Wednesday marks opening of Canadian Championship registration
Registration for the 2023 Canadian Amateur Championships is now open.
Golf Saskatchewan suggests all players interested in competing at nationals register for the events now. Team Saskatchewan members and quota spot qualifiers can have their entry forms altered prior to the championship being held.
The registration deadline for each championship is outlined, the time of the cut off is 3 p.m. Saskatchewan time.
Golf Canada Championships:
- Canadian University / College Championship, presented by BDO
May 30 – June 2 | Fire Rock Golf Club, Komoka, ON
Deadline | Team – March 24 | Individual – April 21 - Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO
July 23 – 27 | Hampton Golf Course, Hampton, NB
Deadline | Early entry – May 17 | Final – June 28 - Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO
July 24 – 27 | Mad River Golf Club, Creemore, ON
Deadline | Early Entry – May 17 | Final – June 28 - 109th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO
July 31 – Aug. 4 | Ashburn Golf Club, Halifax, NS
Deadline | Early Entry – July 5 | Final – July 5 - 118th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, presented by BDO
Aug. 5 – 10 | The Pulpit Club, Caledon, ON
Deadline | July 12 - Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO
Aug. 13 – 17 | North Bay Golf & Country Club, North Bay, ON
Deadline | July 19 - Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BDO
Aug. 20 – 24 | The Algonquin Resort, St. Andrews, NB
Deadline | July 26 - Canadian Women’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO
Aug. 29 – Sept. 1 | Mill River Golf Club, Woodstock, PEI
Deadline | Early Entry – May 17 | Final – June 28 - Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO
Sept. 4 – 8 | Big Sky Golf & Country Club, Pemberton, BC
Deadline | Aug. 9 - Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO
Sept. 13 – 15 | Kamloops Golf & Country Club, Kamloops, BC
Deadline | Early Entry – June 28 | Final – Aug. 16
To register and find more details on Golf Canada’s championship schedule click here.
Registration will open for Golf Saskatchewan’s provincial championships on April 15. To see the complete list of 2023 events click here.
Aune Family Makes Chapter-Founding Gift to Launch First Tee – Prairies
Multi-year gift by the Aune Family to Golf Canada Foundation will positively impact youth across Saskatchewan and Manitoba with affordable and inclusive access to golf
March 14, 2023 – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are proud to announce that the Aune family has pledged a major gift of $1M USD over four years to First Tee – Canada that will enable the launch and advancement of First Tee – Prairies.
The generosity of the Aune family will fund and facilitate the rollout of First Tee – Prairies in communities across Saskatchewan and Manitoba, introducing golf and the positive experiences associated with golf to youth across the provinces. First Tee – Canada provides accessible and inclusive youth development programming at golf courses, schools, and community centres creating community participation pathways, especially for youth who may have otherwise not had the opportunity.
The Aune family grew up around golf—cousins Jonathan Aune, Stacey Greatrex, and Christine Greatrex, who has been a golf professional for nearly 40 years, are the leading forces behind the chapter-founding gift.
“This opportunity combines two of our family’s passions – golf, and philanthropy,” said Aune. “First Tee introduces golf to a wider audience, to children who wouldn’t normally run into the sport and through golf, children will continue to develop skills like honesty, perseverance, and self-confidence. To be able to give back and have a positive impact on a community level through a sport we love is amazing. First Tee – Prairies is going to be impactful for the youth involved and the game overall. We are excited to be a part of it.”
For a family of avid golfers with family ties to the Prairies, and the dedication to carry out Jonathan’s father Brian’s legacy of philanthropy, the launch of First Tee – Prairies will be special in more ways than one.
“This chapter-founding gift is the start of another year of tremendous growth for First Tee – Canada,” said Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer, Kevin Blue. “We have started to build out the Prairies chapter staff and a supporting network who will deploy programming in communities across the region. Together with the provincial golf associations, we are committed to empowering children, and ensuring the sport reflects Canada’s diverse population. What we do would not be possible without the generosity of donors like the Aune family.”
With the launch of First Tee – Prairies, Canada now has five regional chapters in place. In 2022, First Tee – British Columbia, First Tee – Ontario, First Tee – Premier départ Québec and First Tee – Atlantic delivered programming to nearly 23,000 youth with fifty-five percent of participants coming from equity-deserving communities.
Through its deep network of donors, Golf Canada Foundation is a critical partner in supporting the advancement of First Tee – Canada chapters across the country through its fundraising and philanthropic efforts.
