RBC Community Junior Golf Archives - First Tee

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.

First Tee participants represent Team Canada at the 2026 Ernie Els #GameON Autism® International 4Ball Tournament

HUMBER VALLEY, N.L. — Eight First Tee participants proudly represented Team Canada at the 2026 Ernie Els #GameON Autism® International 4Ball Tournament at Humber Valley Resort on May 21, joining young golfers from around the world in a celebration of sport, inclusion and community.

The international satellite tournament brought together participants from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and South Africa. Competing in a six-hole, two-person scramble format, the Canadian team included four pairs of participants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who have taken part in First Tee programming over the past three years, under the guidance of coaches Wayne, Rosie and Paige Allen and Taylor Cormier.

The day began with participants receiving their Team Canada uniforms from First Tee – Canada’s apparel partner adidas, before heading to the course. Throughout the tournament, teammates and coaches celebrated one another’s successes with high-fives and words of encouragement, creating an atmosphere that reflected the values of confidence, sportsmanship and respect fostered through First Tee programming.

For many families, the event represented a unique opportunity for their children to participate in an international sporting competition.

“Kids with disabilities don’t always get opportunities to be involved in a lot of sports tournaments,” said parent Jim Pink, whose son Jackson has participated in First Tee programming for four years. “Through golf, Jackson gets to enjoy the camaraderie, sportsmanship and cheering each other on. This tournament is one of a kind for us, and we look forward to it every year.”

Following the round, participants, families, coaches and supporters gathered at the Humber Valley Resort clubhouse for a dinner and reception, bringing the day to a memorable close.

For participant Joseph Tobin, 10, the experience was as much about friendship as it was about golf.

“My favourite part about golf is putting and the friends that I’ve made in the program,” he said. “My favourite part of the tournament today was when I made a big swing.”

*First Tee – Atlantic participant taking his tee shot with his coaches, fellow participants and their fathers watching.*

The tournament marked the second time a group from Humber Valley has represented Canada at the Ernie Els #GameON Autism® International 4Ball Tournament. Four participants competed in 2024, while this year’s team doubled in size, reflecting the continued growth of First Tee programming in the region.

The event was supported by Humber Valley Resort, First Tee – Atlantic, adidas, Kruger and local sponsors, whose contributions helped create an unforgettable experience for participants and their families.

*First Tee – Atlantic participant in a golf polo and hat, provided by adidas.*

While the tournament offered the chance to compete on an international stage, the lasting impact extended beyond the scorecard. For the eight participants representing Canada, it was an opportunity to build friendships, celebrate personal achievements and experience the game they love alongside a supportive community.

To learn more about how you can support youth development and life-enhancing opportunities through golf, visit firstteeatlantic.ca/get-involved.

Faces of First Tee: Andrew White helps First Tee – Atlantic pilot “Adopt a School” program

KENTVILLE, N.S. — As demand for the First Tee School Program continued to grow across Atlantic Canada, First Tee – Atlantic faced a familiar challenge: more schools wanted access than available funding could support.

To help meet that demand, the chapter launched the “Adopt a School” initiative, which allows local supporters to sponsor a school by covering the costs of training, equipment, curriculum and lesson plans needed to deliver the program.

The initiative was piloted in 2025 with support from Andrew White, owner of Full Circle Insurance and Investment Solutions, who sponsored Kings County Academy in Kentville, N.S.

“Andrew was the first person I thought of to help us pilot this initiative,” said Steve Healy, development officer for First Tee – Atlantic. “We are grateful for his ongoing support and commitment to introducing more youth to golf through schools in his community.”

First Tee – Canada spoke with White about why he chose to get involved.

White, a lifelong golfer and youth sports coach, said supporting young people has always been important to him.

“I strongly believe in creating opportunities for youth in our community,” he said. “The Adopt a School program brings golf directly into schools by providing equipment and structured programming that introduces students to the game and the life lessons it teaches.”

He said the initiative helps remove barriers that may otherwise prevent young people from trying the sport.

“It gives youth a chance to experience a sport that builds confidence, integrity and perseverance,” White said.

