Golf Canada partners with Osprey Valley to build a new home for Canadian golf
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Golf Canada and Osprey Valley have announced a major partnership and bold vision to build a new Home for Canadian Golf – a momentous project that will see the National Sport Federation relocate its corporate base of operations to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont.
In addition to Golf Canada’s national headquarters and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, the vision for the Canadian golf campus on the grounds of TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley will feature the national headquarters for First Tee – Canada which will include a publicly accessible community putting green and an indoor training centre.
Golf Ontario and the Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC) have committed to relocate their corporate headquarters to Caledon, Ont., collaborating with Golf Canada to embrace the golf community and develop a dynamic home campus for Canadian golf. The PGA of Canada has also committed to a strategic partnership with Golf Canada to assist in executing grassroots component along with coaching and training activities.
The invitation for Canadian golf industry partners as well as government stakeholders, and long-time global affiliates at the R&A, PGA TOUR, and LPGA Tour to plug into the Home for Canadian Golf, will be signature moment in the advancement of the sport of golf in Canada.
“Our vision to be a world leader in golf contemplates more than just a physical building—culture, collaboration, and innovation are critical elements,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Establishing a new headquarters and a Canadian golf campus with our partners to meet, play, train, plan, celebrate and collaborate, represents a transformative moment to advance the sport. The vision that the Humeniuk family and the leadership group at Osprey Valley have invited us to be a part of with this world-class property is progressive and incredibly exciting.”
TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley is a renowned 54-hole golf facility in Peel Region, located in the heart of Caledon, Ont. The property is currently undergoing a significant privately funded expansion and commercial development that includes the construction of new clubhouse and conference amenities as well as improvements to the practice facility and guest experience with accommodations and hosting facilities onsite.
For Osprey Valley President Chris Humeniuk, partnering with Golf Canada and industry partners to bring a Canadian golf campus to life is part of the ongoing story of Osprey Valley becoming a signature destination for Canadian golf and an effort to uplift the game of golf in Canada.
“We’re thrilled by the vision presented by Laurence and the entire Golf Canada team and are elated to collaborate with partners who share our vision of elevating golf to new heights in this country,” said Humeniuk. “Our family has long dreamed of Osprey Valley as a great Canadian golf destination, and we believe this announcement is a wonderful addition to the momentum we’ve been fortunate to experience in recent years.”
TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley has welcomed a number of signature events in Canadian golf including the Osprey Valley Open on PGA TOUR Canada as well as Golf Canada’s Junior Skills Challenge National Event. The facility has also hosted qualifier events for both the RBC Canadian Open and the US Open and has committed to host the 2026 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO.
In 2021, the Humeniuk Family Foundation and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley made a major chapter-founding gift to Golf Canada Foundation that aligns with the property serving as the national headquarters for First Tee – Canada.
Phase one of the Home for Canadian Golf project—which will include the corporate headquarters, a reinvigoration of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, and a 30,000 square foot community putting green inspired by the Himalayas Putting Course in St. Andrews – will break ground in 2023 with an expected completion by 2025.
The vision for phase two includes the development of First Tee – Canada National Headquarters that will support coaching education and programming for First Tee chapters across Canada. The indoor short game complex will double as a national talent identification centre for the next generation of Canadian players, bolstering Golf Canada’s goal to advance 30 Canadians to the LPGA and PGA Tours by 2032.
For the leadership group at Golf Ontario and the Club Management Association of Canada, joining forces on the Canadian golf campus was an opportunity for deeper collaboration across the sport.
“We are thrilled to rally and support this tremendous project and new home for Canadian golf, helping to unify and provide the golf community a true base which will no doubt create efficiencies, inspire collaboration, and help introduce more participants to our great sport,” said Golf Ontario CEO Mike Kelly.
“Our purpose is to develop, promote and support the profession of club management by providing educational and networking opportunities for our members, including golf, city, multisport, yacht, faculty and social clubs,” said Suzanne Godbehere, CEO of the Club Management Association of Canada. “Integrating CMAC’s operation into the Canadian golf campus really is a special opportunity for thought sharing with our partners.”
The PGA of Canada and their members will plug into the Canadian golf campus with the delivery of grassroots programs as well as training, education, and coaching upon the completion of phase two.
“Having a destination for PGA of Canada professionals to come together for education and junior golf program development including First Tee – Canada training will be a huge boost for the growth of our sport,” said Kevin Thistle, CEO of the PGA of Canada. “Collaboration and innovation with partners have always been driving forces in Canadian golf and there is no doubt that a campus environment will bolster these experiences.”
Cost for phase one of the Home for Canadian Golf project is estimated at approx. $20M and the financial funding model will be led by Golf Canada along with a donation from Osprey Valley.