“The pace of growth behind First Tee – Canada since launching has been exceptional – much of which we can credit to the philanthropic commitments alongside the Aune family,” said Golf Canada Foundation CEO, Martin Barnard. “These generous supporters allow First Tee – Canada to expand its reach across the country and have a direct impact on the program’s ability to provide environments where youth feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and well-equipped for whatever comes their way, on and off the course.”
The generosity of the Aune family adds to a growing number of chapter-founding advancement gifts that have been secured since First Tee – Canada’s inception in 2020. A First Tee – Alberta chapter is also expected to be announced in 2023.
For more information on First Tee – Canada, to get involved, or to donate, visit www.firstteecanada.ca. To learn more about First Tee – Prairies, visit www.firstteeprairies.ca.
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About First Tee – Canada
First Tee – Canada is a youth development program operating under Golf Canada since 2020. In partnership with First Tee, Golf Canada launched First Tee – Canada to provide inclusive and accessible life-enhancing opportunities to children through golf. First Tee – Canada continues to expand programming and positively impact youth at golf courses, schools, and community centres across the country. For more information and to learn how to support First Tee – Canada, visit firstteecanada.ca.
Spring season opens for multiple Saskatchewan student-athletes this week
It’s a busy week on the college golf circuit as March features many more programs teeing it up for the first time across the United States in 2023.
Regina’s Alex Schmidt is entering the final stretch of her great collegiate career at Lewis-Clark State College. The Royal Regina Golf Club member led the Warriors into the RMC Intercollegiate at Reflection Bay Golf Club in Henderson, NV. on March 7 and 8. She carded rounds of 84 and back-to-back 79’s for a 54-hole total of 242. Schmidt placed 16th; the team tied for third.
In second place was the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat (UBCO). Saskatoon’s Symone Ripley was part of the silver medal winning squad finishing in 46th place in her first event of the year. Ripley shot 93, 95, and 94 at the event.
Schmidt and the Warriors host the LCSC Warrior Spring Invitational on March 20 to 21 in Lewiston, ID. The Heat will stay in Nevada and compete at the Warrior Invitational on March 10 and 11 in Las Vegas, NV.
On the men’s side of the RMC Intercollegiate Regina’s Hunter Kutcher was competing for the UBCO. The Heat placed eighth, Kutcher was tied for 38th. The 2021 Saskatchewan Junior Champion posted rounds of 81, 80, and 77 for a 54-hole score of 238.
The men’s Heat team is also competing in Las Vegas later this week.
The Minot State University (MSU) Beavers women’s team was in Litchfield, AZ. On March 7 and 8 including Chaplin’s Holly Knudsen. She shot 82 in round one and 86 in her second round at Wigwam Golf Course (Red Course). Knudsen tied for 43rd, MSU was eighth as a team at the SMSU Spring Invitational.
The team is back in action again Thursday at Wigwam (Blue Course) for the SMSU Spring Challenge. Scoring can be seen here.
Regina’s Autumn Neiszner made her spring debut competing as an individual at the Keiser Kup at the Okeeheelee Golf Course in West Palm Beach, FL. The 19-year-old Seahawk sophomore shot 89, 80, and 83 for a 54-hole score of 36-over-par which left her tied for 27th.
Keiser’s team won the event, Neiszner’s teammate Hoi Lau won the event. Keiser will take on Carroll University in a match-play event on March 16 in West Palm Beach.
Josh Nagy got his senior spring season at Robert Morris University (RMU) underway this week in Daytona Beach, FL. at the LPGA International – Hills Course for the Daytona Beach Spring Invitational. The Saskatoon product tied for 63rd at 14-over-par (75,74,81).
The Colonials tied for 12th in the team competition of 18 schools in the field. Their next action is March 18 – 19 in Urbana, MD for the Carpetbagger Classic.
Both TJ Baker of Prince Albert and Chase Gedak of Estevan had solid performances for the University of Arkansas – Monticello at the Buccaneer Spring Classic in Memphis, TN. From March 5 to 7. Competing for the Weevils at the Irene Golf and Country Club Baker shot 78, 86, and 71 for a 54-hole total of 235, he tied for 32nd. Gedak was just a shot back in a tie for 36th at 236 (84,74,78).
The team was fifth out of 10. Their next event is the DBU Classic in Denton, TX. On April 3 – 4.
Golf Canada to launch a pilot Women’s Golf Festival in partnership with The Glencoe Golf & Country Club
Week-long women’s golf festival with competitive and introductory programming for all ages of women and girls across Calgary to run in conjunction with enhanced Digital Commercial Bank Glencoe Invitational.
