Claggett claims first exemption as part of the 2026 She Plays Golf Championship Series, presented by Audi

WHISTLER, B.C. – Team Canada member Tillie Claggett of Calgary, Alta. won the GolfBC Group BC Women’s Open by three shots at the Nicklaus North Golf Course in Whistler, B.C. on Saturday.

Claggett entered the final round with a two-stroke lead ahead of Team Canada members Nobelle Park of Oakville, Ont. and Ann Sophie Bougault of Gatineau, Que. who were both even par. Claggett held the same lead she had after the first round through the rest of the tournament, adding an extra stoke on no.18 to finish her round with a birdie.

Claggett finished the tournament at 3-under par carding 68-71-71-210, recording one eagle and 13 birdies over three days, as a result Claggett also earned the Audi Precision Award for her performance.

Claggett’s win at the GolfBC Group BC Women’s Open punches her ticket to this years CPKC Women’s Open as part of the She Plays Golf Championship Series, presented by Audi. This is Claggett’s second win as part of the Championship Series, having won the 2025 PGA Women’s Championship of Canada last summer. Claggett gained 2200 points with her victory, Park and Bourgault both received 1300 points in the season-long standings for the She Plays Golf Championship Series, presented by Audi Order of Merit.

Players who compete in the circuit accumulate points from their finishes that are put towards a season-long standings. The top finisher on the season-long point standings, who does not already have an exemption through winning a She Plays Golf Championship Series, presented by Audi event, also receives an exemption to the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open.

For the final standings, leaderboards and purse distribution from the GolfBC Group BC Women’s Open, please click here.

With stops around the country, the She Plays Golf Championship Series, presented by Audi provides an enhanced national qualifying path for players to punch their ticket into the CPKC Women’s Open. Anchored In three regions by a $60,000 CAD purse at two stops and $75,000 CAD at the Peloton Glencoe Invitational, each championship field features 60 professional and elite amateurs vying for an exemption into Canadia’s National Women’s Open.

The series successfully debuted as part of the Glencoe Invitational in 2023. Next stop for the She Plays Golf Championship Series, presented by Audi will be the Peloton Glencoe Invitational in Calgary, Alta. at The Glencoe Golf and Country Club from June 18-20. The final tournament will be the PGA Women’s Championship of Canada, taking place at Smiths Falls Golf and Country Club in Smith Falls, Ont. from July 14-16.

For more information on the She Plays Golf Championship Series, presented by Audi or to register for the tournaments, please click here.

Renewed partnership includes an enhanced commitment to Canadian women’s golf
at the amateur and professional levels

CALEDON, Ont. – Golf Canada and Audi Canada are proud to announce a long-term extension of their valued partnership that reaffirms Audi Canada’s commitment as the Official and Exclusive Automotive Partner of Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open through 2028.

Since joining Golf Canada in 2019, Audi Canada has been an instrumental partner in helping to grow and elevate the game across the country. Through its unwavering support of Canada’s National Open Championships and shared commitment to delivering world-class experiences for players and fans, Audi Canada has played a significant role in advancing the sport from coast to coast to coast.

As part of this enhanced partnership renewal, Audi Canada has deepened its commitment to help advance the women’s game in Canada, becoming a Foundational Partner of She Plays Golf. In addition, the three-event championship series will now be the She Plays Golf Championship Series presented by Audi. Following the championship series, Audi Canada will present the Audi Precision Award like with the CPKC Women’s Open, awarded to the tournament’s “most precise player.”

“We are thrilled to extend our longstanding partnership with Audi Canada. Together we share a vision of advancing the sport with excellence, precision and continued progress,” said Mark Palmer, Chief Commercial Officer, Golf Canada. “We value Audi Canada’s continued commitment to women’s golf in Canada as they deepen their support, becoming the presenting partner of the She Plays Golf Championship Series along with their support of amateur golf through the Audi quattro Cup. We look forward to Audi Canada’s premium experience offerings for fans at both National Open Championships this year.”

