A familiar name across the Saskatchewan golf industry is finally retiring after over 50 years being a professional.

Born in Saskatoon, Don Ludwig got his start under legendary professional Peter Semko at Holiday Park Golf Course. After trying university, Ludwig realized school was not for him, so he became a professional and as they say, the rest is history.

Ludwig started at Wildwood Golf Course, went on to Holiday Park as the head professional for many years. After “retiring” he was recruited by the Saskatoon Golf and Country Club where he worked for four years before retiring again.

Enjoying his post career life, Candle Lake Golf Resort called needing a head pro, Ludwig took the job and worked there for nine more years until this passed winter.

Golf Saskatchewan sat down with Ludwig to chat about his illustrious career in Saskatoon, which including overseeing all municipal golf operations in the city for 34 years and Candle Lake.

Adam Stanley/ Golf Canada

There is nothing that makes spring feel around the corner more than an annual trip to the PGA Merchandise Show.

The thought of fresh-cut fairways, drinks at the turn and good friends is never more at the forefront than walking the miles of aisles while the warm sun shines down just outside.  

The PGA Show is an annual opportunity for both well-established brands and garage-based dreamers to bring their newest products to the masses, while also providing those in the golf industry an invaluable opportunity to connect with friends – both old and new.  

The 2026 edition marked the 11th time that I made the mid-January trip south. And while the PGA Show has had its ups and downs over the last decade or so, this year might have been the buzziest (and busiest!) Here are, appropriately enough, a foursome of takeaways from this year’s show.

GOLF IS HOT

I attended the PGA Show in 2021 while most of the world was still firmly navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and what to do and what could come next. That year, I declared the PGA Show would be finished – there would be no way this particular effort could continue.

Not only was there no buzz, but there was also no momentum or even signs things could turnaround.

Alas, I was wrong. Very wrong.

In 2024, you could feel the energy, and while I missed 2025, most people I spoke with said the 2026 edition was the busiest they’d ever seen it. Anecdotally, I agree, and the numbers don’t lie – about 1,000 exhibiting companies and brands across 1.1 million square feet of exhibition space.

The pandemic did, of course, bring in plenty of new golfers (Golf Canada recorded a historic high of 11.2 million scores posted in 2025. A lot of people are playing a lot of golf!) and remote work made it easier than ever to play more often. There was also a hearty boom in digital creators; golf on YouTube may not be for everyone, but there’s no denying its popularity. Most of the longest lines at the 2026 edition of the PGA Show were for a chance to meet content creators and influencers, who have helped to put golf literally at more people’s fingertips. It’s an insular setting – golf people talking about golf stuff – but the energy was undeniable.

CASUAL IS IN

The biggest trend while walking through the aisles of gear is how much key brands are thinking about multi-use pieces. Plenty of the new golfers don’t come from the game’s “traditional” settings and are used to wearing whatever feels comfortable to them. That’s had some facilities pivot their dress codes to be more inclusive.

All of the biggest brands in the game are recognizing this in spades and even the most classic of designers (think FootJoy or Levelwear) have items in their line that would look just as good with a pair of jeans as a part of shorts. There are also more style and more comfort, and on-course casual has gone from being something you might see late on a Friday night nine-and-dine to fairly standard fare.

CANADIANS ARE COOKING

It was a very special week for Canadian connections.

Some of the biggest and busiest booths through the week were Canadian – like Levelwear (which announced a fun and different kind of partnership with skate-and-surf brand Hurley just prior to the show) and Lululemon. This year also marked more than a decade for the brothers-founded and Nova Scotia-based Dormie Workshop, whose leather goods can be found in pro shops around the world and whose custom pieces continue to make waves on social media and in locker rooms.

The PGA of Canada also hosted its annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, during which all of the national award winners were appropriately feted.  

A special and deserving shoutout to two of Golf Canada’s own, Derek Ingram and Tristan Mullally, who took home two of the most notable nationwide trophies for their work in 2025.  

“The single most important entity for me, being where I am right now, is Golf Canada,” said Ingram in his acceptance speech after winning the Ben Kern Coach of the Year award. “There is no way I’d be where I am without you, and I just want to thank you guys for putting your trust in me.”

“Golf Canada – it’s been 15 years this year. Thank you for being a phenomenal company to work for and giving me an opportunity to make a difference,” said Mullally, who won the Tex Noble Professional Development Award in recognition of his contributions to coach education, mentorship and the advancement of professional development in Canada.

