Brooke Henderson captured her second CPKC Women’s Open title at Mississauga Golf and Country Club, making it one of the most meaningful wins of her career.

She closed with a 4-under 67 to edge Australia’s Minjee Lee by a single shot, ending a two-year stretch without a victory.

“This one I think might be the longest in between victories, so for that reason it makes it super special,” said Henderson. “To be able to win the Canadian Open, the CPKC Women’s Open, for the second time is so special.”

As a junior, Henderson won back-to-back Golf Ontario championships, capturing the Ontario Junior Girls’ Championship in 2011 and 2012, and later added the Ontario Women’s Amateur title in 2014.

The Mississauga win is her 14th LPGA Tour title and second CPKC Women’s Open, the first coming in 2018.

To read more, click HERE

Charles Fitzsimmons is now a 3-time national champion, after holding on to win the 2025 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship by one shot at Seymour Golf and Country Club in North Vancouver, B.C.

Fitzsimmons shot a 3-over 74 to finish the tournament at 1-over to edge Dustin Franko (Delta, B.C). by one shot. Fitzsimmons posted rounds of 71-72-68-74-285 to become the fourth three-time winner of the national championship. 

“Still processing the win, it feels great,” said Fitzsimmons following his win on Friday. “Today was a real challenge, Dustin played solid and he and I were going back and forth, it was just pressure filled for every moment and a really good challenge. My games been close all summer and to be able to get the win here is really special.”

Fitzsimmons is a mental coach of Team Ontario, as he balances competitive play with his coaching duties. The win marks three Men’s Mid-Am titles for Fitzsimmons tying him with Dave Bunker (2008, 2009, 2010), Garrett Rank (2014, 2015, 2016) and Joseph Deraney (2018, 2019, 2023). The four trail only seven-time winner Graham Cooke and four-time winner Stu Hamilton on the all-time winners list.

“It’s pretty special to be named amongst that group of players that have won this tournament three times. I probably would have never dreamt I could have done that as a kid so to be here now still kind of feels like a dream. It’s really cool to be part of Golf Canada history that way,” added Fitzsimmons.

Fitzsimmons will receive direct exemptions into the 2025 U.S Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship at Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Ariz. from September 13 -18, the 2026 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship along with a 10-year exemption into the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship.

To view full leaderboards: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11312253993171864018?locale=en 

Golf Ontario proudly recognizes Judith Kyrinis of Thornhill, Ontario, who has once again demonstrated her remarkable talent and competitive spirit by capturing the 2025 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. After an intense three-hole playoff against Nonie Marler, Judith secured her fourth national mid-amateur title in dramatic fashion.

Kyrinis finished the tournament at 1-over-par with rounds of 77, 70, and 73 for a total score of 220. Her steady play throughout the championship positioned her perfectly to force a playoff, where she rose to the occasion and claimed victory.

A Champion Through the Years

Judith’s victory at this year’s championship adds to an impressive legacy. She first won the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur title in 2016, then reclaimed it in 2019 and again in 2023. Her sustained success over nearly a decade is a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for the game of golf.

In addition to her national accomplishments, Judith has been a dominant force in provincial competition. She claimed back-to-back titles at Golf Ontario’s Women’s Senior Championship in 2023 and 2024, showcasing her consistent high-level performance within the province.

Representing Thornhill Club and Golf Ontario with Pride

A proud member of the Thornhill Club, Judith Kyrinis continues to represent Golf Ontario with distinction on the national stage. Her success highlights the strength of Ontario’s golf community and serves as an inspiration to players throughout the province, particularly women aspiring to compete at the highest levels. Judith’s dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship exemplify the values Golf Ontario holds dear, making her a true role model in the sport.

Looking Ahead

As Judith adds yet another championship to her impressive resume, Golf Ontario looks forward to following her continued success and the impact she will have both on and off the course in the coming years.

For the final leaderboard of the 2025 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11312217427162482894?locale=en

Golf Canada is enhancing how Canadians experience the game with new features now live in its free mobile app. 

The latest update to the Golf Canada app — the No. 1 golf app in the country — has launched with version 7.3.0, bringing a range of tools designed to make it easier for golfers to track scores, connect with playing partners and get more out of every round. 

Among the key upgrades is a feature that allows users to post scores for their playing partners, simplifying scorekeeping during group rounds. 

Android users can now access the app from select smartwatches, including Fossil, TicWatch, Skagen, Tag Heuer Connected, Montblanc Summit, Samsung Galaxy Watch (Watch 4 and newer), and Google Pixel Watch. The integration enables on-wrist GPS yardages and digital scoring, allowing players to stay focused on the game. 

