Spring college season opens for some Sask. players down south
TJ Baker and Will Blake opened their respective spring seasons at the Houston Classic in Humble, Tex. a week ago.
For Baker, this will be the final season of his collegiate career at Arkansas – Monticello. The Prince Albert product tied for 57th with rounds of 80, 80, and 78 at the Golf Club of Houston on Feb. 12 and 13. Baker was his teams’ low shooter, the Weevils were 15th in the team competition.
Next up for the school is the Hardscrabble Invite in Fort Smith, Ark. on March 4 and 5.
Blake and the Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Muleriders placed 10th in the 54-hole event. The Regina resident was 81st in the field with rounds of 88, 83, and 81.
SAU is back on the course March 18 in Edmond, Okla. for the Oak Tree Invitational.
2023 Team Saskatchewan Men’s Amateur member Cole Obrigewitsch was in action alongside Carter Bell of Saskatoon on Feb. 12 and 13 in Omaha, Neb. at the Shadow Ridge Country Club for the CSU San Marcos Fujikura Invite.
Deer Valley’s Obrigewitsch was competing as an individual, the California State University San Bernadino Coyote posted rounds of 75, 79, and 75 to place tied for 49th, his teammates were ninth overall.
Bell competes for Dominican University of California, he fired back-to-back 79’s and 80 to place tied for 62nd. The Penquins team was 12th overall.
Obrigewitsch and the Coyotes will host a tournament from Feb. 26 to 28 at Rams Hill Golf Club in Borego Springs, Cal., Bell’s next event is the Nighthawk Invitational in Pleasanton, Cal. on March 4 and 5 at Callippe Preserve Golf Course.
The Park University Buccaneers and Cole Taylor of Nipawin started their fall season with a smaller two-school shootout in Arizona over the Family Day Weekend.
Battling two teams from Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ), the Buccaneers placed in the middle of the pack at the Los Colinas Golf Course in Queen Creek, Ariz. The Evergreen Golf Course member carded a 72 in round one and 75 in the second round, good enough to tie for 13th place.
Next up a trip to Las Vegas for the RMC Intercollegiate at Reflection Bay Golf Club from March 5 and 6.
The first fall season for Saskatoon’s Chase Pochylko and Tommy Danielson is now underway as well at Nicholls University. The duo was Montgomery, Tex. on Feb. 12 and 13 for the Bentwater Intercollegiate at the Bentwater Country Club.
Danielson led the team with a 54-hole score of 236 (78,75,73) and a tie for 46th place in the field. Pochylko carded back-to-back rounds of 77, and then carded an 81 in the third round to finish at 235, tied for 68th.
The Colonels were 13th as a team, they are heading to the Big Easy, New Orleans for the Gul Coast Collegiate on Feb. 26 and 27.
Several more Saskatchewan student athletes will begin their seasons on Feb. 26 across the United States.
Golf Canada releases 2024 championship schedule
Championship schedule to include 11 National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, six NextGen Championships, and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship in addition to Canada’s National Open Championships – the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open
Golf Canada will also conduct qualifiers for several USGA Championships including Local and Final Qualifying for the U.S. Open as well as the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Men’s and Women’s Amateurs and U.S. Junior Girls and Boys Championships
She Plays Golf Championship Series with stops in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto marks the rebirth of a professional women’s golf tour in Canada.
Golf Canada is pleased to announce its full 2024 championship schedule, which includes amateur and professional competitions in addition to various qualifiers hosted at golf facilities across Canada.
The 2024 schedule is headlined by Golf Canada’s two signature National Open Championships — the RBC Canadian Open, returning to the historic Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont. May 28 – June 2, and the 50th playing of the CPKC Women’s Open to be held at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, July 23-28.
Golf Canada’s 2024 competition calendar also includes 11 National Amateur Championships presented by BDO, six NextGen Championships, and the World Junior Girls Golf Championship. Three new previously announced championships for the 2024 season include the BDO National Golf League Finals, the Canadian U15 Championship, and the Canadian Collegiate Invitational.
