Québec and adidas create space for discovery at Caughnawaga girls’ clinic

KAHNAWAKE, Que. — For girls in Montreal’s Notre-Dame-de-Grâce community (Comité Jeunesse NDG), discovering golf can come with barriers that have little to do with learning how to swing a club.

Cost, transportation and access to golf facilities can make it difficult for youth to get started. Through partnerships with adidas and Comité Jeunesse NDG, First Tee – Premier départ Québec is helping remove those barriers and create opportunities for more girls to discover the game.

From August 17-20, First Tee – Premier départ Québec and adidas hosted four consecutive all-girls clinics at Caughnawaga Golf Club, welcoming youth from the community for two-hour sessions at no cost. Transportation to and from the golf course was also provided, creating a more accessible introduction to golf.

Supported by RBC Community Junior Golf, Caughnawaga Golf Club is a new First Tee – Premier départ Québec partner for 2026, with the clinics providing an opportunity for participants to experience a golf facility and learn the fundamentals of the game in a safe environment.

Led by First Tee coach Simeon Pompey and coaches Amilion Sandy, Omar Bacchus and Brian O’Connell, participants moved through putting, chipping and full-swing stations. Along the way, they explored First Tee’s life skills curriculum, including lessons on respect, perseverance and self-confidence.

The meaning of respect was especially highlighted within the sessions: respect through active listening, being considerate of each other’s time, caring for surrounding nature, and following rules and etiquette. To begin practice, Simeon encouraged participants to greet six of their peers with “it’s nice to meet you” and a handshake.

The sessions also emphasized discovery. Participants were encouraged to try new skills, learn from their coaches and support one another. That support could be heard across the driving range as girls celebrated each other’s successes, including enthusiastic shouts of “I did it!” after connecting with a full swing.

For some participants, the clinic marked their first experience with golf. Shaleena Moore, who picked up a club for the first time during the program, said she enjoyed hitting the ball “high and far.”

The clinic also gave participants the chance to see what they could accomplish themselves. Marie-Michèle Richer, program manager for First Tee – Premier départ Québec, demonstrated her long drive while the coaches encouraged the girls to repeat a simple message: “If she can do it, I can do it.”

For Simeon, creating opportunities for youth who may not otherwise have access to golf is one of the most rewarding parts of being a First Tee coach.

“For most of these children, playing golf is something that they haven’t done before or thought of doing,” he said. “Golf courses are not easily accessible to kids in urban areas. Introducing them to the sport will forever change them because they can share their experiences with others.”

Beyond learning to putt, chip and swing, participants were introduced to a sport they can carry with them throughout their lives. Simeon believes golf is for all ages — an experience that can be shared between generations of a family, passing down the lessons and etiquette of the game.

Through support from partners such as adidas, along with community organizations and golf facilities, First Tee – Premier départ Québec is helping make those opportunities possible.

By lowering barriers and creating positive first experiences, these programs are giving more girls the chance to discover golf and see themselves as part of the game.

First Tee – Ontario and adidas create memorable first swings at Ontario Indigenous Championship

CALEDONIA, Ont. — For nearly 40 Indigenous youth, a Sunday at the Ontario Indigenous Championship offered a chance to pick up a golf club, try something new and see themselves represented on the course.

First Tee – Ontario and adidas, in partnership with Golf Ontario, hosted an introductory golf clinic for youth ages 7 to 14 on Sunday, August 16 at MontHill Golf and Country Club. Held during the championship’s practice round, the clinic was designed to create positive first experiences with golf and show participants that there is a place for them in the game.

Across two one-hour sessions, participants rotated through putting, chipping and full-swing stations, building fundamental skills while taking part in activities that incorporated First Tee’s life skills curriculum.

First Tee coaches Glenmore Brown and Stewart McLeod led the sessions alongside Golf Ontario participation interns, helping create a safe, energetic environment where youth of all experience levels could learn, ask questions and have fun.

For some participants, it was their first time picking up a golf club.

The clinic also offered something beyond learning the fundamentals. With the Ontario Indigenous Championship taking place nearby, participants could watch Indigenous golfers compete at the provincial level and see firsthand the pride that comes with representing their communities on the course.

Between the two clinic sessions, participants gathered for pizza, giving them an opportunity to connect, share laughs and build new friendships.

For Sarah Tattrie, coordinator, First Tee – Ontario, seeing new golfers discover a love for the game was one of the highlights of the day.

“Watching participants who had never picked up a golf club before discover that they genuinely enjoyed the game was one of the most rewarding parts of the clinic,” said Tattrie. “Creating a fun environment where youth can try golf for the first time, while also seeing Indigenous athletes competing at the championship, was really special.”

With adidas’ support, the First Tee – Ontario clinic was more than an introduction to golf. It was an opportunity for youth to build confidence, connect with others and experience the game in a setting that celebrated Indigenous representation.

By creating positive first experiences and removing barriers to participation, First Tee – Ontario and its partners are helping more youth discover golf and see themselves as part of its future.

Inaugural First Tee – British Columbia mobile clinics introduce more than 200 youth to golf across five communities

More than 200 youth across British Columbia had the opportunity to pick up a golf club this summer, some for the first time, through the inaugural First Tee – British Columbia mobile clinics.

