Arguably Saskatchewan’s greatest golfer, Graham DeLaet is giving back to his hometown once again.

Back in 2016, the Graham and Ruby DeLaet Foundation contributed $30,000 to the Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation (WDHF) as the city continues to construct a new facility.

This week the WDHF announced on Facebook that the DeLaet’s have donated another $100,000 to the cause.

The DeLaet’s created their foundation in 2014. The new hospital in Weyburn to replace the current 70-year-old facility will open later this year.

To read more, click on this article courtesy DiscoverWeyburn.

The trio of Luke Cote, Will Blake, and Carter Bell and the Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Muleriders were in Mayetta, Kansas on April 6 and 7 for the Firekeeper Open at Firekeeper Golf Course.

Bell led the locals with a tie for 41^st place at 224 (76, 74, 74). Cote tied for 66^th with a 54 hole score of 229 (77, 76, 76), and Blake, who competed as an individual was 84^th after rounds of 78, 77, and 79.

The Muleriders were 15^th in the team competition. SAU’s next tournament is the Great American Conference Championships in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma from April 18 to 21.

Carter Degelman of Saskatoon was on the course in Sonoma, California on April 6 and 7 competing for Dominican University of California. He opened with 75 at the Sonoma Golf Club, shot 81 in round two and 80 in the third and final round to conclude the Dominican Spring Invitational in 30^th place. The Penguins were fourth out of seven schools competing.

On April 13 and 14 Degelman and Dominican will be in Turlock, California for the Hanny Stanislaus Invitational at the Turlock Golf and Country Club.

Swift Current native Makstyr McIntyre and the Wheeling University Cardinals were in action this week. In Wheeling, West Virginia at Oglebay Resort on April 7 and 8 McIntyre posted rounds of 76 and 75 to leave him tied for 42^nd.

Competing for Wheeling’s ‘B’ team, they were 10^th out of 17 schools. Wheeling’s top team was fifth.

The Cardinals will travel to Indiana, Pennsylvania for the IUP Invitational on April 14 and 15 for their next tournament. Fellow Saskatchewanian Alex Swinnerton will also be in the event.

Saskatoon’s Anthony Pesenti played in two one day events this week with Waldorf University. The Riverside Country Club member was in Boone, Iowa for the DMACC Spring Invitational on April 6 at Cedar Pointe Golf Course. He carded a round of 92 which was 28^th overall. Pesenti was playing as an individual, the Warriors team was fourth.

From there, Waldorf traveled to Oskaloosa, Iowa for the Spring Statesmen Invitational at Edmunson Golf Course. Pesenti, again competing as an individual scored better shooting 83, good enough for a tie for 26^th in a larger field of 56 players.

The Warriors team faired much better too taking second place in the team competition. On April 12 and 13 Waldorf will play in the Loras Invitational in Dubuque, Iowa.

Justin Miller of Saskatoon also had a one day event this week with Southwestern Community College (SCC). The Spartans are coming off a team win at their last tournament. This week at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines, Iowa SCC was seventh. Miller played as an individual and placed tied for 35^th with an 83.

The Spartans are in Fort Dodge, Iowa for the Iowa Central Spring Invitational on April 10 and 11 at Fort Dodge Country Club.

How did you become a member of the PGA of Canada/Saskatchewan?

My father (Gary Brandon – 2019 Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame inductee) was a member of the PGA of Canada, and I grew up around the game. This certainly started my interest in the game and ultimately led me to pursue golf as a profession.  

How many years have you been a golf professional?

I have been a golf professional for 23-plus years and a Class A Professional for over 20 years.

What is your favourite memory or most uplifting story from your time in the game of golf?

My favorite memory of golf is, and it is really hard to just pick one. I have so many wonderful memories with my provincial and university teammates.  But, if I am to pick one, I would say qualifying for the 1998 Du’Maurier on the LPGA tour and having my father caddying for me.  

If you had the opportunity to speak to the entire province at once, how would you encourage more females to take up the sport of golf?

