Golf Ontario is proud to announce that Alena Sharp, Archie Berube, Grant Fraser, and Charles Blair MacDonald will be inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025. Additionally, Doug Ball will be honoured with the prestigious Lorne Rubenstein Media Award for his outstanding contributions to golf photojournalism. 

The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on May 7 at its home, Wooden Sticks Golf Course in Uxbridge, Ont. 

“Each of our 2025 inductees has made a profound impact on golf in Ontario, and we look forward to celebrating their incredible achievements on May 7,” said Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane. “The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is always a special occasion—bringing together past and present inductees to honour their legacies and celebrate the great game of golf in our province.” 

2025 Inductees 

Alena Sharp, Player Category

Alena Sharp has enjoyed a remarkable professional golf career spanning more than two decades on the LPGA Tour. A standout junior, amateur, and collegiate player, she captured several prestigious titles, including the Canadian Junior Championship (1999); Ontario Junior Championship (1997, 1998); and Ontario Ladies Amateur Championship (1999), attending the University of Denver on a golf scholarship, where she honed her skills and established herself as a standout player before turning professional in 2003. 

Since joining the LPGA Tour in 2005, Sharp has secured victories on the Epson Tour (two wins), West Coast Ladies Tour (four wins), Cactus Tour (two wins), and Canadian Women’s Pro Tour (three wins). A three-time PGA of Canada Women’s Champion, she has proudly represented Canada on the international stage, competing in three Olympic Games (2016, 2021, 2024), the 2008 World Cup, and the 2023 Pan Am Games, where she earned a bronze medal. 

In addition to her success on the course, Alena is known for her commitment to promoting the game of golf and inspiring the next generation of golfers, especially young women. She is also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and has used her platform to promote positive conversations surrounding mental well-being in sports. 

Off the course, Sharp enjoys engaging with her fans and remains deeply involved in charitable initiatives, including those aimed at growing the game of golf in Canada. With her talent, perseverance, and positive influence, Sharp continues to make a significant impact on the LPGA Tour and the sport of golf as a whole. 

Archie Berube, Builder Category

Archie Berube is a dedicated volunteer, leader, and advocate who has played a pivotal role in the growth and revitalization of the Northern Golf Association (NGA) for over 25 years. His contributions to the game of golf in Northern Ontario over the past several decades are nothing short of remarkable. As a steadfast leader, Berube has been a guiding force for the NGA, helping to navigate its most challenging years and secure a future of growth and success for golfers in the region. 

In the late 2000s, Archie recognized the need for change and began to recruit younger, energetic members to the NGA board of directors. This new wave of leadership helped the organization find its footing, embracing social media and fostering positive engagement with member clubs. Under Mr. Berube’s guidance, the NGA re-established a crucial dialogue with Golf Ontario, setting the stage for a revitalized relationship that would benefit all parties involved. By 2016, significant progress had been made, leading to the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the NGA, Golf Ontario, and Golf Canada. In November 2018, under Berube’s leadership, the NGA signed the MOU, marking a major milestone in the organization’s history and securing its place in the provincial and national golf scene. 

Thanks to Berube’s vision and determination, the NGA has grown substantially since 2009, expanding from 12 member clubs to 33 by 2024. The organization’s successful collaboration with Golf Ontario and Golf Canada has allowed Northern Ontario to host more Provincial and National Golf Championships than ever before, including events like the 2022 Golf Ontario Junior Boys Championship and the 2024 Golf Ontario Mid-Amateur Championship. Berube’s leadership has played a critical role in securing these prestigious events for the region, benefiting not only the NGA but also local communities that have hosted these competitions. 

Beyond his work with the NGA, Berube is deeply involved in the broader golf community. He serves as a volunteer at Golf Ontario qualifiers and Provincial Championships and is a member of the Northern Ratings Team, responsible for over 30 golf course ratings in Northern Ontario since 2018. He also plays a significant role at the Hollinger Golf Club, where he oversees the Starter/Marshal Program and contributed to the club’s expansion to an 18-hole facility. 

