Tag: Golf

Roseland Golf and Curling Club Honoured as First Tee – Canada Program of the Year

Windsor, ON’s Roseland Golf and Curling Club has been named the 2024 First Tee – Canada Program of the Year, an award extended by Golf Canada recognizing exceptional efforts to grow youth participation in golf.

Roseland stood out for its inclusive programming, rapid growth, and deep community impact.

“Roseland provided us an affordable way for our son to experience golf for the first time,” said a parent of First Tee – Ontario participant. “Not only was he exposed to the game, but also life lessons like patience and perseverance.”

Roseland has been offering First Tee programming since 2023, with a dedicated 9-hole par-3 course for their weekly program sessions. In 2024, participation jumped over 200%, with nearly 60 youth participating in weekly registered programming or introductory golf events at the course – at no cost.

Thanks to RBC’s support, First Tee – Ontario and Roseland were able to break down a common barrier of entry to golf, the financial commitment.

“It has been incredible seeing the growth of First Tee in Southwestern Ontario,” says Amaya Athill, Program Manager for First Tee – Ontario. “Roseland has played a large part in that. Their ability to connect with the community and collaborate with nearby youth organizations has introduced many families to golf who otherwise would not have the opportunity.”

Roseland’s certified coaches have also played a pivotal role in the community impact of the program.

“Being a First Tee coach is so rewarding,” said Roseland First Tee Coach, Steve Pronger. “We provide an opportunity for many kids who under no other circumstance would be able to come out and participate at a golf course like this.”

The Roseland coaching staff have fostered strong relationships with families and spearheaded unique initiatives at the course like Caddie Night, where First Tee coaches accompany participants on the course, helping ease the transition to individual play.

With a dedicated coaching staff like Pronger and his team, it is not a surprise that First Tee programming has grown exponentially in the Roseland community.

Looking ahead, Roseland plans to host a spring introductory golf event in collaboration with a local youth organization, alongside its summer eight-week program. A new intermediate level to their First Tee program will also be introduced, offering enhanced on-course lessons for returning participants who are ready to take the next step.

Congratulations to Roseland Golf and Curling Club on a standout year — it is proof that with the right support, golf can be a game for all.

Read more about the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf winners here.

2024 Annual Review

2024 officially marked First Tee – Canada programming being available in every province across the country. In addition to this significant advancement, First Tee – Canada achieved another milestone by surpassing 100,000 participants since its inception in 2021. Last year alone, First Tee – Canada provided programming to over 84,500 participants at 386 program locations (golf facilities, schools and community centres) led by 239 coaches across Canada. Seventy per cent of programming was offered at no cost to participants and 74 per cent of partnered schools and community centres serve equity-deserving communities with 45 per cent of participants identifying as BIPOC and 41 per cent identifying as female.

First Tee Stats

The continued growth of First Tee – Canada reflects the sustained impact of corporate and champion donors driving the philanthropic excellence of the Golf Canada Foundation which experienced another banner year with more than $11.2 million in funds raised in support of the game of which $5.487 million was for First Tee – Canada and its six regional chapters across the country.

Read First Tee – Canada’s full 2024 Annual Review here.

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.