Uncategorized - Golf Saskatchewan

Written by Robert Wolanski (Golf Canada, Coordinator, Sport and Golf Services)

Understanding how golf handicaps work is essential for fair play and for tracking your improvement. The World Handicap System™ (WHS), administered by Golf Canada, provides a unified and accurate way to measure your scoring potential. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key terms you’ll see when managing your handicap.

Handicap Index: Your Scoring Potential

Your Handicap Index represents your demonstrated ability and allows you to compete fairly on any rated course. It’s a standardized number calculated from your scoring history.

How it’s calculated:

Based on the best 8 of your last 20 Score Differentials
Calculated to one decimal place

This system reflects your potential rather than your average score, ensuring that strong rounds have the most influence.

Course Handicap: How Many Strokes You Get

Your Course Handicap tells you how many strokes you’ll receive for a specific round. Because every course — and every set of tees — plays differently, this number changes depending on where you play.

Course Handicap is based on:

Course Rating
Slope Rating
The tees you choose

This adjustment ensures a fair comparison of scores between courses of varying difficulty.

Playing Handicap: For Competitive Formats

Your Playing Handicap is used in events where handicap allowances apply. It adjusts your Course Handicap based on the format being played, helping maintain fairness across team and individual competitions.

Playing Handicap considers:

Event or competition format
WHS Handicap Allowances

You’ll encounter this number most often in tournaments, leagues, and organized play.

Score Differential: The Engine Behind Your Index

A Score Differential allows scores from different courses to be compared equally. It accounts for course difficulty and forms the basis of your Handicap Index.

It includes:

Your Adjusted Gross Score
Course Rating
Slope Rating
Potential Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC)

This creates a consistent, course‑adjusted value for every round you post.

How to Establish Your Handicap Index

Getting your first Handicap Index is simple. You need scores totalling 54 holes, which can be completed as:

Three 18‑hole rounds
Six 9‑hole rounds
Any combination adding up to 54 holes

Once posted, your Handicap Index will be generated automatically through the WHS.

How to Post Scores with Golf Canada

Once you have a Handicap Index, keeping your handicap accurate means posting your scores after every round. Golf Canada offers two easy options.

Golf Canada’s Mobile App

Post hole‑by‑hole or total scores
Track stats
View your Handicap Index, Course Handicap, and Playing Handicap

Golf Canada’s online Score Centre

Log in from any device to record scores and view your scoring history

2025 Annual Report & Financial Statements are now available.

Longtime Rules Official Nancy Layton recognized as

2025 recipient of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award

Volunteers Roger Beach and Brenda McIlwaine along with media producer Jamie Reidel recognized with Golf Canada’s 2026 Distinguished Service Award

Long-time Golf Canada contributors Rob MacDonald and Michel St-Laurent appointed
Honorary Life Governors in recognition of their remarkable contributions to the sport.

Alena Sharp, Peter Broome, Pat Bradley and Lee Trevino inducted
into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada’s 2026 Annual General Meeting concluded on Wednesday, March 11 with the election of Adam Daifallah of Montréal, Que. to serve a second term as the 118th President of the National Sport Federation.

A volunteer with Golf Canada since 2013, Daifallah joined the Board of Directors in 2018 and recently concluded his first term as president. Prior to becoming president, he served two consecutive terms as vice president (2023-2024). Daifallah is currently a Senior Managing Director at Teneo, the global CEO advisory firm, with responsibility for Teneo’s Montréal office. Previously he was co-founder and Managing Partner of the public affairs firm HATLEY Strategy Advisors, which was acquired by Teneo in 2020. Prior to that, Daifallah practiced law at the Montréal office of Norton Rose Fulbright (then Ogilvy Renault), sat on the editorial board of the National Post, and was Washington correspondent of The New York Sun. He is co-author of two books on Canadian politics. A link to Daifallah’s full bio is here.

“Golf Canada remains committed to fostering a sport that is more accessible, more inclusive, more innovative, and more deeply connected to communities across the country. It is an honour to continue to serve as president of Golf Canada and help to lead this vision alongside the board and staff, led by CEO Laurence Applebaum,” said Adam Daifallah, President, Golf Canada. “The energy surrounding Canadian golf has never been stronger, and the opportunities ahead have never been greater. This moment calls for a continued commitment to shaping Canadian golf with intention, innovation, and unity.”

