Sask Sport has named Chase Pochylko their 2021 Youth Male Athlete of the Year.

Nominated by Golf Saskatchewan, the 17-year-old Saskatoon product was named the winner during the amateur sport association’s virtual awards gala on Thursday. Pochylko had several people to thank upon receiving the honour.

“A huge thanks to my parents for their endless support throughout my journey in golf,” Pochylko said. “They’ve just helped me so much through the years. I’d like to thank all my coaches in my junior golf career. I’d like to thank Sask Sport for putting on this ceremony and just helping grow the amateur sports scene here in Saskatchewan.”

Pochylko capped a great season that included a trip to both the amateur and junior Canadian championships, an appearance at the Elk Ridge Open, a win at the Maple Leaf Junior Tour National Championship, and the 2021 Saskatchewan Order of Merit junior men’s championship.

“I’d like to thank all my friends and family who have supported me so much over the years. It really helps me stay motivated in pursuing my dream,” Pochylko concluded.

As announced last week by the Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) and Golf Saskatchewan, the nationwide junior tour is returning to the province.

The CJGA last held an event in Saskatchewan in May of 2017. This year the CJGA Prairie Championship will be held from June 17 to 19 at Yorkton’s Deer Park Municipal Golf Course. CJGA Director of Tour Operations Tyler Torrieri said part of his goal within his role at the association was to bring an event back to the province.

“We’ve been out of it for three or four years now, the pandemic kind of messed with things but even before that we just weren’t seeing the players out there,” he told Golf Saskatchewan. “I really wanted to get back into Saskatchewan and give players another avenue to play.”

The CJGA holds 120 events across Canada for junior golfers up to the age 24. The organization has the customary junior competitive circuit as well as their “Linkster” program for players four to 14. Deer Park last hosted a large-scale junior event in 2019 when Golf Canada hosted the then Future Links [now NextGen] Prairie Championship. Torrieri said he’s looking forward to bringing the event to the east-central city.

“We’re very excited to provide another avenue for these golfers out there because you guys have some fantastic junior golfers that we want to provide that opportunity to and provide notoriety for them too with some of the ranking associations and put their names on the map,” he said.

The 54-hole tournament is also one of five events that will be used to determine Team Saskatchewan that will represent the province at the Canada Summer Games in August. He added that the incentive the event provides is fantastic.

“Absolutely, we’re excited that you guys (Golf Saskatchewan) have offered that opportunity to us as well to be a qualifier for the Canada Games and provide this opportunity for players because you guys deserve it out there,” Torrieri said.

For more details on the CJGA you can visit their website.

You can hear more below in Torrieri’s interview with Golf Saskatchewan’s Clark Stork.

Golf Saskatchewan has announced the criteria that will outline who will compete for the province at the 2022 Canada Summer Games in Niagara this summer.

The golf competition at the Games will be held at the Legends on the Niagara (Battlefield) from Aug. 17 to 20. Team Saskatchewan will be made up of two females and two males under the age of 19. Golf Saskatchewan Manager of Sport Steve Ryde said the internal competition to be a part of Team Saskatchewan will be fun to follow along this upcoming season.

“Saskatchewan is rich in talent, there are at least a dozen or more talented, male players that could possibly make the team. On the female side, we have a handful of competitors ready to represent the green and gold on the national stage. As the coach for the golf team, my goal is to create a team atmosphere leading up to the games that expands through the entire process to the final hole in late August,” Ryde said.

The teams will be announced following the Saskatchewan Junior Championships at the Royal Regina Golf Club from July 5 to 7. Four other tournaments leading up to the provincial championships will also be used to determine the team. Ryde added that despite the fact the Games are still over seven months away, preparation for players is underway for a chance to compete in this potential once in a lifetime opportunity.

“We are months away from the Canada Games however, golfers in Saskatchewan are already training and planning their competitive schedules. Our organization wanted to finalize the details regarding the process, so all the players are ready when registration for all the events are open,” Ryde said.

“There are so many PGA professionals, fitness experts, and coaches that help in the development of our junior golfers in Saskatchewan, I am proud to say that we are all Team Saskatchewan. The excitement is building towards another amazing season for our juniors and all golfers,” Ryde concluded.

