Tag: golf canada

More than a game: First Tee – Ontario program helps shape Jayden Cruz’s future

TORONTO, Ont. — What began as a chance to try something new close to home has become a defining part of Jayden Cruz’s life.

When Oakdale Golf and Country Club launched its First Tee – Ontario program in 2022, Cruz and his younger brother Mason were among the first participants to sign up. For the Cruz family, golf was not a sport they had previously considered. Four years later, it has become far more than a game.

Jayden Cruz and his brother, Mason, participating in the First Tee program at Oakdale Golf and Country Club. Photos: Lauren Cruz

Now turning 16, Cruz has grown from one of Oakdale’s pilot First Tee participants, into a mentor for the younger players, reflecting the confidence, resilience and sense of purpose the program has helped foster.

Introduced to golf through First Tee, Cruz quickly developed both his skills and a passion for the sport. What made the program meaningful to him was the welcoming environment created by Oakdale’s coaches, where respect, honesty and perseverance are ingrained in every lesson. It was in that space that Cruz’s confidence began to flourish.

One of the most memorable moments in his journey came in 2023, when Oakdale hosted the RBC Canadian Open. Through First Tee – Canada’s Walk With a Pro experience, Cruz had the opportunity to go inside the ropes alongside one of the world’s greatest, Rory McIlroy — a dream come true, assisted by his younger brother Mason, who gave up his own spot in line so Cruz could meet his golf hero.

Jayden Cruz and Rory McIlroy during First Tee – Canada’s Walk With a Pro experience. Photos: Bernard Brault/Golf Canada

Today, Cruz remains deeply connected to the same program that first introduced him to the game. As Oakdale enters its fifth season of First Tee programming, he now works at the club as a range attendant and volunteers as an assistant coach of the program, while Mason continues as an active participant.

“Jayden was a wonderful student in our program and has developed into an excellent role model for the younger participants,” said Bob Beauchemin, Oakdale’s director of instruction. “He is a respectful, courteous and hardworking young man. We’re fortunate to have him working in golf operations and staying involved in our First Tee program.”

At home, his parents have watched the impact of his First Tee lessons extend well beyond the fairways.

“We’re so grateful to have found the First Tee program at Oakdale,” they said. “The positive impact it has had on Jayden is clear in his desire to stay involved and continue to grow both on and off the course.”

Now enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program — a two-year, challenging curriculum preparing students for university and adult life — Cruz says the focus and discipline he has developed through golf continue to support him in the classroom and in everyday life.

Jayden Cruz receiving his Honour Roll certificate in November 2023. Photo: Lauren Cruz

The support of Oakdale’s membership, covering the cost of program registration so all children could have a chance to play, was integral to Cruz’s golf and life connection. The game has become a way for him to give back.

“I’ve learned a lot through First Tee,” he said. “If I can help younger people, like my brother, enjoy the game and learn those same lessons, that would mean a lot.”

First Tee – Ontario plans to invite Cruz to become a certified coach, giving him the opportunity to pass those lessons on to the next generation.

For a young person who first arrived at Oakdale looking to try something new, Cruz’s journey has come full circle, proving that when access meets opportunity, the impact can last far beyond the course.

Golf Canada saddened by the passing of First Tee – Ontario coach Kerri Slaughter

Golf Canada is deeply saddened by the loss of PGA of Ontario Class “A” Associate Professional and First Tee – Ontario Level 3 coach, Kerri Slaughter of St. Catharines, Ont. who passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026 at the age of 54.

Slaughter was an integral member of St. Catharines Golf & Country Club’s teaching and professional team for the past eight years. With a focus on teaching junior golfers, Slaughter became a certified First Tee coach in 2022, leading the youth development program at the private course for children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to play.

Slaughter strived to advance youth golf through affordable introductory opportunities across St. Catharines. She championed outreach and led ‘try golf’ events for local schools and community organizations to ensure children who may not have thought of golf as a sport for them could experience the game. Since 2022, Slaughter engaged nearly 400 participants aged 7-16 in First Tee programming, particularly introducing more girls to the sport through numerous all-girls try golf events.

Slaughter was also an advocate in building awareness for the First Tee – Canada program among the membership at St. Catharines Golf & Country Club, encouraging members to get involved by donating or volunteering as an assistant coach for programs. She also lent her time to leading First Tee introductory golf clinics at Golf Canada’s Amateur and Professional Golf Championships, including the 2023, 2024 and 2025 World Junior Girls Championship and the 2023 RBC Canadian Open.

One of the Ontario chapter’s longest-standing coaches, Slaughter embodied the values of First Tee – Canada through her teaching style, offering kindness and comfort that made youth new to the sport feel like they belonged. She was a strong believer that youth should have access to the game that supported her since she was young, and worked toward that mission.

Slaughter touched the lives of many across her personal and professional network and is survived by her parents, John and Jill Slaughter (Chatham, Ont.), brother Andy (Danielle), nephew, Lukas, and niece, Mackenzie.