Golf is a game that will be with you for your lifetime. There are not many sports that allow you to age within the game as well as the ability to enjoy nature while playing. Golf will allow you to play and travel with friends that are at all levels of ability.  

Gerry Nelson, a world renowned blind golfer from Meadow Lake, Sask. has been honoured as one of the province’s Volunteer Medal recipients.

Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre announced the 14 honourees on April 2.

“The 2025 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal recipients are an impressive group of people,” McIntyre said in a government issued news release. “They have worked generously and tirelessly in support of arts and culture, sports and recreation, youth and seniors, veterans and the military, and those living with disabilities and chronic illness. I am thrilled to acknowledge these remarkable individuals who have contributed in countless ways to our province.”

The release highlighted the contributions of all of the recipients. According to the release, Nelson has dedicated more than 35 years to advancing blind golf locally, nationally, and internationally. Blind himself, he has volunteered as a leader, mentor, coordinator, and advocate, helping grow the sport and support blind and visually impaired golfers of all ages. He organized major events—including the first Canadian Open Blind golf championships in Saskatoon in 1997—and has served in key roles such as Saskatchewan Blind Golf Coordinator, Chair of the Western Canadian Blind Golf Association, President of Blind Golf Canada, and Canada’s representative to International Blind Golf. Through coaching, promoting participation, and supporting new players worldwide, Gerry’s impact on the sport is profound and enduring.

The Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal was established in 1995 to recognize the extraordinary work of volunteers across the province. Since its creation, the medal has been awarded to 286 deserving individuals. 

For more information about the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, click here www.saskatchewan.ca/honoursawards.

Chloe Wills and Sarah Henderson crossed paths again this week on the course in the United States.

Henderson’s Lewis University hosted the Flyers Spring Invitational at Bolingbrook Golf Club in Bolingbrook, Illinois on March 30 and 31. Competing for the Flyers ‘B’ team, the Saskatoon native carded rounds of 96 and a rain shortened 43 over nine holes in the second round that was cut short due to the weather. Her team was 12^th.

Wills and the Drury University Panthers placed eighth in the tournament. The Kyle, Sask. product posted an 85 in round one and 40 during round two, she was tied for 29^th.

Wills and Henderson will travel to St. Louis on April 12 for the UMSL Spring Invitational at Norwood Hills Country Club in their next action to close the regular spring season.

Ella Kozak of Yorkton was in Johns Creek, Georgia on March 30 and 31 for the Georgia State Invitational at Rivermont Golf Club. She tied for 44^th with rounds of 78, 70, and 82. Kozak’s team, the University of Idaho Vandals, were eighth.

Kozak and the Vandals are taking on Boise State in a dual this week. The next tournament will be the Bobcat Desert Classic on April 13 and 14 in Goodyear, Arizona at The Golf Club of Estrella.

Waskesiu Golf Course junior graduates Alex Swinnerton and Guillermo Salazar and the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Crimson Hawks were in Old Hickory, Tennessee on March 30 and 31 for the Music City Invitational at Hermitage Golf Course. Swinnerton shot 78 in round one, the Saskatoon resident posted a fantastic 65 in the second round and finished with a 69 in the last round. He was tied for 22^nd. Salazar, who is from Calgary tied for 40^th at 217 (73, 71, 73).

IUP was tied for seventh in the team category. The Crimson Hawks will host the Cecil C. Spadafora IUP Invitational on April 14 and 15 at the Indiana Country Club.

Chase Pochylko of Saskatoon was in Semmes, Alabama on March 30 and 31 for the Mobile Bay Intercollegiate. Playing at Magnolia Grove, Pochylko signed for rounds of 76, 75, and 79 leaving the Riverside Country Club member tied for 72^nd.

Nicholls University tied for eighth in the team competition. Next up for the Colonels is the Arkansas State Spring Invitational at Ridge Point Country Club in Jonesboro, Arkansas on April 13 and 14.

A pair of Saskatoon products were in the field of the Graceland Spring Invitational at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park in Maryville, Missouri on March 27 and 28.

