GBR Weekly | Golf in Canada Soars in 2025: Fifth Straight Month of Double-Digit Growth
Connecting the dots across golf’s business, media, and professional landscape.
Good morning, GBR community,
It’s hard to believe that the golf season is pretty much at an end. I was thinking about this when I read the latest stats on another highly successful month for Golf Canada and the accompanying “Thank you for an incredible 2025 golf season,” note from Adam Daifallah, President of Golf Canada.
Golf Canada had a great August, with rounds rising by 10.5% year-on-year, providing ongoing evidence of a healthy golf industry worldwide.
The season may be drawing to a close. However, there is still plenty of activity to report on, including Troon Golf’s partnership announcement with one of Europe’s top golfing destinations, Terre Blanche, on the French Riviera.
We’re edging closer to the annual PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, and this week, the National Golf Course Owners’ Association has announced details of its Golf Business Conference 2026, taking place the same week as the PGA Show. We provide details below.
Lastly, the sleepless nights with a newborn continue. This week has been particularly interesting as our baby has forgotten how to sleep!
On a more positive note, I reckon I’m solid single-figure handicap when it comes to diaper changing; however, I’m sure my wife would argue I’m still mid-teens!
Enjoy your weekend, we’ll speak next week.
CANADA’S GOLF ROUNDS SURGE AGAIN IN AUGUST, HITTING RECORD HIGHS
Canada’s golf industry continued its remarkable 2025 momentum in August, with national rounds played rising 10.5% year-over-year, the fifth consecutive monthly gain, according to new data from the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) Canada.
The report showed a national season-to-date average of 22,345 rounds, the highest August total since records began in 2014. Several provinces posted standout performances: Manitoba (5,314) and Saskatchewan (5,791) both recorded their highest-ever monthly averages, while Prince Edward Island surpassed 6,000 rounds for the first time. British Columbia remains narrowly ahead of Alberta in total rounds since April 1, averaging 26,218, while Alberta led growth with a 16.4% season-to-date increase.
Overall, 2025 continues to deliver record participation across Canada, reflecting sustained post-pandemic enthusiasm and strong weather conditions throughout the season. The full breakdown of August’s numbers and YTD comparisons can be found here.
TERRE BLANCHE JOINS TROON GOLF NETWORK AS FLAGSHIP FRENCH DESTINATION
Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort has announced an exclusive partnership with Troon Golf, which is set to enhance the French Riviera resort’s reputation as one of Europe’s premier golf destinations. Set within a 750-acre estate in Provence, Terre Blanche features two Dave Thomas–designed championship courses, Le Château, open to members and visitors, and Le Riou, reserved for members and hotel guests, alongside the acclaimed Albatros Golf Performance Centre and Terre Blanche Golf Academy.
The agreement makes Terre Blanche Troon’s first affiliated property in France, giving it access to Troon’s global network of 950 venues across 40-plus countries and its elite Troon Privé Privileges and Troon Advantage programmes, which offer reciprocal playing rights and preferred rates at hundreds of world-class courses. The partnership also brings:
Integration into the Troon Rewards network, connecting Terre Blanche to over one million active members.
Global marketing exposure through Troon Golf Vacations and international media campaigns.
Operational and agronomic support via Troon’s expert consulting and benchmarking.
Exclusive event opportunities, including participation in the Troon Cup and a planned “Terre Blanche Invitational.”
“This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering the highest standards in golf and hospitality,” said Marc Delauné, President of Terre Blanche. “Troon’s global reach and operational excellence make them the ideal partner as we continue to elevate Terre Blanche’s reputation.” DJ Flanders, Executive Vice President of Troon International, added, “We are thrilled to welcome Terre Blanche as our new flagship in France. It represents the very best of European golf and luxury, and we look forward to expanding its global profile through Troon’s network.” More details of Terre Blanche’s integration into the Troon network can be found here.
PDI LAUNCHES “COACH PETE” — AN AI-POWERED TOOL TO PERSONALIZE GOLF TRAINING
Player Development Index (PDI) has unveiled Coach Pete, an AI-driven coaching assistant integrated into its mobile app, designed to help golfers of all levels identify exactly what to practice and how to prioritize their training.
