The Chainsmokers and Keith Urban to headline RBCxMusic Concert Series at 2020 RBC Canadian Open
Golf Canada set for 2020 Annual Meeting
Mississauga, Ont. – Golf Canada’s 2020 Annual Meeting is set for this week (February 28-29) at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel and Suites in Mississauga, Ont.
The event brings together Golf Canada’s Board of Directors, staff and volunteers as well as representatives from Canada’s provincial golf associations and other stakeholders. The group will assemble for select meetings and presentations in preparation for the upcoming golf season.
Golf Canada’s 2020 Annual Meeting will be conducted in partnership with Golf Ontario, who have scheduled their respective Annual General Meeting activities to take place in conjunction.
CEO Laurence Applebaum will officially kick-off the Annual Meeting on Friday, February 28 at 4:00pm with an update on Golf Canada’s Strategic Plan (2019-2022) to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf.
On Friday, February 28, Golf Canada will also celebrate outstanding contributions to the game of golf in Canada with the presentation of its 2019 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award to William (Bill) MacMillan of East Passage, N.S. as well as Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award(s) to long-time volunteer Richard Smith of Regina, Sask. and golf journalist Ian Hutchinson of Newmarket, Ont. Canadian Olympic Committee CEO and General Secretary David Shoemaker will be the guest speaker at the celebration dinner.
Golf Canada’s Annual Meeting will culminate with the appointment of Charlie Beaulieu of Lorraine, Que., to serve a second term as President of the National Sport Federation. The formal appointment of Beaulieu along with the release of the association’s 2019 Financial Statements will take place during Golf Canada’s official Annual General Meeting on Saturday, February 29 at 2:30pm ET.
A full schedule of activities and presentations taking place during Golf Canada’s Annual Meeting is available here.
Top-10 for Sweeney; Istace in top-15
A pair of Saskatchewan golfers have gotten their spring collegiate seasons off to strong starts.
Saskatoon’s Marc Sweeney and his University of Southern Carolina Beaufort teammates were in Florida for the Champions Gate Spring Invite on Feb. 17 – 18. Sweeney shot six-over, 222 through three rounds tying for 10th place overall. Sweeney improved his rounds each trip around the track carding scores of 76, 74, and 72 on the 7,075-yard course.
The Sand Sharks placed third overall as a team.
Kindersley’s Brody Istace is in his second year at Columbia International University. The Rams hosted the CIU Invitational on Feb. 24 – 25 at the Columbia Country Club.
Istace finished tied for 15th with score of 17-over, 161 in the 36-hole tournament. The 39-player field dealt with rain both days making the 6,848-yard course longer than normal according to Rams coach Tucker MacDonald.
The team placed first overall winning the event by ten shots.
The dozen Saskatchewan golfers playing college in the United States will begin a heavier schedule in March.
Spiritwood Golf Course excited with clubhouse manager hire
Spiritwood Golf Course has hired a local woman with extended sports facility and business management experience ahead of the 2020 season.
Making the announcement on Facebook, the course has hired Glennalda Saam as their new clubhouse manager. Saam is the facility manager at the Spiritwood Recreation Centre in the fall and winter and brings a wealth of knowledge in organizing sports activities and working in the sports industry. Bevra Fee is president and one of the owners of Spiritwood Golf Course. She said Saam has all the tools the ownership group was looking for in hiring a new clubhouse manager.
“Glennalda is highly organized and adept at planning, carrying out, and promoting events. Her background also includes managing one of the largest breeding stock operations for Fast Genetics, so she is experienced is supervising staff and dealing with people – both in HR and in an industry setting. She has a wealth of experience compiling and interpreting data, so we feel confident that she will help our bottom line by finding efficiencies and maximizing profits,” Fee told Golf Saskatchewan.
Saam is well-known in Spiritwood according to Fee. She is raising her family in the community and is heavily involved in the town of approximately 1,000 people.
“She is a friendly and outgoing, helpful person who has held various committee and board positions. We know that our reputation is going to be strengthened with her representing us in the clubhouse,” Fee added.
Fee said Saam’s first duties will include contacting their members, both past and present to gain an understanding of what their needs are that will hopefully help bring growth to the course. The ownership group is hoping Saam’s event planning prowess will help bring more tournaments and youth programming to the course’s portfolio this season.