As the National Sport Federation and governing body of golf in Canada, Golf Canada conducts the country’s premier amateur and professional golf championships to support the development of the nation’s top talent through world-class competition.
“We are pleased to announce the full championship schedule for 2024 and the addition of three new tournaments this year. We look forward to welcoming talented amateur athletes from across Canada and around the globe to compete for our national championships,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Golf Canada Director, Amateur Championships and Rules. “I want to thank our corporate partners, our generous host clubs across the country, and all the volunteers that are vital to making these championships possible. We are looking forward to another great season of championship golf.”
Each of Golf Canada’s championships are set to be contested at Canada’s top clubs including the 119th Canadian Men’s Amateur, hosted by Riverside Country Club and Saskatoon Golf and Country Club, both in Saskatoon, Sask., while the 110th Canadian Women’s Amateur will be played at the Royal Colwood Golf Club in Victoria, B.C.
The Canadian Junior Financial Assistance Program supported by Gary Cowan Heritage Fund and the Canadian Senior Golf Association will once again be available for Juniors competing in the NextGen Championships and all National Junior Championships (Juniors and U15) who meet eligibility requirements which can be found here.
Golf Canada will also conduct several professional and amateur championship qualifiers including five regional qualifiers into the RBC Canadian Open as well as final qualifiers for both the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open.
Other notable qualifiers being conducted for USGA Championships on the 2024 schedule include a U.S. Open Local and Final Qualifier, a U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier in addition to qualifiers for the U.S. Junior Amateur and Girls’ Junior Championships, the U.S. Women’s Amateur, and local qualifier for the U.S. Amateur Championship.
New to the schedule in 2024 is the She Plays Golf Championship Series, a three-event circuit in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto that marks the rebirth of a professional women’s golf tour in Canada. She Plays Golf is a citywide celebration of women’s golf anchored in each host market by a $60,000 CAD professional golf championship contested over 54-holes for a field of 60 professionals and elite amateurs. The enhanced championships comprising the She Plays Golf Championships Series include the Peloton Glencoe Invitational (June 13-15 at the Forest Course at Glencoe Golf and Country Club in Calgary), the GolfBC Group BC Women’s Open (June 19-22 at Pitt Meadows Golf Club in Pitt Meadows, B.C.), and the ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada (July 2-5 at a venue to be announced in the Greater Toronto Area). For 2024, the top two finishers in each event from the She Plays Golf Championship Series will qualify for the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary. In addition, the overall points leader at the conclusion of the She Plays Golf Championship Series will earn a spot in the CPKC Women’s Open, if not already qualified.
Golf Canada’s championship season kicks off April 15 with a U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier at The Vancouver Golf Club and concludes with the World Junior Girls Golf Championship at Credit Valley Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont. from September 30 – October 5, where Team Canada will look to defend its championship.
To view Golf Canada’s 2024 Championship Schedule, including all host venues, registration requirements and volunteer opportunities visit, golfcanada.ca/competitions-calendar/.
2024 Amateur Championship Season at a Glance…
The inaugural BDO National Golf League Finals will be held at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ont. on May 25 ahead of tournament week of the RBC Canadian Open. Fifty-two two-player teams will compete over 18-holes in a four-ball net stableford format to crown the first ever BDO National Golf League Champions.
The Canadian University/College Championship, presented by BDO, will be held June 2-6 at Idylwylde Golf and Country Club in Sudbury, Ont. The championship includes both a team and individual component featuring Canada’s top university and college talent. The winning men’s team will qualify for the 2024 Canadian Collegiate Invitational.
The Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, will be held July 10-13 at Crown Isle Golf Resort in Courtenay, B.C. The 2023 event marked the first-time the tournament was held as a standalone event for female amateurs aged 25-and-over.
The Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO, will be contested July 21-25 at Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver where the winner will earn an exemption into the 2025 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship and the 2025 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.
The 110th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, takes place July 29 – August 2 at Royal Colwood Golf Club in Victoria, B.C. with the champion earning an exemption into the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open, as well as an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship.
