CALEDON, Ont. – Golf, community, and conservation came together for a powerful cause at this year’s RBC Canadian Open, where Birdies for Trails raised nearly $30,000 for the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF) thanks to the collective support of players, fans, and partners.

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 Credit Valley Conservation Foundation 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), Ontario.

“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 Credit Valley Conservation Foundation 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 Credit Valley Trail 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 Credit Valley Conservation Foundation has more than 60 years of experience protecting and sustaining the health of the watershed that connects its communities. The Credit Valley Trail project is one of many ongoing plans prioritizing the well-being of Credit Valley Conservation’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 Credit Valley Trail 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 Credit Valley Conservation Foundation. “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, Ontario.

At the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation, we’re proud to work hand in hand with our partners, supporters, and local communities to advance our mission and the work of Credit Valley Conservation. The Birdies for Trails initiative is a testament to what’s possible when we come together with a shared purpose: to protect, connect, and celebrate the natural spaces that make this region so special, including the Credit Valley Trail. 

About Credit Valley Conservation
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a local conservation authority established by the Ontario government in 1954 to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment of the Credit River Watershed. That watershed is the area of land where all rainfall, snowmelt and runoff drains (”sheds”) into lands and waters flowing into the Credit River. CVC creates connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. It inspires a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario.

About Credit Valley Conservation Foundation
Credit Valley Conservation Foundation is a registered environmental charity working to help protect and conserve the lands and waters of the Credit River Watershed. The Foundation accomplishes this by raising funds in support of the valuable conservation projects carried out by Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) that protect the health and well-being of the flora and fauna, the watershed and its inhabitants for today and tomorrow. CVC inspires a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy.

-30-

Media Contact