As a seven-year-old spectator attending her first LPGA Tour event, Red Deer’s Eileen Park imagined herself on the other side of the ropes.

A decade later, her dream is about to come true.

Now 17, Park will compete alongside some of the biggest stars in golf at the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open, set for August 20th-23rd at Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton. 

The amateur standout earned a tournament exemption with a victory earlier this summer in the PGA Women’s Championship of Canada. 

She will be one of three players in the field with a connection to Alberta. Tillie Claggett and Aphrodite Deng are the others.

“I’m looking forward to competing in my first LPGA Tour event. It’s an incredible opportunity for me,” said Park, a junior member at Red Deer Golf & Country Club and part of Golf Canada’s NextGen team. “I actually went to the 2016 CPKC Women’s Open in Calgary. And after 10 years, to get to play in it, it feels truly amazing.

“Ten years ago, when I went to go watch, I actually told my parents that I wanted to play in this event when I was older. So my mom mentioned to me, before the final round (of the PGA Women’s Championship of Canada), that it would be amazing if you get into the event 10 years after actually saying that. The story kind of matches up crazy.”

If you’ve been following the provincial golf scene, it hardly feels crazy to see Park’s name on an LPGA Tour tee sheet.

This rising star won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023 at the Alberta Girls U19 Championship — at 13 and 14 years old. She also captured the national junior crown in 2023 and continued to make history by winning the Alberta Women’s Amateur Championship in 2024.

Park posted a two-stroke victory last month at the PGA Women’s Championship of Canada, held at Brooke Henderson’s childhood home course in Smiths Falls, Ont.

With that win, she scored an invite to the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open. Henderson headlines this star-studded field as defending champ, while Nelly Korda arrives as the top-ranked player in the world and Lydia Ko has fond memories from her triumph when Royal Mayfair last hosted this prestigious event in 2013. 

“There are so many players that I respect out on the LPGA Tour,” Park said. “It will be exciting to compete with them. I will just say everyone that I will get to meet is going to be a superstar to me.”

Claggett hopes to be joining those superstars on a full-time basis as soon as next season.  

She lived in Calgary until just before her 15th birthday, grooving her swing — and growing her love for the game — at Glencoe Golf & Country Club and Pinebrook Golf & Country Club before her family moved to Texas as she was entering high school.

After a stellar college career at Vanderbilt, the 22-year-old Claggett turned professional in the spring. She has already collected three pro trophies, including a pair of wins on the Annika Women’s All Pro Tour, and earned this exemption via the She Plays Golf Championship Series, presented by Audi.

This will be her third career start on the LPGA Tour.

“But it will be my first one as a pro, which obviously comes with higher expectations,” said Claggett, who is on Golf Canada’s national team. “The LPGA is where I want to be, and that has always been the case, but it’s a little more in the immediate future now — hopefully next year for me. I just want to go compete and see if I can make the cut and finish well against the people that I’m hoping to be playing against every day really soon.” 

Ask about her new job, and Claggett oozes positivity.

She’s finding joy in the practice sessions and is proud of how she has handled the pressure of needing to make cuts.

She recalled a conversation from a recent pro-am in Wisconsin that really put things in perspective. 

“I was playing with four women and another pro, and one of the women asked myself and the other pro, ‘So, is your job just to play golf and work out?’” Claggett relayed. “We kind of looked at each other and said, ‘Yeah, I guess so.’ And she said, ‘That’s what I do too, but I don’t get any money from it!’ It’s little things like that that remind me how grateful I should be.

“It’s really the coolest thing that I get to go out and do what I love and try to make money doing it every day.”

It does, indeed, sound pretty good.

Although this will be her first trip back to Alberta since moving away, Claggett expects to see some familiar faces in the crowd at Royal Mayfair. 

Less than two hours from home, Park will have plenty of supporters in the gallery.

But it’s not just about putting on a show for family and friends. Both realize this is also an opportunity to inspire future birdie-machines, young kids who might whisper to their parents ‘Hey, that girl is from Red Deer!’ or ‘Look, that girl is from Calgary!’ 

