Guillermo Salazar was born and raised in Calgary, but with a family cabin at Waskesiu, it was Saskatchewan’s junior golf scene and events that shaped him into an excellent college player and graduate.

Salazar, 23, attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania alongside long-time friend and fellow Waskesiu junior Alex Swinnerton.

He played in two Saskatchewan Junior Championships and placed in the top five both times. Salazar was also a fixture in Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) events due to spending every summer in Prince Albert National Park.

His college career including a win and many top 10 results over four years with the Crimson Hawks.

Salazar graduated with an accounting degree and has accepted a job in Austin, Texas. He will remain an amateur and investigate tournaments in the Austin area.

Salazar spoke with Golf Saskatchewan following his graduation earlier in May.

Authored by Robert Wolanski

Joining Golf Canada comes with a handful of benefits, one of the biggest being access to a recognized Handicap Index through the World Handicap System (WHS). For new golfers, handicapping can feel like a difficult topic to learn. Think of it as a simple way to gauge your skill level, helping players of all abilities compete more fairly.

What is a Handicap?

At its core, a golf handicap is a numerical measure of a player’s ability. The lower your handicap, the better you are relative to the average golfer. A beginner might have a handicap of 30.0 or higher (54.0 is the limit), while an experienced golfer might be in the single digits.

Why do Handicaps Matter for New Golfers?

As a Golf Canada Member, you have access to an official scoring system. If your new, handicapping might seem like something only “serious” or “good” players worry about. In reality, it’s one of the best tools you can use to track progress and stay motivated. Higher scores aren’t a bad thing, they simply mean there’s more room to improve.

• Fair competition: You can play against golfers of a higher skill level without feeling outmatched.
• Progress tracking: Your handicap adjusts as you improve, giving you a clear picture of your growth.
• Goal setting: Dropping your handicap becomes a tangible goal.

This is why tracking your scores and establishing a handicap right away is best. Waiting until you are “good enough” delays the most useful part of the Golf Canada handicap system.

How is a Handicap calculated?

A common surprise for new golfers is that your handicap isn’t based on your average score, it’s based on your better rounds.

This means:

• One great round matters more than several mediocre ones.
• Your handicap reflects what you’re capable of, not what you usually score.
• Improvement can show up faster than you expect because new scores are immediately taken into consideration.

This is why two golfers who might usually shoot the same, could have vastly different handicaps. If one has the ability to shoot low scores (although less frequently), they will likely have a lower handicap based on their demonstrated ability.

Playing by the Rules

To get the most accurate handicap, you should be doing your best to play by the rules and try to make the lowest score you can.

That means:

• Putting out (no automatic gimmies)
• Counting penalty strokes
• Posting all acceptable rounds
• Posting scores hole-by-hole (as opposed to total score)
• No mulligans

It may seem strict if you’re just starting, but it ensures your handicap is as accurate as possible. These are things experienced golfers should be following as well!

Course Rating and Slope: Why Your 95 isn’t always a 95

As a Golf Canada member, your Score Differentials are determined based on course difficulty using Course and Slope Rating. In simple terms, A Score Differential is the relative measure of your round compared to the course and tee being played during a round of golf and used in the handicap calculation.

For example:

• A 95 on a tough course might be “better” than a 92 on an easier one.
• The system accounts for difficulty so your handicap adjusts accordingly.

These calculations are done automatically when you post a score but understanding this helps you understand why your handicap moves the way it does.

Your First 20 Scores

In the World Handicap System, your handicap becomes more stable after you’ve posted 20 scores (where your best 8 are averaged). Once you have more than 20 scores posted, your most recent 20 are considered. Before that, fewer of your rounds are taken into account.

So, until you have posted 20 scores:

• Your handicap may shift quickly
• Big improvements have a more noticeable impact
• Your handicap is still being “regulated”

It’s completely normal to see big changes in your handicap prior to posting 20 rounds. It can also be rewarding to see the fast progress!

Final Thoughts

One of the biggest missed opportunities for new (or any) Golf Canada member is not utilizing the ability to establish a Handicap Index.

