The first Saskatchewan Order of Merit Tour (OMT) is underway with others waiting on the tee box.

Over the weekend the Legends 2 Person Scramble took place in Warman opening the 2021 Men’s OMT schedule. The winning team was local Darryl Czuy and Valley Regional Park General Manager Conner McGill with a score of 124 over the two rounds. Czuy will collect half the OMT points available to the winning team. McGill is a PGA of Saskatchewan member; his points will not be tallied.

Coming in second, just two shots back were Scott and Travis Jenkins at 126, in third place in the championship flight was the team of Kendall Nicolas and Dan Olynyk at 130.

The full results are below.

Next up on the Men’s OMT schedule is the highly anticipated return of the Scotia Wealth Open in Nipawin. Eighty-four of the province’s top amateurs and professionals will make up the field. The event begins with the practice round on Friday. A champion will be crowned on Sunday. Regina’s Pat Marcia is the defending champion last winning in 2019, the tournament was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19.

The Women’s 2021 OMT schedule gets underway this upcoming weekend in Prince Albert with the Ladies’ Northern at Cooke Municipal Golf Course. The 36-hole tournament begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday with over 60 players registered. The tournament wasn’t played last year, in 2019 Kim Brown took the championship with Sherry Anderson winning the senior category.

The junior’s have to wait a little longer before their OMT schedule kicks off. A postponement of their opening Maple Leaf Junior Tour (MJT) and the cancelation of the NextGen Prairie Championship means the under-19 group will wait until June 26 and 27 at Elmwood in Swift Current for another scheduled MJT event.

The Senior Men’s OMT schedule will not wait that long, their first event is the Senior Men’s Lobstick in Waskesiu from June 8 to 10. Warren Gnam is the defending champion, Keith Silvernagle took last year’s super senior trophy.

For information on all the OMT’s click here.

Bob Dow Memorial

Although not an OMT event, the Bob Dow Memorial took place in Nipawin at the Evergreen this past weekend.

TJ Baker and Garet Comfort just held off their fathers in the two-man team event. The winning pair shot 175, the team of Tyler Baker and Graham Comfort were just a stroke behind at 176. Connor Tuffs and Connor Tate placed third at 178.

Nestled onto the side of Highway 11 almost centered between Prince Albert and Saskatoon lies Valley Regional Park at Rosthern. Home to an 18-hole golf course and many more amenities for a getaway from the “hustle and bustle” of city life.

Conner McGill is into his third year at the course that features has ‘large mature tree lined fairways, rolling terrain, and the peaceful atmosphere of the country’ according to their website. He said the first year on the job was a learning curve meanwhile year two was a “blur” with the huge uptick in golf and the COVID-19 pandemic but now the course is driving straight ahead.

“We’ve basically picked up right where we left off last year,” McGill said to Golf Saskatchewan following a course visit. “Everything is basically the same procedures, and everything is the same except the mandatory masks inside. Other than everything has been pretty smooth.”

The Valley Regional Park website also states the course features ‘wide fairways, large, soft, undulated greens, white silica sand bunkers, and numerous natural and man-made water hazards make this a favorite course for all calibers to enjoy.’ McGill said the course should be highly regarded in the province.

“It’s one of my favourite golf courses that I’ve played in this province. The back nine especially, it is more the older holes, and every hole is so unique, it’s a good test. It’s not the longest golf course but it will test you in many ways,” McGill explained.

The course plays from either just under 5,300 yards up to 6,600 yards from the tips at par-72.

McGill said they have several signature holes spread out across the course and it’s hard to choose just one to showcase.

“Hole nine, a little par three over water, it’s a picturesque hole,” he said. “There’s so many, 10 is a great hole, short par four that’s risk reward, both par fives on the back are big risk reward. 17 is a drivable par four, another risk reward, any of the par fives and 17 you can make eagle or a pretty quick bogey or worse.”

Another benefit to the course is its central Saskatchewan location. Pinned between two of the biggest cities in the province if the larger centre courses are booked up you can potentially enjoy a road trip and a great round on any given day.

