LeRoy’s Carter Timmerman has committed to a college in Ontario for next fall. The 17-year-old will join the golf team at Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

Timmerman has been playing golf since a young age when he would play with his grandfather who he credits for his start in the game. He competed in local tournaments around the age of seven but became serious about competitive golf “about five years ago.” Now in his grade 12 year at the LeRoy High School Timmerman said seeing some of his golf peers commit to college golf teams he decided to seek a post-secondary opportunity.

“I started seeing a lot of the guys I golf with are going to college. I was looking at our scores and they were pretty similar so I thought I would give it a try and it works,” he said.

Timmerman has been one of the busiest junior golfers in the province over the last two seasons between the Maple Leaf Junior Tour (MJT), the Junior Lobstick and provincial championships. He has a career best fourth place finish at the Saskatoon Junior Open in 2019 plus a 10^th spot overall in the Junior Lobstick in the same year. With steady results, hard work, and an improving game he is happy to continue to play competitively and get an education.

“The Sault coaches found me on the Next College Student Athlete (NCSA) website,” he explained. “We talked a lot and we really connected. They were really after me and wanted me to come down there and play golf and with COVID I wanted to stay in Canada.”

The Cougars play in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association and Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association. The team won a national bronze medal in 2018. Timmerman said he’s ready to make this next move in his golf and life journey.

“It’s a big step for me. I can’t wait to meet my team and see what the school and competition is like down in Ontario,” he said.

Timmerman will again crisscross the province competing in events on the MJT and the provincial tournament in Moose Jaw as he completes his junior career. He said he has some goals in mind for the season before making the jump to the collegiate level.

“I’m looking for more consistency in my scores, my chipping, less three putts,” he added. “I have a really busy schedule, I will be golfing as much as I can, continue to work with my coaches and hope to get better as I go.”

Timmerman is going use his education at Sault to become a millwright.

You can hear more from Timmerman below.

There is still a chance Ty Campbell could play in the college golf post-season but for now his scheduled tournament career south of the border has come to an end.

Campbell, 24, is set to graduate from Southern Wesleyan University in a couple weeks wrapping up a stellar five-year career with the Warriors. Speaking with Golf Saskatchewan following a career best third place finish in his last scheduled tournament this week Campbell said looking back his decision to move to Central, South Carolina could not have turned out better.

“It’s been great,” Campbell said. “I wasn’t sure initially how I felt about my decision, I had a few choices. The coach seemed to be the one here. I came down and I didn’t enjoy it a whole lot my freshman year to be quite honest, but I played alright, stuck it out, and it turned out to be great.”

Campbell was allotted another year of eligibility due to COVID-19 upending his senior year. The NCAA amended their rules to allow another year for their student-athletes. Campbell used the extra year and will finish up his schooling over the next couple weeks before graduating and returning to Saskatoon with a business degree in hand. He said looking back the people he has met along the way will stand out more than any tournament results.

“I think the thing I will take most out of this is the relationships I have had with a lot of guys on the team. Some of them have only been here a year so I only had a quick year with them, but it will be relationships I will take with me the rest of my life,” he said.

He added that travelling to many destinations in America with his teammates and the constant battle to get better were driving factors for him over the half-decade as well.

Campbell did not win any college events, his recent third was a strong finish to a successful career. Despite not picking up a victory south of the border Campbell attributes his college golf career to becoming the 2020 Saskatchewan amateur men’s champion that he won in July of last year at The Legends Golf Course in Warman.

“I don’t know how strong my competitive nature was before I went to college but the steady qualifying and constantly competing for a spot in the lineup, I think played a large role,” he said. “With other Golf Saskatchewan guys like Roman (Timmerman), Kade (Johnson), Justin (Wood), Jehremy (Ryde), Marc (Sweeney), Danny (Klughart), all those guys, just going out every week and getting better all the time. I wanted to compete with them, it kind of built my competitive nature.”

