The last week of March is another busy stretch for college golfers south of the border including 10 Saskatchewan student-athletes in action in various events across the country.

Cole Obrigewitsch continues his impressive season with California State University San Bernardino leading the locals with a tie for 12^th at his event in Turlock, Cal. at the Turlock Golf and Country Club on March 25 and 26. Obrigewitsch shot 69 in round one, 68 during the second round, and a 76 during the final round to finish the 54-hole Hanny Stanislaus Invitational at 3-under-par.

The team was fourth.

Carter Bell of Saskatoon was also in the field competing for Dominican University of California. He carded back-to-back rounds of 75, and a third round score of 76, leaving the Riverside Country Club member in a tie for 58^th.

The Penguins were 13^th in the team category.

Obrigewitsch’s next event is the Hot Dirt Desert Shootout in Goodyear, Az. at the Golf Club of Estrella on April 5 and 6. Bell’s next tournament is the PacWest Championships in Waimea, Hawaii at the Mauna Lani Golf Course from April 15 to 17.

Alex Swinnerton of Saskatoon was carrying the top bag for Indianna University of Pennsylvania (IUP) this week at the Oldfield Classic in Okatie, S.C. He posted rounds of 76, 73, and 78 for a 54-hole score of 227. That left the Riverside Country Club member in a tie for 14^th.

Fellow Waskesiu junior graduate and IUP teammate Guillermo Salazar played great tying for 14^th at 222. The Crimson Hawks team was seventh. The club will be in Indiana, Pa. on April 15 and 16 for the Cecil C. Spadafora IUP Invitational at the Indiana Country Club.

The collegiate career of TJ Baker continued at the University of Arkansas at Monticello at a familiar event in Arkansas. The Weevils were in El Dorado, Ark. on March 25 and 26 for the Men’s Arkansas Collegiate. Carrying the top bag for the team, Baker shot a pair of 83’s to finish in a tie for 42^nd. The team was 11^th.

Southern Arkansas University was also in the field as the host, Regina’s Will Blake was on the Muleriders ‘B’ team for the event, he was tied for 57^th overall with rounds of 87.  The Royal Regina Golf Club member was part of the 12^th place team in the tournament.

Next up for Baker and Blake is the Natural State Classic at the Cypress Creek Golf Club in Cabot, Ark. on April 15.

Minot State University had both their golf teams on the road last week including Chase Gedak and Holly Knudsen.

The men’s team was in Blue Springs, Mo. on March 25 and 26 at Adams Pointe Golf Club for the NSIC Preview.

Estevan’s Gedak tied for 32^nd. The Golf Kenosee member shot rounds of 74 and 78 leaving him 11 strokes behind the leader. The Beavers were eighth as a team.

Knudsen was also on the course this weekend leading the Minot State University (MSU) Beavers into the Holiday Inn Express Classic in St. Joseph, Mo. on March 25 and 26. The second round was cancelled, Knudsen shot 81 in the only recorded round. The Beavers were eighth as a team in the event.

Their next event is the Augustana Invitational at Elmwood Golf Course in Sioux Falls, S.D. starting on April 8, the men’s team will also compete at that tournament.

Cole Taylor of Nipawin is getting more comfortable at college, he posted rounds of 82 and 77 at Antelope Hills South Course on March 24 and 25 during the ERAU Invitational in Prescott, Az. The Nipawin product tied for 15^th at the event.

The team lost in a playoff for the overall title. Next up for the Park Buccaneers is the Cal Pac Conference Championships beginning April 15 at Olivas Links Golf Course in Venture, Cal.

Caden Loeppky of Saskatoon started his spring season with the Waldorf Warriors on March 22 in Maryville, Mo. at the Graceland Invitational. The second round of the tournament was cancelled due to weather, Loeppky shot 95 at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park Golf Course, that left the Willows Club member in 39^th. He was competing for the Warriors ‘B’ team, the squad tied for eighth.

Next up is the Wartburg Invitational starting Good Friday in Waverly, IA. at Prairie Links Golf Course.

In late February, Golf Saskatchewan announced a partnership with PUMA Golf that will see all volunteers, national teams, and staff support PUMA and wear the brand at provincial and national events.