“We’re definitely a hidden gem,” McGill added. “It’s a great golf course. Every golf course is busy so if its busy in P.A. or Saskatoon, hop in your vehicle with three friends and come on down, or up, or whatever direction you are coming from.”

McGill said the club does not normally host larger tournaments but do have some events that will feature about 80 golfers. He said their facility is popular for corporate events in the 30 to 50 attendee range. The course did build up a solid men’s night but COVID interrupted that and rebuilding the weekly league without gatherings allowed yet under guidelines McGill has focused on more greens fee players. The course does boast some of the best daily specials in the area.

Being a regional park, the amenities do not end at the golf course. Valley Regional features a full-service park with plenty of entertainment for the family.

“We have our signature zipline and our big red slide that draws lots of attention for pictures. Every weekend our playground is just buzzing, you can hear the kids just screaming, running around and having a blast. Our campground is pretty much full every weekend, again just being so close to the city but you are still getting away from the hustle and bustle of what’s going on,” McGill concluded.

To learn more about Valley Regional Park at Rosthern visit their website.

The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) is showing its support for young golfers in Saskatchewan with a financial contribution.

The nation’s largest junior circuit has donated $500 to the newly formed Saskatchewan Junior Golf sub-committee.  Trent Matson, the National Operations Director for the MJT said the organization is happy to support junior golfers in the province.

“The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour is proud to sponsor the Saskatchewan Junior Golf (SJG) initiative. We have had great support over the years from both Golf Saskatchewan and the golfing families in the province and are proud to give back to this new grassroots development pathway,” Matson said.

The money will go towards expenses like transportation to golf events, golf clinics or camps, or other costs.

Rob Kozak is the SJG committee lead, he said the MJT’s support with the donation, but more importantly, years prior have been key in the development of junior golfers in the province.

“On behalf of Saskatchewan Junior Golf Committee, we would thank the Maple Leaf Junior Tour for their ‘Par’ sponsorship of $500. The MJT provides a safe, competitive and fun environment for junior golfers to test their skills in Saskatchewan and across Canada. Without them and all their volunteers junior golf in Saskatchewan would not be at where it is today,” Kozak stated.

The money will be held in an account accessible to all registered Saskatchewan Junior Golf members meanwhile individual fundraising is underway for kids in all areas of the province through Golf-A-Thon’s. The sub-committee has set up a website where individuals can raise their own funds to be used to develop their game. The players set up their own webpage and seek their own sponsorship that can be used to cover their costs this year and in the future.

For more details on the SJG visit the Golf Saskatchewan website.

The first Junior Skills Challenge (JSC) in Saskatchewan this year was a success over the past weekend.

The Willows in Saskatoon hosted the event with 22 junior golfers taking part. The skills challenge included a driving, chipping, putting, and 18-hole stableford scoring based round. Golf Saskatchewan Manager of Sport Development Steve Ryde said the weather was iffy leading up to the event, but the day turned out great.

“The weather broke just enough to allow for a fun day of competition, players and families were happy to get out and compete,” Ryde said.

The Willows staff and volunteers were appreciated help allowing the competition to be held safely. With the start of the competitive season pushed back a few weeks due to COVID-19 Ryde said this type of atmosphere is a strong way for juniors to either shake off the rust or get a more relaxed introduction to competitive golf.

“With most junior competitions being postponed or cancelled in May and June, this event made for some great competition and some amazing golf shots. The Junior Skills Challenge is a steppingstone for many juniors whether its an introduction to competition for new players or competition training for medium to advanced players,” Ryde added.

Ryde is in discussion with several other clubs across the province to host events at their venues leading up to a provincial final. A date and location have not been determined.

He said junior golf programs are thriving across Saskatchewan and the junior skills event is another add on to successful programs already underway this year.

“Clubs around the province already have amazing junior programs, by adding the JSC to their program, it brings a new level of competition to the table,” Ryde continued.

The program is open to Golf Canada members under the age of 19.

Results of the competition can be found here, more information on the JSC program itself can be seen here.