To encourage community growth, a referral feature has been added. Members can share a unique referral code and earn entries into a season-long prize draw when new users sign up. 

An achievements system lets golfers unlock digital milestones based on rounds played, courses visited, hole-by-hole entries, provinces played and more. Friends’ achievements are also visible, adding a social layer to performance tracking. 

Also new is advanced GPS yardage functionality. The app now provides front, middle and back green distances to support more accurate club selection and course strategy. 

Privacy controls have also been improved. Users can now choose whether their scores appear in their friends’ feeds, giving them more control over how their information is shared. 

The Golf Canada app is available as a free download from the App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android. Golfers can log in with an existing Golf Canada account or create one in-app to begin tracking their game. 

For a full list of Golf Canada app features, visit golfcanada.ca/app. 

Four accomplished contributors to Canadian golf will be acknowledged for their dedicated efforts in and around the game as the 2025 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award. 

Long-time Golf Canada volunteers Lee Griffin of Cambridge, Ont., Jack McDonald of Kamloops, B.C. and Jean Stone-Séguin of Rockland, Ont. along with retired PGA of Canada professional Muncie Booth of Vancouver, B.C. will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to Canadian golf.

“Golf Canada is proud to honour the outstanding contributions of Lee Griffin, Jack McDonald, Jean Stone-Séguin and Muncie Booth, as our 2025 Distinguished Service Award recipients,” said David McCarthy, President, Golf Canada. “The incredible dedication that these four honourees have for the game is truly outstanding. The impact they have had in both their home communities and across the country has left an indelible mark on golf in Canada and we are proud to honour and recognize them.”

Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award has been presented annually since 1993 to recognize individuals who have had an outstanding impact on Canadian golf either nationally or within their community.

The announcement of the 2025 Distinguished Service Award honourees coincides with Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting, conducted virtually on Thursday, March 6 at 1:00 p.m. EST.

The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to this year’s honourees will be celebrated later this season at events and locations to be determined. 

Lee Griffin (Volunteer) – Cambridge, Ont.

For more than 30 years, Lee Griffin of Cambridge, Ont. has supported the Rules of Golf provincially in Ontario and nationally at a countless number of championships. She has served as a member of the Rules & Amateur Status Committee (2020-2023) and has been an active contributor to Golf Canada’s Rules Education Subcommittee. She created a webinar series in Ontario for prospective Referees in 2010 which is still in use today. She participated in the development of the curriculum and presentations for Level 2 and Level 3 Rules Education and has served as an instructor for both levels. Griffin has also served Golf Ontario as a member and past Chair of the Rules Committee having been a referee for the past 25 years and previously with the former Ontario Ladies Golf Association. Griffin is a member of the Galt Country Club and has refereed at the U.S. Women’s Open as well as countless National Amateur Championships and Qualifiers. Her outstanding contributions to the game have also been recognized by the (former) Canadian Ladies Golf Association as its 2003 Volunteer of the Year, as well as Golf Ontario as its 2009 and 2020 Volunteer of the Year, 2011 Honorary Life Director and 2017 Distinguished Service Award recipient.

The Special Olympics Ontario – Ottawa chapter is gearing up for an exciting and impactful event: the 1000 Ball Challenge! This fundraising initiative will help Special Olympics athletes afford essential resources like tee times, coaching, and equipment, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue their passion for golf.

On May 24th, Special Olympics Ontario – Ottawa athletes will take on the ambitious feat of hitting 1,000 golf balls in a single day at the scenic Canadian Golf & Country Club in Ottawa. Their goal? To raise $20,000 to support their journey in the sport.

How to Get Involved

Community members can show their support in two key ways:

Donate directly to help Special Olympics athletes reach their fundraising goal. Here: www.1000ball.ca/o/special-olympics-ontario-ottawa

Create a team under the Special Olympics team page (www.1000ball.ca/o/special-olympics-ontario-ottawa) and collect pledges yourself!

Those who fundraise and create a team are invited to join the festivities on May 24th from 12-4 PM at the Canadian Golf & Country Club (7800, Golf Club Way, Ashton, ON).

This is more than just a challenge—it’s an opportunity to empower athletes and help them reach their full potential in the sport they love.

For any questions, please reach out to Raph at rroot@gao.ca.

Let’s rally together and make a difference—see you at the driving range!

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.

With an exciting year ahead, the schedule highlights a mix of renowned and new venues, spanning the province to provide a platform for Ontario’s top talent to shine 

Golf Ontario is thrilled to unveil its 2025 championship schedule.  

