By all accounts the 2019 Golf Saskatchewan Easter Camp at Crown Isle Resort in Courtenay, British Columbia was a rousing success.

Autumn Neiszner, Ella Kozak, Jackson Wingert, Cole Jenkins, Kaiden McNabb, and Hudson Malinoski along with coaches Steve Ryde and Jason Schneider took part in the trip. Each day the group was introduced to the “top 20” new rules code for 2019 during breakfast, this helped stimulate the conversation about the changes to the rules in golf. During the week, the players also learned how to prep for tournaments, such as pre shot routines, warmups, time management, mental training, multiple skills challenges. Jenkins, 17, received the trip as a Christmas present from his parents. He said the week was a fantastic experience.

“That was probably one of the most fun trips I’ve ever had,” he told Golf Saskatchewan. “It was awesome knowing you are going to have a full week to golf in B.C. at such a nice course.”

One of the reasons Ryde chose Crown Isle for the trip was the course conditions. The resort is hosting a Mackenzie Tour event in the days following the week off school for students allowing them to take part. During the final day of the trip, Jenkins played his last round alongside upcoming professional Mike Perchak. Jenkins (pictured above) said he was very accommodating, and they continue to be in touch.

“We found out the Q-school event was going so that was cool meeting one of the pros. I’ve been messaging him over Instagram a couple times seeing how he’s doing and talking to him about university in the States. He’s a super cool guy,” Jenkins said.

The grade 11 Prince Albert student is also a member of the Golf Saskatchewan High-Performance Team (HPP) this year. He will play his first Order of Merit (OMT) event this weekend in Estevan at the Maple Leaf Junior Tour (MJT) at TS&M Woodlawn. He said reaching nationals in the juniors is a goal over the next couple years and getting a scholarship. Overall, he said golf is a sport he absolutely loves to play.

“I’ve been golfing since I have been walking pretty much,” he said. “It has been one of those sports you are never satisfied with, you always want to get better. I love everything about it, it’s so interesting to me.”

As for the Easter Camp, he highly recommends other junior golfers to take advantage of the experience in future years.

“Golfing everyday was awesome, super fun. Steven and Jason were awesome coaches to have there. We did lots of practicing after rounds too which is helpful. It was just the best thing ever, it was super fun,” Jenkins said.

Wingert, 15, was also very pleased with the weeklong trip. The grade 9 Saskatoon resident got his start playing Wildwood and Silverwood in the Bridge City. He is also a member of the HPP squad. He said the camp was a bonus to what he’s already learned to start the season.

“At first I joined the HPP program and thought the camp would be fun and a good learning experience and my parents let me go. It was really fun, lots of golf, practice, staying at the hotels, it was a really nice place,” he said.

Wingert (pictured below) will also get his OMT season underway in Estevan this upcoming weekend. With a few years left of high school and a chance to improve his game he said post secondary golf is hopefully in his future.

“I would like to go far and get a scholarship, that would be awesome. I hope to also do well at juniors and go to nationals,” he said.

For Wingert, golf is also a release from school and other sports.

“It’s time to think about other things, have fun, practice is fun, you learn more and you get to play with your buddies,” he said.

Ryde and Schneider are already in the planning stages for the 2020 Easter Camp trip.

The Canadian golf industry represented by We Are Golf (formerly the National Allied Golf Association) has officially announced that May 1, 2019 has been tabbed as National Golf Day in Canada.

The date aligns with the We Are Golf initiative spearheaded out of the United States—also set for May 1, 2019—and will bring further attention to the game of golf and its significant community impact within not only Canada, but across North America.

We are Golf is comprised of all the national golf associations within Canada—Golf Canada, the Canadian Society of Club Managers, the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association, the PGA of Canada and the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada.

Planning for National Golf Day is underway with several activities to build upon the success of the inaugural 2018 event which included government advocacy and discussion with MPs in Ottawa, a public junior golf activity on the Parliament Hill lawn and various golf activities at clubs across Canada. The continuation of National Golf Day in Canada in 2019 will again incorporate meetings by We Are Golf stakeholders with MPs and government officials.

“We are looking forward to building upon the success of our 2018 National Golf Day and government advocacy efforts in Ottawa and continue to bring the positive value of the game of golf to the forefront,” said We Are Golf chair, Kathryn Wood. “National Golf Day will be a tremendous catalyst for golf enthusiasts to rally and celebrate what the sport of golf means to them and their community.”

Each member association representing We Are Golf is also encouraging their respective memberships, partners and stakeholders to participate in National Golf Day in their own way to celebrate the significant economic, health, recreational, charitable and tourism benefits that golf drives in communities from coast to coast.

We Are Golf is calling on the entire golf community as well as partner associations and golfers to engage in National Golf Day as a can’t miss event on the Canadian golf calendar.

Golf enthusiasts across Canada are encouraged to get involved in National Golf Day by playing a round of golf, visiting a course or practice facility, enjoying family time at the course, introducing a new player to the game, adopting a school in their community through Golf in Schools, hosting a school golf field trip, taking a lesson, or making a purchase at their local pro shop.

Please visit http://wearegolf.ca/ to learn more, and to access a social media toolkit to promote the day and get involved!

Golf in Canada – A Snapshot:

In Canada, more than five million golfers play close to 60 million rounds annually at nearly 2,300 golf facilities from coast to coast—the most participated sport in this country.

Golf is a significant economic driver generating more than $14.3 billion in economic impact and employing more than 300,000 jobs, nearly 40% of which are summer students. Direct revenues generated by golf courses and their facilities ($5.0 billion) rivals the revenues generated by all other participation sports and recreation facilities combined ($4.8 billion). Golf courses also steward essential greenspace in the community in addition to hosting more than 37,000 charity events that raise more than $533 million annually to support important causes.

The health benefits of moderate-intensity physical activity, burning 850 to 1,500 calories as well as muscle endurance, blood circulation, flexibility and mental health along with respiratory, metabolic and cardiovascular improvements can’t be discounted. Golf as a safe and inclusive family sport is good for our children, instilling etiquette and values such as integrity, honest, fair play and the spirit of camaraderie.

Following a weekend Rules of Golf clinic this past weekend in Winnipeg and Montreal, 150 golf referees are now certified at Level 3 across the nation. The nation’s governing body has been holding seminars across the country leading up to the 2019 season.

Dan Hyant was an instructor at four of the clinics including the Winnipeg event. He said with approximately 150 new Rules of Golf changes coming into play this year there was some resistance among officials and recertifying but overall the sessions went well.

“Knowing the old Rules of Golf for a few years made it an easier transition for 2019,” Hyant told Golf Saskatchewan. “The new book is simpler to read so that made it easier. For those jumping in now they’ve never experienced the version that’s older and maybe a little more complex to read but for the most part everyone was fine with the changes.”

The new certified referees are the most Golf Canada has seen in the last five or six years according to Hyant. 170 people took part in the seminars with 20 attendees not receiving certification, but he said the success rate is good.

With so many changes taking place this year, Hyant said there are some challenges for current and new referees as well as instructors.

“I think referencing new definitions and terminology is certainly going to be challenging. I mean we’ve used the same old words so often. Just getting used to the subsections again, I think the rules are similar to the old code but certainly shortening them from 34 to 24 and knowing the subsections is going to take some time,” Hyant said.

Saskatchewan had four referees become Level 3 certified in Winnipeg. Terry Gaube, Jim and Linda Walker, and Kevin Duchscherer all recertified and are important Golf Saskatchewan volunteers. Among the course attendees in Winnipeg there was referees from Alberta, Manitoba, and Chicago, Illinois. Hyant said having someone involved from America brought a different perspective to the sessions.

“It was good to hear his perspective in terms of how things are operated down there, and how he has gone through his rule exercises,” he said. “Hopefully was can get him up here to officiate when he retires.”

Jack McDonald of Kamloops and Golf Saskatchewan Executive Director Brian Lee assisted in instructing the weekend course.

Any rule referees that have recently completed their Level 1 training can expect emails from Golf Canada regarding upcoming Level 2 sessions that will be taking place either this spring or next year.

The Harbor Golf Club & Resort recently upgraded their kitchen to keep up with a growing demand in the food service the course offers.

According to Operations Manager, Amanda Holland the clubhouse located on the shore of Lake Diefenbaker in Elbow saw the kitchen receive a “total gut job” ahead of the season. The space was expanded, and new equipment was purchased creating a more efficient work space. Holland said the need for expansion and upgrades were there due to increased demand.

“Our catering is growing as well,” she said. “Not only do we deal with the restaurant daily and catering for tournaments but we’re doing more catering for outside groups. Just having the space to do multiple events on one day made sense.”

The 18-hole golf course played host to Golf Saskatchewan’s 100^th Amateur Women’s Championship last summer as well as the Senior Women’s Championship. The Harbor also hosted Golf Saskatchewan for their annual volunteer appreciation day at the end of last year’s season.

Elbow’s population is approximately 350 people, but Holland said the summer is very busy due to their location on the lake. She said the club needs a top-notch clubhouse facility to deal with the increased traffic.

“During the busy season when there is more people here than just those that just live here year-round being able to accommodate and keep up in those times is important,” she said.

Holland said staffing levels have stayed on par in recent years despite being busier. She said the efficiency of the new space should help and for now they will stay status quo. She did say staff had a few things to learn but overall the kitchen is being well received by everyone.

“The first few days of opening there was some growing pains figuring out the new space but once they figure it out it will be so much better to function. The staff will be so much happier in their environment,” she said.

The par-71 course plays between 5,800 and 6,300 yards from the varied tee boxes. Several holes feature picturesque views along the lake making for a memorable round at the course. Holland said the ownership group and staff, including PGA of Canada President Mark Patterson work hard to keep up with the everchanging industry.

“It speaks to our majority shareholders, Rick Letts and Les McTavish and their vision to try to ensure this course stays current and improves. It’s pretty important to not only the community but the business as well,” she said.

The Spiritwood Golf Course already offers a fantastic 18-hole, grass green track for players to enjoy but within the next couple years, seasonal and overnight campsites will be added to the facility.

Ron Schira and four other partners, all with roots deeply planted in the small northwest Saskatchewan community purchased the course in 2013. Schira said keeping the course viable and entrenched in the town’s fabric was important to them.

“We wanted to see the Spiritwood Golf Course continue to offer that great service for the residents and the people that come to the area,” he told Golf Saskatchewan. “It’s such a beautiful course, we wanted to protect the legacy it had developed over the past 20 plus years.”

The group knew when purchasing the property there was plenty of work to do. Now six years into the venture, the partners feel they are at a place to expand and increase service to the region.

“Making money at a small-town golf course isn’t easy, it requires a fine-tuned operation. It took us a while to sort things out and get our hands around it. We think we now have it at a point where it’s operating as it should,” Schira said.

The management team announced in March that they will construct a seasonal RV campsite adjacent to the course. They will have 21 seasonal campsites and four sites used by overnight campers. With upwards of 50 lakes nearby and countless outdoor activities available in the region, Schira said giving visitors another option for accommodations makes sense.

“We think a lot of people would like to live on a golf course but probably see that as something that’s not realistic. Here they can live right on a beautiful golf course in the summer and have access to all those wonderful things and satisfy their golfing needs,” he said.

The course will see minimal effect throughout the construction. Two new greens will be built this season shortening two holes. Players won’t be affected by the work this season. Currently the track plays at just under 5,900 yards and is a par 72. That will drop to a par 70 next year. Schira said the integrity of the course won’t suffer, in fact the intrigue could increase for players.

“We’re going to turn one par four into a par three and one par five into a par four and another par four will change to a dogleg left. They will still have the same beautiful golf course to play. It will probably be even a bit more interesting because of how we lay it out,” Schira explained.

If the weather cooperates this season and the two new greens are ready for play this year, construction on the campsites will begin this fall. Schira said they will begin construction of the new greens in the very near future. If the green development lags for any reason, campsite work will be pushed to next spring, but campers should be settling in by 2021. Schira said news of the upgrades is starting to spread in the town and everyone seems to be excited.

“Everything we’ve heard has been positive,” he said. “I think the community is excited for us, they are excited to see what it will look like as a finished product. It’s going to impact the community; I think that’s important. We’re going to bring in people that don’t normally live there in the summer.”

The trickle-down effect for area businesses is exciting for Schira, who hasn’t lived in Spiritwood for 16 years, but he grew up and got his entrepreneurial beginning in the community before moving to Saskatoon for other business opportunities.

The course recently installed a new roof on their clubhouse ahead of this season. Installation of a water treatment plant for both the clubhouse and campground is also part of the plans.

The 2019 season will be a busy one tournament wise as well, the course will host their annual events such as the Spirit of the North Match Play Classic and the Dale Willick Memorial Golf Tournament. This year the club will also play host to the 2019 SUMA Golf Tournament in early July. Schira said landing that two-day event is more proof the Spiritwood course is among the province’s best.

“We had the provincial Knights of Columbus tournament last year; I think all these things help put the Spiritwood Golf Course on the map and to attract some of these tournaments allows us to say we can accommodate these events,” he said.

Golf is a huge part of Charene and Doug Kozak’s lives allowing the Regina couple to travel, meet new people, and see some success in mixed events along the way.

Most notably is the pair’s annual trip to Bermuda to play in the Pompano Beach Club’s Annual Couples Spring Tournament.  The four-day event features two rounds at Port Royal Golf Course, one at Tucker’s Point and one at Belmonte Hills. Coming in as defending champions, the couple posted a net, four-round score of 265, winning the event again by 13 strokes over the next nearest team earlier this month. Charene said winning is fun and the couple enjoy that experience, but the sport provides so much more.

“I love the competition, I love being outside, I love the game, I love what it offers,” she told Golf Saskatchewan over the Easter long weekend at their Regina club, Tor Hill. “I love that we get to play together, it’s four hours we get to spend together. We support each other in the game.”

The Kozaks began taking spring vacations in Bermuda five years ago when they decided to have their vacation include playing golf rather than “just spending a week sitting under a beach plalapa with a drink.” They decided to find a golf tournament to play in leading them to the Pompano Beach Club tournament.  They first competed in 2015; they missed 2016 due to an injury Charene suffered but have since competed every spring. On route to their most recent championship, Doug was able to sink an ace during the final round capping another memorable tournament.

“One of the fun facts this year was that I got a hole in one in the last round,” he said. “I’m telling people it’s my first international hole in one. I have four.”

Aside from their success in the mixed format tournaments the couple praises the people they’ve met and the now lifetime friends they have gained. One of those is a couple who lives in Pinehurst, North Carolina. That couple shared the news of a mixed event in nearby Southern Pines at the Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club. They entered the tournament and managed to win that event in November 2018 as well. Doug said sometimes the pieces fall in place with your partner.

“The beauty of these mixed events is there is formats where you only record one score. The bad ones you put in your pocket and lean on your partner. We’ve been lucky enough to ham and egg it a little bit,” he laughed.

The couple are also past champions of the Golf Saskatchewan Mixed Championship, they won that event in 2007 at Elk Ridge.

The couple has a cottage at Waskesiu and plays in the Lobstick events every year. Unfortunately, the 2019 Ladies Lobstick conflicts with the provincial mixed championship this year so they will miss seeing  their friends and regular Mixed Championship competitors at Golf Kenosee in August.

Doug said he is retiring from his shopping centre management job in May and the couple will spend more time in Prince Albert National Park playing the sport that keeps them close, social, and active.

“We always say the best thing about golf is you pick the people you get to play with when you play socially. You get to go for a four hour walk with your friends and if you can’t have a good time doing that you should pick something else,” he said.

City of Regina residents in the Regent Park area having their say regarding the redevelopment of the neighbourhood that includes the long-standing par-3 golf course.

Due to declining use over the years the city has made the 580-yard, par-27, nine-hole facility free to use for the public. However, since 2017 plans to rejuvenate the area have been undergoing. Several public workshops and online consultations have outlined four different plans for the site. None include keeping the golf course. Janine Daradich, the manager of planning and partnerships for the city said the keeping the course open isn’t viable.

“The par-3 has been underperforming for a number of years and we’ve also had plans like the recreation master plan and official community plan approved by council. Those plans have recommendations for the redevelopment of the site and for maximizing city land for housing opportunities,” she said.

Throughout the consultation process there was some interest among area residents and users to keep the course operational but Daradich said replacing the facility with other recreational options is better suited in the long-term.

“There was some expression from some residents to keep the golf course, but I think what was most important to them is we keep recreation amenities for the community,” Daradich said. “We’ve incorporated all those top options that the community brought forward through the workshops we’ve had.”

A soccer pitch, walking paths, spray pad, playground, picnic areas, and housing are all incorporated in the four plans. Daradich said the feedback will be delivered to city council and a decision could potentially be made through Regina’s budget process.

The golf course will remain open for the 2019 season.

This upcoming weekend (April 27 and 28) at The Willows in Saskatoon, the PGA of Saskatchewan will host a community coaching clinic.

The initiative is backed by extensive research into Canada’s volunteer training curriculums for sport across the country. Industry experts implemented the program to address the gap between PGA of Canada professionals and available volunteer support from family and friends according to the national PGA agency.

TS&M Woodlawn professional, Amanda Minchin is coordinating the Saskatchewan based seminar. She said the course is “perfect for anyone who wants to get involved in their local junior program or is looking at starting one.”

Current junior golf leaders and new PGA of Canada members are also encouraged to take part. The session covers safety concerns, legality of working with youth in sport, setting up golf lessons, and networking with other golf coaches.

Saskatoon’s Paige Lawrence took part in the clinic last year. She said it was beneficial to assist in developing a junior program.

“The tools and training I gained over a weekend were invaluable in helping initiate a junior program last summer in Wynyard. The mix of hands on practice and classroom theory makes for an engaging environment. It was also a great way to connect with other members of the golf community who are working towards the same goal of growing the game, we were able to share challenges and wins we each had encountered in our communities,” Lawrence said.

Online registration for the clinic is closed but anyone interested can call the PGA of Canada office at 1.800.782.5764 to get more information.

From April 22-26, Golf Canada will be celebrating all donations made towards the Future Links, driven by Acura Golf in Schools program in support of the third annual Adopt a School Week.

The week represents a coast-to-coast celebration to mark the efforts of all Golf in Schools adoptions. Since the program’s inception in 2009, adoptions have accounted for close to 50% of the over 3,800 registered schools delivering the curriculum. Together, Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), and all provincial partners have aligned to celebrate the generosity of golf enthusiasts across the country.

“Golf Canada recognizes the many investments made by Canadians across the country in support of the Golf in Schools program,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s chief sport officer. “It is in the industry’s best interest to support the continued growth of the sport at the grassroots level, which in turn benefits the future membership of facilities.”

For the first 30 adoptions, any golf facility, PGA of Canada professional or individual who adopts a school into the Golf in Schools program from April 22-26 will see their adoption matched with a school of their choice. This matching grant is possible due to Golf Canada’s partnership with the Canadian Seniors Golf Association (CSGA).

In 2018, 263 new schools were adopted, introducing an average of 120 students per school to golf.

A Golf in Schools donation includes the full program kit, which features safe, age-appropriate golf clubs along with a teacher-friendly learning resource. Developed in conjunction with the PGA of Canada and Physical Health Education (PHE) Canada, the learning resource incorporates Life Skills into the curriculum—placing added focus on transferrable skills both on and off the golf course.

The Intrapersonal Life Skills—perseverance, goal-setting and emotional regulation—are meant to instill focus while the Interpersonal Life Skills—honesty, teamwork and respect—embody a sense of sportspersonship.

Following Adopt a School Week, Golf Canada will be announcing all elementary, intermediate and high school adoptions conducted in 2019.

To adopt a school in your community, visit golfcanada.ca/adoptaschool

Canada’s top-ranked golfer and Canada’s iconic railway are partnering for five more years, both on and off the course. Canadian Pacific (CP) has renewed seven-time LPGA tour-winner and the No. 12 ranked female golfer in the world, Brooke Henderson to serve as its golf ambassador.

Since signing on with CP in 2017 as a golf ambassador, Henderson has won four more LPGA Tour titles, including her historic win on home soil at the 2018 CP Women’s Open where she became the first Canadian to win the National Open Championship in 45 years.

Joining the CP family is sister and caddy Brittany Henderson, who will also wear the CP logo as she supports Brooke as a team and family member.

“It is an honor to extend Brooke’s sponsorship until Dec. 31, 2023, and welcome Brittany to the CP family,” said Keith Creel, CP President and Chief Executive Officer. “Brooke remains the perfect ambassador for CP as we continue to grow the game of golf, advocate for healthy living through CP Has Heart, and build on the iconic Canadian brand that is CP. Adding Brittany to the CP family was a natural decision, as railroaders know that precision and excellence requires a strong team.”

CP continues to sponsor Team Canada, a relationship that marked the beginning of Brooke’s relationship with the railway. Both the Hendersons are graduates of the amateur program that supports young golfers as they pursue their professional dreams.

Brooke has also been named a repeat winner of the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award as the Canadian Press Female Athlete of the Year. In addition, PostMedia recognized her as their 2018 Summer Female Athlete of the Year and Canadian Sport Awards named her their 2018 Athlete of the Year.

“I am so proud to continue my relationship as an ambassador for CP. As many of my own family members have worked for CP in my hometown of Smiths Falls, it is truly special for me to wear the logo and continue that long history as a member of the CP family. Furthermore, the sincere gesture to add my sister Brittany to the CP family is incredible, as she’s been with me every step of my career. We both look forward to celebrating many more victories with the CP family.”

Already in the CP family is four-time LPGA Tour winner Lorie Kane, who signed on as an ambassador in 2014 when CP took over title sponsorship of the National Open. Kane, who was inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 2017 and named a recipient of the Order of Canada in 2006, has an established reputation as one of the most personable and consistent players in the game, and has dedicated many efforts off the course to champion support for CP Has Heart.

CP recently named SickKids Foundation as its official charity beneficiary of the 2019 CP Women’s Open that will be hosted at Magna Golf Club in Aurora, Ontario. Through its CP Has Heart program, CP will once again make a substantial donation to support local paediatric care. Follow along this season as golf ambassadors Brooke and Lorie encourage fundraising efforts to help reach this year’s $1.75M donation target.

In the five years of CP’s title sponsorship of the CP Women’s Open, $8.5 million has been raised to support children’s heart health in Canada. This will mark the third time in six years southern Ontario has hosted the CP Women’s Open resulting in more than $3.3 million dollars invested in London (2014 – $1.3 million) and Ottawa (2016 – $2 million).