Using machine learning and PDI’s development data, Coach Pete provides personalized, on-demand guidance and connects users directly to a network of Certified PDI Coaches through its built-in Coach Locator. “Junior golfers today are hungry for performance data, but that data is useless without a plan,” said Eric Allen, CEO of PDI. “Coach Pete translates the complex world of golf improvement into simple, immediate tasks. If a player is at the range with only 25 minutes, they can ask, ‘What should I work on right now?’ and receive a custom plan.” After completing a free self-assessment, the AI chatbot generates a development roadmap covering golf skills, physical fitness, and mental performance. Key features include:
Free personalized assessments and instant reports identifying strengths and weaknesses.
On-demand practice plans that adjust to time, location, and available equipment.
Holistic training, including new mental game guidance for balanced development.
College programs, PGA professionals, and players nationwide are already integrating PDI’s system to assess talent and guide structured improvement. Roger Knick, PDI Founder, said the innovation “removes the guesswork and lowers the barrier to strategic coaching insights.” Coach Pete is a subscription-based tool; more details, including subscription costs, can be found here.
NEWTON GOLF AND WORLD LONG DRIVE LAUNCH STEM PROGRAM LINKING PHYSICS TO PERFORMANCE
Newton Golf Company has announced a new collaboration with World Long Drive to inspire students through the science of golf, blending classroom learning with live demonstrations at the 2025 World Long Drive Championships. The initiative uses golf as a dynamic teaching tool for Science, Technology, Education, and Mathematics (STEM education), showing how velocity, torque, and energy transfer, the core principles of physics, translate directly to elite athletic performance.
“Golf is a perfect example of physics in motion,” said Akinobu Yorihiro, Newton Golf’s Chief Technology Officer. “When students see a drive fly 400 yards, they’re literally watching Newton’s laws at work.” The program featured appearances from Troy Teal and Josh Cassaday, who demonstrated real-world applications of kinetic energy and launch optimization, alongside Newton Golf engineers discussing the material science behind the company’s Motion shafts. Following a strong showing at the World Long Drive Championships, Newton Golf CEO Dr. Greg Campbell said, “Our mission has always been to make performance measurable and repeatable. Seeing our technology used to both win championships and inspire students captures what Newton is all about—innovation with impact.” The company plans to expand the STEM-driven initiative nationwide in 2026, bringing the physics of golf to schools and communities across the U.S. More details on Newton Golf’s partnership with World Long Drive can be found here.
DRONE TECHNOLOGY GIVES GREENKEEPERS A NEW EYE IN THE SKY FOR TURF MANAGEMENT
With extreme weather and rising costs putting pressure on golf course maintenance teams, UK-based drone survey specialist AerialData is helping greenkeepers make faster, data-driven decisions about turf health. Using multispectral drone imaging, the company’s technology can detect early signs of turf stress, often up to two weeks before symptoms appear, by measuring how grass reflects and absorbs light across five spectral bands. Each flight captures the entire course in minutes, producing high-resolution turf health maps and performance trends through AerialData’s Turf Health Explorer platform. “Greenkeepers already have deep knowledge of their courses,” said Stefan Otto, Co-Founder of AerialData. “Our technology doesn’t replace that experience – it adds another valuable tool to the box. When instinct is supported by measurable data, decisions become faster, more confident, and more sustainable.” The reports help course teams fine-tune irrigation, fertilisation, and drainage, improving consistency and reducing resource waste, key priorities as sustainability standards rise across the golf industry. Compact drones operate quietly hundreds of feet above the course, completing surveys in under an hour without disrupting play. Within 48 hours, greenkeepers receive clear visual reports highlighting areas thriving or under stress, allowing them to act quickly and compare results throughout the season. More details on AerialData’s drone and reporting technology can be found here.
