Carrie Julie knows Sawmill Golf Course won’t be around in 30 years if she and her husband, Jeremy – the owner-operator pair at the course near St. Catharines – don’t put in a grow-the-game effort now.

“That’s simply what it comes down to,” she says.

Sawmill was one of the inaugural winners of Golf Canada’s National Facility Award for Junior Golf in 2022 (awarded “to a facility that provides exceptional access and membership opportunities for junior golfers”) and Julie knows that drumming up even more interest in the game amongst youngsters starts with one thing leading to another – opportunity to access.

NATIONAL FACILITY AWARDS FOR JUNIOR GOLF

There is a myriad of junior programs at Sawmill, she explains, including a golf-and-hockey camp that targets that hockey-playing group if kids and gets them interested in golf (“The retention has been off the charts”) and Try Golf Days, supported by Stephen Ames, that happen on Saturdays. Three hundred and fifty-two kids tried golf this year.

The club also made a pact with its members that the only tournaments it will host are for juniors.

When Julie and Sawmill won the Junior Golf Opportunity Award last year, she said she accepted it on behalf of the 300-or-so members. They step up. They know the importance of this program. She often turns away volunteers for junior tournaments because she has just too much interest.

The club made this choice, and she knows it was the right one.

“We certainly haven’t made the commitment to juniors for pats on the back, but I have to tell you, it was a really nice honour in the inaugural year to win the award,” Julie says. “It really cemented we’re doing the right things for the right reasons.”

Through the start of the COVID-19 pandemic golf saw a boom unlike any other in recent history in Canada. Tiger-Mania couldn’t hold a candle to how many people started to play golf, picked golf up again, or played more golf than they ever had before. It resulted in the popularity of the sport in Canada being as high as it ever had been. A lot of courses, however, needed to make a choice they were never faced with before on junior golf because of the demand for tee times. Could they still give up a tee-time for $20 for a youngster if they had a line of adults waiting to pay $100+ for the same time?

“We’re super empathetic about some of the unintended challenges that a participation spike creates,” Golf Canada chief sport officer Kevin Blue says. “But at the same time, we’re trying to think about the health of our sport over the next 30, 40, or 50 years and clearly junior golf is a part of that.”

Blue has spoken at length about his time growing up as a non-family sponsored junior member at the Bayview Country Club, which, he says, allowed him to develop as a golfer significantly. A non-family sponsored junior program allows junior golfers to play and practice at a private club for a reasonable annual fee without their parents having to join. While many clubs across Canada continue to have programs like this, some have scaled back access for juniors due to increased demand for tee times. Blue suggested that all private clubs in Canada should consider adding a limited number of non-family sponsored juniors – for example, two girls and two boys – to help some tournament-playing youngsters have access to quality facilities.

“They pay a reasonable annual fee for being there […] and the club rallies behind these players,” Blue says. “A casualty (due to golf’s increased popularity through the COVID-19 pandemic) in some instances has been these non-family sponsored junior programs. Or at least shrinking them. We understand the influences involved and why these choices are made. But at the same time, that’s had a direct impact on (junior) opportunities to be able to train and practice and develop.”

Nick Taylor, the three-time PGA Tour winner and – of course – the reigning RBC Canadian Open champion, was one of those youngsters able to take advantage of an affordable junior program. Growing up in Abbotsford, B.C. (about an hour outside of Vancouver) Taylor recalls his parents paying about $220 to have full access to the course (minus, he thinks, sometimes on the weekend) where he would be at the course every day from sun up to sun down.  

“It was the greatest babysitter,” Taylor says with a laugh.

Now as a father of two, he reflects on the opportunity afforded to him by this junior-golf program and those are the two key things he hopes other clubs across the country will be able to offer – accessible, affordable golf for kids.

With Taylor’s win at the RBC Canadian Open now four months in the rear-view mirror, he’s been able to reflect on his position in Canadian golf as someone who can inspire the next generation, like Mike Weir did to him after Weir’s 2003 Masters triumph.