Ryan Sommerfeld is a long-time PGA of Canada Professional, now based in Winnipeg, after working in the golf industry across Canada, Sommerfeld is the Territory Manager for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Thunder Bay.

He sat down with Golf Saskatchewan to speak about his career in the industry, the PUMA brand, and his excitement for the new partnership with in the province.

The board of directors and staff of Golf Saskatchewan are looking back on another tremendous year for the sport following the organization’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday.

The game saw an increase in players competing at Saskatchewan championships, posting rounds through the Golf Canada Score Centre, plus more players competed for national championships than in 2022. Nipawin resident Kevin Duchscherer was reclaimed as president and will lead the board for another year. Also, the president of the Evergreen Golf Course in his hometown, Duchscherer said competing in a couple provincial events and being on hand at the others across the province, the comments were optimistic from the players, hosts, and volunteers.

“I heard a lot of positives that came out of those events with regards to players enjoying the opportunity to come out and compete at whatever level they are at,” Duchscherer said after the meeting.

Golf Saskatchewan saw 35 more players compete in provincial championships in 2023 from 2022, 26,000 more rounds were posted in Saskatchewan by players as well. With all industry stakeholders working to grow the game at both grassroots and elite playing levels, Duchscherer said the governing body of amateur golf will continue to assist in all areas of the game.

“Our membership, our owners, PGA members that are out there giving lessons and that, they are working very hard to try to continue to grow the game,” he said. “I hope in Golf Saskatchewan’s perspective we are able to support those individuals as much as we can.”

The organization welcomed two new board members, Lori Bernt of Moose Jaw and a member at Lynbrook Golf Club and Saskatoon resident and Holiday Park Golf Course member Brian Topp joined the executive, Regina’s Dianna Kerr will sit for another term in the vice-president role, the position the Wascana Country Club member held in 2023.

After providing the financial statement as treasurer of Golf Saskatchewan, Teddy Wiens stepped down from the board, as did long-time volunteer Delbert Betnar, including a term as president. Duchscherer said the outgoing members will be noticeably absent.

“I owe him a lot with regards to my knowledge, not only the workings of Golf Saskatchewan, but he’s also taught me stuff about the game too. I really enjoy every opportunity I have to be with Delbert, whether it’s on the course, at the 19^th hole, or at the board table, or whatever, he’s definitely knowledgeable. Both those men are passionate about the game and will be missed,” he said.

Duchscherer added he’s excited to continue working with Kerr on the board and both Bernt and Topp going into the season that will begin on April 15.

To view the 2023 Golf Saskatchewan Annual Report, click HERE.

You can hear more from Duchscherer below.

The Synergy 8 group in Saskatoon has announced Canadian golfer Adam Hadwin will headline the 2024 Drive for Kids lineup on Sept. 5 at The Willows Club and Prairieland Park.

The event will be the 15th anniversary for the Community Builders group that has used world-renowned golfers as their headliners for years, in more recent years the group has focused on Canadian golfers that have risen to stardom in recent years including Nick Taylor last year fresh of his RBC Canadian Open victory.

The golf tournament is nearing a sellout, dinner tickets are available as well, all the details can be found here.

Golf Saskatchewan spoke with Synergy 8 member Troy Davies following the announcement.

Holly Knudsen put together a top-20 performance for the Minot State University (MSU) Beavers on March 11 and 12 at the Southwest Minnesota State Spring Classic in Litchfield, Az. at the Wigwam Golf Course.

The resident of Chaplin posted an opening round score of 83 before rebounding with a solid 76 during round two. She finished in 19^th place; the Beavers team was 10^th.

The MSU men’s golf team was in action March 4 and 5 in Goodyear, Az. for the Maverick Desert Classic at Palm Valley Golf Club. Chase Gedak of Estevan led the team with a 38^th place finish after rounds of 79 and 74.

The Beavers team was 11^th. The next event for the Beavers women’s team is the MWSA Holiday Inn Express Spring Invitational at St. Joseph Country Club in St. Joseph, Mo. and men’s team will compete at the NSIC Preview at Adams Pointe Golf Club in Blue Springs, Mo. On March 25 and 26.

Hallie Crozier of Regina opened her spring season for Ferris State University in Orange Park, Flo. on March 8 and 9 at the Sacred Heart Spring Break Invite. Crozier shot 75 in round one and 84 in the second round at the Eagle Harbor Golf Club. The Bulldogs team was fifth.