Spiritwood’s course is expanding to include an RV park and campground. The ownership group said plans are moving along and interest is picking up. Some sites have been reserved already. Fee said the group expects interest to pick up once the season arrives. The adjacent campground is only a portion of big things planned for the course that Saam will lead.
“The priorities we set include targeted youth programming and skills development, a signature charity tournament, a cash tournament and a broader offering of food options in the clubhouse,” Fee explained. “We will continue with offering lessons with a golf pro several times this summer, and many of our annual tournaments will be back for 2020. A fresh and increased marketing plan will see much more interaction via social media, as well as more print media that is intended to reach a broader audience via pan-Saskatchewan publications. These initiatives will be led by Glennalda, and her enthusiasm will be converted into renewed engagement with clients.”
Erikson brings lengthy resume to The Willows
The Willows Golf and Country Club will go into the new decade with Ron Erikson as their general manager.
Erikson began his career in Saskatoon at the Greenbryre Country Club under the tutelage of Peter and Sherrill Semko. Erikson credits his career success to what he learned from the Semko’s at the Greenbryre Club.
Erikson’s career has taken him to several of the top-end courses in Saskatchewan and Saskatoon. He was general manager at the Saskatoon Golf and Country Club when the club underwent their extensive clubhouse design and construction. From there Erikson took the position of executive director at the Riverside Country Club. He was also part of Riverside’s clubhouse and commissioning project. Erikson was hired by Arne Petersen to lead Elk Ridge Resort as the chief executive officer during the transformation from the operations of a seasonal golf and RV park to a full four-season resort. Erikson then went on to work for Whitecap Dakota and was hands on during the development of Dakota Dunes Golf Links.
Erikson left the golf industry for a time managing in the residential and commercial construction industry. He said his golf and construction management experience is a good fit for The Willows and the course’s future.
“This opportunity’s draw for me is based with the connection and a working relationship with the ownership developer group and with being involved with the capable team at The Willows to operationally deliver a project together that will be very unique and desirable on both a land development and amenity basis. It is an exceptionally exciting time to be involved with The Willows at this point in it’s history,” Erikson told Golf Saskatchewan via email.
Changes are coming to the 27-hole course including a proposal to remove nine holes and construct a third residential development in south Saskatoon. Nothing has publicly been finalized for the development overseen by Dream Unlimited. Erikson said he’s excited to be involved at this point.
“The long-term vision is presently being determined by our ownership group,” Erikson explained. “My short-term vision is to continue operating out of our present golf course and clubhouse facilities and to continue our existing business model. The Willows has a fine history of delivering exceptional experiences in both golf operations and hospitality and the goals for 2020 are to keep tracking and improving with our deliveries for our customers and members.”
Golf Saskatchewan will return to The Willows in 2020 for the provincial women’s amateur championship in July. Synergy 8 will also use the course for their popular Drive for Kids tournament that attracts well over 200 golfers. Erikson said he’s looking forward to working with both groups during the events.
“The Willows has a proud history of hosting city, provincial and national golf events. The 2020 women’s amateur will be the next opportunity to showcase our facilities here and have our dedicated and capable team provide hospitality, a challenge to the players and to be able to create more great memories for the event that have served to put the provincial women’s amateur championship at the pinnacle for women’s golf competitions. The Willows is very fortunate to be the host venue again in 2020 for one of the Synergy 8 Community Builders’ fundraising initiatives. This is a dedicated group of leaders who truly care about their community and who provide relevant and meaningful actions partnering to enhance the quality of community experience and to elevate the benefits that our community provides,” Erikson said.
He takes over for Wayne Fairbairn who has relocated to Calgary.
Golf Canada recognize two honourees with Distinguished Service Award
Oakville, Ont. (Golf Canada) –A pair of long-time contributors to the sport of golf – volunteer Richard Smith of Regina, Sask. and golf journalist Ian Hutchinson of Newmarket, Ont. – will be acknowledged for their tremendous contributions to the sport as the 2020 recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award.
The presentation of the 2020 Distinguished Service Awards to Smith and Hutchinson will take place during a dinner on Friday, February 28 as part of Golf Canada’s Annual Meeting (February 28-29) at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel in Mississauga, Ont.