Taylor has his own charity golf tournament each year at home in B.C. and this year there was the Nick Taylor Junior Golf Day, with 94 young golfers asking questions and watching Taylor hit balls. Monies from his charity event went right back into the community.

“It’s obviously very important […] to maybe be that person to get some more kids in the game and get them determined to be as best as they can be,” Taylor says.

Taylor had affordable access to a course that was supportive of kids learning the game and becoming the next generation of golfers in this country. Julie, at Sawmill, is committed to having a place like that.

There are plenty of other great examples across the country providing a safe space for kids to learn – and love – golf. But there’s still even more room to grow.

“I often say to my peers, ‘go on and copy and paste our program. It would be an honour,’” Julie says. “It’s who our club is.”

————-

On Oct. 2, 2023, Blue took part in a Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC) Virtual Summit with the topic being Courses Supporting Junior Golf.

The series is part of an ongoing GJAC series intended to help membership stay connected, as well as to generate discussion and opportunities around important issues in the game.

Panelists for this Summit included Blue, as well as Nick Taylor, 2023 RBC Canadian Open Champion and Carrie Julie, Owner/Operator, Sawmill Golf Club. The Summit was moderated by Dan Pino, Golf Canada’s Senior Director of Communications. You can watch it below.

Jeri Lafleche (Clear Lake Golf Course) is Golf Manitoba’s lone representative this week as the Golf Canada NextGen Fall Series West Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards tees off today at The Hills at Portal Golf Club in Surrey, B.C.

The starting field will feature – 72 Junior Boys and 27 Junior Girls competing for three spots each into their respective Canadian Junior Championships next summer.

For the Junior Girls leaderboard featuring Lafleche, click here.

“The NextGen Fall Series West Championship, fueled by JOURNIE Rewards promises to be a great tournament and provides players another opportunity to compete on the national stage in the fall,” said Golf Canada Tournament Director, Daniel Suppa. “Golf Canada is thrilled to welcome the field to The Hills at Portal Golf Club for our final NextGen series event of the season.”

Practice rounds are scheduled for Wednesday, October 4, before the official The 54-hole tournament concludes Saturday.

The Hills at Portal Golf Club was established in 1928 and was formerly known as Peace Portal. The golf course is regarded as one of the top public courses in the country. The Hills saw a change in ownership in October 2021 with new owners, Joe Haley and Randy Bishop. Since then, the course has undergone numerous changes that have improved playing conditions and have created a more challenging course for players. Off course renovations included a completely renovated clubhouse and restaurant.

This week’s tournament marks the final stop on the NextGen Series schedule for the 2023 season. The NextGen Fall Series West Championship is one of Golf Canada’s eight regional junior championships presented in partnership with JOURNIE Rewards. Rosie Bee Kim of Edmonton and Matthew Wilson of Nanaimo, B.C. won their respective divisions in the 2022 NextGen Fall Series West Championship.

– with copy courtesy Golf Canada

12 two person teams gathered at Southwood Golf & Country Club for the inaugural BDO National Golf League Regional Final.

Throughout this past season, players from participating member clubs Elmhurst Golf & Country Club, Glen Lea Golf Club, Glendale Golf & Country Club, Kenora Golf & Country Club, St. Boniface Golf Club, St. Charles Country Club and Southwood Golf & Country Club qualified for a chance to compete in the Regional Final looking to secure a once in a lifetime, all expenses paid trip to play in the BDO National Golf League Championship just prior to the 2024 RBC Canadian Open.

Using the modified stableford scoring system, Curtis Markusson and Josh Blatt from St. Charles finished in first place with 42 points, one point better than Brett Charette and Nicolas Hince of St. Boniface.

Daniel Beaupre and Benoit Mowbry of Glen Lea needed one playoff hole to eliminate clubmates Sam Vopni and Rob Zihrul to win the final birth to Ontario.

