The board of directors and staff of Golf Saskatchewan are looking back on another tremendous year for the sport following the organization’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday.
The game saw an increase in players competing at Saskatchewan championships, posting rounds through the Golf Canada Score Centre, plus more players competed for national championships than in 2022. Nipawin resident Kevin Duchscherer was reclaimed as president and will lead the board for another year. Also, the president of the Evergreen Golf Course in his hometown, Duchscherer said competing in a couple provincial events and being on hand at the others across the province, the comments were optimistic from the players, hosts, and volunteers.
“I heard a lot of positives that came out of those events with regards to players enjoying the opportunity to come out and compete at whatever level they are at,” Duchscherer said after the meeting.
Golf Saskatchewan saw 35 more players compete in provincial championships in 2023 from 2022, 26,000 more rounds were posted in Saskatchewan by players as well. With all industry stakeholders working to grow the game at both grassroots and elite playing levels, Duchscherer said the governing body of amateur golf will continue to assist in all areas of the game.
“Our membership, our owners, PGA members that are out there giving lessons and that, they are working very hard to try to continue to grow the game,” he said. “I hope in Golf Saskatchewan’s perspective we are able to support those individuals as much as we can.”
The organization welcomed two new board members, Lori Bernt of Moose Jaw and a member at Lynbrook Golf Club and Saskatoon resident and Holiday Park Golf Course member Brian Topp joined the executive, Regina’s Dianna Kerr will sit for another term in the vice-president role, the position the Wascana Country Club member held in 2023.
After providing the financial statement as treasurer of Golf Saskatchewan, Teddy Wiens stepped down from the board, as did long-time volunteer Delbert Betnar, including a term as president. Duchscherer said the outgoing members will be noticeably absent.
“I owe him a lot with regards to my knowledge, not only the workings of Golf Saskatchewan, but he’s also taught me stuff about the game too. I really enjoy every opportunity I have to be with Delbert, whether it’s on the course, at the 19th hole, or at the board table, or whatever, he’s definitely knowledgeable. Both those men are passionate about the game and will be missed,” he said.
Duchscherer added he’s excited to continue working with Kerr on the board and both Bernt and Topp going into the season that will begin on April 15.
To view the 2023 Golf Saskatchewan Annual Report, click HERE.
You can hear more from Duchscherer below.