Originally published on SaskToday on March 17, written by David Wilberg.

ESTEVAN – A fundraiser for Estevan’s Amanda Minchin surpassed all expectations.

The event, held March 15 at the Wylie-Mitchell building, attracted an estimated 475 people. Estevan Deputy Fire Chief Kyle Luc, who was one of the organizers for the benefit, said the initial estimate is it raised more than $100,000 to help Minchin financially as she continues to battle medical issues. They won’t know for certain how much money it brought in for a few more days, as they still have some bills to pay.

“We didn’t expect to have what we had,” Luc said in an interview with SaskToday. “It was unreal to see the support of the community and everyone came together. So, we’re happy with the outcome and we can’t thank everyone enough.”

The event featured a supper, raffle, 50/50 draw, and silent and live auctions; the latter was conducted by Mack Auction Company.

“It was great to see all of the people out there bidding and buying these items that had been donated to us in support of Amanda. We raised $60,000 on the live auction alone,” said Luc.

The Estevan Wildcats hockey team, which Minchin plays for, sold drink tickets. Many people who couldn’t make it made cash donations.

Luc said when plans for the benefit first started, he would have been “blown away” to make $50,000. The event was initially slated to happen at the Beefeater Plaza but tickets sold out in an hour, so they switched to the larger Wylie-Mitchell hall. The extra tickets sold out within 24 hours.

“To see what came of this afterwards and the support of this community is absolutely amazing,” said Luc.

He noted Minchin was able to attend the event.

Luc, his wife Jenna, and EFRS members Brandon Frank and Tyler Stead took the lead on organizing the event. A lot of the other members from the Estevan Firefighters Association helped with the work behind the scenes, the cleanup and other tasks.

Kyle Luc said they wanted to host this event for Minchin because she is one of Estevan’s paid, on-call firefighters and “they’re like a big family”.

“We thought in her time of need, it would be best to do something for her to help get her through this time, so myself and a couple of the other officers decided we would plan the event,” said Luc.

He believes the immense support shown for the fundraiser reflects the impact that Minchin has had on the community. Not only is she part of the EFRS, but she has been the head professional and general manager at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course for years and is passionate about the junior golf program. She has also been part of a number of boards in the community.

“She’s just one of those people that’s always out in the community, and it was definitely shown when you showed up at the fundraiser and saw everybody [who came to] support it.”

Will Danielson of Saskatoon has a runner-up finish on his solid post-secondary resume with the Millsaps Majors. Competing in his final season, Danielson was in Opelika, Alabama from March 12 to 14 for the LTU Spring Break Invitational at Grand National Golf Club. The Riverside Country Club member opened with a 66 in round one, the lowest score for any Millsaps player since 2016. Danielson followed the effort with a 77 in round two, he finished with a 72 in round three to tie for second at 215, two shots behind the event champion.

Danielson’s teammate with the Majors Davin Karst of Assiniboia was competing as an individual in the tournament, Karst shot rounds of 91, 87, and 99 to finish in 61^st spot.

The Majors as a team were sixth led by Danielson. The team heads to Bullard, Texas for the Eagle’s Bluff Intercollegiate from March 31 to April 1.

Alex Swinnerton kicked off his spring season with the Indianna University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Crimson Hawks in Monroe, North Carolina at the Rolling Hills Country Club on March 17 and 18. The Saskatoon product was tied for first after rounds of 67 and 71, but couldn’t quite hold off a talented field, but still tied for fourth after a 72 on Tuesday.

Teammate and former Waskesiu junior Guillermo Salazar of Calgary struggled to an uncharacteristic tie in 79^th place at 233 (80,81,72). The team placed 11^th.

Next up for IUP is the Trevecca Men’s Spring Music City Invitational in Old Hickory, Tennessee at Hermitage Golf Club General’s Retreat Golf Course beginning March 30.

Also, in action this week was Luke Cote and Will Blake, both of Regina. The Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Muleriders travelled to Edmond, Oklahoma on March 17 and 18 for the Oak Tree Invitational at Oak Tree Golf Club.

The team was eighth out of 17 schools at the event, Cote led the way tying for 21^st at 228 (73,75,80), Blake tied for 45^th place at 234 (78,76,80). There were 100 players in the field.

