PGA TOUR Communications

Montréal – The Presidents Cup and American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) announced that the 2024 Junior Presidents Cup will feature Canada’s Graham DeLaet and the United States’ Charley Hoffman as captains of the International and U.S. Teams, respectively, when the event is contested on the Blue Course at Le Club Laval-sur-le-Lac in Montréal, Québec, Canada on Monday, Sept. 23 and Tuesday, Sept. 24. The 2024 Presidents Cup will tee off two days later at The Royal Montréal Golf Club.

The Junior Presidents Cup is a two-day, team match-play competition featuring 24 of the world’s top junior boys 19 years old and younger – 12 from the United States and 12 from around the world, excluding Europe – that takes place just days before the start of the biennial Presidents Cup. The Junior Presidents Cup was developed to give the world’s best non-European juniors a unique playing opportunity to compete in an international team match-play competition and showcase the global reach of junior golf.

“In what has quickly become a beloved tradition of Presidents Cup week, we are honored to once again partner with the AJGA to contest the Junior Presidents Cup and set the stage for what will be another exciting competition at nearby Royal Montréal for the Presidents Cup,” said 2024 Presidents Cup Executive Director Ryan Hart. “As we’ve seen with each playing, the Junior Presidents Cup is a preview of the talent that will one day take the spotlight in the main event, and we’re grateful to the prestigious Le Club Laval-sur-le-Lac for opening their doors to this unique competition.”

The teams will compete in six Four-ball and Foursomes matches on Monday, Sept. 23, followed by 12 Singles matches on Tuesday, Sept. 24. 

“Partnering with the Presidents Cup and the PGA TOUR to bring the Junior Presidents Cup to Le Club Laval-sur-le-Lac in Montréal, is a remarkable opportunity to showcase these junior golfers to the world,” said AJGA Executive Director Stephen Hamblin. “Having two captains who are so involved with the Presidents Cup as well as AJGA alumni is a dream come true and we are excited for this event to help us further our mission of developing golf’s next generation.”

DeLaet, a proud Canadian who represented his country at the 2013 Presidents Cup, put on a show in front of the crowds at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, earning a 3-1-1 record. He opened with a victory in the first match of the event, partnering with Jason Day to defeat Hunter Mahan and Brandt Snedeker, 1-up, in Four-ball. 

But DeLaet’s indelible moment at the Presidents Cup came on Saturday morning, when he holed a bunker shot at the 18^th hole for birdie to claim a 2-up victory against Jordan Spieth and Steve Stricker. The next day, DeLaet defeated Spieth in Singles, 1-up.

Three years later, DeLaet represented Canada again, this time in golf’s return to the Olympics at the 2016 Games in Rio. 

Off the course, DeLaet and his wife, Ruby, started the Graham and Ruby DeLaet Foundation to provide support for children and junior golfers in his home province of Saskatchewan. During his own junior golf days, DeLaet played in the 1999 AJGA Lucent Western Canadian Jr.

“It was a total honor to get the call, and I was honestly taken aback at the opportunity, but it’s going to be a lot of fun to see these kids make memories for a lifetime in a city as special as Montréal,” DeLaet said. “A lot of these kids on both teams will end up playing on the PGA TOUR at some point in time, so I’m looking forward to getting them together to have fun and hopefully play their best golf.”

Hoffman, a Rancho Santa Fe, California native, has competed on the PGA TOUR since 2006 and owns four career victories and nine runner-up finishes. Known for his consistency and longevity, Hoffman advanced to the FedExCup Playoffs in 15 consecutive seasons from 2007-2021.

In 2017, Hoffman qualified for the United States Team at the Presidents Cup, where he compiled a 1-2-0 record in his debut at Liberty National Golf Club, highlighted by a dominant 6-and-5 victory in Four-ball over Charl Schwartzel and Anirban Lahiri.

As a junior golfer, Hoffman competed in 13 AJGA events, including a victory at the 1994 PING Phoenix Junior Championship. He also went on to win the California high school state championship in 1994 and 1995, becoming the first two-time winner at the time. 

