The provincial government and Sask Sport are coming together to launch a new marketing campaign and respect resource line for coaches in Saskatchewan.

The new campaign focuses primarily on harassment, discrimination, abuse and bullying in sport, and how to prevent these things from happening within the team.

Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport Gene Makowsky said respect and sport training is mandatory for coaches across Saskatchewan.

“I know in High School sports — I know for sure here in Regina, I’ve gone through the manual myself — there’s also concussion training for anyone who wants to coach within Regina High Schools for example,” Makowsky said. “This is something that’s been put out to all of the members, and we want to see those folks who are involved with our youth in sports (take part).”

Makowsky said it’s important to have a safe sporting community within the province.

“Sports are so important to our province and to our country, and it’s a wonderful thing and it’s a great experience, but when it becomes not that, when it becomes something else, that is something we want to stop, and we want everyone to have that great experience that so many have had, and this is a small part of that.”

Volunteer Board Chair Kenric Exner said being a coach and all that comes with it can leave important topics like this to fly under the radar.

“The first couple of weeks being a coach, trying to organize all of the players, the parents, the practices, and we just don’t have the time sometimes to understand the little things that lead to big things,” Exner said. “Having these types of resources available to us helps us educate the parents, the grandparents, the players, and make sure everybody is truly aware, and without those resources, you’re kind of lost.”

The respect resource support line is available anonymously for coaches online on the Sask Sport website.

Story originally published on www.ckrm.com, authored by Ryan McNally
https://www.620ckrm.com/2019/10/07/sask-sport-and-provincial-government-team-up-to-bring-respect-resource-line-to-coaches/

Graham DeLaet is back to work. Now it’s time to get into a routine on the PGA Tour once again.

DeLaet, who returned to action after more than two years at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open last week, is playing again this week at the Houston Open as he tries to earn enough FedEx Cup points to regain his PGA Tour card.

The native of Weyburn, Sask. needs to earn 267 FedEx Cup points to get off his Major Medical Exemption, but after that he’ll need to earn enough points to be within the top 125 to keep his card for next season.

It’s a lot to think about for someone who is just getting his feet wet in competitive golf again after so long away.

The 37-year-old received a series of stem-cell treatments in 2017, which were deemed unsuccessful, and he opted to have a second microdiscectomy surgery (the first he had in 2011).

He was on the shelf for the full 2018-19 PGA Tour season, but as of last Thursday, DeLaet is back – albeit a little older and a little more prepared for what’s to come.

The actual swinging of a golf club doesn’t cause him soreness, DeLaet said, but the pain comes from being on his feet for so long and getting stiff. Although he missed the cut last week (75-72) he said there were some good signs.

“I hit some really, really good shots last week. I was pretty happy with how I played for the most part. I was pretty tight with the putter but I think it was extra pressure, feeling those nerves again. I had two bad holes but other than that I feel like I played pretty decent,” DeLaet said by phone in Houston.

“I know the course wasn’t playing all that difficult but it’s still good to get some birdies under your belt. All in all I was pretty happy with how things went despite shooting 5-over on a pretty easy golf course.”

Another thing that’s changed is the time DeLaet will have to spend away from his twins, Roscoe and Lyla.

While DeLaet was busy rehabbing and preparing for a return to professional golf, he said the best part of the last two years was how much quality time he got to spend with his kids, who turn four in November.

Last week was the first time DeLaet was away from them for a lengthy amount of time but the whole family, including wife Ruby, will be joining him this week in Houston.

DeLaet says it’s been an adjustment for his kids to know their dad is back at work.

“If I say I’m going to the golf course, Roscoe is always like, ‘I want to go, I want to go’ but if I’m going out there to practice or play he times out pretty quickly. So I’ve started to say ‘I’m going to work’ and I don’t know if they quite understand how I make a living, but they are kind of starting to get the grasp I play a golf a lot,” said DeLaet with a laugh.

Besides watching his kids start to grow up, there have been plenty of reasons to smile at home.

