11 Essential Golf Stories for Sports Professionals

From the Solheim Cup in the Netherlands to EV tariff bills threatening Canadian golf cart manufacturers, today's media monitoring brings you 11 essential stories shaping the golf world. According to Press Monitor's tracking of Canadian publications, this press review delivers the news on golf that matters most for industry professionals. These stories offer media intelligence on the trends, people, and policies defining Canadian golf right now.

1. Markham Golf Cart Maker Gets $500K Tax Bill

Calgary Herald reports that Markham, Ont.-based Axglo Inc. has been hit with a back tax bill of approximately $500,000 from the Canada Border Services Agency for importing motorized push carts manufactured in China. The company's director of operations, Hanson Xie, says the six-person firm has been in the golf cart business since 2009 but lacks the funds to cover the unexpected charge, which mirrors a similar $178,000 bill levied against competitor JPSMGolf of Pickering, Ont. earlier this year. Both companies face hefty interest charges and must pay or post a bond before appealing, as the tax bills stem from a 17-month window in 2024-25 when Chinese-made EVs were taxed at 100 per cent by Ottawa to protect the Canadian auto industry, with the surtax ending after the Carney government reached a deal with Beijing on a 6.1 per cent tariff rate for 49,000 Chinese EVs.

Why it matters: Canadian small businesses face existential threats as golf carts are reclassified as electric vehicles by the Canada Border Services Agency.

Key detail: Axglo Inc. of Markham, Ontario, was told to pay about $500,000 in back taxes; competitor JPSMGolf of Pickering was hit with $178,000. The bills stem from a 17-month window in 2024-25 when Chinese-made EVs were taxed at 100%.

Source: Calgary Herald, National Post, Montreal Gazette, Ottawa Citizen, Edmonton Journal, Vancouver Sun

Next step: Monitor whether the Carney government's deal with Beijing (6.1% tariff rate for 49,000 Chinese EVs) provides relief for golf cart importers.

2. Trump Takes Qatari Jet Before Security Fix

Regina Leader-post reports that U.S. President Donald Trump said he would take the new Air Force One on its first foreign trip since a security scare in Turkey, leaving a security upgrade to the Qatari-gifted jet for next month. The plane has been at the centre of controversy since Trump switched to an older model to leave a NATO summit in Ankara in July because of a reported threat from Iran, then secretly swapped to a third aircraft. Trump is expected to make a fleeting visit to Dublin and then his family's golf course in Doonbeg, western Ireland, for the Irish Open.

Why it matters: President Trump's use of the Qatar-gifted Air Force One for a trip to Ireland raises questions about presidential transport security after a scare in Turkey.

Key detail: The aircraft lacks anti-missile systems and will undergo a 60-day security upgrade in October. Trump plans to visit Dublin and his family's golf course in Doonbeg for the Irish Open.

Source: Regina Leader-post, Saskatoon Starphoenix

Next step: Watch for diplomatic fallout from the security controversy that originated during the NATO summit in Ankara last July.

3. PGA Tour Americas Points Leader Ponder Heads to Uplands

Times Colonist reports that Thomas Ponder, leading the PGA Tour Americas season points parade, heads into the Digital Commerce Group Open at Uplands Golf Club from Thursday to Sunday. Michael Brennan, last year's season points champion, graduated to win two PGA Tour events this year, demonstrating how quickly career fortunes can change. The top-ten finishers in the 2026 PGA Tour Americas will earn cards into the 2027 Korn Ferry Tour, with the season closing at the ATB Classic in Edmonton and the PGA Oceans 4 Tour Championship in the Dominican Republic.

Why it matters: Thomas Ponder leads the PGA Tour Americas season points parade heading into the Digital Commerce Group Open at Uplands Golf Club in Victoria.

Key detail: Last year's season points champion Michael Brennan graduated to win two PGA Tour events this year. Top-ten finishers in the 2026 PGA Tour Americas will earn cards into the 2027 Korn Ferry Tour.

Source: Times Colonist

Next step: Follow Ponder's performance at the $225,000 event as a critical stepping stone for Korn Ferry Tour qualification.

4. Uplands Superintendent Stays Course

Times Colonist reports that Uplands Golf Club superintendent Brian Youell has prepared the course to challenge professional golfers in the PGA Tour Americas Digital Commerce Group Open. Youell, in his twenty-third year as superintendent, adjusted the rough and greens to create difficulty despite the course not being long. The Victoria tournament moved to a late-season September date last year, presenting new challenges with dry conditions and rough growth.

Why it matters: Brian Youell, in his 23rd year as superintendent at Uplands Golf Club, has prepared the course to challenge professionals at the PGA Tour Americas Digital Commerce Group Open.

Key detail: Despite the course not being long, faster greens and thicker rough create significant difficulty. The Victoria tournament moved to a late-season September date, presenting new challenges with dry conditions and rough growth.

Source: Times Colonist

Next step: Note how course setup adjustments reflect the growing professionalism of Canadian PGA events.

5. Golf Tournament Winners Announced

Times Colonist reports that Etienne Papineau won the TPC Toronto (Heathlands) tournament in Caledon, Ontario. Daniel Svard won the Manitoba Open at Elmhurst Golf and Country Club in Springfield, Manitoba from August 20 to 23. The CRMC Championship will be held from August 27 to 30 at Cragun's Legacy Courses in Brainerd, Minnesota.

Why it matters: Etienne Papineau won the TPC Toronto (Heathlands) tournament in Caledon, Ontario. Daniel Svard won the Manitoba Open at Elmhurst Golf and Country Club in Springfield, Manitoba.