“My first reaction was complete honor that I was even considered,” Hoffman said. “The relationships that are formed through these AJGA team events are special, and to represent your country on top of that is second to none. This experience will no doubt prepare them for future Presidents Cups, but at the end of the day my job is to make sure they have fun and enjoy the experience.”

Founded in 1917, Le Club Laval-sur-le-Lac is considered as one of Canada’s most prestigious clubs, with both of their courses – the Green and Blue – being named among the Top 100 golf courses in Canada. The Junior Presidents Cup will be played on the Blue Course, which was redesigned in 2013 by 2024 International Presidents Cup Captain Mike Weir and Ian Andrew.

“We are very excited to host this event,” said Le Club Laval-sur-le-Lac President of the Board, Christian Leblanc. “For us it is very important to help the juniors from Canada see what a great club this is and to help develop junior golf not just in Canada, but around the world. The club and the members are very excited to show what Laval sur-le-Lac is all about.”

The U.S. Team defeated the International Team by a score of 13-11 in the third edition of the Junior Presidents Cup in 2022 at Myers Park Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, where a Notah Begay III-led U.S. Team mounted an improbable comeback in Singles against South Africa’s Tim Clark and the International Team.

Le Club Laval-sur-le-Lac

Junior Presidents Cup Eligibility

Teams will consist of the top 24 junior boys from the United States and around the world, excluding Europe, split up into teams of 12. Participants for both teams must be at least 12 years old by the start of the tournament and must have not reached their 19th birthday or have yet graduated high school as of January 1, 2024*.

Additionally, participants must be amateurs who have not yet started college and are not members of a competitive collegiate golf program in order to be eligible to play in the Junior Presidents Cup.

*Players graduating in the final four months (Sept. – Dec.) of the year will be considered part of the following year’s graduating class.

U.S. Team Selection / Eligibility Criteria

• On August 8, 2024, the leading 10 qualified players based on the Rolex AJGA Rankings will be selected along with the 11th player, who will be selected by the U.S. Team Captain.
• The 12th and final spot will be awarded to the leading player based on the Rolex AJGA Rankings as of September 5, 2024, who is not otherwise qualified.
• In the event of a tie, the selection will be decided by the individual ranked highest on the World Amateur Golf Ranking® (WAGR®) list at that time.
• For the August 8, 2024, selection date, the 52-week rankings window will include ranked events with an end date of August 8, 2023 – August 5, 2024, while the September 5, 2024, selection date 52-week rankings window will include ranked events with an end date of September 5, 2023 – September 2, 2024.
• Each U.S. Team participant must also be a citizen of the United States and must be a current AJGA member in good standing.

International Team Selection / Eligibility Criteria

• On August 8, 2024, the leading 10 qualified players based on the World Amateur Golf Ranking® (WAGR®) will be selected along with the 11th player, who will be selected by the International Team Captain.
• The host country is guaranteed at least one spot on the International Team. If no players from the host country are ranked as part of the leading 10 qualified players, the 10th spot will go to the top-ranked qualified player from the host country.
• The 12th and final spot will be awarded to the leading player on the WAGR® list as of September 5, 2024, who is not otherwise qualified.
• In the event of a tie, the selection will be decided by the individual ranked highest on the most recent previous World Amateur Golf Ranking® (WAGR®) revision.
• Each International Team participant must be a citizen of an eligible international Presidents Cup country (excludes European Ryder Cup countries).
• To be eligible to appear on the International Team standings, players MUST have their birthdate on file with WAGR®. Once a WAGR® Ranking is established, submit the WAGR® Player Submission Form.

The 2024 Presidents Cup will be held at The Royal Montréal Golf Club, September 24-29. For more information about the Presidents Cup, or to purchase tickets, please visit PresidentsCup.com.

Earlier this month the RBC Scramble National Championship took place at Cabot Cape Breton.

The team of BJ Carey, Mik Carey, Mike Bauer, and Collin Heppner got into the national event via wins in Rosthern at one of the six provincial qualifiers. The foursome then went on to win the Saskatchewan championship at Deer Valley.

Valley Regional Park Golf Course Conner McGill joined the team as their PGA Professional.

The team ended up fifth overall in the three round event.

BJ Carey spoke to Golf Saskatchewan about the entire experience from building the team to the final day of the event at one of Canada’s top courses.