Berube’s dedication to the sport of golf extends beyond his volunteer work. He has been instrumental in developing grassroots programs, and under his leadership, the Hollinger Golf Club was a finalist for Golf Canada’s National Facility Awards in the Grassroots Junior Program category. His contributions have been recognized on a provincial level with his induction into the Timmins Sports Heritage Hall of Fame in 2018. 

Archie Berube’s legacy in Northern Ontario golf is one of perseverance, leadership, and unwavering commitment. He has helped shape the future of the sport in the region, ensuring that it remains vibrant and accessible for generations to come. As the Northern Golf Association prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, Mr. Berube’s efforts will be remembered as a cornerstone of the organization’s success. His influence on the game, his community, and the people he has mentored will continue to resonate for many years to come. 

Grant Fraser, Builder Category

Grant Fraser is a pioneer in golf management education. For more than 30 years, the programs Fraser established have impacted a new generation of golf industry leaders in Ontario and across Canada.   

In 1995, Fraser started the first Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program in Ontario at Humber College for the PGA of Canada. In 1998, Fraser received the College’s Innovator-of-the-Year Award in recognition for what he created. Twenty-twenty five marks the 30th anniversary of the program.  

In 1999, Fraser recognized a need to expand the breadth of golf management education which included all facets of the business including food and beverage, turf, sales, general management and administration, etc. With support from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, and ClubLink Corporation, Fraser launched the Golf Management Institute of Canada (GMIC), the first, and only, online golf management program in Canada. As well as offering its own online proprietary program in golf operations management, the GMIC, under Fraser’s direction, established numerous academic partnerships which included Niagara College, Georgian College, the University of Guelph, and Wilfrid Laurier University.  

In 2004, both Fraser and the GMIC received the Canadian Award for Training Excellence from the Canadian Society for Training and Development (CSTD).  In 2024, the GMIC celebrated its 25th year anniversary. 

Today, the GMIC’s program is now offered in partnership with McMaster University’s Centre for Continuing Education and is the only online golf program in Canada delivered by a Canadian University. For his contribution to continuing education, Fraser was presented with McMaster University’s Appreciation and Exceptional Service award in 2018.  

Beyond education, Fraser has shared his expertise internationally, including teaching in China and the U.S., and has made significant contributions to golf media as an award-winning writer and photographer for Flagstick magazine, and panelist for top course rankings. A dedicated industry leader, he has served on the boards of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada, Canadian Junior Golf Association, and the Hamilton/Halton Junior Golf Tour, among others. He has also volunteered on numerous committees for Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada, and Golf Ontario. 

Currently, Fraser is working with Golf Canada as the Manager, Home for Canadian Golf, where he is involved in the relocation of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and construction of Golf Canada’s new national headquarters at TPC Toronto Osprey Valley.  

For his work as an educator and impact on the current generation of golf industry professionals, Fraser was named an Honorary Director of the PGA of Canada in 2019. 

Charles Blair MacDonald, Builder Category

Born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Charles Blair Macdonald is regarded as the “Father of American Golf Course Architecture.” In 1893, he built the first 18-hole course in the United States, Chicago Golf Club, and pioneered the concept of replicating famous golf hole designs from Great Britain and Europe, a practice that continues to influence course design today. 

Beyond his architectural contributions, Macdonald helped found the United States Golf Association (USGA) in 1894 and played a key role in adopting the Royal and Ancient (R&A) rules as the official rules of golf in North America. An accomplished player, he won the inaugural U.S. Amateur Championship in 1895 and claimed victory at Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club’s first international tournament that same year. 

His legendary course designs, including National Golf Links of America on Long Island in New York and Mid Ocean in Bermuda, have left a lasting impact on the game. In 2007, he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame as one of only two Canadians to receive the honour.

