Park Goes Wire-to-Wire to Win PGA Women’s Championship of Canada
SMITHS FALLS, Ont. – Eileen Park is a national champion.
The 17-year-old Team Canada NextGen athlete went wire-to-wire at Smiths Falls Golf & Country Club to capture the 2026 PGA Women’s Championship of Canada, overcoming a late challenge from Katie Cranston to claim her first tournament victory in two years.
Park entered the final round tied for the lead and wasted little time setting the tone, opening her day with a birdie on the first hole. But as Cranston began to make her move, including an eagle on the front nine, the pressure began to build.
“I looked at the leaderboard and I just saw Katie making a lot of birdies, and she was catching up to me,” said Park, who recorded rounds of 67-73-69. “So it’s kind of scary. But I was like, it’s okay, I have more holes left. And if I make birdies as well, then it will just keep me on top.”
That is exactly what she did.
With Cranston closing the gap, Park put her foot on the gas on the back nine, making the birdies she needed to pull away and secure the national championship.
The victory earns Park an exemption into the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open at Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton, an opportunity she has dreamed about since she was a child.
“I’ve been dreaming to play the CPKC since I was like six years old,” Park said. “I actually went to go watch it ten years ago. So playing in this event this year, I think I’m just going to have so much fun with it and just try to learn lots and just try to enjoy the moment.”
The victory was made even more special by the venue. Smiths Falls Golf & Country Club is the home club of Brooke Henderson, a two-time champion of the PGA Women’s Championship of Canada.
“Winning at this course, Brooke Henderson’s home course, it just feels like a dream come true,” Park said. “I never would have thought I would win at Brooke’s home course. So it just feels more special to me.”
The win is Park’s first tournament victory in two years.\
“It sounds unreal right now,” Park said. “I haven’t won a tournament in two years, so this win is just special to me.”
Lauren Zaretsky also secured a major opportunity this week, earning an exemption into the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open as the highest-ranked player on the She Plays Golf Championship Series Order of Merit who was not otherwise exempt.
PGA of Canada professionals also competed for an additional $10,000 purse this week. Diana McDonald came out on top, finishing the event at 3-over.
The Birdie Juice Birdie Race also came down to the wire among PGA of Canada professionals, with Christine Wong finishing on top after making eight birdies throughout the championship. She earns the $250 bonus.