THE BEST KEEP GETTING BETTER

While there is always a feel-good story at the PGA Show of a little-engine-that-could kind of brand that comes from nowhere, at the end of the day, the brands that have been a huge part of golf for so long are often the headline stealers – and for good reason.

Whether it’s adidas or FootJoy’s new shoes for 2026, Levelwear’s new line of polo shirts, Foresight’s latest simulator tech, Puma’s freshest gear launch, or Titleist’s golf balls – which continue to be No.1 in the game year after year –  the stuff that’s been long trusted by so many just, somehow, continues to improve.

“At the end of the day, it comes down to Titleist’s quality and consistency. As a professional golfer, the whole job is to hit the ball when you want to and where you want to – and if you can eliminate any variables, that’s 101,” said Frederick Waddell, Titleist’s director of golf ball product management. “That was the promise in 1935, and that’s the promise today. Our track record of delivering that for players is what brings them to our product time and time again.” 

With the top brands in the game continuing to put out some seriously good stuff – along with unprecedented buzz for the game we love – the 2026 PGA Show was a success on a lot of fronts.

And now, if this snow would just start melting already…

The Women in Coaching Program is a joint initiative by Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada that strives to achieve stronger gender balance among high-performance coaches in Canada. Now entering its sixth year, the program provides in-depth career development opportunities for women coaches working along the competitive pathway.

“The Women in Coaching Program plays a critical role in strengthening Canada’s high performance coaching system by ensuring more women are supported, developed, and retained along the competitive pathway,” said Emily Phoenix, Golf Canada’s Director of High Performance.

“The introduction of the advanced cohort in 2026 reflects both the maturity of the program and the growing depth of experienced women coaches across the country. We are proud to deliver this program alongside the PGA of Canada and thankful for the ongoing support from Own the Podium and the Jocelyne Bourassa Legacy Fund, whose commitment continues to move the needle for women in high-performance sport,” said Phoenix. 

For 2026, the program will offer a unique intake through the Women in Coaching – Advanced Cohort.

This cohort is designed for coaches with greater coaching experience who are already working with competitive or high-performance athletes and are seeking to further refine their coaching practice, expand their leadership capacity, and deepen their impact within the high-performance system.

The Advanced Cohort will continue to focus on the program’s four core pillars:

• Individualized learning plans
   
• Regular check-ins with a coach developer
   
• Virtual and in-person coaching education
   
• Hands-on training experiences alongside experienced coaches and top players

In this advanced intake, emphasis will be placed on peer learning, applied leadership, and the sharing of lived coaching experiences, with participants expected to contribute meaningfully to the development of the cohort as a whole.

The goal of the application process is to identify coaches who would benefit from this advanced learning environment and who are motivated to both learn from and contribute to a group of experienced peers. Applicants should have demonstrated experience coaching athletes on the competitive pathway and a clear interest in continued growth within high-performance coaching.

For example, coaches currently working within Provincial Golf Association programs, coaching university or college teams, or otherwise supporting advanced competitive athletes are encouraged to apply.

Application deadline:  Monday, February 9^th at 12:00pm (noon)

To apply, click here 

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact:
Bella Veloso (iveloso@golfcanada.ca)

Are you passionate, forward thinking, and want to encourage the residents of Saskatchewan to play more golf? We would like to hear from you!

Golf Saskatchewan, the Provincial Sport Organization for golf, is currently seeking interested individuals to serve on the Board of Directors for a three-year term commencing March 21, 2026.

Our Vision is ‘We shape lives by leading, creating and promoting positive golf experiences.’ We are committed to building trusting relationships with our facilities and our golf partners to expand participation opportunities to play golf in Saskatchewan from the enthusiasts to people who have never played the game.

The Board of Golf Saskatchewan, as a collective, is responsible for determining the strategic direction and policy development of Golf Saskatchewan.  The Board is responsible for protecting the long-term growth and health of the association by approving  the bylaws, budget, strategic direction and policies.  The Board is also responsible for the sustainability, monitoring, and evaluation of Golf Saskatchewan’s goals.

The Board meetings and advisory panel meetings are usually held virtually. We are aiming for two in-person meetings in 2026. Reasonable expenses incurred for accommodation(s), travel, and meals are covered under Golf Saskatchewan’s reimbursement expense policy. 

To learn more about nominations click here.

Expressions of Interest forms must be completed and submitted by email to Golf Saskatchewan by March 16, 2026 at 4 p.m.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

All Expressions of Interest will be kept confidential.