Doug Ball, Lorne Rubenstein Media Award

Doug Ball’s career in photography and golf spans decades, capturing some of the sport’s most iconic moments. Born in London, Ont., in 1946, he developed a passion for photography at an early age, learning from his father, a Royal Canadian Air Force photographer. After starting his career with United Press International in 1966, he joined the Canadian Press in 1967, beginning a journey that took him around the world before he returned to Canada to work for the Ottawa Journal in 1972. That same year, he also played professional hockey in France. 

Rejoining the Canadian Press in 1973, Doug turned his focus to golf photography, covering PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour events, including major championships in North America and beyond. Based in Montreal, he captured historic moments such as Jocelyne Bourassa’s win at La Canadienne, Jack Nicklaus’s playoff loss to Tom Weiskopf in 1975, and Tiger Woods’ first Masters victory in 1997. He was also on hand for Mike Weir’s triumph at the 2003 Masters, among many other career highlights. 

Beyond golf, Doug’s photography portfolio includes iconic images of Pierre Trudeau’s pirouette at Buckingham Palace, Wayne Gretzky’s final NHL game, and multiple Stanley Cup and Olympic moments. He also played a key role in golf operations, serving as Director of Golf at Devil’s Pulpit after its founders, Trivial Pursuit creators Scott Abbott and Chris Haney, turned to him for his expertise. 

A widely respected photographer, Doug’s work has been featured in ClubLink, SCOREGolf magazine, and numerous golf books, including his 2005 publication, Life on a Press Pass, with his brother Lynn. His impact on golf and sports photography has earned him widespread recognition, including the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award. 

The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in the game of golf in Ontario. Founded in 2000 by the Ontario Golf Association and the Ontario Ladies’ Golf Association, the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is housed at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge, Ont. 

Nobelle Park of RattleSnake Point Golf Club and Barron Mundy of Mississaugua Golf and Country Club triumphed at the Ontario Junior Players Invitational in Myrtle Beach. Park, a Team Ontario member, held on to her first-round lead, finishing even-par in the final round to win at one-over for the tournament.

Mundy claimed the boys’ title with a 216 total (70-74-72), finishing even-par, while Team Ontario’s Jordan Hwang of Emerald Hills Golf & Country Club finished second at +1.

Several Team Ontario players made strong showings in the boys’ division at the Ontario Junior Players Invitational. Luke Smith of The Thornhill Club finished tied for 9th with a +10 total (80-74-72), while Chase Jerome of Royal Ottawa Golf Club claimed 3rd place with a +2 total (75-73-70). Bode Stephen of Cataraqui Golf & Country Club tied for 4th at +3 (77-73-69), and Spencer Shropshire of Hawk Ridge Golf Club finished tied for 9th with a +10 total (81-72-73). Gabriel Mainella of Summit Golf & Country Club rounded out the group, also tying for 9th with a +10 total (73-77-76). These Team Ontario athletes showcased their skill and competitiveness throughout the event.

In the girls’ competition, Team Ontario players dominated the leaderboard. Nobelle Park led the way with a +6 total (75-72-75), while her teammate and sister, Kaprice Park, finished second at +7 (75-74-74). Alexis Card of Galt Country Club secured third place with a +8. Team Ontario also placed several other players in the top 10, including Sadie Wu, Claire Roberts, Kaylan Green, Amelia McFarlane, Avery Nordman, and former Team Ontario player Angela Cai showcasing the depth of talent from Ontario.

For the full leaderboard, CLICK HERE.

FAST FACTS

• All Team Ontario Girls finished in the Top 10.
• The lowest girls’ score was 71, achieved by Riviera Lindholm (St. Georges G&CC).
• Seven of the Top 10 boys are Team Ontario members.
• The lowest boys’ score was 69, achieved by Bode Stephen (Team Ontario).
• The 5th hole was the toughest, with an average score of 3.88.
• The 4th hole was the second toughest, averaging 4.67.
• The easiest hole was the 9th, with an average score of 4.07.
• The course’s scoring average was 80.33

Golf Ontario honours the contributions of women of all ages to the sport of golf.  We appreciate you today, on International Women’s Day, and throughout the year as you participate in our Women’s Try and Women’s Learn events as well as in Golf Ontario’s women’s qualifiers and championships held annually across the province. We remain committed to increasing the number of women whose lives are positively impacted by golf experiences.