Justin Miller and the Southwestern Community College Spartans were taking part. He shot 82 and 81 to finish in 22^nd place.

Anthony Pesenti and the Waldorf Warriors were at the event too. Pesenti was competing as an individual, he shot 96 and 85 to place tied for 59^th.

Miller and the Spartans won the team event by 10 shots. Pesenti’s Waldorf teammates were eighth.

Golf Saskatchewan is mourning the loss of Richard Smith, a long time volunteer with the association.

Smith passed away on March 19, 2026 after a battle with Cancer.

Smith served as the president of Golf Saskatchewan from 2014-15 and is a recipient of the organization’s Long Term and Exemplary Volunteer Service Award. Smith had been with Golf Saskatchewan for nearly 24 years serving in member services roles, course rating, handicapping and executive committees. He has also been a member of the Golf Canada course rating and handicap committee for eight years and the chair of that group for four. 

He was recognized by Sask Sport in March of 2019 as their “Volunteer of the Year.” Golf Saskatchewan Executive Director Brian Lee nominated Smith for the honour. He worked alongside Smith for over two decades.

“Richard was one of the volunteers who had a profound and lasting impact on our organization and on the game of golf in Saskatchewan,” Lee said. “Over the years, he served with distinction as a member of the board of directors and as president of Golf Saskatchewan. His leadership extended to the development and maintenance of bylaws and policy, but his true passion was Course Rating. Even following his passing, Richard’s recorded presentations, notes, memos, and charts will continue to educate and guide future course raters and team leaders for many years to come, in Saskatchewan and across Canada.”

“His commitment, knowledge, and generosity in sharing his expertise have left an enduring legacy benefiting the game well into the future. He will be missed but not forgotten. Rest well,” Lee added.

Smith was also recognized by the nation’s amateur golf association. Golf Canada presented Smith with the 2019 Distinguished Service Award. Smith was recognized alongside long-time golf journalist Ian Hutchinson. Golf Saskatchewan President Brian Topp also passed along condolences and recognized Smith’s commitment to golf in Saskatchewan.

“Richard was a great person and volunteered countless hours to something he loved, golf. His leadership will be truly missed by all of us at our association,” Topp said.

Smith was 81 years old.

A celebration of his life will be announced in the future.

How did you become a member of the PGA of Canada/Saskatchewan?

One of the PGA members recommended that I take the Playing Ability Test, and I successfully passed.

How many years have you been a golf professional?

I have been a golf professional for approximately two years.

What is your favourite memory or most uplifting story from your time in the game of golf?

Winning Club Championships twice is my most memorable achievement.

If you had the opportunity to speak to the entire province at once, how would you encourage more females to take up the sport of golf?

Trust, confidence, never give up, have fun, and enjoy the game. All the ladies could do it if they squeezed in some time for practice every day.

How did you become a member of the PGA of Canada/Saskatchewan?

I became a PGA of Canada, British Columbia Zone Member in 1987. Previous to that I played NCAA Div. 1 golf for Lamar University in Texas, and played professionally in the United States and Europe. Tour golf was not for me, I didn’t enjoy the traveling but did enjoy playing and since I
didn’t like both I knew I shouldn’t be playing golf for a living. I became a member of the PGA and gave my first lesson, which was so enjoyable that it out ranked any desire to return to playing. I came to Saskatchewan in 2020, after teaching in Vancouver for 33 years. I joined the PGA of Saskatchewan and found a home at the Saskatoon Golf and Country Club.

How many years have you been a golf professional?

I have been a golf professional since 1986 and a PGA of Canada member since 1987, 40
years. Wow, haven’t seen that written down before!

What is your favourite memory or most uplifting story from your time in the game of golf?

My very first lesson was with an older lady who was a member at the club I worked at, she was so sweet and fun, we laughed a lot. I realized after that lesson that I preferred helping others, it was a relief not to be focused on myself and my game.

If you had the opportunity to speak to the entire province at once, how would you encourage more females to take up the sport of golf?