A former president of Golf Saskatchewan, Smith has spent more than two decades volunteering provincially and at the national level with Golf Canada serving in a number of areas including championships, membership, course rating and golf programming. As a member and past Chair of Golf Canada’s Handicap and Course Rating Committee, he played an instrumental role in Canada’s preparation and education around the roll-out of the new World Handicap System which took effect in 2020.
Hutchinson is a respected sports journalist who has covered the sport of golf for more than 40 years. He is a former golf reporter and columnist for Sun Media and has contributed to a multitude of publications and outlets during his tenure including Golf Scene, Pro Shop, World of Women’s Golf, Ontario Golf Magazine, ScoreGolf and Golf Canada Magazine. In 2008, he launched Golf News Now, a digital platform devoted to coverage of the Canadian golf industry.
“Golf Canada is proud to recognize volunteer Richard Smith along with journalist Ian Hutchinson as the recipients of our 2020 Distinguished Service Award,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Each of their respective contributions to the sport of golf has left a meaningful impact on the Canadian golf landscape. It is with great respect and admiration that we honour these individuals for their passion and commitment to our sport.”
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.
In addition to the presentation of the Distinguished Service Awards, Golf Canada will also recognize Bill MacMillan of East Passage, N.S. as the 2019 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year.
On Saturday, February 29 during Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting, Charlie Beaulieu of Lorraine, Qué., will be sworn in to serve a second term as President of Golf Canada.
Golf Canada 2020 Distinguished Service Award Honourees:
Richard Smith (Volunteer)
Richard Smith of Regina, Sask. has been volunteering with Golf Saskatchewan for nearly 20 years and almost a decade with Golf Canada. Since 2003, the Katepwa Beach Golf Club member has been a key contributor to Golf Saskatchewan through his involvement with course rating, golf programming and member services. He has served on the executive committee and led Golf Saskatchewan as president in 2014-15. As a volunteer with Golf Canada, Smith has served on numerous committees and has volunteered at numerous regional and national golf championships as a starter and scorer. He has also served on Golf Canada Governor’s Council and as past chair of the Provincial Council served as a member of Golf Canada’s Board of Directors.
Among his many contributions, it was during his time as Chair of Golf Canada’s Handicap and Course Rating Committee (2015-18) and a member of the Handicap and Course Rating Committee that he was most impactful, supporting the National Sport Federation in the research, development, education and roll-out of the new World Handicap System which launched in 2020.
His leadership and commitment to Handicap and Course Rating have also been felt across the country with Smith having led numerous education seminars in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia and Nova Scotia. In 2018, Smith was named the Sask Sport Inc. Volunteer of the Year and was also a recipient of the Golf Saskatchewan Long-term and Exemplary Volunteer Service Award. In 2019 he was a finalist for the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year honour.
Ian Hutchinson (Media)
Long-time journalist Ian Hutchinson of Newmarket, Ont. has had a meaningful impact over four decades chronicling the game of golf for a variety of outlets and trade publications during his distinguished career as a reporter and columnist. His career began in 1978, covering a multitude of sports including golf for community newspapers including the Newmarket Era, Mississauga Times and Mississauga News before moving on to become an associate editor at MVP, Canada’s national sports magazine at the time.
‘Hutch’ also covered the NHL, CFL, NFL and MLB, before transitioning into full-time golf as an editor with ScoreGolf Magazine. He would go to become managing editor of World of Women’s Golf Magazine before beginning a 14-year run as golf columnist for the Toronto Sun and other Sun Media newspapers. He has contributed to various Canadian and US golf publications as an editor or writer including Pro Shop Magazine, Ontario Golf Magazine, Golf Scene Magazine and Golf Canada Magazine in addition to writing for Golf Channel’s website.
In 2008, he reinvented himself in the digital space when he founded Golf News Now, a Canadian website and daily newsletter devoted to covering the golf industry. With GNN, he has become a trusted voice in the Canadian golf industry with daily insights and reporting on all facets of the game. He continues to make frequent radio and television guest appearances and in 2017, was honoured by the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame with the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award.
Nova Scotian Bill MacMillan selected as Golf Canada’s Volunteer of the Year
Oakville, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada is pleased to announce that Bill MacMillan of Eastern Passage, N.S. has been named the 2019 recipient of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award.
A golf tournament official and major contributor to Handicap and Course Rating for more than three decades, MacMillan will be acknowledged during a dinner on Friday, February 28 as part of Golf Canada’s 2020 Annual Meeting at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel in Mississauga, Ont.