The 2025 Ontario Junior Players Invitational will take place March 10-11 at the renowned Parkland Course at Legends Golf Resort in Myrtle Beach, S.C. 

This prestigious event will showcase the top junior talent from across Ontario, with a field size of 84 players, including 61 boys and 23 girls. 

The Invitational will follow a 54-hole stroke play format. Players will compete in 36 holes over two rounds on March 10, with a final 18-hole round on March 11. 

Notably, the field will include 17 Team Ontario players; 14 Next Wave players; one Golf Canada Next Gen team member; four Next Wave alumni, and two Team Ontario alumni. This year’s field includes some of Ontario’s top-ranked juniors, including the defending champions and 2024’s No.1-ranked U19 players on the Junior Golf Pathway Rankings: 

• Gabriel Mainella – Summit Golf & Country Club 

• Nobelle Park – Rattlesnake Point Golf Club 

Also competing are the 2024 Ontario U17 Champions: 

• Dawson Lew – Wyndance Golf Club 

• Avery Nordman – Canadian Golf & Country Club 

Additionally, Team Canada NextGen member and 2024 Ontario Junior Boys Amateur Championship runner-up Jager Pain from Station Creek Golf Club, along with Angela Cai, the 2024 Ontario Super Camp Invitational Champion from Heron Point Golf Links, are set to compete. 

For the full field and tee times, CLICK HERE. 

” The Ontario Junior Players Invitational is the perfect way to kick off the 2025 Golf Ontario Championship Season,” says Junior Players Invitational Tournament Director Connor Doyle. “We’re excited to return to Legends Golf Resort, this time on the Parkland Course, which will provide a great test for a highly competitive field featuring Team Canada Next Gen, Team Ontario, and Next Wave players, along with many of the top-ranked juniors from the 2024 season. ” 

The event promises to be a thrilling showcase of Ontario’s next generation of elite golfers, with top talent and intense competition on display. 

For more information about the Ontario Junior Players Invitational, CLICK HERE. 

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.

Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Tom Forestell of Toronto, Ont. has been named as the 2024 recipient of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year award.

A passionate golfer and enthusiast for the Rules of Golf, Forestell is a longtime volunteer with Golf Canada, most recently serving as Chair of the Rules and Amateur Status Committee. He has officiated at countless provincial, national and international golf competitions and has played an impactful role in supporting Golf Canada’s Rules Education program.

In 2024, Forestell completed his final year serving as Committee Chair for Golf Canada’s Rules and Amateur Status Committee.  

“The Rules of Golf are an integral part of the game and Tom Forestell is among the very best when it comes to Rules education and their implementation,” said Golf Canada President David McCarthy. “Tom has proudly represented Golf Canada for years at our Amateur Championships and National Open Championships and has offered valuable council to many over the years. He is a truly deserving recipient and as he concludes his term as Rules Chair, Golf Canada is proud to name Tom the 2024 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year.”

The Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award is named in recognition of Toronto native Bruce Mitchell who, in 2017-18, was the first Canadian to serve as captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A). Born in Victoria and raised in Edmonton, the former President of the Toronto Golf Club and R&A member since 1988 was just the ninth internationally appointed captain of the R&A, one of the most prestigious volunteer positions in the world of golf. Duties as captain included representing the R&A as a global ambassador and aiding in the R&A’s effort to develop golf around the world.

Now in its 19th year, candidates for the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award are put forth to Golf Canada for consideration by the respective provincial golf associations in acknowledgment of significant contributions to the game of golf in their community.

Tom Forestell

A longtime member of the Emerald Hills Golf Club, Tom Forestell of Toronto is a passionate supporter for the Rules of Golf and has served as the Golf Canada Rules & Amateur Status Committee Chair. As Chair, he has represented Canada on the R&A Rules of Golf Committee and sits on the Joint Rules Committee with representatives from the R&A and USGA.