Based on the Report of Golf Canada’s Nominating Committee, Daifallah will be joined on the 2026 Board of Directors by returning Vice President, Jean-Sébastien Monty of Montréal. They will lead the 13-member Board of Directors who will work closely with Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum and Golf Canada’s management team.

Returnees to the Board of Directors include Steven Young (Banff, Alta.), Louise Patry (Montréal, Que.), Nafeez Hirji (Calgary, Alta.), Peter Broome (Jupiter, Fla.), Lori Dithurbide (Halifax, N.S.), Pamela Huff (Toronto, Ont.), Katie Mahon (Kingston, Ont.), and Brittany Marchand (Mooresville, N.C.).

New additions to Golf Canada’s Board of Directors include former CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie (Toronto, Ont.), Kendra Koss (Calgary, Alta.) and Ron Lloyd (Toronto, Ont.).

For the biographies of Golf Canada’s Board of Directors, click here.

As part of its virtually conducted Annual General Meeting, Golf Canada also released the organization’s 2025 Annual Report including its Financial Statements which are available here.

Nancy Layton named 2025 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year

In celebration of volunteerism, Golf Canada recognized Nancy Layton of Ayer’s Cliff, Que. as the 2025 recipient of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award. A dedicated advocate for the Rules of Golf, Layton is longtime volunteer with Golf Canada and Golf Quebec and currently serves as Chair of the Rules Education Subcommittee. Layton has contributed countless hours and is considered a mentor to many, both on a national and provincial level, through her work in the Rules of Golf. For the full story, click here.

Roger Beach, Brenda McIlwaine, and Jamie Reidel recognized with Golf Canada’s 2026 Distinguished Service Award

Golf Canada announced that a trio of accomplished contributors – long-time volunteers Roger Beach of Oakville, Ont. and Brenda McIlwaine of Belvedere, P.E.I. along with media producer Jamie Reidel of Kitchener, Ont. – have been named the 2026 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award for their tremendous contributions to Canadian golf. Click here for more.

Rob MacDonald and Michel St-Laurent appointed Honorary Life Governors

Rob MacDonald of Winnipeg, Man. and Michel St-Laurent of Longueuil, Que. received the organization’s highest volunteer honour as they were named Honorary Life Governors for their outstanding contributions to the organization. Click here for more.

Alena Sharp, Peter Broome, Pat Bradley and Lee Trevino named as 2026 inductees into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame

The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame announced on Tuesday that accomplished professional golfer Alena Sharp, global industry executive Peter Broome and former professional golfers Pat Bradley and Lee Trevino have been selected for 2026 induction into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame. Sharp will be inducted into the players category and Broome will be inducted into the Builder category, while Bradley and Trevino will be inducted into the new international category. The group becomes the 90th, 91st, 92nd and 93rd honoured members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame. For more information, click here.

Golf Canada’s 2026 Annual Meeting was conducted virtually on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, with volunteers, staff, member clubs, and industry stakeholders participating.

Golf Canada will host its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, March 11, utilizing a virtual format as the National Sport Federation looks ahead to the 2026 season.

The Annual Meeting brings together Golf Canada’s Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers as well as representatives from Canada’s provincial golf associations and other industry stakeholders.

The virtual meeting begins at 1:00 p.m. EDT and will include the release of the Association’s 2025 Annual Report & Financial Statements.

During the Annual Meeting, Golf Canada will introduce its 2026 Board of Directors led by Golf Canada President Adam Daifallah of Montreal, Que., who will enter his second year as president.

Click here to see Golf Canada’s (current) 2025 Board of Directors along with the three new (proposed) Board members brought forward by Golf Canada’s Nominating Committee for 2026.

Golf Canada will also celebrate outstanding contributions to the game of golf including a presentation of the 2025 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award and the appointment of new Honorary Life Governors. The Association will also announce the 2026 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award.

To watch a live stream of Golf Canada’s Annual Meeting, click here.

Golf Saskatchewan’s AGM will be held virtually on March 21.

Just two Saskatchewan student athletes were in action this week in the United States with Cole Taylor continuing his strong start to the spring season.

The Nipawin product and Evergreen Golf Course staffer was in Laughlin, Nevada on March 2 and 3 for the OUAZ Laughlin Invitational alongside his Park University Buccaneer teammates. The Bucs placed third as a team in the event, Taylor also reached the podium with a third place tie out of 59 players.

Taylor carded rounds of 70 and 83 to tie for third in blustery Nevada conditions. Teammate Riley Wortman was also third.

Park will remain in Laughlin until March 10, the Top of Texas event at La Paloma Country Club.

