Golf Away Tours Attention to Detail: The 39th PGA Women's Championship of Canada
Quick Facts
Dates: July 13-16, 2026
First-Place Cheque: $12,500
Field Size: 54 Players
PGA of Canada first place bonus cheque: $2,500
Course Details:
Smiths Falls Golf & Country Club
Par 71 – 6,167 yards
Format:
54-Hole Stroke Play
7:45 AM ET first tee time, 11:03 AM ET final tee time
2025 PGA Women’s Champion of Canada: Tillie Claggett
The 39th PGA Women's Championship of Canada heads to historic Smiths Falls Golf & Country Club from July 13-16, where a strong field comprised of professionals and the top amateur players in the country will compete for a national title and an exemption into the 2026 CPKC Women's Open, set for August 19-23 at Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton, Alta.
In addition to the tournament champion earning an exemption, the She Plays Golf Championship Series Order of Merit leader who is not already exempt will also receive a place in the national championship following the event. So far, our defending champion Tillie Claggett and Katie Cranston, who recently turned professional, have booked their tickets to Royal Mayfair by winning the BC Women’s Open and the Glencoe Invitational.
Currently in second behind Cranston on the Order of Merit, Burlington, ON’s Ella Weber enters the PGA Women’s Championship 100 points ahead of Oakville, ON’s Nicole Gal in the race for the final spot.
The Order of Merit can be found here.
In addition to the tournament purse, PGA of Canada professionals will also be competing for a $10,000 purse reserved for association members.
Katie Cranston Returns with Unfinished Business
One of the biggest storylines entering championship week belongs to Katie Cranston.
The Team Canada athlete arrives in Smiths Falls fresh off her victory at the Glencoe Invitational, where she secured an exemption into the CPKC Women's Open and continued what has been an outstanding season. Cranston now returns to the PGA Women's Championship of Canada with unfinished business after finishing runner-up in this championship in 2024.
Having already claimed one professional victory this season, Cranston will look to add another national title to her résumé while chasing the championship that narrowly eluded her at TPC Toronto two years ago.
Returning Champions Bring Championship Pedigree
The field also features several players who know exactly what it takes to lift the trophy.
Sarah-Eve Rhéaume, the 2022 champion, returns looking to capture a second national title after establishing herself as one of Canada’s premier professionals.
Former champion Christine Wong is also back in the field. Her experience and proven ability to perform under championship pressure make her one of the players to watch once again.
Brooke Henderson's Home Club
There may be no venue more fitting than Smiths Falls Golf & Country Club.
The championship returns to the home club of Canadian golf superstar Brooke Henderson, where many of her earliest golf memories were made. This year also marks the 11-year anniversary of Henderson's first professional victory, which came at the 2015 PGA Women's Championship of Canada before launching one of the most successful careers in Canadian golf history.
For many players in this year's field, competing where Henderson's professional journey began adds another layer of inspiration.
A Deep Amateur Field Ready to Challenge
While several accomplished PGA of Canada professionals headline the championship, the amateur contingent may be the deepest the event has seen in recent years.
National team members, NCAA standouts and many of Canada's top-ranked amateurs are expected to contend throughout the week, creating an exciting battle between established professionals and the country's next generation of stars.
With the overall championship and a place in the CPKC Women's Open available to both professionals and amateurs, every shot will carry significant importance.
A Championship Within a Championship
In addition to the overall title, PGA of Canada members will once again compete for a dedicated PGA of Canada purse.
Following 36 holes, the overall professional and amateur field will be cut to the low 30 players and ties, while the PGA of Canada division continues through all 54 holes. The PGA of Canada professional who makes the most birdies will also earn a $250 bonus thanks to the Birdie Juice Birdie Race.
Attention to Detail Will Decide the Champion at Smiths Falls
Smiths Falls Golf & Country Club has long rewarded precision over power.
Players who consistently position their tee shots, control distance into the greens and avoid costly mistakes will have the best opportunity to contend. The course places a premium on disciplined course management, quality iron play and a confidence on the subtle, undulating greens.