The team traveled to Georgetown, Ky. on the weekend (March 16 – 17) for the SVSU Spring Invitational at Cherry Blossom Golf Course. The team placed second overall while Crozier tied for 17^th at 158 (77,81).

The Bulldogs concluded their busy March schedule with the Findlay Spring Invitational in Lexington, Ky. on March 18 and 19. In the 54-hole event at Boone’s Trace National Golf Club Crozier shot 87, 84, and 82 leaving her in 67^th place.

The Bulldogs were 11^th as a team, next up is the Indianapolis Invitational in Laconia, Ind. on April 1 and 2.

North of the border at Cordova Bay Golf Course in Victoria, B.C., Myles Johnson of Martensville and Max Regier of Saskatoon were in action. Johnson, competing for the University of Victoria at the Vikes Shootout on March 18 and 19. Johnson placed ninth, after an opening round of 77, he bounced back nicely with a 70 in round two to finish at 5-over par.

Regier tied for 11^th as he continued competing for the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat. The Riverside Country Club member went 73 and 77 to finish at 8-over par.

Johnson’s team was fourth, Regier’s team placed fifth. The Vikes are scheduled to be in Bullhead City, Az. for the Battle at Laughlin Ranch on March 25 and 26. For the UBCO Heat they will prepare for the University/College Championship in Sudbury, Ont. from June 3 to 6.

Alex Swinnerton led the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) golf team to a seventh place finish at the Ralph Hargett Memorial Intercollegiate this week in Monroe, N.C. Playing at Rolling Hills Country Club, the Crimson Hawks opened their spring season as Swinnerton posted rounds of 74, 71, and 74 to lead the team with a score of 219.

Calgary product and Waskesiu junior graduate Guillermo Salazar also competes for IUP, he shot 75 in round one, 82 in round two, and 75 in the third and final round to place tied for 63^rd.

Jace Carlisle of Estevan was also on the course at Rolling Hills competing with Post University as the TS&M Woodlawn member began his final spring season. The 2018 Saskatchewan Junior Men’s Champion tied for 81^st after back-to-back rounds of 77 and an 83 in the third round to conclude the 54-hole event at 237.

The Eagles were 16^th as a team.

IUP will be in Okatie, S.C. on March 25 and 26 for the USCB Oldfield Classic for their next action, Carlisle and his Post Eagles teammates will be in Goldsboro, N.C. for The Trojan Invitational at the University of Mount Olive from April 7 to 9.

Josh Nagy’s final spring college golf season began this week as the Robert Morris University (RMU) Colonials opened the season at the Carpetbagger Classic in Frederick, Md. on March 16 and 17.

Hosted at the Worthington Manor Golf Club, the RMU team was third overall, just nine strokes back of the lead.

Nagy opened the 36-hole event with a 79 in round one, the Riverside Country Club member shot 77 in round two, he tied for 41^st at 12-over par.

Next up for the Colonials is the Cutter Creek Invitational on March 29 to 31 in Snow Holl, N.C. at the Cutter Creek Golf Club.

Cole Taylor of Nipawin and the Park University Buccaneers were in Buckeye, Az. on March 18 and 19 for the Showdown at Sundance at Sundance Golf Club. Taylor shot 81 and 86 to finish in 38th place, the team was eighth.

They are Prescott, Az. for the OUAZ Invitational on March 24 and 25 at Antelope Hills Golf Club.

Carter Bell of Saskatoon was in Alameda, Ca. from March 11 and 12 for the Tim Tierney Pioneer Shootout alongside the Dominican University of California Penguins golf team.

Bell tied for 60^th with a 54-hole score of 226 (79, 76, 71). His team was 13^th. Their next tournament is the Hanny Stanislaus Invitational in Turlock, Cal. on March 25 and 26.

Darien Herlick has chosen his college where he will earn his degree and play collegiate golf.

The Weyburn product signed with the Minot State University (MSU) Beavers earlier this winter. He will join fellow Golf Kenosee member Winston Grayson at the school beginning in September.

Herlick said he will study Business while at MSU and wants to stay in golf for as long as possible.

After a fifth-place finish a season ago at the Saskatchewan Junior Men’s Championship, the 18-year-old is preparing to take a run at the gold medal in Yorkton in the first week of July.