OAKVILLE, Ont. – First Tee – Canada is proud to announce a new partnership with adidas that will support youth programming through the adidas Birdies for Game Changers initiative.

Partnering with five-time PGA TOUR winner and adidas athlete Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., adidas will provide $300 in support to First Tee – Canada for every birdie or better that Taylor makes on the PGA TOUR this season.

“This adidas Birdies for Game Changers initiative provides a platform for Nick’s great play on the golf course to directly benefit youth in Canada,” said Adam Hunter, executive director, First Tee – Canada. “We are very appreciative to adidas and Nick for their continued support. This initiative will allow First Tee – Canada to introduce more children to golf in a way that is welcoming, inclusive and empowering.”

The adidas Birdies for Game Changers initiative supports First Tee – Canada in providing youth from all backgrounds with access to valuable life lessons through golf. First Tee – Canada’s mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and promote healthy choices.

“At adidas, we believe that through sport we have the power to change lives, so we’re excited to support First Tee – Canada by helping expand access to programs that use golf as a platform for growth,” said Jeff Lienhart, president, adidas Golf. “Knowing we can play a small part alongside Nick’s performance on the PGA TOUR this season to directly impact the next generation of golfers in Canada makes this initiative especially meaningful. We’ll be cheering him on, knowing that every birdie helps create opportunities for young people across the country to build confidence, develop life skills and discover what’s possible through the game.”

A First Tee – Canada ambassador, Taylor has been a champion of the program’s mission and values. Since 2024, the Taylor family has been supporting their regional chapter, First Tee – British Columbia as a charitable beneficiary of the Nick Taylor Charity Classic. A portion of the funds raised at the tournament directly support the growth of the grassroots program in Cultus Lake and surrounding communities in the province.

“Golf has given our family so much both on and off the course,” said Nick Taylor. “Andie and I are very proud of our partnership with First Tee – Canada and thrilled that adidas will continue to strengthen that relationship, guided by our shared values of promoting the game and the valuable life lessons it instills in youth across Canada.”

In 2025, Taylor recorded 309 birdies and six eagles in 24 events played on the PGA TOUR.

The adidas Birdies for Game Changers initiative will begin this week as Taylor opens the 2026 PGA TOUR season with the defense of his Sony Open title in Honolulu, Hawaii on Thursday.

Indoor golf is booming, and today’s simulator technologies make it easier than ever to train intentionally – whether you’re grinding through winter or using data-driven insights to improve your weekly practice. But with so many platforms and launch monitors on the market, how do you choose the right one for you?

Here’s a quick, friendly overview of some of the most common simulator platforms available at Golf Canada member facilities. While there are other technologies out there, these are the platforms most golfers will encounter. Each facility listed on the Golf Canada website and in the Golf Canada App specifies the platform they use, making it easier to find the experience that suits your game.

TrackMan (radar launch monitor)

A tour favourite. TrackMan’s dual-radar and camera system provides top-level accuracy and an immersive software environment. If you want the same data trusted by the world’s best players, this is the one.

Foresight (camera launch monitor)

A powerhouse indoors. Foresight systems are known for precise, reliable club- and ball-data capture. For players who appreciate detailed numbers and consistent indoor performance, this is a top choice.

SkyTrak+ (camera + Doppler)

A blend of accuracy and versatility. SkyTrak+ integrates smoothly with platforms like E6, TGC 2019, and FSX, providing great value and adaptability for all types of golfers.

HD Golf (simulation software + camera sensors)

Think ‘golf theatre’. HD Golf combines high-fidelity visuals with integrated swing analysis tools, delivering a fully immersive experience that feels as close to the real course as you can get indoors.

Uneekor EYE XO / QED (overhead camera systems)

Designed for fixed indoor bays, Uneekor’s overhead units deliver rapid club and ball tracking. The setup maintains a clean hitting area, making it perfect for dedicated training spaces.

Golfzon (proprietary system)

Golfzon offers a premium all-in-one experience, featuring a moving swing plate, auto-tee system, and refined software. If you want a complete simulation package without compromise, this is the one.

SkyCaddie SkyTrak (launch monitor)

Compact and broadly compatible, SkyTrak is a popular choice for golfers who like to combine different software platforms and seek simple, reliable data.

FlightScope Mevo+ (radar launch monitor)

Portable and powerful. Mevo+ works indoors and outdoors, offers strong shot-tracking capabilities, and includes access to different simulation modes; a great choice for golfers on the go.