Audi Canada will continue to present the Audi Precision Award at the CPKC Women’s Open, given to the tournament’s “most precise player.” The winner will receive a $25,000 cash prize along with a matching donation made in their name to a local charity that focuses on growing and advancing women’s golf. Past winners include Lauren Coughlin (2024) and Sei Young Kim (2025).

Golf Canada and Audi Canada will continue to support the Audi quattro Cup, the world’s largest amateur golf tournament. Through this partnership, Golf Canada and Audi Canada have elevated the profile of the Audi quattro Cup in Canada by expanding its national footprint and providing elevated opportunities for more Canadian golfers. For over 30 years, the Audi quattro cup has welcomed 38 countries, 600 tournaments and 70,000 players annually competing to enter the Audi quattro Cup World Final.

In addition to Audi Canada’s extensive commitment to Canadian golf, Audi Canada is also the official Automotive Partner of Golf Talk Canada on TSN 1050 AM. Collectively bringing stories to fans across the country with TSN talents, Mark Zecchino, Adam Scully and Canadian Golf Hall of Famer, Bob Weeks. The partnership will feature an elevated presence at the TSN broadcast booth on-site at the RBC Canadian Open this year.

“Our partnership with Golf Canada is rooted in a shared commitment to excellence and delivering premium experiences both on and off the course—grounded in values like precision, performance, and progress. As we build on this momentum, we’re excited to elevate the Audi quattro Cup and continue creating meaningful opportunities that expand participation and inspire the next generation of Canadian golfers,” said Joseph Ottorino, Head of Marketing, Audi Canada.

Audi Canada will once again serve complimentary specialty coffee to fans at the 2026 RBC Canadian Open at the Refuel26Café along with premium Audi vehicles that fans can interact with on-site. Racing fans will also have the opportunity to see the Audi R26, Audi’s first-ever Formula One car at the RBC Canadian Open. Audi is currently competing in its first season in Formula One.

The renewed partnership will also see Audi Canada remain a Presenting Partner of the Golf Canada app, the number-one golf app in the country, which tracks game progress and scores while connecting users with colleagues and friends. The Golf Canada app, which also supports the spectator experience at the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open, is available as a free download from the App Store for iOS devices and Goole Play for Android.

The 2026 RBC Canadian Open will take place June 10-14 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here. The 2026 CPKC Women’s Open will take place August 19-23 at Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton, Alta., for more information or to purchase tickets, please click here.

Canada’s National Women’s Open returns to the province of Quebec for the first time since 2011

CPKC Has Heart to leave meaningful community legacy in support of pediatric heart health

GATINEAU, Que. (May 25, 2026) – Golf Canada and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) announced today that The Royal Ottawa Golf Club in Gatineau, Que. will host the 2027 CPKC Women’s Open August 18-22, 2027.

The 2027 tournament, the 53rd playing of Canada’s National Women’s Open championship, returns the event to The Royal Ottawa Golf Club for the second time and the first since 2000. That year, Meg Mallon won her first of three national Women’s Open titles by one shot over Rosie Jones. This will be the tournament’s sixth appearance in the Ottawa-Gatineau region, the last being in 2022.

The 2027 CPKC Women’s Open will mark the 14th time that the event has been contested in the province of Quebec and the first since 2011 at Hillsdale Golf and Country Club in Mirabel, Que.

“In partnership with CPKC, we are very pleased to announce that the CPKC Women’s Open will return to The Royal Ottawa Golf Club in 2027,” said Garrett Ball, Chief Operating Officer, Golf Canada. “Gatineau is a passionate golf community, and we are excited to return to the province of Quebec and the National Capital Region for the CPKC Women’s Open. The Royal Ottawa Golf Club have been incredible partners to Golf Canada over the years, and we extend our sincere thanks to the membership and staff. We are equally proud to partner with Ville de Gatineau, Tourism Outaouais, the City of Ottawa and Ottawa Tourism as we work collectively to deliver a memorable experience in 2027.”