This year’s schedule features 12 prestigious venues from SCOREGolf’s 2024 Top 100 Golf Courses in Canada list, alongside several beloved courses that continue to be favourites among players. 

With an exciting year ahead, the schedule highlights a mix of renowned and new venues, spanning the province to provide a platform for Ontario’s top talent to shine. 

“We’re thrilled to present one of the most dynamic and inclusive championship schedules in amateur golf, designed to cater to Ontario’s competitive golfers while partnering with some of the province’s most prestigious golf clubs,” said Golf Ontario Director of Competitions and Performance, John Lawrence. “The 2025 venues promise an exciting season, bringing the spirit of competition to communities across Ontario. We extend our sincere gratitude to the clubs that have graciously agreed to host our events. 

Highlights and Important Notes for the 2025 Championship Schedule: 

• Golf Ontario’s championships remain true to their core mission, but their names have been updated to ensure consistency across events and alignment with the standards set by golf’s governing bodies. These updates enhance clarity and continuity, making it easier for players, partners, and media to engage while preserving the rich traditions of the sport. 
   

• The 2025 Championship season will officially begin on March 10-11 with the highly anticipated return of the Ontario Junior Players Invitational at Legends Golf Resort – Parkland Course in Myrtle Beach, S.C. This 54-hole competition will once again grow its field, welcoming 84 of Ontario’s top junior boys and girls. 
   

• The Ontario Champion of Champions tournament will return to The Club at Bond Head on May 14th, utilizing both the North and South courses. This prestigious event is open to Men’s, Women’s, Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s, and Junior Boys’ & Girls’ club champions from the 2024 season. Clubs are encouraged to submit their champions to Golf Ontario to facilitate registration and approval for the event. 
   

• The 2025 Ontario Junior Boys’ & Girls’ Spring Classic marks its 30th anniversary as one of the province’s most esteemed junior tournaments. Consistently drawing Ontario’s top young golfers, the milestone event will take place at two exceptional courses—Wooden Sticks Golf Club and FireRock Golf Club. This tournament continues to serve as a proving ground for rising stars, offering a world-class stage to showcase their talent and a critical step in their competitive golf journey. 
   

• New for 2025, the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship will debut the Senior Women’s Match Play Championship, open to players aged 50 and older. Featuring a shorter yardage setup, this new division provides a competitive yet accessible environment for senior golfers. Qualifying rounds will determine the top eight players who will advance to match play, expanding inclusivity and creating more opportunities for senior women to compete. 
   

• The 2025 Ontario Men’s Senior Amateur Championship introduces expanded qualifying for the 70-and-older division, with separate east and west qualifiers offering more entry opportunities. This enhancement eliminates the need for a practice-round qualifier, with 70-and-older spots determined through the two regional qualifiers. 

Golf Ontario extends its deepest gratitude to the clubs hosting our championships and qualifiers in 2025. Their unwavering support is instrumental in the continued success of amateur golf in Ontario. We greatly value these partnerships and look forward to another exceptional championship season. 

CLICK THE LINKS BELOW to view the full 2025 Championship Schedule and Registration Opening Dates. 

2025 Championship Schedule 

Registration Opening Dates  

Tournament website links will be available on GAO.ca on Friday, Feb. 7, this will include all information related to tournament eligibility, exemptions, entry fees, and other important information.  

Registrations for the 2025 Golf Ontario championship season will begin on Friday, Feb. 14 with a schedule of opening dates across the championships to follow.  

All registrations will open at 12 p.m. each day this year.  

Golf Ontario will continue to make announcements once confirmation of dates are made on the outstanding championship locations and to make announcements of any additional dates and venues or changes moving forward. 

For more information, visit the Golf Ontario Provincial Championships page, or contact our tournaments department at tournaments@gao.ca. 

Golf Ontario is proud to announce the continuation of its longstanding partnership with adidas Golf Canada, celebrating over a decade of collaboration. 
 

As part of the renewed agreement, adidas Golf Canada remains the Official Golf Clothing and Footwear provider of Golf Ontario. 
 

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with adidas Golf Canada,” says Golf Ontario’s CEO, Kyle McFarlane. “It’s exciting to work with a global brand that shares our passion and commitment to growing the game of golf in Ontario. Their dedication to helping Ontario athletes perform at their best is invaluable, and we’re pleased to have their continued support for Golf Ontario’s participation, fundraising, and performance initiatives.” 
 

The Woodbridge-based company will also continue its support of Golf Ontario’s high-performance Team Ontario program, as well as participation initiatives like the Women’s Try Golf series and fundraising efforts such as the Junior Golf Drive. 
 