Campbell was a strong junior player in Saskatchewan picking up a Junior Lobstick title in 2015. That was followed by a Men’s Lobstick win the next year. When he graduated from Saskatoon Christian School in 2015, he had options as he mentioned. Now that his college career closes, and more doors open in life and golf where he plans to chase a pro career later this year Campbell said the college golf route is hard to beat.

“I love golf and wanted to do it the rest of my life,” he said. “With the push on getting a degree these days and how tough it is to get a job without one the likelihood of someone going to college is high, so I figured why not play golf while I get my degree. There is so many different schools out there, you want to strive and be at the best school you could possibly be at but there is so much opportunity. I don’t think anything beats playing golf, getting a degree and getting out of the snow.”

You can hear more from Campbell who spoke with Golf Saskatchewan’s Clark Stork this week.

Saskatoon’s Symone Ripley has “immersed” herself into the game of golf for the last couple years and the results are paying off in lower scores and higher expectations.

Growing up Ripley was a competitive trampolinist but in the summer of 2018 she started to “tag along” with her dad to the golf course. She fell in love with the game, started taking lessons that fall and the 18-year-old has not looked back.

“I love spending time outdoors and meeting so many new people,” she told Golf Saskatchewan from MMG Performance just outside Orlando, Florida. “It’s something different, I like that it’s an individual sport. Everyday is different, some days are better than others. I like being able to start fresh every day.”

Getting her start later in her junior days Ripley did not have lots of time to play and practice before becoming competitive. Under the promotion from her coach Ripley decided to not only dabble in tournaments but commit 100 percent.

“I actually was not planning on playing in tournaments in my first season in 2019 and then my coach at the time was like, maybe you should try it,” she explained. “I just immersed myself in it. I learned so much, even if my golf score was not quite there. Learning all the rules and what it’s like to be in a tournament round, yeah, I just jumped in.”

Ripley played in five Junior Women’s Order of Merit events in her first season. Her work in those competitions landed her a spot on Team Saskatchewan at the Western Canada Summer Games in Swift Current. She said the experience was a highlight for her.

“It was amazing. I had never competed at a multi-sport event before. It was fun for something totally new. I loved having the ability to be on a team while still being able to play my own game. Playing with athletes from different provinces gave me an idea of what it is like to play in a larger field. I am actually still friends with a few of our roommates from the Games so that’s awesome too,” she said.

She is currently in Florida training at MMG six days a week. She will be in the Sunshine State for three months in total. Ripley has competed in a couple events while down there keeping her score in the 80’s. She said she is happy with her results and knows the experience she is receiving will pay off.

“Going into the events I had an idea of how many girls I was up against, going into the first event too it was kind of intimidating. I knew that I just had to play my own game and not worry about the leaderboard because I am at where I am at and others are at where they are at. I just have to remember that I’ve been golfing for a short period of time and not try to compare myself to those that have been golfing their entire lives,” she said.

Ripley is planning to compete in one last event in Florida before returning home to graduate. She will enter her last year of junior golf as well with her eyes set on a podium finish as the provincial championship and a national appearance. Results aside Ripley said taking a chance on the sport of golf has provided many opportunities and she encourages others to try the sport.

“If you are on the edge or thinking that you might be interested in golf just do it,” she lamented. “Get some good coaching and immerse yourself in it because looking back I would have liked to have started sooner just because my time is going so fast. It’s important to remind yourself that you are on your own path and just try your best not to compare yourself to others.”

Golf Saskatchewan held their annual general meeting Saturday with 75 attendees taking part via Zoom.

The virtual session had a much different feel than the meeting in 2020, golf was closed to the public due to COVID-19 last spring but rebounded to have a record year. Incoming president Larry Wagman said moving into the role on the board with golf being a hot ticket in the province is exciting.

“We had some information passed on to us at the AGM about how unbelievably busy the golf courses that were able to open already this year,” Wagman said after the meeting. “I’m predicting a record year for number of rounds and the interest to only get better.”

Wagman, a Regina resident and member at the Royal Regina Golf Club takes over the presidency position from Yorkton’s Don Kunkel who decided not to seek a second year in the position. He said after a year of being the vice-president he is looking forward to this year at the helm.

