Scissons helps Firestorm win event; Schmidt just misses second straight win
Saskatoon’s Connor Scissons has a fourth-place finish and a team win with Arizona Christian University at the ERAU Spring Invite in Prescott Arizona on Sunday and Monday.
The fifth-year Firestorm student-athlete shot rounds of 70, 69, and 73 for a 54-hole total of 212, good enough for fourth overall. Teammate Leon Acikalin was second, as a team the Firestorm won the event by two shots.
Scissons last college season continues April 24 in Sun City, AZ. For the Golden State Athletic Conference Tournament at Briarwood Country Club where the team will chase a GSAC title.
Alex Schmidt of Regina was a shot away from her second straight win. The Lewis-Clark State senior shot 75 and 79 at the Oakbrook Golf Club to finish second at the Puget Sound Invite in Lakewood, WA. on March 25 and 26.
Her efforts over the past two events earned Schmidt the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Women’s Golfer of the Week. That’s her first national weekly honour.
Schmidt was competing at the tournament as an individual. Her next action is the Walla Walla Invitational in Walla Walla, WA. on April 3.
On Monday and Tuesday this week a trio of Saskatchewan products were competing at The Trojan in Goldsboro, N.C. at the Walnut Creek Country Club.
Stealing the show was 18-year-old Saskatoon player Alex Swinnerton who finished in a tie for third place at 2-under par, 214. He carded a couple even-par rounds of 72 and a 2-under par 70 during the two-day, 54-hole event. Swinnerton’s teammate and Waskesiu Golf Course member Guillermo Salazar tied for 44th place at 237 (79, 75, 83).
Competing for Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Crimson Hawks Swinnerton led the team to a second-place finish at the tournament. The group is in West Chester, PA. on April 3 in their next event, the Edwin B. Cottrell Invitational.
Also in the field in Goldsboro was Estevan product Jace Carlisle. The Post University junior performed well finishing the tournament tied for 12th at 6-over par. The TS&M Woodlawn Golf Club member and staffer posted rounds of 72, 74, and 76.
Post was third just four shots behind IUP in the team standings. Carlisle and the Eagles hit the road to Candia, N.H. on April 17 for the Saint Anselm Invitational.
Caden Loeppky of Saskatoon was busy this past week competing with his Waldorf University teammates at two events.
On March 24 and 25 Loeppky and the Warriors hit the highway to the Monzingo Golf and Country Club in Maryville, MO. for the Graceland Spring Invitational.
Loeppky shot 85 in round one and 81 in the second round for a 36-hole total of 166, he tied for 39th. The Warriors team was was sixth out of nine schools at the tournament.
On March 28 the Warriors were in Fort Madison, IA. for the IWU Spring Tiger Classic. Waldorf was victorious in the one round event winning by nine shots.
Loeppky was tied for sixth at 3-over par, 75 at Sheaffer Memorial Golf Course. Two of Loeppky’s teammates tied for the win at 1-over par, 73.
Next up for Waldorf is the Triton Invitational in Fort Dodge, IA. on April 7 and 8 at the Fort Dodge Country Club.
Wascana Country Club member Autumn Neiszner was on the course this week in Old Hickory, TN. for the Music City Classic on Monday and Tuesday. The Keiser University Seahawks sophomore was competing as an individual at the Hermitage Golf Course General’s Retreat. She carded rounds of 94, 91, and 90 for a 54-hole total of 275. Neiszner was 95th.
The Seahawks team was second, Keiser player Hoi Ki Lau won the tournament. The team travels to Boca Raton, FL. for the Lynn Invitational on April 3.
Regina golfer Hunter Kutcher is in Goodyear, AZ. this week for the Hot Dirt Desert Shootout alongside his University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat team. Kutcher and the Heat will tee off Thursday to begin the two-day event at the Golf Club of Estrella.
April 3 will start a new week for plenty of Saskatchewan student-athletes as many near the conference championships and potential national events in May.
Synergy 8 to welcome Canadian star; Fox Sports personality to 2023 event
The Synergy 8 Community Builders have announced that Canadian PGA Tour player Nick Taylor will be the special guest for this year’s ‘Drive for Kids Campaign.’
The group announced the headliners for their 13th event Friday that also include Fox Sports Television Host Taylor Cusack and Saskatchewan comedy star Kelly Taylor. Synergy 8 spokesperson Troy Davies said after having Mackenzie Hughes last year Taylor came with high praise from his Canadian counterpart and the Synergy 8 group listened.
“This is something that we really wanted to promote and it’s great to have Canada doing so well on the PGA Tour, Canadian players are really showing up,” Davies said. “To be able to have them here in Saskatoon is a blessing for us.”
The Synergy 8 group partnered with the Saskatoon Tribal Council, Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, and the Ministry of Health this year, together the end goal of the 2023 campaign will be the purchase of a pediatric portable MRI machine that will be Saskatchewan’s first of it’s kind and housed at the Saskatoon based children’s hospital. Davies, a medical professional in his own career said the machine was recommended by specialists as a need and the group will now work to raise the million dollars needed for the purchase.
