The PGA of Canada and Golf Canada are delighted to announce the eight talented coaches selected for the 2025 Women in Coaching program. This initiative, now in its fifth year, is dedicated to increasing the representation of female high-performance coaches to better reflect the diversity of the Canadian golf community.
The 2025 participants are:
- Jennifer MacKinnon – Earl Grey Golf Club, Senior Associate Golf Professional
- Katie White – Fox Meadow Golf Course, Head Teaching Professional and PEI Provincial Golf Coach
- Elizabeth Stewart – Edmonton Petroleum Club, Associate Golf Professional and Pandas Women’s Golf Coach at the University of Alberta
- Morgan Matchett – Miramichi Golf and Country Club, Assistant Professional
- Katy Rutherford – Silver Springs Golf & Country Club, Manager of Player Development
- Naixin (Sophia) Li – So Golf Academy Inc., Principal & Head Pro
- Kayla Burke – Lambton Golf & Country Club, Assistant Golf Professional
- Anne Balser – Oakfield Golf & Country Club, Associate Golf Professional
“I am truly thrilled to be part of this year’s Women in Coaching program,” said Sophia Li. “Over the years, I have gained invaluable teaching experience through continuous learning and the accumulation of knowledge, which has given me the opportunity to further my studies with national-level coaches. Every effort and dedication along the way has been immensely rewarding. I look forward to elevating my coaching to new heights and sharing the insights I gain with my students, both now and in the future.”
“It’s an honour to be part of this year’s Women in Coaching program. I’ve heard nothing but great things from past participants, and I’m excited for the opportunity to learn from not only the top women in the industry, but some of the best coaches in the country,” said Anne Balser. “I’m looking forward to catching up with two of my Atlantic Zone colleagues and collaborating with all the talented women, from across the country, who will be attending. This will be an invaluable experience, both personally and professionally.”
Each participant will engage in a comprehensive year-long program that includes:
- Personalized learning plans with guidance from Master Coach Developer Beth Barz.
- Coach shadowing opportunities with esteemed professionals, including Golf Canada national team coaches Salimah Mussani and Jennifer Greggain.
- Virtual learning sessions tailored to developing a community of practice for women coaches.
- In-person technical development sessions designed to enhance coaching skills.
This program is made possible through the generous support of the Jocelyn Bourassa Legacy Fund (JBLF), which is committed to shaping the future of women in golf by creating strong leaders and role models.
Past participants have praised the program’s impact on their careers. Kat Kennedy, a 2023 participant, remarked, “The Women in Coaching Program has significantly boosted both my confidence and hands-on experience as a coach. Through specialized coaching education, leadership training, and personalized mentorship, I’ve been able to refine my skills, gain valuable insights from other experienced Canadian women coaches, and build a stronger belief in my abilities as a coach.”
The 2025 program will commence with an in-person session in late March at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, Alta., followed by another in November, where participants will have the opportunity to shadow national team coaches and participate in hands-on technical development sessions.
For more information about the Women in Coaching program, please click here.