Led by Program Coordinator and Level 3-trained coach Max Kleban, the mobile clinic tour travelled nearly 5,000 kilometres over three weeks, bringing no-cost introductory golf programming to five communities across northern and interior B.C.

The initiative was created to address a common challenge facing many communities across the province: while interest in golf exists, access to introductory programming can be limited by geography, staffing and cost.

By bringing First Tee directly to communities, the mobile clinics helped remove those barriers while creating meaningful connections between young people and local golf facilities.

Bringing golf to communities

From July 19 to Aug. 5, Kleban delivered 27 clinics at Aspen Grove Golf Course in Prince George, Lakepoint Golf & Country Club near Fort St. John, Bootleg Gap Golf in Kimberley, Castlegar Golf Club and Twin Lakes Golf Course near Penticton.

Each 90-minute session introduced participants to the fundamentals of putting, chipping, pitching and the full swing in a fun and supportive environment.

The clinics also incorporated First Tee’s life skills curriculum, helping participants develop skills that are valuable beyond the golf course such as emotional control, confidence, perseverance and respect.

The mobile clinics were open to young people ages 7 to 18, expanding opportunities for older youth to participate and supporting the continued growth of the First Tee program in Canada.

“It was a truly life-changing experience for me,” said Max Kleban, program coordinator with First Tee – British Columbia and lead coach of the clinics. “Getting to be part of someone’s first time golfing is a feeling I will never get tired of. It is incredibly rewarding to see participants’ excitement and confidence grow during the session, and I feel I’ve succeeded when they show a desire to come back to the golf course.”

Kleban said he is excited to continue building programs in the communities visited through the tour and expand the reach of First Tee programming across the province.

Building connections for the future

The success of the inaugural mobile clinic tour was made possible through the support of community partners and host facilities, which helped promote the programs, provide spaces for clinics and create welcoming environments for participants and their families.

The tour also provided First Tee – British Columbia with an opportunity to strengthen relationships with golf facilities and explore opportunities for future program expansion.

“Hosting a First Tee mobile clinic was a great opportunity for our club to introduce more young people and their families to the game of golf,” said Victoria Szoo, head professional at Lakepoint Golf & Country Club. “First Tee helped us reach further into our community and allowed us to provide a great experience for juniors of all ages, abilities and backgrounds — whether it was their first or fiftieth time at a golf course.”

By bringing no-cost introductory programming directly to communities, the First Tee – British Columbia mobile clinics are helping break down barriers and give more young people access to golf and essential life skills through the game.

“Getting involved with First Tee was important to me because I believe golf should be accessible to everyone,” said Szoo. “The programming provided by First Tee offered more than just great golf instruction. It also introduced life lessons and values that our junior golfers can carry with them beyond the golf course. I’m confident the mobile clinic left a positive and lasting impression on the participants, and Lakepoint and I are grateful for the opportunity to host the clinic and be part of such a great program.”

Interested in bringing a First Tee – British Columbia mobile clinic to your community? Learn more at firstteebc.ca/contact-us.

First Tee – Alberta celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day with youth golf clinic

CALGARY, Alta. — In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, First Tee – Alberta collaborated with 7 Generations Golf Association to host an introductory golf clinic for youth from Tsuut’ina First Nation.

A community partner of First Tee – Alberta since 2023, 7 Generations Golf Association is committed to making golf more accessible for First Nations youth by removing barriers to participation and creating opportunities for personal growth through the game.

Led by Indigenous First Tee coaches Andrew and Staven Fox at Red Meadows Golf Course, participants learned the fundamentals of chipping and the full swing before putting their new skills into practice on a golf hole. Along the way, they were introduced to golf etiquette, how to tee up a ball and the purpose of each club.

While some participants arrived with previous golf experience, others picked up a club for the first time. Coaches Andrew and Staven tailored instruction to each participant’s skill level, creating a welcoming environment where beginners received additional support and encouragement.

With support from First Tee – Canada’s apparel partner adidas, each participant received a First Tee – Alberta T-shirt and hat, helping foster a sense of belonging. Participants who did not have their own equipment also received a golf club to keep, courtesy of Sport Central.

“Working alongside 7 Generations Golf Association allows us to create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous youth to experience everything golf has to offer,” said Michael Steele, program manager for First Tee – Alberta. “Support from partners like adidas and Sport Central helps ensure participants not only have the equipment they need, but also feel welcomed, included and confident from the moment they arrive.”

For one participant, the clinic marked a noticeable boost in confidence. She progressed from simply making contact with the ball to celebrating each shot and eagerly attempting to hole out on the green. She left excited to continue playing golf alongside her father.

The clinic concluded with a pizza lunch in the clubhouse, with participants leaving more confident, connected and inspired to continue exploring opportunities in the game.

Learn more at firstteealberta.ca.

First Tee – Canada makes an impact at the 2026 RBC Canadian Open

First Tee – Canada engaged more than 700 young people during an impactful week at the 2026 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, creating opportunities for youth to experience golf in new and exciting ways.