“I don’t know that there was anybody from Alberta playing in the Canadian Women’s Open when I was growing up. Most of the Canadian golf scene was dominated by Ontario, B.C. and a little bit Quebec,” Claggett said. “But when I was 10, 11 or 12, I was really looking up to the girls on Team Alberta and the girls going off to college and the girls who played at my course. 

“I think there’s something to seeing people who came from where you come from going out there and doing it and living out your dreams. If I can be that inspiration for somebody, that would mean a lot to me.”

Park, that starry-eyed spectator back in 2016, is proof those dreams can be the start of something special.

“I hope I can be somewhat of their idol, like 10 years ago the pros were to me,” she said. “I just hope they will fall into the game of golfing and have the same goal as I did, and hopefully some of them will be there 10 years later with me.”

This article was originally published on the Golf Canada website by the National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA)

The National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA) will host its Hill Day in Ottawa on May 26th, to coincide with National Golf Day. NAGA delegates will be meeting with Members of Parliament and Senators to highlight the Canadian golf industry’s unprecedented economic and social momentum.

As a coalition of Canada’s five major golf associations – Golf Canada; National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) Canada; the Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC); Professional Golfers Association of Canada (PGA of Canada); and the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) – NAGA advocates for the sector with a single, unified voice.

Golf serves as a key pillar of the Canadian economy, generating more than $23 billion in total economic impact and $4.7 billion in tax revenues. The industry supports 239,000 jobs, including employment for 45,000 students annually, and helps to raise over $382 million for charitable causes.

“The sector has undergone a historic transformation since 2020. Today, golf is much more than a seasonal pastime; it has evolved into a year-round cultural force, an economic engine, and an accessible, mainstream platform for community connection enjoyed by over 6 million players,” said Kathryn Wood, Chair of NAGA. “Alongside these economic and social benefits, the industry is deeply committed to protecting and enhancing our role as stewards for the environment.”

Through sustainable turf management practices across 2,100 golf courses in Canada—90% of which are publicly accessible—the industry acts as stewards for almost 250,000 acres of greenspace, playing a leading role in wildlife conservation and carbon sequestration.

“As an accessible, outdoor activity for Canadians of all ages and abilities, golf serves as a primary vehicle for preventative health and social connection, particularly within rural and remote communities where local courses often act as the primary hubs for social infrastructure,” said Wood.

NAGA welcomes the opportunity to work with parliamentarians, senators and the public service to capitalize on the sport’s momentum by expanding accessibility for all Canadians, fostering industry-wide innovation, and bolstering the sector’s contribution to healthy communities, responsible resource management, and environmental stewards from the grassroots to the international stage.

Story was taken from the Golf Canada website

OAKVILLE, On. – The Golf Canada Foundation and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame are proud to announce the creation of the Golf Canada Foundation Heritage Grant Program.

The newly established Heritage Project Grant will provide financial assistance of up to $2,000 to support community heritage projects related to the game of golf in Canada.

“We are excited to announce the launch of the Heritage Project Grant and appreciate the generous support from our donors and partners with the Golf Canada Foundation for making this possible,” said Meggan Gardner, Director, Heritage Services, Golf Canada. “Bringing to life the history of various golf events and competitions, its champions, and most importantly, the community that golf creates, is what this grant will support.”

Heritage Projects that would qualify for the Heritage Project Grant can include, but are not limited to:

• Collection and digitization of historical documents, photographs and artifacts related to golf in Canada.
• Conducting oral history interviews with golfers, historians and members of the golf community.
• Dissemination of findings through a dedicated website, community events and social media channels to engage the public.
• Supporting the publishing of printed or electronic history books and websites.

The Heritage Project Grant is open for applications to all Golf Canada members (golf course, facilities and individual members). The deadline for applications is Friday, March 27, 2026. To apply for the grant and review specific evaluation criteria, please click here.

For more information on the Heritage Project Grant, please contact Meggan Gardner at mgardner@golfcanada.ca.

“Golf, It’s Good for You” was the tagline introduced by Golf Canada with the launch of its Golf & Health campaign in 2024. This concise and effective message clearly captured the campaign’s purpose—but just how beneficial is golf, really? A closer look at the game reveals a wide range of physical, mental, and social benefits that contribute to overall well-being.