Chase Pochylko of Saskatoon was the other player in action this week. The Nicholls University Colonels were in Sugar Land, Texas on March 2 and 3 for the Colin Montgomerie Invitational. Pochylko posted rounds of 78, 77, and 80. His was 75th at 9 over par.

Nicholls was 10th of 15 schools. The next event for the Colonels is the Austin Peay Intercollegiate in Dickson, Tennessee at Greystone Golf Club on March 23 and 24.

Competition calendar highlighted by Canada’s National Open Championships –
the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open

Includes 11 National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, six NextGen Championships,
the World Junior Girls Golf Championship presented by BFL CANADA, two Canadian Collegiate Invitationals, and the BDO National Golf League Finals

Golf Canada will also conduct qualifiers for USGA Championships including Local and Final Qualifying for the U.S. Open. Along with the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Amateur and Women’s Amateur and U.S. Junior Amateur and Girls’ Junior Championship

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada is pleased to announce its full 2026 championship schedule, which includes amateur and professional competitions in addition to various qualifiers hosted at member clubs across Canada.

The 2026 schedule is headlined by Golf Canada’s two National Open Championships — the 115th playing of the RBC Canadian Open, taking place at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) in Caledon, Ont. June 10-14 and the 52nd playing of the CPKC Women’s Open, being held at Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton, Alta., August 19-23.

VIEW THE FULL SCHEDULE

Golf Canada’s 2026 competition calendar also includes 11 National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, six NextGen Championships, two Canadian Collegiate Invitationals, the BDO National Golf League Finals and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship, presented by BFL CANADA.

As the National Sport Organization and governing body, Golf Canada conducts the country’s premier amateur and professional golf championships to support the development of the nation’s top talent through world-class competition.

“We are proud to announce the full championship schedule for 2026 and are excited to welcome the top golf athletes from across Canada and around the world competing for our prestigious national championships,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Golf Canada Director, Amateur Championships and Rules. “On behalf of Golf Canada and all of the competitors, I would like to thank our corporate partners, our host clubs, tournament staff and volunteers across the country for their continued commitment and support of our championships and our sport.”

The Canadian Financial Assistance Program supported by Gary Cowan Heritage Fund and the Canadian Senior Golf Association will once again be available for juniors competing in the NextGen Championships, all National Junior Championships (Juniors and U15), and players competing at the Canadian All Abilities Championship who meet eligibility requirements. More details on the program for the 2026 season will be released next month.

Golf Canada will also conduct several professional and amateur championship qualifiers including five RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifiers along with Final Qualifying for both the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open.

Following changes to PGA TOUR field sizes for the 2026 season, players who finish within the top ten per cent of the field (and ties) at each Regional Qualifying event will earn a spot into Final Qualifying. The Final Qualifier will take place on Sunday, June 7 at The Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ont. The top four finishers will earn an exemption into the 2026 RBC Canadian Open.

The She Plays Golf Championship Series will award three exemptions into the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open through three tournaments across Canada. The first will be the GolfBC Group BC Women’s Open, taking place June 11-13 at Nicklaus North Golf Course in Whistler, B.C., followed by the Peloton Glencoe Invitational, taking place June 18-20 at The Glencoe Golf and Country Club in Calgary, Alta. The final stop will be the PGA Women’s Championship of Canada with more information announced later. Each tournament winner will earn an exemption into the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open.

Other notable qualifiers conducted for USGA Championships on the 2026 schedule include a U.S. Open Local and Final Qualifier, a U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier in addition to qualifiers for the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Amateur and Women’s Amateur and the U.S. Junior Amateur and Girls’ Junior Championship.

Golf Canada’s championship season kicks off May 1-3 with the NextGen Pacific Championship at Morningstar Golf Club in Parksville, B.C. The season concludes with the World Junior Girls Golf Championship, presented by BFL CANADA at Brampton Golf Club in Brampton, Ont. from September 30 to October 3.

To view Golf Canada’s 2026 Championship Schedule including all host venues, registration requirements and volunteer opportunities visit golfcanada.ca/competitions-calendar/.

2026 Amateur Championship Season at a Glance:

The third annual BDO National Golf League Finals will be held at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. on June 6 ahead of tournament week for the RBC Canadian Open. Fifty-two teams will compete in a four-ball net stableford format to crown the BDO National Golf League champions and earn an invitation to represent Canada at The R&A’s 9 Hole Challenge.

The Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO, will be held June 15-19 at Club de Golf La Tempête in Lévis, Que. The championship includes both a team and individual component featuring Canada’s top university and college talent. The winning men’s and women’s team will qualify for their respective 2026 Canadian Collegiate Invitationals, and the individual winners will receive exemptions into their respective 2026 Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championship. The UBC Thunderbirds successfully defended their titles last year in both the Men’s and Women’s divisions, marking the eighth consecutive win for the Women’s program. Individually, Alek Mauro (Windsor Lancers) and Julia Alexander-Carew (UBC Okanagan Heat) took home individual honours.

The 112th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, takes place July 20-24 at The Toronto Golf Club in Mississauga, Ont. The champion will earn an exemption into the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open, the 2026 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship and the 2027 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship. Team Canada NextGen member, Michelle Xing of Richmond Hill, Ont. was the lone player under par and won her first Duchess of Connaught Gold Cup last July.

The 121st Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, will be contested July 25-30 in Calgary, Alta. at Mickelson National Golf Club and Heritage Pointe Golf Club. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2027 RBC Canadian Open, as well as an invitation to the 2026 U.S. Amateur Championship. The winner will also receive an exemption into Final Qualifying for the 2027 U.S. Open and into the 2027 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship. Last year, Declan O’Donovan of Sydney, Australia won the championship in a two-hole playoff over Team Canada NextGen member Isaiah Ibit of Orleans, Ont., becoming the first Australian to win the title since Gary Simpson in 1993.

The Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, will be held August 5-7 at the Burlington Golf & Country Club in Burlington, Ont. The field is open to female amateurs aged 25-and-over. The winner will receive exemptions into the 2026 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, 2027 Canadian Women’s Amateur and the 2027 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championships. Judith Kyrinis of Thornhill, Ont. won her fourth Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur title in a three-hole playoff over Nonie Marler of Vancouver, B.C. last season.

The Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO, will be played at Hylands Golf Club in Gloucester, Ont. from August 5-7. The national championship for players with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments, is contested over 54-holes. Natasha Stasiuk of Oakville, Ont. is the five-time defending champion on the women’s side, while Josh Williams of Tavistock, Ont. won his first men’s title last year. The gross stroke play men’s and women’s champion earn an exemption into the 2027 U.S. Adaptive Open (if eligible).

The Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, will be contested August 11-14 at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Sask. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2027 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, 2027 Canadian Junior Boys (if eligible) and 2027 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship. Dawson Lew of Toronto, Ont. became the 12th player to claim both the Junior Boys and Juvenile titles in the same year last summer.

The Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO, will run August 11-14 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (Heathlands Course). The winner will earn an exemption into the 2027 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, the 2027 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship and the 2027 Canadian Junior Girls Championship (if eligible). Team Canada NextGen member Shauna Liu of Maple, Ont. successfully defended her title last summer, becoming the first player to win the national championship in consecutive years since Heather Kuzmich in 1982.

The Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, will be held August 17-21 at Brantford Golf & Country Club in Brantford, Ont. The field is open to male amateurs aged 25-and-over. The winner will receive exemptions into the 2026 U.S. Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, 2027 Canadian Men’s Amateur and the 2027 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championships. Last season, Charles Fitzsimmons of King, Ont. became the fourth three-time winner of the national championship after winning back-to-back in 2021 and 2022.

The Canadian U15 Championship, presented by BDO, will be contested August 24-27 at Loyalist Country Club in Bath, Ont. The boys and girls’ individual champions will earn exemptions into their respective 2027 Canadian Junior Championships and invitations into the 2026 NextGen Selection Camp. Maggie Zhang (Richmond, B.C.) and Owen Beaulac (Victoria, B.C.) won the U15 titles last summer.

The Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO, will be played at Niakwa Country Club in Winnipeg, Man., September 7-11. The winner will earn exemptions into the 2026 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship, the 2027 Canadian Men’s Amateur, 2027 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur and the 2027 Canadian Men’s Senior Championships. Last year, Don Martone of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. comfortably claimed his first national championship by eight shots.

The third playing of the Men’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational will return to Öviinbyrd Golf Club in MacTier, Ont. from September 12-15. The tournament will be once again co-hosted by Kent State University and Penn State University. The tournament features 13 NCAA Division I teams along with the winners from the 2026 Canadian University/College Championship. The individual champion will receive an exemption into the 2027 RBC Canadian Open and the top five will earn exemptions into the 2027 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish successfully defended their team title last fall, led by Calen Sanderson (Notre Dame) who took home individual honours. The 2026 Boys NextGen Selection Camp will run concurrently during tournament play.