Phase two of development is expected to cost $10M and will only proceed upon successful fundraising campaigns supported by the Golf Canada Foundation and private donors as well as through naming rights, contributions from industry partners, and government support.
The Home for Canadian Golf project aligns with a multi-million-dollar Drive Campaign launched by the Golf Canada Foundation to fund First Tee – Canada headquarters, chapters, and programming along with enhancements to Team Canada’s high-performance program. To date, $36.9M of the $70M fundraising goal has been secured through major gift donations.
“We’re excited to partner with the Humeniuk family, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, and Golf Canada on a new Home for Canadian Golf,” said Golf Canada Foundation CEO Martin Barnard. “Not only will this become home for the Foundation, but it will also anchor the Drive Campaign, unprecedented in Canadian sport. Our major donor Trustees have a long history of supporting up-and-coming Canadian players and have now also put substantial support behind launching First Tee in Canada, ensuring broad access for all young Canadians to the character-building life lessons the sport of golf can provide.”
The Town of Caledon has already extended its support towards becoming a hub community for Canadian golf with a recommendation to the Regional Municipality of Peel to approve a $2.5M investment towards bringing the project to life.
“I am thrilled that Caledon will be the new home of Golf Canada’s National Headquarters and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum,” said Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson. “In addition to the significant economic benefits to our community, the campus will also feature the youth development program, First Tee, an accessible program designed to empower and inspire youth through sport – This is GREAT news for Caledon.”
Hicks Design Studio has been selected by Golf Canada as the architect of record to bring the Canadian golf campus to life. The announcement of the Home for Canadian Golf follows several years of due diligence by Golf Canada to explore a long-term solution and forward-looking vision for the relocation of its corporate headquarters as well as the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, which are currently located on the grounds of Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
Once complete, the Home for Canadian Golf will be a multifaceted, world-class tourist facility that will support community recreational benefits; drive inclusivity and community among equitydeserving youth; and become a foundational pillar that supports grassroots participation and high-performance golf.
Chuback, Kartusch, Moro & Peake advance to Nationals following NextGen Prairie Championship
Brian Munz
Inclement weather cancelled the final 18 holes of play Sunday at Quarry Oaks Golf Course to conclude Golf Canada’s NextGen Prairie Championship.
The top 6 players after 36 holes on the leaderboard earned a birth into their respective Boys and Girls National Championship.
Jack Moro, of Whitewater Golf Club, placed 3rd at 2 over par 146 (73, 73) while Team Manitoba member Grady Chuback of St. Charles Country Club finished 6th on the leaderboard at 6 over par 150 (78-72) in Junior Boys. That gives them a trip to Kamloops, British Columbia for the Canadian Junior Boys Championship August 7th to 10th at Rivershore Golf Links.
Team Manitoba members Addison Kartusch, also of St. Charles and Clara Peake, a Golf Manitoba Public Players Club member tied for 5th place with a 161 total. Kartusch was 82-79 while Peake finished 78-83.
Both players advance to the Canadian Junior Girls Championship at The Marshes Golf Club in Ottawa, Ontario July 26th to 29th.
For the complete NextGen Prairie Championship leaderboard, click here.
Western Canada’s top junior golfers are in Steinbach this weekend at Quarry Oaks Golf Course taking part in the Golf Canada Next Gen Prairie Championship.
The 54 hole event features players from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Western Ontario.
“It is very rewarding and exciting for our course to host these great championships, we want to be sure to put on a good show for all the competitors and give them a very positive experience of Quarry Oaks” said Quarry Oaks Head Professional Darren Hayden. “Golf Manitoba & Golf Canada have been great partners to work with on these events and enjoy the relationship we have with them. We are proud of how the events have turned out and trust that the events were received in a positive light by all involved. As a host course we hope to gain great exposure to golfers who are not familiar with the quality of our facility”.
The top 6 male competitors (including ties) will earn a spot in the upcoming Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, August 7-10, at Rivershore Estates & Golf Links in Kamloops, B.C. The top 6 female golfers (including ties) will also earn exemptions into this year’s Canadian Junior Girls Championship, July 25-29, at The Marshes Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont.
The starting field will feature 89 players – 67 Junior Boys and 22 Junior Girls – vying for a spot in their respective Canadian Junior Championship later this summer.
Armstrong, playing for the University of Fraser Valley Cascades, finished his four rounds with a 9 under par 279 (69, 72, 69, 69) total.
That was good for a second place on the leaderboard, only two strokes back of Aidan Schumer of the UBC Thunderbirds.
With the silver medal performance, Armstrong will represent Team Canada at the World University Championship next month in Italy.
Five members of the University of Manitoba Bisons (Lachlan Allerton, Brent Ingram, Stefan Lavallee, Cole Peters and Connor Stewart) were also in the field, however failed to make the cut following 36 holes.