Golf & Health Website

Physical Benefits

According to a study conducted by the R&A, golf offers numerous physical health benefits. Beyond improvements in strength and balance, the sport can:

• Burn up to 2,000 calories during an 18-hole round
• Add up to five years to a person’s life expectancy
• Help reduce the risk of more than 40 chronic illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, and stroke

Golf can also help players achieve the recommended goal of 10,000 steps per day, making it an effective and enjoyable form of physical activity.

Mental Benefits

Golf provides significant mental health benefits in addition to its physical advantages. The same study found that outdoor activities help reduce stress levels and promote a sense of calm—an especially important benefit observed during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Golf also helps to:

• Promote focus and concentration
• Enhance overall mood
• Reduce the risk of anxiety and depression through social interaction

Most notably, participation in golf has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia by 37 percent.

Social Benefits

The social benefits of golf are equally compelling. The game can be enjoyed by individuals ranging in age from 4 to 104 and enhances social well-being for participants of all skill levels. Golf encourages connection, introduces opportunities to meet new people, and adds enjoyment and structure to daily routines.

Research also indicates that 80 percent of golfers report greater satisfaction with their social lives compared to non-golfers.

While snow may cover the ground during the winter months, Golf Canada’s recent launch of Just Swing—which focuses on expanded golfing opportunities beyond the traditional course—allows players to enjoy many of these benefits year-round through simulators, driving ranges, and other golf-related activities.

Golf Canada Just Swing Website

So the next time you’re looking for an engaging and active pursuit, remember: Golf—it’s good for you.

Aligned with Golf Canada’s newly launched national off-course strategy, Alberta Golf is proud to champion and connect with the expanding off-course golf community across the province.

 Alberta Golf & Golf Canada endorse and support all forms of golf and are encouraging Canadians to experience the game year-round through off-course golf experiences. 

These experiences include golf simulators, driving ranges, short game areas, mini golf, virtual reality golf and golf-themed video games that all provide opportunities to engage with the sport year-round. Complementing traditional green grass golf, off-course golf provides a continuity of golf experiences that can welcome new individuals into the sport in ways that best fit their lifestyle. 

 For Golf Canada’s Chief Marketing Officer Tim McLaughlin, the campaign is about having a presence wherever and however golf is being enjoyed. 

 “There has been an explosion in off-course golf options in our country, most notably golf simulators, and Golf Canada is excited to officially launch our off-course strategy. This initiative is reflective of the reality that an increasing number of Canadians are now participating in golf activity year-round in non-traditional venues like simulator facilities. Off-course golf has the potential to be transformational for our sport, combining fun and realistic golf experiences with affordable options that are accessible 12 months a year,” said McLaughlin. “This strategy acknowledges the way that Canadians are engaging with the game is evolving, and our intention is to create a greater connection between these new off-course formats and the broader golf landscape.” 

As part of this strategy, Alberta Golf and Golf Canada are introducing a new Facility Membership Program designed specifically for off-course operators. Through this program off-course facilities will now be able to become official members of Golf Canada and have the ability to promote their operations to Canada’s largest and most engaged golf audience. Through this membership, facility owners gain new opportunities to boost participation, enhance engagement, and enjoy a range of valuable, year-round benefits.

It will also be easier for Canadians to find places to play off course. A comprehensive digital program promoting off-course golf will connect Canadians to Official Member Facilities of Golf Canada. Golfers will soon be able to log and track their off-course activity at simulators in the Golf Canada app beginning in early December. For more information or to download Canada’s number one golf app, click here. 

The Just Swing campaign will support Golf Canada’s complete off-course strategy to have a presence wherever golf is being played. The campaign encourages Canadians to discover golf, anywhere, anytime and Just Swing, highlighting the many benefits the game can provide. This campaign is designed to re-frame perceptions of the sport by driving understanding that whether you pick up a club on a golf course or a simulator its all golf. The hope is to position the sport in a new way, particularly for new audiences who aren’t currently active golfers. 

For more information on the Just Swing campaign, the benefits of off-course golf or to find a location near you, please visit golfcanada.ca/justswing. 

Helpful Links

Just Swing Home Page

Member Facility Benefits & Sign up

EDMONTON, Alta. – Golf Canada and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) announced today that the historic Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton, Alta. will host the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open.