Drawing on nearly 25 years of experience in sport, including as a competitive swimmer, White understands the lasting impact athletics can have on a young person’s development.

“Sport taught me so many lessons and helped shape who I am,” he said. “Giving youth opportunities to learn and grow through sport is something I’m passionate about.”

Although golf was not his primary sport growing up, White discovered it through friends and quickly developed a lifelong connection to the game.

Asked to describe First Tee in one word, White chose “opportunity.”

“The program introduces young people to a sport they may not otherwise have the chance to play,” he said. “When I was growing up, we didn’t have golf in schools. First Tee removes those barriers by bringing the game directly into the school setting and opening it up to everybody.”

White encourages others to support First Tee or participate in the Adopt a School program.

“Getting involved is a simple way to make an impact in your community,” he said. “Golf teaches discipline, perseverance, confidence and integrity, and donations help bring those opportunities to youth who can benefit from them.”

After seeing the impact the First Tee School Program had at Kings County Academy, White has since chosen to sponsor Aldershot Elementary School, helping introduce even more students in his community to golf and the life skills that come with it.

Learn how to get involved at firstteeatlantic.ca/get-involved.

2025 Annual Review

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.

First Tee – Atlantic teacher honoured for expanding access to golf in Moncton

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.

Learn more or get involved at firstteecanada.ca.

See the 2025 First Tee network award recipients receive their awards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISuI8oTAeQc

Read the articles from First Tee and Golf Digest.

Queen Elizabeth Pitch and Putt takes First Tee All-Girls programming to new heights

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].

First Tee – Quebec builds lasting impact at Golf Les Rivières

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.”

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.

To get involved with First Tee – Quebec, visit firstteequebec.ca/en/get-involved/.

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.

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.

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.

A successful inaugural season for First Tee – Alberta

This year marked the beginning of an impactful journey for First Tee – Alberta.

In its first year of programming, First Tee – Alberta provided over 1,100 youth with low-barrier access to golf – and to a diverse group of participants. Nearly 40 percent of participants were female, and nearly 75 percent of families identified as part of an equity-deserving community.

As Golf Canada’s youth development program, First Tee – Alberta joins five other chapters across the country to offer affordable golf programming that goes beyond the fairways to develop both golf and life skills.

Through valuable partnerships with schools, community centres, and golf courses, First Tee – Alberta offers no-cost try golf events and affordable registered programming. All the necessary golf equipment is provided, and no prior golf experience is needed, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.

The goal is to provide a positive association to golf for youth from all backgrounds, especially those who may have otherwise not had the opportunity.

“Our goal is to ensure every child, regardless of their background, has the chance to experience golf and all the benefits it has to offer,” said First Tee – Alberta Program Manager, Michael Steele. “We are committed to breaking down common barriers of entry to the sport like affordability, accessibility, or unfamiliarity.”

In its opening season, First Tee – Alberta onboarded four golf courses across Calgary, Edmonton, and Sherwood Park, all of which offered no-cost programming. The children learned golf skills like putting, chipping, and distance control, while simultaneously continuing to build on personal skills like confidence, honesty, and perseverance.

Three schools and five community organizations also offered First Tee programming in 2024, and 13 First Tee coaches were onboarded and certified.

In addition to scheduled programming and events, First Tee – Alberta’s presence was also made known at the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open hosted at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, AB.

Chapter staff activated on-site with a 50’ putt challenge in celebration of the tournament’s 50^th anniversary. The activation, alongside a record-breaking 50/50 raffle, raised over $150,000 to directly support the continued growth of First Tee across Alberta.

Over 50 youth from the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association and the Youth Centres of Calgary also visited the tournament grounds for behind-the-scenes tours and First Tee clinics, where six LPGA professionals made special guest appearances for the children.

Looking ahead, First Tee – Alberta prepares to expand into Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer in 2025, and strives to continue to provide life-enhancing experiences to youth through golf. First Tee – Alberta’s growth and impact are reliant on a generous network of supporters. For those interested in giving back and growing the game of golf in their community, please reach out to [email protected] or visit firstteealberta.ca.

Tag: RBC Community Junior Golf