Hallie Crozier of Regina has her first team success at Ferris State University.

The Bulldogs closed their fall season winning the Bill Crabtree Invitational in Owensboro, Ky. on Oct. 23. Crozier fired rounds of 76 and 79 to help the lady Bulldogs win the tournament by six shots over Maryville University. Crozier was also tied for 14^th overall at The Pearl Club.

The team wraps their fall campaign with a team win, a second place finish and a third.

In Tulsa, Okla. on Oct. 23 and 24 the Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Muleriders collected a team win at the Tulsa Cup with assistance from Regina’s Will Blake. Blake was tied for 68^th in the event hosted by The Club at Indian Springs mostly due to an 87 in round one. The Royal Regina Golf Club player shot 75 in round two and an even better 73 in the final round.

The team won by four shots over Rogers State University. SAU is done until the new year.

Josh Nagy’s final fall college golf season is over after Robert Morris University (RMU) competed in the ODU/OBX Intercollegiate in Powells Point, N.C. this past week. The Colonials placed ninth as a team, Nagy was tied for 43^rd. He shot 75, 73, and an 80 at the Kilmarlic Golf Club from Oct. 22 to 24.

Will Danielson of Saskatoon and Assiniboia’s Davin Karst were in action this week concluding the fall season for the Milsaps College Majors at the Chick-fil-A Collegiate Invite in Rome, Ga.

Danielson tied for 63^rd after rounds of 74 and 83 at the Stonebridge Golf Club on Oct. 23 and 24. Karst carded a 90 in round one, but bounced Back nicely with a 79 during round two, he was 103^rd.

The team placed 17^th overall.

The Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) men’s golf team had another strong event capping their fall season as did Saskatoon’s Alex Swinnerton and fellow Waskesiu junior Guillermo Salazar. Salazar tied for sixth at the Iron Valley Golf Club in Lebanon, Pa. with rounds of 75, 79, and 76. Swinnerton was tied for 10^th after going 77 in round one then back-to-back 78’s. The Crimson Hawks were 14 strokes behind the winning school in second place.

Down in Mathews, La. on Oct. 23 and 24 Saskatoon’s Chase Pochylko and Tommy Danielson had their best performances of their rookie seasons at Nicholls State University. Pochylko led the team to a respectable sixth place finish at the La Tour Intercollegiate at the LaTour Golf Club. He led the team shooting 71, 72, and 73 for a 54-hole total of 216, good enough for a tie for 12^th.

Danielson was competing as an individual in the event and posted rounds of 72, 78, and 77, he tied for 40^th.

The Bridge City duo will look to build on their improvements alongside the team in the new year.

The Royal Regina Golf Club (RRGC) is celebrating their 125th year in 2024, and the Saskatchewan Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championships will be part of the celebration.

The ‘Home of Golf’ in Saskatchewan last hosted a provincial championship in 2022 when the juniors were hosted by the club. The last amateur championships held at the Royal were in 2008 when the men’s mid-amateur was held there. The men’s amateur was played at RRGC in 2000, the women’s amateur was played at RRGC in 1996. Now all the championships are played during the same week. RRGC General Manager Ryan Pollock said the club is ecstatic to host the largest event in Saskatchewan while celebrating 125 years.

“The Royal Regina Golf Club is proud to be the host facility for the 2024 Saskatchewan Men’s and Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championships,” he said. “2024 will be a special year as our club celebrates its’ 125^th anniversary. The championships will be a central part of our celebrations as we incorporate the club’s history into the event as well as launch some new and exciting initiatives.”

The event will run from July 9 to 12. The mid-amateur events for players 25 and over will be three days and played over 54 holes, as will the women’s amateur. The men’s amateur championship is a 72 hole tournament with a cut after day three.

Golf Saskatchewan Manager of Championships and Rules, Alex Schmidt calls the Royal her home club, she said having the amateurs in the Queen City at the historic venue is a perfect way to highlight the history of the club.

“For Golf Saskatchewan to be a part of the historical year at RRGC is special,” she said. “I grew up playing here and seen what the sport means here, and the people who show great pride in their club. The week will see some amazing golf, we will celebrate four champions, and more importantly, the club will be fantastic hosts.”