“I’ve been involved in the golf scene for a number of years, mostly at the club level and I’ve always had an interest in amateur golf and amateur golf’s organization. Getting on the board was a great thing for me to do, I have enjoyed it. I was both humbled and excited to be chosen by the board to be their next president. I am looking forward to leading the organization into the year,” Wagman added.

Kunkel will remain on the executive as past-president. Previous president Delbart Betnar was re-elected for another three-year term.

“Don (Kunkel) has provided a number of years of volunteerism over the course of his entire life and more recently with Golf Saskatchewan,” Wagman said. “He had one of the toughest jobs in the world leading the organization through the pandemic and has passed on a pretty healthy organization.”

Weyburn Golf Club general manager Dru Bolen was elected, Regina’s Teddy Wiens was also voted onto the board. Wrapping up their tenures were Moose Jaw’s Jasmine Cameron and Ben Findlay of Regina. Wagman said the group past and present has been great to work with.

“I really want to say thanks to the retiring board members, they have both (Cameron and Findlay) devoted a number of years to this organization and provided some very valuable input,” Wagman continued. “It’s always nice to have some new blood in the organization so looking forward to working with the two new board members and we intend to move the organization forward this year as well.”

The financial outlook of the organization remains strong despite revenue being down mostly due to a smaller championship schedule in 2020. Treasurer Danny Klughart presented the financial report and declared a surplus of over $163,000 for the fiscal year. That number is inflated due to approximately $80,000 in funding through the Heritage Services/Government of Canada COVID Emergency Funds. That money has already been dispersed to member clubs. Klughart said during the meeting the organization is on solid ground financially.

Also, on the agenda was remarks from Golf Canada president Liz Hoffman, Golf Canada regional director or member services for western Canada Blair Armitage, Rob Kozak announced the development of Junior Golf Saskatchewan (more details will be released this week) and Stephen Johnson discussed an ongoing financial impact statement for the industry that currently in the works through Golf Saskatchewan and Tourism Saskatchewan.

Overall, despite the unclear start to the season a year ago golf persevered allowing people to play while staying safe and providing many benefits to the economy and health of clubs, employees, employers, and players.

“Last year although it was fairly challenging, I think from a golf perspective it was a fairly decent year. We were able to run some championships, golf course had record numbers of rounds played, things went very well. I’m very positive about the results of the annual general meeting and based on the response of the attendants I think they agreed it was a great year for golf.”

If you missed the meeting, you will be able to view more on the Golf Saskatchewan YouTube page.

After a one-year hiatus the Rosebowl Championship is back on the Golf Saskatchewan schedule.

The 50^th edition of the women’s two-player team event will run on Aug. 12 and 13 at Katepwa Beach Golf Club (KBGC). Katewpa Beach was scheduled to host the event last year, but it was cancelled due to COVID-19. Golf Saskatchewan Manager of Sport and Championships Steve Ryde said getting the Rosebowl back on the schedule was important.

“The Rosebowl has a long history in the province obviously dating back half a century,” he said. “It’s a fun event with a shotgun start and a banquet under normal circumstances. Having the tournament last year was not an option. This season with shotguns now allowed we’re ready to welcome ladies from across the province to Katepwa for the milestone event.”

The Rosebowl Championship is an event geared towards women with higher handicaps (Between 33 and 72.4 per team) looking to compete in a tournament with less pressure and a social atmosphere on and off the course. Host committee chair Patricia Pratt said their club is excited to host the event.

“Katepwa Golf Club is excited again to host the Rosebowl Championship. We were especially excited to be awarded the 50^th anniversary celebration of the event. We hope you come golf and celebrate with us,” Pratt said.

To register click here.

If you plan on visiting Kenosee Lake this year and taking in a round or two you will notice a fresh new look at Golf Kenosee’s proshop and the Club 19 restaurant.

Last year the clubhouse began a two-year cycle of upgrades downstairs in the proshop including new countertops, shelving, displays, desks, and fresh coats of paint. Manager Brent Lothian said it was time for a fresh look.

