The Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame announced seven inductees to the class of 2026 on Tuesday.

Included in the class is Otto Huber, a blind golfer that was inducted into the Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame in 2018.

Huber lost his eyesight in a hunting accident when he was 28 years old. He took up golf and quickly succeeded at it winning the Saskatchewan blind golfers’ tournament seven times between 1974 and 2007.

You can see much more regarding Huber’s impacts on the sport in his Hall of Fame biography.

Huber passed away in 2022 at the age of 90.

In most parts of Saskatchewan, it’s not yet golf weather, but registration is now open for the 2026 amateur championship season.

Golf Saskatchewan calendar looks like this:

Junior Championships | July 7/9 | Warman | The Legends Golf Club
Amateur Championships | July 14/17 | Kenosee Lake | Golf Kenosee
Senior & Men’s Mid Masters (40+) Championships | July 24/26 | Meadow Lake | Meadow Lake Golf Club
Women’s Rosebowl | Aug. 18/19 | Saskatoon | Greenbryre Golf & Country Club
Mixed Team Championship | Aug. 29/30 | Yorkton | Deer Park Golf Course
Champions Cup | Sept. 26 | Rosthern | Valley Regional Park Golf Course (Registration will open later this year for this event)

To see the full schedule and register click here.

How did you become a member of the PGA of Canada/Saskatchewan?

After playing Division 1 golf for the Florida Gators, professionally in mini tours, the Epson Tour (Symetra Tours when I played) and the Australian tour, I started coaching just for fun in 2020 and realized I loved it. I got in touch with someone at the PGA of Canada and sign up to work towards being a Class ‘A’ professional.

How many years have you been a golf professional?

A little over 11 years.

I was a touring/playing professional since 2015, and I became a PGA of Canada professional in 2021.

What is your favourite memory or most uplifting story from your time in the game of golf?

My favourite memory is when I got to play the LPGA’s Canadian Open. It was my LPGA debut and the first one ever held in Saskatchewan. I didn’t play my best, but it was the first time I realized that I could compete with the players on the LPGA Tour. 

One of the biggest things that held me back when I played professionally was that I knew I was really good, but on a world scale I didn’t have the belief that I was great. I had opportunities to experience playing “a level up” before actually getting to the next level; but when I played professionally, it took a long time to get into an LPGA event to see how I compared. It’s difficult to believe something if you haven’t seen proof, and I had played against LPGA players in Mini Tour events and beat them but it wasn’t enough. The LPGA as a whole was a pedestal that I had never been on. That week I saw that I could hit the shots they did, I could compete with the game I had. It was an awesome experience and I was quite nervous because this was a big step in my career.

I learned that putting dreams on a pedestal makes them feel out of reach even when you get so close. My mind got in the way of my success because I hadn’t adjusted my goals high enough to reflect the things I had already achieved. It showed me that continually striving for higher and higher goals can open up endless possibilities if you’re open to them.

I still set ambitious goals for myself in all aspects of my life; I am happier and more fulfilled continually striving to be better. I would have never learned how to push and change the limits of my mind without this experience.   

If you had the opportunity to speak to the entire province at once, how would you encourage more females to take up the sport of golf?

Sign up for a few lessons to get the basics. Golf is hard even when you know what to do, so taking to time and investment of at least one lesson could make a big difference in your enjoyment. 

Countless people tell me after they’ve had one lesson that they wish they took a it sooner because it made the game so much more enjoyable. If you don’t want to go alone, find a friend and book one!

Have fun however you have fun with golf! People love golf for a wide range of different reasons and all are valid.

Arguably Saskatchewan’s greatest golfer, Graham DeLaet is giving back to his hometown once again.

Back in 2016, the Graham and Ruby DeLaet Foundation contributed $30,000 to the Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation (WDHF) as the city continues to construct a new facility.

This week the WDHF announced on Facebook that the DeLaet’s have donated another $100,000 to the cause.

The DeLaet’s created their foundation in 2014. The new hospital in Weyburn to replace the current 70-year-old facility will open later this year.

To read more, click on this article courtesy DiscoverWeyburn.

The trio of Luke Cote, Will Blake, and Carter Bell and the Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Muleriders were in Mayetta, Kansas on April 6 and 7 for the Firekeeper Open at Firekeeper Golf Course.

Bell led the locals with a tie for 41^st place at 224 (76, 74, 74). Cote tied for 66^th with a 54 hole score of 229 (77, 76, 76), and Blake, who competed as an individual was 84^th after rounds of 78, 77, and 79.

The Muleriders were 15^th in the team competition. SAU’s next tournament is the Great American Conference Championships in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma from April 18 to 21.

