MJT National Championships underway in Florida; 9 Sask. players in field
The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) National Championships began Friday in Kissimmee, Florida at Orange Lake Golf Resort.
Eight players from Saskatchewan earned an invite to the 54-hole tournament. Competing this year is:
Alyxa Melsted (Wynyard) | Under-15 Women
Miranda Merriman (La Ronge) | 15 – 19 Women
Ada Dillon (Onion Lake) | 15 – 19 Women
Austin Nesbitt (Pilot Butte) | Under-15 Men
Hudson Diederichs (Saskatoon) | Under-15 Men
Dante Gamble (Duck Lake) | Under-17 Men
Kai Kriekle (Regina) | Under-17 Men
Ayden Melsted (Wynyard) | Under-17 Men
Dade Bernatchez (Sucker River) | | Under-19 Men
The three round championship will conclude on Sunday.
To follow along with the scores, click here.
Wells wins two trophies at PGA of Sask. awards banquet
Ryan Wells is a two time winner at the 2025 PGA of Saskatchewan awards.
The Cooke Municipal Golf Course head professional took home the Frank Fowler Trophy for lowest scoring average (68) and the Bill Taylor Trophy which is given to the professional best exemplifying sportsmanship.
Wells spoke after the awards reception on Oct. 30 at Dakota Dunes Golf Resort.
Wallin wins pair of PGA of Sask. awards
Former Saskatchewan junior men’s champion Tayden Wallin has found his golf game again and has been recognized for a fantastic season on the course.
Now a professional working at Riverside Country Club, the 2017 junior champion was named the Scott Knapp Trophy (Player of the Year) and Peter Kushner Trophy (Order of Merit) winner at the associations awards banquet on Oct. 30 at Dakota Dunes Resort.
The Humboldt product spoke after the reception about being back on the competitive circuit and his return to loving the sport.
Golf Canada announces future venues of the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championships
Prestigious national championship will be contested across
three different provinces through 2029
OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada is pleased to announce the clubs that will host the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO in 2027, 2028 and 2029.
The 2027 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship will take place at Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club in Calgary, Alta., from July 26-30, followed by St. Charles Country Club in Winnipeg, Man. from July 24-28, 2028, and Brantford Golf & Country Club in Brantford, Ont., July 23-27, 2029.
“We are very proud to announce the future venues for our Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO through 2029,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Director, Amateur Championships and Rules, Golf Canada. “Our women’s amateur is one of the most prestigious tournaments conducted by Golf Canada and we appreciate Priddis Greens, St. Charles and Brantford’s continued commitment and support of amateur golf in Canada. All three venues have hosted numerous championships over the years and will provide a great test along with an exceptional experience for those competing.”
Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club was established in 1983 to provide an exceptional golf experience that intentionally aligned course excellence with concierge-style member service—all amidst a natural woodland setting that is second-to-none. Today, Priddis Greens remains committed to being Alberta’s premier private golf club, where warm hospitality, spectacular golf, and a strong sense of belonging define every experience. The mission is simple: enrich lives through golf.
Members enjoy two acclaimed 18-hole courses, namely “Hawk” and “Raven”, designed by renowned architect Bill Newis, nestled in the challenging yet scenic terrain of the Alberta Foothills. With meticulously maintained tree-lined fairways, pristine bentgrass tees and greens, and yardages ranging from 4,100 to 6,900, the courses offer versatility for every level of play, only enhancing the tranquil experience offered just minutes from the southwest corner of Calgary.