“Volunteers are the driving force behind the success of golf in this country and we are proud to recognize Bill MacMillan for his deep contributions to support the game of golf in Nova Scotia and at the national level,” said Golf Canada President Charlie Beaulieu. “Bill’s contributions to the sport, especially in the important areas of Rules, Handicapping and Course Rating have had a major impact and it is fitting that his efforts through volunteerism are being recognized.”
Beginning in 2020, Golf Canada has renamed its annual volunteer citation the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Award in recognition of Toronto native Bruce Mitchell who in 2017-18 was the first Canadian to serve as captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A). Born in Victoria and raised in Edmonton, the former president of the Toronto Golf Club and R&A member since 1988 became just the ninth internationally appointed captain of the R&A, one of the most prestigious volunteer positions in the world of golf. Duties as captain included representing the R&A as a global ambassador and aiding in the R&A’s effort to develop golf around the world.
Bill MacMillan and former Golf Canada president Roland Deveau
“Each year in Canada and around the world, thousands of committed volunteers are helping to support the game. Renaming our volunteer citation the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award is a fitting way to celebrate the distinction of Bruce’s selection as R&A captain and pay tribute to a Canadian volunteer who impacted the game both in the community and at a global level,” added Beaulieu.
Now in its 14th year, candidates for the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award are put forth to Golf Canada for consideration by the respective provincial golf associations in acknowledgment of significant contributions to the game of golf in their community.
Bill MacMillan – 2019 Golf Canada Volunteer of the Year
For more than 30 years, Bill MacMillan has been a significant contributor to the Nova Scotia Golf Association (NSGA) working tirelessly as a Referee, Course Rater, and a board member at the Provincial and National levels.
Since 1985, he has served on the NSGA Executive Committee, working as an assistant on Rules, Handicap and as the Chair of the Course Rating committee, a position he holds to the day. In 1995 he became the first elected Vice-President of the NSGA and a year later was elected as President of the association.
During his tenure, he assisted in establishing the NSGA Player of the Year points system as well as the founding the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Golf Tournament, an event for high school students to compete at the provincial level. From 2013 to 2018, he served as NSGA Tournament Director and in 2019, was named Chair of the NSGA Tournament Committee.
Bill’s contributions to the game have been especially impactful in the areas of Handicap and Course Rating. Over the span of more than 30 years, he has rated over 2400 holes in seven provinces and two US States. He has also been a Referee at more than 270 provincial and national championships over his lengthy career.
Bill’s involvement with golf was also felt at the national level as he has spent more than 15 years volunteering on numerous committees with Golf Canada. He was Chair of Golf Canada’s Handicap and Course Rating Committee from 2005-2009 and has continued to serve on the committee since 2009.
His contributions to the game also benefited his home club of Hartlen Point Forces Golf Club where he served on the club’s Executive Committee for the past 21 including 17 years as Rules and Handicap Chair. Away from the golf course, he worked nearly 40 years at the Geological Survey of Canada at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography before retiring in 2010.
Congratulations to Bill MacMillan of Eastern Passage, N.S. on being named the 2019 Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year!
Mike Weir’s never-give-up attitude is paying off once again
Before Mike Weir begins his time on PGA TOUR Champions in May, he threw back the clock on the Korn Ferry Tour. On a leaderboard chalk full of golf’s up-and-coming stars, many of whom are half of Weir’s age, the 2003 Masters champion was holding his own.
That never-give-up attitude has never left Weir, even when it seemed like his game had.
“My mindset was, ‘go as low as you can,’” says Weir of his T17 finish at the Korn Ferry Tour’s LECOM Suncoast Classic. It was Weir’s highest result at a PGA Tour-sanctioned tournament since 2014.
“As I approach the (PGA Tour Champions) I’ve felt a different energy and I think being around the guys at the Presidents Cup, playing with young guys on the Korn Ferry Tour, you feel like you can compete at that level. I feel good and it energizes you.”
Canada’s @MikeWeir has not recorded a top-20 finish since 2014.
He’s currently T3 at the LECOM Suncoast Classic, one off the lead.
Less than three months from joining @ChampionsTour. pic.twitter.com/Ik3Mb8AL08
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) February 16, 2020
Weir was one of Ernie Els’ captain’s assistants at Royal Melbourne in December, and this year he’s had an open schedule playing on the Korn Ferry Tour before he turns 50 in May.