Key detail: The CRMC Championship will be held from August 27 to 30 at Cragun's Legacy Courses in Brainerd, Minnesota.

Source: Times Colonist

Next step: Track these players' trajectories across the Canadian and international golf circuits.

6. Thomas Ponder Leads PGA Tour Americas

Times Colonist reports that Thomas Ponder leads the PGA Tour Americas season standings heading into this week's $225,000 Digital Commerce Group Open at Victoria's Uplands Golf Club. The event serves as a critical stepping stone for professionals aiming to secure Korn Ferry Tour cards, following last year's champion Michael Brennan's rapid rise to the professional ranks. Tournament organizers aim to enhance the spectator experience with a more vibrant atmosphere as competitors prepare for the penultimate stop of the fifteen-event season.

Why it matters: Thomas Ponder leads the PGA Tour Americas season standings heading into this week's $225,000 Digital Commerce Group Open at Victoria's Uplands Golf Club.

Key detail: The event serves as a critical stepping stone for professionals aiming to secure Korn Ferry Tour cards. Tournament organizers aim to enhance the spectator experience with a more vibrant atmosphere.

Source: Times Colonist

Next step: The penultimate stop of the fifteen-event season makes this a pivotal moment for aspiring professionals.

7. Korda Leads Team USA for Solheim Cup Win

Times Colonist reports that Nelly Korda and Team USA are aiming to win the Solheim Cup on European soil for the first time since 2015, with the matches starting Friday in the Netherlands. The Americans only need 14 points at Bernardus Golf course to retain the crystal trophy, and captain Angela Stanford highlights the honour of playing in hostile territory.

Why it matters: Nelly Korda and Team USA aim to win the Solheim Cup on European soil for the first time since 2015. The matches start Friday in the Netherlands at Bernardus Golf course.

Key detail: Americans only need 14 points at Bernardus Golf course to retain the crystal trophy. Captain Angela Stanford highlights the honour of playing in hostile territory.

Source: Times Colonist (AP)

Next step: Watch for Team USA's performance in what could be a historic victory on foreign soil.

8. Mason Green Wins Rio Olympic Golf Course

Times Colonist reports that Mason Green was the winner at the Rio Olympic Golf Course in Rio de Janeiro. The article also lists other upcoming golf tournament winners including Patrick Flavin, Cole Anderson, and Corey Pereira across various international locations.

Why it matters: Mason Green was the winner at the Rio Olympic Golf Course in Rio de Janeiro, adding to the list of international golf tournament winners.

Key detail: Other upcoming winners include Patrick Flavin, Cole Anderson, and Corey Pereira across various international locations.

Source: Times Colonist

Next step: Track international golf results that may influence Canadian players' rankings and opportunities.

9. Digital Commerce Group Open Sponsors

Times Colonist reports that the Digital Commerce Group Open returned this week to Uplands Golf Club in Victoria, with new title sponsor Digital Commerce Bank and a list of local supporters including Times Colonist, Andrew Sheret Limited, Island Eyecare, Helix Medspa and GAIN Group. The 43rd-anniversary event also raised money for Easter Seals Canada’s Camp Shawnigan, underscoring the vital role of community and volunteer backing.

Why it matters: The Digital Commerce Group Open returned to Uplands Golf Club in Victoria with new title sponsor Digital Commerce Bank and a strong list of local supporters.

Key detail: The 43rd-anniversary event also raised money for Easter Seals Canada's Camp Shawnigan, underscoring the vital role of community and volunteer backing.

Source: Times Colonist

Next step: Note the growing corporate sponsorship ecosystem around Canadian PGA events.

10. ATB Classic and Dominican Republic Tour

Times Colonist reports that Uplands Golf Club in Victoria will host the ATB Classic from September 17 to 20, and Blackhawk Golf Club in Edmonton will host the Dominican Republic Tour Championship presented by Scotiabank from October 15 to 18 at PGA Ocean's 4 in Playa Nueva Romana.

Why it matters: Two major Canadian-connected golf events are on the horizon, with Uplands Golf Club in Victoria hosting the ATB Classic and Edmonton's Blackhawk Golf Club hosting the Dominican Republic Tour Championship.

Key detail: The ATB Classic runs September 17-20 at Uplands Golf Club. The Dominican Republic Tour Championship runs October 15-18 at PGA Ocean's 4 in Playa Nueva Romana.

Source: Times Colonist

Next step: Mark calendars for these late-season Canadian golf events.

11. 140 Business Leaders Join ACG BC Golf Tournament

Business in Vancouver reports that 140 British Columbia middle-market executives gathered at the Richmond Country Club on July 20, 2026 for the annual Association for Corporate Growth British Columbia golf tournament. Hosted by the organization, the sold-out event provided a relaxed setting for professionals in corporate growth, mergers and acquisitions, and private capital to network and foster connections beyond traditional boardroom meetings.

Why it matters: 140 British Columbia middle-market executives gathered at the Richmond Country Club for the annual Association for Corporate Growth British Columbia golf tournament.

Key detail: The sold-out event provided a relaxed setting for professionals in corporate growth, mergers and acquisitions, and private capital to network and foster connections beyond traditional boardroom meetings.

Source: Business in Vancouver

Next step: Golf continues to serve as a premier networking venue for Canada's business elite.

Closing: These 11 stories, tracked through print media monitoring by Press Monitor, reflect the breadth of golf coverage across Canadian publications — from professional tournaments to trade policy impacts on small businesses. Which story will have the most lasting impact on the golf industry?