The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) National Championship gets underway Friday at Orange Lake Golf Resort in Kissimmee, Flo.

The year 13 Saskatchewan juniors made the trip to compete in the 54-hole event.

In the field this year are:

Griffin Blanch (Saskatoon)
Niya Friesen (Swift Current)
Dante Gamble (Duck Lake)
Brady Guenther (Saskatoon)
Kellen Hunter (Casa Rio)
Ethan Hunter Casa Rio)
Austin Nesbitt (Pilot Butte)
Tayla Perry (Regina)
Ayden Ross (Swift Current)
Brody Sawchyn (Saskatoon)
Matty Schmiess (Swift Current)
Ben Staines (Saskatoon)
Chloe Wills (Kyle)

The championship round will be Sunday afternoon.

To follow along and see today’s tee times click here.

Multi-year gift will provide youth across the prairies and First Tee – Canada network with affordable and inclusive access to the game of golf

Oakville, ON (November 7, 2024) – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are excited to announce that the Heather Ryan & L. David Dubé Foundation Inc. has pledged a major gift of $1M USD over four years to First Tee – Canada that will directly benefit First Tee – Prairies.

The Heather Ryan & L. David Dubé Foundation is a private Canadian foundation that was founded in 2005. Since it’s inception the Foundation has made meaningful and lasting contributions to nature conservancy, humanitarian aide (Canadian Red Cross, The Salvation Army, hospitals), youth sports and to other areas in the Saskatoon community.

L. David Dubé is currently the president and chief executive officer of the Concorde Group Corporation and has served on numerous boards across Canada and the United States over the past 30 years. Dubé was appointed to the Order of Canada in December 2020 and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in June 2022.

“On behalf of my wife Heather and I and our Foundation, we are extremely proud to support First Tee – Canada and invest in youth and the positive impact and life-long lessons sports can have on their lives,” said L. David Dubé, president, Heather Ryan & L. David Dubé Foundation. “We have been long-time supporters of youth sports and this opportunity with First Tee – Canada was a perfect fit for our Foundation to continue our commitment to sports and youth development. Access to sports can be difficult and we want to ensure whether it’s 1,000 children or just one child that we can help, where help is needed. Golf helps to teach life-long lessons and tests character, and we are happy to invest in meaningful youth development here in the prairies and across our country.”

Heather Ryan added, “Both David and I have led sporting lives. From grade school through Varsity sports, we have both believed in the power of sports to shape the lives of youth and access to sports is essential to delivering those benefits. First Tee – Canada is a perfect fit for us ensure others benefit from sport as we did.”

Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation partnered with First Tee in 2020 to launch First Tee – Canada to provide youth with affordable and inclusive access to the game along with life-enhancing experiences through the game. First Tee – Prairies launched in January 2023 and today, six lead chapters are operating First Tee – Canada programming in every province across the country.

First Tee – Canada programming is delivered in three settings, at golf courses, schools and community centres with unique curriculums and training for each location. This year, First Tee – Prairies delivered programming to over 22,400 participants at seven program locations across Saskatchewan and Manitoba with a team of 10 certified First Tee coaches. Close to 40 per cent of participants identified as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Colour) and 40 per cent identified as female. In addition, 76 per cent of schools and community centre programming serviced low-income and diverse populations in the provinces. Through the generous support of donors, 100 per cent of the programming was provided at no cost to the participants.

“We are very appreciative of the generous gift from the Heather Ryan & L. David Dubé Foundation that will directly have a positive impact on youth not only in the prairies but also across all First Tee chapters in Canada,” said First Tee – Canada Executive Director, Adam Hunter. “Financial support from generous donors allows us to expand program locations and provide them with the proper equipment, train and staff coaches and provide more youth with the opportunity to experience affordable golf programming in their communities.”

The Golf Canada Foundation is a critical partner in the continued growth of First Tee – Canada chapters across the country through the generous support of its donors and fundraising and philanthropic efforts.

“We are incredibly grateful that Heather and David have come forward in such an impactful way to support kids in the Prairies through golf,” said Golf Canada Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Martin Barnard. “They understand how sport can change lives and have been leaders in giving back both locally and nationally for many years. Their support will help us grow donations both in the province and across the country for many years to come.”

The Heather Ryan & L. David Dubé Foundation Inc. joins a strong network of donors across Canada that have generously impacted First Tee – Canada in a meaningful way since First Tee – Canada’s inception in 2020. To learn how to support First Tee – Canada, please email Executive Director Adam Hunter. To find a chapter near you, visit firstteecanada.ca. To learn more about First Tee – Prairies, please visit firstteeprairies.ca.

Symone Ripley’s fall season at the University of British Columbia Okanagan is done after a trip to Buckeye, AZ. this week with the Heat.