The eight-time PGA Tour winner says he’s been working with a swing coach, Mark Blackburn, a trainer, Jason Glass, and a sports psychologist, Rich Gordon. It doesn’t sound like Weir, who is off on a ski trip before returning to action in a few weeks on the Korn Ferry Tour, is slowing down any time soon.
“Golf’s a game where you have to have everything working well. You have to have your mind in the right place. The balance in my life is good,” he says. “All those things I’ve been working hard on are paying off.”
Things were bleak for Weir just a few years ago as he battled a myriad of injuries and was in a bit of no man’s land with respect to his status on the PGA Tour.
The Korn Ferry Tour has special exemption category for golfers 48-49 before they turn 50. Since Weir has earned more than $28-million in his PGA Tour career, he was one of the highest-earners trying to play the Korn Ferry Tour out of that special category. He could pick and choose his schedule. But prior to getting to that magic number, Weir tried teeing it up wherever he could – including in Europe and Australia.
But at no point did he think of giving up.
“Even when I was really struggling I never thought that. I know what kind of player I am and I know that wasn’t what I was showing on the golf course,” he explains. “There were a number of things I had to iron out through injury and getting back through mobility and technique. I took it as a big challenge.”
Drew Weaver, who played with Weir for the first two rounds at the LECOM Suncoast Classic, says Weir had a great attitude and a renewed perspective since last year. The two met in 2007 when Weaver played The Open Championship as an amateur. At that point, Weir was 40th in the world.
“He still has a ton of game,” says Weaver. “His chipping has always been incredible and his ball-striking was great. It was nice to see him play as well as he did tee-to-green.”
Part of Weir’s inspiration – aside from the jolt he got from playing on the Korn Ferry Tour like Weaver or being in the Presidents Cup team room – is to see how well his fellow Canadians are doing on the PGA Tour.
He was travelling all day Sunday during Nick Taylor’s win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, but he got to his hotel in time to watch Taylor play No’s 17 and 18 and seal the deal. The tournament, where Weir finished runner-up twice – in 2005 and 2009 – is an important one, Weir says, and he was thrilled to see a Canadian lift the trophy.
JERSEY CITY, NJ – SEPTEMBER 28: (L-R) Mike Weir of Canada and Captainís Assistant of the International Team and Adam Hadwin look on during the Thursday foursomes matches of the first round of the Presidents Cup at Liberty National Golf Club on September 28, 2017, in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Scott Halleran/PGA TOUR)
Taylor’s win got him into the Masters. For just the second time ever, there will be a foursome of guys waving the red-and-white at Augusta National.
“For a number of years it’s just been myself and one other guy and sometimes two. You get more numbers there, you have more chances to win,” Weir says.
And, he’s not counting out the potential for another addition.
Weir points to the success Australian and South African golfers have had on the major championship stage.
“We have that kind of talent,” says Weir. “Someone is going to break through here and win a major championship sooner rather than later. It’s been a long time since I’ve won so we’re due for someone else to do it.”
While it’s unlikely Weir will be competing at other majors other than the Masters – never say never, though – he’s got a strong focus on where he will be moving forward.
He says he has no plans to play more Korn Ferry Tour events after he turns 50, but he’ll mix in a few before May. He’s also playing the Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship on the PGA Tour before heading to Augusta. Canadian fans will see Weir at the RBC Canadian Open in June, too.
HAMILTON, ONTARIO – JUNE 06: Nick Taylor of Canada shakes hands with Mike Weir of Canada and David Hearn of Canada after their round in the first round of the RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club on June 06, 2019 in Hamilton, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, he’ll celebrate the graduation of his eldest daughter from university in late-April. His youngest daughter has just begun university herself, so Weir is becoming an empty nester like most parents his age.
But most parents don’t have the opportunity to re-start their career at 50 with a renewed sense of optimism (or a Green Jacket).
“I’m not saying there wasn’t frustrating moments, but my brain doesn’t work that way,” says Weir of the last few years. “I always believed that I was going to find a way to get better and get it done and find a way back out of it.”
Golf Canada names 2020 Team Canada Young Pro Squad
OAKVILLE, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada is pleased to announce the nine athletes who have been selected to the 2020 Team Canada Young Pro Squad.