About the National Golf League

The BDO National Golf League is a nationwide, season-long competition created by Golf Canada to enhance the league experience for men, women, and junior players. The league is open to all existing recreational golf leagues and provides opportunities to compete in a BDO National Golf League regular season, regional playoffs, and a national championship.

For more, visit nationalgolfleague.ca.

Golf Canada is now accepting nominations for its 2023 National Facility Awards for Junior Golf.

This award program was created with the intention of celebrating and recognizing facilities making outstanding contributions to junior golf in their communities. Our hope is that these awards will shine a spotlight on the extraordinary support of junior golf by these facilities and set a positive example for others to follow.

Please consider nominating your facility based on the six categories below:

Junior Golf Opportunity Award

Awarded to a facility that provides exceptional access and membership opportunities for junior golfers. Special consideration is given to facilities with strong non-family sponsored junior programs and facilities with fundraising programs to help athletes compete at provincial, national, and international competitions.

2022 Winner: Sawmill Golf Club

Competitive Junior Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program with many junior athletes competing in provincial and national championships and earning strong results in those championships.

2022 Winner: Académie de Golf Fred Colgan

Grassroots Junior Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program that is excelling at creating new junior golfers through local programming.

2022 Winner: Blomidon Golf and Country Club

Tournament Host of the Year

Awarded to a facility that gives back to junior golf by embracing the opportunity to host junior competitions. The facility creates an excellent tournament experience for players and involves the local community through volunteers and fundraising support.

2022 Winner: Royal Regina Golf Club

First Tee – Canada Program Location of the Year

Awarded to a First Tee – Canada Program Location that demonstrates excellent enrolment in First – Tee Canada programming and makes a significant impact on growing participation among new juniors within its community.

2022 Winner: Club de Golf Municipal Dallaire

Youth on Course Program Location of the Year

Awarded to the facility that provides the largest number of Youth on Course green fee subsidies to junior golfers in the calendar year. 

2022 Winner: Shaganappi Point Golf Course

NATIONAL FACILITY AWARDS FOR JUNIOR GOLF

Nominations are set to close Sunday, October 1st 2023 and we will announce the 2023 Awards Winners at the Golf Canada Annual General Meeting in early 2024.

If you have any questions in regard to the awards or nomination process, please feel free to email NFAJG@golfcanada.ca.

Golf Manitoba, in association with Golf Canada, is pleased to welcome Marvellous Meadows Golf Course as our newest member club.

Located 10 minutes north of Gimli along Highway #222, this nine hole course can be played from two sets of tee boxes ranging from 2,834 to 3,240 yards.

”After a 15 year hiatus, we are excited to have this course available for everyone to enjoy” said owner / superintendent Shawn Magnusson. “We rebuilt a number of the greens and now in our second season, are proud of their maturation and look forward to sharing it with golfers of all ages and skill level.”

Marvellous Meadows Golf Course features a driving range, putting green and a full menu in their restaurant. Every Wednesday is Kids Day where they can play free of charge when accompanied by an adult.

As an official Golf Manitoba / Canada member club, all rounds played at Marvellous Meadows Golf Course are acceptable for handicap purposes and may be recorded toward establishing or maintaining an official Golf Canada Handicap Index.

For more information, check out their website or call the proshop at (204) 642-4653.

Golf Manitoba, in association with Golf Canada, is pleased to welcome Gladstone Golf & Country Club as our newest member club.

Located just off Highway #16, south of Gladstone along Highway #34, this nine hole course can be played from three sets of tee boxes along with a new set of junior tees in the fairway.

“Our junior tees have been very popular getting more young people introduced to the game” said 2nd Vice President Ivan Milne. “Our course is in real good shape, the greens are fantastic, so it’s been a good summer for us and we are excited about the future.”

The Gladstone Golf & Country Club also features a driving range, putting green and a full menu in their restaurant.

As an official Golf Manitoba / Canada member club, all rounds played at the Gladstone Golf & Country Club are acceptable for handicap purposes and may be recorded toward establishing or maintaining an official Golf Canada Handicap Index.