The CPKC Women’s Open will once again will leave a meaningful legacy in the host community. Since 2014, CPKC has helped raise more than $27 million for children’s heart health in the communities that have hosted the CPKC Women’s Open through the company’s tournament sponsorship and the CPKC Has Heart program.

“The National Capital Region historically has been a tremendous host to the CPKC Women’s Open with wonderful fans coming out in big numbers for this incredible event and its critical mission supporting local heart charities that make such a difference in their communities,” said CPKC President and CEO Keith Creel. “We look forward to returning in 2027 to raise money for another worthy cause that will leave a lasting charitable legacy in the Ottawa-Gatineau area and province of Quebec through CPKC Has Heart.” 

The CPKC Has Heart community charity partner will be announced in early 2027.

The Royal Ottawa Golf Club, one of the oldest clubs in North America, was founded in 1891 by a group of civic and business leaders eager to promote the “healthy and satisfying game” of golf. Originally named the Ottawa Golf Club, it earned its “Royal” designation in 1912 by permission of King George V. The club’s first course was a modest nine-hole layout in Sandy Hill, Ottawa, where the first Canadian Amateur Championship was held in 1895. In 1896, the Club moved to their first Quebec home on the Chelsea Road. Then, in 1903, purchased the McVeity Farm on the Aylmer Road, now the club’s permanent home, and opened their 18-hole course and magnificent clubhouse in May of 1904. Today, The Royal Ottawa Golf Club continues to honour its heritage, offering regal surroundings and challenging 18-hole and 9-hole courses that reflect its storied past.

The main course layout is designed according to the ‘Scottish principle’ with emphasis on the natural layout of the land, rather than artificially created hazards. The hills and dales, various tee positions, small and fast greens will offer a fair challenge to the LPGA Tour’s best.

The historic club also holds the record for hosting the most Canadian Amateur Championships, most recently hosting the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, this past July, marking the 14th Amateur Championship hosted. The Royal Ottawa Golf Club is also one of only eight clubs in Canada to host Golf Canada’s four premier events: RBC Canadian Open, CPKC Women’s Open, Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship and Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.

“The Royal Ottawa Golf Club and its Board of Directors are thrilled to be hosting the top women golfers in the world in 2027. Our championship golf course, maintained to the highest standards, historic clubhouse and accessible location in Gatineau, Quebec, just a short par 5 away from Ottawa are ready to show off what our members enjoy every day to the world,” said Greg Richardson, General Manager, The Royal Ottawa Golf Club. “The Senior Management team and I look forward to working with the many volunteers who will make this event a success. With the support of the Ottawa Valley golf community, we aim not only to host a memorable championship but also to raise impactful funds for local charities through the CPKC Has Heart program.”

This past August, Canada’s own Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont. won her second CPKC Women’s Open title at the Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont. Henderson fired a 4-under 67 to beat Minjee Lee by one stroke to claim her 14th career LPGA title and further strengthen herself as Canada’s all-time winningest professional golfer. Fifteen-year-old Team Canada – NextGen member, Aphrodite Deng of Calgary, Alta., won the Marlene Stewart Streit medal for finishing as the low amateur in a tie for 20th.

One of Canada’s premier annual sporting events and a signature stop on the LPGA Tour, the CPKC Women’s Open has been named Sport Tourism Canada’s International Sport Event of the Year (2024) and is a two-time recent winner of the LPGA Tour’s Tournament of the Year (2022-2023)

The 2026 CPKC Women’s Open will take place August 19-23, 2026, at the Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton, Alta. Tickets are now on sale. To purchase or for information about volunteer opportunities or corporate hospitality, please visit www.cpkcwomensopen.com/.

