For the first time since 1998, a Saskatchewan junior will compete in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship after Ryan Mosher qualified on May 28.

Mosher, 18, was the third qualifier in Boise, Idaho after winning the spot in a playoff over Mason McGee of Boise.

Jeff Makohon was the last Saskatchewan junior men’s player to earn a spot in the prestigious event in 1998. Makohon was also the only Saskatchewan junior to win the Canadian Junior Boys Championship. Ella Kozak of Yorkton completed in the Junior Girls Championship in 2022, Anna Young played in the girls event too, in 2012.

Fellow junior competitors Aricin Franklin and Ethan Hunter will try to qualify as well in Abbotsford , B.C. in a week’s time.

The championship will take place at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania from July 20 to 25.

Golf Saskatchewan spoke with Mosher following the incredible achievement.

Kade Johnson is the 2026 MNP Northeast Open champion after holding off a charging Luke Cote on Sunday at Nipawin’s Evergreen Golf Course.

The 27-year-old Yorkton product vaulted himself into the lead after round one with a course record 7-under, 65. He shot 70 in round two, winning by four strokes over top amateur Luke Cote.

Jesse Gibson of Saskatoon mimicked Johnson on Sunday also shooting 65 to push himself into a third place finish.

Defending champion Tommy Danielson tied for fourth with Regina City Amateur winner Jorgen Viken and Jerry Christiansen.

To see the complete results click here.

Johnson spoke with Golf Saskatchewan after the win.

On May 24, down to the actual day York Lake Golf and Country Club celebrated their 100th anniversary just south of Yorkton.

The 12-hole course, one of two in Saskatchewan has survived wars, floods, and financial frustration since opening in 1926, but through volunteerism and community pride the club has managed to withstand it all.

Sunday featured a ceremony with speeches, a hot dot lunch, cake cutting, and a ceremonial tee off.

Outgoing volunteer manager Donna Liebrecht grew up at the course, her father was a lifetime member. With help from her sister, they helped guide the club back to prosperity.

Lienbrecht’s son also spent everyday at the club as a junior, he has taken over as the new manager.

Golf Saskatchewan has happy to attend and present the cub with a 100 year plague to put hung in the clubhouse.

Liebrecht spoke to Golf Saskatchewan highlighting the day that was special for her, her family, and the golf community in east-central Saskatchewan.

Release courtesy National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA) 

Ottawa, Ont. – The National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA) will host its Hill Day in Ottawa on May 26th, to coincide with National Golf Day. NAGA delegates will be meeting with Members of Parliament and Senators to highlight the Canadian golf industry’s unprecedented economic and social momentum.

As a coalition of Canada’s five major golf associations – Golf Canada; National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) Canada; the Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC); Professional Golfers Association of Canada (PGA of Canada); and the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) – NAGA advocates for the sector with a single, unified voice.

Golf serves as a key pillar of the Canadian economy, generating more than $23 billion in total economic impact and $4.7 billion in tax revenues. The industry supports 239,000 jobs, including employment for 45,000 students annually, and helps to raise over $382 million for charitable causes.

“The sector has undergone a historic transformation since 2020. Today, golf is much more than a seasonal pastime; it has evolved into a year-round cultural force, an economic engine, and an accessible, mainstream platform for community connection enjoyed by over 6 million players,” said Kathryn Wood, Chair of NAGA. “Alongside these economic and social benefits, the industry is deeply committed to protecting and enhancing our role as stewards for the environment.”

Through sustainable turf management practices across 2,100 golf courses in Canada—90% of which are publicly accessible—the industry acts as stewards for almost 250,000 acres of greenspace, playing a leading role in wildlife conservation and carbon sequestration.

“As an accessible, outdoor activity for Canadians of all ages and abilities, golf serves as a primary vehicle for preventative health and social connection, particularly within rural and remote communities where local courses often act as the primary hubs for social infrastructure,” said Wood.

NAGA welcomes the opportunity to work with parliamentarians, senators and the public service to capitalize on the sport’s momentum by expanding accessibility for all Canadians, fostering industry-wide innovation, and bolstering the sector’s contribution to healthy communities, responsible resource management, and environmental stewards from the grassroots to the international stage.

The Regina City Amateur presented by Zaba Financial was won again by Joergen Viken on the weekend.

The Royal Regina Golf Club (RRGC) member outlasted 59 other players at Deer Valley Golf Club and Wascana Country Club on May 23 and 24.