Carter Degelman of Saskatoon was on the course in Sonoma, California on April 6 and 7 competing for Dominican University of California. He opened with 75 at the Sonoma Golf Club, shot 81 in round two and 80 in the third and final round to conclude the Dominican Spring Invitational in 30^th place. The Penguins were fourth out of seven schools competing.

On April 13 and 14 Degelman and Dominican will be in Turlock, California for the Hanny Stanislaus Invitational at the Turlock Golf and Country Club.

Swift Current native Makstyr McIntyre and the Wheeling University Cardinals were in action this week. In Wheeling, West Virginia at Oglebay Resort on April 7 and 8 McIntyre posted rounds of 76 and 75 to leave him tied for 42^nd.

Competing for Wheeling’s ‘B’ team, they were 10^th out of 17 schools. Wheeling’s top team was fifth.

The Cardinals will travel to Indiana, Pennsylvania for the IUP Invitational on April 14 and 15 for their next tournament. Fellow Saskatchewanian Alex Swinnerton will also be in the event.

Saskatoon’s Anthony Pesenti played in two one day events this week with Waldorf University. The Riverside Country Club member was in Boone, Iowa for the DMACC Spring Invitational on April 6 at Cedar Pointe Golf Course. He carded a round of 92 which was 28^th overall. Pesenti was playing as an individual, the Warriors team was fourth.

From there, Waldorf traveled to Oskaloosa, Iowa for the Spring Statesmen Invitational at Edmunson Golf Course. Pesenti, again competing as an individual scored better shooting 83, good enough for a tie for 26^th in a larger field of 56 players.

The Warriors team faired much better too taking second place in the team competition. On April 12 and 13 Waldorf will play in the Loras Invitational in Dubuque, Iowa.

Justin Miller of Saskatoon also had a one day event this week with Southwestern Community College (SCC). The Spartans are coming off a team win at their last tournament. This week at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines, Iowa SCC was seventh. Miller played as an individual and placed tied for 35^th with an 83.

The Spartans are in Fort Dodge, Iowa for the Iowa Central Spring Invitational on April 10 and 11 at Fort Dodge Country Club.

How did you become a member of the PGA of Canada/Saskatchewan?

My father (Gary Brandon – 2019 Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame inductee) was a member of the PGA of Canada, and I grew up around the game. This certainly started my interest in the game and ultimately led me to pursue golf as a profession.  

How many years have you been a golf professional?

I have been a golf professional for 23-plus years and a Class A Professional for over 20 years.

What is your favourite memory or most uplifting story from your time in the game of golf?

My favorite memory of golf is, and it is really hard to just pick one. I have so many wonderful memories with my provincial and university teammates.  But, if I am to pick one, I would say qualifying for the 1998 Du’Maurier on the LPGA tour and having my father caddying for me.  

If you had the opportunity to speak to the entire province at once, how would you encourage more females to take up the sport of golf?

Golf is a game that will be with you for your lifetime. There are not many sports that allow you to age within the game as well as the ability to enjoy nature while playing. Golf will allow you to play and travel with friends that are at all levels of ability.  

Gerry Nelson, a world renowned blind golfer from Meadow Lake, Sask. has been honoured as one of the province’s Volunteer Medal recipients.

Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre announced the 14 honourees on April 2.

“The 2025 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal recipients are an impressive group of people,” McIntyre said in a government issued news release. “They have worked generously and tirelessly in support of arts and culture, sports and recreation, youth and seniors, veterans and the military, and those living with disabilities and chronic illness. I am thrilled to acknowledge these remarkable individuals who have contributed in countless ways to our province.”

The release highlighted the contributions of all of the recipients. According to the release, Nelson has dedicated more than 35 years to advancing blind golf locally, nationally, and internationally. Blind himself, he has volunteered as a leader, mentor, coordinator, and advocate, helping grow the sport and support blind and visually impaired golfers of all ages. He organized major events—including the first Canadian Open Blind golf championships in Saskatoon in 1997—and has served in key roles such as Saskatchewan Blind Golf Coordinator, Chair of the Western Canadian Blind Golf Association, President of Blind Golf Canada, and Canada’s representative to International Blind Golf. Through coaching, promoting participation, and supporting new players worldwide, Gerry’s impact on the sport is profound and enduring.

The Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal was established in 1995 to recognize the extraordinary work of volunteers across the province. Since its creation, the medal has been awarded to 286 deserving individuals. 

For more information about the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, click here www.saskatchewan.ca/honoursawards.

Chloe Wills and Sarah Henderson crossed paths again this week on the course in the United States.

Henderson’s Lewis University hosted the Flyers Spring Invitational at Bolingbrook Golf Club in Bolingbrook, Illinois on March 30 and 31. Competing for the Flyers ‘B’ team, the Saskatoon native carded rounds of 96 and a rain shortened 43 over nine holes in the second round that was cut short due to the weather. Her team was 12^th.