Swing Caddie (radar launch monitor)

A versatile solution combining Doppler radar with visual swing analysis. It’s an easy choice for players seeking useful metrics without a complicated setup.

Garmin Approach R10 (radar launch monitor)

Ultra-portable and budget-friendly. The R10 pairs easily with E6 and other software, making it ideal for casual sessions, small spaces, or practice that travels with you.

ProSim (simulation software)

Praised for precise 3D ball tracking and a more “free” hitting environment, ProSim emphasizes reliable shot analysis with fewer setup constraints.

Full Swing (radar + high-speed camera)

Trusted by some of the game’s biggest names, Full Swing combines radar tracking with high-speed imaging to provide accurate ball and club data. Instant feedback and seamless indoor/outdoor performance make it a preferred choice for players seeking precision and versatility in one premium package.

Which one is right for you?

Ask yourself what matters most: tour-level precision, immersive visuals, portability, or flexible software. There’s no single “best” platform – just the one that meets your goals, space, and budget.

Every Golf Canada member simulator facility lists its platform technology in its profile on the Golf Canada App and on the Find a Facility page at golfcanada.ca/justswing, making your search easier than ever. Happy practicing, and see you on the (virtual) course.

The Golf Canada App and website now allow golfers to record their rounds and practice sessions at member simulator facilities, with stats and goals automatically syncing throughout the year.

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada has released the latest update to the Golf Canada App, now supporting indoor simulator integration. Whether playing on a course or practicing at a simulator in a Golf Canada member facility, golfers can easily track and log rounds and practice sessions in one centralized location, providing a comprehensive view of their performance both indoors and outdoors. Golfers can easily find participating simulator facilities on golfcanada.ca/findacourse/ or directly through the App on their mobile devices. This update also adds the average number of putts per round to your stats, along with bug fixes and other enhancements to improve the overall app experience.

What this means for you

• Complete round tracking, including indoor sessions. Play a simulated 9- or 18-hole round at a participating facility and record your score as you would for a traditional on-course game.
• Practice sessions also matter. Whether you’re recording a practice bucket, working on your short game indoors, or tracking a particular skill or goal, it’s now possible. Each session adds to your game‑improvement metrics, ensuring your progress remains in focus.
• Stats and goals remain consistent. Your handicap‑related data, scoring history, shot metrics, and personal performance goals are kept current, whether the swing takes place on a fairway or inside a simulator bay.
• Golfers can find nearby simulator facilities using filters like technology platform or amenities, and view details such as the number of simulator bays, booking links, and addresses on an interactive map available on Golf Canada’s website and App.
• The Golf Canada App is your all-in-one platform for managing your golf history, stats, and progress tracking, anytime and anywhere you play.

Indoor simulators are increasingly popular across Canada, especially during the colder months when many outdoor courses close. By supporting indoor facilities, Golf Canada helps golfers develop and track their skills year-round.

This update continues Golf Canada’s effort to provide a comprehensive digital golf experience for Canadian golfers. Earlier updates added features like GPS-based course maps, hole-by-hole scoring, smartwatch integration, score posting for playing partners, and social features. Now, with indoor simulator integration, we connect real-world rounds with simulator play, offering golfers a unified view of their performance.

How to get started

Make sure your Golf Canada App is up to date.

Go to a participating Golf Canada member simulator facility to complete your round or practice session.

Record the round or session in the Golf Canada App as you would for any on-course game; your stats and goals will automatically update.

The Golf Canada App is available as a free download from the App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android. Golfers can sign in with an existing Golf Canada account or create one directly in the app to start tracking their game.

For a complete list of Golf Canada App features, visit golfcanada.ca/app.

Golf Saskatchewan has solidified their host clubs for the upcoming amateur championship season.

Below is the schedule for 2026:

• Junior Championships | The Legends Golf Club (Warman) | July 7-9
• Amateur/Mid-Amateur Championships | Golf Kenosee (Kenosee Lake) | July 14-17
• Senior/Men’s Mid-Master (40+) Championships | Meadow Lake Golf Club (Meadow Lake) | July 24-26
• Women’s 4-Ball (Rosebowl) Championship | Greenbryre Golf & Country Club (Saskatoon) | Aug. 18-19
• Mixed Championship | Deer Park Golf Course (Yorkton) | Aug. 29-30

The Champions Cup in late September will be announced at a further date.