The Canadian Women’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO, will take place September 15-18 at Pine Hills Golf Club in Rocky Mountain House, Alta. The winner will receive an exemption into the 2026 U.S. Women’s Senior Amateur Championship, the 2027 U.S. Women’s Senior Open, as well as the 2027 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur and the 2027 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championships. Last year, Shelly Stouffer of Nanoose Bay, B.C. won her third Canadian Women’s Senior title, having previously won back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022.

The second playing of the Women’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational will take place at Beacon Hall Golf Club in Aurora, Ont., from September 20-22. The tournament will be co-hosted by Kent State University and the University of Michigan. The tournament will feature 11 NCAA Division I teams along with the team champions from the 2026 Canadian University/College Championship. The individual winner will earn an exemption into the 2027 CPKC Women’s Open and the top five will earn exemptions into the 2027 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship. Last season, the Auburn Tigers won the inaugural team championship with Veronika Kedroňová of Kent State University earning the individual title. The 2026 Girls NextGen Selection Camp will run concurrently during tournament play.

The season will conclude with the 11th playing of the World Junior Girls Golf Championship, presented by BFL CANADA and will take place at Brampton Golf Club in Brampton, Ont., from September 28 to October 3. Teams compete as three-member squads while also competing for an individual title. The Republic of Korea are the two-time defending champions, holding off Team Canada 1 and Spain for the title last year. World No. 109 on WAGR, Charlotte Naughton of England won individual honours and will compete at the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open this August. The 2026 individual champion will earn an exemption into the 2027 CPKC Women’s Open.

2026 NextGen Championships

The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2026 national junior championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf.

The 2026 NextGen Championship host clubs include: Morningstar Golf Club (Parksville, B.C.), Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club (Thornton, Ont.), Wolf Creek Golf Resort (Ponoka, Alta.), Neepawa Golf & Country Club (Neepawa, Man.), Club de golf Lachute (Lachute, Que.), and Hampton Golf Club (Hampton, N.B.).

2026 Registration Information

Registration for Golf Canada’s 2026 competitions will open on the following dates:

NextGen Championships: Wednesday, February 18 at 12:00pm EST
RBC Canadian Open Qualifying: Wednesday, February 25 at 12:00pm EST
National Amateur Championships: Wednesday, March 4 at 12:00pm EST

Please visit the Golf Canada competitions calendar and select the tournament of your choice for more information or to register, following the dates listed above.

OAKVILLE, On. – The Golf Canada Foundation and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame are proud to announce the creation of the Golf Canada Foundation Heritage Grant Program.

The newly established Heritage Project Grant will provide financial assistance of up to $2,000 to support community heritage projects related to the game of golf in Canada.

“We are excited to announce the launch of the Heritage Project Grant and appreciate the generous support from our donors and partners with the Golf Canada Foundation for making this possible,” said Meggan Gardner, Director, Heritage Services, Golf Canada. “Bringing to life the history of various golf events and competitions, its champions, and most importantly, the community that golf creates, is what this grant will support.”

Heritage Projects that would qualify for the Heritage Project Grant can include, but are not limited to:

Collection and digitization of historical documents, photographs and artifacts related to golf in Canada.
Conducting oral history interviews with golfers, historians and members of the golf community.
Dissemination of findings through a dedicated website, community events and social media channels to engage the public.
Supporting the publishing of printed or electronic history books and websites.

The Heritage Project Grant is open for applications to all Golf Canada members (golf course, facilities and individual members). The deadline for applications is Friday, March 27, 2026. To apply for the grant and review specific evaluation criteria, please click here.

For more information on the Heritage Project Grant, please contact Meggan Gardner at mgardner@golfcanada.ca.

Ella Kozak was on the course again this spring season at the GCU Women’s Invitational with the University of Idaho Vandals on Feb. 24 and 25. Competing at the GCU Golf Course in Phoenix the Vandals placed third out of five schools. The Yorkton product posted rounds of 78, 72, and 78 to finish at 12-over par 228, good enough for a tie for 13^th place.

The Vandals will travel to Johns Creek, Georgia on March 30 for the Georgia State Invitational at Rivermont Golf Club.

Cole Taylor of Nipawin began his spring season at Park University on a strong note tying for 14^th place at the Coyote Spring Invite at Coyote Springs Golf Club in Las Vegas. Competing over two days and 54 holes, Taylor shot 77 then two rounds of 76 to finish at 13-over par 229.

