OAKVILLE, ON – Golf Canada is proud to announce the winners and finalists of the 2024 National Facility Awards for Junior Golf, Presented by Humi.
First established in 2022, the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf were created to celebrate and recognize the vital role golf facilities across Canada play in developing young Canadian golfers. The awards focus on facilities that continue to make an oustanding commitment to junior golf by providing access to the first tee, programming, tournament hosting and grassroots development.
“Humi is honoured to present the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf for the second year,” said Kevin Kliman, CEO of Humi. “We’re proud to celebrate these facilities shaping junior golf nationwide and to continue working with Golf Canada as a valued client and partner in supporting hardworking Canadians and their businesses from coast-to-coast.”
The 2024 recipipents each exemplify leadership by providing opportunities for young golfers to play, learn, compete and thrive in the game.
“We are honoured to celebrate six outstanding facilities that have gone above and beyond to create accessible, welcoming, and safe environments for young Canadians to play golf. Their commitment to junior golf has made a lasting impact on their communities, often prioritizing youth access over full-paying revenue opportunities,” said Ryan Logan, Director of External Relations, Golf Canada. “This dedication not only strengthens opportunities for young golfers but also helps cultivate the next generation of avid and elite players.”
The 2024 winners and finalists are as follows:
Youth on Course Location of the Year
Awarded to a facility that demonstrates exceptional commitment to youth golf development by providing extensive course access through Youth on Course, leading to more juniors playing at a subsidized rate throughout the calendar year.
WINNER: Lakeridge Links Golf Club – Whispering Ridge (Whitby, Ont.)
With 677 unique participants and over 160% year-over-year growth, Whispering Ridge has demonstrated success in expanding junior golf participation. The club has successfully embedded Youth on Course alongside their junior programs and generates significant engagement. Whispering Ridge’s performance in growing junior participation highlight its commitment to the program’s success and the future of junior golf with 2,983 total subsidized rounds played in 2024. Led by Ryan Starr, Whispering Ridge’s partner course, El Dorado Golf Club has donated their course for the Ontario Youth on Course 100 Hole Hike three years in a row.
Finalist: Maple Ridge Golf Club (Calgary, Alta.)
Finalist: Cattail Crossing Golf & Winter Club (Edmonton, Alta.)
Tournament Host of the Year
Awarded to a facility that gives back to junior golf by embracing the opportunity to host junior competitions. The facility creates an excellent tournament experience for players and involves the local community through volunteers and fundraising support.
WINNER: Innisfail Golf Club (Innisfail, Alta.)
Innisfail Golf Club was the host of the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO. The club went above and beyond to provide a world-class experience for the field of competitors. From recruiting an incredibly involved Host Club Committee to tireless fundraising efforts, players and parents alike were welcomed with open arms. The golf course was kept in fantastic condition thanks to the greens staff as well as a team of dedicated volunteers.
Finalist: Pitt Meadows Golf Club (Pitt Meadows, B.C.)
Finalist: Gallagher’s Canyon Golf Club (Kelowna, B.C.)
First Tee – Canada Program of the Year
Awarded to a First Tee – Canada Program Location that demonstrates excellent enrolment in First Tee – Canada programming and makes a significant impact on growing participation among new juniors within its community.
WINNER: Roseland Golf & Curling Club (Windsor, Ont.)
Since becoming a First Tee – Canada Program location in 2023, Roseland Golf and Curling Club has supported the program by providing a dedicated 9-hole par-3 course each week, giving participants the space they need to develop their golf skills. In 2024, Roseland saw a 205% increase in participant engagement, reaching 55 individuals through First Tee programs and Try Golf events. As an RBC Community Junior Golf location, and located near organizations serving equity-deserving communities, Roseland ensures all programming is offered at no cost, making the game accessible to all. The club’s extensive roster of First Tee-certified coaches has been instrumental in driving this growth, offering expert guidance and creating meaningful opportunities for participants. A standout initiative last season was the introduction of “Caddy Nights,” where coaches acted as on-course caddies, guiding First Tee participants through a round of golf to build their confidence and introduce them to individual play, to assist them in transitioning to Youth on Course.
Finalist: Wildwood Golf Club (Saskatoon, Sask.)
Finalist: Country Meadows Golf Club (Indian Mountain, N.B.)
Grassroots Program of the Year
Awarded to a facility or academy program that is excelling at creating new junior golfers through local programming.
WINNER: NINE Golf Academy (Belleville, Ont.)
Junior golfers at NINE Golf Academy enjoy unlimited access to the golf course, driving range, and practice facilities, with discounted rates aimed at introducing new players. The academy runs programs for local schools and youth teams to offer golf access to those who may not otherwise have it. They also donate memberships to children’s charities like Make a Wish, Children’s Mental Health, and Rotary Loves Kids, contributing over 50 memberships in four years. In 2024, the Academy’s Junior Golf Program had 271 participants, with more girls than boys, and provided additional instruction to 61 children through the Children’s Aid Society. Over 300 local students participated in golf through their schools in partnership with NINE Golf Academy.
Finalist: Humber Valley Resort (Little Rapids, Nfld.)
Finalist: Bowen Island Golf Club (Bowen Island, B.C.)
Junior Golf Opportunity Award
Awarded to a facility that provides exceptional access and membership opportunities for junior golfers. Special consideration is given to facilities with strong non-family sponsored junior programs and facilities with fundraising programs to help athletes compete at provincial, national, and international competitions.
WINNER: Ledgeview Golf Club (Abbotsford, B.C.)
Ledgeview Golf Club provides junior golfers with free evening access when playing with an adult and offers a clear progression pathway through affordable programs and memberships. The club supports juniors through fundraising efforts like the Ledgeview Legacy Fund and bursaries, with local businesses sponsoring tournament fees and apparel. Programs are designed to be accessible, with a focus on encouraging female participation and community involvement. Additionally, the club offers a caddy program and works with the City of Abbotsford to expand opportunities for underprivileged youth.
Finalist: Dufferin Heights (Stanstead, Que.)
Finalist: Fraser Edmundston Golf Club (Edmundston, N.B.)
Competitive Junior Program of the Year
Awarded to a facility or academy program with many junior athletes competing in provincial and national championships and earning strong results in those championships.
WINNER: Marine Drive Golf Club (Vancouver, B.C.)
Marine Drive has a rich history of developing elite golfers and fosters an environment that attracts talented players. Juniors can join as official members starting at age 10, with the program open to both members’ children and non-member juniors, and a capacity of up to 165 juniors. The club has also introduced a Junior Development Fund, which encourages members to actively support and invest in the growth and success of the junior golfers. Established five years ago, it supports junior clinics and high-performance programs and thereby developing competitive standards that attract top players from the lower mainland of British Columbia.
Finalist: Summit Golf Club (Richmond Hill, Ont.)
Finalist: Glencoe Golf & Country Club (Calgary, Alta.)
Golf Canada extends its congratulations to all winners and finalists for their dedication to junior golf. Their efforts continue to shape the future of the sport, ensuring young golfers across the country have the opportunities and resources available to succeed.
For more information about the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf Presented by Humi, please visit golfcanada.ca/national-facility-awards-for-junior-golf/.
If you have any questions regarding the awards or nomination process, please feel free to email NFAJG@golfcanada.ca.