Golf Canada, in partnership with Wellington Estates, announced the expansion of the She Plays Golf initiative to three Canadian markets in 2024, following a successful pilot in Calgary during the Glencoe Invitational in 2023.
This expansion will introduce new events in Greater Vancouver and Greater Toronto, offering a unique celebration of women’s golf through the She Plays Golf Championship Series, which includes a $60,000 CAD professional golf championship in each city.
The She Plays Golf Championship Series is a significant step towards revitalizing professional women’s golf in Canada, linking the Peloton Glencoe Invitational, GolfBC Group BC Women’s Open, and ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada.
This series not only provides a competitive platform for 60 professionals and elite amateurs over 54 holes but also offers the top two finishers from each event a spot in the CPKC Women’s Open on the LPGA Tour, highlighting the series’ importance in the professional golf landscape.
Participants in the She Plays Golf Championship Series will accumulate points towards a series-long standing, with the overall points leader gaining entry into the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open. This initiative, supported by Golf Canada’s Q school bursary program, underscores the organization’s commitment to nurturing female golf talent in Canada.
Complementing the professional series, She Plays Golf Festivals will run simultaneously, focusing on encouraging women and girls to engage with golf, whether they are seasoned players or new to the sport. These festivals aim to create a welcoming environment for female golf enthusiasts to explore the game further.
Laura Wilson, Golf Canada’s Director of Inclusion Programs and Safe Sport, emphasized the growing support for women’s sports in Canada, positioning She Plays Golf as a pivotal movement for enhancing women’s golf in the country. The initiative not only seeks to fill the gap in professional events for Canadian female golfers but also aims to inspire new participants through engaging and inclusive festival activities.
The 2024 Championship Series will kick off with the Peloton Glencoe Invitational in Calgary, Alberta, followed by events in Pitt Meadows, B.C., and the Greater Toronto Area, promising an exciting lineup of tournaments and festivals. Each championship will feature a $60,000 purse, WAGR points, and LPGA Tour qualifying spots, highlighting the competitive and rewarding nature of the series.
Golf Canada is also developing resources for over 1600 member facilities to host their own She Plays Golf Festival events, drawing on successful women’s programs across the country to ensure a positive introduction to the sport. As She Plays Golf looks to expand further in 2025 and beyond, Canadian companies and organizations are encouraged to support the growth of women’s golf from grassroots to professional levels.
