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.
Taylor commits to college in Arizona
Nipawin’s Cole Taylor has announced that he will play college golf at Park University Gilbert after he graduates.
The Evergreen Golf Course member will join the Arizona based Buccaneers National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) program in September.
Taylor, 17, spoke to Golf Saskatchewan’s Clark Stork about his start in golf, becoming competitive, his goals, and future in the game.
Spring college season underway in America
The spring college golf season has teed off in some parts of the United States.
Saskatoon’s Connor Scissons already has an event under his belt this spring with Arizona Christian University (ACU). Competing in his final season with the Firestorm Scissons was at the Sterling Grove Golf and Country Club in Sunrise, AZ. on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 for the OUAZ Spring Invitational.
He shot rounds of 82, 80, and 81 finishing in a tie for 47th place. The team was fifth overall in the 11 team field. ACU will be back on the course on Feb. 27 in Venture, CA. for the Warrior Invitational at Olivas Links.
Three other Saskatchewan student-athletes were on the course in Humble, TX. last week.
Competing at the Houston Classic on Feb. 13 and 14 at the Golf Club of Houston Regina’s Luke Cote was the top local playing for Southern Arkansas University (SAU). Cote tied for 37th after rounds of 78, 73, and 77. The Muleriders placed eighth in the team standings.
The news wasn’t as positive for Prince Albert’s TJ Baker and Estevan product Chase Gedak and the University of Arkansas at Monticello Weevils. Baker led his team with a 239 (80, 85, 74) that left junior in a tie for 75th.
Gedak shot 82, 78, and 80 for a 54-hole score of 240, he placed in a tie for 77th. The Weevils placed 17th in the event.
The next tournament for Baker and Gedak is the Buccaneer Spring Classic in Memphis, TN on March 6 and 7.
Many more collegiate golfers will begin their spring season later in February or early March.
Two more Saskatchewan athletes have committed to U.S. colleges, Golf Saskatchewan will have their features posted next week.
To learn more about Saskatchewan players competing at the college level click here.
Mike Weir Announced as First Tee – Canada Ambassador
Canadian golf icon and philanthropist to help foster donor relationships and support the advancement of First Tee programming for children and families across Canada
TORONTO, February 21, 2023 – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are pleased to announce that Canadian Golf Hall of Famer and dedicated philanthropist Mike Weir has been named the first official First Tee – Canada ambassador.
As an ambassador for First Tee – Canada, Weir will support the program through attendance at fundraising events, helping to foster donor relationships, and broadening the reach of First Tee – Canada’s positive impact on children and families.
Born and raised in Bright’s Grove, Ont., the eight-time PGA TOUR winner and 2003 Masters champion has been a philanthropic supporter of Canadian youth for nearly 20 years through the charitable work of the Mike Weir Foundation.
First Tee – Canada provides affordable access to golf for youth across the country, striving to diversify and grow the game of golf to reflect the strengths of Canada’s multiculturalism more closely. Inclusive programming is delivered at golf courses, schools, and community centres introducing golf and providing life-enhancing experiences through sport to children.
“I am honoured to take on the role of First Tee – Canada ambassador,” said Weir. “Historically, golf has not been the most accessible sport for families to get involved with, and I am proud to be part of a program that is working with donors and community leaders to break down those barriers. My passion for golf and supporting children’s development is well aligned with the First Tee – Canada’s mission and I am excited to contribute wherever I can.”
“We are extremely proud to welcome Mike Weir as a First Tee – Canada ambassador,” said Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer Kevin Blue. “Mike has meant so much to Canadian golf and his altruism and charitable experience will help generate meaningful awareness of First Tee across the Canadian philanthropic community. We highly anticipate Mike’s ambassadorship adding to the continued advancement of the program, and its ability to positively impact Canadian youth.”
Weir, who took up the game at Huron Oaks near Sarnia, Ont. was recently named International Team Captain of the 2024 Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal Golf Club. As a philanthropist, the Mike Weir Foundation has raised over $8,000,000 for Canadian children’s charities since 2004.