The Buccaneers placed eighth as a team.

Saskatoon’s Max Regier was also in the field in Nevada as part of the University of Victoria Vikes golf team. Regier opened with a 91, rebounded with an 83 in the second round, and closed with an 87. He tied for 52^nd at 18-over par. The Vikes were third as a team.

Taylor and the Bucs will be in Laughlin, Nevada for the OUAZ Laughlin Invitational on March 2 and 3. Regier’s next event is The Battle Men’s Tournament in Bullhead City, Arizona from March 22 to 24.

Chase Pochylko and the Nicholls University Colonels teed it up in the Gulf Coast Collegiate at English Turn Golf and Country Club in New Orleans this week. Competing on Feb. 23 and 24, the Saskatoon native shot three consistent rounds of 78, 79, and 77 to place 33^rd overall.

Nicholls was 10^th out of 15 schools in the event. Their next tournament is the Colin Montgomerie Invitational at Sweetwater Country Club in Sugar Land, Texas on March 2 and 3.

The spring season has started for Warman’s Dane Giesbrecht as well. He was in Phoenix for the Paradise Valley Spring Classic at Encanto 18 Golf Course on Feb. 24 and 25. Giesbrecht shot 72 and 78 in the 36 hole event, that placed him tied for 17^th.

Giesbrecht’s team, South Mountain Community College won the event, the Cougars were the only school to finish under par. Next up is the SMCC Invitational at Apache Creek Golf Club in Apache Junction, Arizona starting March 1.

The Nipawin Evergreen Golf Course has a new head professional, one very familiar in the Saskatchewan golf community.

Steve Ryde has accepted the position and has replaced Derrick Tallon after his 28 years over two stints.

Ryde, 47, grew up in Eston, Sask. before attending Lethbridge College studying in their golf management program. Once becoming a professional in 2001 at Moon Lake Golf and Country while working for legendary Saskatchewan PGA member Roger Hogle Ryde worked in Kananaskis, B.C., Hay River, N.W.T., North Battleford, and Golf Town when the franchise expanded in Saskatchewan and Canada.

Ryde also spent five years with Golf Saskatchewan as the manger of sport and tournament director. He credited his half decade with the governing body of amateur golf in the province and the 2019 Saskatchewan Junior Championships hosted by Evergreen as a key contributor to applying to replace Tallon and take the position.

A proud couple days in Houston as the spring collegiate golf season got underway.

A trio of Saskatchewan student-athletes teed it up for the Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Muleriders as Luke Cote, Will Blake, and Carter Bell started the year at the Houston Classic. On Feb. 9 and 10 SAU was at the Golf Club of Houston for the 54-hole event.

Cote led the Muleriders with a top five finish at 3-under par. The reigning Saskatchewan amateur champion shot 69, 70, and 74, 10 strokes back of the champion. Bell carded rounds of 81, 72, and 77, he was tied for 62^nd, Blake was 85^th at 242 (79, 79, 84). The Muleriders were 12^th as a team.

Next up is the Oaktree Invite in Edmond, Okla. on March 16 and 17 at Oak Tree Country Club.

In April of 2025, four Saskatchewan players (Jace Carlisle, Chase Gedak, Darien Herlick, and Winston Grayson) represented the Beavers at the NSIC Championship. Unofficially that many competitors from Saskatchewan haven’t played for one school in an event since the 1980’s.

Ella Kozak of Yorkton got her season with the Idaho Vandals underway this week. The BGSU Women’s Intercollegiate was at Wigwam Blue in Litchfield Park, Ari. on Feb. 10 and 11. Kozak played as an individual in the tournament posting rounds of 82, 76, and 75 climbing each day to place 55^th. Idaho was ninth in the team standings.

Kozak will be in Phoenix on Feb. 24 and 25 for the GCU Invitational at GCU Golf Course.

Carter Degelman was on the course this week to open his spring season with the Dominican University of California Penguins. The Saskatoon product was in Vista, Cal. for the CSU San Marcos Fujikura Invitational on Feb. 9 and 10. He shot 79 in round one, 71 in the middle round, and 80 in the final round to place 54^th overall at 14-over par. Dominican was ninth as a squad.

The Penguins are in Stockton, Cal. for the Visit Stockton Invitational at The Reserve at Spanos Park on Feb. 23 and 24.

Several other players will begin their season during the last week of February.