On Wednesday, 52 First Tee – Canada participants took part in Walk With a Pro at the iconic Rink hole, enjoying an inside-the-ropes experience and taking their pro’s first putt.

Nearly 70 youth also participated in an introductory First Tee clinic presented by adidas, highlighted by a surprise appearance from Canadian PGA TOUR professional Nick Taylor.

Taylor later joined five RBC Community Junior Golf participants to recreate his historic 72-foot putt from the 2023 RBC Canadian Open. Throughout tournament week, the RBC Community Junior Golf 72’ Putt activation raised nearly $45,000, while Golf Canada’s 50/50 Raffle generated nearly $63,000 for First Tee – Canada, as the tournament’s charitable beneficiary.

First Tee – Canada thanks the participants, schools, community organizations, volunteers, coaches and chapter staff who helped make the week a success.

Follow @rbccanadianopen on Instagram and Facebook to see more of First Tee – Canada’s initiatives during tournament week:

Nick Taylor at the First Tee – Canada clinic presented by adidas

Tommy Fleetwood caddies a junior golfer during First Tee – Canada’s Walk With a Pro

Nick Taylor at the RBC Community Junior Golf 72′ Putt activation

National Indigenous Peoples Day: First Tee – Canada establishes strong community connections to help Indigenous youth discover golf

As communities across Canada celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, First Tee – Canada chapters are continuing to build meaningful relationships that introduce Indigenous youth to golf and the life skills associated with the game.

Through collaborations with more than 40 Indigenous schools, communities, organizations and golf facilities, First Tee – Canada programs are being delivered in Indigenous communities from coast to coast.

Since its inception in 2021, First Tee – Canada has reached over 13,000 Indigenous youth through school programs, community events, introductory golf clinics and on-course experiences delivered by more than 20 Indigenous First Tee coaches nationwide.

“The success of these programs is a reflection of the trust, leadership and commitment of our Indigenous partners across Canada,” said Adam Hunter, executive director of First Tee – Canada. “Together, we are creating opportunities for youth to strengthen connections to their communities, develop important life skills and discover golf in welcoming and inclusive environments.”

In British Columbia, First Tee has established numerous partnerships with Indigenous communities, including the Musqueam Nation, Squamish Nation, Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Williams Lake First Nation, Westbank First Nation and Kamloops First Nation.

This year, First Tee – British Columbia has engaged Indigenous youth through school programming, clinics held during the BC Golf Indigenous Championship and an activation at one of the province’s largest National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, with additional outreach events planned in remote communities throughout the summer.

In Alberta, First Tee collaborates with the 7 Generations Golf Association, Cold Lake First Nations, the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta, Alexander First Nation, and schools in Frog Lake First Nation and Tsuut’ina Nation.

For National Indigenous Peoples Day, First Tee – Alberta and the 7 Generations Golf Association are hosting an introductory golf clinic at Redwood Meadows Golf Course for youth from Tsuut’ina Nation, delivered by Indigenous First Tee coaches, including chapter champion Andrew Fox, who help integrate culturally relevant approaches into First Tee’s life skills curriculum.

“First Tee – Alberta and 7 Generations Golf share a powerful mission: to make golf more accessible and inclusive for Indigenous youth,” said Fox. “It’s inspiring to see how our efforts are already making a lasting impact in communities across the province.”

In Manitoba, First Tee – Prairies partners with Isaac Beaulieu Memorial School in Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation and operates programming at The Players Course, a First Nation-owned golf facility in Winnipeg. The chapter also works with Indigenous coach Darcy Zariwney, who leads First Tee programming for youth from Gladstone and surrounding towns.

*Coach Darcy at Gladstone Golf & Country Club*

In Ontario, First Tee has worked closely with Indigenous Sport and Wellness Ontario (ISWO) to establish programs in communities including Mattagami First Nation, Marten Falls First Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and Akwesasne. In 2026, First Tee – Ontario will further expand its reach through a clinic at the Golf Ontario Indigenous Championship and a new partnership with the Mushkegowuk Council, bringing the program to several remote northern communities.

First Tee – Quebec’s partnership with the Club 24 Athletics Foundation is helping introduce Indigenous youth in Kahnawake to golf through summer camp programming at Mistic Pines Golf Club. The Indigenous-led organization uses sport and education to help develop future leaders within the community, with all associated coaches identifying as Indigenous.

On Canada’s East Coast, First Tee – Atlantic works with Indigenous organizations and schools across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, including the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, Aboriginal Sport & Recreation New Brunswick and John J. Sark Memorial School.

*Aboriginal Sport & Recreation New Brunswick*

Across the country, these partnerships are creating accessible, positive experiences for Indigenous youth and families to connect through golf, while developing confidence, perseverance and a sense of belonging.

As First Tee – Canada chapters continue to expand their reach, National Indigenous Peoples Day serves as an opportunity to celebrate not only Indigenous cultures and communities, but also the relationships that are helping shape a more inclusive future for the game across Canada.

To support First Tee – Canada’s mission of building greater inclusion in golf, visit firstteecanada.ca/get-involved.

Category: Featured Stories