It’s a known fact golfing is a great way to exercise, enjoy the company of others, play a sport alone, manage decision making, help yourself live longer and simply enjoy life.

The listed aspects of golf benefits all trickle into another area of personal health, that’s mental health and well-being. Dr. Kim Dorsch is a Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina. She said most golf courses are tight-knit communities which complies with one of the most crucial aspects to mental health, the sense of being wanted.

“There is a real sense of community, everyone seems to know everybody and there is a feeling of belonging,” Dorsch told Golf Saskatchewan. “That’s really one of the basic psychological needs in order to have a higher level of well-being. We need to feel we belong.”

Other prominent aspects of golf and mental well-being Dorsch outlined was the handicapping and allowing everyone to compete on a level playing field as well as getting exercise at a leisurely pace and not particularly feeling like exercise.

Many sports are played outdoors but most have similar logistics such as a baseball diamond, football field, or soccer stadium. Golf is unique as no two courses are identical. Dorsch said being one with nature certainly increases mental health.

“You’re outside and when you do anything outside and get that connection to nature it has a definite positive aspect on well-being. There’s a lot of benefits to playing golf for sure,” she added.

Dorsch said sports in general can have positive effects on mental health. There is concerns to be weary of however, especially in team environments including alcohol abuse, unsafe sex, peer pressure and constant pressure to win. She said whatever people tend to become involved in there is positives and there isn’t a perfect prescription.

“There’s this whole push now that exercise is medicine,” Dorsch said. “It’s hard to generalize, there isn’t one specific personality that fits any one sports in particular. It depends on people’s preferences but obviously the benefits of physical activity are numerous.”

Another factor Dorsch highlighted for golf is the ability to play alone or within a small group. She said mentally large crowds is unpleasant for people, but golf allows time to self reflect and rest your mind.

“That was another reason in a study I saw, there is time for both being alone if that’s your preference or time for a small group. I know a lot of people like playing on their own. Just that time to get away, and think, just some alone time if that’s what you wish,” she explained.

Golf is also unique in the aspect you keep score on your own if you aren’t playing competitively. In tournament play you do as well but there is always someone watching over your shoulder to assist. Dorsch said being able to work on your own mind on the course whether it’s keeping score or making the decision of how to approach a shot bears fruit in everyday life choices.

“There is a lot of self teaching that goes on in a round of golf,” she said. “Taking that opportunity to recognize the potential of negative self talk and how that is impacting your performance. Realizing that in a golf situation can help you in other situations by recognizing negative thoughts. Just realizing negative goes on and is it ruining your enjoyment?”

For much more information on mental health and golf, click here.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) have shut down sports including the spring golf season.

Kindersley’s Brody Istace is in his second season as Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina. Istace and his Ram teammates recently played an event in Alabama, but the season was scrapped shortly after. Istace is on his way home to Kindersley on Tuesday and will take online courses. He said the news was upsetting.

“It’s disappointing for sure because golf is what we love to do and this takes it away,” Istace said. “I’m just lucky I’m not a senior, I have two years left.”

Istace added that he feels for his teammates and other seniors across the nation.

“You expect it at the end of your season, but you don’t expect it midseason to be taken away from you,” he said. “I don’t know how I’d deal with that if I was in my final season. It’s hard enough knowing you are done at the end of the season little own having it taken away from you.”

Southern Arkansas University senior Kade Johnson is in that predicament. The Yorkton product is in his fourth and final year of collegiate golf. The NCAA is allowing another year of eligibility for students due to the shut down. Johnson said the team was in a great place to start the spring campaign.

“We won our first tournament of the season on Tuesday and then two days later our coach called us together during practice to tell us we’re done,” Johnson told Golf Saskatchewan. “It’s pretty crazy how it’s turned. It hasn’t sunk in yet, there’s a lot of decisions that need to be made. It’s pretty crazy right now.”

The 2018 Saskatchewan amateur men’s champion has a college win and has helped the Muleriders become a force on the NCAA Div. 2 golf circuit. He said his future is up in the air, but he’s satisfied with his career in Arkansas if this is the end.

“It’s awesome. I got that win and then we have a good coach, we all get along really well, it just sucks the way it ended. We have some guys playing well, Roman (Timmerman) just won, we have a freshman this year that is freshman of the year if our season didn’t end. It’s been great, if I don’t come back I’m very happy with how it went. If I do come back we will get after it with more experience,” Johnson said.

Regina’s Alex Schmidt plays for the Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho. Her second season is also at an end. Schmidt is coming off a fourth-place finish which makes the shut down discouraging.