PXG AND COLE HAAN UNVEIL LIMITED-EDITION GOLF FOOTWEAR COLLECTION
PXG and Cole Haan have announced a new collaboration with the launch of the PXG x Cole Haan Golf Footwear Collection, a limited-edition line combining PXG’s performance engineering with Cole Haan’s century-long legacy of craftsmanship and comfort innovation. The collection, released yesterday (October 23), features five styles designed for stability, versatility, and all-day wear, each built around Cole Haan’s Grand 36Ø Design & Engineering principles, which emphasize traction, flexibility, and responsiveness. Highlights include:
GrandPrø Crossover Golf (Men’s) – a full-grain leather, spikeless hybrid shoe built to move seamlessly from course to clubhouse.
ØriginalGrand Tour Golf (Men’s and Women’s) – a waterproof leather Oxford with removable spiked TPU outsole for traction in all conditions.
ZERØGRAND Overtake Golf (Men’s and Women’s) – a water-resistant mesh model featuring FlowerFoam™ cushioning and spikeless flexibility.
“At PXG, our mission has always been to serve the complete golfer – from the course to everyday life,” said Renee Parsons, PXG’s Chief Marketing Officer. Scott Patt, Chief Creative Officer at Cole Haan, added, “This collaboration reflects our belief that innovation and craftsmanship should move in sync. By merging our comfort technology with PXG’s performance design, we’ve created footwear that meets the demands of today’s golfer.” The collection is now available at PXG retail stores, pxg.com, and select Cole Haan partners.
NGCOA ANNOUNCES GOLF BUSINESS CONFERENCE 2026 IN ORLANDO
The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) has opened registration for the Golf Business Conference 2026 (GBC26), the largest annual gathering of golf course owners and operators, to be held January 19–21, 2026, at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida, co-located with the 2026 PGA Show (January 21–23).
The event will feature a full slate of education sessions, networking events, and industry recognition programs, designed to help golf businesses navigate an evolving market. Attendees with a full conference pass will gain access to:
Expert-led sessions on marketing automation, AI in back-office operations, pricing and revenue management, and a 2026 state of the industry overview.
NGCOA’s annual awards ceremony and member meeting.
Popular networking opportunities, including the New Member & First-Time Attendee Reception, the Yamaha Golf Outing, and an exclusive Owners Dinner.
A dedicated municipal golf education track will also debut, offering targeted insights for public facility operators. Participants can earn continuing education credits from the PGA of America, LPGA, CMAA, and GCSAA. GBC26 attendees will receive joint access to the 2026 PGA Show, including the “NGCOA+PGA” education sessions and the expansive exhibition hall at the Orange County Convention Center.
The NGCOA will host a networking hub at Booth 2979, complete with sponsored happy hours, presentations on the “Clubhouse” stage, and its Vendor Village showcase. Early registration discounts, hotel packages, and sponsorship opportunities are available now at GolfBusinessConference.com.
PGA TOUR AND GOOD GOOD GOLF ANNOUNCE NEW 2026 GOOD GOOD CHAMPIONSHIP IN AUSTIN
The PGA Tour and Good Good Golf have announced the launch of a new tournament, the Good Good Championship, debuting in the 2026 FedExCup Fall at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa’s Fazio Canyons Course in Austin, Texas. Scheduled for November 9–15, 2026, the event will mark the PGA Tour’s first return to Austin since the WGC-Dell Technologies Matchplay at Austin Country Club ended in 2023 and will award 500 FedExCup points to the winner of the 120-player field.
“The PGA Tour is proud to return to the great city of Austin for the first time since 2023 for the Good Good Championship,” said Tyler Dennis, PGA Tour Chief Competitions Officer. “We are pleased to partner with Good Good Golf and Omni Hotels & Resorts on this unique event as the Tour further connects and engages with our game’s younger fans.”
Founded in 2020, Good Good has become one of golf’s most influential media and lifestyle brands, recently securing a $45 million investment to expand its live events and original content. “This tournament is designed to amalgamate our social and live communities together, across all demographics that are passionate about golf,” said Matt Kendrick, Good Good CEO. The event will be hosted on the 7,433-yard, par-72 Fazio Canyons Course, which was recently renovated under architect Tom Fazio’s direction. More details of the PGA Tour’s news stop in 2026 can be found here.
TGL UNVEILS MAJOR COURSE AND TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES AHEAD OF SEASON TWO
TGL, presented by SoFi, has announced a series of major enhancements ahead of its second season, aimed at elevating gameplay, fan experience, and broadcast appeal within its state-of-the-art indoor arena. The most significant upgrade comes to the league’s signature GreenZone, where the putting surface has been expanded by 38% to 5,270 square feet, roughly the size of an average PGA Tour green, and now includes 12 pin locations (up from seven) for greater shot variety.
The green’s contours have been softened for more natural slopes and improved visibility, while the surrounding bunkers have been overhauled, one removed and two enlarged by 50%, with revetted turf layers added for steeper, more defined walls. Other updates include larger hitting boxes and adjustable sand trays with deeper lips to increase shot difficulty. Six holes from TGL’s inaugural season have been rebranded to represent each of the league’s teams, featuring localized backdrops and terrain, and the Full Swing software has been upgraded for more realistic visuals and gameplay physics.
“After a successful inaugural season, we conducted a comprehensive review of data and learnings to elevate the fan experience, enhance gameplay and create even more excitement for Season 2,” said Andrew Macaulay, Chief Technology Officer of TMRW Sports. The second season will tee off Sunday, Dec. 28, at 3 p.m. ET, with a rematch between New York Golf Club and defending champions Atlanta Drive GC. Further details, including which channels are hosting the opening game of TGL’s second season, can be found here.
AMAZON ENTERS THE GOLF BALL MARKET WITH LOW-COST BASICS CORE SOFT
Amazon has officially entered the golf equipment arena with the launch of its Basics Core Soft golf ball, a budget-friendly two-piece design priced at just $14.49 per dozen, or $24.16 for 24 balls, undercutting most competitors in the value segment.
Manufactured by SM Global, the same company behind Costco’s Kirkland Signature golf balls, the Core Soft offers a familiar pedigree but targets a different audience: beginners, seniors, and recreational players seeking distance and forgiveness over tour-level performance. The low-compression core is engineered for higher launch and straighter flight, while an ionomer cover and alignment-aid side stamp aim to improve feel and putting confidence.
Though it doesn’t feature a urethane cover like premium models, Amazon claims the ball delivers “optimized spin control” through its advanced core and material blend. With the global value golf ball market becoming increasingly crowded — from Costco to Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark — Amazon’s entry signals another major player betting on the recreational golfer, pairing ultra-low pricing with its unmatched online reach. The Amazon Basics Core Soft golf balls are available to purchase now.
From becoming the first player to win the FedEx Cup and Race To Dubai titles in one season, to holding off a charging Phil Mickelson with a stunning final round 63 to win the 2016 Open Championship, Henrik Stenson’s future just got a lot more complicated. After falling into the LIV Golf relegation zone, the former potential European Ryder Cup captain faces tough choices: fight his way back through Q-School, return to the DP World Tour, or pivot into a leadership role off the tee. Josh Lees’ article for Bunkered looks closely at what Stenson’s options are.
In an era where the green-grass golf business faces seismic shifts, the simulator boom, rising costs, and tech disruption, NGCOA CEO Jay Karen’s article digs into where real answers for course owners and operators might come from. Karen challenges the industry to stop looking backward at legacy models and instead focus on entrepreneurs and tech innovators who are redefining the game’s infrastructure. It’s a timely read for anyone running or partnering with a golf facility, seeking to navigate change rather than being overwhelmed by it.
Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes at a PGA Tour event? Jonny Leighfield’s article in Golf Monthly pulls back the curtain on some of the lesser-known details that make each tournament run — from how courses are transformed to the surprising logistics that fans rarely see. It’s an easy, insightful read for anyone who loves the game and wants to appreciate the Tour from a fresh perspective.
Former PGA Tour and PGA Champions Tour star Peter Jacobsen’s story has always been about more than golf. In this insightful feature, Gary Van Sickle explores how the charismatic pro has turned his competitive instincts into a thriving business career, highlighted by the launch of the Skechers World Championship Cup.