2025

Birdies for Trails initiative scores big debutant support at The Rink Hole 

Birdies for Trails 2025 / Golf Canada
Birdies for Trails 2025 / Golf Canada

A record 118 birdies filled TPC Toronto’s 14th hole at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open and helped raise thousands of dollars for the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF). 

CALEDON, Ont. – In collaboration with TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley and WM, Golf Canada is proud to announce the Rink Hole successfully raised $29,500 for the CVCF following the debut of its Birdies for Trails initiative at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open.   

Every birdie at the 144-yard par-3 14th hole directly contributed to CVCF and the development of the Credit Valley Trail (CVT), a passageway stretching 100 kilometers in length to link Orangeville, Ont. with Port Credit (Mississauga), Ont. 

“We are happy to see a successful first contribution as part of the Birdies for Trails initiative from the 2025 RBC Canadian Open and want to thank our partners at WM and TPC Toronto for leading the charge on this initiative,” said Brian Newton, Director, Professional Championships Operations, Golf Canada. “We are looking forward to returning to TPC Toronto for the 115th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship and continuing this meaningful initiative at the Rink Hole and hope to see more supporting partners next year.”  

118 birdies were made at The Rink in 2025, the most since the inception of the iconic stadium hole in 2017. Four Canadians, as well as tournament winner Ryan Fox, were among the record set of players to score at the fan-favourite hole, with each birdie contributing $250 to help the CVCF make a significant impact on the local community in Caledon, Ont.  

“From the spotlight being shined on Caledon and the surrounding community to the economic impact of the event, there are so many positives to take from the RBC Canadian Open taking place here. We’re proud to support this critical initiative and the work being done by the CVCF,” said TPC Toronto President Chris Humeniuk. 

“The continued development of the CVT represents a thoughtful investment in both the environment and the well-being of local communities. WM is pleased to support this initiative through Birdies for Trails, helping to advance a shared goal of creating more accessible, sustainable spaces for people to connect with nature,” said Tracy Black, President, WM Canada. 

Since its inception in 1964, the CVCF has more than 60 years of experience protecting and sustaining the health of the watershed that connects its communities. The CVT project is one of many ongoing plans prioritizing the wellbeing of CVC’s communities that aims to promote indigenous culture, national identity and become a dual asset in recreation and tourism for years to come.  

“This contribution is a meaningful step forward in our mission to bring the CVT to life. This support not only helps us build a legacy trail for public use, education, and community connection — it also plays a crucial role in land securement efforts that ensure natural spaces are protected and accessible for generations to come,” said Dayana Gomez, Executive Director of the CVCF. “This generous support brings us one step closer to our $10 million fundraising goal and to realizing a legacy trail that will benefit the entire watershed community — creating meaningful and lasting connections to nature, to one another, and to the land for generations to come.” 

The Rink Hole has become a unique and popular experience over the past seven editions of the RBC Canadian Open, blending the excitement of hockey with the tradition and legacy of golf. Hockey-themed tee markers, enthusiastic engagement from spectators and reciprocated energy from players makes the Rink Hole a memorable golf experience in addition to being a valuable supporter of communal initiative.  

The 2026 RBC Canadian Open will be returning to TPC Toronto in Caledon, Ont.