“It was definitely disappointing with the timing, unfortunately we were only able to play one tournament,” Schmidt said. “I shot 81-76 and placed fourth but our team didn’t play the best ever so we’re disappointed we couldn’t host and play in our own tournament that was scheduled for yesterday and today.”

Schmidt, like most students across North America has been receiving updates via email regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. She said the Lewis-Clark golf coach gathered the team on Monday and notified the squad that the season was over. The NAIA is giving athletes a year back meaning Schmidt will have three years left of eligibly. She said there is some positives.

“That is the nice thing, honestly I have more time now to practice, play, and get better. I hope to come back next year and help my team get better,” she said.

Residence
Moose Jaw

Home Club
Hillcrest Golf Club

Handicap Factor/Index
12

Rounds per Year
Approximately 150

Left/Right
Left

Years with Golf Saskatchewan
18

Areas of Service
Course rating, starter at senior men’s and women’s amateur championships

Favourite Player
“I don’t have one but would love to have the playing ability of the worst player on the PGA Tour. Although I don’t have a favorite, I tend to be the one who cheers for the underdog on the leaderboard.”

Favourite Golf Quote
“Pick it up, that’s a gimmie.”

How did you get involved with Golf Saskatchewan?
“I picked up the game at the age of 40 but was still working. I was invited by a course rater who started the year before. I began course rating the spring after I had retired and have been doing it ever since.”

What do you like about volunteering?
“The opportunity to help out with a game I enjoy, the friendships and the friendly bantering.”

What would you say to others about volunteering, not only for Golf Saskatchewan but any organization?
“Every organization relies on people to keep operating. My dad volunteered for various clubs as I grew up and set the tone for me. I continue to work for four different organizations. It helps to fill my ‘retired’ time and keep me mentally active. We all have an opportunity to leave a mark on this world. When my time is done, I would like to be remembered for the things I have done for others and not what I do to others or what I have done for myself.”

Update Saskatoon, SK MAR 16-20, 2020.

The Golf Saskatchewan staff will be working from home this week following updates from the Sask Health Authority (CORVID-19). If you have any questions, please call our office lines or drop us an email.

Please stay safe and we hope to see you on the links soon!

Roman Timmerman has his second college golf championship.

The Saskatoon product shaved four shots off his first round of the Arkansas Collegiate event at Mystic Creek in El Dorado, Arkanasas this week to claim the win by two shots. The Southern Arkanasas University (SAU) Mulerider carded 75-71 to win the event at plus-two on Tuesday.

Timmerman won the GAC preview last September.

Mulerider teammate Kade Johnson finished in a tie for 24^th at 16-over. The Yorkton born Johnson fired back-to-back rounds of 80.

SAU won the event by three strokes. The team is in Branson, Missouri on March 23 for their next action.

Marc Sweeney put together a top-15 finish at the Skyhawk Invitational for the South Carolina Beaufort Sand Sharks from March 8 – 10. The Saskatoon product posted rounds of 80, 71, 75 for a 54-hole score of plus-10, 226. Sweeney tied for 14^th in the 107-player field in Pine Mountain, Georgia.

The team was second among 17 squads in the event. The Sand Sharks are playing a match against Butler, an NCAA Div. 1 team on Thursday. They will travel to Rocky Face, Georgia on April 6 – 7 for their next event.

Connor Scissons compiled three steady rounds and Arizona Christian University won the ERAU Spring Invitational this week in Prescott, Arizona. Scissons, from Saskatoon, stroked a stellar 219 over 54-holes for a top-10 finish. Scissons competed as an individual carding 11 birdies through the 54 holes.

The Firestorm are off to Nipton, California for the Battle at Primm on March 16.

Kipling’s Carson Harcourt competed in the Winona State Invitational at Stallion Mountain in Las Vegas on March 9 and 10. The Minot State golfer shot rounds of 85 and 78 to finish at 19-over. He was tied for 54^th, the Beavers placed ninth as a team in the event.

Next up for the Beavers is the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Preview on March 30 – 31 in Liberty, Missouri.

Alex Schmidt (pictured) of Regina opened her spring season with an excellent showing at the Oregon Tech Invitational for Lewis-Clark State. Schmidt finished in fourth place at plus-four. The Royal Regina Golf Course member posted rounds of 81 and 76 at Eagle Point, Oregon.

Next up for Schmidt and the Warriors is their own Spring Invitational on March 16 – 17.

When it comes to golf injuries, the back seems to be the number one issue for players no matter what level of play.