“There were just some things that weren’t very nice looking anymore and didn’t make a lot of sense,” Lothian said. “It’s unbelievable how the paint and a fresh look really spruces up the shop, the upgrades were needed simply due to time and wear and tear.”

Lothian was able to enjoy the upgraded workspace through a remarkably busy season a year ago and upstairs in the Club 19 restaurant their staff and patrons will be the benefactors of renovations this season and years into the future. Not only will the restaurant look fantastic, but traffic is going to be controlled better for a couple reasons.

“They gutted the bar and took everything out and redid that. The crews took the fireplace out and moved it, everything will be more open now and make communicating easier. With the fireplace moved people will be able to sit around the fire in nice chairs. It’s really exciting,” Lothian said.

The proshop does have a door on the basement level leading to the stock of carts and the first tee but visitors unfamiliar with the course commonly use the main door of the restaurant creating congestion. Golfers making the turn or heading out for their round stock up on snacks and refreshments at the side of the bar as well creating more of a log jam. Lothian said the club has come up with a plan to help alleviate the traffic.

“We’re going to put a concession trailer by the green on hole 10,” he explained. “It’s being designed now and will provide service to players on the course allowing them to not have to come back to the clubhouse. We’re looking forward to it.”

Another smaller investment is a large net at the end of the driving range. Lothian estimated the club lost $5,000 in range balls due to longer hitters.

As of 12 p.m. today registration for the 2021 Golf Saskatchewan provincial championships is open.

Golf Saskatchewan is happy to announce the full slate of tournaments is back for the season including the Mixed Championship and Rosebowl that were cancelled last year due to COVID-19.

The biggest change for the season is the transition to Golf Genius scoring software from BlueGolf that Golf Saskatchewan has utilized for the past decade. Please note that any previous login information related to BlueGolf will no longer be valid.

You can view the 2021 schedule here and review and register for each event through the Golf Genius page on the right side of each tournament. To register and compete in events you must be a Golf Saskatchewan member through a member club or a Golf Canada Public Player.

To become a member, click here or speak with your local member club.

Personal Golf Genius accounts that are active at the club level will not permit you to register for any Golf Saskatchewan championship.  You MUST access registration through your Golf Canada Score Centre Account.

To view a tutorial on how to register click here.

All events are pending provincial health guidelines however as of April 15, all tournaments can proceed with shotgun starts for events such as the Mixed Championship or the Rosebowl. Golf Saskatchewan will not process any payments until June 15.

For any questions regarding registration or the championship schedule email Steve Ryde at sryde@golfsaskatchewan.org or call 306.975.0834.

Weyburn’s Darien Herlick is picking up golf championships in Florida while his home province shovels away hopefully one last blast of winter.

Herlick, 15, is currently in the sunshine state attending the Henry Brunton Golf Academy. While attending the academy the students live in a house five minutes from the training facility, practice and enter events while keeping up with their schoolwork online. One of the tournaments Herlick took part in this past weekend was the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT) Orange County National Spring Junior Open. He was able to shoot 1-over par on day one of the tournament and with the second round washed out by weather Herlick was crowned the boys 14-15 age group champion.

“I hit a lot of fairways and greens,” he told Golf Saskatchewan. “Not many putts fell but I took two putts all day. I think that was key as to how the conditions were.”

The HJGT is the “United States version of the Maple Leaf Junior Tour (MJT) here in Canada” with events across the nation. Herlick has his fair share of wins in his home country and province but winning in Florida provided a big confidence boost.

“There’s kids from all over and definitely way bigger fields than usual. If you look at the leaderboard it was pretty stiff competition. Everyone was within two or three strokes. I did not even know about the leaderboard until I came in. I for sure thought the leader would be a little under par. Even though I did not play my absolute best I was still leading and that proved to me I have a good chance at winning,” Herlick said.

The 14-15 age group had 27 players in the field. Herlick said the set up was about 6,700 yards and his age group played the same distance as the 16-18 competitors which he enjoyed. He said hearing of the second-round cancellation was disappointing, but he is still happy with the result.