“We are so pleased to extend our longstanding partnership with Golf Ontario,” says Jeff Feltrin, General Manager of adidas Golf Canada. “One of adidas Golf Canada’s core goals is to connect with amateur golfers of all levels—from elite juniors to newcomers to the game—and this partnership allows us to do exactly that.” 

Golf Ontario is deeply saddened by the loss of former colleague and recent Golf Canada Board member Teri Yamada of Collingwood, Ont. who passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, at the age of 66 following a difficult battle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD).

A personal obituary written by Teri Yamada along with visitation details is available here:

https://www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com/memorials/teri-yamada/5536387/index.php

Golf Ontario’s Board of Directors along with staff both current and past extend its sincere condolences to Teri’s partner, Doug Moxon, along with her family and the extensive personal and professional network of friends and golf industry peers who knew and admired her genius, expertise, work ethic, friendship and incredible generosity to charitable causes that meant so much to her. 

One of Canadian golf’s leading voices in agronomy, turfgrass and environmental research, Yamada served the Canadian golf industry for nearly 40 years, including the past 16 years as owner of TY Environmental Strategic Ltd. supporting golf courses’ use of science to minimize their environmental impact. She was a leading voice in the agronomic and business analysis of golf course operations and specialized in government relations, industry communication and interpreting complex scientific information.

Yamada spent 18 years with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada) across several senior leadership roles. She served as the association’s tournament agronomist for National Open and Amateur Championships, working with host clubs and their superintendents to set up and condition golf courses hosting all national championships.

She joined the organization in 1990 as National Director, Greens Section (1990-98), which at the time was Golf Canada’s turfgrass research and consulting division providing the Canadian golf industry with turfgrass information and best practices. In 1993, she authored the Environmental Guidelines for Canadian Golf Courses following an 18-month consultative process with regulators, environmental interest groups and the golf industry leaders.

Yamada then spent 10 years (1996-2006) as the association’s Managing Director, Golf Programs and Services supporting Golf Canada member club programs and services (handicapping, junior golf, amateur status, heritage, etc.) in addition to turfgrass and environmental research.

From 2005-2008, the role evolved into Managing Director, Communications and Government Relations, serving as a leading government liaison on issues affecting the Canadian golf industry. During this period, she also spent two years (2006-2008) as Executive Director of the RCGA Foundation (now Golf Canada Foundation) and has since supported the Foundation as a generous donor.

Yamada returned to Golf Canada as a volunteer in 2021, serving three years a member of the Governance Committee, two years as a member of the Governors Council (2022-2023) and two years on the HR Committee. In 2023, she joined Golf Canada’s Board of Directors becoming one of the few individuals to have served the association in both a staff and Board of Directors capacity. 

During her accomplished career, Yamada served the Canadian and global golf community in a variety of roles including an invitation to participate in the development of the Environmental Principles for Golf Courses in the United States and was referenced in An Environmental Strategy for Golf in Europe.

She spent 14 years (2009-2023) as Executive Director of the IPM Council of Canada (Integrated Pest Management) which administered the IPM Accreditation program for golf courses, public works (hydro and railway corridors) and specialty turf.

Yamada also served as President, Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System of Canada Inc. (1996-2007); Executive Secretary and past Board member with the Canadian Turfgrass Research Foundation (CTRF) (1992 – 2008); was a past Board Member of the Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation (2009-2012); member of the Halton-Hamilton Source Protection Committee (2007-2025); was a member of the Strategic Planning Committee and Environmental Programs committee member, Environmental Institute for Golf, Kansas (2003-2007); served as a USGA Turfgrass & Environmental Research Committee member (1996-2004); member and Past Chair of the Ontario Pesticide Advisory Committee (2009-2020); Chair, Scientific Program Committee for 9th International Turfgrass Research Conference (2000-2001); and was an Advisory Committee member with the Selkirk College Golf Management Program – Nelson, BC (1996-2001).

She graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture and Environmental Horticulture).

A passionate golfer and proud member of Mad River Golf Club (as well as the York Downs Golf and Country Club prior), Yamada was a very active volunteer giving back to both clubs across a variety of roles including four years on the Member Board of Directors with Mad River (2019-2023) as well as the Grounds Committee, Finance and Audit Committee, and the Governance and Nominating Committee. She also served four years on the Board of York Downs as well as two years as the club’s Green Committee Chair. 

Yamada was also one of three Canadian women members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St Andrews, Scotland.

A visitation will be held on January 23 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm with tributes taking place at 3:00pm at Fawcett Funeral Home at 82 Pine Street in Collingwood. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.