There is no such thing as an off-season in golf. Discover golf: anytime, anywhere. 

OAKVILLE, Ont. – As temperatures drop and the outdoor golf season in most parts of the country draws to a close, Golf Canada is proud to announce the launch of a new comprehensive off-course golf strategy supported by the Just Swing campaign, which highlights the benefits and different forms of off-course golf. 

Golf Canada endorses and supports all forms of golf and is encouraging Canadians to experience the game year-round through off-course golf experiences. 

These experiences include golf simulators, driving ranges, short game areas, mini golf, virtual reality golf and golf-themed video games that all provide opportunities to engage with the sport year-round. Complementing traditional green grass golf, off-course golf provides a continuity of golf experiences that can welcome new individuals into the sport in ways that best fit their lifestyle. 

For Golf Canada’s Chief Marketing Officer Tim McLaughlin, the campaign is about having a presence wherever and however golf is being enjoyed. 

“There has been an explosion in off-course golf options in our country, most notably golf simulators, and Golf Canada is excited to officially launch our off-course strategy. This initiative is reflective of the reality that an increasing number of Canadians are now participating in golf activity year-round in non-traditional venues like simulator facilities. Off-course golf has the potential to be transformational for our sport, combining fun and realistic golf experiences with affordable options that are accessible 12 months a year,” said McLaughlin. “This strategy acknowledges the way that Canadians are engaging with the game is evolving, and our intention is to create a greater connection between these new off-course formats and the broader golf landscape.” 

 As part of this strategy, Golf Canada, in partnership with the Provincial Golf Associations, is proud to launch a new facility membership offering, specifically designed for off-course operators. Through this program off-course facilities will now be able to become official members of Golf Canada and have the ability to promote their operations to Canada’s largest and most engaged golf audience. 

It will also be easier for Canadians to find places to play off course. A comprehensive digital program promoting off-course golf will connect Canadians to Official Member Facilities of Golf Canada. Golfers will soon be able to log and track their off-course activity at simulators in the 

Golf Canada app beginning in early December. For more information or to download Canada’s number one golf app, click here. 

“It’s not just having a presence where golf is being played in the winter, it’s about building meaningful relationships with the off-course facilities and owners who are invested in this growth sector of the sport. These facilities are providing a fun and social environment for golf enthusiasts and newcomers looking to experience golf, and we feel we can deliver year-round value and benefit to their operations.” 

Interest in off-course golf has grown substantially in Canada over the past four years. In 2021, 19 per cent of Canadians were using golf simulators; that number rose to 43 per cent in 2024, an increase of 24 per cent over four years. In addition to the countless green grass facilities that transform their operations to accommodate indoor golf each winter. 

The Just Swing campaign will support Golf Canada’s complete off-course strategy to have a presence wherever golf is being played. The campaign encourages Canadians to discover golf, anywhere, anytime and Just Swing, highlighting the many benefits the game can provide. This campaign is designed to re-frame perceptions of the sport by driving understanding that whether you pick up a club on a golf course or a simulator its all golf. The hope is to position the sport in a new way, particularly for new audiences who aren’t currently active golfers. 

For more information on the Just Swing campaign, the benefits of off-course golf or to find a location near you, please visit golfcanada.ca/justswing. 

For facilities interested in learning more about the benefits of becoming a Golf Canada Facility Member, click here. 

Austin Nesbitt has added another trophy to his collection.

The Pilot Butte, Sask.product has won the Saskatchewan under-13 and under-15 championships, now the Wascana Country Club player is a Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) national title holder.

On the weekend in Kissimmee, Florida at Orange Lake Golf Resort the 14-year-old shot rounds of 71, 70, and 74 to win the under-15 age group by six shots. There were 24 players in the age group playing at almost 6,300 maximum yardage.