Priddis Greens is a three-time host of the CPKC Women’s Open. Australia’s Karrie Webb won in 1999, Norway’s Suzann Pettersen won the 2009 tournament and Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand won the most recent championship held at the course in 2016. The province of Alberta last hosted the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship in 2021 at the Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club in Edmonton.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be hosting the 113th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship at Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club in 2027. This event represents a wonderful opportunity for us to continue our proud tradition of hosting national women’s championships, and we are honoured to partner with Golf Canada for this prestigious event,” said Chad Thomlinson, General Manager & PGA Executive Professional, Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club. “Our Club has a long-standing commitment to providing an exceptional golf experience, and we are eager to showcase our beautiful courses and warm hospitality to the talented athletes and spectators who will join us. We look forward to contributing to the growth and success of women’s golf in Canada.”
Founded in 1904 by a group of visionary Winnipeg businessmen, St. Charles Country Club has grown into one of Canada’s most storied and respected private golf clubs. Set along the banks of the historic Assiniboine River, the Club is distinguished by its 27 championship holes, each nine designed by a legendary architect: Donald Ross, Alister MacKenzie, and Norman Woods. Over the decades, St. Charles has proudly hosted provincial, national, and international championships and welcomed golf’s greatest names to its fairways. Today, the Club remains dedicated to preserving its rich heritage while continuing to evolve as a premier destination for golf, recreation, and connection in the heart of Manitoba.
St. Charles is one of only eight clubs to host all four of Golf Canada’s premier events: RBC Canadian Open (1952), CPKC Women’s Open (1992, 2010) and both the Canadian Men’s (1936, 1957) and Women’s (1937, 1950, 1981) Amateur Championships. The Club has also hosted the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Senior Championships as well as the Canadian Junior Boys and Junior Girls Championships.
“St. Charles is honoured to host the 2028 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship. Our proud legacy includes welcoming many of Canada’s most prestigious golf events including the Canadian Open, Canadian Women’s Open, and Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, where our courses have consistently challenged some of the best players in the world,” said Heather Smart, President, St. Charles Country Club. “With the recent restorations of our MacKenzie and Ross Nines, and the forthcoming opening of the renewed West Nine, we look forward to showcasing the distinct character of each course and extending the warm hospitality that defines the St. Charles experience.”
Founded in 1879, Brantford Golf & Country Club is one of North America’s oldest and most distinguished private clubs. Set along the scenic Grand River in Brantford, Ontario, the Club features a classic, championship-calibre course originally shaped by Nicol Thompson and Robbie Robinson and refined through an historically influenced renovation by Rod Whitman and Keith Cutten. Brantford has proudly hosted numerous provincial and national championships, including the Canadian Amateur and Ontario Women’s Amateur, and continues to blend tradition with innovation through its acclaimed golf course, vibrant clubhouse, and welcoming membership community.
Brantford will be hosting its sixth national amateur championship after previously hosting the Canadian Junior Boys Championship (1965), Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship (1997) and the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship twice (1966, 2004). Prior to the 2029 Canadian Women’s Amateur, Brantford will host the 2026 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO.
“Brantford Golf & Country Club is honoured to host the 2029 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, welcoming the nation’s top female golfers to one of Canada’s most historic and celebrated venues,” said Dave Newsome, General Manager, Brantford Golf & Country Club.
The Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship debuted in 1901 at the Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Que., the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship stands as one of the oldest amateur golf events in the world. Current LPGA Tour stars Ariya Jutanugarn (2012), Brooke Henderson (2013), Hye-Jin Choi (2016), Jennifer Kupcho (2017) and Yealimi Noh (2018) have all lifted the Dutchess of Connaught Gold Cup – though none have matched Marlene Stewart Streit’s record of 11 victories that helped her become the first-ever Canadian inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Team Canada – NextGen member, Michelle Xing of Richmond Hill, Ont. added her name to the prestigious list of champions this July at The Riverside Country Club in Rothesay, N.B.