Registration will open for all the 2024 championships on April 15.

The PGA of Saskatchewan hosted their annual Buying Show at Dakota Dunes Resort on Oct. 23 and 24.

With the show, that allows clubs to meet face to face with retailers ahead of next year, the Saskatchewan’s professional golf organization hosts their annual awards.

During the program it was announced that Saskatoon’s Sloane Harder has taken over for Ken Morrow as the executive director, as of Oct. 1. Harder was also the recipient of the Bill Taylor Award for the third time.

Harder, and Junior Leader of the Year Cody Callaway spoke to Golf Saskatchewan following the event.

All the award winners can be seen in the gallery below. Not pictured were Jeff Chambers, he won Coach of the Year, and Garrett McMillan who was named the Teacher of the Year. Both were unable to attend.

Fall college season continues for Saskatchewan student-athletes

In Kelowna, Saskatoon’s Symone Ripley and Regina’s Hunter Kutcher were in action at a match play event for the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) Heat as they met the University of Fraser Valley Cascades this week. Ripley won both her matches, Kutcher won one and squared his other match.

The event will continue in the spring on Vancouver Island. The Cascades won the inaugural event in 2022 by a score of 16-12. The heat leads this year’s competition 11-6.

Their fall season is over.

Hallie Crozier of Regina continued her rookie season with the Ferris State Bulldogs this week in Birmingham, Mich. for the Chippewa Invite. She was tied for 30^th place at 16-over par thanks to rounds of 78 and 82 at the Birmingham Country Club. The Bulldogs finished sixth as a team.

Crozier has one more event before the fall season ends, that will be the Bill Crabtree Memorial in Owensboro, Ky. on Oct. 22 and 23.

Saskatoon’s Caden Loeppky concluded his fall season with the Waldorf Warriors golf squad this week at the Culver Stockton Invitational.

Loeppky was a part of Waldorf’s ‘A’ team at the event as the school had two teams competing in the event in Canton, Mo. Loeppky shot 87 and 83 during the tournament, his team was third, the overall leaderboard was not available.

The Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Muleriders were in action with Regina’s Will Blake in the field at the NCAA Regional Preview in Edmond, Okla. on Oct. 16 and 17. He tied for 85^th after rounds of 78, 75, and 76 at the Kickingbird Golf Course.

The Muleriders team was ninth overall. SAU travels to Tulsa, Okla. for the Tulsa Cup at Indian Springs Country Club on Oct. 23 and 24 to conclude the fall season.

Two Saskatchewan student-athletes were in the field this week at the Otter Invitational in Seaside, Cal. at the Bayonet Golf Course.  

Deer Valley’s Cole Obrigewitsch and the California State University Coyotes were there, as was Saskatoon’s Carter Bell and the Dominican University of California Penguins.

Obrigewitsch carded rounds of 77, 82, and 76, he was 60^th while Bell posted back-to-back rounds of 80 and a 77 in round three, he tied for 63^rd.

The Coyotes were tied for eighth in the team standings, the Penguins were 10^th.

Obrigewitsch’s next scheduled event is the HPU Sharks Shootout on Oct. 23 and 24 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Bell’s fall season is over.

Eston’s Cort Tunall wrapped up his fall season at the University of Houston-Victoria this week at their home event, the UHV Fall Classic in Victoria, Tex. Tunall was competing as an individual and played well finishing in a tie for 28^th. He shot 80 in round one, then went back-to-back 79’s for a 54-hole total of 238.

UHV won the team event. Tunall and the Jaguars are now off until February.

More events will occur next week with 14 Saskatchewan student-athletes having tournaments on their school schedules.

Golf Saskatchewan has announced the eight winners of the Order of Merit (OMT) Tours and has awarded the champions an exemption into a provincial event of their choosing in 2024.