“A typical MRI machine you have to lay a child on it, parents can’t be in there where as this one, being portable it can be wheeled right up to the bed and do the scans right there, parents can be there holding the hands of the child right there,” Davies said.
“Our leads from the experts say this is a much needed piece of equipment that will enhance and treat hundreds of kids across the province and make an impact. This is important to us, it aligns with our mandates and that’s why we went forward with it,” Davies added.
Registration is open for the golf tournament at The Willows Club on Aug. 29, tables for the following dinner at Prairieland Park are also now available through any Synergy 8 member.
Nelson, Villeneuve win U.S. Blind Golf Championship
Meadow Lake’s Gerry Nelson and Chris Villeneuve are on their way home from Columbus, GA with a U.S. Blind Golf Championship victory.
Gerry, a blind golfer along with his coach Chris were first in net score a the 36-hole, two-day tournament, the dynamic-duo was second in net score.
The results are not posted but Golf Saskatchewan was informed by Meadow Lake Golf Course Superintendent Daryl Wood that Nelson and Villeneuve did indeed win the event.
Earlier this month Nelson and Villeneuve sat down with Golf Saskatchewan to discuss their friendship, careers, and accomplishments with Nelson admitting the U.S. Blind Golf Championship as the trophy he coveted the most, that he has now claimed alongside his “best friend.”
Schmidt wins another to highlight college recap
Regina’s Alex Schmidt has another collegiate championship as her college career winds down.
Schmidt, 22, cruised to a seven shot win at the LCSC Warrior Spring Invite at the Lewis-Clark State College home course in Lweiston, ID. on Monday and Tuesday. She shot rounds of 71 and 72 at the Lewiston Golf and Country Club leading the Royal Regina Golf Club member’s second college win.
Three of Schmidt’s teammates were behind her on the leaderboard as the Warriors won their home event by a dominating 87 strokes.
Next up in the Warriors’ spring season is a trip to Walla Walla, WA. on April 3 and 4 for the Walla Walla Invitational.
Connor Scissons college career is also coming to an end at Arizona Christian University (ACU). The Saskatoon product was in Nipton, CA. this week alongside the Firestorm for The Primm Battle at Primm Valley Golf Club on March 20 and 21. Scissons finished in 46th place at 16-ver par, 229. His rounds of 71, 82, and 76 helped the team place third out of 11 schools competing at the 54-hole tournament.
ACU travels to Sunrise, AZ for the GSAC Conference Tournament from April 24 to 26.
In Monroe, N.C. three players with Saskatchewan tied were in the field at the Hargett Memorial Invitational at the Rolling Hills Country Club.
Saskatoon’s Alex Swinnerton tied for ninth place overall at even par. The Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) freshman posted rounds of 73 and 71 on Monday and Tuesday.
Fellow Waskesiu Golf Course member and teammate Guillermo Salazar tied for 19th place in the event. The Calgary product shot 77 in round one, but bounced back nicely with an even 72 to finish five-over par.
As a team the Crimson Hawks were eighth out of 16 schools in the event. They will be in Goldsboro, N.C. on March 27 and 28 for The Trojan at Walnut Creek Country Club.
Estevan’s Jace Carlisle was also in the field competing for the Post University Eagles. The 2019 Saskatchewan Junior champion shot 80 and 79 to leave the TS&M Woodlawn member and employee in a tie for 75th at 15-over par.
The Eagles placed 11th overall.
Both schools will be in Goldsboro, N.C. on March 27 and 28 for The Trojan at Walnut Creek Country Club.
Milsaps College sophomore Will Danielson of Saskatoon was in Bossier City, LA. for the Centenary/Hal Sutton Invite at The Golf Club at Stonebridge on Monday and Tuesday.
Danielson carded rounds of 78 and 80 for a 36-hole total of of 14-over par, 158. He was tied for 17th.
The Majors as a team were ninth. Their next event is the Rhodes Spring Classic in Millington, TN. on April 2 and 3.
Regina’s Will Blake was in competition this week as an individual in Edmond, OK. Competing in the Broncho Invitational at Rose Creek. The Southern Arkansas University Mulerider started with an 85, then shot 76 and 80 for a 54-hole total of 241. Blake was tied for 67th.
The Muleriders squad placed 12th out of 16. Next up is a trip to Denton, TX. for the DBU Men’s Classic on April 3 and 4.
Details on all of the Saskatchewan student-athletes click here.
Ripley; Heat claim victory in Vegas; college schedule picks up this week
Saskatoon’s Symone Ripley and the University of British Columbia Heat Women’s Golf Team did some winning in Las Vegas last week on the course.
The Heat were competing in the Warrior Invitational at The Legacy Golf Club in Henderson, NV on March 89 to 11. Ripley cared rounds of 81, 91, and 87 for a 54-hole total of 259, +43 and tied for 21st place overall.