As previously announced the 112th playing of the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship will take place at The Toronto Golf Club in Mississauga, Ont., from July 20-24, 2026.
The full 2026 championship schedule will be announced in the new year.
Wildwood Golf Course named runner-up for 2024 First Tee Program Location of the Year
SASKATOON, Sask. — Wildwood Golf Course has been recognized as the runner-up for the 2024 First Tee Program Location of the Year award. This award is one of six National Facility Awards for Junior Golf, created by Golf Canada and presented by Humi by Employment Hero, to help recognize the outstanding contributions golf facilities are making to junior golf on an annual basis.
Led by PGA of Canada professional Jason Schneider, Wildwood has quickly become one of the most sought-after First Tee – Prairies program locations. Since 2023, every program session has filled to capacity with a waitlist, reflecting the strong demand from local youth and families.
Through the dedication of Schneider and his team of volunteers, the program has created a welcoming space where life skills and golf skills come together. Last summer, participants also had the chance to experience the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, giving them a closer look at the competitive side of the game while continuing to build their passion for golf.
“On behalf of First Tee – Prairies, I want to congratulate Wildwood Golf Course and Coach Jason Schneider on this well-deserved recognition,” said Michael Kananoja, program manager of First Tee – Prairies. “Jason’s leadership and commitment to the values of First Tee have made Wildwood an outstanding hub for youth development, and this accomplishment speaks to the incredible effort he and his team put in every season.”
Since launching in 2023, Wildwood has engaged more than 100 First Tee participants, including 65 per cent who identified as BIPOC and 46 per cent as female in 2024. Thanks to the support of RBC Community Junior Golf, all on-course programming is offered at no cost to participants. The First Tee program also extends into five schools and two community organizations in the surrounding area, with more than 80 per cent of those youth transitioning into on-course sessions each season.
Cote’s career best highlights slower week on collegiate circuit
Regina’s Luke Cote has a career best third place finish on his college resume.
The reigning Saskatchewan amateur champion was in Rockwall, Texas this week for the DBU Classic with Carter Bell and the Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Muleriders. Competing on Oct. 27 and 28 at Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club, Cote carded rounds of 69, 71, and 71 to place two shots back of the winner in third, his first collegiate podium finish.
Bell shot 75 in round one, 77 in the second round and closed with an 80, the Saskatoon product tied for 66th. The Muleriders were fourth overall in the team competition to wrap the fall campaign.
Davin Karst of Assiniboia was on the course this week for the Milsaps College Majors in Flowood, Mississippi. Competing in the Belhaven Invitational at the Refuge Golf Club Karst shot 80 and 88 to place tied for 48th place. Karst was on the Majors ‘B’ team at the event; the group was 11th overall. The Milsaps ‘A’ team was fourth.
That was the end of the season for Karst and the Majors.
Justin Miller’s fall season has been busy with another event this week, the Southwestern Community College (SCC) Spartans played their ninth tournament of the fall this week. SCC was in Galesburg, Illinois for the Prairie Fire Classic on Oct. 25 and 26 at Soangetaha Country Club. The Saskatoon product shot 76 and 81 helping lead his team to a win. SCC had the top two finishers in the event; Miller was tied for 18th to wrap the fall season.
A half a dozen Saskatchewan student-athletes have events scheduled next week before the season closes for good.
PGA of Sask. hands out annual awards
The PGA of Saskatchewan hosted their annual awards reception on Thursday during the organization’s Buying Show at Dakota Dunes Resort.
There were two multi-winners this year with Tayden Wallin of Riverside Country Club being recognized for a fantastic playing season and Ryan Wells made the most of his return to Cooke Municipal Golf Course also taking home two honours.
The winners are listed below. Golf Saskatchewan spoke with several winners and will be featured next week.
Graham Coulter Professional of the Year | Paul Schatz | Waskesiu Golf Course