Tiger Woods, arguably the greatest golfer of all time has had his fair share of back problems, as has Saskatchewan’s best player of all time Graham DeLaet, but without the fanfare hundreds of thousands of amateur and recreational players have likely dealt with back injuries. For most the trouble comes from muscle strains in the lower portion of the back. Dr. Trevor Erdie is a chiropractor in Estevan. He said his office sees an abundance of golfers suffering from back pain.

“Obviously chiropractic ties in with all kinds of sports, but definitely golf,” Erdie told Golf Saskatchewan. “We see our fair share of golfers. Everyone is trying to make changes to their game and improvements in different areas so we try to help out wherever we can.”

According to the Saskatchewan Chiropractors’ Association website chiropractors work with clients to develop a plan together to relieve pain and restore mobility through different tactics.

When it comes to playing golf, and Erdie being an avid golfer himself and member at TS&M Woodlawn, he suggests that prevention is the first step in having a healthy back.

“You want to make sure you are swinging properly,” he said. “Talking to your local golf pro, doing a lesson, making sure everything that is moving the way it should be, and you have the proper transfer of energy is probably the most important thing. Is the golf swing natural? I think it can be. It’s the repetition that we worry about, especially if you don’t have a good golf swing.”

Erdie went on to stress the importance of preparing for playing a round or even hitting a bucket of balls at the range. Proper warm up practices is key in keeping your back well over the season.

“There’s lots of things people can do to help prevent golf injuries, but I think a good, dynamic stretching routine prior to your round or range session can really prime your body and reduce the chance of injury,” Erdie explained.

Some other key preventative measures include:

• Take it slow, don’t jump right into a full 18 holes or 100 balls on the range on day one
• Proper swing mechanics and posture
• Good weight transfer
• Not overswinging
• Don’t overlook the dangers of transferring clubs or carrying them around the course if you are a walker

The provincial association provides a great summary of exercises on their website as well as a pamphlet they distribute to golf courses across Saskatchewan.

Erdie understands the excitement of a round of golf on a beautiful summer day but making sure your body is ready is the number one way to battle an injury.

“The best injury I always say is the one that doesn’t occur,” he stressed. “Doing the appropriate things to prevent the injuries, seeing a healthcare provider whether it be a chiropractor, physiotherapy, or massage therapist to make sure you are working on things if they do get injured. The education side of things as well, make sure you are ready for that round before you hit the links.”

This past November, at the 2019 MJT National Championship presented by TaylorMade & adidas Golf held at Reunion Resort in Florida, Maple Leaf Junior Tour member Alex Swinnerton showed off his skill in the bean bag toss competition and was the lucky winner of a golf camp at Sean Foley Performance golf academy in Orlando.

During his Spring Break, Alex made the trip from Saskatchewan to Orlando, Florida, to take part in a week-long high-performance training camp. Touching on all aspects of the game, including putting, short-game, full-swing, course management and golf fitness, Alex and some friends from Saskatchewan got a sneak peek of what it’s like to live and train at Sean Foley’s junior academy.

Alex said afterwards, “My time at Sean Foley Performance Academy was unbelievable. I was treated by each coach like I was right at home and I learnt so much during my week at the Academy.  Whether it was training or playing golf, I didn’t feel like I missed a beat… Overall, this week was a lot of fun, but more importantly I learnt some key tools that will elevate my game to the next level.  I’m excited to get the season started and I want to thank Sean Foley for the opportunity.”

“It was great to have the guys from Saskatchewan here,” said camp organizer, Chris Bennett. “We have more kids coming from Ontario and Alberta in the next few weeks, and we are all really excited to have more Canadians around.”

The academy is running Spring Break Camps now through to the end of May and is also taking applications for next year’s full-time program now. The full-time program combines a private academic school education with elite golf performance training.

For details on camp availability or the full-time program, email or call Chris Bennett at chris@eaglesdream.com or 407-399-5590.

Story authoured by Chris Bennet and originally posted at https://www.maplejt.com/news.php?id=2653 

About the MJT: The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour is Canada’s number one-played Junior Golf Tour as well as the only national junior tour run exclusively by PGA of Canada Professionals and the ‘Road to College Golf’ in Canada. The organization is supported by valued Premier, Tournament and Product Partners. The MJT hosts close to 90 events across Canada, including free Ford Go Golf Junior Clinics, the MJT Mini Tour for 12U and multi-day events for competitive players aged 11-19 which also offer qualifiers for international tournaments. The program has annual awards, scholarships and incentives to help reward performance and participation throughout each season. MJT alumni include many Professional Tour players and PGA of Canada Professionals, as well as Canadian Amateur, National and Provincial Junior Champions. The MJT aims to develop champions, in golf and in life, promoting the game from grassroots through to the provincial, national, university and professional levels.