Ripley’s teammate and 2022 Saskatchewan Amateur Women’s competitor Emily Cornwall led the Heat by tying for second place.
The team victory comes days after the group was second at the RMC Intercollegiate just days earlier.
Next up is the Embry-Riddle Invitational in Prescott, AZ on March 26 and 27.
Deer Valley product Cole Obrigewitsch was on the course alongside the California State University San Berndino on March 13 and 14 in Alameda, CA. The freshman finished 75th at 10-over par, 154 after back-to-back rounds of 77 at the Tom Tierney Pioneer Shootout hosted by California State University, East Bay at the Chuck Corica Golf Complex.
The Coyotes tied for ninth as a squad. The team travels to Turlock, CA for the Hanny Stanislaus Invitational on March 27 and 28.
This week’s schedule is extremely busy with up to 11 Saskatchewan student-athletes competing across America beginning Monday.
Routes2SK Becomes Host Organization for Official Fortinet Cup Event
WASKESIU LAKE, Saskatchewan | Elk Ridge Resort is thrilled to welcome back the Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open, a PGA TOUR Canada event, as part of the 2023 Fortinet Cup, the tournament announced Wednesday. As owner of Elk Ridge Resort, Routes2SK will serve as the host organization and operate the day-to-day tournament functions.
The future stars of the PGA TOUR will be playing in Northern Saskatchewan from June 19-25, as the Tour’s second tournament of the season.
This year’s Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open features a unique re-branding that emphasizes the pride the tournament has in its province. As the only PGA TOUR-sanctioned event in Saskatchewan, the Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open looks forward to showcasing the beauty in the province and providing a true “Saskatchewan” experience for PGA TOUR Canada players, sponsors, volunteers and fans.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with PGA TOUR Canada to bring high-calibre professional golf back to the province,” said Elk Ridge Resort Managing Partner and Tournament Director Ryan Danberg. “Our partnership group is extremely proud of Elk Ridge Resort, and we can’t wait to showcase the property to the world through our partnership with the PGA TOUR Canada.”
“It’s a distinct pleasure for us to partner with Routes2SK. We’re excited to work closely with Routes2SK and help its vision for the tournament come to fruition,” said PGA TOUR Canada Executive Director Scott Pritchard. “Elk Ridge is a beautiful golf course that I’m confident the players will not only enjoy but embrace. The Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open will play a key role as players battle for Fortinet Cup points and what they hope is eventual membership on the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour.”
Elk Ridge Resort is a 27-hole golf facility, with three distinct, nine-hole courses, the Tamarack, Aspen and Birch. PGA TOUR Canada will use a combination of holes for the tournament. Making up the front nine of the tournament composite course is Tamarack’s No. 1 and Aspen’s Nos. 2 through 9. The back nine is the entire Birch Course.
“This is an incredibly exciting event, not just for the northern region but for our entire province,” said Saskatchewan Premier, Scott Moe. “Saskatchewan has amazing tourism and sporting opportunities, and we are happy to welcome this event that will help showcase what we have to offer on a national stage.”
Saskatchewan has a previous history of hosting PGA TOUR Canada tournaments. An event on the original 2013 schedule—the Dakota Dunes Open, was held in Saskatoon through 2016.
For the 2023, 2024 PGA Tour Canada event, all proceeds of the event will be donated to both Hockey Saskatchewan and several local junior golf programs in the Northern Region of the province.
“When you look at what the PGA TOUR Canada and the PGA TOUR are doing, it’s so important to give back, and this has always been one of our goals. We will contribute to the sports of hockey and golf for the next couple of years and continue to provide the young people in these sports with more opportunities. A formal announcement on these two partnerships will be conducted soon,” said Danberg.
Elk Ridge Resort is Saskatchewan’s premier all-season resort, located in the surrounding areas of the Lakeland region and Prince Albert National Park and has been a part of the golf scene in this area since 1994.
Nelson and Villeneuve chasing U.S. Blind Open championship
Gerry Nelson and Chris Villeneuve have won golf tournaments across the world, but one event is still eluding the pair, the 2023 ISPS Handa U.S. Blind Open.
Nelson and Villeneuve, who call Meadow Lake home leave on St. Patrick’s Day for the event in Columbus, GA at the Green Island Country Club. The 36-hole championship runs on March 21 and 22.
Golf Saskatchewan sat down with the high-ranked blind golf duo at Kingdom Golf where they practice weekly during the winter months.
Nelson and Villeneuve discuss Gerry’s eyesight, how he got into golf, what the sport has meant to their lives, the travels, and chasing the U.S. Blind Open Championship.
The duo has been featured at length over the years for their accomplishments and amazing story. Below is a list of other features chronicling the careers of Gerry and Chris.
- Golf Canada YouTube | April 16, 2015
- Golf Canada Magazine | June 3, 2015
- CTV Saskatoon | June 15, 2018
- Blind Golf Canada Podcast (Co-hosted by Gerry)
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.