SAU hosts the Arkansas Collegiate at Mystic Creek Golf Club next week.

The Minot State University Beavers women’s team led by Holly Knudsen opened their spring season in Litchfield Park, Arizona at well known Maple Leaf Junior Tour national host club Wigwam Resort on St. Patrick’s Day and March 18. She shot 79 and 81, finished tied for 13^th to start her final season at MSU. The Chaplin resident was the top player for her team and aided them to an eighth-place finish.

Next on MSU’s calendar is the NCIS Conference Preview at Paradise Pointe Golf Club in Smithville, Missouri beginning on March 31.

Chase Gedak and Jace Carlisle have started their final college seasons with MSU men’s team.

The Beavers were in Goodyear, Arizona on March 10 and 11 for the Maverick Dessert Classic at Palm Valley Golf Club. The Estevan duo led the team with 24th and 37^th placings. Gedak shot 71 and 77, Carlisle posted rounds of 72 and 79.

Darien Herlick of Weyburn tied for 52^nd with a 36-hole score of 10-over par, 154 (73,81). Kipling product Winston Grayson went 81 and 88 for MSU, he was 78^th, Cameron Schwab of Maple Creek was 80^th at 30-over par, 174 after rounds of 84 and 90.

The Beavers were 12^th in the team competition, next up is the NCIS Conference Preview at Adams Pointe Golf Club in Blue Springs, Missouri starting March 24.

Autumn Neiszner has a top 20 finish after the Regina resident’s 18^th overall result at the Kona Ice Keiser Cup hosted by the Seahawks at Okeeheelee Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Florida on March 9 to 11. The Wascana Country Club member went 81, 84, 81 competing as an individual with Keiser. Neiszner’s teammates won the team championship. The win was the Seahawks fourth victory of the season.

The team is currently in Pembroke Pines, Florida for the Barry Invitational, Neizsner is not in the field.

Cole Taylor of Nipawin and the Park University Buccaneers were in action on March 10 and 11 in Lubbock, Texas for the Top of Texas Invitational hosted by Wayland Baptist University. The Evergreen Golf Club staff shot 79, 83, and 75 to place 25^th overall. The Bucs were second as a squad.

They are back on the course on April 2 for the Park University Gilbert Shootout in San Tan Valley, Arizona at Highlands Golf Club.

 Saskatoon products Carter Degelman and Carter Bell were competing for Dominican University of California also on March 10 and 11. The Penguins were in Alameda, California at the Corica Park Golf Course. Degelman opened with a 75, shot 72 in round two and 70 in the final round, the Riverside Country Club member was 29^th.

Bell shot 84, 74, and 81 to finish in 94^th place. The team was 14^th in the field. Dominican will be in Sonoma, California for the Sonoma State Spring Invitational starting March 24 at the Sonoma Golf Club.

Chase Pochylko was in the Nicholls University match-play event against South Texas on March 10 and 11 in McAllen, Texas at the McAllen Country Club. The Saskatoon player helped the Colonels to a 4-1 win over New Orleans. Nicholls was defeated by UIW and UTRGV in the event.

Next up is the Mobile Bay Intercollegiate in Semmes, Alabama starting March 23 at Magnolia Grove.

U of Regina team competes in NCAA Div. 3 event

The University of Regina Cougars golf team is currently in North Carolina after competing in the Pfeiffer Colonial Shootout in Thomasville at Colonial Country Club.

Out of 14 NCAA Div. 3 schools, the Cougars placed 11^th.

Jackson Wingert of Saskatoon led the team with an excellent showing tying for 14^th and jumping nine spots on the leaderboard in round two. He shot 79 and 74. Micah Tangjerd also of Saskatoon placed tied for 48^th with scores of 86 and 78. Gray product Reece Kuski was also tied for 48^th with rounds of 78 and 86.

Carter Bell of Regina tied for 53^rd at 167 (83,84), Josh Silverson of Regina was 68^th (91,88) while fellow Regina product Jacob Lipp carded rounds of 90 and 92 for a tie for 71^st.

That wraps up year for the Cougars with hopes of more events in the United States in the future.