“I have tried to use my platform for good and being a First Tee – Canada ambassador is an extension of that commitment,” added Weir. “I hope that my involvement can inspire supporters looking to introduce more children and families to the sport I love, especially those who may have otherwise not had the opportunity. I want to welcome youth to experience the game and develop important life skills they can carry forward through life off the course.”
Launched in 2020 with the generous support of the Golf Canada Foundation and its network of donors, First Tee – Canada has operating chapters in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, the Atlantic region, and a newly launched Prairies region. With programming in schools, at community centres, and at golf courses, Golf Canada’s goal is to welcome 100,000 First Tee – Canada participants by 2024.
For more information and to learn how you can support First Tee – Canada, visit www.firstteecanada.ca.
Schatz named head professional at Waskesiu Golf Course
Regina’s Paul Schatz has been named the new head professional at Waskesiu Golf Course.
Schatz, 35, will take over the coveted position from Andrew Hnatiuk who resigned late in 2022.
Schatz spoke to Golf Saskatchewan about the position and how excited he and his family are for the new chapter.
Evergreen Golf Course ecstatic to host NextGen Prairie Championship
The Golf Canada NextGen Prairie Championship will be hosted by the Evergreen Golf Course in Nipawin this June.
Returning to Saskatchewan since Yorkton’s Deer Park Municipal Golf Course hosted the event that alternates between Saskatchewan and Manitoba each year. Last year the event attracted over 30 players from the province to Quarry Oaks in Stainbach, Man.
Nipawin will host the 54-hole championship from June 15 – 18.
Golf Saskatchewan sat down with Evergreen Club President and Junior Golf Advocate Kevin Duchscherer and Manager of Sport Development Steve Ryde to discuss the long road to bring a Golf Canada event to the town and course as well as the momentum built off last year’s event that saw Alex Swinnerton win the boy’s championship.
Johnson shares PGA Tour Monday Qualifier experience
Yorkton’s Kade Johnson is back in Phoenix, Arizona following the Farmers Insurance Open Monday Qualifier in Murrieta, California.
Johnson, 24, spoke to Golf Saskatchewan Tuesday and talked about the last year on the professional golf journey and sharing the experience Monday at Bear Creek Golf Club with long-time friend and college teammate Roman Timmerman.
2022’s top golf moments in Saskatchewan
Every year golf provides amazing moments and memories with Saskatchewan being no different.
Despite our somewhat short season the sport had it’s share of remarkable recognitions courtesy of the game.
Here’s a look back on the top-10 stories of 2022 based on readership/viewership
The city of Yorkton is committing $7.6 million to construct a new clubhouse for Deer Park Municipal Golf Course.
Read more.
A jam-packed field of the province’s best amateur golfers will converge on Prince Albert’s Cooke Municipal Golf Course this week for the Saskatchewan Amateur Championships.
Read more.
With a young family including three boys the Stupak family is hoping an indoor golf facility will grow golf and play a role in more recreational family-friendly options for Warman, Martensville, and the area.
Read more.
Saskatoon’s Josh Nagy has his first “amateur” win after claiming the Scotia Wealth Open at Nipawin’s Evergreen Golf Course on Sunday.
Read more.
Estevan’s Jace Carlisle is headed to a collegiate national championship.
Read more.
Elvin Mitchell didn’t start playing golf regularly until he was about 40 years old but now 97, he’s making up for lost time.
Read more.
Regina’s Hunter Kutcher has decided to stay in Canada to play college golf and get an education.
Read more.
For Cole Jenkins, the thought of playing college sports has always been a dream but the Prince Albert product didn’t know what sport could lead him to his goal once high school was complete.
Read more.
Much like the Canadian Senior Women’s Championship in Winnipeg, all reports back from Red Deer is the men’s event was also fantastic.
Read more.
July 25, 2022 will stand out in the mind of Regina’s Mark Johnston for years to come.
Read more.