Hudson Diederichs of Saskatoon was tied for 10th in the division at 231 (78, 79, 74)

Miranda Merriman (La Ronge) and Ada Dillon (Onion Lake Cree Nation) competed in the 15 to 19 year-old women’s event. Merriman was ninth at 266 (86, 88, 92). Dillon was 11th with a 54-hole score of 272 (95, 87, 90).

The youngest Saskatchewan competitor was 13-year-old Alyxa Melsted of Wynyard. She shot rounds of 93, 90, and 89, that was seventh in the division.

Dante Gamble of Duck Lake, Sask. was the top local finisher in the under-17 men’s category tied for 24th at 233 (74, 83, 76). Kai Kriekle of Regina was 35th with a three round score of 253 (84, 81, 88 and Ayden Melsted of Wynyard was 36th at 255 (83, 95, 77).

Dade Bernatchez of Sucker River, Sask. capped his junior career with a 15th place finish in the under-19 man’s age group. The 2025 Junior Lobstick champion carded rounds of 78, 84, and 78 in Florida.

To see all the results and images courtesy the MJT click here.

The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) National Championships began Friday in Kissimmee, Florida at Orange Lake Golf Resort.

Eight players from Saskatchewan earned an invite to the 54-hole tournament. Competing this year is:

Alyxa Melsted (Wynyard) | Under-15 Women
Miranda Merriman (La Ronge) | 15 – 19 Women
Ada Dillon (Onion Lake) | 15 – 19 Women
Austin Nesbitt (Pilot Butte) | Under-15 Men
Hudson Diederichs (Saskatoon) | Under-15 Men
Dante Gamble (Duck Lake) | Under-17 Men
Kai Kriekle (Regina) | Under-17 Men
Ayden Melsted (Wynyard) | Under-17 Men
Dade Bernatchez (Sucker River) | | Under-19 Men

The three round championship will conclude on Sunday.

To follow along with the scores, click here.

Ryan Wells is a two time winner at the 2025 PGA of Saskatchewan awards.

The Cooke Municipal Golf Course head professional took home the Frank Fowler Trophy for lowest scoring average (68) and the Bill Taylor Trophy which is given to the professional best exemplifying sportsmanship.

Wells spoke after the awards reception on Oct. 30 at Dakota Dunes Golf Resort.

Former Saskatchewan junior men’s champion Tayden Wallin has found his golf game again and has been recognized for a fantastic season on the course.

Now a professional working at Riverside Country Club, the 2017 junior champion was named the Scott Knapp Trophy (Player of the Year) and Peter Kushner Trophy (Order of Merit) winner at the associations awards banquet on Oct. 30 at Dakota Dunes Resort.

The Humboldt product spoke after the reception about being back on the competitive circuit and his return to loving the sport.

Prestigious national championship will be contested across
three different provinces through 2029

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada is pleased to announce the clubs that will host the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO in 2027, 2028 and 2029.

The 2027 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship will take place at Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club in Calgary, Alta., from July 26-30, followed by St. Charles Country Club in Winnipeg, Man. from July 24-28, 2028, and Brantford Golf & Country Club in Brantford, Ont., July 23-27, 2029.

“We are very proud to announce the future venues for our Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO through 2029,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Director, Amateur Championships and Rules, Golf Canada. “Our women’s amateur is one of the most prestigious tournaments conducted by Golf Canada and we appreciate Priddis Greens, St. Charles and Brantford’s continued commitment and support of amateur golf in Canada. All three venues have hosted numerous championships over the years and will provide a great test along with an exceptional experience for those competing.”

Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club was established in 1983 to provide an exceptional golf experience that intentionally aligned course excellence with concierge-style member service—all amidst a natural woodland setting that is second-to-none. Today, Priddis Greens remains committed to being Alberta’s premier private golf club, where warm hospitality, spectacular golf, and a strong sense of belonging define every experience. The mission is simple: enrich lives through golf.

