ANTIGONISH, N.S. — First Tee – Atlantic’s Antigonish Golf & Country Club has been named the 2025 First Tee Program Location of the Year, one of Golf Canada’s National Facility Awards for Junior Golf, recognizing its commitment to growing the game among youth in its community.
The National Facility Awards for Junior Golf program recognizes the critical role facilities play in developing young Canadian golfers. The First Tee Program Location of the Year honour is awarded to a facility that demonstrates strong enrolment and meaningful impact by introducing new juniors through First Tee programming.
Broadmoor Public Golf Course in Alberta and Cultus Lake Golf Club in British Columbia were named runners-up.
“Antigonish Golf & Country Club has truly embraced the First Tee model and demonstrated what’s possible when a facility commits to creating inclusive, transformational opportunities for young people,” said Colin Gillis, senior manager of First Tee – Atlantic. “Their growth in just two seasons, combined with strong community relationships and a dedicated coaching team, has made a lasting impact on junior golf participation in the region.”
Located in a rural university town, the club fully adopted First Tee as its sole junior program in 2025, delivering six six-hour sessions for up to 108 participants aged five to 12, along with an all-girls fall session for 12 participants.
The growth represents a significant 900 per cent increase from its first year, supported by Canadian Tire Jumpstart funding that enabled expanded programming, coach training and enhanced participant experiences.
“We’re incredibly proud to be recognized as First Tee – Canada’s Program Location of the Year,” said Cameron Duncan, Antigonish Golf & Country Club’s head PGA professional and operations manager. “Antigonish has always been a strong sport community, and programs like this play an integral role in shaping the next generation. Junior golfers are the future of both our club and the game, and we’re committed to growing the sport in a positive and welcoming way.”
The club’s coaching team includes three First Tee-certified lead coaches and three assistant coaches, all of whom have supported program delivery over the past two seasons.
Beyond structured programming, junior participants are welcomed to access the driving range, putting green and course when accompanied by a parent.
Antigonish Golf & Country Club has also built strong community relationships with local partners, including the Town and Municipality of the County of Antigonish, St. Francis Xavier University and local elementary schools, while supporting organizations such as the Antigonish Palliative Care Society and Cathy’s Cancer Resource Room.
The club promotes First Tee – Atlantic through on-site signage, membership communications and initiatives like the sale of Church Brewing Co.’s “-1 Lager,” with proceeds supporting programming in the region.
With strong community backing and growing demand, the club is planning to further expand its First Tee programming in the years ahead.
