The CPKC Women’s Open has announced its new Tournament Director and it’s a name awfully familiar to many on golf’s biggest stage.

Claire Welsh, of Barrie, Ontario – and formerly the head of player relations for the R&A – will take the reigns immediately of Canada’s LPGA Tour stop, with Ryan Paul having taken over as Tournament Director for the RBC Canadian Open earlier this fall.

The CPKC Women’s Open announcement comes as part of a record-breaking schedule for the LPGA Tour in 2025.

“It’s a true honour and privilege to serve as Tournament Director for the CPKC Women’s Open, an event that celebrates the very best of golf in Canada. Coming home to help shape the next chapter of our National Women’s Open feels incredibly special, especially at a time when women’s sports are experiencing remarkable growth and recognition,” said Welsh. “I know how important this historic event is for golf’s top players, and I’ve also seen its ability to inspire communities right across the country.

“I’m really looking forward to collaborating with the incredible teams at Golf Canada and CPKC to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans, players, volunteers and partners alike.”

Welsh spent a decade with the R&A working previously in senior roles with The Open Championship and the AIG Women’s Open.

In her most recent role, Welsh – who will work remotely until she and her husband return to Canada – was responsible for critical elements including player engagement and retention, travel and accommodation, accreditation, ticketing, and player facilities, while building trusting relationships with players and their support teams at both major championships.

“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. We spoke with talented candidates both internally and externally and it was Claire’s extensive international experience in the global golf space that positions her as the ideal lead for Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship.”

In 2025, the CPKC Women’s Open will be one of at least 14 LPGA Tour events led by female tournament directors, with several other events still to announce their tournament directors for the upcoming season.

The 2025 CPKC Women’s Open will be conducted August 19-24 for the first time at the historic Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont.

Announced last week, the LPGA Tour’s 2025 schedule will feature 33 official events with players competing for a total prize fund of US$131 million, the largest total prize fund in the history of the LPGA Tour. The LPGA Tour’s total prize fund has increased by approximately 90 percent since 2021.

The LPGA Tour will celebrate its 75th anniversary next year.

“The 2024 season was another year of historic growth for the LPGA Tour, and with this 2025 schedule we will continue to improve on that growth,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan.

The 2025 season begins with the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions Jan. 30-Feb. 2 at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club.