“It would have been a little more satisfying to get the second day in, but a win is a win I guess,” he said.

Herlick will spend the rest of April at the facility before returning to Weyburn. Before he heads home he will compete in two more HJGT events. He said the academy has been a wonderful experience and he hopes it builds towards a strong summer in Saskatchewan.

“I would like to keep my scores in the low 70’s area and place well. Not only in the MJT but the Men’s Amateur Championship I am thinking about playing in and junior provincials too. I feel like my game has gotten really good down here and I think I can compete back home with the kids older than me,” he added.

Saskatoon’s Tommy Danielson was in the 14-15 age group field, he placed in a tie for sixth at 4-over par. Chase Pochylko, also of Saskatoon competed in the 16-18 age group and placed in a tie for 17^th at 3-over, 75.

Symone Ripley, another Saskatoon golfer finished 30^th in the girls 14-18 age bracket with a score of 17-over 89.

The leaderboard at the 22nd Annual NSU Golf Classic had two familiar faces near the top of the list on Tuesday.

In fact, when the 54-hole event in Muskogee, Oklahoma drew to a close Kade Johnson was atop the board tied for first place with Luke Palmowski at 6-under par. Johnson, from Yorkton and nearing the end of his collegiate career was shooting for his second win at the NCAA Div. II level, but the Sourthern Arkansas University (SAU) Mulerider lost on the second hole of a playoff to Palmowski of Rogers State University.

Johnson had the lead after day one when the tournament was postponed after 33 holes. He fell back to a tie for fourth at one point during the third round but battled back to force the playoff claiming a solid second place.

Saskatoon product Roman Timmerman, also a SAU student performed well finishing in a tie for third place just two strokes off the lead.

The long-time college teammates scores helped the Muleriders place fourth overall out of 20 universities in the competition.

Also competing in the tournament was Prince Albert’s TJ Baker. The college freshman at Arkansas-Monticello University finished in a tie for 109th at 28-over par. There were 116 players in the field. His team finished in 16th place.

Regina’s Alex Schmidt (above) was having a stellar two days on the course herself for the Lewis-Clark State Warriors.

The junior placed fourth overall with a 36-hole score of plus-15, 159 at the Bushnell Invite in Creswell, Oregon at the Emerald Valley Golf Club.

The Royal Regina Golf Club member’s strong showing led her team to a silver medal finish.

Next up for Schmidt and Lewis-Clark is the Cascade Conference Championships at the end of April.

The leaderboard at the 22nd Annual NSU Golf Classic had two familiar faces near the top of the list on Tuesday.

In fact, when the 54-hole event in Muskogee, Oklahoma drew to a close Kade Johnson was atop the board tied for first place with Luke Palmowski at 6-under par. Johnson, from Yorkton and nearing the end of his collegiate career was shooting for his second win at the NCAA Div. II level, but the Sourthern Arkansas University (SAU) Mulerider lost on the second hole of a playoff to Palmowski of Rogers State University.

Johnson had the lead after day one when the tournament was postponed after 33 holes. He fell back to a tie for fourth at one point during the third round but battled back to force the playoff claiming a solid second place.

Saskatoon product Roman Timmerman, also a SAU student performed well finishing in a tie for third place just two strokes off the lead.

The long-time college teammates scores helped the Muleriders place fourth overall out of 20 universities in the competition.

Also competing in the tournament was Prince Albert’s TJ Baker. The college freshman at Arkansas-Monticello University finished in a tie for 109th at 28-over par. There were 116 players in the field. His team finished in 16th place.

Regina’s Alex Schmidt was having a stellar two days on the course herself for the Lewis-Clark State Warriors.

The junior placed fourth overall with a 36-hole score of plus-15, 159 at the Bushnell Invite in Creswell, Oregon at the Emerald Valley Golf Club.

The Royal Regina Golf Club member’s strong showing led her team to a silver medal finish.

Next up for Schmidt and Lewis-Clark is the Cascade Conference Championships at the end of April.