For the complete Junior Order of Merit Schedule click here.

Saskatoon’s Chase Pochylko is being recognized by Sask Sport Inc. for his tremendous season on the golf course.

On Wednesday the 17-year-old was named one of the finalists for Youth Male Athlete of the Year for 2021.

Pochylko competed at both the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship and the Canadian Junior Boy’s Championship. He missed the cut by just one stroke in the men’s event and finished in 69^th place at the boy’s national event.

He was the winner of the Saskatchewan Junior Order of Merit Tour in 2021 and had his season capped by winning his age group at the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) National Championship in British Columbia over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Pochylko is a finalist alongside baseball player Carson Hindmarsh.

You can read more on the finalists here.

Sask Sport will announce the winners virtually on Jan. 27.

Golf continues to provide a record number of Canadians safe refuge during the COVID-19 global pandemic as a proven activity that benefits physical and mental health.

As we look ahead to 2022, there is comfort in knowing golf can continue to be a haven for safe gathering and fitness – for all.

And beyond just the ability to continue to play the game, the world of golf has given Canadians much to be excited about as we look ahead to a new year!

Here are nine things Canadians should be excited about in 2022:

BROOKE’S BACK AT THE CP WOMEN’S OPEN

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, planning for the 2022 CP Women’s Open is full-steam ahead. Hosted by Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, it’s the first time our national open will be in our nation’s capital since 2017. That year Brooke Henderson made the cut on the number and proceeded to fire a course-record 63 on Saturday to zip up the leaderboard. Henderson would, of course, go on to win the CP Women’s Open in 2018 and end up in the final group on Sunday in 2019. Tickets are on sale now for Ottawa’s event and it’s a fabulous opportunity to see some of the best golfers in the world tee it up – including our home-grown hero.

RBC CANADIAN OPEN WELCOMES THE GAME’S TOP STARS

Like the CP Women’s Open, plans for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open are well underway as the excitement for the return of Canada’s lone PGA TOUR stop is at an all-time high. Hosted by St. George’s Golf and Country Club and Islington Golf Club’s practice facility, signs are pointing to this event – last won by Rory McIlroy in Hamilton in 2019 – being a very special one. There is set to be a ton of fabulous new activations for Canadian golf fans and there’s nothing quite like seeing our guys, like the top-ranked male Corey Conners, tee it up in person. Get your tickets here.

PRESIDENTS CUP HOPEFULS

Speaking of Corey Conners! Both he and childhood friend – and long-time Golf Canada National Team member – Mackenzie Hughes are in the conversation to be part of the International Presidents Cup team at Quail Hollow come September. Mike Weir is back as an Assistant Captain, and if Hughes and Conners both make the team it will be the first time in history with multiple Canadians on the squad.

NEW YEAR, NEW GEAR

We say it often enough, but the top brands in golf continue to put out amazing gear to help you look, feel, and play better year after year. The Titleist Pro V1 (and Pro V1x) continue to be the No.1 ball in golf, while Puma and Levelwear are set to make clothing drops that are fit for the fairways or streamlined for the streets. Look in your bag or your closet to see what might need replaced in the new year and you won’t be disappointed at what’s on offer now, or what’s to come.

FIRST TEE LAUNCHES IN CANADA

In concert with the PGA of Canada, Golf Canada was thrilled to put in motion the launch of the First Tee – Canada in 2021, with a targeted growth strategy for next year and beyond. The commitment from golf’s key stakeholders in Canada will allow for the next generation of divot-diggers to be able to thrive in any environment. With a big thanks to the Golf Canada Foundation and some key donations through this year, it’s an exciting time to be a youngster involved in golf in this country.

ROAD TRIP

If the last two golf seasons have shown anything to Canadians, it’s that we have a lot of darn good golf courses in this country. Whether you’re looking for a hidden gem somewhere in Saskatoon, keen to combine golf and wine in Niagara, ready to heed the call of the mountains in Canmore Kananaskis, hot for history in Quebec City, or finally ready to check that bucket-list item off your list at Cabot Cape Breton, there’s no better time that grabbing some friends and safely hitting the road, or the skies, to explore what kind of great golf is on offer in this country. Find your course here.