Stay tuned to Golf Saskatchewan’s website and social media feeds for the upcoming schedule.

It is with great regret before the long weekend that the Québec golf world learned of the death of Guy Bernier, after a very courageous fight against cancer.

In his case, the word courage in recent years is fully warranted. He was 67 years old and had been retired for two years from Golf Canada.

Guy Bernier worked at the national sport federation as the regional director for Québec. He succeeded Rémi Bouchard after Bouchard became a full-time pro.

His mandate was to maintain the presence of Golf Canada in the 325 clubs of the province, which his personality allowed him to do and succeed.

The ambassador role was a second career for Guy Bernier, his first very successful one having been in equipment sales.

You probably had some of his equipment in your bag as well since he was associated with two winning brands, first with Spalding Top Flite before becoming Mr. Callaway in 1981 for 18 years before running his own agency.

This was the era of Michel Norman Sr., Helene Norris, Russell Campbell, Richard Dufresne and Max Oxford and company, before the advent of big box stores and internet shopping, when he had to visit the pros all over the province and Ottawa area in their stores several times a year – which created a deep bond.

The many messages of sympathy on social media show the level of appreciation that he enjoyed.

“Guy made a difference. Thank you for growing the industry as well as making a difference in my life. We will miss you,” wrote Debbie Savoy-Morel, a very close friend.

Golf Canada also published the following statement:

“We pass along our sincere condolences to the family & friends of our dear friend and former colleague Guy Bernier. He was a highly respected contributor to our sport, a gentleman in his dealings as our Regional Director in Quebec, a passionate enthusiast of the game & a friend to many across the golf community. #RIP”

Our condolences to Guy Bernier’s wife and two boys.

Click here to view Bernier’s obituary.

The Cooke name is synonymous with golf in Prince Albert, their marquee course is named after the family, but when you arrive at the club you pull onto Danny Jutras Drive to get there.

Jutras was the head pro at the course from 1975 to 2009. He was inducted into the Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame in 2011 in the distinguished service category. He was also inducted into the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame in 2001, the same year as Mr. Hubert Cooke.

Earlier this month Golf Saskatchewan sat down with Jutras at his home across the street from the course he literally has spent his life on. Jutras shared stories from the first time he swung the club to his junior success to his brief but important stops along the way to a legendary career in the city.

The staff and crew at the Melville Golf & Country Club is praising the community for the clean up efforts of volunteers this May long weekend.

A rainstorm, that brought freezing temperatures pounded the east-central Saskatchewan region last Thursday night into Friday morning littering the 18-hole golf club with busted trees and branches. Superintendent Carson Dennis said the forecast was originally very welcomed but the drop in degrees was not.

“Honestly, I was excited for the moisture, I think everybody in the province needed it,” he said to Golf Saskatchewan. “I didn’t expect to see what I saw when I got here.”

Trees and branches were scattered all over the course, so a call was put out to the community of just over 4,000 people from Proshop Manager Greg Sastaunik. The result was over 50 people, 14 trucks, eight trailers and countless chainsaws. Dennis said the response was incredible but expected.

“We put the word out to see who could come,” he added. “This is not a one off, anytime we need volunteers they are here but this one is even more special.”

Dennis is in his ninth year at the Melville course, the facility was heavily damaged in a flood in his second year. He said this latest storm was the messiest he has seen the grounds. He praised the membership and attendees for taking their time when they likely had their own concerns with their own properties or homes.

“On a long weekend, the turn out was unbelievable. To see how many people gave up a day of their long weekend to come out here after I’m sure they cleaned their own yards and put in a lot of work at their own home, everyone in town was affected by the storm. It was really special to see everyone come out,” he beamed.

Dennis said there are still a few spots on the course that needs to be tidied up, but the club is ready to welcome golfers again.

Elk Ridge Resort is back to welcoming guests at the northern Saskatchewan facility.

Golf Saskatchewan was invited to the ownerships’ Media Day on May 17 to see the upgrades, take in the gorgeous 27-hole golf course plus enjoy a dinner in the restaurant and spend a night in the lodge.