It’s not just for tournaments, it’s for:

• Friendly competition
• Tracking progress
• Making the game more fun
• Staying motivated

Golf is one of the few sports where beginners and advanced players can truly compete on a level playing field, and handicapping is the reason why.

Following a strong junior career originating at the North Battleford Golf and Country Club, Colby Friedrich admitted he really couldn’t choose between hockey or golf, fortunately he had the opportunity to do both.

Friedrich, 24, recently graduated from the University of Providence with a degree in education while completing for the men’s golf team and captaining the men’s hockey team as well.

He began his college career in Medicine Hat, had success at the provincial and national collegiate level before the opportunity arose from the Argo in Great Falls, Montana.

He was joined by Regina’s Adam Husli with the Argos, Husli also transferred to the school and played for both teams too. Husli has one more year left.

Providence’s golf schedule wasn’t overly hectic, they averaged about five events each year Friedrich’s run. More success came on the ice including a national championship appearance.

Friedrich will remain in Great Falls and begin his teaching at an elementary school in the city. He said the job allows some freedom to golf, and take up some coaching opportunities with his alma mater.

He joined Golf Saskatchewan to talk about his collegiate career.

The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) hosted their lone three-day, 54-hole event in Saskatchewan over the May long weekend in Swift Current.

Over 125 players battled a snowstorm and unideal conditions at Elmwood Golf Club from May 16 to 18 with several repeat winners from the first tournament of the season earlier this month.

Alyxa Melsted of Wynyard has her second straight victory of the season. After winning the under-15 women’s age group in Estevan, the 13-year-old won again with a score of 252. She shot 798, 90, and 84 to take the age group. Natalie Maunula of North Battleford was second at 264 (89, 87, 88).

Eva Gedak of Estevan was third at 294 (97, 98, 99).

Reigning Saskatchewan amateur women’s champion Chloe Wills is back after her first year of college golf and now has her first MJT win of the year. The 18-year-old from Kyle shot 74, 86, and 77 to hold off a pair of players in the 15 to 19 women’s division.

Grace Odnokon was the winner in Estevan, she tied for second with Warman’s Tina Liu, they both finished at 244, seven shots back of Wills.

Hudson Deibert continued his strong play in the under 13 men’s age group. The 11-year-old Royal Regina Golf Club junior shot 76, 78, and 77 outlast Cohen Bridge of Corman Park by eight shots. Bridge carded rounds of 81, 75, and 83.

Keaton Kreklewich is a back-to-back winner this season. The Melville product took his second under-15 men’s championship of the season holding off a pair of Alberta golfers. The 14-year-old signed for rounds of 76, 75, and 71 for a total of 222.

McGrath, Alta. product Jace Hansen was second (227) and Cooper Roberge of Lloydminster rounded out the top three at 229 with rounds of 73, and back-to-back 78’s.

The lone non-Saskatchewan resident to take a title was Calgary’s Jeevin Dhaliwal who won the under-17 men’s category with a score of 221.

Ayden Melsted had a great weekend, placing second in the age group. The Wynyard Golf Club member shot 69 in the first round, the only player in the entire field to break 70 during the championship. He added a 77 and 78 to finish three strokes behind Dhaliwal. Bennett Love of Red Deer, Alta. also made the podium with a score of 225.

A familiar face found himself at the top of the leaderboard in the most competitive age group, the under-19 men’s category.

Ryan Mosher of Saskatoon was a one-shot winner over a pair of players in the division.

Mosher posted ronds of 74, 72, and 71 for a score of 217, just ahead of Aricin Franklin (Saskatoon) and Lyndon Kuryvial (Taber, Alta.).

Mike Bosanko of Cochrane, Alta. and Calgary’s Jalen Apedoe tied for fourth at 225.

For complete results click here.

The next MJT event is June 13 and 14 in Humboldt. To register click here.

Images courtesy Jeff Chambers

Get back into the swing of things with tips, stories and so much more!

What is She Plays Golf?

She Plays Golf is an initiative led by Golf Canada focused on creating more opportunities for women and girls to learn, play, and enjoy the game.

The program introduces new players to golf in a fun, welcoming, and judgement-free environment, while also helping current players stay engaged and connected to the sport.