The winners of the OMT divisions are as follows:

U15 Women – Grace Odnokon (Saskatoon G&CC) | 1050 points
U19 Women – Hallie Crozier (Royal Regina GC) | 2650 points
U13 Men – Austin Nesbitt (Wascana CC) | 1300 points
U15 Men – Aricin Franklin (Riverside CC) | 1700 points
U19 Men | Tommy Danielson (Riverside CC) | 1963 points
Women – Kim Walker (Wascana CC) | 3000 points
Senior Men – Rick Hallberg (Golf Kenosee) | 3100 points
Men – Jehremy Ryde (Riverside CC) | 1850 points

Adding the exemption into a provincial event for the winners the next season was recently approved by the Golf Saskatchewan Board of Directors during a recent Strategic Planning session. Executive Director Brian Lee said awarding players for the commitment of playing in Golf Saskatchewan events and other tournaments is a great way to increase the stakes of the province’s OMT tours.

“Players compete in several events each year spending their hard earned money, see long-time friends, make new ones, and grow the game. As an organization if we can reward each winner for their great seasons we wanted to add some extra incentive. The winners are regulars at our championships and we hope to see them next year with perhaps some new found friends,” Lee said.

To see the complete results of all eight tours click here.

Josh Nagy led the Robert Morris University (RMU) Colonials to a ninth place finish at the Bucknell Invitational this week in Lewisburg, Pa. The Saskatoon product ended up fifth, the highest finish for any RMU player this season. Nagy posted an opening round of 74 at the Bucknell University Golf Course, but bounced back nicely carding a 69 in the second round and a 67 in round three collecting another collegiate top-five finish.

The Colonials head to Powells Point, N.C. on Oct. 22 for the ODU/OBX Intercollegiate at the Kilmarlic Golf Club.

In Watertown, Conn. on Oct. 9 and 10 the Post University Eagles hosted their own Invitational with some Saskatchewan competitors in the field including fifth-year Post golfer and Estevan product Jace Carlisle who placed in a tie for 59^th. He shot 83 in round one but improved overt he final couple rounds with an 80 and 72 in the final round.

Saskatoon’s Alex Swinnerton and fellow Waskesiu Golf Course junior alumni Guillermo Salazar were also in action at the Watertown Golf Club this week competing for the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Crimson Hawks. IUP won the team competition thanks to more strong performances from the pair. Salazar was tied for fifth at 4-over par 217 (74, 72, 71) while Swinnerton tied for 11^th at 6-over par 219 (76, 72, 71).

Carlisle’s final fall college golf season is complete, he will conclude his college career after Christmas, Swinnerton and Salazar will now travel to Lebanon, Penn. for the PSAC Championships at Iron Valley Golf Club beginning on Oct. 20.

A week after winning his first collegiate championship Estevan’s Chase Gedak was close again missing by just a shot at the USF Invite in Larchwood, Iowa this week. Competing for the Minot State University (MSU) Beavers the Golf Kenosee member shot 69 and 73 at The Falls on Oct. 9 and 10 to finish at 2-under par.

The Beavers were fifth as a team, Gedak led the way for the Beavers who are now on their winter break.

On the women’s side Chaplin’s Holly Knudsen was the top MSU player tying for 22^nd at 14-over par. She shot 76 in round one and 82 in the second round, the Beavers were 11^th as a team, and like the men’s team are now on the Christmas break.

A couple Saskatchewan student-athletes were in action at the Alamo City Classic at the Quarry City Glf Club in San Atonio, Tex. On Oct 9 and 10.

Milsaps College junior Will Danielson and freshman Davin Karst were competing for the Majors. Danielson shot 76 in round one then fired back-to-back rounds of 72 leaving the Saskatoon product in a tie for 29^th overall. Assiniboia’s Karst got better each round going 77, 75, and 71 for a tie for 34^th. The team was eighth in the standings.

Milsaps has one event left before the break, the Majors will be in Rome, Ga. At the Stonebridge Golf Club for the Chick-fil-A Invitational on Oct. 23 and 24.

Cole Obrigewitsch of Deer Valley was in Somis, Cal. this week for the Bill Cullum Invitational at The Saticoy Club alongside his California State University San Barnardino (CSUSB) Coyote teammates on Oct. 9 and 10. The 2023 amateur men’s Team Saskatchewan member carded rounds of 72 and 80 for a t-41^st finish. The Coyotes team was 10^th.

Next up is the Otter Invitational in Seaside, Cal. at Bayonet Black Horse on Oct. 16 and 17.