Viken shot 74 in round one and was one of two players under par on Sunday shooting 69 for a two round total of 143. Dallas Lequyer also shot in the red Sunday with a 71, he was fifth overall.

Viken was the lone player in the field to shoot under par, he finished at -1, 143, two shots better than Josh Marcia, also of the Royal Regina Golf Club.

Another RRGC shooter, Noah Kozack was third.

To see the complete results click here.

Viken spoke to Golf Saskatchewan to talk about his second Regia City Amateur win.

Will Blake is now a college graduate following a terrific tenure with the Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Muleriders golf team.

Blake, 22, began his junior career at the Royal Regina Golf Club alongside SAU teammate Luke Cote. Blake was also a talented hockey player who suited up in the Saskatchewan AAA U18 Hockey League with the Saskatoon Blazers, but eventually chose the golf path.

He completed for the Muleriders consistently over four seasons on route to a degree in Supply Chain Management. He will continue to be an amateur and is moving to Toronto for a year to support his girlfriend who is completing her post secondary education.

Blake said he will pick the game back up competitively in 2027 once they likely return to Saskatchewan or western Canada and begin careers.

Blake spoke with Golf Saskatchewan following his graduation.

Guillermo Salazar was born and raised in Calgary, but with a family cabin at Waskesiu, it was Saskatchewan’s junior golf scene and events that shaped him into an excellent college player and graduate.

Salazar, 23, attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania alongside long-time friend and fellow Waskesiu junior Alex Swinnerton.

He played in two Saskatchewan Junior Championships and placed in the top five both times. Salazar was also a fixture in Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) events due to spending every summer in Prince Albert National Park.

His college career including a win and many top 10 results over four years with the Crimson Hawks.

Salazar graduated with an accounting degree and has accepted a job in Austin, Texas. He will remain an amateur and investigate tournaments in the Austin area.

Salazar spoke with Golf Saskatchewan following his graduation earlier in May.

Authored by Robert Wolanski

Joining Golf Canada comes with a handful of benefits, one of the biggest being access to a recognized Handicap Index through the World Handicap System (WHS). For new golfers, handicapping can feel like a difficult topic to learn. Think of it as a simple way to gauge your skill level, helping players of all abilities compete more fairly.

What is a Handicap?

At its core, a golf handicap is a numerical measure of a player’s ability. The lower your handicap, the better you are relative to the average golfer. A beginner might have a handicap of 30.0 or higher (54.0 is the limit), while an experienced golfer might be in the single digits.

Why do Handicaps Matter for New Golfers?

As a Golf Canada Member, you have access to an official scoring system. If your new, handicapping might seem like something only “serious” or “good” players worry about. In reality, it’s one of the best tools you can use to track progress and stay motivated. Higher scores aren’t a bad thing, they simply mean there’s more room to improve.

• Fair competition: You can play against golfers of a higher skill level without feeling outmatched.
• Progress tracking: Your handicap adjusts as you improve, giving you a clear picture of your growth.
• Goal setting: Dropping your handicap becomes a tangible goal.

This is why tracking your scores and establishing a handicap right away is best. Waiting until you are “good enough” delays the most useful part of the Golf Canada handicap system.

How is a Handicap calculated?

A common surprise for new golfers is that your handicap isn’t based on your average score, it’s based on your better rounds.

This means:

• One great round matters more than several mediocre ones.
• Your handicap reflects what you’re capable of, not what you usually score.
• Improvement can show up faster than you expect because new scores are immediately taken into consideration.

This is why two golfers who might usually shoot the same, could have vastly different handicaps. If one has the ability to shoot low scores (although less frequently), they will likely have a lower handicap based on their demonstrated ability.

Playing by the Rules

To get the most accurate handicap, you should be doing your best to play by the rules and try to make the lowest score you can.

That means:

• Putting out (no automatic gimmies)
• Counting penalty strokes
• Posting all acceptable rounds
• Posting scores hole-by-hole (as opposed to total score)
• No mulligans

It may seem strict if you’re just starting, but it ensures your handicap is as accurate as possible. These are things experienced golfers should be following as well!

Course Rating and Slope: Why Your 95 isn’t always a 95

As a Golf Canada member, your Score Differentials are determined based on course difficulty using Course and Slope Rating. In simple terms, A Score Differential is the relative measure of your round compared to the course and tee being played during a round of golf and used in the handicap calculation.

For example:

• A 95 on a tough course might be “better” than a 92 on an easier one.
• The system accounts for difficulty so your handicap adjusts accordingly.

These calculations are done automatically when you post a score but understanding this helps you understand why your handicap moves the way it does.

