Women’s Adventures in Golf’s 2025 season has come to a close, hitting a long drive for six Peterborough and area charities and drawing more women to the sport.
A non-profit group of women who take part in themed golf events, Women’s Adventures in Golf (WAG) has announced its 2025 season generated $5,248.50 for Super Sophia Project, Five Counties Children’s Centre, YWCA Crossroads Shelter, Peterborough Child & Family Centres, Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services, and Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre.
Formed in 2024, WAG offers fun, themed golfing opportunities once a month for Peterborough women of all skill levels while also raising funds for charities. The money generated this year brings WAG’s total contribution to more than $10,000 for local women, children, and families.
WAG organizer Susan Williamson told kawarthaNOW that word of mouth and media publicity have helped the organization make such a big impact in Peterborough and area, both in terms of fundraising and attracting women to the game. Close to 300 women took part in WAG events in 2025.
“Word is getting out that WAG events are not tournaments or a league,” Williamson said. “Those two words are very intimidating to many women golfers, let alone those who are considering taking up the sport.”
Williamson’s goal when she founded WAG was to offer a golf experience that was fun and without pressure, and an outlet for connection and community-building to flourish.
She pointed to a testimonial from Cheryl Mahony on WAG’s website that “encapsulates how women feel and what WAG offers.”
“I just started golfing three years ago and am really loving the game but find most aspects of golf rather intimidating,” Mahony states. “Enter WAG — a fantastic way to learn the ropes, play in a non-stressful setting and make new golf friends in the process. Each event I have attended has been so much fun and my only regret is that I didn’t sign up sooner.”
Williamson said women don’t have to identify as golfers to be a part of WAG — they just have to show up and be ready to have fun.
“We had an amazing mix of returning golfers and golf-curious women who decided to give the game a try,” she explained. “Seeing that confidence grow, especially among women who started the season as beginners, is exactly what WAG is all about.”
“Many women signed up as singles and came back because they had so much fun and immediately felt the WAG community spirit.”
While WAG offered enjoyable themed events like “Jetsetter” and “Mystery at the Club”, Williamson said “What truly stands out for me is watching friendships form and confidence build. That’s the heart of WAG.”
When she considers other highlights of the year, she’s “incredibly proud of the community support behind the scenes. Our sponsors — all local, women-led businesses and golfers themselves — have been amazing, showing such belief in what WAG is building.”
“Giving back through our charitable partnerships is at the heart of what we do. Together, our participants have raised over $10,300 for local women’s causes in just two years — something we’re all deeply proud of.”
WAG gave a shout-out in its newsletter to several people, including Yvonne Reid from TransCanada Nissan who provided two full car-detailing certificates and golf balls for WAG’s “bring a friend” promo for one of WAG’s events, WAG’s community partnership lead Anne Ondercin who introduced WAG’s new and successful promo “Bring a Friend, Make Memories – Tag Along & Tee Off” that helped increase new participation by 25 per cent, and Cheryl Heaton for providing golf balls, water, tees, and ball markers for every participant for one of WAG’s events.
WAG also thanked the golf courses where events were held, including Heron Landing Golf Club, Katchiwano Golf Club, Liftlock Golf Club, and Warkworth Golf Club.
“We couldn’t do it without our incredible golf club partners, who provide the space, support, and flexibility that allow us to host shotgun starts,” Williamson said. “Finishing together and socializing afterwards transforms golf from an individual sport into a shared experience, and that’s what makes it special.”
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Williamson said she would love to see even more women participate in a WAG event.
“What makes WAG successful is our wonderful group of women who remember how intimidating it can feel as a beginner. They’ve become natural mentors, helping others feel comfortable and confident on the course. We’ll always stay focused on creating that social, judgment-free atmosphere, but we’re also reaching out to our community with a survey to explore new formats and ideas for next season.”
Most of all, Williamson hopes to continue introducing women to the game who haven’t before considered themselves as golfers.
“There’s something so powerful about watching someone pick up a club for the first time and realize, ‘I can do this,'” she said.
For more information about WAG and updates on its 2026 season, visit www.golfwithwag.ca.