Golf Saskatchewan has outlined the three events to be used to qualify two females and two males to make up Team Saskatchewan at the upcoming Canada Summer Games.

The 2025 Canada Summer Games will be held in St. John’s, Nfld. with the golf championships being held form Aug. 19 – 22 at Bally Haly Country Club.

To be eligible players must be under 19 years old as of Aug. 1, 2025.

The events used to make the teams will be as follows:

• Maple Leaf Junior Tour – Spring Classic | Elmwood Golf Club (Swift Current) | May 18 – 20 | REGISTER
• Golf Canada – NextGen Prairie Championship | The Legends Golf Club (Warman) | June 13 – 15 | REGISTER
• Golf Saskatchewan | Junior Championships | Lloydminster Golf & Curling Centre (Lloydminster) | July 8 – 10 | REGISTER (Will open April 15 – Payments processed May 15)

The teams will be announced shortly after the provincial championships.

If there are any ties among players eligible for a spot on the team, the player(s) with the better finish at the 2025 Golf Saskatchewan Junior Championships will be chosen.

Stay tuned for more information regarding the Games as the season nears opening day.

To view all the details of the Games golf championship, click here.

Written by Adam Stanley

One of the most exciting parts of Golf Canada’s calendar is when national championships pop up from coast to coast through the golf season. 

Winners get to hold everything from bragging rights to history – like Nick Taylor and Brooke Henderson.

The Golf Canada championship schedule will see 37 professional and amateur championships, and qualifiers, held across eight provinces at 36 different golf courses. 

In 2025, Golf Canada’s championships calendar is chalk full of exciting events at some of the most iconic courses in the country.

Plus, a few new additions as well.

“We look forward to hosting our tournaments at some incredible golf clubs across the country,” said Mary Beth McKenna, the director of amateur championships and rules at Golf Canada. “We could not be more appreciative of the support from each club’s membership and their continued interest and commitment in giving back to the amateur game.”

Here’s nine things to know about the 2025 Championships Schedule!

RBC CANADIAN OPEN DEBUTS AT TPC TORONTO

Set to be contested June 5-8, the RBC Canadian Open will be played for the first time at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley’s renovated North Course. The course will become the 38th layout in the event’s 121-year history to host Canada’s national open. The club underwent a major golf-course renovation project under the guidance of renowned architect Ian Andrew with consultation from the PGA Tour for the venue to host large-scale, global championship level competition.

“We have long envisioned that Osprey Valley would become one of Canada’s greatest golf destinations, and becoming the host venue for our country’s national championship is a tremendous component of that vision becoming a reality,” said Osprey Valley President Chris Humeniuk.

CPKC WOMEN’S OPEN RETURNS TO MISSISSAUGUA

The 51st playing of Canada’s National Open Championship returns to the Greater Toronto Area for just the third time since 2001, and in hosting the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open, Mississaugua Golf & Country Club becomes only the eighth club in history to host Golf Canada’s four premier events: the CPKC Women’s Open, RBC Canadian Open, Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, and the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.

MEN’S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP HEADS TO OTTAWA FOR A RECORD TIME

The Royal Ottawa Golf Club will make history in 2025 when the club becomes the first in history to host 10 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championships.

With support from co-host, Club de golf Rivermead, the 264-player field will be put to the test to earn the national championship title and an exemption into the 2026 RBC Canadian Open.  

Royal Ottawa also hosted the 2000 CPKC Women’s Open.

WOMEN’S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP WILL TAKE PLACE IN NEW BRUNSWICK

The 111th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship presented by BDO heads to Riverside Country Club in New Brunswick. Established all the way back in 1897, Riverside is a design from the iconic Donald Ross and hosted the 1929 Canadian Open.

10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WORLD JUNIOR GIRLS

This year marks the 10th playing of the World Junior Girls Championship, set to be contested in 2025 at St. Catherines Golf & Country Club. The Republic of Korea will return to defend their title after beating Team Canada 1 via a tiebreaker last year. Emerging talent from around the world will once again compete for the team championship and, individually, for a spot in the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open.

Designed by the legendary Stanley Thompson, the club celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2024.