CLUB COMPETITIONS

Perhaps the last two years have been restrictive in terms of who can play and when, but with more safety measures installed at clubs across Canada it’s likely you might have the opportunity to get those competitive juices flowing once again. Maybe you want to test your mettle at your club, or tee it up at a provincial tournament? Or maybe you can finally bring your friend to your place for a thrilling member-guest experience? Whatever the event may be, we’ve got our fingers-crossed that there will be more opportunities in 2022.

GOLF’S GROWING POPULARITY

Whether there was play at a local muni, a nine-hole layout, or a championship 18-hole track, 2021 saw more Canadians teeing it up than ever before – this after a record-setting year in 2020. As Golf Canada continues its commitment to inclusion at all levels, don’t be surprised to see more people from all backgrounds enjoying the game more in 2022. A safe space means more enjoyment for all.

ALWAYS TRYING TO GET BETTER

Even Tiger Woods, the greatest modern player in history, is trying to chase improvements on the course. While Woods’ return – of which we saw a tease of in December – is something itself to look forward to in 2022, take a page out of Woods’ book and keep working on your own game. The opportunity to improve (be sure to speak with a PGA of Canada professional!) is something that makes golf a game for a lifetime, and a new year means more time to try to shave a few strokes. Trying to get just a little bit better next year is something that carries many Canadians through wintertime. To keep detailed stats on your game, give Golf Canada’s free mobile app a try.

Saskatoon’s Scott Allan is the new executive director of the PGA of Saskatchewan.

Allan has had a long career in golf in the province and elsewhere and admits he’s a “lifer” in the industry following his latest appointment.

Allan sat down with Golf Saskatchewan to discuss the position and the industry overall on both a professional and an amateur.

The PGA of Canada has announced their finalists for the 2021 National Awards.

“We are blessed to have a family of over 3,600 professionals who proudly share their passion and expertise with golfers from coast-to-coast,” Teejay Alderdice, the association’s president said in a news release on the organization’s website.

Saskatoon Golf & Country Club General Manager McLaren Taylor is up for the Dick Munn Executive Professional of the Year Award.

Patty Jonas, who teaches out of Jonas Golf Academy at the Saskatoon Golf and Country Club is among the nominees in the George Knudson Teacher of the Year Award.

Paul Schatz, a Regina based PGA professional based out of the Joanne Goulet Golf Course is nominated for the Jack McLaughlin Junior Leader of the Year Award.

Wildwood Golf Course based PGA of Canada professional Jason Schneider is among seven nominees for the Ben Kern Coach of the Year Award for his work in Saskatoon and area.

Saskatoon Golf & Country Club Head Professional Brennen Gee is in the final group vying for the Pat Fletcher Retailer of the Year Award.

Brent Eikelenboom is nominated in the Stan Leonard Class “A” Professional of the Year Award category through his work at The Legends Golf Club as the proshop manager and teacher in Warman.

Each year, a National Selection Committee evaluates nominations from professionals across Canada. Winners for each national award are traditionally recognized during PGA of Canada Night at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla., however, this year will see winners revealed live during the association’s virtual National Award Ceremony on Jan. 27, 2022. 

Early in 2022, the registration for the PGA of Canada’s National Award Ceremony will be live. 

It’s no secret golf has had a couple of booming seasons since the COVID-19 pandemic was first declared in March of 2020. After lobbying from industry stakeholders, golf started May 15, 2020 in Saskatchewan by being recognized as a safe, social distant outdoor activity.

Numbers grew but nothing like what was recorded for the 2021 season.

The Numbers

In Saskatchewan, scores posted into the Golf Canada Score Centre were up 21 percent from 2020 for the year. Early season round posting (players posting in warmer climates) was down drastically due to travel restrictions, between December of 2020 and February of 2021.

Rounds posted was down an average of 65 percent, there would be people that still travelled to southern homes. April’s uptake is monumental for this year, in April of 2020 courses were not allowed to be open in Saskatchewan due to health regulations, this year clubs hit the ground running and saw an increase of 10,592 percent for the month. There were 106 scores posted in April 2020 in the province, again likely by Golf Saskatchewan members playing elsewhere. Once the weather cooperated this year, 11,334 rounds were counted. The numbers tapered from the hot start but stayed well above last year’s marks.