Nipawin’s Cole Taylor was able to celebrate the first team win in Park University Gilbert program history at the ERAU Fall Invite in Prescott, Ariz. on Oct. 9 and 10. Competing at Antelope Hills North Golf Course the team won the event by five shots over Arizona Christian University, the alma mater of Saskatoon’s Connor Scissons. Unfortunately, Taylor had to withdraw after one round due to an injury.

The Buccaneers are now off until the new year.

Another 10 Saskatchewan student-athletes have events scheduled for the start of next week, several more will compete later in October before the fall season concludes.

The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) announced their players of the year and Order of Merit Tour winners for the 2023 season this week.

In the under-15 girls’ division Regina’s Tayla Perry was the winner with 1,560 points, Saskatoon’s Grace Odnokon was second with 1,445 points.

The 15-19 girls category was won by Swift Current’s Niya Friesen. She had 1,390 points, Chloe Wills of Kyle was second at 1,100, Hallie Crozier of Regina was third at 1,025.

The under-13 boys division was won by Pilot Butte golfer Austin Nesbitt. The Wascana Country Club junior had 1,925 points. Humboldt’s Tylan Wallin was second at 1,455, Max Gehl of Swift Current was third.

In the under-15 age group Aricin Franklin of Saskatoon was the winner by a close margin. The Riverside Country Club member collected 2,435 points this season, just 172.5 more than fellow Saskatoon player Lucas Sturgeon who compiled 2,262.5 points over the season.

The under-17 boys’ Order of Merit champion is another Saskatoon player. Jack Maharaj was the only competitor to pick up over 1,000 points in the age group officially compiling 1,457.5 this year. Brady Guenther was second at 967.5.

In the 17-19 boys division Drayjon Sparvier of Ochapowace First Nation was the winner with 1,025 points. Duck Lake golfer Marcus Cameron was seond at 962.5.

The MJT also announced the winners of the Mini-Tour Order of Merit as well.

The winners were:

Girls 8U | Makinlee McCrystal (Regina)
Girls 9-10 | Alyxa Melsted (Wynyard)
Girls 11-12 | Natalie Maunula (North Battleford)
Boys 8U | Hudson Deibert (Regina)
Boys 9-10 | Caleb O’Brien (Melville)
Boys 11-12 | Keaton Kreklewich (Melville)

Next up for the MJT this year is the MJT National Championship in Litchfield, Az. from Nov. 9 to 12 at Wigwam Golf Resort.

Saskatchewan has 10 players in the field.

After 50 years of business the original clubhouse and Proshop at Valley Regional Park Golf Course at Rosthern will be replaced by a new building.

Following the 2023 Golf Saskatchewan Champions Cup at the course on Sept. 30, Valley Regional shut down for the season and construction on the new facility is essentially underway. General Manager Conner McGill

“It is starting to show it’s age,” McGill said of the half century old building. “It needed major upgrades. It’s been a couple years, we applied for some grants. It’s pretty exciting it’s coming to fruition there.”

The new facility will be bigger to provide a better visitor experience, plus the Proshop will be able to carry more stock. Both exciting items, but McGill said having a full-service food department is really enticing.

“To have a full kitchen where we can serve tournaments, it’s going to be a learning curve in how that’s going to work, but we are very excited to be able to offer what we weren’t before,” he said.

With the construction coming this fall through the winter one upgrade is already complete. The course added a cart pad near the entry to make traffic flow more efficient around the entire first tee area.

“It’s nice, it’s not so cramped where we were,” McGill applauded. “There is a couple big wash bays, it drains nicely, it looks real sharp, they did a great job on it.”

The 18-hole golf course alongside the campground receives rave reviews from most who play it once or members that spend their summers at the club. After hosting the provincial club championship event this year with over 70 players from across the province, McGill feels word is getting out about the club and the construction of the new clubhouse will elevate Valley Regional’s standing in Saskatchewan.

“I don’t know if you can call us a hidden gem anymore. There was a good dozen players from, I know some were from Regina, I don’t know where they were all exactly from, but when they were playing in the Champions Cup they were like, I have never played this golf course, it’s amazing. We will definitely be back. That’s exciting to hear,” McGill said.

If everything goes according to plan the new clubhouse could be open in mid-May of next year.