In celebration of RBC Community Junior Golf, an initiative designed to build greater diversity and inclusivity in the sport, RBC and Golf Canada invited young people from the Boys and Girls Club of Peel for a unique experience at the RBC Canadian Open where they met PGA TOUR golfer and Team RBC Ambassador, Harold Varner III. On the Wednesday of tournament week, youth were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the tournament and had the opportunity to explore how to get involved in First Tee – Canada and Youth on Course programming this summer.
“I’ve always been passionate about introducing young people to golf, and it’s really special to give back during my first RBC Canadian Open on Team RBC,” said Harold Varner III. “Interacting with the group, today and seeing how excited they were to learn more about the sport, only ignited that passion more. I’m proud to be a part of RBC Community Junior Golf, which is providing greater access to the sport to young people in underrepresented communities across Canada.”
In partnership with Golf Canada, RBC Community Junior Golf will enable affordable access to the sport through the implementation of First Tee – Canada programming and Youth on Course’s $5 green fees at municipal or publicly accessible golf courses. By 2023, RBC Community Junior Golf is expected to engage more than 10,000 young people.
“Today, we got a glimpse into the positive impact sport can have on youth,” said Shannon Cole, Vice President, Brand Marketing, RBC. “It was incredible to witness firsthand and we are excited to engage with young people across Canada through First Tee – Canada and Youth on Course programming this summer and beyond.”
Earlier this year, RBC Community Junior Golf welcomed the first wave of golf courses offering First Tee – Canada and Youth on Course. The initial courses selected based on accessibility to local public transit as well as proximity to community centres, with an intentional focus on regional and diverse representation.
“We are fortunate to share with RBC the common goal of advocating for youth and diversifying the game of golf. It was inspiring and rewarding to see our collaborative efforts come to life and witness firsthand the positive impact we can make in our community through sport,” said Kevin Blue, Chief Sport Officer, Golf Canada. “With RBC Community Junior Golf’s support, First Tee – Canada and Youth on Course will have success much like this event, providing youth with opportunities they may not have otherwise experienced.”
RBC Community Junior Golf Locations:
- Blomidon Golf and Country Club – Corner Brook, NL
- Cedar Hill Golf Course – Victoria, BC
- Chedoke Golf Club – Hamilton, ON
- Club de Golf Municipal Dallaire – Rouyn-Noranda, QC
- Club de Golf Les Rivières – Trois-Rivières, QC
- Humber Valley Golf Course – Etobicoke, ON
- Legends on the Niagara – Niagara, ON
- Mill River Golf Course – Woodstock, PEI
- Peel Village Golf Course – Brampton, ON
- Tam O’Shanter Golf Course – Scarborough, ON
- Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation Golf
- Fraserview Golf Course – Vancouver, BC
- Queen Elizabeth Park Pitch and Putt – Vancouver, BC
- Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course – Brantford, ON
- Whitewater Golf Club – Thunder Bay, ON
RBC Community Junior Golf participating facilities will work with community centres or schools in their local area to register youth participants ages five to 18 years. For more details, visit the RBC Community Junior Golf website: https://www.golfcanada.ca/rbcjrgolf.