DeLaet’s friends from Arizona Chez Reavie and Max Homa both won on the PGA Tour this summer, and Kevin Chappell – another longtime pal who just returned from the same back surgery as DeLaet – shot a 59 at A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier in his first tournament back on Tour in September.

“That was pretty cool,” said DeLaet. “I have a soft spot for stories like that because I’ve been through it twice and it’s hard when you come back, but he made it look pretty easy.”

DeLaet is quick to point out the success of his countrymen as well, including Adam Hadwin (who has notched two top-5 finishes in a row to start his 2019-20 PGA Tour campaign and moved well inside the top-50 in the world ranking), who DeLaet feels should be on Ernie Els’ Presidents Cup radar.

“I would be surprised if Ernie (Els) didn’t give him a shot to play down there in Melbourne. I think he deserves it,” said DeLaet. “He’s got some experience underneath him. There are some new faces on that team so I think some of that experience is going to be helpful. He’s playing great, which has been good to see.”

And while DeLaet has been preparing himself for a big return on the golf course, he’s kept fairly busy off the golf course with his ongoing charitable efforts.

DeLaet has just been named a National Ambassador for Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada, his ‘Graham Slam’ event had its sixth edition in September (it’s raised more than $1.5 million for various charities), and he’s been nominated for the Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame People’s Choice Award – recognizing those who are a champion of their sport and a champion for their community.

“The game of golf has given me so much and I have the platform where we can try to make a difference,” said DeLaet. “It’s kind of a no-brainer for myself and Ruby.”

But DeLaet, who at one time was inside the top-35 in the Official World Golf Ranking, knows that despite all the support from friends and family and the impact he’s had away from golf over the last few years, it’s time to get back down to business.

He admits it would have been nice to dip his toes into playing a Korn Ferry Tour event – he was scheduled to in the summertime but tweaked his back just enough early in the week that he did not tee it up Thursday – but he’s feeling happy and as healthy as possible right now.

DeLaet saw Canadian physiotherapist Dr. Craig Davies in Las Vegas last week – Davies works with a handful of PGA Tour players – and DeLaet said Davies was “pleasantly surprised” with where he was physically.

A good sign, DeLaet said, as he will likely tee it up twice more this fall.

“Just hearing that from a guy who knows my body really well, it gives you a little bit of extra confidence with what you’re doing,” said DeLaet. “I feel like I’m on a pretty good path.”

Deer Valley’s Carey McLean earned a bronze medal at the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference Championship in Ryley, Alberta.

The SAIT Trojan finished with a 54-hole score of plus-36, 252 (80, 81,91) at Coal Creek. McLean led the event with five birdies over the three rounds. She was the leader after the second round but the Turcotte sisters played their best rounds on the final day to slip past McLean.

“It’s a little bittersweet because I knew what I was capable of and I didn’t accomplish it,” McLean said following her round. “But, I know I made the team proud. My club selection wasn’t great today, and when I got frustrated I let it affect my putting.”

Along with her bronze medal in the women’s individual event McLean collected a team bronze and a mixed team silver. With the Trojan’s third place finish they have qualified for the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association National Championship in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec from Oct. 14 – 18.

Kassidy Turcotte won the championship. Kennedy Turcotte placed second picking up the silver medal.

Alex Schmidt

Alex Schmidt is coming off two podium finishes for Lewis-Clark State, but the Warrior Fall Invite didn’t go as well for the Regina golfer.

Schmidt carded rounds of 79 and 83 landing her in 12^th place.

Lewis-Clark had two teams in the event at the Lewiston Golf and Country Club on Sept. 30 – Oct. 1. The two Warrior clubs tied for third place.

The team is now preparing for the Lilac Invitational in Spokane, Washington on Oct. 7 – 8.

Brody Istace

Brody Istace had a great performance for his school, the Columbia International University Rams with a tie for 11^th place.

The Kindersley native fired back to back rounds of 79 to finish at 14-over par at the NCCAA South Region Tournament at the Columbia Country Club.

As a team the Rams were second in the five-team event. Next up is the Redhawk Fall Collegiate Invite in Pulaski, Tennessee from Oct. 6 – 8.