“We are excited to announce the 2026 schedule which features a handful of premier Saskatchewan courses that will be extraordinary hosts,” said Golf Saskatchewan Manager of Sport & Championships Carson Olson. “The Legends are huge junior promotors, Golf Kenosee is an elite course for the provinces top event, and Meadow Lake led by Chris Reid stepped up to host the seniors on a weekend to make it easier for entrants. Greenbryre will welcome the Women’s Rosebowl and provide a fantastic experience for the entrants, and what can’t be said about Deer Park. Unbelievable course with a perfect clubhouse to host the Mixed Championship.”

Registration will open for all events on April 15, which is also the first official day of the golf season in Saskatchewan.

All the individual championships remain qualifiers for nationals.

Quota spots, Golf Canada’s schedule, and other details will be announced soon.

The Notah Begay III Canadian Junior Golf National Championship (NB3JGNC) and Golf Saskatchewan are excited to be working together again this year. The partnership will provide new and exciting opportunities to our junior golf families throughout all the provinces in Canada.

The NB3JGNC and Golf Saskatchewan have been working together for four years. This year Golf Saskatchewan has increased their involvement for 2026 so that more Canadian juniors will have access to the NB3. The NB3JGNC will be adding another Canadian Championship to the province of Saskatchewan. The official host site of the 2026 Western Championship will be at Dakota Dunes Golf Links on Aug. 18 to 19, 2026, in Whitecap, Sask. Golf Saskatchewan will play a significant role in the championship as they will be assisting in the operations and officiating the Western Championship. Golf Saskatchewan Executive Director Brian Lee said helping to increase junior golf opportunities is a large part of the organizations mandate.

“We are extremely pleased to assist the NB3JGNC again this year as they expand their tour in the province,” Lee added. “There are many options for the NB3JGNC to expand in western Canada, to see the tour choosing Saskatchewan is great for juniors to expand their experiences and competitive golf chances while staying closer to home on a premier golf course. We look forward to assisting with both the western championship and the other two Saskatchewan events at Tor Hill Golf Course and Moon Lake.”

The Western Championship will be one of only two championships in Canada that will qualify players for the final stage, the NB3 National Championship in Kinder, Louisiana which is broadcasted for a two hour prime time show on the Golf Channel. Like the Eastern Championship that is held in Montreal, Que., the Western Championship will be featured on TSN television bringing a tour-like feel to junior golf in Saskatchewan.

To go along with the partnership, Golf Saskatchewan will be selecting one player to represent the province in a 54-hole WAGR ranked event, the NB3 Elite tournament where these players will be competing for a PGA Tour of Americas Event exemption. The NB3 Elite tournament will be taking place at the same time at the same golf course as the Eastern Championship on Aug. 2 – 4, 2026, in Montreal. TSN and RDS television will cover the Eastern Championship and the NB3 Elite Tournament.

The NB3 has grown globally over the last five years and the expansion into Canada has been a goal since the start. The US Championship now includes top players from over 15 countries and this past year 20 players represented Canada. For the first time in 2024, Kaylee Chung from British Columbia became the champion of the overall girls 16 to 18 year old division.

“We cannot thank Golf Saskatchewan enough for their continued support in our mission to provide Canadian junior golfers the opportunity to make it all the way to the US,” said Rob Dickson, senior partner of the NB3 and host of the Canadian Championship at the Kanawaki Golf Club in Québec.

Notah Begay III Jr Golf National Championship: 

The Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship is in its seventh year and aims to grow the game of golf by providing a platform for players to compete against the best juniors in the Country in a true, open qualifying series. The National Championship will be televised on Golf Channel in prime time that will be airing over 4 hours of broadcast time that has never been done before. These players will have a chance to be recognized on a platform like no other, increasing the chances to #getNOTAHced by college coaches around the country. With this platform, Notah wanted to expand into Canada to give the juniors North of the border an opportunity to compete in US tournaments and one day play college golf.

NB3 JGNC: Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship

NB3 Canada: Home | NB3 Canada Junior Golf National Championship

NB3 Elite Application: NB3 ELITE APPLICATION | NB3 Canada

How it works:

Notah Begay lll Canadian Jr Golf National Championship:

The Notah Begay lll Canadian Junior Golf National Championship is a qualifying series that runs all throughout the country of Canada. It follows the same structure as the United States NB3JGNC with provincial qualifying, then to the Eastern and Western Championship and finally the US Global Championship. There are eleven qualifying sites across Canada with at least one in every province that all lead to either the Eastern or Western Championship. Players can also use the spot earned from their provincial qualifying tournament and compete in a US Regional to have multiple chances to make it to the US National Championship. 