Herlick spoke with Golf Saskatchewan about the commitment.

Autumn Neiszner of Regina competed in her first event of the spring season at the Keiser Cup hosted by her school, Keiser University. The Wascana Country Club member was competing as an individual in the event hosted at Okeeheelee Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Flo. She carded rounds of 80, 86, and 85 to finish in 34^th place.

Neiszner’s teammates took the team championship in large part because Keiser’s Hoi Ki Lau won the event held from March 3 to 5. The Seahawks next event is the Buccaneer Invitational on March 18 and 19 in Miami Lakes. Flo. at Miami Shores Country Club.

Symone Ripley was in Henderson, Nev. on March 5 and 6 for the RMC Intercollegiate at Reflection Bay Golf Club alongside the University of British Columbia Okanogan (UBCO) Heat. The Saskatoon product was 40^th after rounds of 91, 96, and 96. The Heat were third as a team.

UBCO will travel to Victoria for the Vikes Spring Shootout on March 18 and 19.

Max Regier of Saskatoon was also at Reflection Bay competing for the UNBO men’s team at the RMC Intercollegiate. The Riverside Country Club member tied for 25^th, second on the team with a score of 231 (73,81,77). The Heat were eighth overall in the team competition.

Their next action is also the Vikes Spring Shootout.

In Las Vegas, Nev. at Boulder Creek Golf Club Cole Obrigewitsch of Deer Valley was in the field of 100 players tying for 66^th with scores of 74, 78, and 73. Obrigewitch helped the CSU San Bernardino place tied for sixth in the team competition that featured 20 schools on March 3 to 5.

On March 25 the Coyotes will be in Turlock, Cal. for the 49^th annual Harry Stanislaus Invitational at the Turlock Golf and Country Club.

Carter Bell of Saskatoon was on the course this week as well in Pleasanton, Cal. for the Nighthawk Invitational competing with Dominican University of California. The Penguins were sixth as a team, Bell was 45^th overall with a 36-hole score of 158 after rounds of 78 and 80.

The Tim Tierney Pioneer Shootout is next for Bell and his teammates on March 11 and 12 in Alameda, Cal. at the Corica Park Golf Course.

Prince Albert’s TJ Baker battled an injury at his event and was only able to play two of three rounds at the Hardscrabble Invitational in Fort Smiith, Tex. Baker shot 81 in round one, missed the second round and shot 80 in the third and final round at the Hardscrabble Country Club on March 3 and 4. He helped the University of Arkansas – Monticello Weevils to an eighth place finish at the event.

Next up for Baker and the Weevils will be the Men’s Arkansas Collegiate in El Dorado, Ar. Hosted by the Muleriders with Regina’s Will Blake and Luke Cote hopefully in the field at Mystic Creek Golf Club on March 25 and 26.

Lastly, in Sugar Land, Tex. Chase Pochylko and Tommy Danielson were in action for Nicholls University at the Colin Montgomerie-HCU Invitational at the Pecan-Sweetwater Country Club on March 4 and 5.

Pochylko tied for 20^th at minus-1 thanks to a sparkling 67 in the final round, he carded an opening round 75 and 73 in round two to finish at 215.

Danielson tied for 49^th place at 222 after posting rounds of 71, 74, and 77.

The Colonels were 13^th in the team event led by Pochylko and will now hit the road to Kinder, Lou. for the Koasati Pines Intercollegiate on April 8.

Long-time PGA Professional Ryan Danberg has taken over the role of general manager at Wascana Country Club (WCC) in Regina.

The club made the hiring announcement on their Facebook page on March 1 that Danberg would take over for Eric Thorsteinson. With over 25 years experience as PGA of Canada Professional, Danberg spent the last decade at Elk Ridge Resort and said the WCC is full of potential.

“The club has come a long ways in the last three years and I am excited to come in and work with the existing team and really get it to it’s full potential,” he told Golf Saskatchewan. “There’s lots of deep history here and obviously strong players.”

Aside from his lead roles at three golf clubs in Danberg’s career he also spent five years as the manager for the city of Melfort. He also served as president of the PGA of Saskatchewan in 2012-13 and in 2023 was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Award of Saskatchewan for his work in municipality management and the PGA.