Director of Operations Ryan Danberg and Head Golf Professional Ryan Wells spoke with media during the day highlighting the newly-purchased property.

Tributes are pouring in across social media this week following the passing of longtime golf professional Bob Pollock.

Pollock was a gifted athlete growing up in Tisdale before relocating to Moose Jaw for work. In 1971 he moved to Swift Current and became the golf professional at Elmwood Golf Course where he held that position for over 20 years. Longtime Elmwood employee Dick Dunlop met Pollock that same year and has been a close friend since. He said Pollock was a huge supporter of junior golf and what is and has taken place over the last half a century in the city and southwest.

“He was very active in the golf profession,” Dunlop told Golf Saskatchewan. “A lot of the kids, like Sheldon (Reinhart) and my son worked for him. Sheldon went up the ranks and all this sort of stuff. Bob was very strong in junior golf; he admired Jeff Chambers and what he’s doing with the juniors. Over the last five or six years when we talked he was always mentioning the junior program. I don’t think a day went by where he didn’t stop by for a coffee in the proshop.”

He also built and became part-owner of the Ross Creek Par 3 Golf Course in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Dunlop added that Pollock’s legacy will live on in the entire area.

“He was very supportive of Elmwood, he headed to Cypress Hills where him and Sharon had a cabin and he was very supportive of golf out there. If you talk to anyone in the area regarding the Cypress Hills Golf Course Bob was there everyday if he wasn’t here at Elmwood,” Dunlop said.

Pollock was 76. You can see his obituary here.

There are big things happening at the Rosetown Golf Club.

Officially opened in 1916 the course has been at its present location since the 1970’s. A large irrigation project was undertaken in the 1990’s and the clubhouse was constructed in 2010 but since then not many significant upgrades have been made to facility, until now.

In 2019 the board met with several golf course design consultants including Dan Philcox and Trevor Dormer and developed a ‘master plan’ for the future of the course. Ryan Wickett is a born and raised Rosetown resident who has played at the course since his junior days. He is now the president of the golf club. He said phase one of their upgrades is complete.

“We looked at a whole bunch of different proposals but what made sense to us was to create two brand new holes on the west end of our property, we had some space down there,” he said. “We created a new par four and a new par three and while we were doing that we dug out a 1.2-million-gallon pond and redid one of our existing par threes. Last year we were down to eight holes but hopefully by mid-June when these greens come around we will be at 11 holes. We used a lot of the dirt that we extracted from the pond to shape this new par four and make sure our drainage is where it needed to be.”

Wickett said the reasoning behind 11 holes is that in future years the course will still have nine in play while upgrading the others. Redoing more holes and constructing a practice green are part of the plans at the club. Wickett added that the course is an important facility for the town and west-central region.

“We want this to be the place in the community that the young people go, the seniors go, the young professionals go hang out. We’ve got our clubhouse in a really good spot this year. The whole community is rallying around it, we’ve had really good financial support from the rural municipalities and businesses. We’ve seen a big uptake with the clubhouse renovations this year already as well,” Wicket explained.

Another positive sign from the Rosetown course is the junior golfers. The club did have a community coach working with younger golfers in the past but that individual has since moved from the town so Golf Saskatchewan’s Manager of Sport Development Steve Ryde is coaching once a week at the club.

“We were looking for someone to run a junior camp for us and Steve has knocked it out of the park,” Wickett beamed. “He’s done an awesome job and he’s really growing the game.”

Ryde travels to Rosetown on Mondays to run the instruction with a couple local volunteers assisting.

Overall Wickett is pleased with the progress at the course. The club will continue to fundraise and phase in upgrades over the next 10 to 12 years. He said with busy weekly leagues and several tournaments planned for the season big things are in the future.

“We’re shooting for the future here and we’ve got a good, strong group that is in it for the long haul. It is a big project and a big endeavor that we’re doing here but we’re trying to get all parts involved and the junior golf is part of that. We feel we have a lot of momentum in Rosetown right now,” Wickett concluded.