The 119th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, will be contested in Saskatoon, Sask., August 3-8 and hosted by the Riverside Country Club and Saskatoon Golf and Country Club. A maximum field of 264 players will be cut to the low 70 players and ties after 36 holes, with the final two rounds contested at Riverside Country Club. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2025 RBC Canadian Open, as well as an invitation to the 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship. The winner will also receive an exemption from local qualifying for the 2025 U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur Championship.
The Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, will be contested August 12-16 at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship and 2025 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
The Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO, will be held August 19-23 at Carleton Golf and Yacht Club in Manotick, Ont.
The Canadian Women’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO, will take place August 26-29 at The Club at North Halton in Georgetown, Ont. The Senior Champion will receive an exemption into the 2025 U.S. Women’s Senior Championship and 2025 U.S. Women’s Senior Open.
The newest national championship addition to the schedule, the Canadian U15 Championship will be played at Elmira Golf Club in Elmira, Ont. from August 27-30. The boys and girls individual champions will earn exemptions into their respective 2024 Team Canada NextGen Selection Camp as well as their 2025 Canadian Junior Championship, presented by BDO. The top five finishers in each division will earn spots into two 2025 NextGen Championships.
The Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO, a national championship for players with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments, will be held September 9-12 at Timber Ridge Golf Course in Brighton, Ont. The championship will expand to 54-holes in 2024 with previous tournaments being contested over 36-holes.
The Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO, will be hosted by Saugeen Golf Club in Port Elgin, Ont. from September 11-15, with the champion earning an exemption into the 2025 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship.
The Canadian Collegiate Invitational will debut at Öviinbyrd Golf Club in MacTier, Ont. from September 15-17. The tournament was announced last November and will be co-hosted by Kent State University and Penn State University. The intercollegiate tournament will feature nine NCAA Division I men’s teams along with the winning men’s team from the 2024 Canadian University/College Championship. The champion receives an exemption into the 2025 RBC Canadian Open.
The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series which totals six competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2024 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf.
The 2024 NextGen Championship host clubs include: Summerland Golf and Country Club (Summerland, B.C.), FireRock Golf Club (Komoka, Ont.), Leduc Golf Club (Leduc, Alta.), Whitewater Golf Club (Thunder Bay, Ont.), Club de golf Les Boisés de Joly (Joly, Que.) and The Wilds Resort (Holyrood, Nfld.).
The 2024 championship season concludes with the World Junior Girls Golf Championship, taking place at Credit Valley Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont. from September 30 to October 5. Team Canada looks to defend the team championship amongst a field of the world’s best junior golfers. Teams compete as 3-member squads while also contesting for an individual title.
Registration for Golf Canada’s competitions will open on the following dates:
- NextGen Championships: Wednesday, February 21 at 12:00pm EST
- RBC Canadian Open Qualifying: Wednesday, February 28 at 12:00pm EST
- National Amateur Championships: Wednesday, March 6 at 12:00pm EST
Golf Canada announces increase to Canadian Junior Financial Assistance Program for 2024
Number of grants available have increased as part of commitment to provide affordable access for junior golfers
Golf Canada is pleased to announce that the Canadian Junior Financial Assistance Program will expand the number of grants available for the 2024 season. The expansion of the program will reduce the financial burden of participating in championships across Canada for more eligible players and their families.
Initiated in 2022, the Canadian Junior Financial Assistance Program supports junior golfers and their families with need-based financial aid to help offset expenses associated with traveling and competing in national golf championships and NextGen championships. The program is funded by Golf Canada in partnership with the Canadian Seniors’ Golf Association and the Gary Cowan Heritage Fund.
The amount of funds and number of grants available to the Canadian Junior Financial Assistance Program have increased in two years – growth that is reflective of a broader commitment to provide more affordable access to competitions for junior golfers.
“We are excited to announce that the Canadian Junior Financial Assistance Program has increased for 2024 which allows us to accommodate more junior golfers and help to bring down their costs,” said Kevin Blue, chief sport officer, Golf Canada. “We’d like to thank our generous donors who care about junior golf affordability for their continued support with this program.”