For more information, check out their Facebook page or call the proshop at (204) 385-2998.

The 14th edition of the Junior Skills Challenge National Event wrapped up today in Vancouver after 24 of the top Canadian junior golfers showcased their skills in one of Golf Canada’s signature junior events. The event took place at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club which will also play host to the CPKC Women’s Open from August 24-27th.

The National Event culminates a year-long program consisting of over 100 qualifying events across Canada and 2,000 participants. 

In partnership with the PGA of Canada and Cobra-Puma Golf, participants went head-to-head in putting, chipping, and driving competitions:

Putting: each competitor received one putt from each distance of 5, 10, and 20 feet with points awarded for holing the putt and proximity to the hole.

Chipping: each competitor received three shots for chipping with points awarded on distance of the chip from the target.

Driving: each competitor received three drives with points awarded for distance and aim of the drive.  

The winners for each division of the Junior Skills Challenge National Event received a brand-new driver courtesy of Cobra-Puma Golf.

Below are the winners in each of the age groups: 

Girls 9 to 11: 

Four participants competed including Sadie Blazeiko, Jordyn Butler, Chloe Lam, and Avery McGuire.

Blazeiko of Winnipeg, MB took home the title with a score of 175 (60 points from driving, 25 points from chipping, 80 points from putting).

Boys 12 to 14: 

Carson Chapman, Cedrick Hamelin, Siddharth Kaja, and Clayton Michel participated.

Kaja of Mississauga, ON captured the title with a final score of 215, with the most impressive chipping scores of the day (70 points from driving, 55 points from chipping, 90 points from putting).

Chapman finished second with 185 points (75 points from driving, 20 points from chipping, 90 points from putting).

Boys 8 and under:  

Four participants competed including Albert Cui, Eliott Forest, Clifton McLeod, and Waris Wirring.

McLeod of Calgary, AB captured the title with a score of 165 (55 points from driving, 20 points from chipping, and 90 points from putting).

Girls 8 and under: 

Four participants competed including Sophie Dai, Ophelie Duguay, Eisla Kim, and Brooke Sundquist.

Dai of Calgary, AB dominated in her division, earning first place with a final score of 140 (45 points from driving, 25 points from chipping, and 70 points from putting).

Boys 9 to 11: 

Competing in the division included Patrik Geary, Damian Gonzalez, Carter Sam, and Jagger Shi.  

It was a close competition, but Gonzalez of Oakville, ON pulled away with a final score of 150 (50 points from driving, 20 points from chipping, 70 points from putting).

Girls 12 to 14: 

Aliyah Hull, Tatum Lohnes, Mila Snook, and Hannah Thomas participated.

Hull of Chestermere, AB was a stand-out competitor with an impressive final score of 215, with the best driving score of the day across all age groups in both male and female divisions (100 points from driving, 45 points from chipping, and 70 points from putting).

For more information on the Junior Skills Challenge National Event, click here.

with files courtesy Golf Canada

It was a fun day for 53 competitors, family members, volunteers and staff as Southwood Golf & Country Club hosted the 2023 Junior Skills Challenge.

Participants were divided until three groups where they all competed throughout the afternoon at driving, chipping and putting stations.

For the photo gallery, click here.

RESULTS

Girls 8 and Under
1st: Reilly Roberts
2nd: Allison Brownridge
3rd: Mila Nelson

Girls 9-11
1st: Angelina Sitarz
2nd: Lindley Kurz
3rd: Sadie Blazeiko

Girls 12-14
1st: Sierra Negrich
2nd: Mikaila Padar

Boys 8 and Under
1st: Joshua Fullante
2nd: Jack Holmes
3rd: Brett Delmonte-Lobban

Boys 9-11
1st: Ty Montour
2nd: Tiago Miranda
3rd (tie): Jake Hodgson & Ryan Small

Boys 12-14
1st: Owen Conrad
2nd (tie): Gavin Carver & Emerson Kollinger

For the complete Junior Skills Challenge leaderboard, click here.