Lavallee top Bison after opening round at Canadian University / College Championship
Brian Munz
Stefan Lavallee had the low round of the day for members of the University of Manitoba Bisons Men’s Golf team during the opening round of the Canadian University / College Championship in Bromont, Quebec.
Lavallee’s scorecard featured one eagle and five birdies on his way to even par 72. That puts him tied for 11th overall.
Samuel Breton Gagnon of the Champlain St. Lawrence Lions and Aiden Schumer of the UBC Thunderbirds share the lead after 18 holes at five under par 67.
Following the third round, the field will be cut to the low ten (10) Male teams and the low six (6) Female teams, including any team within 15 shots of the lead. Individuals within 10 shots of third place, including any player within the top 10, will also make the cut.
The 72-hole stroke play event – which was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic – was last played in 2019 and hosted by the Fanshawe College Falcons at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont. In contrast to recent years, there will be no official host school for this year’s event held in Quebec’s Eastern Townships.
The University of British Columbia enters this year’s tournament as the defending champions of both the Men’s and Women’s divisions. In 2019, the women’s team captured their fourth consecutive national championship with a one-stroke victory over the Laval Rouge et Or, while the men’s team erased a nine-stroke deficit to knock off the Western Mustangs in the final round via a playoff.
The UBC women have won 14 of the last 17 team event titles – easily the most in the competition’s history. The T-Birds also have the most men’s team championships with six.
Sarah Dunning of the University of Guelph was crowned champion of the Women’s individual competition and Charles Fitzsimmons of Western University took home the honours on the Men’s side in 2019. Neither Dunning, nor Fitzsimmons will be returning to defend their titles this year.
Golf Canada is pleased to announce its 2022 championship schedule, which includes amateur and professional competitions in addition to various qualifiers hosted at golf facilities across Canada.
The 2022 schedule is headlined by Golf Canada’s signature professional championships — the RBC Canadian Open, June 6-12, at St. George’s Golf & Country Club with host practice facility, Islington Golf Club in Toronto, Ont., and the CP Women’s Open, to be conducted August 22-28 at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont.
Golf Canada’s 2022 competition calendar includes nine National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, eight NextGen Championships fueled by JOURNIE Rewards, and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship presented by Sargent Farms. Interprovincial team competitions played concurrently over the first 36 holes at select national championships will return in 2022.
As the National Sport Federation and governing body of golf in Canada, Golf Canada conducts the country’s premier amateur and professional golf championships to support the development of the nation’s top talent through world-class competition.
“Golf Canada is incredibly proud to return to a full championship schedule in 2022 and welcome more than 3,000 talented Canadian and international athletes to our national championships,” said Golf Canada’s CEO, Laurence Applebaum. “Together with our host clubs, corporate partners, and volunteers that help drive the success of our events, there is incredible momentum in our sport as we look ahead to the 2022 season.”
Golf Canada’s championship season kicks off on May 13 in Nanaimo, B.C. with the NextGen Pacific Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards at Nanaimo Golf Club, and concludes in October with the World Junior Girls Golf Championship, presented by Sargent Farms at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont.
To view Golf Canada’s 2022 championship schedule, including all host venues, registration requirements and volunteer opportunities, please click here.
Championship Season at a Glance…
The 18th playing of the Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO will be held June 1-4 at Golf Château Bromont. The championship includes both a team and individual component featuring Canada’s top university and college talent.
The 108th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO takes place July 19-22 at Westmount Golf & Country Club in Kitchener, Ont. with the champion earning an exemption into the 2022 CP Women’s Open, as well as an exemption into the 2022 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. The winner also receives exemptions into the 2023 U.S. Girls’ Junior, 2022 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur and 2023 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championships, if applicable.
The 67th Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO will be contested July 26-29 at The Marshes Golf Club in Ottawa, Ont. where the winner will earn an exemption into the 2023 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and the 2023 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.
The 117th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO will be contested August 1-4 at Point Grey Golf & Country Club in Vancouver, B.C and Seymour Golf & Country Club in North Vancouver, B.C. A maximum field of 264 players will be cut to the low 70 players and ties after 36 holes, with the final two rounds contested at Point Grey. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, as well as an invitation to the 2022 U.S. Amateur Championship. The winner will also receive an exemption from local qualifying for the 2023 U.S. Open, and if applicable, will earn an exemption into the 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur, 2022 U.S. Senior Amateur or 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur Championships.
The 83rd playing of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO will be contested August 7-10 at Rivershore Golf Links in Kamloops, B.C. with the winner earning an exemption into the 2023 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship and 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.
The Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO will be held August 23-26 at The Thornhill Club in Thornhill, Ont., while the club is celebrating its 100th anniversary this season.
The Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur and Senior Championship, presented by BDO will be held August 30 – September 1, at Breezy Bend Country Club in Headingley, M.B. with the Senior champion earning an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship and 2023 U.S. Senior Women’s Open.
As part its centennial anniversary, Red Deer Golf & Country Club in Red Deer, Alta. will host the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO from September 6-9, with the champion earning an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship.
The second playing of the Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO, a national championship for players with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments, will be held September 13-14 at Essex Golf & Country Club in Windsor, Ont.
The NextGen Championships, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards is a high-performance junior golf series which totals eight competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2022 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. The 2022 NextGen Championship host clubs include Nanaimo Golf Club (Nanaimo, B.C.), Oak Bay Golf Club (Port Severn, Ont.), Pine Hills Golf Club (Rocky Mountain House, Alta.), Quarry Oaks (Steinbach, MB), Club de Golf Hemmingford (Hemmingford, Qué.), and Antigonish Golf & Country Club (Antigonish, NS). An additional two Fall Series championships will take place in September and October, where players will compete for exemptions into their respective 2023 national junior championships.
An accomplished field of international competitors will take to Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont., from October 10-15, for the seventh annual World Junior Girls Golf Championship, presented by Sargent Farms. The event will welcome 25 countries playing as 3-member squads competing for both a team and individual title.
Golf Canada has also confirmed that it will not be continuing with the National Orders of Merit, beginning in 2022. Previously used to track golfer performance, the rankings will be replaced by a comprehensive talent identification system that supports the new Canadian golf high-performance strategy.
Golfers share their 2021 stats as part of new Golf Canada #MyGolfYear campaign
Golf Manitoba
OAKVILLE – (Golf Canada) – Some golfers claim their favourite aspect of the game is recanting highlights (and maybe even some lowlights) with friends following a round of golf.
Now, members of Golf Canada and their respective provincial golf association who track their games with Golf Canada Score Centre can do just that… digitally.
Introducing Golf Canada #MyGolfYear – a retrospective of a member’s golf year generated by the scoring data posted to the Golf Canada Score Centre in 2021.
Statistics on the graphics, which were emailed direct to members on December 28th, 2021, include total best round, number of holes played, distance played and most-played golf courses.
Golfers who posted scores using hole-by-hole method will see additional statistics added to their graphics, including total number of pars, birdies or better and holes-in-one.
Golf Canada is encouraging members to share their graphics with friends via email or post them to their favourite social networking platform using the hashtag #MyGolfYear. Below are just a few examples shared since the inaugural campaign launched.
Allan Ross of Calgary was the only player to shoot even par in the opening round of the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship at the Club de Golf Le Manoir Richelieu in La Malbaie, Quebec.
Ross’ 72 is one stroke better than Darren Ritchie of New Brunswick, Saskatchewan’s Rick Hallberg and Norman Bradley of British Columbia.
Tom Humniski of Elmhurst Golf & Country Club is the top Manitoban carding a six over par 78, placing him 30th on the leaderboard.
Also representing our province:
Dwayne Heinrichs (Bel Acres Golf & Country Club) +9, 81 Garth Collings (Breezy Bend Country Club) +11, 83 Gerald Diamond (St. Charles Country Club) +11, 83 David Klowak (Golf Manitoba Public Player) +12, 84 Dan Scanlon (Golf Manitoba Public Player) +12, 84 Ken Warwick (Niakwa Country Club) +15, 87 Russel Slobodian (Rossmere Country Club) +18, 90 Ike Bueckert (Steinbach Fly-In Golf Club) +18, 90 Mike Berney (Transcona Golf Club) +23, 95
Winnipeg’s Jack Taylor at Team Canada Development Squad Selection Camp
Brian Munz
Golf Manitoba Junior Boys Development team member Jack Taylor, of St. Charles Country Club, is one of 22 men in Toronto this week looking to impress Golf Canada at their annual Development Squad Selection Camp.
Heading into this selection camp, Golf Manitoba Junior Boys Development Head Coach Derrik Goodwin believes the future is bright for Taylor based on what he puts into his preparation.
“It has been a privilege to watch Jack grow over the past couple seasons. Implementing regular strength training and fitness sessions into his regular routine has really allowed him to take the next step in his game. Jack has become bigger and stronger, allowing him to pick up some serious distance off the tee” said Goodwin. The detail he puts into his golf training sessions is something all juniors can learn from. He comes with a plan to the course each day knowing exactly what he is going to practice, and how he is going to practice it. From short game to full swing, he is constantly working his plan to improve. The biggest part to his success over the past year has been his off-season training. Jack doesn’t take time off; he continues to work on his swing and putting indoors in the off-season which keeps him sharp 12 months of the year.”
Taylor played his first round at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley carding a six over par 78 and is tied for 18th on the leaderboard.