Class ‘A’ Assistant Professional of the Year | Chad Lavallee | Riverside Country Club

Apprentice Professional of the Year | Cole Ginther | The Legends Golf Club

John Gaudet Teacher of the Year | Mitch Bach | Clubhouse Golf

Coach of the Year | Jeff Chambers | Jeff Chambers Golf

Sales Representative of the Year | Max Murchison | Acushnet Golf

Junior Leader of the Year | Jason Schneider | JDS Golf

Retailer of the Year | Brad Lovatt | Wascana Country Club

Scott Knapp Trophy (Player of the Year) | Peter Cushner Trophy (Order of Merit Champion) | Tayden Wallin | Riverside Country Club

Bill Taylor Trophy (Sportsmanship) | Frank Fowler Trophy (Lowest Scoring Average) | Ryan Wells | Cooke Municipal Golf Course)

Executive Professional of the Year | Darcy Myers | Cooke Municipal Golf Course
*Unable to attend
End of active posting season: explained
As the leaves turn and golf courses across the country begin preparing for winter, we mark the end of the “active posting season” for many Canadian golfers. Under the Golf Canada Handicapping system, an active season is the period during which scores from rounds played on regional courses may be submitted for a golfer’s Handicap Index® and officially count.
In practical terms, this means that for provinces such as Ontario and Quebec, the active posting window typically runs from about April 15 to October 31.
With that window now closing, golfers at clubs across Canada must shift their thinking. Here’s what this seasonal change means—and what to keep in mind as the clubs wind down for winter.
Why an active/inactive season matters:
The rationale behind the delineation is simple: golf courses in the off-months often play under very different conditions—frost-hardened fairways, slower greens, shorter roll-out, tree leaf fall, wet spots—that diverge significantly from the “mid-season” conditions assumed when course ratings and slope ratings were set. Allowing scores from such conditions to count would risk distorting players’ handicap indexes—either inflating or deflating them unfairly.
For that reason, rounds played on courses that are in their inactive season will still be recorded (in many cases) but won’t be included in handicap calculations. This ensures a fairer reflection of a golfer’s ability under more typical playing conditions.
What golfers should do now:
With the active posting season ending in many regions, now’s the time to make sure all your rounds played during the window are posted if you haven’t already. Since every player is responsible for submitting acceptable scores during the active season, missing a late-season round could leave your record incomplete.
If you plan to travel to warmer climates or play somewhere with a year-round active season (for example some clubs in British Columbia or in the southern U.S.), those rounds can still be submitted—provided the host course is in its active season. So even as your home club closes out, your golf doesn’t necessarily have to stop.
What changes for your game and club?
From the club’s side, this time of year often signals the winding-down phase—fewer tournaments, course maintenance ramps up, tees and greens may be adjusted for winter conditions, and the pace of play may shift. For players, the focus may turn from competitive rounds to skillrefinement: indoor putting, swing work, lessons, or planning for next season.
Also, with posted rounds now finalised for the year, your Handicap Index® heading into winter is set. That gives you a baseline to work from for next season. During the “inactive” period you might still play—it’s just that those rounds typically won’t contribute to the index, so they serve more as practice or fun rather than ranking rounds.
Looking ahead to next season
With the active season behind us, it’s a good moment for reflection: review your stats for the year, set goals for next year (e.g., stroke reduction, improved short game, more fairways hit), and perhaps identify indoor or offseason training opportunities. Many clubs open lessons, simulator access or special winter programs precisely because the outdoor competitive calendar is winding down.
In short: the close of the active posting season isn’t the end of your golfseason life—it’s just the signal that for handicapping and official scoretracking purposes, the “clock” has been paused. Use the next months wisely: maintain your swing, play off-course golf, stay “dialled” so when Spring 2026 rolls around—you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Henderson and Wills compete in college; Salazar just misses win
It’s been several years since two Saskatchewan student-athletes have competed in the same women’s collegiate event, until this week.
Chloe Wills and Sarah Henderson were both in the field in Caseyville, Illinois for the McKendree Bearcats Dual Gender Invitational on Oct. 20 and 21. Playing at Far Oaks Golf Club, both players put up excellent results. Wills shot 81, 77, and 79 over the 54 holes leaving her in a tie for 10th place. Henderson also had a great showing placing tied for 14th. She carded rounds of 81, 83, and 75.
Henderson and her Lewis teammates won the team competition at the event, the Drury Panthers and Wills were sixth overall.
It’s believed that this is the first time since 1991 that two women from Saskatchewan competed at the college level since Kathy Ziglo and Kim Brozer were in the LSU Invitational together.
Both Wills and Henderson have concluded their first fall seasons and will be off until the new year.
Yorkton’s Ella Kozak was able to conclude her first season at the University of Idaho with a trip to Hawaii. The Vandals just wrapped up the Rainbow Wahine Invitational at Hokuala Golf Club in Lihue. Kozak shot 79, 80 and 77 in three rounds finishing in 99th place.
The Vandals were 19th as a team.
Regina’s Adam Husli has also wrapped up his fall season at the University of Providence. The Spartans were in Lewiston, Idaho on Oct. 20 and 21 for the LC State Invite. Playing 36 holes at Lewiston Golf and Country Club, Husli shot rounds of 80 and 78 tying for 34th overall.
Providence was eighth as a team.
The Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Muleriders fall season continued in Afton, Oklahoma on Oct. 20 and 21. Regina’s Luke Cote and Saskatoon product Carter Bell were at Shangri La Golf Resort playing in the MSSU Fall Invite. Cote led the team tying for 16th. The reigning Saskatchewan amateur champ shot 75, 73, and 74 over three rounds. Bell posted scores of 78, 74, and 77, he was tied for 42nd overall.
The Muleriders were 11th out of 18 schools at the tournament. SAU travels to Rockwall, Texas for the DBU Classic on Oct. 27 and 28 to close their season.
Waskesiu Golf Course junior graduates Alex Swinnerton and Guillermo Salazar put on a show for the Indianna University of Pennsylvania Crimson Hawks this week. In Lebanon, Pennsylvania at the Iron Valley Golf Club on Oct. 20 and 21, Salazar was awarded second in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championship due to darkness. After shooting rounds of 72, 73, and 74, the Calgary product competed in a six hole playoff. Neither player got an advantage and due to darkness Eli Ropietski of Pitt-Johnson was awarded the win due to retrogression.
Swinnerton moved up five spots on the leaderboard in the final round thanks to a 72 in round three. Along with his 74 and 75 in the first rounds, the Saskatoon native ended tied for fifth place.
The Crimson Hawks ended up fourth as a team concluding their fall season.
Chase Pochylko’s fall season is also over. The Nicholls State University Colonels played the LaTour Intercollegiate at LaTour Golf Club on Oct. 20 and 21. Pochylko carded rounds of 77, 78, and 79 to place 69th.
The Colonels ‘A’ team which had Pochylko was seventh out of 15 schools at the event.
University of Regina competes in first Can-West Championship
The University of Regina golf team competed in their first USports Canada-West Championships this week at Chilliwack Golf Club.
Launched in 2023, the Cougars have competed in limited events but have built their program and expanded the roster including a women’s team. The ladies didn’t compete in Chilliwack on Oct. 20 and 21, but Micah Tangjerd (Saskatoon), Jackson Wingert (Saskatoon), Reece Kuski (Gray), Jordan Heller (Regina), and Carter Bell (Regina) were all in the field.
Tangjerd led the team placing 22nd with rounds of 76 and 70. Kuski was 151 (73, 78) in 33rd, Wingert shot 79 and 76, good enough for 37th, Heller was 40th at 161 (81, 80) and Bell was 45th at 170 (82, 88).
The Cougars were eighth overall in their Can West debut.
Another dozen players are scheduled to participate in events next week.
Golf Canada’s President: “Thank you for an incredible 2025 golf season!”
Dear Golf Canada Members & Clubs,
With another remarkable golf season winding down, I want to share my heartfelt thanks to our 360,000 members and more than 1,550 member clubs for making 2025 such an extraordinary year for golf in Canada.
Golf’s popularity here and around the world continues to reach new heights, including multi-year successive growth in rounds played. A record number of scores are being tracked through the Golf Canada Score Centre — a reflection of the vitality of our game and the enthusiasm of Canadian golfers. Scores posted to date are up 6% from last year’s record-setting result (11M+ scores) and up an incredible 54% over pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The sport’s continued rise in participation speaks volumes about the engaging environment presented by our member clubs and the passion of golfers who invite others to share in the game.
And the future looks even brighter. The sport is seeing a wave of new enthusiasts of all ages. Programs such as First Tee – Canada have inspired more than 200,000 young people in chapters across the country, helping to shape the next generation of golfers. The expansion of She Plays Golf is also engaging more women and girls across a series of fun and inviting festival golf experiences.
Canadian athletes have given us plenty to cheer about on the world stage. What an outstanding year for Aphrodite Deng, the Calgary-born 15-year-old who became the first Canadian ever to win the U.S. Junior Girls Championship and then finished T20 at the CPKC Women’s Open in August. We’ve seen stellar performances by rising talents such as Sudarshan Yellamaraju – a 24-year old who just qualified for his PGA Tour card – Myles Creighton, Anna Huang and others, reflecting the talent and growing reputation of Canadian golf around the globe. Nick Taylor’s win at the 2025 Sony Open reminds us that Canadian depth on the PGA TOUR continues to impress, and of course, no player captivated us more than 14-time LPGA Tour winner Brooke Henderson, whose victory at the CPKC Women’s Open – her second victory at the event – furthers her standing as one of this country’s all-time great athletes.

Both the RBC Canadian Open in its first-ever visit to TPC Toronto and the CPKC Women’s Open at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club delivered incredible moments, showcasing top international fields, emerging Canadian talents and passionate Canadian golf fans. These championships, along with our national amateur competitions, are made possible through the unwavering support of our host clubs and the tireless contributions of volunteers — the true heartbeat of our sport. To those thousands of volunteers who give back to the game at their club, in the community or in support of golf championships nationwide, your wonderful contributions to the game are immeasurable.
I also want to recognize the invaluable partnership of our Provincial Golf Associations and the many national golf organizations who share in the leadership and advancement of the sport across the country. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive golf community. Our gratitude also extends to Golf Canada’s corporate partners along with the donors and trustees of the Golf Canada Foundation, whose generous support is elevating investment in the game and creating meaningful impact at every level. Thanks to the continued support of the membership and our multitude of partners, Golf Canada is well positioned for continued investment into the growth of the sport.
Thank you again to our members and member clubs for being the driving force behind golf’s continued success in this country. Your passion for the game and support of Golf Canada make everything we do possible.
With sincere appreciation,
Adam Daifallah
President
Golf Canada