WOMEN’S CANADIAN COLLEGIATE INVITATIONAL ADDED

Added to the calendar for 2025 is the new Women’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational.

“The excitement is palpable this season with the addition of the new Canadian Collegiate Invitational women’s event,” McKenna said. “The invitational is being held at Beacon Hall Golf Club and will bring together 11 NCAA Division I teams and our 2025 Canadian University/College champions, as they compete for the team title and one 2026 CPKC Women’s Open exemption spot.” 

This unique event merges the top collegiate talent, with several Canadians in the field and our NextGen Junior Girls Selection camp running concurrently.

The Women’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational will be the final event on the championships calendar for 2025.

The Men’s Canadian Collegiate Invitational will return to Öviinbyrd Golf Club.

JUNIOR BOYS HEAD TO NEW BRUNSWICK

Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club will host its sixth national championship with the Canadian Junior Boys Championship presented by BDO heading to New Brunswick in August. It last hosted a Golf Canada event in 2018 – the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship. The course, opened initially as just a nine-hole club in 1958 but quickly expanded to 18 holes in 1962 by legendary Canadian architect Robbie Robinson, has long been ranked as one of the best in Eastern Canada

JUNIOR GIRLS TEE IT UP IN QUEBEC

The Canadian Junior Girls Championship presented by BDO heads to the Club de golf Sainte-Marie in mid-August. The club, which opened in 1962, is just outside of Quebec City. The club hosted the Canadian Junior Boys Championship all the way back in 1982. 

EASTERN CANADA WITH A BIG SPOTLIGHT IN 2025

Quebec and the Maritimes have prominent hosting duties for Golf Canada National Championships in 2025 with six of the events this year (Women’s Amateur, Men’s Amateur, Women’s Mid-Amateur, Junior Boys, Junior Girls, and Canadian Men’s Senior) being hosted at clubs in the eastern part of the country.

John Chidley-Hill/ Canadian Press

Playing recreational golf became one of the go-to activities during the COVID-19 pandemic as the nature of the game made it safe under Canada’s public health measures.

Golf Canada’s 2024 annual report, released on March 6, shows that the pandemic bubble growth wasn’t just a passing fad. Nearly six million Canadians played golf last year, including more than 360,000 Golf Canada members who posted nearly 11 million rounds to the national sport body’s scoring centre.

“This surge that we felt has really stabilized with continued growth,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum on Tuesday. “Technological advancement, the shifting of lifestyles and the work week has really helped the participation side, as has the expansion of new formats for golf, like shorter formats, simulator golf.

“It’s actually all these factors have come together to help continue that growth.”

Golf Canada’s youth and accessibility programs have also fuelled the growth of its participation numbers.

First Tee – Canada, a youth development program that gives children life-enhancing experiences, was rolled out in every province in 2024 with more than 100,000 participants since it was launched in 2021. 

Youth on Course, another program that aims to make golf more financially accessible for kids, expanded across nine provinces with 105 golf courses participating. Over 32,900 rounds of golf at $5 or less were played by 5,382 unique golfers thanks to Youth on Course.

“(First Tee) is a life skills program that uses golf, and they’re having a blast,” said Applebaum. “We were seeing a lot of really strong participation from golfers and our demographics had been getting older but in ’23 and ’24 we saw the demographic ages actually slide younger and skew younger and more female.”

First launched in Calgary in 2023, She Plays Golf festivals were also held in Toronto and Vancouver last year. Organized by Golf Canada, the weeklong events are designed to introduce women and girls to the game in a safe, fun and judgment-free environment.

Applebaum said that these programs that help people try golf when they’ve never picked up a club before, as well as a women’s executive program for professionals in the marketplace that have always wanted to be part of the golf environment, have buoyed those annual participation numbers.

“So it’s not one thing, it’s probably 15 or 20 things that are coming together,” he said. “Golf has hit that moment as an incredible sport for physical and mental health that has really connected with people of all ages and stages.”

Golf Canada also introduced two new championships in 2024: the Canadian U15 Championship and the Canadian Collegiate Invitational, for a total championship schedule that included 36 titles.