Members enjoy two acclaimed 18-hole courses, namely “Hawk” and “Raven”, designed by renowned architect Bill Newis, nestled in the challenging yet scenic terrain of the Alberta Foothills. With meticulously maintained tree-lined fairways, pristine bentgrass tees and greens, and yardages ranging from 4,100 to 6,900, the courses offer versatility for every level of play, only enhancing the tranquil experience offered just minutes from the southwest corner of Calgary.

Priddis Greens is a three-time host of the CPKC Women’s Open. Australia’s Karrie Webb won in 1999, Norway’s Suzann Pettersen won the 2009 tournament and Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand won the most recent championship held at the course in 2016. The province of Alberta last hosted the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship in 2021 at the Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club in Edmonton.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be hosting the 113th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship at Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club in 2027. This event represents a wonderful opportunity for us to continue our proud tradition of hosting national women’s championships, and we are honoured to partner with Golf Canada for this prestigious event,” said Chad Thomlinson, General Manager & PGA Executive Professional, Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club. “Our Club has a long-standing commitment to providing an exceptional golf experience, and we are eager to showcase our beautiful courses and warm hospitality to the talented athletes and spectators who will join us. We look forward to contributing to the growth and success of women’s golf in Canada.”

Founded in 1904 by a group of visionary Winnipeg businessmen, St. Charles Country Club has grown into one of Canada’s most storied and respected private golf clubs. Set along the banks of the historic Assiniboine River, the Club is distinguished by its 27 championship holes, each nine designed by a legendary architect: Donald Ross, Alister MacKenzie, and Norman Woods. Over the decades, St. Charles has proudly hosted provincial, national, and international championships and welcomed golf’s greatest names to its fairways. Today, the Club remains dedicated to preserving its rich heritage while continuing to evolve as a premier destination for golf, recreation, and connection in the heart of Manitoba.

St. Charles is one of only eight clubs to host all four of Golf Canada’s premier events: RBC Canadian Open (1952), CPKC Women’s Open (1992, 2010) and both the Canadian Men’s (1936, 1957) and Women’s (1937, 1950, 1981) Amateur Championships. The Club has also hosted the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Senior Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Boys and Junior Girls Championships.

“St. Charles is honoured to host the 2028 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship. Our proud legacy includes welcoming many of Canada’s most prestigious golf events including the Canadian Open, Canadian Women’s Open, and Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, where our courses have consistently challenged some of the best players in the world,” said Heather Smart, President, St. Charles Country Club. “With the recent restorations of our MacKenzie and Ross Nines, and the forthcoming opening of the renewed West Nine, we look forward to showcasing the distinct character of each course and extending the warm hospitality that defines the St. Charles experience.”

Founded in 1879, Brantford Golf & Country Club is one of North America’s oldest and most distinguished private clubs. Set along the scenic Grand River in Brantford, Ontario, the Club features a classic, championship-calibre course originally shaped by Nicol Thompson and Robbie Robinson and refined through an historically influenced renovation by Rod Whitman and Keith Cutten. Brantford has proudly hosted numerous provincial and national championships, including the Canadian Amateur and Ontario Women’s Amateur, and continues to blend tradition with innovation through its acclaimed golf course, vibrant clubhouse, and welcoming membership community.

Brantford will be hosting its sixth national amateur championship after previously hosting the Canadian Junior Boys Championship (1965), Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship (1997) and the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship twice (1966, 2004). Prior to the 2029 Canadian Women’s Amateur, Brantford will host the 2026 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.

“Brantford Golf & Country Club is honoured to host the 2029 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, welcoming the nation’s top female golfers to one of Canada’s most historic and celebrated venues,” said Dave Newsome, General Manager, Brantford Golf & Country Club.

The Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship debuted in 1901 at the Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Que., the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship stands as one of the oldest amateur golf events in the world. Current LPGA Tour stars Ariya Jutanugarn (2012), Brooke Henderson (2013), Hye-Jin Choi (2016), Jennifer Kupcho (2017) and Yealimi Noh (2018) have all lifted the Dutchess of Connaught Gold Cup – though none have matched Marlene Stewart Streit’s record of 11 victories that helped her become the first-ever Canadian inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Team Canada – NextGen member, Michelle Xing of Richmond Hill, Ont. added her name to the prestigious list of champions this July at The Riverside Country Club in Rothesay, N.B.

As previously announced the 112th playing of the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship will take place at The Toronto Golf Club in Mississauga, Ont., from July 20-24, 2026.

The full 2026 championship schedule will be announced in the new year.

SASKATOON, Sask. — Wildwood Golf Course has been recognized as the runner-up for the 2024 First Tee Program Location of the Year award. This award is one of six National Facility Awards for Junior Golf, created by Golf Canada and presented by Humi by Employment Hero, to help recognize the outstanding contributions golf facilities are making to junior golf on an annual basis. 

Led by PGA of Canada professional Jason Schneider, Wildwood has quickly become one of the most sought-after First Tee – Prairies program locations. Since 2023, every program session has filled to capacity with a waitlist, reflecting the strong demand from local youth and families. 

Through the dedication of Schneider and his team of volunteers, the program has created a welcoming space where life skills and golf skills come together. Last summer, participants also had the chance to experience the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, giving them a closer look at the competitive side of the game while continuing to build their passion for golf. 

“On behalf of First Tee – Prairies, I want to congratulate Wildwood Golf Course and Coach Jason Schneider on this well-deserved recognition,” said Michael Kananoja, program manager of First Tee – Prairies. “Jason’s leadership and commitment to the values of First Tee have made Wildwood an outstanding hub for youth development, and this accomplishment speaks to the incredible effort he and his team put in every season.” 

Since launching in 2023, Wildwood has engaged more than 100 First Tee participants, including 65 per cent who identified as BIPOC and 46 per cent as female in 2024. Thanks to the support of RBC Community Junior Golf, all on-course programming is offered at no cost to participants. The First Tee program also extends into five schools and two community organizations in the surrounding area, with more than 80 per cent of those youth transitioning into on-course sessions each season. 

Regina’s Luke Cote has a career best third place finish on his college resume.

The reigning Saskatchewan amateur champion was in Rockwall, Texas this week for the DBU Classic with Carter Bell and the Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Muleriders. Competing on Oct. 27 and 28 at Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club, Cote carded rounds of 69, 71, and 71 to place two shots back of the winner in third, his first collegiate podium finish.

Bell shot 75 in round one, 77 in the second round and closed with an 80, the Saskatoon product tied for 66^th. The Muleriders were fourth overall in the team competition to wrap the fall campaign.

Davin Karst of Assiniboia was on the course this week for the Milsaps College Majors in Flowood, Mississippi. Competing in the Belhaven Invitational at the Refuge Golf Club Karst shot 80 and 88 to place tied for 48^th place. Karst was on the Majors ‘B’ team at the event; the group was 11^th overall. The Milsaps ‘A’ team was fourth.

That was the end of the season for Karst and the Majors.

Justin Miller’s fall season has been busy with another event this week, the Southwestern Community College (SCC) Spartans played their ninth tournament of the fall this week. SCC was in Galesburg, Illinois for the Prairie Fire Classic on Oct. 25 and 26 at Soangetaha Country Club. The Saskatoon product shot 76 and 81 helping lead his team to a win. SCC had the top two finishers in the event; Miller was tied for 18^th to wrap the fall season.

A half a dozen Saskatchewan student-athletes have events scheduled next week before the season closes for good.

The PGA of Saskatchewan hosted their annual awards reception on Thursday during the organization’s Buying Show at Dakota Dunes Resort.

There were two multi-winners this year with Tayden Wallin of Riverside Country Club being recognized for a fantastic playing season and Ryan Wells made the most of his return to Cooke Municipal Golf Course also taking home two honours.