The Saskatoon product shot rounds of 81 and 82 at the Verrada Golf Club on Nov. 4 and 5, that left her tied for 27^th in the field. UBCO took home the silver medal in their final event of the season just four shots back of Rocky Mountain College.

Cole Taylor of Nipawin was also at Verrado in Buckeye competing for the Park University Buccaneers. The Evergreen Golf Course staffer posted a 79 in round one, she shot 83 in round two and carded an 82 in his final round of the season, Taylor tied for 48^th.

The Bucs were 11^th in the team competition.

Ella Kozak’s first fall season is over at Western Carolina University. The Catamounts were in Huntsville, Ala. on Oct. 25 to 27 for The Robbie at RTJ Hampton. The Deer Park Muunicipal Golf Course member shot 78, 77, and 79, that left the 2024 Saskatchewan junior champion in 25^th.

The team wrapped their season with a fourth place performance.

Lastly, Will Blake’s third fall season concluded in late October. The Regina product was in Tulsa, Okla. for the Tulsa Cup at Indian Springs Country Club on Oct. 28 and 29. The Royal Regina Golf Club member shot 81 in round one but bounced back beautifully with back-to-back 76’s to climb eight spots on the leaderboard for a 36^th place finish.

The Muleriders were 13^th in the team competition.

With the college season over and players wrapping up their semesters, Golf Saskatchewan wishes to keep their thoughts with the Crozier family during Hallie’s current battle. To support the Crozier’s click here.

Hannah MacNeil has been a professional since 2022 and now the Willows Club based pro has her first PGA of Saskatchewan award.

The product of Shaunavon was named the Apprentice of the Year at the recent awards banquet and Buying Show at Dakota Dunes Resort.

MacNeil spoke about the award, her first couple years as a professional, and the support from The Willows Club.

The Saskatchewan golf community is rallying in support of Hallie Crozier.

The Regina resident is currently a student at Ferris State University, but is dealing with health concerns that abruptly occurred a day after her 20th birthday.

Hallie’s family has launched a Facebook page to provide accurate updates on Hallie in her journey to recovery.

A GoFundMe page has also been created to support the Crozier family.

Golf Saskatchewan is behind the Crozier family and will support them upon request and wish nothing but the best for Carla, Trevor, and Hallie.

The 2024 PGA of Saskatchewan’s annual Buying Show has come and gone this year with another successful couple days.

On Oct. 28 the association held their annual general meeting where McLaren Taylor became the new president taking over for Dean Brown. Both were also award winners at the evening’s banquet.

The show floor was “jammed pack’ over to days as well. Executive Director Sloane Harder spoke with Golf Saskatchewan on night one of the show.

Three Saskatchewan university students are among the 2024 Pat Fletcher Scholarship Foundation recipients announced recently.

Cole Taylor of Nipawin attends Park University – Gilbert and plays for the Buccaneers men’s golf team. Currently wrapping up the fall season of his sophomore year, the Evergreen Golf Club staffer said receiving one of the Pat Fletcher Scholarship Foundation bursaries is appreciated immensely.

“I am very grateful to receive this amazing scholarship, it really makes me feel like my hard work is paying off,” he said. “I am always reminding myself of how amazing of an opportunity I have playing collegiate golf. It’s great being able to put my game up against some great golfers from all around the world, but it also has taught me how to be a better person.”

Taylor’s last event of the season in Nov. 4 and 5 in Buckeye, Ari.

Also receiving scholarships in the province was Christine Kwon of Ituna and Prince Albert resident Colin Sosnowski. Both are students at the University of Saskatchewan.

The PGA of Saskatchewan Buying Show has concluded for another year with the awards banquet a highlight of the two day tradeshow held Oct. 28 and 29.

Golf Saskatchewan spoke with some of the winners and will have reaction from several of the winners including the only non-playing multi-winner Dean Brown from the Royal Regina Golf Club. He took home the Retailer of the Year Award and Graham Coulter Head Professional of the Year.

Phil Jonas also collected an armful of awards with his annual superb play. The Saskatoon Golf and Country Club based pro won the Frank Fowler (Lowest stroke average), Peter Cushner (Order of Merit), and the Scott Knapp (Player of the Year) Awards.

Hannah MacNeil at The Willows Club won her first professional award being named Apprentice of the Year.

Dana Johnson, the head professional at North Battleford Golf and Country Club was absent from the banquet due to a commitment at the club, he was honoured with the Junior Leader of the Year Award.

