TORONTO, Ont. — Centennial Park Golf Centre sponsored two young golfers from its First Tee all-girls program, covering their entry into a 15-week junior league that began on June 1.
The sponsorship, valued at $455 per participant, gives the players access to weekly rounds at the centre’s nine-hole course, coaching sessions, social events and a Golf Canada membership.
Both girls, Eleanor, 9, and Kendall, 8, have been part of Centennial Park’s First Tee program since 2023. Under coach Graham Turrentine, they have developed their skills and confidence through the sport.
“It’s been a pleasure seeing Eleanor and Kendall develop in our First Tee – Ontario program at Centennial Park Golf Centre,” said coach Graham Turrentine. “I’m extremely proud of their journey — this is just their start.”
Since launching the program at Centennial Park in 2023, more than 120 youth from all backgrounds have taken part, including 52 in the girls-only stream. The program has seen a 54 per cent increase in female participation at the course since it began.
Centennial Park’s support has also helped reduce financial barriers. By becoming a First Tee program location, the course has been able to offer their grassroots program at an affordable cost of $20 per session.
“Golf can be seen as out of reach for many families,” is an expression shared by much of the Centennial Park Golf Centre team. “Making it accessible is part of our commitment to the community.”
From their dedication and growth in the First Tee program, Eleanor and Kendall have also become role models to fellow participants. “Their confidence on and off the course has really blossomed,” Turrentine said.
Centennial Park was among the first golf facilities in Ontario to run the First Tee all-girls program, part of a national effort to provide welcoming spaces for more young women to get into the sport. Since 2023, the course has partnered with Golf Canada and First Tee – Ontario to empower youth through a blend of golf instruction and life-skill development.
“It has been amazing to witness the growth of the First Tee program at Centennial Park Golf Centre over the past three seasons,” said program manager of First Tee – Ontario, Brandon Costa. “The inclusive and fun environment created by coach Graham and the team at Centennial Park is reflected in the participants’ engagement with the program year to year.”
Centennial Park Golf Centre is excited to announce that the Junior League scholarship opportunity for two First Tee participants will continue into the 2026 season. The coaching team looks forward to continuing the momentum of all-girls programming this fall and beyond, with a continued emphasis on inclusivity and a search for women coach support.
Learn more or get involved at firstteeontario.ca/get-involved/.