In the last few years the WCC has expanded beyond golf to service their membership with “signature events” such as a concert series, plus other winter activities when golf is unplayable. Danberg said he wants to use his experience to elevate all aspects of the club alongside golf.

“With my resort background and coming in here expanding the offering of the country club to be a year-round facility is something that has been very welcomed in the past by the membership and I think we’re looking to expand that even more. It’s very nice to say that in a country club setting it is a pretty memorable unique experience out here right now, even at this time of year,” he said.

Will Danielson of Saskatoon has a top-15 performance in the books after this week’s Milsaps College scheduled event in Houston, Tex. Competing for the Majors at the Gus Wortham Park Golf Course on Feb. 26 and 27, the Riverside Country Club member rattled off rounds of 71, 78, and 76 for a score of 225, leaving the Milsaps junior tied for 13^th at the Space City Classic.

The Majors as a team were sixth in the 10 team field. Next up is the Wolf Pack Invitational in New Orleans at the English Turn Golf and Country Club on April 8 and 9.

Cole Obrigewitsch had the second highest placing for a Saskatchewan student-athlete this week as the spring collegiate season continues in the United States.

The Deer Valley product was in Borrego Springs, Cal. from Feb. 26 to 28 competing in the Battle of the Desert for California State University San Bernardino. Obrigewitsch carded rounds of 76, 70, and 72 for a 54-hole score of 218, good enough for a 15^th place finish.

The Coyotes tied for third in the team competition as well at the Rams Hill Golf Club that was played at 6,955 yards. The Las Vegas Desert Classic at Boulder Creek Golf Club on March 4 and 5.

Tommy Danielson and Chase Pochylko continue to improve at the Div. 1 level with Nicholls University. Pochylko led the team with a tie for 20^th at the 2024 Gulf Coast Collegiate in New Orleans at the same club Tommy’s brother Will and Milsaps will compete at next event.

Pochylko got better every round going 77, 76, and 75 for a three round total of 228. Danielson shot 77 in round one, 82 during the middle round, and 81 in round three for a score of 240, he was tied for 66^th.

The Colonels were 12^th as a team at the event and will now travel to Sugar Land, Tex. for the HCU Colin Montgomerie Invitational on March 4 and 5.

In Victoria, Tex. on Feb. 26 and 27, the University of Houston-Victoria hosted their home event at Victoria Country Club, with Edson’s Cort Tunall in the field. Rounds of 79, 78, and 84 secured Tunall spot at 46^th overall at 241. He was competing as an individual in the tournament.

His teammates placed second overall in the squad competition. Next up is the Schreiner Shoot-Out at Comanche Trace Golf Club in Kerrville, Tex. on March 4 and 5.

Several other players will make their spring season debuts on March 4.

Golf Saskatchewan is thrilled to announce a multi-year partnership with PUMA Golf seeing the brand as the official apparel and footwear of the organization.

All Team Saskatchewan competitors, volunteers, and staff will wear PUMA’s extensive performance apparel and footwear while representing the province in Saskatchewan or at national championships.

Dwayne Boecker, Head of Golf at COBRA PUMA GOLF – Canada said the company is happy to become partner with Golf Saskatchewan.

“We are very pleased to partner with Golf Saskatchewan and support the strong contingent of talented athletes and staff within the province. It is a great opportunity to strengthen our connection with Saskatchewan’s top amateur players and we look forward to watching them succeed while sporting the iconic PUMA Cat.”

PUMA Golf is also the official apparel and headwear partner of Golf Canada’s National Team Program as well as the title sponsor of Golf Canada’s Junior Skills Challenge events. Golf Saskatchewan Executive Director Brian Lee said adding a familiar brand supporting at the Canadian level now partnering with Golf Saskatchewan is exciting.

“There is no doubt PUMA Golf is one of the industry leaders in footwear, apparel, and equipment,” Lee stated. “To have our team players, our staff, and volunteers clothed by such a historic and significant company in the world of golf is fantastic. Every time a player is at an event representing the province, or one of our events is being conducted, we want everyone to act professional, and look their best, this partnership will enrich the opportunity and we couldn’t be more excited.”

To view the latest styles from PUMA Golf, please visit ca.pumagolf.com. You can also follow PUMA Golf on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter/X.