The 2026 CPKC Women’s Open in Edmonton will be held on August 17-23, 2026, the 52^nd playing of Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship.

The 2026 tournament marks the return of the National Women’s Open to Royal Mayfair for the third time and first since LPGA Tour star and three-time CPKC Women’s Open champion Lydia Ko won the 2013 event at Royal Mayfair as a 15-year-old amateur. Ko won back-to-back events as an amateur in 2012 and 2013 and would go on to win her third Canadian title in 2015. Royal Mayfair also hosted the championship in 2007, an event won by LPGA Tour legend Lorena Ochoa.

The 2026 CPKC Women’s Open will mark the eighth time that Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship has been contested in the province of Alberta.

“In partnership with CPKC, we are very pleased to confirm that the CPKC Women’s Open will return to the Royal Mayfair Golf Club in 2026,” said Golf Canada Chief Operating Officer Garrett Ball. “Edmonton is a passionate golf community and Royal Mayfair is an outstanding venue to challenge the world’s best players. We extend our thanks to the membership and staff at Royal Mayfair as well as the City of Edmonton who will once again prove to be fabulous hosts for our National Women’s Open Championship.”

The CPKC Women’s Open through the CPKC Has Heart program will once again leave a meaningful legacy in the host community of Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship. Since 2014, CPKC has raised more than C$23 million for pediatric 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. 

“We are very excited to bring the CPKC Women’s Open back to Edmonton and once again back to our home province of Alberta,” said CPKC President and CEO Keith Creel. “For more than a decade, this tournament, through our CPKC has Heart community investment program, has helped build stronger communities across Canada by investing in the heart health of our young people. We look forward to continuing that legacy next summer in Edmonton.”

The CPKC Has Heart community partner will be announced in early 2026.

For more than a century, Royal Mayfair has been recognized as one of Western Canada’s premier golf facilities. Shaped by legends such as Stanley Thompson and Les Furber as well as a Doug Carrick renovation in recent years, the club is consistently ranked within the ScoreGolf Top 100. The club celebrated its centennial in 2022 and is one of 17 clubs to have hosted both the Women’s and Men’s National Open Championship. In 2023, Royal Mayfair completed an extensive clubhouse renovation with modern amenities for a premier member and championship experience.

“On behalf of the Board of Governors along with our membership, management and staff, we are thrilled to be named host of the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open,” said Royal Mayfair Golf Club President Daniel Kickham. “We look forward to once again welcoming the many golf enthusiasts from within our city, surrounding communities and across the province to one of Canada’s premier sporting events. We are equally excited about partnering with CPKC and Golf Canada in raising critical funds for local children’s charities.”

The Board of Royal Mayfair has also appointed longtime Edmontonians and Royal Mayfair members, Marilyn Cox and Don McGarvey as Host Club Tournament Co-Chairs.

One of Canada’s premier annual sporting events and a signature stop on the LPGA Tour, the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open was named Sport Tourism Canada’s International Sport Event of the Year at the 2025 Sport Tourism Canada PRESTIGE Awards. The CPKC Women’s Open also earned the LPGA Tour’s Tournament of the Year award in back-to-back years in 2022 and 2023.

“Edmonton boasts a rich legacy of exceptional women’s sporting events, teams, and heroes across various sports, and we are thrilled to welcome the world’s finest women’s golfers back to Alberta’s capital city,” says Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “This event not only highlights our passion for sports but also inspires the next generation of athletes in our city while bringing our community together.”

“Explore Edmonton is thrilled to welcome the world’s top golfers to our city to compete in the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open,” said Traci Bednard, President and CEO of Explore Edmonton. “This event further showcases our commitment to supporting women’s sport in our city. We are excited to host thousands of visitors from around the globe to experience the best of Edmonton next August and work with our valued partners to help maximize the impact of this incredible event.”

The 2025 CPKC Women’s Open will take place August 20-24, 2025, at the Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont. MacKids, the arm of Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation dedicated to fundraising for MacMaster Children’s Hospital, has been selected as host charity for this year’s event with Trillium Health Partners serving as a community beneficiary.

For information about tickets, volunteer opportunities or corporate hospitality, please visit www.cpkcwomensopen.com.