She Plays Golf also supports competitive pathways through the She Plays Golf Championship Series presented by Audi, giving our aspiring elite golfers the opportunity to earn an exemption into the CPKC Women’s Open – the only Canadian stop on the LPGA Tour.

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Sign up for our free e-newsletter to discover who to follow, helpful tips, rules of the game and updates on events across Canada.

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Delivery Partner Spotlight

Throughout the year, we’ll be highlighting some incredible delivery partners helping bring She Plays Golf to life across Canada. This is an opportunity to recognize their efforts, share their story, and acknowledge the amazing work they are doing in their community through golf.

Girls Golf Academy

This month, we’re proud to spotlight Keri Moffat, founder of Girls Golf Academy in British Columbia and a driving force behind growing the game for girls and young women. In addition to leading Girls Golf Academy, Keri serves as Assistant Coach for the University of British Columbia Women’s Golf Team and Director of Instruction at Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club, where she continues to shape the next generation of athletes and leaders.

Through clinics, mentorship, and on-course experiences, Keri has built an atmosphere where participants gain confidence, leadership skills, and lasting friendships alongside their golf development.

At the heart of all her work is a commitment to empowering girls through sport because “when girls feel confident and supported in sport, it creates opportunities that extend far beyond the golf course.”

Her impact on the game has earned her multiple honours, including the 2023 PGA of Canada Coach of the Year, PGA of BC Coach of the year, Cascade Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year—a testament to her passion and lasting impact in the sport.

Leaders like Keri embody what She Plays Golf is about, helping redefine the game by ensuring that girls feel supported, encouraged, and excited about their golf journey.

Read More

Women to Follow

Looking for inspiration in your golf feed? Check out these women helping grow the game online:

• Lindsay Knowlton (@ironladygolf): Building a community for women to learn, play, and connect! Showcases leagues, clinics, lessons and travel.
• Kristi Roach (@kristi_roach): Passionate about helping others achieve their golf goals. Posts simple explanations for better golf.
• Keri Moffat (@girlsleadthepack): Focused on empowering girls and women to build confidence on and off the course.
• Jill MacDonald (@livinglifewithjill): Sharing her story and helping to grow and inspire the all-abilities golf community.

Tips & Tricks

Tap the images below to explore golf content shared by golfers across the community.

Golf Rules Made Simple: Teeing Off

Where do I tee off?

Every hole begins from the tee deck – also known as the tee box or simply the “tee”.

Players in the same group can tee off from different tee decks based on skill level and what feels most comfortable.

No matter which tees you choose, whether you’re brand new or chasing birdies, the rules stay the same:

• Place your ball between the two tee markers, or
• Up to two club lengths behind them

Just don’t place your ball in front of the markers— nice try, but no free yardage here.

View the Official Rule

Monthly Community Challenge

Each month we’ll share a fun challenge to help you stay engaged with the game. Share your photos of you participating in the monthly challenge with us: sheplaysgolf@golfcanada.ca! You might just be featured in next month’s newsletter!

April Challenge: Get ready, get set, swing! Shake off the off season—watch two golf tip videos to start the season with confidence!

Stay Connected

We’re excited to grow the She Plays Golf community and share more opportunities for women to connect through the game.

Have ideas or content you’d like to see? Email us and we’ll do our best to include it! After all, we want to create content specifically tailored just for our community.

Stay tuned for next month’s features, including:

• A delivery partner spotlight
• Upcoming She Plays Golf opportunities
• More tips and friendly golf advice

We hope to see you out on the course this season!

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Alex Swinnerton is a college graduate after walking across the stage at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP).

The Saskatoon product put together a great college career that including four wins and many other podium and top 10 placings while competing for the Crimson Hawks.

Swinnerton’s junior career included a Saskatchewan under-15 title, and under-17 title and a NextGen Prairie Championship in 2022.

The Waskesiu Golf Course and Riverside Country Club junior continued his success at IUP alongside fellow Waskesiu junior Guillermo Salazar of Calgary, who also graduated earlier this spring.

Swinnerton plans to turn professional with an RBC Open Qualifier in Edmonton first on his list of events for this season.

