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.

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 Dutchess 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.

Tayla Perry has decided where she will attend college and play collegiate golf starting in September.

Perry, 17, announced a couple weeks ago that she will attend Minnesota State University, Mankota and play for the Mavericks’ women’s golf team.

The Regina product started her junior career at Wascana Country Club before moving over the the Royal Regina prior to last season.

Perry has a Saskatchewan High School gold medal on her resume, several provincial top three finishes and a number of national appearances as well. She also has two years left of junior competition.

Golf Saskatchewan spoke with Perry about her commitment joining almost 30 other Saskatchewan student-athletes south of the border.

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.