Comprising the 2020 Men’s Young Pro Squad are returnees Hugo Bernard (Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Que.), Jared du Toit (Kimberley, B.C.), Stuart Macdonald (Vancouver, B.C.) and Taylor Pendrith (Richmond Hill, Ont.) along with new additions Chris Crisologo (Richmond, B.C.) and Joey Savoie (La Prairie, Que.). Crisologo, 23, and Savoie, 25, will make their Young Pro Squad debuts after graduating from the Men’s Amateur Squad.
The Women’s Young Pro Squad will be represented by a trio of returning athletes in Jaclyn Lee (Calgary, Alta.), Brittany Marchand (Orangeville, Ont.), and Maddie Szeryk (London, Ont.).
Click here to read Team Canada Young Pro Squad player bios.
Now in its seventh year, the Team Canada Young Pro Squad helps to bridge the gap for top-performing amateurs transitioning into the professional ranks. Since the inception of the Young Pro Squad in 2014, current and former team members have accounted for 43 wins across various professional golf tours including PGA TOUR wins by Mackenzie Hughes and Corey Conners as well as a record nine LPGA Tour wins by Brooke Henderson.
New for 2020 is the amount of coaching the Young Pro Squad will receive. After talking with past players, one of the areas Golf Canada was committed to improving on was the amount of contact time with coaches. That time will double in 2020.
Men’s and Women’s National Squad coaches Derek Ingram and Tristan Mullally will provide coaching to their respective Young Pro athletes. Both Ingram and Mullally are PGA of Canada members and Ben Kern Coach of the Year past recipients.
Golf Canada is also pleased to announce the addition of Team Canada assistant coaches Jennifer Greggain (Chilliwack, B.C.) on the women’s side and Andrew Parr (London, Ont.) on the men’s side who will provide coaching support to athletes on the Amateur Squads. Greggain, the 2018 PGA of Canada Jack McLaughlin Junior Leader of the Year, brings an accomplished competitive resume including two years as a member of the LPGA Tour while Parr, a PGA of Canada apprentice professional and Team Canada graduate played professionally on both the Mackenzie Tour and European Tour.
The athletes will also have access to Team Canada’s sport science staff, which includes physiotherapist Greg Redman and Psychologist Dr. Adrienne Leslie-Toogood supporting the men’s team. The women’s team will be supported by physiotherapist Andrea Kosa and mental performance consultant Christie Gialloreto.
Funding for this program, in large part, comes from the Golf Canada Foundation with generous contributions from founding partners RBC and Canadian Pacific, as well as supporting partners Citi Canada and Bear Mountain Resort – the Official Training Centre of Golf Canada’s National Team program.
Focusing on Volunteerism- Ross Harwood
Residence
Saskatoon
Club
Riverside Country Club
Handicap
26
Rounds per Year
30
Left/Right
Right
Years with Golf Saskatchewan
10
Service
Rules Official, Course Rating
How did you get involved with Golf Saskatchewan?
“One of the fellows at Riverside was talking about the Rules and Course Rating process so he suggested I should try that and see how it worked. I went to the course and just kept going at it.”
What do you like about volunteering?
“I find it very interesting, it’s a great exercise of judgement, your observation skills, once you see certain things. You work as a team so there is a teamwork aspect to it and then you need to negotiate your thoughts. You may have seen something or not seen something that someone else does so you work your way through those kinds of things to get as close as you can to the right answer. We get to see parts of our beautiful province that you otherwise wouldn’t get close to. I’ve discovered some real jewels and little places that make it all worthwhile. It’s just a great experience.”
What do you get out of volunteering?
“In some ways it is a challenge, I’m an auditor and auditing is terribly boring but what it requires the exercise of professional judgement. If I knew then what I know now when I used to teach my students at the firm I’d have gotten them involved in something like this. It does require judgement; you must weigh the situation and find an appropriate outcome for the situation and level of difficulty. It’s a lot more than meets the eye.”
What would you say to others about volunteering, not only for Golf Saskatchewan but any organization?
“I have promoted it, one of my partners was retiring a couple years ago, I suggested to him he might want to get on this rating team. He was moving to B.C., so he was going to do it there. It is a great way to see the courses of the province. It’s not Mickey Mouse work, it’s meaningful and needs to be done right.”