March 8, 2023 – Golf Canada and The Glencoe Golf and Country Club in Calgary have announced a partnership that will support enhancements to the prestigious Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational, along with the pilot launch of a week-long women’s golf festival taking place across the Calgary region during the week of the championship.
Established in 1992, the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational is one of the premiere golf competitions in Canada with approximately 100 athletes – both professionals and elite amateurs in the women’s division and amateurs only in the men’s division – competing over 54 holes on The Forest Course at The Glencoe Golf & Country Club. The championship runs June 15-17 and will feature an expanded prize purse of at least $60,000 CAD in the women’s division. The winner of the women’s championship will also receive an exemption into the 2023 CP Women’s Open.
Team Canada athletes will compete in the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational and Golf Canada will assist in recruiting international players to compete in the championship. Team Canada will also conduct training camps in Calgary surrounding the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational with athletes and coaches from the men’s, women’s, and NextGen squads. Following the championship, Golf Canada will host a US Women’s Amateur Qualifier on Monday, June 19 at the Sundre Golf Club in Sundre, Alta.
“The Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational is a premier golf competition in this country, and it is exciting to see the enhancements take shape, especially the progressive investment to elevate opportunities for women,” said Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer, Kevin Blue. “We are thankful for The Glencoe and the leadership they are demonstrating to help foster the growth of women’s golf in Canada. We are proud to partner in the enhancement of the women’s championship and deliver additional community golf activities to advance participation among women and junior girls in the Calgary area.”
“We are excited to grow the success of the tournament by partnering with Golf Canada,” said Tournament Chair, Dale Goehring. “This year’s event will enable more elite Canadian male and female players to compete on home soil. Working alongside with Golf Canada with the tournament and Festival events aligns with the Glencoe Golf & Country Club’s mission to create exceptional experiences and grow the game of golf for both women and men.”
In addition to enhancements to the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational, Golf Canada will pilot a women’s golf festival concept that will take place during the week of the championship. Beginning on June 12, Golf Canada will host several introductory community events at Calgary area golf courses promoting recreational women’s and junior girls’ golf participation with a focus on the fun and social aspects of the game.
Information about new and existing clinics, leagues and programs for women and girls in the Calgary region will be shared throughout the week. The R&A is also providing important support for the Calgary area women’s golf festival pilot.
“We are proud to have support from Glencoe and the R&A in helping to pilot the Canadian Women’s Golf Festival with a dedicated focus on programming for women and girls that spans the full participation pathway from first involvement to high performance,” said Laura Wilson, Golf Canada’s Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Safe Sport. “We see this being a week-long celebration of women’s golf. The enhancements to the Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational along with highly visible programming will address participation gaps and bring greater awareness among women of the physical, psychological, and social benefits of golf.”
Activities planned for the Women’s Golf Festival during the week of The Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational include:
- Tee it Up Clinics – a first trial opportunity for young girls with introductions to fundamental skills such as driving, chipping, and putting in a fun and relaxed environment filled with music, games, and laughter.
- Team Scramble – a women focused fun and non-traditional nine-hole event for women and junior girls.
- Try Golf Taster – introductory events to encourage women to try golf in a low pressure, unintimidating environment.
- Women in Coaching – women’s only coach education sessions that will present an opportunity to develop leaders and role models in golf, especially focused on community coaching.
Golf Canada will work with Alberta Golf, City of Calgary, golf courses in the Calgary area and community-based organizations to operate the Women’s Golf Festival during the week of The Digital Commerce Bank Glencoe Invitational as a pilot project with a goal that the concept can draw sustainable funding to support expansion to four Canadian markets in 2024.
First Tee – Prairies now in operation
Long standing golf program First Tee is now in Saskatchewan and Manitoba at First Tee – Prairies.
Michael Kananoja is the Manager of the Prairie chapter in Winnipeg. He joined Golf Saskatchewan’s Clark Stork to discuss the goals of the program, how clubs, schools, and community centres and others can be involved and more.
Royal Regina Golf Club recognized among inaugural National Facility Awards for Junior Golf
At Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March 2, the national amateur golf governing body announced the first ever National Facility Awards for Junior Golf.
Among just six clubs from across the nation the Royal Regina Golf Club (RRGC) was recognized as the Tournament Host of the Year for their efforts in hosting the Saskatchewan Junior Women’s and Men’s Championships last July. RRGC General Manager Ryan Pollock said many people deserve recognition for the execution of the tournaments.
“It is with great pride we accept this award and would like to thank Golf Canada for the recognition,” Pollock said. “Our club set out to make this event the best it possibly could be. Thanks to our committed staff, numerous volunteer members, and leadership from Golf Saskatchewan the week was a tremendous success.”