The BDO National Golf League, a countrywide, season-long competition created by Golf Canada also encouraged players to get in more rounds over the year. It allows golfers participating in the club’s league to also compete provincially and nationally.

More than 10,000 participants from 107 leagues competed, with 52 pairings qualifying for the league championship at Hamilton Golf and Country Club during the 2024 RBC Canadian Open. 

The champions represented Canada at Royal Troon in Scotland for The R&A 9 Hole Challenge at the 152nd British Open.

Ella Kozak of Yorkton’s second event of the spring was shortened by weather last week in Humacoa, Puerto Rico. The Western Carolina Catamounts were at Palmas Del Mar on March 4 to 6 for the Puerto Rico Shootout. With rounds of 77 and 73, the Yorkton product tied for 34^th after round three was cancelled.

Western Carolina placed seventh in the team competition. The Catamounts are in Raleigh, North Carolina for the City of Oaks Collegiate beginning March 21 at Lonnie Poole Golf Club.

Saskatoon’s Symone Ripley’s spring season with the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) Heat got underway on March 4 and 5 in Henderson, Nevada. Competing at the Reflection Bay Golf Club the nursing student fired rounds of 90, 92, and 90 for a 54-hole total of 56-over, 272. Ripley was 39^th in the field.

The Heat were third as a team, 2023 Saskatchewan Amateur Women’s champion Emily Cornwall of UBCO won the event finishing 2-over par.

The Heat remain in Nevada and will compete in the Vegas Warrior Invitational at Wildhorse Golf Club in Henderson beginning March 14.

Chase Pochylko and the Nicholls University Colonels were in action for the second time this spring in Sugar Land, Texas for the HCU Colin Montgomerie Invitational hosted at Sweetwater Country Club. The Riverside Country Club player opened with a 78 I round one on March 3, the Saskatoon product followed that up with 73 and 74 to finish in a tie for 33^rd at 12-over par.

Nicholls was eighth as a team. The Colonels are already on the course again this week competing in South Texas Match Play in McAllen, Texas.

Upwards of 20 student-athletes could begin their spring schedules this week. Golf Saskatchewan will have more results later this week.

The four recipients will be celebrated later this summer
for their outstanding contributions to Canadian golf

Oakville, ON – Four accomplished contributors to Canadian golf will be acknowledged for their dedicated efforts in and around the game as the 2025 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award. 

Long-time Golf Canada volunteers Lee Griffin of Cambridge, Ont., Jack McDonald of Kamloops, B.C. and Jean Stone-Séguin of Rockland, Ont. along with retired PGA of Canada professional Muncie Booth of Vancouver, B.C. will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to Canadian golf.

“Golf Canada is proud to honour the outstanding contributions of Lee Griffin, Jack McDonald, Jean Stone-Séguin and Muncie Booth, as our 2025 Distinguished Service Award recipients,” said David McCarthy, President, Golf Canada. “The incredible dedication that these four honourees have for the game is truly outstanding. The impact they have had in both their home communities and across the country has left an indelible mark on golf in Canada and we are proud to honour and recognize them.”

Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award has been presented annually since 1993 to recognize individuals who have had an outstanding impact on Canadian golf either nationally or within their community.

The announcement of the 2025 Distinguished Service Award honourees coincides with Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting, conducted virtually on Thursday, March 6 at 1:00 p.m. EST.

The presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to this year’s honourees will be celebrated later this season at events and locations to be determined. 

Golf Canada 2025 Distinguished Service Award Honourees:

Jack McDonald (Volunteer) – Kamloops, B.C.

Jack McDonald’s contributions to the growth of golf in British Columbia and across Canada have been exceptional as a volunteer and most impactfully as a Rules Official. He has been actively involved as a golf volunteer dating to 1987 when he started with British Columbia Golf (B.C. Golf) has also volunteered at his home golf clubs (Elmwood Golf Club, Prince George Golf and Curling Club, Kamloops Golf and Country Club, Rivershore Golf Links) in various roles including the Board and various golf committees. McDonald is an accomplished player having competed in several Saskatchewan, B.C. and Canadian Amateur events. He served as president of B.C. Golf (1997-98) and would go on to join Golf Canada as a volunteer in 1998 serving on several committees including Junior Golf, Greens, Player Development, Amateur Championships, and the Rules of Golf. McDonald served as Golf Canada’s Rules Chair (2005-2008) and in 2000 became a member of The R&A. He is also an honoured member of both the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame and the Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame. In 2010, McDonald served as the 107th President of Golf Canada and to this day, continues to be an active rules official with Golf Canada serving annually on the championship duty roster.

