Claire Welsh Takes the Reins of Canada's Travelling Golf Championship

Claire Welsh has been named the new tournament director of the CPKC Women's Open, Canada's national women's golf championship. This prestigious event moves from city to city each year, most recently being held in Vancouver and Calgary.

Welsh brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent 10 years working for The R&A, golf's governing body in the United Kingdom. In her most recent role as head of player relations, she was responsible for critical elements including player engagement and retention, travel and accommodation, accreditation, ticketing, and player facilities.

"I've spent the better part of a decade travelling the world and seeing golf events everywhere," said Welsh. "I think that I can bring some of that experience to the table to look at things from a bit of a new perspective."

The 2025 edition of the CPKC Women's Open will be held Aug. 19-24 at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga for the first time. The tournament is a two-time winner of the LPGA Tour's tournament of the year award.

"We are incredibly excited to add Claire to our team at Golf Canada and bring home a globally experienced golf-industry executive to lead a new chapter for the CPKC Women's Open," said Golf Canada chief operating officer Garrett Ball. "Claire's experience working with The R&A along with all facets of building a successful and memorable tournament for the players, staff, partners, and fans was exceptional."

Welsh is excited to promote the sport of golf across Canada and build on the success of the CPKC Women's Open. "It is such a cornerstone of golf and of sport in Canada," she said. "Seeing the impact that Brooke Henderson has made and the huge fan base that she's developed right across the country really just means that the event goes from strength to strength with each new market that it goes to.