Golf Canada honours Richard Smith
Long-time Golf Saskatchewan volunteer Richard Smith has been honoured by the nation’s governing body of the sport at the amateur level.
Originally announced by Golf Canada on Feb. 21, Smith was officially recognized on Feb. 28 at the Golf Canada annual general meeting in Mississauga, Ont. The Katepwa Beach resident has been involved with Golf Saskatchewan for 20 years and Golf Canada for another 10. Smith has been involved in several areas of the game including course rating, scoring, starting, the executive, and others. Always humble, Smith didn’t take too much credit to the award.
“We volunteer because we love what we do,” he said.
Golf Saskatchewan Executive Director Brian Lee has worked alongside Smith for almost the entire 20 years of Smith’s tenure assisting the organization across all areas. Lee said Smith has provided countless hours and knowledge throughout his experience with Golf Saskatchewan.
“When you talk about Richard Smith you have an individual who has given almost 20 years of his life assisting the game of golf in the province,” Lee said. “He is one of those individuals you wish associations could make more of. His dedication to policies, bylaws, and other matters for our organization are up to speed, whether it is his countless hours towards course rating and ensuring all the courses have been rated with adequate teams and spearheading that; or becoming president. He’s just been a tremendous asset to our association. On behalf of our organization and all our member clubs, congratulations Richard, you are well deserving of this award.”
Most recently Smith has been a guiding light during the release of the new World Handicap System working with multi international golf groups to roll the extensive program out earlier this year. Golf Canada President Charlie Beaulieu thanked Smith for his work at the awards banquet in Ontario.
“This has been a huge undertaking by the international golf community and Richard has played an important role. Richard’s commitment to handicapping and course rating has been felt across the country,” Beaulieu said.
Smith was recognized alongside long-time golf journalist Ian Hutchinson.
The Golf Canada Distinguished Service Award has been handed out since 1993.
(Left to right;) Smith, Beaulieu, and Hutchinson
Golf Canada Annual Meeting concludes with Charlie Beaulieu elected to serve a second term as president
Mississauga, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada’s 2020 Annual Meeting culminated on Saturday, February 29 with the re-election of Charlie Beaulieu of Lorraine, Qué., to serve a second term as the National Sport Federation’s President.
Beaulieu will continue to lead Golf Canada’s Board of Directors with Liz Hoffman of Thornhill, Ont., remaining in the position of 1st Vice-President and Dale Jackson of Victoria continuing in the role of 2nd Vice-President.
Based on the report of Golf Canada’s Nominating Committee, Beaulieu, Hoffman and Jackson will be joined on Golf Canada’s 2020 Board of Directors by Rob MacDonald of Winnipeg, Man., Susan MacKinnon of Calgary, David McCarthy of Toronto, Adam Daifallah of Montreal, Jean Stone-Seguin of Ottawa and Patrick Kelly of Vancouver. Paul Beaudry of Calgary and Alison Chisholm of Miramichi, N.B. have also joined the Board as Directors at Large.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
Click here to read Golf Canada’s 2019 Annual Report, which includes a recap of the past season, as well as the organization’s 2019 Financial Statements, which were released during Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting.
Bill MacMillan selected as Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year
Bill MacMillan of Eastern Passage, N.S., was named the 2019 recipient of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award. MacMillan has been a golf tournament official and major contributor to Handicap and Course Rating for more than three decades. This marks the 14th year in which the association has honoured volunteers for their efforts and commitment to grow the game in their community. Going forward, the citation has been renamed the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award in honour of Toronto native Bruce Mitchell who in 2017-18, became the first Canada to serve as Captain of the R&A. Click here for more on Volunteer of the Year honouree Bill MacMillan.
Richard Smith and Ian Hutchinson honoured as Recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award
This year’s recipients are 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. Created in 1993, Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award has been presented annually to recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to the game of golf in Canada. Click here for more information on the 2020 Distinguished Service Award honourees.
Golf Canada’s 2020 Annual Meeting took place February 28-29 at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel and Suites in Mississauga, Ont. It was conducted in partnership with Golf Ontario, who scheduled their respective Annual General Meeting activities to take place in conjunction.
Focusing on Volunteerism – Dave Forster
Residence
Regina
Home club
Joanne Goulet Golf Course
Handicap
12.7
Rounds per year
40 +
Left/Right
Right
Years with Golf Saskatchewan
15
Service
Rules Official, Course Rating, Past-President (2010 during transition to Golf Sask. from Sask. Golf Association)
Favourite player
Justin Rose
Favourite golf quote
“The most important shot in golf is the next one” – Ben Hogan
How did you get involved with Golf Saskatchewan?
The Golf Association was something we knew of in Tisdale, but nobody really did much around it. I was on the board of the Tisdale Golf Club and decided I would attend an annual general meeting just to see what was going on. That was the early 2000’s, I liked what I saw, and I just continued with it. It was something that was needed, something I believed in and something I followed. Past president Lynne Lacroix was there, I grew up with her, we graduated together, we had some conversations after the fact and that’s what got my feet in the door.”
What do you like about volunteering?
“I think friendships and comradery. I’ve met a lot of people through the game in Canada that I actually still stay in touch with. Not as much as I’d like to, but we still do. That and watching the game grow and watching our juniors. Being able to be indirectly part of some of those legacies and being part of some of the things that we did in the past that have led to where we are today. I think those are the memorable things and that I am proud of the most.”
What would you say to others about volunteering, not only for Golf Saskatchewan but any organization?
If you are thinking there is a need for a change or you think you want to know more then there is no reason why you shouldn’t be involved as a volunteer. You don’t have to be active on a day-to-day basis but if you are curious attend a meeting, get some information, be curious and see what it’s all about. It’s a surprise, and certainly was a surprise to me with some of the stuff. Things I never realized that we would or could do and all of a sudden I am finding out more information which really helped making a decision to stay involved as a volunteer. Reach out, ask questions, go to a meeting, find out what it’s all about and try it. The worst thing that can happen is you don’t like it and you back away, that’s the worst that can happen.”
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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!