He is a member of Golf Canada’s Audit & Risk Committee and sits on the Amateur Competitions Committee.

Forestell has represented Golf Canada internationally at numerous high-profile events including The PLAYERS Championship, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the World Amateur Team Championships. He has represented Golf Canada on the Rules Committee at the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open and has served as Tournament Rules Chair and on the Rules Committee at the World Junior Girls Championship, Canadian Women’s and Men’s Amateur Championships, the RBC Canadian Open Final Qualifier, the RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier, the U.S. Open Local Qualifier, the U.S. Open Final Qualifier, the Canadian U15 Championship and the BDO National Golf League Finals.

Committed to sharing his passion for the Rules of Golf, Forestell has been an instructor at the Golf Canada Regional Referee School. His involvement with Golf Canada’s Rules Education program includes the creation of mock exams, updating presentations and instruction on the 8-week instructional program.

Always willing to share his expertise, Forestell frequently responds to Rules questions from other officials across the country. He has done an incredible amount of work to support Golf Canada’s Amateur Championships and the Rules of Golf. He travels extensively to officiate at tournaments and his deep expertise has had a meaningful impact at Golf Canada.

Golf Ontario is pleased to announce a new partnership with Golf Away Tours, which sees the Toronto-based travel company become the presenting sponsor of the Golf Ontario Member Golf Trips program. This partnership is designed to provide Golf Ontario members with unique golf travel experiences, connecting them to top destinations around the world.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Golf Away Tours,” said Golf Ontario CEO Kyle
McFarlane. “TJ and the team at Golf Away Tours are known for their exceptional service and expertise in golf travel. Their concierge-level approach is highly valued, and I’m excited for them to bring that experience to Golf Ontario members.”

Founded in 1998, Golf Away Tours is Canada’s premier boutique golf travel company, specializing in customized golf travel experiences for more than 25 years. Their core destinations include Ireland, Scotland, Portugal and the Caribbean. The Golf Away Tours team spends several weeks each year visiting destinations around the globe and scouting the best hotels, transportation, restaurants, activities and, of course, golf courses. Clients have also been set up with dream golf trips in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and continental Europe.

“At Golf Away Tours, we’re passionate about creating unforgettable golf travel experiences, and we’re thrilled to partner with Golf Ontario to bring that expertise to their members,” said TJ Rule, owner of Golf Away Tours. “Whether it’s a bucket-list trip to Scotland, a winter getaway to the Caribbean or a customized golf adventure, we look forward to helping Golf Ontario members experience the world’s best golf destinations with the same concierge-level service we’re known for.”

Golf Ontario members should keep an eye out for exclusive travel insights, destination highlights and curated golf trip opportunities from Golf Away Tours.

Understanding Handicapping: Leveling the Playing Field in Golf

Handicapping in golf is essential for ensuring fair competition, allowing players of all skill levels to compete on an equitable basis. It provides a standardized way to measure progress, set achievable goals, and enjoy the game alongside others—regardless of ability.

By adjusting scores based on course difficulty and individual skill levels, the handicap system promotes inclusivity and camaraderie within the sport. Whether playing in friendly rounds or competitive events, a handicap ensures every golfer has a fair chance to win or place, making the game more accessible and enjoyable for all.

Join Our WHS Handicapping Education Seminars

To help golfers, course operators, handicap committee members, and golf professionals better understand handicapping, Golf Ontario is hosting WHS (World Handicap System) Handicapping Education Seminars on:

March 26th: 2-4pm

April 2nd: 7-9pm

April 10th: 2-4pm

• These sessions are perfect for anyone looking to:
• Learn how handicaps are calculated
• Understand the importance of accurate scoring
• Navigate WHS rules and recent updates
• Enhance their knowledge for personal or club administration

Stay informed and improve your experience within the game by joining us for one of these valuable seminars.

SIGN UP TODAY BY CLICKING HERE

LEARN ABOUT HANDICAPPING

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.