ADDITIONAL QUOTES

“Gatineau is proud to host the 2027 CPKC Women’s Open and to welcome such outstanding talent to our community. This is the kind of event that showcases our city, generates momentum, and highlights the important place women’s sport deserves.” – Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette

“We’re proud to welcome the CPKC Women’s Open back to the National Capital Region and to showcase our destination on an international stage. Working closely with partners on both sides of the Ottawa River, we’re excited to help deliver a seamless, world‑class experience for athletes, fans and partners, and to welcome golf fans from around the world to our region.” – Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism

Rank + Rally becomes Official Retail Operator of the revamped Golf Canada Fan Shop

Fans will experience enhanced retail at the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open, with expanded access online through the Golf Canada Fan Shop

Golf Canada welcomes a new class of 13 apparel and accessory brands

CALEDON, Ont. – Golf Canada is proud to unveil a new era of merchandise and licensing that includes a new retail partnership, numerous new Golf Canada merchandise brands and a re-launched online merchandise hub.

With the reimagined strategy, Golf Canada is also pleased to announce a multi-year partnership with Rank + Rally as the Official Retail Operator of Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Fan Shop. The partnership will offer an enhanced merchandise platform that will support Canada’s National Open Championships – the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open along with Golf Canada via a revamped ecommerce site, shop.golfcanada.ca, set to launch ahead of the RBC Canadian Open.

“Our new merchandise program reflects Golf Canada’s continued focus on building a world-class event and fan experience across both of our National Open Championships. With an expanded retail space, new shopping locations and a deeper lineup of brands, the merchandise experience will offer fans more opportunities to take home a piece of Canada’s National Opens,” said Mark Palmer, Chief Commercial Officer, Golf Canada. “We are also proud to welcome Rank + Rally as the Official Retail Operator of Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Fan Shop. Collectively, we look forward to the launch of our enhanced retail and ecommerce platform that will provide fans across Canada with a year-round opportunity to secure merchandise beyond tournament weeks.”

The reimagined Golf Canada Fan Shop will engage fans on-site at both the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open, featuring a significantly expanded footprint and merchandise selection. The offerings include tournament-exclusive apparel, limited-edition headwear, premium accessories and commemorative items from some of the top brands in golf and sport.

The main Golf Canada Fan Shop at the RBC Canadian Open will be located near the first tee with a secondary location at The Rink (No. 14), a high-energy par-3 hole at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, providing fans with convenient access to official tournament products at one of the most energetic and celebrated spectator environments in Canadian sport.

“We’re thrilled to join with Golf Canada to create next-generation retail experiences that provide unprecedented variety, seamless access and exclusive products to fans across the country, beginning with these two premier tournaments,” said Dan Gillham, Senior Vice President, Rank + Rally. “Our singular goal is to help bring to life the strategic vision that Mark and his team have for the Golf Canada brand as they create new ways for passionate Canadian golf fans to experience this great game.”

Rank + Rally delivers best-in-class merchandise operations across major North American sporting events, venues and team franchises. In Canada, its partners include the Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators among many others. The company also serves fans during marquee sports, entertainment and cultural moments and celebrations from NBA and WNBA All-Star Games to the Stanley Cup Final and NBA Finals. In addition to overseeing all merchandise operations at both National Open Championships and online, Rank + Rally will assist in the continued expansion of Golf Canada’s retail strategy and fan engagement opportunities.

New brands strengthen and diversify the Golf Canada lineup

Golf Canada is also proud to welcome 13 new brands who will offer an expanded variety of merchandise options online and on-site at both National Open Championships through the Golf Canada Fan Shop. The new brands include Peter Millar, G/FORE, Nike, Full Wedge, TravisMathew, Breezy, Imperial, New Era, Dormie Workshop, Good Good Golf, Barstool Sports, Johnnie-O and Mustang, who will join current Official Partners Acushnet, Levelwear and YETI.

Oakville, Ont. — Golf Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Newton as the new Tournament Director of the CPKC Women’s Open. 

As Tournament Director, Newton will lead all planning, execution, and stakeholder engagement for the CPKC Women’s Open, working collaboratively with the LPGA Tour, corporate partners, host communities, and internal teams to advance the continued growth and success of Canada’s premier women’s golf championship.