Other winners include (in no particular order)

Bill Taylor Award | Roger Hogle | PGA of Saskatchewan

Sales Representative of the Year | Ryan Sommerfeld | Cobra/Puma Golf

Coach of the Year | Jeff Chambers | Elmwood Golf Club

Teacher of the Year | Garrett McMillan | Wascana Country Club

Class ‘A’ Assistant Professional of the Year | Brad Lovatt | Wascana Country Club

Executive of the Year | McLaren Tayor | Saskatoon Golf & Country Club

Lee Hummell is back in Saskatchewan taking over for Mike Langin as the Saskatchewan sales and marketing territory manager for TaylorMade Golf.

The Ajax, Ont. product worked in the province as a Callaway Golf rep several years ago, but has now returned to Saskatoon in the role.

As the PGA of Saskatchewan Buying Show kicks off Monday, Hummell’s TaylorMade booth will be a popular one at the show hosted at Dakota Dunes Resort.

Golf Saskatchewan sat down with Hummell earlier this month at Saskatoon Golf and Country Club to learn more about his start in the game, stops along the way and the opportunity to take over the role at TaylorMade.

Deadline of December 6 for Canadian golf community to submit nominations for Community Leader Award & Future Leader Award to recognize individuals’ impact through golf.

October 24, 2024 – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are pleased to announce that nominations for the 2024 Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards are now being accepted through to Friday, December 6.

The inaugural Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards were launched in the summer of 2022 and the Canadian golf community is invited to submit nominations for one of two signature recognitions – the Community Leader Award as well as the Future Leader Award.

The Lorie Kane Community Leader Award celebrates individuals over the age of 19 with a demonstrated ability to lead community initiatives; who have contributed a measurable impact through volunteerism or charity; or have showcased excellence in their involvement with, or support of youth programs such as First Tee – Canada or other junior golf activities.

The recipient of the Lorie Kane Community Leader Award will receive a $5,000 donation from the Golf Canada Foundation to advance a golf program or golf-related initiative of their choice.

To recognize youth who are making an impact in their community, the Lorie Kane Future Leader Award will honour an individual 19 years of age or younger who embodies community leadership; has a history of sportsmanship or demonstrated activities to make the game more inclusive; or an individual who has used golf to create a meaningful impact in their community.

The recipient of the Lorie Kane Future Leader Award will be awarded a $5,000 donation towards their post-secondary education.

The Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards were named to honour the Canadian golf icon for a longstanding commitment to advancing the sport, charitable work and giving back to the game that defined her Hall of Fame career. Kane is a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Canada Sports Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Order of Canada.

“On behalf of Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation, we are pleased to begin accepting nominations from the Canadian golf community for the 2024 Lorie Kane Community Spirt Awards,” said Golf Canada President David McCarthy. “Lorie Kane is a Canadian golf icon who has given back so much to numerous communities across Canada through her charitable work. She is a role model to many and has made significant contributions to the continued growth of our sport. We look forward to recognizing individuals who share a similar commitment with their positive contributions to the game in their communities.”

In 2022, Fareen Samij of Burlington, Ont. and Bob Beauchemin of Brampton, Ont. were named the inaugural co-recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards.

A five-time Canadian Women’s Long Drive champion and former golf touring professional, Samij is a respected entrepreneur, speaker, and author who founded the Smashing the Grass Ceiling golf program to engage women and young girls to connect and be inspired on the golf course.

Beauchemin, a PGA of Canada professional and Head Teaching Professional at Oakdale Golf and Country Club, was nominated for his efforts to advance junior golf including First Tee Canada, as well as his mentorship to countless golf industry professionals through the Humber College Professional Golf Management Program.

In 2023, Simeon Pompey of Montréal, Que. and Rosie Allen of Corner Brook, Nfld. were named the 2023 recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards.

Pompey earned the 2023 Lorie Kane Community Leader Award for his long-time support of First Tee which led him to be at the heart of the program’s success in Montréal since the launch of First Tee – Premier départ Quebec in 2021. He has also played a key role in the launch of golf programming in the Indigenous community of Kahnawake, on the south shore of Montréal.

Allen was the recipient of the 2023 Lorie Kane Future Leader Award. She played an instrumental leadership role in helping to develop the First Tee – Canada program at her home course, Blomidon Golf Club in Corner Brook, Nfld. Allen has devoted her time to First Tee programming as well as helping to plan and run events for her club’s junior girls’ program.

The Canadian golf community is invited to submit individual nominations for the 2024 Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards through an online nomination form. The nomination period will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, December 6.

Click here to nominate an individual for the Lorie Kane Community Leader Award.

Click here to nominate an individual for the Lorie Kane Future Leader Award.

At the conclusion of the nomination period, all Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award submissions will be compiled and evaluated by a selection committee that includes representatives from Golf Canada, the Golf Canada Foundation, Honoured Members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, industry representatives and the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.