He spoke with Golf Saskatchewan about his four years at IUP, the success, sharing it with long time friend Salazar, and the future.

The first tee of a new season is more than just a fresh scorecard — it’s a reset. A chance to build better habits, sharpen your edge, and make sure your golf handicap index actually reflects the player you are.

The good news? You don’t need a swing overhaul to see results. A few simple, consistent habits can quietly lower your scores, improve accuracy, and make every game more competitive.

Start here: five easy ways to take control of your scoring and set the tone for your 2026 season.

1. Post Scores Hole-by-Hole

HBH score posting gives you deeper insights into your game and a more accurate handicap index.

It takes approximately 30 seconds.

2. Post Same Day You Play

Waiting to post can impact your handicap accuracy for your next round.

3. Double-Check Before You Post

Confirm the course, tees and score before submitting.

This will help avoid fixes later.

4. Post Every Round

Whether you’re playing during inactive season or abroad, every round matters and adds valuable data to your game.

5. Try New Game Formats

Whether it’s match play, stroke play or skins game, handicapping works for any format. It allows for friendly competition and makes scorekeeping seamless.

All of these features and more are available through the free Golf Canada mobile app. Download it today.

Several fantastic collegiate careers closed this week following regional championships.

The four-year careers of Will Blake, Luke Cote, Alex Swinnerton, and Guillermo Salazar all came to an end this week. Blake and Cote spent four years at Southern Arkansas University (SAU) teeing it up for the Muleriders following great junior careers in Regina.

On May 7 to 9 in Big Rapids, Michigan SAU competed in the NCAA Div. II Central/Midwest Regional at Katke Golf Course, the home of the Ferris State Bulldogs golf team. Blake signed for rounds of 77, 75, and 75 to leave himself in 60^th in his final event. Cote tied for 77^th at 230 (78, 76, 76). Carter Bell of Saskatoon was also on SAU’s team, he shot 77, 76, and 73 to tie for 60^th.

The Muleriders as a team were 17^th as a team.

Two more superb scholars will walk across the stage this week following the end of their careers. Waskesiu Golf Course junior graduates Swinnerton and Salazar each had college wins over four years at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP).

The Crimson Hawks were in Johnstown, Pennsylvania at Sunnehanna Country Club for the NCAA Div. II East/Atlantic Regional, also on May 7 to 9. Swinnerton was in the top 10 going into the final round seeking a national spot, but after rounds of 72 and 70, the Saskatoon product shot 76 to land tied for 25^th, fittingly alongside long term pal Salazar of Calgary. He opened with a 76, 69, and 73.

The pair spent summers together playing junior golf at Waskesiu and will end their careers at IUP next to each other on the leaderboard.

The Crimson Hawks were eighth as a team.

Back in late April, another collegiate career ended as Battleford’s Colby Friedrich graduated from the University of Providence in Great Falls, Montana.

Friedrich played his last college tournament on April 28 and 29 in Phoenix, Arizona at Papago Golf Club. He shot 78, 79, and 80 to tie for 19^th at the Frontier Conference Championship.

The Argos were eighth as a team.

Ben Staines of Saskatoon wrapped up his rookie season at Mount Aloysius College on April 26 and 27 in Chardon, Ohio at Sand Ridge Golf Club. Competing as an individual at the Caschera/DiCillo Classic Staines carded rounds of 87 and 85 to place 39^th.

His Mounties’ teammates were fourth in the team standings. The team is in Howey-In-The-Hills, Florida this week for the NCAA Div. III National Championship but Staines in not in the field.

Registration has been open for the 2026 amateur golf championship season in Saskatchewan, and on May 15 the organization will begin processing registrants.

Any player that entered for any of the championships and follow all the criteria (age, HCP Index, Golf Saskatchewan/Canada member, etc.) of the event(s) registered for will be charged on May 15 to the credit card on file with Golf Genius.