The event attracted 108 golfers under the age of 19 including the second running of Golf Saskatchewan’s Junior-Junior for golfers 12 and under. Pollock added the RRGC takes hosting all events professionally with a goal to benefit the future of the sport.
“As a club, we feel we have a responsibility to promote the game of golf to aspiring young athletes. We look forward to furthering opportunities now and into the future,” he said.
President of Golf Saskatchewan and longtime member of the RRGC Larry Wagman was able to see the commitment from both sides of hosting the event and feels the honour is justified.
“Congratulations to the Royal Regina Golf Club on being named as the Golf Canada’s Junior Tournament Host of the year for 2022 at their AGM,” Wagman said. “I am very proud of the accomplishment and personally witnessed the event which was well deserving of the national attention.”
For all the details of the first ever National Facility Awads for Junior Golf click here.
Regier chooses Canadian college
Saskatoon’s Max Regier has provincial age group championships and a Junior Lobstick win, now the 17-year-old has a college commitment on his resume.
The Saskatoon Golf and Country Club member will attend the University of British Columbia Okanagan and play for the Heat in USports Canada West.
Regier will join Hunter Kutcher on the men’s team, Saskatoon’s Symone Ripley competes for the women’s golf squad. Regier said having familiar faces, plus staying in Canada were a couple of pros regarding his choice on where to get an education while playing.
He joined Golf Saskatchewan’s Clark Stork to discuss his choice of school, his accomplishments, and goals heading into the season.
Light college schedule for locals in America
The college golf news for Saskatchewan players has been trending with a string of recent commitments to U.S. schools, but there was also three players in action this week.
Saskatoon’s Connor Scissons is wrapping up his solid college career at Arizona Christian University (ACU) this spring. Scissons and the Firestorm were in Ventura CA. for the Warrior Invitational on Feb. 27 and 28. Scissons carded rounds of 77 and 71 to finish in a tie for 13th, his play helped the team tie for second in the event held at Olivas Links.
ACU placed fifth at their opening event of the spring season in late January. Next up for the Firestorm is the Embry Riddle Spring Invite in Riddle, AZ. on March 20 and 21.
Milsaps College sophomore Will Danielson of Saskatoon opened his spring season on Feb. 27 – 28 at Clubs of Kingwood Forest in Forest, TX. The Majors finished in seventh place in the event. Danielson fired rounds of 78 and 80, he was tied for 34th at 14-over-par.
They will head to Bossier, LA. for the Hal Sutton Invitational on April 3 – 4.
Meanwhile two former junior college teammates in Reedley, CA., Noah Kozack or Regina and Cole Obrigewitsch of Deer Valley were back on the same course competing for separate Div. II schools.
Obrigewitsch is in his first year with California State University San Bernardino while Kozack has joined the California State Monterey Bay Otters program.
Both schools were in Laquinta, CA. from Feb. 27 to March 1 for the Desert Invitational at PGA West Mountain Course for the Battle in the Desert. Obrigewitsch tied for 49th place at +11, 227 (76, 76, 75) while Kozack went 77, 77, 81 for a 54-hole total of 235, he was 71st.
The Otters were third in the team standings, Obrigewitsch’s results helped the Coyotes finish with the silver medal.
Next up for the Kozack is the Desert Classic in Las Vagas, NV. on March 6 to 8, the Coyotes travel to Oakland, CA. for the Tim Tierney Pioneer Shootout at the Corica Park Golf Club on March 13 and 14.
Many more students will be on the course beginning March 6. For more information on Saskatchewan’s student athletes click here.
Karst commits to college in southern US
Assiniboia born junior golfer Davin Karst is the latest Saskatchewan player to announce he’s signed a letter of commitment to join a United States university golf program.
Karst, 17, will attend Milsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi in the fall. Saskatoon’s Will Danielson currently plays for the Majors golf program.
Karst spoke with Golf Saskatchewan’s Clark Stork about his start in the sport with his grandmother at Willow Bunch Golf Course, his route to committing to Milsaps and his future post school.
Bell commits to California college
Saskatoon’s Carter Bell is the latest junior golfer from Saskatchewan to sign a commitment with a United States University.
Bell, 17, will play collegiate golf for Dominican University of California starting in the fall.
Bell spoke with Golf Saskatchewan’s Clark Stork about his beginning in the game, his competitive growth, college options and what the future holds after his four years with the Div. II Penguins golf program in San Rafael, CA.