The 2023 Junior Skills Challenge was made possible thanks to the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation, the Southwood Golf & Country Club, Cobra Puma Golf, Government of Canada, R&A, PGA of Canada and Golf Canada.

Golf Manitoba, in association with Golf Canada, is pleased to welcome to Winnipegosis Golf Club as our newest member club.

Located 40 minutes north of Dauphin, this 9 hole course can be played from two sets of tee boxes.

“We are a first come first serve golf course where families can come out and enjoy the game” said Secretary Suzette Crandall. “We work on the honour system and are very low key where people just leave their 10 dollar green fee in an envelope and away they go.”

Winnipegosis Golf Club features an all day play rate of $15. They also have junior memberships (17 years of age and under) for only $75.

As an official Golf Manitoba / Canada member club, all rounds played at Winnipegosis Golf Club are acceptable for handicap purposes and may be recorded toward establishing or maintaining an official Golf Canada Handicap Index.

For more information visit the Winnipegosis Golf Club facebook page.

In recent years, some people have called for municipalities to repurpose city-owned public golf courses for other uses like housing or parks. They believe that golf is a sport exclusive to the affluent and that the land used for municipal golf courses does not cater to a broad or diverse group of residents.

As the national governing body for golf in Canada, we fundamentally disagree and encourage people who hold this view to learn more about the modern realities of our sport. Golf will be played by approximately 6 million Canadians from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds this year. In fact, golf is now the most-played sport in Canada.

Municipal courses provide affordable golf opportunities for people of various ages and economic means. They also serve as community hubs for recreation, events and gatherings that bring together people from all walks of life. In Canada’s major cities, it’s common to see people hopping on public transit or riding their bicycles with golf bags on their back as they head to their local municipal golf course for social time outdoors and away from their screens.

City governments should treat municipal golf courses as community resources that support the health and well-being of residents. Recent research has shown golf is a sport that encourages physical activity, mental well-being, cardiovascular health and muscular strength and flexibility, while also providing safe and fun opportunities for in-person social interaction. Golfers walk between six and eight kilometres over 18 holes, burning up to 2,000 calories.

Municipal golf courses are especially welcoming for kids and offer high-quality youth recreation at an affordable price. For example, an annual junior pass providing access to all five of Toronto’s municipal courses costs $378, with financial aid also available for qualifying families. An annual pass to Cedar Hill Golf Course in Victoria costs $325. Membership at a municipal golf course provides kids with an entire spring, summer and fall’s worth of outdoor activity and in-person social time for a cost that is more affordable than many other activities.

Some junior golfers at municipal courses dream of becoming the next Brooke Henderson or Nick Taylor, while others simply enjoy having fun with their friends. Several municipal golf courses across Canada allow junior golfers to play for only $5 per round through Golf Canada’s Youth on Course program. And other municipal courses also operate First Tee, a program that introduces golf to Canadian youth of all backgrounds and teaches them life skills through the sport. RBC, a major sponsor of professional golf, including the RBC Canadian Open, has also invested significantly in these grassroots programs to help them thrive at municipal courses.

In addition to being affordable, municipal golf courses are highly utilized outdoor green spaces. They are constantly occupied from sunrise to sunset due to golf’s format, which allows for a continuous flow of players. Different than soccer fields and baseball fields, municipal golf courses are used all day by golfers engaging in physical activity, whether it be during early morning tee times or late afternoon rounds. And in winter months, municipal golf courses are used for non-golf outdoor recreational activities of all kinds, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Municipal golf courses are important sources of health and physical activity for a broad cross section of Canadians from varied socioeconomic backgrounds. By prioritizing them, municipalities can demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of their communities, while also providing accessible and affordable opportunities for residents to enjoy the numerous benefits that golf offers. We encourage city governments to think of municipal golf courses just as they do other recreational facilities — as key contributors to healthier, more connected and inclusive communities.

Written by: Kevin Blue, Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer