A love of golf has led three Moose Jaw golfers to get more involved in the sport.

Drive The Green Golf is a local golf media company that’s making waves in the provincial golf community, through a podcast and website, as well as tournament organizing.

Last month, Drive The Green hosted the Labour Day Classic at the Hillcrest Golf Club in Moose Jaw and the $8,500 raised from that event was recently donated to the Hillcrest’s DropZone Project.

“We thought it was a perfect opportunity for us to get our name out there as to what we can do and then also, we’re members at the Hillcrest, so we wanted to put on a tournament to raise funds to get new bathrooms,” said Hetherington.

“[The tournament] was an unbelievable success for the first year, we had over 100 golfers in it, it was a two-man scramble tournament that was a unique style tournament. We’re happy it worked out really well and the course is happy.”

The DropZone Project is to install new bathrooms at the Hillcrest, which is something that is much needed at the facility.

Hetherington said they were very happy to help contribute to the project, “After putting the $8,500 in, they up over $15,000, so they’re getting close to their end goal, we’re glad that we could help out,” he said.

Through Drive The Green, the goal is to run more tournaments similar to the Labour Day Classic next season and help out local organizations. Hetherington said they can provide scoring features and everything that someone needs to run a tournament.

“We have the ability to use Golf Genius, they’re a scorekeeping app that we use for the tournament to help streamline things a little bit,” he said. “There are lots of people that put on corporate events or fundraisers, those types of things and we’re more than happy to help put on a good event.”

In addition to the tournament organizing, the trio at Drive The Green also want to shine a light on golf in Saskatchewan and Canada, including putting together a “Top-Five Golf Courses in Saskatchewan” ranking.

Hetherington said Saskatchewan and Canada have more than meets the eye when it comes to the sport and they’re hoping to highlight that.

“We have a Canadian focus, we’ll do a weekly recap of how they did (on the PGA Tour) and we did a Top-Five Saskatchewan Courses article and we’re hoping to expand that a little bit and bring more of a focus on golf in Saskatchewan,” said Hetherington. “We got some pushback on courses that didn’t make the list, so we’re hoping to make it an annual thing, do some course reviews next year and help drive some exposure to the hidden gems across the province.

“We’ve also linked up with a PGA Tour professional out of New York to provide some tips and things like that,” he added.

For more on Drive The Green, check out their website at drivethegreengolf.com.

The golf season in Moose Jaw wrapped up on Wednesday with the final rounds happening at the Hillcrest. The Lynbrook Golf Club closed out its year over the weekend.

Article courtesy Marc Smith/discoverMooseJaw

LONDON, England – A global consensus amongst leaders in public health, public policy and sport backs golf in the race to tackle physical inactivity and the prevention of a range of non-communicable disease (NCD) including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer of the breast and colon.

Evidence linking golf and health, commissioned by the World Golf Foundation and supported by The R&A, was presented this week in London at the 7th Congress of the International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH). The biennial scientific meeting is widely regarded as the world’s flagship physical activity and public health event attended by more than 1,000 delegates from 60 countries.

Recognition that playing golf has significant physical health and wellness benefits and can provide moderate intensity physical activity to persons of all ages, comes just months after the World Health Organization (WHO) published its Global Action Plan for Physical Activity. The Global Action Plan targets one in four adults, and four out of five adolescents (11-17 years) who are insufficiently active, and charts how countries can reduce physical inactivity in adults and adolescents by 15% by 2030.

The scientific consensus for golf is evidenced in research led by the University of Edinburgh and published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Findings reveal that playing golf is associated with a range of physical and mental health benefits, and further collaborative efforts to improve access for the sport are needed.

New studies are underway to discover if playing golf improves strength and balance, contributing to a key public health goal of fall prevention in healthy aging and into conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

Marking the close of the ISPAH Congress, public health practitioners, policymakers and golf industry leaders were hosted at a satellite event in the Palace of Westminster by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf.

The @GolfAndHealth Project will study the varied health and well-being benefits of #golf, considering any risks, with results to be published in international peer-reviewed journals.

Details ➡️ https://t.co/rX01kcrNGL pic.twitter.com/JzCvyNVQju

— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) October 18, 2018

Steve Brine, Minister for Public Health and Primary Care, said, “Physical activity of any type comes with a range of physical, social and mental benefits. For some, golf can be a great way to stay active and there’s growing evidence about ways the sport can help those living with long term conditions such as Parkinson’s and dementia. And for those who haven’t discovered their favourite sport yet it’s never too late to get inspired, connect with people and improve your wellbeing.”

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “Golf is working hard to encourage more people into the sport, who will realize its many health benefits. With 60 million golfers spanning six continents, golf has found common purpose in working with public health practitioners and policymakers to optimise the health benefits of playing the sport.

“We recognize the importance of the World Health Organization Global Action Plan for Physical Activity and we will work with our affiliates and partners around the world to help improve health and well-being through golf”.

Professor Fiona Bull, WHO Programme Manager, Non-Communicable Disease Prevention, said, “Non-communicable disease is responsible for nearly three quarters of all premature deaths globally, including 15 million deaths per year in people aged 30 to 70 years.

“The new World Health Organization global action plan and the implementation toolkit ‘ACTIVE’ aims to help all countries improve the environments and the opportunities for all people to be more active. Golf is a popular sport for men and women and it is great to see golf’s global leadership recognizing health priorities and identifying ways golf can be more accessible to more people.

“I took up golf in my 30s but thought it was a very technical, expensive and elitist sport. Thankfully a 6 week ‘come and try course’ showed me how easy it was to enjoy golf as a beginner and how active playing 9 holes can be. I am looking forward to seeing how golf can attract many more girls and women to enjoy the sport and be more active and healthy”.

Annika Sorenstam, Major Champion and a global ambassador for golf and health, said, “As the recent international consensus statement highlighted, golf is great for the health of people of all ages – it benefits those playing the sport and even tournament spectators.

“Given the health benefits, we must work together to make golf more accessible if we are to achieve our sport’s full potential.”

The 2018 International Consensus Statement on Golf and Health to guide action by people, policymakers and the golf industry was published last month in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

A further Golf and Health Scientific Meeting will be held on Thursday 18 October 2018 at Mytime Active, High Elms Golf Course, Bromley, UK – a club promoting healthy lifestyles. Researchers from Asia, Australia, Europe and the USA will discuss their respective projects and the future direction of research on golf and health.

Golf equipment representatives are currently in the middle of buying show season with the Saskatchewan stop next on the tee box.

The PGA of Manitoba hosted their annual show two weeks ago, last week industry colleagues gathered in Alberta for a few days. Ken Morrow, the executive director of the PGA of Saskatchewan said the organization started the show make it easier for company reps to meet with course officials in under a single roof.

“It’s to get everyone together in one place,” Morrow said to Golf Saskatchewan leading up to the show that’s been held for over three decades. “Rather than have the reps from the different companies trying to travel around the province. Especially at this time of year, we know what that can be like.”

The show will be held Oct. 23 and 24 at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. Golf professionals, proshop managers will have a chance to meet with representatives across the golf equipment lines. Mike Langin is the Territory Sales Manager for TAYLORMADE Golf Canada covering the Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Lakehead areas. He said shows build relationships and is important for success on both sides.

“The show is important to attend to show support for the zone that supports us as well. It’s a key relationship to provide our professionals and accounts with many vendors to prepare both parties for the following season,” Langin said.

He is one of the newcomers to the Saskatchewan zone. Langin showcased the TAYLORMADE brand in Manitoba and Alberta. He said he’s excited for his second Saskatchewan event.

“With last year being my first year in the zone, it was an excellent opportunity to meet with many accounts and faces in a short amount of time. With this being my second merchandise show in Saskatchewan, it is a great couple of days to see many accounts and CPGA Professionals from across the province,” He added.

There are currently 27 exhibitors registered and over 60 buyers responding to their invites. One of the exhibitors is Paige Lawrence, the adidas Golf Territory Marketing Manager for Saskatchewan and Manitoba. She also said the show is great for business.

“The show is vital in bringing our zone together. It’s great to be able to connect with customers and have industry leaders all in one place celebrating the accomplishments of our peers” Lawrence added.

Registration is still open for the two-day event that will also feature the PGA of Saskatchewan annual general meeting and awards gala on Oct. 23. Interested buyers can email Morrow at k.morrow@sasktel.net.

Coming off another successful Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame (SGHF) induction gala last month at the Royal Regina Golf Club, Murray Eddy is pleased with where the organization is at.

Approximately a decade ago, the Saskatoon golfer approached Byron Harvie regarding the possibility of enshrining accomplished players in Saskatchewan. Eddy said local golfers that excelled at certain levels are already recognized but not by their designated sport.

“All the golfers that have had success are in the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame along with hundreds of athletes from other sports, just kind of buried in there. I thought it would be a good idea if golf had its own Hall of Fame,” the long-time Saskatoon Golf and Country Club member.

Eddy and Harvie continued to discuss the possibility for about a year before the date for the first induction gala at The Willows. 19 people were part of the inaugural class on Sept. 18, 2010. Since then, 49 individuals and four teams have been enshrined. Eddy, who chaired the first event, said he’s happy with how the Hall has grown.

“I think it’s gotten pretty good. Byron (SGHF chair), Brian Lee (SGHF secretary) and whoever did the lion’s share there, but they’ve done an excellent job of setting it up. The first event was a bit of a fundraiser as well, we’ve had a bank account ever since,” he said.

Eddy said ensuring the inductees earned their success in the province is an important factor in the qualifications. He added that expanding on the criteria could help promote the game.

“Maybe we could have a separate section for juniors, I don’t know,” he said. “You can do something spectacular at the junior level and not play anymore golf after going into the working world. Something you do at the junior level may not necessarily qualify you for the Hall of Fame except maybe for a junior level. That’s a discussion that hasn’t been had yet.”

The SGHF committee consists of 11 people, Lee, the executive director of Golf Saskatchewan is a non-voting sitting member. Inductees must meet several criteria before being nominated, the Hall has categories of player, distinguished service, and teams. The Wascana Country Club in Regina hosted the second induction gala. The Riverside in Saskatoon hosted the others until the committee decided upon the Royal in Regina. Eddy said eventually he hopes the Hall finds a permanent showcase somewhere.

“I’m glad the group took the bull by the horns and got it going. I think we have somewhere around 50 people in there, I think the next thing there would be a home for it,” he said.

All the inductee’s bios and more information on the SGHF can be found here.

Junior golf instructors spent the last three days developing their skills at The Willows in Saskatoon with the help of Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada.

Derek Ingram is the head coach of the nation’s National Amateur Team and the Canadian Young Pro Squad. He led the clinic from Tuesday to Thursday. Ingram said the seminar went well.

“It went great,” Ingram told Golf Saskatchewan after the clinic wrapped up. “I love coming to Saskatoon. The facility is perfect, we got a nice day to do some of the training outdoors. The participants were super eager and excited and well receptive to the information.”

Ingram performs one of these clinics a year, he said on rare occasions he conducts two courses a year. During the three days the clinic covers planning of lessons, analyzing performances, safety, ethical decisions and management of golf programs. He said coaching golf and young players is crucial due to the one-on-one focus that is involved.

“People have to be prepared, if they want to coach junior golfers, players new to the game or even players that have been playing for years, you want to be prepared, organized and professional. You want to have a positive impact on the student,” Ingram said.

Steve Ryde is a member of the PGA of Saskatchewan and coaches junior golf in Saskatoon and for Golf Saskatchewan. He said taking part in the three-day seminar will enhance his approach to the game.

“Derek’s approach on using the ground to gain power off the tee, really stuck with me. As well as a refined lesson plan for students is something that I will add to my tool kit of being a golf coach. Also, each student, whether you’re five, or 55, learn a different way. This is very important as an instructor or coach, so you can deliver the pertinent information to the student, Ryde said.

“I’m not good enough to keep track of my handicap.”

Craig Loughry, Golf Canada’s Director of Handicap and Course Rating, is tired of hearing that.

“The purpose of the Handicap System is to make the game of golf more enjoyable by enabling players of differing abilities to compete on an equitable basis,” the Golf Canada Handicap Manual states.

“If you’re playing golf regularly, you’re keeping track of your scores in some fashion,” he points out. “You’re golfing for a reason or reasons, whether it’s for the competition against yourself or others, recreation, socializing, whatever. It obviously is a significant part of your activity schedule, so why not keep track on an ongoing basis?

“If golfers didn’t care about keeping score, then courses wouldn’t need scorecards, but they seem to have to replace thousands every year.”

Loughry is right. Everyone tracks their progress in just about every other facet of their lives, so why not in their golf games? In business or other pursuits, you expect a level playing field, right? A Golf Canada handicap factor provides both for your golf life.

Additionally, you never know when not having a Golf Canada handicap factor will come back to haunt you.

Knowing zero about your handicap can find you playing off a zero handicap.

A couple of personal anecdotes…

Years ago, I was invited to play in a pro-am. When I showed up at registration, I was asked for my handicap. When I said I didn’t have one, I was told I would have to play off scratch, from the pro tees. Some of my drives barely made the tee block from where my fellow amateurs (the ones with official handicaps) were playing from. Needless to say, I started posting every score after that humiliation.

My wife (who faithfully maintains an accurate handicap factor) plays in the member-guest tournament at a friend’s club every summer. The club sends out a friendly note leading up to the event.  It says, “it is the member’s responsibility to provide a handicap factor from an accredited golf association for their guest(s). Failure to do so will result in your guest(s) playing from scratch. Please note that scorecards, letters or ‘she shoots about an 85’ are unacceptable.”

If you have a Golf Canada Gold-level membership, the lengthy list of benefits includes an official handicap factor. It’s easy to post your adjusted scores online or at any Golf Canada member course and there’s even an app for your phone. It’s easy to join online even if you’re not already a member of a club and start tracking your scores right away.

Now that I’ve persuaded those of you who haven’t maintained a current and accurate factor (you must post all scores using the easy-to-understand Equitable Stroke Control system) to get on the bandwagon, here are some other handicapping notes.

Active Seasons

Regrettably, the end of the Canadian golf season is approaching. Each provincial golf association decides on what is called the “active season” for handicap posting purposes.

By province, the active seasons are:

• British Columbia March 1-Nov. 15
• Alberta March 1-Oct. 31
• Saskatchewan April 15-Oct. 31
• Manitoba April 15-Oct. 31
• Ontario April 15-Oct. 31
• Quebec April 15-Oct. 31
• Nova Scotia April 15-Oct. 31
• New Brunswick May 1-Oct. 31
• Prince Edward Island April 16-Nov. 14
• Newfoundland and Labrador April 1-Nov. 30

Going South This Winter?

It’s never been easier to post out-of-country scores if you’re lucky enough to play in a warmer clime this winter.

“Essentially, all you have to do is simply change the Canadian flag icon to the international one and then start typing in the most unique part of the club/course name,” says Taylor Stevenson, Golf Canada’s manager of member services.

As well, says Loughry, the International Golf Network (IGN) allows Golf Canada members to link their golf membership (handicap record) from Canada to their U.S. club(s). What’s the advantage of that?

“You only need to post your score once and that score automatically gets posted into the other record. This is not only important now for our many members who travel and golf outside the country, but will be more so when the World Handicap System is implemented.”

We Are The World

In 2020, the new unified World Handicap System will be implemented to make handicaps truly consistent and equitable around the globe. The new system will feature more flexibility and reflect the changes in how the game is played worldwide.

For example, both competitive and recreational rounds will count for handicap purposes, the number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap will be reduced and, perhaps most importantly, the result will be a consistent handicap that is portable from courses to course and country to country.

There is even a calculation that considers the impact that abnormal course and weather conditions affected your score.

Click here for more on handicapping.

Routinely golf courses in Saskatchewan see traffic until the middle or end of October, this year Mother Nature has had other plans dumping snow on parts of the province forcing clubs to shut down prior to the Thanksgiving long weekend. The turn in weather has also forced indoor golf centres into earlier opening dates.

The Ramada Golf Dome in Saskatoon will open after the long weekend. The facility was hoping to be ready to take customers but renovations at “bubble” won’t allow that to occur. The building features 35 hitting stalls with state-of-art tee mats. There is 80 yards from tee to the back wall. Operations manager Graham Reddekopp said their facility allows players a real feel over Saskatchewan’s long winters.

“The players work on a lot of their irons, they come back and say I had the best summer I’ve ever had because I got to swing here,” he said. “You get to take full swings with your irons especially, still touching the clubs and not losing that rhythm is so important.”

Aside from the realistic approach the Golf Dome offers, they are linked with the Ramada Hotel allowing visitors to the City of Bridges to work on their game. Reddekopp said return clients do spent time in their facility when they come back.

“A lot of people that come in don’t know we have the Dome and they say, oh I should have brought my clubs. We have rentals but there are a lot of people that will throw and iron or two in their bag when they come in for business and they come see us,” he explained.

Saskatoon is home to several simulators as well. 1^st Tee in Regina is Western Canada’s largest indoor golf facility with 10 full swing simulators. Owner Garrett McMillan said facilities such as 1^st Tee are important for the sport not only in Saskatchewan, but nationwide due to the long winters.

“It’s kind of the biggest knock on golf in Canada for anybody that wants to elevate their game,” he said. “You make strides with whatever you work on through out the summer and suddenly September comes you play a few more rounds of golf and then you have to sit and think about it. The hands don’t quite remember after six months what was worked on, so you take a step forward but almost take a step back.”

1^st Tee has men’s and women’s leagues that are very popular. McMillan, who is a golf coach at the Royal Regina Golf Club is launching a junior league this year. The league will run for 10 weeks beginning on Oct. 14. McMillan said starting the league will help develop young golfers on the course but in life going forward.

“They will interact with friends that are maybe, summer friends. We all have those friend groups that based on whatever you do. This will help kids keep in touch and maybe grow a little more competition with them as well,” he said.

Simulators and winter facilities are speckled across the province and not just located in the large centres. The town of Moosomin in the Southeast corner of the province spent top dollar on several multi-sport simulators including four with swing track technology. Director of Parks and Recreation, Mike Schwean said the town wanted to expand on their leisure activities when deciding to purchase the simulators and expand on their bowling alley.

“Golf is big out this way, we thought we’d get some business from that. There are four simulators with swing track on them. Simulators vary in quality, we went out and bought the best ones money can buy and they’ve attracted people as we’d hoped,” Schwean said.

Moosomin has leagues for both men and women as well, Schwean said they fill very quickly, many nights they have two tee times to accommodate the demand. He said the holiday party season is very popular as well and their weekends are already booked for the next couple months. Schwean said the simulators are fun but helpful in developing your game too.

“I’m not going to lie, I’m an average golfer, you can fix things in a hurry because you can see what’s going on with the face of your club. Everything is crystal clear, it shows what kind of spin you are putting on the ball. It’s pretty obvious what is going on with your swing. It’s pretty cool.”

Most indoor golf facilities have websites and social media accounts and can be found through your search engine if you are seeking venues to help enhance your game or fulfill your golf fix over the winter season.

Ron Stewart didn’t aspire to develop a Hall of Fame amateur golf career, but the Prince Albert product carved his path straight down the fairway into one.

Stewart, 66, played a wide variety of sports growing up including curling, track and field, baseball, and golf. When an injury forced Stewart to cut ties with ball at the age of 16 golf became the focus. Stewart turned down a partial scholarship to the University of Washington after graduating high school. After attending the University of Saskatchewan, he took up amateur golf in the province and won three Saskatchewan men’s championships. Despite half a century of success Stewart said his game struggled at times.

“There was some real ups and downs believe me,” he said. “It wasn’t all fun, there was times when you’d lose a tournament or a lead. You’d feel like things were really unravelling but you pick up the pieces and carry on. 50 years later you have a golf career.”

Stewart began golf lessons when he was 11 years old and caddied for several tournaments as a teenager. He said the sport has many qualities that endeared him to the game.

“The personal challenge of getting better, practicing and getting results out of practicing and overcoming obstacles. All of the friendships along the way that a person meets and just the fact it was something I could do all summer,” the former teacher explained.

Stewart won the Saskatchewan amateur title in 1977, 1987, and 2007. He said the long-time joke is he only won in years ending in seven and added perhaps a super senior championship is coming in 2027. Stewart was inducted into the player category of the Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame in 2013. He has stepped back from competitive golf in recent years attributing that to a new career after he concluded 30 years of teaching. He admits his game isn’t at the level it once was, but Stewart said he hopes that changes.

“When you aren’t scoring as well you tend not to travel as much. I wanted to make sure I had a second occupation that would occupy much my time and I have that but now I think it’s time to go back and work on my golf game,” he said.

On Sept. 22 the Prince Albert Golf and Curling Club celebrated their 50^th anniversary with a weekend long event. Stewart was honoured for his commitment to the sport and facility. Sherry Anderson was recognized on the curling side for her illustrious career as well. Stewart said the weekend event was more curling oriented, but he said having the golf side honoured was great to see. He added that the facility has a special place in his heart and in the city.

“When a person involves a lot into the golf and curling scene it can occupy your competitive side and your social time. There are a number of great facilities in Prince Albert, but I don’t think the other centres necessarily drive an income to the city like golf can drive,” he said.

Stewart won his last amateur title at his home course, the Cooke Municipal. The following season, his son David won the event at the Royal Regina Golf Club. He was also the champion in 2013. David won the men’s Order of Merit championship this season for the third time. Father Ron said he’s proud of his son’s accomplishments.

“His ability to shoot low numbers and play other golf courses so well and winning at a level that I think is much superior to where I was at at his age,” he said. “As long as he keeps playing and improving and giving it his attention like I’m sure he will, when he’s my age at 66, his career will be better than mine.”

“He’s a way better player than me.”

Stewart spoke with Golf Saskatchewan’s Clark Stork on October 4.

Three golfing buddies in Moose Jaw are hoping to help promote golf and courses across Saskatchewan.

Drive the Green launched earlier this year as a media engine including a podcast and website. Matt Hetherington is one of the partners. He said the three Hillcrest Golf Club members decided to start the podcast because the group spends hours talking about the sport.

“There’s a lot of places in the province that people don’t know about,” Hetherington told Golf Saskatchewan. “If we can put some marketing materials together for them and push it out to the province I think it only helps. There’s 150 to 200 courses in this province, you can get the full golf experience without travelling too far.”

One of the groups’ first endeavours was breaking down a small list of the best courses across Saskatchewan according to their experiences playing the tracks. Difficulty, length, scenery, and overall condition were criteria Drive the Green used to create a top-five list. Hetherington said the three did have two honourable mentions, Katepwa Beach Golf Club and the Legends in Warman. Hetherington said both courses could move up their list in the future.

“It’s a beautiful course with everything you want in a course but unfortunately it’s nine holes,” he said of Katepwa. “If they could ever find a way to fit another nine in there they would be in our top-five for sure.”

Hetherington said the Legends simply needs more time to develop and fill in.

Deer Valley outside Regina was listed at number five. Hetherington said the course has had ground shifting issues over recent years but is bouncing back.

“Deer Valley has trees, it’s got trouble, it makes you work for your shots. They are starting to rebuild tee boxes and things like that. Deer Valley is a course with living in Moose Jaw is a treat to drive to, it’s always a fun time there.”

Saskatchewan golf hotspots Waskesiu and Elk Ridge came in fourth and second on the list, respectively. Hetherington said the Prince Albert area courses are obviously must play.

“With the Lobstick tree at Waskesiu it’s probably one of Saskatchewan’s most known courses, it’s a fun course to play. Elk Ridge is right beside it which is essentially Waskesiu on steroids. Elk Ridge has the whole package, it made two on our list just because of that. The resort and stay and play packages, they have 27 holes, if you play the right two it’s a long course. You are using every club in your bag,” Hetherington said.

Dakota Dunes Golf Links came in at number three on the group’s list. The host of the 2018 Golf Saskatchewan Men’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championships is one of Hetherington’s favourites.

“The course itself is the classic links style that I like to play a lot. They are getting tour stops and events coming through there, the Dunes is getting known, we had to include it,” he said.

The number one course on the list was the lone Saskatchewan course to make ScoreGolf’s top 100 list earlier this year is the Riverside in Saskatoon. Hetherington said the acknowledgement on a national level wasn’t his group’s lone attraction.

“It’s a beautiful course, it’s a private course so the Riverside is always in unbelievable condition, that helps with knowing what you are going to get when you go there. Obviously, you need a way to play it but if you get the opportunity you can’t pass it up,” he said.

The trio expected some backlash from their list with it being so small. The group is the first to admit upwards of 20 courses missed out. They are hoping to branch out next season and cover different categories such as diamond in the rough, outside major centres, or a break down based on population. For now, the tandem is hoping to get people talking about the sport and it’s Saskatchewan gems.

The group has recorded over 30 podcasts covering different topics and featured TSN golf analyst Bob Weeks during an episode. They also hope to expand their services into fundraising tournament management. This past season they relaunched a Labour Day event at the Hillcrest with positive results.

Every year the Elk Ridge Resort hosts a Golf Fore the Cure (GFTC) event at their golf course raising funds for breast cancer awareness and research. This year the one-day tournament and gala raised over $21,000, the highest in Canada. Co-chair of the local event, Donna Dutchak said they have had great support over the years the club has taken part in the national program.

“The $21,000 this year was the lowest that we have raised in about three years,” Dutchak said. “Verna (Schneider, co-chair) and I work really hard on it, the committee that we have works hard on it. We have a great group of girls out, everyone has fun and we raise money for a great cause.”

For the second year in a row a group from Elk Ridge was invited to the national GFTC event. Dutchak, along with Brenda Dutchak, LeeAnn Osler, and Coralee Dutchak attended the tournament in Thornhill, Ont. Last year when the group attended the national event they shared a table with a group from Manitoba and shared ideas for their local event. This year the group mingled with the top earning group from Sussex, N.B. Dutchak said their group were able to showcase the generosity of Saskatchewan at the event.

“We were the only Western Canadian team there, there was no one else from Western Canada whatsoever,” she beamed.

Dutchak said travelling to the event with her two daughters and daughter in-law makes the trip extra special. She said the team was also recognized for their participation in Ontario as well.

“It was really nice,” she said. “Everyone decorates their carts, it was a fun tournament. We brought all our decorations for our carts from Saskatchewan and we won the best decorated cart as well so that was nice.”

Plans are already underway for Elk Ridge’s 2019 GFTC event, Dutchak joked her and Schneider will co-chair for “one more year.”

Over the years of the event at Elk Ridge, the attendees and committee have raised over $80,000. All the funds raised stay in Saskatchewan and aid local patients. Nationally over $300,000 was raised this year through 175 local GFTC events.