Deer Valley Golf Resort Head Professional John Greenough said the second they opened their doors at the start of the 2021 season people were flocking to their club.

Cooke Municipal Golf Course in Prince Albert also saw a huge upswing in play. In 2020 Cooke registered just over 5,000 rounds being entered in the Score Centre, that number ballooned to almost 8,900, the sixth most in Saskatchewan. General Manager Darcy Myers said their course appreciated the increased play.

“Unreal, it was fantastic,” Myers said. “It’s nice to rebound after things were flat for a while.”

Some players even managed to play for essentially days this summer. A male Riverside member posted 248 rounds this past season which was the ninth highest total in Canada. The top female golfer posted 206 rounds, she is also a member at Riverside Country Club.

Waskesiu Golf Club employee and longtime junior at the course, Guillermo Salazar has committed to play golf at Indiana University of Pennsylvania next season.

The 18-year-old Calgary product spent most of his youth playing hockey and used golf in Waskesiu, where his family has a cottage, as a release from the sport in the summers. A couple years ago Salazar saw a future in golf and altered his athletic focus.

“Last September is when I got my first golf coach,” he said to Golf Saskatchewan on Tuesday. “I took things to the next level, I started to win some tournaments and that’s when things took off.”

Salazar finished fourth at the Junior Lobstick in 2018, peaking his competitive interest. In 2020 he finished fifth at the Saskatchewan Junior Men’s Championship in Swift Current. This past year he won the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour event at Elk Ridge Resort, he also took home the championship of the Junior Lobstick. With plenty of junior success on his resume, Salazar said travel restrictions due to COVID-19 supplanted him in the province.

“Once we got into Saskatchewan we couldn’t leave it,” he explained. “That’s when I started playing most of my tournaments in Saskatchewan and I started meeting all the boys they. I really kind of settled into golf in Saskatchewan.”

Salazar will be joined by Alex Swinnerton at the school. The two are longtime friends from their time at the course where Swinnerton also works in the summer months. Salazar said having his friend along for the ride will create some great memories and teach himself about the world outside Calgary and Prince Albert National Park.

“I want to grow some qualities within myself, just some individualism, stuff like that. It’s the qualities you grow being a couple thousand kilometres away from your family. I’m really excited about learning different lifestyles across the continent,” he said.

Salazar is toggling between finance or accounting but highlighted the programs at the Division II school about 100 kilometres north of Pittsburgh.

He is still playing hockey, at a less grueling level in Calgary and preparing for next season. Salazar said he wants to play more men’s events in preparation of his college career.

You can hear more from Salazar in his interview with Golf Saskatchewan’s Clark Stork.

Saskatoon’s Alex Swinnerton will be continuing his golf career with a Division 2 United States university next year.

Swinnerton, 17, has committed to Indiana University of Pennsylvania located about 100 kilometres north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Joining Swinnerton at the school will be his close friend and Waskesiu Golf Course co-worker Guillermo Salazar. Swinnerton admitted the move to a university with over 10,000 students will be easier having Salazar alongside.

“I introduced him to coach (Dan) Braun at IUP and he offered him a spot,” Swinnerton explained. “We both visited down there, and we felt at home as soon as we got there.”

Swinnerton said the process to decide on a college has spanned a couple years. He said when he was 14 years old, he began to take the game more seriously, competed in tournaments, and made the decision to achieve the goal of collegiate golf.

“I saw myself improving, I went with Jeff (Chambers), 15 came and again I started playing more tournaments like the provincials, Future Links, things like that. That was big, to play in those big events. That’s when I really told myself golf is what I want to do,” he said.

The grade 12 student has one year left of junior eligibility and has his sights set on the Saskatchewan Junior Men’s Championship and the Canada Games. He said having his education plans set he can focus on having a positive season to cap his junior career.

“I just want to have fun playing this year, be with the friends for a little bit longer then hit the road to Pennsylvania,” he said.

Swinnerton plans to study business and marketing in the classroom and hopefully continue t stay in the golf industry once he graduates.

You can hear more from Swinnerton in his interview with Golf Saskatchewan’s Clark Stork below.

*Note – Golf Saskatchewan will hear from Salazar on Tuesday.