As of May 8, the participants registered for the individual (national implications) are:

• Junior Championships (The Legends Golf Club) Warman (113 – 18 Women | 95 Men)
• Amateur Championships (Golf Kenosee) Kenosee Lake (125 – 11 Women | 114 Men)
• Senior Championships/Men’s Mid-Masters (40+) (Meadow Lake Golf Club (Meadow Lake) (40 – 1 Woman | 39 Men)

Registration is also open for the Women’s 4-Ball (Rosebowl at Greenbryre Golf & Country Club on Aug. 18 and 19. The Mixed Championship is in Yorkton at Deer Park Golf Course on Aug. 29 and 30.

To see the complete 2026 schedule and register, click here.      

If you need any assistance, you can contact Manager of Sport & Championships Carson Olson at 306.852.7727 or colson@golfsaskatchewan.org.

The Weyburn Golf Club has stood for over a century (Est. 1919) but is moving into a new era under ‘The Sixty-Seven.’

In late April, the club announced a new partnership with the R.M. of Weyburn No. 67, where the course is located just outside the “Opportunity City.” The naming rights partnership is for 10 years. General Manager Krystle Fedoretz said discussions on a renewed partnership with the rural municipality started approximately two and a half years ago, about a year before she took the role at the club. With a background in municipal governance; she was asked to assist with a grant application, which led to a new business plan. She added that while this all took place, discussions continued leading to the decade long agreement.

“The R.M. of Weyburn No. 67 ended up being the perfect partner for that,” she said. “The partnership provides the course with long term revenue.”

According to the news release, the new name, The Sixty-Seven, pays tribute to the rich agricultural and municipal heritage of the region, grounding the facility firmly within the RM of Weyburn No. 67. The partnership formalizes a collaborative effort to invest in the long-term sustainability and growth of the course, while supporting broader community priorities. The goal is to elevate the golf course experience while ensuring it remains accessible and a valuable recreational asset within the region.

New to the golf industry, Fedoretz spoke with other administrators across the province. She learned Weyburn relied on green fees and members for most of their revenue, while most other clubs’ main income source is sponsorship. The then Weyburn Golf Club turned to updating sponsorship packages leading to the partnership.

Weyburn is a larger Saskatchewan centre with just under 12,000 residents with many recreational facilities. The two hockey rinks are the main attractions like most Saskatchewan communities, but The Sixty-Seven is the hub in the summer months making this agreement for a more viable future more important.

“Yes, we are a golf course, but for the community with so much more. We provide other community groups with the ability to fundraise, we provide recreation, obviously with golf. There’s also the social side of it; we are public club so lots of people use for a social outing. It’s not necessarily about the scores, it’s about connecting with people at the course,” Fedoretz said.

 Open for the season now, Fedoretz said the chatter at the club has been great.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” she beamed.

The R.M. partnership is a big step in completing the course’s irrigation system on the back nine holes, a project that began several years with the construction of a new system on the front.

Along with the course naming rights, the rights to the name of the clubhouse were also purchased. Visitors will now see the Jerry Mainil Clubhouse. Hole sponsors are also being sought.

The club’s annual general meeting is coming up on Thursday (May 7) with two spots open on the executive.

Southeast College Collaboration

Another exciting aspect of the rebrand and future according for Fedoretz is the partnership with some business students at Weyburn based Southeast College.

The group of students used the golf course as a case study and according to Fedoretz they came up with “wonderful ideas.” Generating revenue, operational savings, and other financial streamlines. Fedoretz said hearing ideas from younger citizens is a fresh aspect.

“The students are a different generation than me, so they provided us with wonderful feedback. The amount of work and thought they put into it was wonderful and we are looking forward to continuing to work with them and implement some of those ideas,” she added.

Other highlights include hosting the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show Tournament which has funded the purchase of some equipment. The Weyburn Young Fellows Club has also helped purchase equipment.

“it’s wonderful to see these groups working with us and giving back,” Fedoretz said.

Season programs

The club has a once a week junior program ran by volunteers with over 100 kids attending each Monday. The Mryglod’s, a long time golf family in the area runs the junior program.

Fedoretz said the ladies club has also revamped their board and program. She said over the last couple years that’s exploded on Tuesday nights.

“We went from minimal numbers and now we are over subscribed, we run out of carts every week,” she chuckled.

To learn more about what’s happening at the course, visit their website.