Newton brings a proven track record of leadership in championship operations, most recently serving as Director, Operations – Professional Championships with Golf Canada. Over the past seven years, with both events achieving record growth, he oversaw the full operational delivery of the CPKC Women’s Open and RBC Canadian Open, managing budgets, leading national operations teams, and coordinating complex event infrastructure.

The Toronto resident has worked extensively with key tournament partners and stakeholders across Canada’s two National Open Championships, including title sponsors, host clubs, contractors, government funding partners, and both the LPGA and PGA Tours. He has also led major supplier negotiations, developed RFPs for championship services, and supported the integration of sponsor and hospitality programs to ensure an exceptional championship experience for players, fans, volunteers, and corporate partners.

“I am thrilled to step into the role of Tournament Director for the CPKC Women’s Open. The momentum across the LPGA Tour and women’s golf worldwide is incredible, and the excitement around Canada’s National Open Golf Championship has never been stronger,” said Newton. “To help shape and lead a signature Canadian sporting event that brings world-class athletes and passionate golf fans together is truly inspiring, and I look forward to this historic championship continuing to elevate on the global golf stage.”

Prior to joining Golf Canada, Newton held event operations leadership roles with Hockey Canada, overseeing venue operations for the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship, as well as with SportBox Entertainment Group, Cabot Links Golf Resort, and the Canadian Junior Golf Association. His experience spans world-class golf and hockey championships, national junior events, and premium guest experience environments.

“Brian has played an integral role in delivering Canada’s National Open Championships, leading the operational planning and execution that underpin both the CPKC Women’s Open and the RBC Canadian Open,” said Golf Canada Chief Operating Officer Garrett Ball. “His deep familiarity with our championships as well as experiences across the broader event management landscape position him exceptionally well to lead the CPKC Women’s Open into its next chapter.”

Newton takes over the role from former CPKC Women’s Open Tournament Director Claire Welsh, who is departing Golf Canada. 

Calgary, ALTA. – Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is proud to announce that Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation has been chosen as the primary charity partner for the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open, to be held at the Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton, Alberta from August 19 – 23, 2026.

“Together with the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, we are focused on raising funds at the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open to advance cardiac care for children and families throughout our home province of Alberta,” said Keith Creel, CPKC President and CEO. “Support for children’s heart health is a central pillar of our community investment initiative, CPKC Has Heart. This summer, as we welcome some of the world’s most talented golfers to Edmonton, we look forward to leaving a legacy that makes a difference in the lives of children who need it most.”

CPKC’s goal in 2026 is to raise more than $3.9 million in support of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. These vital funds will support the advancement of their world-renowned pediatric cardiac program by providing state-of-the-art equipment including ultrasound echocardiography machines and neuromonitoring systems. In addition, funds will fuel cutting-edge research through the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute and enhance specialized staff training and family outreach initiatives. Together, this support will make a difference in the lives of children requiring complex heart care for generations to come.

“We are incredibly grateful to CPKC for choosing Edmonton and for their generous support of cardiac care at the Stollery Children’s Hospital,” said Karen Faulkner, President and CEO of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Their commitment will make a real difference in the lives of children and families facing heart conditions which helps us expand critical services, invest in leading-edge technology, and give every child the best chance to live a long and healthy life.”

“CPKC Has Heart has made an extraordinary impact in every community that has hosted our National Women’s Open Championship, and we are thrilled to welcome the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation as the charitable beneficiary of the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open,” said Laurence Applebaum, Chief Executive Officer of Golf Canada. “The return of the CPKC Women’s Open to Royal Mayfair Golf Club and the City of Champions this August is going to be electric. Fans will experience the world’s best players in action while helping drive the incredible, life-changing work of the Stollery Children’s Hospital.”

The CPKC Women’s Open community charity partner will be announced in the coming weeks.