Marc Sweeney

Marc Sweeney and his University of Southern Carolina Beaufort teammates competed in The Invite at Innisbrook in Palm Harbor, Florida on Sept. 30 – Oct. 1.

The Saskatoon product posted a three-round score of plus-four, 230 (77,78,75) tying for 44^th in the field of 100.

As a squad the Sand Sharks moved up four spots on the second day of the event and placed fourth overall. The team will travel to Adairsville, Georgia for a three-day event beginning on Oct. 20.

Carson Harcourt

Carson Harcourt and the Minot State Beavers were at an event in Lemont, Illinois on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.

The Kipling product finished tied for 16^th at plus-eight, 152 (74, 78). The Beavers as a team finished in sixth place out of 16.

Their next event will be the Blue Tiger Invite at Lincoln University of Missouri on Oct. 13 and 14.

Jace Carlisle

Estevan’s Jace Carlisle participated in the weather shortened Hawkshead Invitational hosted by Wayne State along with his Lake Superior State teammates.

On Sept. 28 Carlisle shot an opening round score of 79. Day two was cancelled.

The Lakers will travel to Northwood University in Midland, Michigan for a tournament on Oct. 6 and 7.

Whether you’re a club member, an avid public player or a new enthusiast to the game, spending on the sport of golf drives massive benefit to communities across Canada.

The impact of golf on the Canadian economy is enormous—an economic impact in excess of $14B is only part of the story. Golf courses and the industry at large account for hundreds of thousands of jobs. Canadians and international visitors plan golf vacations to communities that market themselves as golf destinations and resorts offer golf packages that result in millions of tourism dollars. Tens of thousands of charitable causes use golf as the platform to general $500M annually for worthwhile causes. The golf industry—including more than 5M golfers, nearly 2,300 facilities and local retailers plus countless superintendents, PGA of Canada professionals and industry stakeholders—play a vital role in the continued growth and health of the sport.

Understanding the full scope of Canadian golf including the economic, employment, environmental, tourism and charitable impact of the game in communities from coast to coast is critical. Evaluating that impact is why We Are Golf, a coalition of Canadian golf associations, are inviting Canadians to participate in the latest iteration of the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY

The survey, which takes approximately 12-15 minutes to complete, will generate incredible insights, spending trends and meaningful data towards understanding the current impact of golf in Canada.

As part of the survey, We Are Golf wants to know how much you have or expect to spend on golf and golf related activities or purchases. From green fees and equipment to trips or other golf related spending, the confidential information and insights you share will help estimate the economic impact of golf in your community.

The Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study will be carried out by Group ATN Consulting and your privacy as well as any personal or proprietary information shared will be protected in strict confidence. Results of the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study will be reported in early 2020 and the information gathered will only be used to report aggregate results both at the national and provincial level.

We Are Golf includes Golf Canada, the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada, the PGA of Canada, the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association and the Canadian Society of Club Managers. The results of the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study will be shared across the Canadian golf community and used to advocate the benefits of our sport.

Thank you for your participation in the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study.

The Melfort Ladies Club hosted their annual wind-up Tuesday night at a local eatery just like the group does at the end of each golf season but this year’s event was extra special.

Long-time Melfort Golf Club member Bernice McCosh is hanging up her clubs after 70 years. The ladies play twice a week during the season and for over seven decades McCosh has been a part of the club. She has been a mentor to hundreds of women over the years and has inspired junior girls to take up the game as well. Golf Saskatchewan was on hand to present McCosh with a plaque to commemorate her nearly lifelong devotion to the game since she move to Melfort in 1947.

“It was a very pleasant surprise,” McCosh told Michael Oleksyn of the Melfort Journal following the presentation.

“My friends golfed, my husband-to-be golfed, it’s a way of getting out, the fellowship of the club,” she added when asked why she took up the sport.

Sherry Mahon has been the president of the Melfort Ladies Club for the past two years. She presented McCosh with a bouquet of flowers as well and stated “Bernice, you are an inspiration to us all and golfing with you has been an absolute pleasure.”

Golf Saskatchewan Executive Director Brian Lee couldn’t attend the celebration as he is in Ontario attending Golf Canada meetings but he passed along this message.

“You have been actively involved in the Melfort Ladies Golf Club, helping with the junior girls golf program and introducing golf to the younger generations. As you reflect upon seven decades of golf memories, know that you have inspired young women along the way, to participate in golf for a lifetime.  At 92 years of age, you are a true role model for us all, embodying the expression, age is just a number.”

When away from the course McCosh is an accomplished organist and pianist. She was president of the Melfort Music Festival for years and is a past Melfort Citizen of the Year.

What to do when a left-handed player, ball, and stance are interfered with…

Situation and Question: The player’s ball ends up on the right-hand side of the cart path between the cart path and thick bushes. The player is left-handed. The player can’t take a normal left-handed stance due to thick bushes interfering with the player’s backswing.

The player states their only option is to hit right-handed. As the player is standing on the cart path, is this reasonable?  If it is reasonable, where would my nearest point of relief be?

ANSWER:

The answer depends if the shot the player has stated they will play is reasonable. If left-handed shot is not an option, it is not unreasonable for the player to play it right-handed.

Where the nearest point of “complete” relief from the cart path is most likely into the trees/bush on the right-hand side of the cart path.

In this instance, the player would most likely have to chip out or declare the ball unplayable and proceed under Rule 19.

There is a possibility of the player being able to drop on the opposite side of the cart path, however a measurement would have to be taken to determine the Nearest Point of Complete Relief. This situation is covered below.

Abnormal Course Conditions (Including Immovable Obstructions) 

Interference from Immovable Obstructions

QUESTION: I have interference from a cart path, sprinkler head or other artificial object (immovable obstruction) – what are my options?

ANSWER: You may either play your ball as it lies or take free relief. To take relief, you must find the nearest point of complete relief from the artificial object and drop your original ball or another ball away from the object and within one club-length of that point not nearer the hole (see Rule 16.1).

If there is a tree/shrub at B1 / P1, the option for the right-handed player is still at P1. The player could state, the only reasonable shot I have is to play this left-handed, it is possible the player could get Nearest Point of Complete Relief on the other side of the cart path, although it would have to be measured to determine. For our situation, let’s say it is on the right hand side of the path, the player could drop and then make sure complete relief has been taken. The player then can switch to playing the shot right handed, and once again take new relief from interference from the abnormal course condition even further to the right.

The process was seven years in the making but Riverside Country Club Executive Director Jana-Lyn Fairbairn is a certified club manager.

The designation is authorized by the Canadian Society of Club Managers (CSCM) and consists of four Business Management Institute (BMI) courses. The classes are a week long that Fairbairn attended at Ryerson University in Toronto. She took her first course in 2012 and has worked at the distinction since. She said aside from advancing her knowledge of golf club management she said working alongside other managers was a large benefit.

“The thing that’s really cool about it because, when you go to one of these BMI’s or even doing the review course and exam in Atlanta you talk to other general managers about their clubs and their structure and challenges and opportunities. Lots of the work is group work coming up with presentations and simulations and case studies and that kind of stuff, so it opens your eyes to so much more than the five key problems at your club,” she explained.

The BMI’s consist of about 10 core competencies such as leadership, board, member, and general manager relationships, communications, marketing, operations and maintenance, human resources, strategic planning, and accounting. Fairbairn said expanding on these skills is important, but she reiterated the networking is crucial.

“We had a board meeting recently at Riverside, a couple questions came up about something. I sent a quick email to a couple GM’s, one in Victoria and one in Winnipeg, in five minutes I had some feedback and different ideas and kind of a different way to think about it and that’s huge too,” she explained.

Fairbairn joined Glencoe’s Jan Bloemraad and Paul Chambers from the Toronto Golf Club in receiving the distinction this year. The exam she eluded to earlier was complex and she’s happy to have the designation.

“It’s a huge relief,” she said. “The final step is the exam and I had to go to Georgia State University for that. It’s a 400-question multiple choice exam and it covers the 10 competencies; you must pass each and have over 80 percent as a total. It’s a really stressful exam, it’s an eight-hour exam, it’s intense.”