Wills and the Drury University Panthers placed eighth in the tournament. The Kyle, Sask. product posted an 85 in round one and 40 during round two, she was tied for 29^th.

Wills and Henderson will travel to St. Louis on April 12 for the UMSL Spring Invitational at Norwood Hills Country Club in their next action to close the regular spring season.

Ella Kozak of Yorkton was in Johns Creek, Georgia on March 30 and 31 for the Georgia State Invitational at Rivermont Golf Club. She tied for 44^th with rounds of 78, 70, and 82. Kozak’s team, the University of Idaho Vandals, were eighth.

Kozak and the Vandals are taking on Boise State in a dual this week. The next tournament will be the Bobcat Desert Classic on April 13 and 14 in Goodyear, Arizona at The Golf Club of Estrella.

Waskesiu Golf Course junior graduates Alex Swinnerton and Guillermo Salazar and the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Crimson Hawks were in Old Hickory, Tennessee on March 30 and 31 for the Music City Invitational at Hermitage Golf Course. Swinnerton shot 78 in round one, the Saskatoon resident posted a fantastic 65 in the second round and finished with a 69 in the last round. He was tied for 22^nd. Salazar, who is from Calgary tied for 40^th at 217 (73, 71, 73).

IUP was tied for seventh in the team category. The Crimson Hawks will host the Cecil C. Spadafora IUP Invitational on April 14 and 15 at the Indiana Country Club.

Chase Pochylko of Saskatoon was in Semmes, Alabama on March 30 and 31 for the Mobile Bay Intercollegiate. Playing at Magnolia Grove, Pochylko signed for rounds of 76, 75, and 79 leaving the Riverside Country Club member tied for 72^nd.

Nicholls University tied for eighth in the team competition. Next up for the Colonels is the Arkansas State Spring Invitational at Ridge Point Country Club in Jonesboro, Arkansas on April 13 and 14.

A pair of Saskatoon products were in the field of the Graceland Spring Invitational at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park in Maryville, Missouri on March 27 and 28.

Justin Miller and the Southwestern Community College Spartans were taking part. He shot 82 and 81 to finish in 22^nd place.

Anthony Pesenti and the Waldorf Warriors were at the event too. Pesenti was competing as an individual, he shot 96 and 85 to place tied for 59^th.

Miller and the Spartans won the team event by 10 shots. Pesenti’s Waldorf teammates were eighth.

Golf Saskatchewan is mourning the loss of Richard Smith, a long time volunteer with the association.

Smith passed away on March 19, 2026 after a battle with Cancer.

Smith served as the president of Golf Saskatchewan from 2014-15 and is a recipient of the organization’s Long Term and Exemplary Volunteer Service Award. Smith had been with Golf Saskatchewan for nearly 24 years serving in member services roles, course rating, handicapping and executive committees. He has also been a member of the Golf Canada course rating and handicap committee for eight years and the chair of that group for four. 

He was recognized by Sask Sport in March of 2019 as their “Volunteer of the Year.” Golf Saskatchewan Executive Director Brian Lee nominated Smith for the honour. He worked alongside Smith for over two decades.

“Richard was one of the volunteers who had a profound and lasting impact on our organization and on the game of golf in Saskatchewan,” Lee said. “Over the years, he served with distinction as a member of the board of directors and as president of Golf Saskatchewan. His leadership extended to the development and maintenance of bylaws and policy, but his true passion was Course Rating. Even following his passing, Richard’s recorded presentations, notes, memos, and charts will continue to educate and guide future course raters and team leaders for many years to come, in Saskatchewan and across Canada.”

“His commitment, knowledge, and generosity in sharing his expertise have left an enduring legacy benefiting the game well into the future. He will be missed but not forgotten. Rest well,” Lee added.

Smith was also recognized by the nation’s amateur golf association. Golf Canada presented Smith with the 2019 Distinguished Service Award. Smith was recognized alongside long-time golf journalist Ian Hutchinson. Golf Saskatchewan President Brian Topp also passed along condolences and recognized Smith’s commitment to golf in Saskatchewan.

“Richard was a great person and volunteered countless hours to something he loved, golf. His leadership will be truly missed by all of us at our association,” Topp said.

Smith was 81 years old.

A celebration of his life will be announced in the future.

How did you become a member of the PGA of Canada/Saskatchewan?

One of the PGA members recommended that I take the Playing Ability Test, and I successfully passed.

How many years have you been a golf professional?

I have been a golf professional for approximately two years.

What is your favourite memory or most uplifting story from your time in the game of golf?

Winning Club Championships twice is my most memorable achievement.

If you had the opportunity to speak to the entire province at once, how would you encourage more females to take up the sport of golf?

Trust, confidence, never give up, have fun, and enjoy the game. All the ladies could do it if they squeezed in some time for practice every day.