About Sean Foley Performance: Sean Foley Performance at Orlando is a residential golf academy located just outside of Orlando, Florida that offers elite golf training and experience for junior players. The juniors at Sean Foley Performance at Orlando work with Sean’s world class team of coaches and often work with Sean Foley himself, when he is not out travelling on the PGA Tour. The academy’s coaches, student-athletes and staff are united by their passion for pursuing greatness not just in sport, but in all aspects of life, believing that quality over quantity is the best way to allow everyone to succeed. For more details on Sean Foley Performance please visit www.foleyperformance.com

About Sean Foley: Born and raised outside of Toronto, he played college golf at Tennessee State University, and went on to begin his teaching career at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, ON. Today, Foley teaches out of Sean Foley Performance at Timacuan Golf and Country Club, offering elite golf training and a world-class experience for junior players that train there. Sean’s core teaching philosophy is driven by a passion to help golfers evolve into the best they can be, incorporating biomechanics, physiology, performance psychology and philosophy into his instruction.

The 2020 Men’s Order of Merit schedule has been finalized.

This year’s tour includes 15 events at 14 different courses across Saskatchewan. Prince Albert’s Danny Klughart was the runaway winner last year collecting four championships and almost 3,600 Order of Merit (OMT) points.

Golf Saskatchewan Manager of Championships Steve Ryde said the competitors will see a great mix of challenges and amenities at all the stops.

“We’re very happy to partner with courses across the Saskatchewan for the 15 events this year,” he said. “Every course has their own intrigue and highlights plus the overall experiences from tee to clubhouse and post round meals will all be part of a memorable 2020 season.”

The Regina Dental Group Men’s City Amateur in Regina kicks off the year on May 23 and 24. Tor Hill will play host to round one, the Wascana Country Club is the site of the second round.

The Legends in Warman will have their annual 2 Man Scramble the same weekend.

On May 30 – 31 the Evergreen Golf Course in Nipawin will see the province’s best amateurs and pros for the Scotia Wealth Open.

The fabled Lobstick at Waskesiu takes place from June 8 -13.

Weyburn’s “Crocus” Men’s Open will be played at the city’s golf club on June 13 and 14.

Tor Hill is back on the schedule for June 20 and 21 for the Saskatchewan Publinx Championship. Saskatoon’s Reliance Gregg’s Central Amateur will take over the Golf & Country Club from June 27 – 29.

The Scotia Wealth Management Saskatoon Amateur Championship on July 4 and 5 will be played at Dakota Dunes Golf Links and Riverside Country Club.

The Saskatchewan Men’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championships return the Legends in Warman for the third time and first since 2016. The am will be a 72-hole tournament running from July 21 – 24, the mid-am will begin on the 21^st and conclude on July 23.

The Men’s Northern in Prince Albert at the Cooke Municipal is slated for Aug. 1 – 3. Estevan’s TS&M Woodlawn FrameTech Classic will be played at the same time.

On Aug. 7 – 9 Deer Park in Yorkton will host the Mark’s Blue Owl Men’s Open.

Wrapping up the schedule on the weekend of Aug. 15 and 16 is the North Battleford Auto Dealers NW Amateur at the North Battleford Golf Course and the annual Moose Mountain Classic at Golf Kenosee.

All the details regarding all the OMT’s can be found here.

Residence
Regina

Home Club
Royal Regina Golf Club

Handicap Factor/Index
16.5

Rounds per Year
60 to 70

Left/Right
Right

Years with Golf Saskatchewan
35

Areas of Service
Board member (1985 to 1999), President (1993 and 1994), Level 4 Rules Official (1988 to 2007 – Official or Chair at over 60 provincial and national tournaments), Rules Chair (1989 to 1992 and 1999), Instructed Rules clinics, Course Rater/Team Leader (1997 to the present) Involved in the rating of about 75 courses.

Favorite Player
Rory McIlroy

Favorite Golf Quote
“Golf’s ugliest words: still your shot” – Dave Marr

How did you get involved with Golf Saskatchewan?
“Represented my club at a Saskatchewan Golf Association annual general meeting and made the mistake of opening my mouth at the meeting.”