Girls and women generally like doing a sport with other females. However, I would point out that golf is the sport that can be done throughout life. If learned as a young person and the sport is left for careers, marriage or children, it can be easily be picked up later. The foundation of learning early will make it easier to start again. The social aspect of golfing, in a ladies league or just with friends, will be very rewarding. And who doesn’t want four or five hours away from life duties with friends.

It’s been a good couple weeks for Luke Cote and Carter Bell at Southern Arkansas University (SAU).

On March 16 and 17 in Edmond, Oklahoma at the Oak Tree Country Club, Cote, the reigning Saskatchewan amateur men’s champion posted a tie for sixth to lead the Mueriders. Cote shot rounds of 71 and 75 to finish five shots behind the winner. Bell shot 77 and 79 at the event, the Saskatoon product was tied for 52^nd.

Will Blake of Regina was competing as an individual in the event; he opened with an 87 before moving up 16 spots on the leaderboard on day two with a 77. He finished tied for 82^nd.

The performance earned Cote the Great American Conference Golfer of the Week. SAU was ninth out of 18 teams in the event.

The Muleriders then travelled back to home for the Arkansas Collegiate at Mystic Creek Golf Club in El Dorado on March 23 and 24.

Bell took his turn to lead the Muleriders to second place finish in their host event with a tie for sixth, is career collegiate best. The Riverside Country Club member shot 78, 76, and 77 for a solid 54-hole score of 231.

Cote tied for 49^th at 246 (79,85,82), Blake competed as an individual again and placed 76^th with rounds of 86, 96, and 85.

The Muleriders will be in Mayetta, Kansas on April 6 and 7 for the Firekeeper Open at Firekeeper Golf Course.

Alex Swinnerton and Guillermo Salazar started their spring season with Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) this week in Blacksburg, Virginia at Blacksburg Golf Club after a postponement from March 16.

Swinnerton opened his final collegiate season with a tie for third to leading the Crimson Hawks to a second place finish. The Saskatoon product shot 76 in round one and followed that with back-to-back 72’s to place just three shots of the pace.

Salazar played well too tying for ninth. The Calgary native and Waskesiu junior graduate went 79, 71, 74 over the course of the tournament.

 Next up is the Trevecca Music City Invitational in old Hickory, Tennessee on March 30 and 31.

Reigning Saskatchewan amateur women’s champion Chloe Wills has had a busy stretch in the second half of March. The Drury Panthers were in Bolivar, Missouri on March 16 and 17 for the Midwest Intercollegiate Invitational at Silo Ridge Country Club. The Kyle product tied for 27^th at 169 (86, 83). Drury had two teams in the event, the ‘A’ team with Wills on it was seventh I the field.

Wills and the Panthers loaded up and headed to Hollister, Missouri for the Ozarks National Invitational at Ozarks National Golf Course on March 23 and 24. In the 54 hole event Wills posted rounds of 78, 84, and 70 to tie for 49^th. Her team was 14^th.

The Panthers will regroup and travel to Bolingbrook, Illinois for the Flyers Spring Invite on March 30 and 31. A field that should include Saskatoon’s Sarah Henderson as well.

Nipawin’s Cole Taylor and the Park University Buccaneers were in Enid, Oklahoma for the Oakwood Collegiate on March 23 and 24 at Oakwood Country Club. He started with an 80 in round before shooting a 74 in round two and another lower round of 72 in the third round. The Evergreen Golf Course staffer placed 41^st in the event. The Bucs were 12^th out of 18 teams in the tournament.

Park will be in Lompoc, California on April 20 to 22 for the GSAC Conference Championships for their next action.

The University of Victoria Vikes with Martensville’s Myles Johnson were in Bullhead City, Arizona for The Battle at Laughlin Ranch Golf Club. Johnson also improved every round starting with an 89, before posting an 82 in round two, and 75 in the final round. He was 93^rd in the event. The Vikes struggled to a 20^th place team finish.