2026 NB3 Canada Schedule:

April 18-19 | Swaneset Bay & Resort | Pitt Meadows, British Columbia
May 9-10 | Golden Eagle Golf Club | Pitt Meadows, British Columbia
May 23-24 | Club de Golf Vieux Village | Bromont, Québec
May 30-31 | Stony Plain Golf Club | Stony Plain, Alberta
May 30-31 | Belvedere Golf Club | Charlottetown, PEI
June 6-7 | Larters at St Andrews Golf & Country Club | Winnipeg, Manitoba
June 6-7 | Club de Golf Le Portage | L’Assomption, Québec
June 13-14 | Moon Lake Golf & Country Club | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
June 20-21 | Greensmere Golf & Country Club | Carp, Ontario
June 30-July 1 | Silver Lakes Golf & Country Club | East Gwillimbury, Ontario
July 2-3 | Tor Hill Golf Course | Regina, Saskatchewan
August 2-4 | Kanawaki Golf Club – Eastern Championship | Kahnawake, Québec
August 18-19 | Dakota Dunes Golf Links – Western Championship | Whitecap, Saskatchewan

One day. One hundred holes. A commitment that leaves a lasting mark. Across the country, participants in Youth on Course’s annual 100 Hole Hike closed out a demanding day on the course with a shared sense of achievement and a clear view of the difference they are making in junior golf accessibility.

Golf Canada offers affordable access to the sport through Youth on Course, which provides members aged six to eighteen with subsidized green fees of $5 or less at over one hundred participating courses. The 100 Hole Hike is the program’s flagship fundraising initiative. Golfers walk one hundred holes in a single day to raise funds for local Youth on Course programs. Since 2019, over 120,000 rounds have been subsidized. This season alone, 8,154 members played nearly 50,000 subsidized rounds across the country.

Four Youth on Course 100 Hole Hikes took place from August to October at Silverwood Golf Club in Saskatoon, Sask.; Bic sur Mer in Rimouski, Que.; Mill Run Golf Club in Uxbridge, Ont.; and Cabot Cape Breton in Inverness, N.S. This included the second international Youth on Course Premier 100 Hole Hike, a three-day event.

A total of 44 Hikers participated this year, raising $92,800 to expand Youth on Course access in communities across Canada.

Each event showcased stories of resilience, purpose, and personal motivation.

Honouring a loved one

At the Ontario event, a foursome traveled from Collingwood early that morning to honour the late David Moser, a husband, friend, and avid supporter of junior golf.

“Golf played an instrumental role in David’s life,” said his wife, Janet. “He strongly believed in affordable junior golf, so Joy, Derek, Danielle and I were thrilled to honour him through this fundraiser.”

Support from media and influencers

At Cabot Cape Breton, media personalities and influencers joined the Premier Hike, lending their voices to the program’s mission.

“Golf is an incredible game that teaches different life lessons,” said Adam Scully, host and producer of Golf Talk Canada at TSN. “To support such an amazing cause that gives back to others who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play, at one of the greatest facilities in Canada, means the world to me.”

A challenge with purpose

From the first tee at sunrise to the final putt at dusk, participants embraced both the physical challenges and the purpose behind their efforts. Many shared the satisfaction that comes from helping to lower financial barriers for young golfers while taking on a test of endurance.

“For me personally, access to junior golf provided an opportunity to grow as a young man on and off the course,” said Hiker Chris Bowman, who took part to support his son’s continued involvement in the game. “There is so much value in what the game can teach our youth, and providing these benefits to juniors who normally would not have the chance makes a real impact.”

Impact on host facilities

For host clubs, the event underscored the tangible influence of Youth on Course and the enthusiasm of communities committed to growing the game.

“We have seen firsthand how Youth on Course benefits our junior golfers. Just this year, nearly 500 subsidised five-dollar rounds were provided to Youth on Course members at our facility,” said Matt Savage, general manager at Mill Run Golf Club. “Hosting the Hike was an easy decision, and our members were fully supportive.”

Looking ahead

The success of this year’s events shows both the dedication of participants and the ongoing demand for affordable junior golf opportunities. Golf Canada aims to build on this momentum next season by increasing the number of subsidised rounds offered through Youth on Course initiatives.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took on the challenge this season,” said Nathalie Mihalek, Golf Canada’s National Manager of Youth on Course. “Their efforts directly help more youth get out on the golf course, and we look forward to welcoming even more Hikers next year.”

For more information or to take part in a Youth on Course 100 Hole Hike next season, visit golfcanada.ca/youthoncourse/.