A link to the obituary notice from Tallman Funeral Homes is below:

https://www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca/obituaries/Kerri-Lynn-Slaughter?obId=47265835

First Tee – Canada partners with adidas to Expand Youth Programming Through adidas Birdies for Game Changers

OAKVILLE, Ont. – First Tee – Canada is proud to announce a new partnership with adidas that will support youth programming through the adidas Birdies for Game Changers initiative.

Partnering with five-time PGA TOUR winner and adidas athlete Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., adidas will provide $300 in support to First Tee – Canada for every birdie or better that Taylor makes on the PGA TOUR this season.

“This adidas Birdies for Game Changers initiative provides a platform for Nick’s great play on the golf course to directly benefit youth in Canada,” said Adam Hunter, executive director, First Tee – Canada. “We are very appreciative to adidas and Nick for their continued support. This initiative will allow First Tee – Canada to introduce more children to golf in a way that is welcoming, inclusive and empowering.”

The adidas Birdies for Game Changers initiative supports First Tee – Canada in providing youth from all backgrounds with access to valuable life lessons through golf. First Tee – Canada’s mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and promote healthy choices.

“At adidas, we believe that through sport we have the power to change lives, so we’re excited to support First Tee – Canada by helping expand access to programs that use golf as a platform for growth,” said Jeff Lienhart, president, adidas Golf. “Knowing we can play a small part alongside Nick’s performance on the PGA TOUR this season to directly impact the next generation of golfers in Canada makes this initiative especially meaningful. We’ll be cheering him on, knowing that every birdie helps create opportunities for young people across the country to build confidence, develop life skills and discover what’s possible through the game.”

A First Tee – Canada ambassador, Taylor has been a champion of the program’s mission and values. Since 2024, the Taylor family has been supporting their regional chapter, First Tee – British Columbia as a charitable beneficiary of the Nick Taylor Charity Classic. A portion of the funds raised at the tournament directly support the growth of the grassroots program in Cultus Lake and surrounding communities in the province.

“Golf has given our family so much both on and off the course,” said Nick Taylor. “Andie and I are very proud of our partnership with First Tee – Canada and thrilled that adidas will continue to strengthen that relationship, guided by our shared values of promoting the game and the valuable life lessons it instills in youth across Canada.”

In 2025, Taylor recorded 309 birdies and six eagles in 24 events played on the PGA TOUR.

The adidas Birdies for Game Changers initiative will begin this week as Taylor opens the 2026 PGA TOUR season with the defence of his Sony Open title in Honolulu, Hawaii on Thursday.

Centennial Park Golf Centre sponsors two First Tee participants in junior golf league

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/.

Roseland Golf and Curling Club Honoured as First Tee – Canada Program of the Year

Windsor, ON’s Roseland Golf and Curling Club has been named the 2024 First Tee – Canada Program of the Year, an award extended by Golf Canada recognizing exceptional efforts to grow youth participation in golf.

Roseland stood out for its inclusive programming, rapid growth, and deep community impact.

“Roseland provided us an affordable way for our son to experience golf for the first time,” said a parent of First Tee – Ontario participant. “Not only was he exposed to the game, but also life lessons like patience and perseverance.”

Roseland has been offering First Tee programming since 2023, with a dedicated 9-hole par-3 course for their weekly program sessions. In 2024, participation jumped over 200%, with nearly 60 youth participating in weekly registered programming or introductory golf events at the course – at no cost.

Thanks to RBC’s support, First Tee – Ontario and Roseland were able to break down a common barrier of entry to golf, the financial commitment.

“It has been incredible seeing the growth of First Tee in Southwestern Ontario,” says Amaya Athill, Program Manager for First Tee – Ontario. “Roseland has played a large part in that. Their ability to connect with the community and collaborate with nearby youth organizations has introduced many families to golf who otherwise would not have the opportunity.”

Roseland’s certified coaches have also played a pivotal role in the community impact of the program.

“Being a First Tee coach is so rewarding,” said Roseland First Tee Coach, Steve Pronger. “We provide an opportunity for many kids who under no other circumstance would be able to come out and participate at a golf course like this.”

The Roseland coaching staff have fostered strong relationships with families and spearheaded unique initiatives at the course like Caddie Night, where First Tee coaches accompany participants on the course, helping ease the transition to individual play.

With a dedicated coaching staff like Pronger and his team, it is not a surprise that First Tee programming has grown exponentially in the Roseland community.

Looking ahead, Roseland plans to host a spring introductory golf event in collaboration with a local youth organization, alongside its summer eight-week program. A new intermediate level to their First Tee program will also be introduced, offering enhanced on-course lessons for returning participants who are ready to take the next step.

Congratulations to Roseland Golf and Curling Club on a standout year — it is proof that with the right support, golf can be a game for all.

Read more about the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf winners here.