The winners are listed below. Golf Saskatchewan spoke with several winners and will be featured next week.

Graham Coulter Professional of the Year | Paul Schatz | Waskesiu Golf Course

Class ‘A’ Assistant Professional of the Year | Chad Lavallee | Riverside Country Club

Apprentice Professional of the Year | Cole Ginther | The Legends Golf Club

John Gaudet Teacher of the Year | Mitch Bach | Clubhouse Golf

Coach of the Year | Jeff Chambers | Jeff Chambers Golf

Junior Leader of the Year | Jason Schneider | JDS Golf

Retailer of the Year | Brad Lovatt | Wascana Country Club

Scott Knapp Trophy (Player of the Year) | Peter Cushner Trophy (Order of Merit Champion) | Tayden Wallin | Riverside Country Club

Bill Taylor Trophy (Sportsmanship) | Frank Fowler Trophy (Lowest Scoring Average) | Ryan Wells | Cooke Municipal Golf Course)

Executive Professional of the Year | Darcy Myers | Cooke Municipal Golf Course

*Unable to attend

As the leaves turn and golf courses across the country begin preparing for winter, we mark the end of the “active posting season” for many Canadian golfers. Under the Golf Canada Handicapping system, an active season is the period during which scores from rounds played on regional courses may be submitted for a golfer’s Handicap Index® and officially count.

In practical terms, this means that for provinces such as Ontario and Quebec, the active posting window typically runs from about April 15 to October 31.

With that window now closing, golfers at clubs across Canada must shift their thinking. Here’s what this seasonal change means—and what to keep in mind as the clubs wind down for winter.

Why an active/inactive season matters:

The rationale behind the delineation is simple: golf courses in the off-months often play under very different conditions—frost-hardened fairways, slower greens, shorter roll-out, tree leaf fall, wet spots—that diverge significantly from the “mid-season” conditions assumed when course ratings and slope ratings were set. Allowing scores from such conditions to count would risk distorting players’ handicap indexes—either inflating or deflating them unfairly.

For that reason, rounds played on courses that are in their inactive season will still be recorded (in many cases) but won’t be included in handicap calculations. This ensures a fairer reflection of a golfer’s ability under more typical playing conditions.

What golfers should do now:

With the active posting season ending in many regions, now’s the time to make sure all your rounds played during the window are posted if you haven’t already. Since every player is responsible for submitting acceptable scores during the active season, missing a late-season round could leave your record incomplete.

If you plan to travel to warmer climates or play somewhere with a year-round active season (for example some clubs in British Columbia or in the southern U.S.), those rounds can still be submitted—provided the host course is in its active season. So even as your home club closes out, your golf doesn’t necessarily have to stop.

What changes for your game and club?

From the club’s side, this time of year often signals the winding-down phase—fewer tournaments, course maintenance ramps up, tees and greens may be adjusted for winter conditions, and the pace of play may shift. For players, the focus may turn from competitive rounds to skillrefinement: indoor putting, swing work, lessons, or planning for next season.

Also, with posted rounds now finalised for the year, your Handicap Index® heading into winter is set. That gives you a baseline to work from for next season. During the “inactive” period you might still play—it’s just that those rounds typically won’t contribute to the index, so they serve more as practice or fun rather than ranking rounds.

Looking ahead to next season

With the active season behind us, it’s a good moment for reflection: review your stats for the year, set goals for next year (e.g., stroke reduction, improved short game, more fairways hit), and perhaps identify indoor or offseason training opportunities. Many clubs open lessons, simulator access or special winter programs precisely because the outdoor competitive calendar is winding down.

In short: the close of the active posting season isn’t the end of your golfseason life—it’s just the signal that for handicapping and official scoretracking purposes, the “clock” has been paused. Use the next months wisely: maintain your swing, play off-course golf, stay “dialled” so when Spring 2026 rolls around—you’re ready to hit the ground running.