The full breakdown of the maximum number of grants that will be awarded along with the criteria in which eligible participants can seek financial assistance can be found at golfcanada.ca/financial-assistance-program/.
The Canadian Junior Financial Assistance Program will be available to eligible participants and their families for the following competitions:
- All six NextGen Championships
- Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO
- Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO
- Canadian U15 Championship, presented by BDO
Applications will be reviewed and accepted beginning thirty (30) days prior to the respective championship. An approval letter will be sent to the participant that has submitted a successful application outlining next steps before the championship begins. Accepted applicants must compete in their respective championship to receive the approved funds through the Canadian Junior Financial Assistance Program.
Coast to coast, an inside look at WHS Indexes nationwide
A nationwide look at WHS ranks; an inside look at 10 million posted rounds
Golf Canada reported their second straight record year when it comes to recording scores on the course last season in 2023.
In 2022, Golf Canada members posted 9.2 million rounds, this past season, that number climbed over 10 million.
These numbers provided by the nation’s amateur golf overseer to Golf Saskatchewan for average Handicap Indexes broken down into both women and men along with the national average provides several benefits.
Golfers that post scores through the Golf Canada Score Centre are more prone to monitor their Index than recreational players, however as the averages show across Canada, you may be a much better player than the average.
Where do you rank? What are your 2024 goals when it comes to your World Handicap Index?
Golf Saskatchewan supports your goals!
For players heading into the summer, there has been WHS changes. For everything you need to know heading into the season and managing your Index, click here.
Nelson named to 2024 North American Vision Cup Team
Another incredible achievement for Gerry Nelson.
The blind golfer from Meadow Lake was named to Team North America for the upcoming 2024 Vision Cup. The teams are comprised of 12 men and two women.
The sixth edition of the event that pits golfers with visually disabilities from North America against the rest of the world. This tournament is held bi-annually and rotates hosting location from North America and the Rest of the World locations.
The Vision Cup will be held in Vienna, Austria from July 22 to 27.
Yorkton golfers join community podcast
The city of Yorkton has been a hotbed for Saskatchewan golfers for decades and with Kade Johnson chasing the PGA Tour dream, Ella Kozak getting set for college, Arden Knoll looking back, and Kathy Ziglo still chasing wins, a local golf fan wanted to hear more.
Dick DeRryk is a life-long Yorkton resident and staple member of Deer Park Municipal Golf Course, where the aforementioned players all got their start.
DeRyk, a former Yorkton city councilor among other positions in Yorkton, hosts a podcast termed ‘Yorkton Stories.’
The east-central Saskatchewan hub has many stories, but earlier this year DeRyk focused on golf with those four stars of the sport in the province.
To listen, click below.
Bach reacts to collecting Moe Norman Award in Orlando
The PGA of Canada Awards were officially announced on Dec. 22 of last year, but the award winners including Saskatoon’s Mitch Bach were able to collect their prize on Jan. 24 at the PGA Show in Orlando, Flo.
The Willows Club based professional and leader behind Clubhouse Golf Academy took home the Moe Norman Apprentice Professional of the Year Award alongside his Apprentice of the Year honour at the PGA of Saskatchewan Awards in October.
Bach spoke with Golf Saskatchewan after returning from the show and what winning the award means, plus how he plans to make 2024 an even more exciting year in the Bridge City, and beyond.
Golf Canada announces addition of Canadian U15 Championship to 2024 Amateur Championship schedule
Oakville, Ont. – Golf Canada is pleased to announce the addition of the Canadian U15 Championship and player development educational summit to its 2024 Amateur Championship schedule. The event will take place August 27-30 at the Elmira Golf Club in Elmira, Ont.
The Canadian U15 Championship, presented by BDO will bring together a field of 78 girls and boys, aged 14 and under from across the country to compete over 36-holes, followed by a player development educational summit.
