Golf Canada Appoints Paul Perrier as New Chief Sport Officer
In a strategic move aimed at strengthening the foundation and future of the sport across the nation, Golf Canada has announced the appointment of Paul Perrier as its new Chief Sport Officer. This pivotal role places Perrier at the helm of the organization’s high-performance, athlete development, and sport science initiatives, signaling a renewed commitment to elevating Canadian golf on the world stage.
A Proven Leader Steps onto the Green
Paul Perrier is no stranger to the inner workings of high-performance sport in Canada. He arrives at Golf Canada with an impressive and extensive background, most recently serving as the Vice-President of Sport at Commonwealth Sport Canada. In that capacity, he played a critical role in overseeing Team Canada’s preparations and participation in the Commonwealth Games, managing a complex ecosystem of athletes, coaches, and support staff.
His resume is a testament to a career dedicated to athletic excellence. Prior to his time with Commonwealth Sport Canada, Perrier held significant positions with the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), where he contributed to Team Canada’s operations for multiple Olympic Games. This deep experience within the pinnacle of multi-sport environments has equipped him with a unique understanding of what it takes to build sustainable systems that foster champion athletes.
What the New Chief Sport Officer Role Entails
As Chief Sport Officer, Perrier’s mandate is broad and impactful. He will be responsible for providing visionary leadership and operational direction for all of Golf Canada’s sport-related functions. This encompasses:
Why This Appointment Matters for Canadian Golf
The creation and filling of the Chief Sport Officer position is a clear statement of intent from Golf Canada. In recent years, Canada has seen a remarkable surge in golfing talent, with stars like Brooke Henderson, Corey Conners, and Nick Taylor achieving historic wins on the PGA and LPGA Tours. The challenge now is to build a system that can consistently produce players of that calibre.
Perrier’s appointment is directly aimed at meeting that challenge. His experience is not in golf specifically, but in building world-class sport systems—a deliberate and often advantageous choice. He brings a fresh, evidence-based perspective from the broader high-performance sport world, which can be applied to optimize Golf Canada’s existing programs.
Building on Momentum and a Lasting Legacy
Perrier steps into a role that carries significant momentum. The success of Canadian professionals has inspired a nation, and participation in the sport remains strong. Furthermore, he follows in the footsteps of a respected legacy, taking over responsibilities previously held by Dave McCarthy, who served Golf Canada with distinction for over 15 years before moving to the PGA Tour.
The task ahead involves harnessing the current wave of enthusiasm and institutional knowledge to create a durable pipeline of talent. It’s about ensuring that the next Brooke Henderson or Mike Weir is already in the system, receiving the right coaching, support, and competitive opportunities to flourish.
Looking Ahead: Priorities for the Future
While Perrier will undoubtedly take time to assess and plan, several key priorities are likely to be at the top of his agenda:
A Unifying Force for the Sport
In his statement regarding the appointment, Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum emphasized Perrier’s ability to be a “unifying force.” This is perhaps the most critical aspect of the role. Golf in Canada involves a network of passionate organizations, from local clubs to provincial bodies to national teams. Aligning these groups towards common high-performance goals requires diplomacy, clear communication, and strategic vision—all qualities Perrier has honed throughout his career.
The appointment of Paul Perrier as Chief Sport Officer marks the beginning of a new, ambitious chapter for high-performance golf in Canada. By importing proven leadership from the heart of Canada’s Olympic sport system, Golf Canada is making a serious investment in the future. For aspiring young golfers, dedicated coaches, and fans across the country, this move represents a promise: that the structures are being put in place to ensure the maple leaf continues to be a prominent and victorious symbol on golf’s biggest stages for years to come. The foundation for the next generation of Canadian golfing greatness is being built today.