Your First 20 Scores

In the World Handicap System, your handicap becomes more stable after you’ve posted 20 scores (where your best 8 are averaged). Once you have more than 20 scores posted, your most recent 20 are considered. Before that, fewer of your rounds are taken into account.

So, until you have posted 20 scores:

• Your handicap may shift quickly
• Big improvements have a more noticeable impact
• Your handicap is still being “regulated”

It’s completely normal to see big changes in your handicap prior to posting 20 rounds. It can also be rewarding to see the fast progress!

Final Thoughts

One of the biggest missed opportunities for new (or any) Golf Canada member is not utilizing the ability to establish a Handicap Index.

It’s not just for tournaments, it’s for:

• Friendly competition
• Tracking progress
• Making the game more fun
• Staying motivated

Golf is one of the few sports where beginners and advanced players can truly compete on a level playing field, and handicapping is the reason why.

Following a strong junior career originating at the North Battleford Golf and Country Club, Colby Friedrich admitted he really couldn’t choose between hockey or golf, fortunately he had the opportunity to do both.

Friedrich, 24, recently graduated from the University of Providence with a degree in education while completing for the men’s golf team and captaining the men’s hockey team as well.

He began his college career in Medicine Hat, had success at the provincial and national collegiate level before the opportunity arose from the Argo in Great Falls, Montana.

He was joined by Regina’s Adam Husli with the Argos, Husli also transferred to the school and played for both teams too. Husli has one more year left.

Providence’s golf schedule wasn’t overly hectic, they averaged about five events each year Friedrich’s run. More success came on the ice including a national championship appearance.

Friedrich will remain in Great Falls and begin his teaching at an elementary school in the city. He said the job allows some freedom to golf, and take up some coaching opportunities with his alma mater.

He joined Golf Saskatchewan to talk about his collegiate career.

The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) hosted their lone three-day, 54-hole event in Saskatchewan over the May long weekend in Swift Current.

Over 125 players battled a snowstorm and unideal conditions at Elmwood Golf Club from May 16 to 18 with several repeat winners from the first tournament of the season earlier this month.

Alyxa Melsted of Wynyard has her second straight victory of the season. After winning the under-15 women’s age group in Estevan, the 13-year-old won again with a score of 252. She shot 798, 90, and 84 to take the age group. Natalie Maunula of North Battleford was second at 264 (89, 87, 88).

Eva Gedak of Estevan was third at 294 (97, 98, 99).

Reigning Saskatchewan amateur women’s champion Chloe Wills is back after her first year of college golf and now has her first MJT win of the year. The 18-year-old from Kyle shot 74, 86, and 77 to hold off a pair of players in the 15 to 19 women’s division.

Grace Odnokon was the winner in Estevan, she tied for second with Warman’s Tina Liu, they both finished at 244, seven shots back of Wills.

Hudson Deibert continued his strong play in the under 13 men’s age group. The 11-year-old Royal Regina Golf Club junior shot 76, 78, and 77 outlast Cohen Bridge of Corman Park by eight shots. Bridge carded rounds of 81, 75, and 83.

Keaton Kreklewich is a back-to-back winner this season. The Melville product took his second under-15 men’s championship of the season holding off a pair of Alberta golfers. The 14-year-old signed for rounds of 76, 75, and 71 for a total of 222.

McGrath, Alta. product Jace Hansen was second (227) and Cooper Roberge of Lloydminster rounded out the top three at 229 with rounds of 73, and back-to-back 78’s.

The lone non-Saskatchewan resident to take a title was Calgary’s Jeevin Dhaliwal who won the under-17 men’s category with a score of 221.

Ayden Melsted had a great weekend, placing second in the age group. The Wynyard Golf Club member shot 69 in the first round, the only player in the entire field to break 70 during the championship. He added a 77 and 78 to finish three strokes behind Dhaliwal. Bennett Love of Red Deer, Alta. also made the podium with a score of 225.

A familiar face found himself at the top of the leaderboard in the most competitive age group, the under-19 men’s category.

Ryan Mosher of Saskatoon was a one-shot winner over a pair of players in the division.

Mosher posted ronds of 74, 72, and 71 for a score of 217, just ahead of Aricin Franklin (Saskatoon) and Lyndon Kuryvial (Taber, Alta.).

Mike Bosanko of Cochrane, Alta. and Calgary’s Jalen Apedoe tied for fourth at 225.

For complete results click here.

The next MJT event is June 13 and 14 in Humboldt. To register click here.

Images courtesy Jeff Chambers