She is currently the lone Saskatchewan club manager and one of 70 across the country to have the distinction. Fairbairn will receive her certificate at the CSCM national conference in London, Ont. later this fall.

Creighton’s Lauren Fox has put a golden bow on her impressive high school golf career.

Fox came back from three strokes down on the second day of the Saskatchewan High School Athletic Association golf championships on Saturday to claim her second consecutive gold medal. Fox said despite being down after the first of two rounds at TS&M Woodlawn Golf Club in Estevan she knew she could post a lower score.

“I wasn’t disappointed with my 81, I just new I could play a little better,” she told Golf Saskatchewan. “I think some people sort of counted me out, oh she’s three strokes back. That could have been one hole, it wasn’t, I had to pick at hole by hole.”

Fox was the lone player to shoot in the 70’s during the final 18 holes carding a 79. Neiszner, who won the silver medal shot 85 during the second round. Brooklin Fry was tied with Neiszner in first afdter round one. She won the bronze medal. The weather wasn’t ideal for the golfers on the weekend but being from northern Saskatchewan she thinks that helped her come back.

“I think the conditions were tougher the second day, it was colder and really windy. I’m not really a stranger to playing in bad conditions. Last year it snowed so I think that helped me,” she said.

Fox will cap her high school championship career with a silver medal and two golds. She said she’s proud of the accomplishment and going out on top was her mandate.

“My goal was to go two in a row so after the first day I was a little bit hard on myself because I didn’t want to go silver, gold, bronze. I went out the second day, I knew I still had a shot so that’s what I did,” she proclaimed.

35 girls competed in the championship. South East district won the team competition, Battle West placed second, Horizon Central won the bronze.

Fox will graduate this year; she hopes to continue with golf in her post-secondary schooling.

Gedak wins gold on home track

Estevan’s Chase Gedak is the 2019 boy’s high school golf champion.

Gedak shot the low round of the day during the both rounds of the championship, on Friday he was the lone golfer in the 70’s (74) and on Saturday he stroked a 69, four shots ahead of fellow Woodlawn member Jayden Dudas who won the silver medal. Gedak cruised to a nine-stroke victory.

“For that to my last high school tournament and for me to win in the fashion I did it feels pretty good to go out like that,” he said.

This is the second time in three years Estevan has played host to the tournament. Gedak added winning on his home track adds to the experience.

“It was pretty exciting,” he said. “I’ve played a lot of rounds there, so I was pretty confident going in. It felt rally good to come out on top at the end of the weekend.”

South East won the team gold in the boy’s division as well with the help of both Gedak and Dudas. Gedak said outscoring his long-time friend was nice considering he’s gotten the best of him on several occasions.

“I’ve played against him a lot and he’s a really good player,” Gedak said. “I knew it would be tough going into the final round against him, but he ran into some trouble out there and I kept playing steady golf. It was pretty good to beat him because he’s got the better half of me his fair share of times. It did feel good.”

Gedak was right in the hunt at the provincial Junior Men’s Championship in Nipawin but an 11 on the 54^th hole of the event dropped him back and off the national team. Instead of being down on the experience he used it as motivation.

“It was a big learning curve for me, it’s not something I am too frustrated about,” he explained. “I’ve taken more positives away from it than negatives. I’m trying to get over it and I’m sure I learned a lot more than if I would have would have got a spot on the team. It feels good winning now and trying to forget about it. It was a good learning experience, stuff like that happens, it’s golf.”

There was 52 boys golfing in the field.

Gedak is graduating this year as well and is pursuing college golf. He has been in contact with several schools but is still weighing his options.

The complete results can be found here.

Golf Saskatchewan has awarded their Volunteer of the Year award for 2019 to Byron Harvie.

Harvie got his start with the organization about 15 years ago after some persuasion from then Executive Director Daniel Rauckman. Harvie was the chair of the both the Canadian Junior Boy’s Championship and the Canadian Mid-Amateur Championship at the Riverside Country Club which was enticing to Golf Saskatchewan.