“We are excited to add the Canadian U15 Championship, presented by BDO and its associated player development educational summit to our amateur tournament schedule this season,” said Golf Canada’s National Head of Talent Identification, Tristan Mullally. “This event is an opportunity for Canada’s top young players to compete for a national championship and also receive important education about the high-performance journey.”
The half-day player development educational summit scheduled for August 30 is required for all participants in the Canadian U15 Championship, presented by BDO. Players, along with their families and coaches, will participate in various interactive clinics to learn about navigating the modern pathway in high-performance golf. Topics will include sport psychology, physical training for young golfers, parenting high-performance athletes, and talent development research. Players will also participate in select Team Canada skills tests and learn about the structure of the national team system.
Elmira Golf Club will play host to the inaugural championship. Founded in 1963, the picturesque 18-hole, par 70 course is situated in a country setting just west of Elmira. The clubhouse, also home to “The Grill on the Green” restaurant, sits perched above the 18th green and provides panoramic views of the golf course below as it flows through the “Eldale Valley” below. Gently winding through the valley and rolling hills is Larches Creek, offering players interesting shots through the unique mixture of finishing holes. Elmira Golf Club celebrated it’s 60th anniversary in 2023 and recently underwent renovations that saw the addition of 20 new tee decks along with a complete white sand bunker restoration.
“Elmira Golf Club is thrilled to be hosting the inaugural Canadian U15 Championship. After celebrating our 60th anniversary this past season at EGC, this special event will certainly create the momentum for the next 60 years in the Club’s history. We are looking forward to welcoming Canada’s best U15’s, their families, and Golf Canada to Elmira this August,” said Jeremy Logel, General Manager and Executive Professional, Elmira Golf Club.
Entry into the Canadian U15 Championship, presented by BDO, can be gained through the following avenues:
- Top 10 U15-aged players from the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship and Canadian Junior Girls Championship (players must make the cut)
- 2024 Provincial U15 Boys and U15 Girls Champions
- Top 2 U15-aged finishers per gender in the 2024 NextGen Championships
- Host Club exemption(s)
- The remainder of the field will be determined by selection.
The boys and girls individual champions will earn exemptions into their respective 2024 Team Canada NextGen Selection Camp as well as their 2025 Canadian Junior Championship, presented by BDO. The top five finishers in each division will earn spots into two 2025 NextGen Championships.
In addition, the Canadian Junior Financial Assistance Program supported by the Gary Cowan Heritage Fund and the Canadian Seniors Golf Association will extend to this championship. The Canadian Junior Financial Assistance Program provides travel grants to qualifying families to mitigate the costs of participating in Golf Canada national championships. For more information, click here.
The full 2024 Canadian Amateur Championship schedule is expected to be announced next month. Registration for all National Amateur Championships will be open on Wednesday, March 6.
Grayson going golfing with US college
Winston Grayson has announced he will play collegiate golf for the Minot State University (MSU) Beavers in the fall.
The Kipling, Sask. product has taken a couple years since high school to decide on his educational future, but he told Golf Saskatchewan the sport is something he wanted to continue to play.
With the commitment to MSU, Grayson will study Business as the North Dakota based college that is currently home to Holly Knudsen of Chaplin, Sask. and Chase Gedak of Estevan.
Grayson spoke with Golf Saskatchewan about his start in golf and his road to the Beavers golf team.
2024 Order of Merit schedule taking shape; Championship schedule also complete
Locked in a cold spell to start 2024, Saskatchewan golfers can now start planning their competitive schedule for the summer when the season opens April 15.
The Order of Merit (OMT) schedule is still missing a few dates with events across Saskatchewan, but most of the schedule is complete and can be found here.
The winner of each OMT category will receive an exemption into a provincial championship of their choice the following year. Golf Saskatchewan implemented the incentive following this past season.
To win an OMT championship you must play in a provincial event, the OMT point structure states players can use their top four events, plus the Saskatchewan championships in the OMT race.
Registration will open for provincials on April 15, the schedule can be found below.
You must be a member of Golf Canada/Saskatchewan to compete for an OMT title or compete in a provincial championship.