Victoria will return to Canada for the BC Match Play Championship on March 29 to 31 in Chilliwack, British Columbia.

At the Greystone Golf Club in Dickson, Tennessee on March 23 and 24, Saskatoon’s Chase Pochylko and the Nicholls University Colonels were in action at the Austin Peay Intercollegiate. Pochylko carded a pair of rounds of 78 before closing with a 72 in round three to move up 10 spots in round three tying for 59^th.

The Colonels were tied for 10^th as a team in a field of 16 NCAA Division 1 schools. Nicholls is slated to be in Semmes, Alabama at Magnolia Grove for the Mobile Bay Intercollegiate on March 30 and 31.

Swift Current’s Makstyr McIntyre was in California, Pennsylvania for the Cal-U Invitational competing as an individual for Wheeling University. The Elmwood Golf Club member shot 80 and 75 at Lone Pine Country Club leaving him in a tie for 26^th overall out of 70 players.

McIntyre’s Wheeling teammates were among a four school tie for second three shots behind the winning team. The MEC Spring Classic in Wheeling, West Virginia is next for the Cardinals on April 7 and 8.

Cameron Schwab of Maple Creek was in Smithville, Missouri for the NSIC Conference Preview competing with the Minot State University (MSU) Beavers at Paradise Pointe Golf Club on March 23 and 24. He shot 84 and 78 for an 86^th place finish. MSU was 14^th as a squad.

On April 13 and 14 the Beavers are scheduled to be in Rapid City, South Dakota for the Texas Roadhouse Spring Invitational at The Golf Club at Red Rock.

It was a smaller field of 23 players, but Saskatoon’s Justin Miller found himself at the top of the leaderboard at the Mozingo Preview at Mozingo Lake Golf Course in Maryville, Missouri on March 20. Miller, who at Southwestern Community College shot 4-under par, 68 to win the event by a shot.

The Spartans will return to Mozingo for the Graceland University Invitational on March 27 and 28.

Anthony Pesenti has his first spring event of the season under his belt. The Saskatoon product played as an individual at the Central Methodist Invitational on March 23 and 24 at Hail Ridge Golf Course in Boonville, Missouri. The Riverside Country Club member had no score for round one but was able to play in round two and carded an 83.

Pesenti’s Waldorf University teammates were seventh overall as a team. The Warriors will also be in Maryville, Missouri for the Graceland Invitational on March 27 and 28.

Holiday Park Golf Course member Brian Topp is the new president of Golf Saskatchewan.

The Saskatoon product was nominated to the position on Saturday (March 21) following the organizations’ annual general meeting. Topp takes over from Diana Kerr who held the role for a year.

Kevin Duchscherer, Danny Klughart, Bill Briscoe, and Ross Pratt have had their terms end on the executive. New to the board is Linda Betnar of Regina, Mitch Bach of Saskatoon, and Josh Lilly of North Battleford. Topp, who has been on the executive for three years, and on the referee roster since 2019, is excited to work with the new group.

“As the newly elected president of the board for Golf Saskatchewan, I would like to thank Danny Klughart, Bill Briscoe and Ross Pratt for their years of service to the board. Thank you to Diana Kerr and Kevin Duchscherer for their service as president and past president. We welcome to the board – Linda Betnar, Mitch Bach and Joshua Lilly. I look forward to working with all the board members and the staff at Golf Saskatchewan,” Topp said.

Betnar, who is a longtime finance manager and has worked with other non-profits will take over as treasurer from Klughart.

The AGM also revealed a $110,000 surplus for the association that oversees all amateur golf in the province under the umbrella of Golf Canada. Topp said he looks forward to continuing to see the growth of golf both recreationally and competitively.

“As all levels of golf continue to expand in Saskatchewan, I look forward to working with the board to give our athletes the best possible competitions and resources so that they may all succeed. We look forward to improving all levels of golf so everyone can continue to enjoy the game,” he said.

The golf season (score posting) in Saskatchewan will open on April 15. Registration for championships will also open that day.

To see the Golf Saskatchewan annual report, click here.