Harvie then wrote his level 3 Rules test followed by passing the level 4 test, at the time he was the only person to acquire the accreditation. He then got into course rating, again at the coaxing of Rauckman. He then served on the board of directors for several years including two and a half years as president. Today he’s still a referee and course rater. Harvie said it’s the people you meet that keep bringing him back every year.

“I’ve watched some of the junior golfers who were let’s say 11 or 12 years old when they first started to play in juniors and now they are playing in the men’s amateur or the women’s amateur, that’s always been really special. They are all fine young people, they will come up now and talk to me, give me a hug or whatever. That makes it really good when you are around,” Harvie said.

Despite his long history of service to Golf Saskatchewan and Golf Canada Harvie didn’t get involved in the sport himself until later in life. He was active in sports playing baseball, hockey, and curling but when his son wanted to take up the game, he followed.

“When our son decided he would like to golf, he was 12,” Harvie explained. “We got him enrolled at Greenbryre with Pete Semko. I’ve known Pete a long time, but I have known his wife Cheryl even longer because we went to school together and lived around the corner. I said to Pete, if he’s going to be out here what about me? They let me join their club and I got started there. Next thing I knew after a couple years I was the club captain for a couple years before moving over to Riverside. That’s where it started.”

On Saturday, Sept. 21 the Golf Saskatchewan Hall of Fame inducted their class of 2019. Harvie and his wife, Lori, who works annually on the Hall committee were seated near the front when current Golf Saskatchewan Executive Director Brian Lee presented Harvie with the volunteer honour.

“As soon he mentioned the first couple things I knew exactly what it was because I have presented those when I was president to some people, I knew what was coming, I had to laugh,” Harvie said. “I kind of had it in the back of my mind because Brian kept pestering me to go down to the volunteer appreciation day. I was not overly surprised but I’m very proud to be recognized. It’s a feather in one’s cap.”

Harvie worked at a consulting firm for a career, he spent time in Montreal and Calgary before his work brought him to Saskatoon where he currently resides. Him and Lori now spend five months a year in California and golf more rounds there than they do at the Riverside where they are still members. Harvie said giving back to the game is easier when you have assistance.

“You can’t do this without the support of your wife,” he beamed of Lori. “My computer skills are not good, so she does all the computer work I need to do. With the course rating I have to be a lot better than I am.”

Harvie also has some advice for anyone thinking about volunteering with Golf Saskatchewan or any organization.

“I think the one thing is, especially if you are getting a little older, if you have to do a little study it keeps your mind sharp. Secondly, it gives you something to do and interact with other people. Things that are nice and fun and you need to do in the aging process.”

Harvie also serves as the rules chair of his men’s club in California.

“You simply can’t get away from it,” he laughed.

You can hear more from Harvie below as he spoke with Golf Saskatchewan’s Clark Stork.

The high school golf provincials are half over in Estevan with a tie among the girls’ leaders and a hometown product on top of the boy’s leaderboard.

Shell Lake’s Brooklin Fry (Battle West) and Regina’s Autumn Neiszner (Regina) both shot 78 at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Club on Friday and sit tied for first overall at six-over par. Reigning champion Lauren Fox (North East) of Creighton is in third place at plus-nine, 81.

Kylie Severson (East Central) and Nessa Hamilton (Qu Appelle) are knotted up in fourth place at 85.

Battle West leads the female team competition with a score of 181, South East is a stroke behind at 182. Horizon Central sits third at 189.

On the boy’s side, Estevan’s Chase Gedak (South East) is the lone player under par after round one, he shot 69 on the opening day of the 36-hole championship. Gaige Calkins (South West) is second at plus-one, 73. Jayden Dudas, also of Estevan (South East) is tied for third with Prince Albert’s (North Central) TJ Baker at 74.

Wawota’s Theoren West (South East) is fifth at 78. Cort Tunall and Hunter Kutcher are in the hunt at seven-over, 79.

South East leads the team standings with a score of 211. North Central is second at 236, South West and West Central are in a tie for third at 240.

The complete round one results can be found here.

The second round will be played on Saturday.