Lee Griffin (Volunteer) – Cambridge, Ont.

For more than 30 years, Lee Griffin of Cambridge, Ont. has supported the Rules of Golf provincially in Ontario and nationally at a countless number of championships. She has served as a member of the Rules & Amateur Status Committee (2020-2023) and has been an active contributor to Golf Canada’s Rules Education Subcommittee. She created a webinar series in Ontario for prospective Referees in 2010 which is still in use today. She participated in the development of the curriculum and presentations for Level 2 and Level 3 Rules Education and has served as an instructor for both levels. Griffin has also served Golf Ontario as a member and past Chair of the Rules Committee having been a referee for the past 25 years and previously with the former Ontario Ladies Golf Association. Griffin is a member of the Galt Country Club and has refereed at the U.S. Women’s Open as well as countless National Amateur Championships and Qualifiers. Her outstanding contributions to the game have also been recognized by the (former) Canadian Ladies Golf Association as its 2003 Volunteer of the Year, as well as Golf Ontario as its 2009 and 2020 Volunteer of the Year, 2011 Honorary Life Director and 2017 Distinguished Service Award recipient.

Jean Stone-Séguin (Volunteer) – Rockland, Ont.

A longtime volunteer and Past President of the Ottawa Valley Golf Association, Jean Stone-Séguin’s contribution to the game of golf have been outstanding. A member of Camelot Golf and Country Club, her history of volunteerism with Golf Canada dates to 2006-07 when she served as Vice President of the RCGA Women’s Division – Ottawa District. Stone-Séguin would go on to become President of the RCGA Women’s Division – Ottawa District and supported the amalgamated Ottawa Valley Golf Association (OVGA). She served as the first President of the newly amalgamated OVGA (2010-11) and is also a Past President of her home club, Camelot (2009-10). A certified referee, Stone-Séguin’s contributions to Golf Canada’s Rules Committee dates to 2012 and is also a past Chair of Golf Canada’s Amateur Status Committee. In 2017 and 2022, she served as Tournament Chair of the CPKC Women’s Open at Ottawa Hunt and Country Club and has also worked as a Rules Official at both Golf Ontario and Golf Quebec championships. She is a past Chair of Golf Canada’s Governors Council and served as a past member of Golf Canada’s Board of Directors. Presently, she is involved in Golf Canada’s Rules Education Subcommittee preparing the program to teach those who wish to pass the R&A exam to become nationally certified referees.

Muncie Booth (Industry) – Vancouver, B.C.

Muncie Booth of Vancouver, B.C. is a long-time PGA of Canada professional and former head professional at McCleery Golf Club who retired at the end of 2024 following a distinguished 40-year career. Booth, a former competitive player with experience working at Mission Golf and Country Club as well as Chilliwack Golf Club, is renowned across the B.C. golf community as a leader in making the game of golf more accessible to Vancouver inner city youth at municipal golf facilities, McCleery Golf Course and Langara Golf Course. For nearly 30 years, he partnered with local community centres in operating the Inner City Youth Golf program, bringing community youth to experience golf at McCleery and Langara. Through his leadership, thousands of juniors experienced the game of golf through free clinics, instruction, and fun drills complimented by lunch in the clubhouse. Booth’s contributions to the game were recognized by his peers as a past recipient of the PGA of Canada’s Warren Crosbie Community Leader Award for his work with Inner City Youth Golf. He is a former BCPGA Junior Promoter of the Year, a past recipient of the City of Vancouver’s Volunteer of the Year Award and upon his retirement, was extended a Lifetime Membership at all of the Vancouver City Golf Courses.

1. Accept That Rust is Normal

Your swing might feel off, and that’s okay! Even the pros take time to get back into rhythm.

Expect some bad shots and inconsistent rounds early on. Focus on shaking off the rust instead of chasing perfect shots.

2. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

Set small, realistic goals (e.g., “Hit more fairways” instead of “Shoot my lowest score”).

Track personal improvements rather than comparing yourself to others.

Find one key area to work on each round (e.g., driving accuracy, short game, or course management).

3. Start with Simple Practice Goals

Spend more time on short game (chipping & putting)—it’s the fastest way to lower scores.

Ease into full rounds by playing 9 holes before jumping into 18.

Play fun formats like best ball or scramble to remove pressure.

4. Enjoy the Game & The Outdoors

Appreciate being back on the course after winter. Fresh air, good company, and fun shots matter more than score.

Play with friends or family who help keep the game lighthearted.

Celebrate small wins—a great drive, solid chip, or long putt—even if your score isn’t perfect.

5. Don’t Let One Bad Shot Ruin Your Round

Every golfer, even pros, hits bad shots. Let them go quickly and focus on the next shot.

Try the “10-yard rule”—after 10 yards of walking, forget about the bad shot and move on.

6. Keep Your Expectations Realistic

If you didn’t play all winter, don’t expect mid-season form right away.

Improvement comes from consistent play and practice over time.

Remind yourself: The first few rounds are about getting comfortable, not setting records.

7. Play for Fun, Not Just Score

Try different game formats like match play, skins, or playing against your own past performance.

Use a positive mindset: Instead of thinking, “I have to play well,” think, “I get to play golf today!”

Would you like a printable checklist to help manage expectations and track your early-season progress? ⛳

Another one of Saskatchewan’s top junior golfers has signed a commitment with a college golf squad in the United States.

Saskatoon resident Ben Staines will attend Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pennsylvania starting in the fall of 2025..

Staines has climbed the ranks of Saskatchewan junior men’s golf in the last couple years, the Riverside Country Club member was 58th in his first provincial championship in 2002, in 2023 Staines was 21st, last year he was 14th.

With one year of under-19 competition ahead and a future amateur career following university, Staines hopes some national opportunities arise as well.

He joined Golf Saskatchewan to speak about his start in golf, route to college, and future in the game.

As we get closer to spring, especially in the United States, college golf schedules are getting busier.

Last week Nipawin’s Cole Taylor was the lone player in action competing for Park University in Arizona. The Buccaneers started the season with a team win at the Sea Beggar hosted by Providence Baptist Invitational on Feb. 18 and 19. The team won the event by seven shots over the host school. Taylor tied for 14^th with rounds of 75 and 81 at the Angeles National Gold Club in Sunland, California.

The Bucs are in Lubbock, Texas on March 10 and 11 for the Wayland Baptist Invitational.

Yorkton’s Ella Kozak began her spring season with the Western Carlina Catamounts on Feb. 21 to 23 at the Reynolds Lake Oconee Invitational in Greensboro, Georgia. The 2024 Saskatchewan Junior champion shot 81, 85, and 75 to place 73^rd overall at the National Course.

The Catamounts were 13^th as team. Kozak and Western Carolina will be in Puerto Rico from March 4 – 6 for the Puerto Rica Classic at Palmas del Mar.

Will Danielson (pictured above) opened his last spring season with the Milsaps Majors in Houston, Texas at Gus Wortham Park Golf Course on Feb. 24 and 25. The Saskatoon product opened with a 1-over par, 72 in round one, he fired a 76 in round two and 79 in the final round to finish in a tie for 25^th. Milsaps placed seventh in the team competition.

Next up is a trip to Opelika, Alabama for the LTU Spring Break Invitational from March 12 to 14 at Grand National Golf Club.

Down in New Orleans, Louisianna on Feb. 24 and 25 Chase Pochylko and Nicholls University teed it up for the first time this spring. The Saskatoon-born player carded rounds of 74, 76, and 77, the Riverside Country Club member tied for 52^nd at English Turn in the ‘Big Easy.’

The Colonels tied for 11^th. Their next event is the HCU Colin Montgomerie Invitational starting March 3 at Sweetwater Country Club in Sugar Land, Texas.

Several more Saskatchewan student-athletes will start their seasons in the first week of March, by the middle of the month all schools will have had an event.