Xmas Greetings From Golf Canada . . .

As the year comes to a close and we prepare to close out 2011 with family and friends, I want to take this opportunity to thank the many golfers, clubs, sponsors, volunteers, media and general golf enthusiasts for their many contributions to the game of golf.

For Golf Canada, 2011 brought us much to be proud of. Together with the support of close to 1,500 member clubs and 340,000+ members from coast to coast as well as our provincial and national partner associations, we are helping to grow the game in many ways.

As the National Sport Organization responsible for growing participation and excellence in our sport, Golf Canada has much to be thankful for in 2011.

The National Golf in Schools program is now in more than 1250 elementary schools across the country. That number is set to grow with some exciting new initiatives set for 2012. As well, thousands of children are introduced to the sport each year through CN Future Links Learn to Play - Canada's national junior golf program.

Together with our partner associations that comprise the National Allied Golf Association, Golf Canada and the provincial golf associations joined in advocating to federal and provincial legislatures on behalf of our member clubs and the Canadian golf industry - communicating the economic benefits of golf as well as the implications of current taxation laws affecting our industry. It was exciting industry-wide effort that we will build on in 2012.

As golf fans, we can also celebrate the many Canadian talents that did us proud in 2011 with their accomplishments on the course. Some won provincial and national titles or earned their ticket to the LPGA, PGA, Champions or Nationwide Tour. Many others fell short of their goal but I do believe the future of Canadian golf looks bright. Player development at the provincial, national and professional level continues to be a major focus. I wholeheartedly believe that our Canadian amateur and professional athletes can and will compete against the world's best.

I am also very proud of the charitable efforts of the Golf Canada Foundation, contributing more than $250,000 in 2011 to Canadian post-secondary students and golf programs across the country. Golf is a major charitable driver with more than 25,000 charity golf events helping to raise close to $440 million annually.

As well, I want to congratulate the more than 18,000 female golfers that participated in more than 220 Golf Fore the Cure events across the country helping to raise more than $800,000 in support of breast cancer research.

Honouring the history and traditions of our sport and upholding our role as the governing body of rules, handicapping and amateur status remain core to our efforts. The storied history of golf in this country is something that will always be core to our mandate.
To the critics that say golfers don't care about maintaining an official handicap, I respectfully disagree. The proof is in the numbers - in 2011, more than 340,000 golfers posting over 8 million scores. Those golfers that tracked their handicap joined thousands more Canadian golf enthusiasts in helping to make golfcanada.ca Canada's most viewed source for golf news.

To all those that shared in our successes this past season, thank you for helping to grow the game we love!

The year ahead will bring its share of challenges but it will also present opportunities.
Like any industry, business in a tough economy can always be better. As an organization, we can be better. We might not be successful in everything we try to accomplish in 2012, but we definitely can't be successful if we don't try.

So what would define Golf Canada's success in 2012? More people from all walks of life enjoying golf and its inherent health and societal benefits; a strengthened working relationship with our member clubs and partner associations; more certified coaches and rules officials; Canadian competitive success on the golf course at every level; the continued growth of grassroots programs like Golf in Schools and CN Future Links Learn to Play; increase support of golf from government and corporate Canada; a greater understanding by Canadians of who Golf Canada is, what we are responsible for as the NSO and how they themselves can help to grow the game.

Passion and enthusiasm are two things that connect the Canadian golf community. If the health and growth of our sport are going to improve, it will be the result of an industry wide, collaborative effort. I am proud that Golf Canada will be a part of that effort in 2012.
For now, enjoy the holiday season and the time spent with family and friends. Take a moment to remember those special people in our lives that we've lost and celebrate those that continue to make positive contributions to our sport and more importantly, our everyday lives.

On behalf of the staff and Board of Directors of Golf Canada, a sincere thanks to those that participate and support the game of golf in this country. Wishing you all the very best of success in 2012!

GOLF CANADA