What do you like about volunteering?
“My involvement with golf at both the provincial and national levels has been my number one hobby. It is enjoyable because of the number of people you meet and get to know by seeing them year after year at tournaments. Course rating is fun because of the great group of people on the rating teams and the many courses we get to play as part of the rating process.”

What would you say to others about volunteering, not only for Golf Saskatchewan but any organization?
“In rules and/or course rating you get out to see the province, play some different golf courses and have a lot of fun.”

For years, with the occasional exception, our best golfers have come from smaller communities. The most recent notable examples are Brooke Henderson from Smiths Falls, Ont., and Corey Conners, born and bred in Listowel, Ont.

And that serves my message well, as I live in Midland, Ont., with about as many citizens as Listowel, and just a couple of kilometres down the road from Penetanguishene, population close to that of Smiths Falls.

I may have just seen their successors.

A couple of years ago, local business owner Kirk Ruston converted some unused space in his Penetanguishene warehouse into a golf practice and training facility he called the Infinity Golf Lab. In partnership with Mary-Pat Quilty, the facility now welcomes more than 70 girls and boys from ages four to 15 to a series of 10-week sessions during the winter.

The brightly lit area contains, among other amenities, a couple of hitting bays, putting area, simulator, exercise equipment and, perhaps just as important, inspirational quotes painted on the walls. And there are pylons, stuffed animals, hula hoops, an obstacle course, and a plethora of other fun paraphernalia to occupy young minds and bodies.

Much of Ruston’s motivation came as the father of two athletic daughters who needed something to do when not playing hockey in the winter. A five-handicapper, Ruston, now 45, came late to the game after focusing on water sports and other activities when he was younger.

He teamed with Mary-Pat Quilty to deliver a quality experience to what has become a growing stream of kids who want to learn how to golf. Quilty, a PGA of Canada member who is the director of golf at nearby Settlers’ Ghost Golf Club, has solid credentials as a two-time PGA of Ontario Teacher of the Year who played for years on pro tours around the world.

They are ably assisted by Jerry Bogosky, a volunteer with not only a great golf game but an admirable ability to connect with youngsters. Bogosky, a noted range rat, sums up one of the project’s themes: “Practising golf can be the most boring thing ever. You have to make it fun while making sure the kids are learning something at the same time.”

While the program began as a “girls only” initiative, it has expanded to include boys as well.

A perfect example exists in 12-year-old twins Josée and Jacques Desroches, who are in their second season at the Infinity Golf Lab. While father Serge says, “it’s great for the kids to learn new skills,” Josée focuses on the fact that she gets to hang out with her friends and “have fun” on chilly winter evenings.

Julie Baxter agrees. Like the Desroches twins, her daughter Breanna is in her second season and “she loves it. They do a phenomenal job here. It’s inspiring for the girls, really.”

In addition to honing her skills during the winter, Breanna plays in a summer league organized by Ruston and Quilty. Along with access to the range at Brooklea Golf and Country Club on Tuesdays, the girls can sign up for a nine-hole round at Midland Golf and Country Club on Monday evenings. For $20, the kids get golf, a hot dog and a soft drink. Often, their parents join them.

“When they come on Mondays, they get free range access, we give the parents a free cart if they want to follow their kids, and some of our members volunteer to walk with the groups to help them along,” says Ian Kirkpatrick, general manager of Midland Golf and Country Club. “We see this as a partnership, an investment in the future of the game.”

The Infinity Golf Lab initiative reinforces other efforts in a community where just about every school has been adopted under Golf Canada’s Golf in Schools program. For example, Midland Golf and Country Club offers an outreach program to local Grade 5 classes where, for a small fee and with the support of sponsor Central Taxi, kids who want to participate are picked up after class in a mini-bus and taken to the course for instruction and golf. Their parents pick them up after the session.

Despite being relatively new, Infinity Golf has already started to show impressive results.

Last year, 16 girls played in events such as club championships, 19 played on various junior tours, six competed in the U.S. Drive, Chip and Putt events, and three played in Golf Ontario championships.

Head’s up, Brooke and Conner. These kids are gunning for you.

Local champions across the country, like the folks at Infinity Golf Lab, supplement terrific junior golf programs offered by Golf Canada, provincial golf associations and PGA of Canada pros at golf clubs and driving ranges. Future Links presented by Acura, Golf in Schools and the Community Golf Coach initiative are great examples of programs available across Canada. Not every facility has to be as involved as Infinity Golf Lab, although their model makes an excellent case study. All you need to develop and encourage junior golfers in your community is an appropriate space, basic equipment, and dedicated and qualified instructors and volunteers.