History is at the heart of everything Alberta Golf does. For over 110 years, the Association has successfully hosted events for amateur golfers across the province. Since its inception, the competitors and builders of the game in Alberta have worked quietly but passionately to grow the sport. The Alberta Golf Hall of Fame exists to celebrate these individuals and bring their accomplishments into the spotlight.
This year, the Hall of Fame welcomed two new inductees in the Player Category – Jackie Little and Cathy McMillan, both remarkable champions who have made lasting contributions to the game of golf in Alberta and beyond.
The Evening
The celebration began with a Year in Review, showcasing the highlights of Alberta Golf’s 2025 season. Among them were Brett Jones’ impressive back-to-back Men’s Amateur victories, Saylar May’s rare double crown as both U17 and U19 Champion, and the introduction of the Women’s Division at the 89th Alberta Open Championship, won by Sydney Bisgrove.
Nine clubs across the province were also recognized for milestone anniversaries of 25, 50, 75, and 100 years. Notably, Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course celebrated its 100th anniversary — a remarkable achievement made even more meaningful after the devastating wildfires of the previous season. The milestone stands as a testament to the dedication of the club’s staff, members, and community stakeholders who have ensured its legacy endures.
Before the inductions, Doug Paterson was named 2025 Alberta Golf Volunteer of the Year. Paterson, a respected referee, has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the sport. Prior to joining Alberta Golf, he served with Golf BC and brought extensive knowledge in course rating. In 2025, he officiated at three Alberta Golf events, including the Men’s Amateur, and was invited by Golf Canada to assist at the USGA Adaptive Open at Pinehurst.
After dinner, the evening’s main event began — the official inductions of Jackie Little and Cathy McMillan into the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame.
Jackie Little was introduced by her husband, Patrick, and took a moment to remember her friend and fellow Hall of Fame member Betty Stanhope-Cole, noting that she was “surely looking down.” Cathy McMillan was introduced by one of her twin daughters and expressed heartfelt gratitude to join so many of her longtime friends in the Hall.
More About Jackie Little
A proud product of Glendale Golf & Country Club, Jackie Little found success early and often in Alberta. She captured both the Alberta Junior and Juvenile Girls Championships in 1974 and 1976, and went on to win the Alberta Women’s Amateur in 1978 and 1981. Little also represented Alberta on four Junior Girls Interprovincial Teams and three Women’s Interprovincial Teams before relocating to British Columbia, where her winning ways continued.
In B.C., Little claimed five BC Amateur, five Senior Amateur, and two Mid-Master titles, while continuing to return to Alberta in the summers to win three Alberta Women’s Senior Championships. Her success also extended to the international stage, where she captured the PNGA Women’s Senior Championship twice, along with four national titles — including Mid-Amateur, Mid-Master, and Senior crowns. She has represented Canada on both World Amateurand Commonwealth Teams.
Still active on the senior circuit, Little added another title to her name by winning the 2024 Alberta Women’s Super Senior Championship, continuing to build on her remarkable career.
More About Cathy McMillan
For more than 50 years, Cathy McMillan has been a fixture in Alberta’s competitive golf scene. She burst onto the scene with a win at the 1963 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, followed by two Alberta Junior Girls titles. Between 1965 and 1991, she represented Alberta on 15 Interprovincial Teams, including the 1973 squad that won the Women’s Interprovincial Team Championship.
McMillan was a seven-time runner-up at the Alberta Women’s Amateur before transitioning to senior competition, where she again excelled. From 1996 to 2006, she earned a spot on every Alberta Women’s Senior Interprovincial Team, contributing to four team victories (1997, 1998, 1999, and 2001). In 2006, she capped her competitive career with a win at the Alberta Women’s Senior Championship.
Her competitive highlights also include international play, finishing third at the 2004 Irish Senior Women’s Championship, and appearances at both the British Senior Women’s and USGA Senior Women’s Championships.
Beyond her playing career, McMillan has been instrumental in growing the game. She served as Director of Player Development at Alberta Golf (2004–2009) and continues to volunteer at her home club, Ponoka Golf Club, supporting local events and nurturing the next generation of golfers.
About The Hall of Fame Player Award
The Player Award recognizes individuals who have brought distinction to Alberta through excellence in competitive golf at the international, national, provincial, and regional levels.
Previous inductees include Bob Wylie, Doug Silverberg, Keith Alexander, Betty Stanhope-Cole, Marilyn O’Connor, Rea Milligan-Simpson, Kareen Qually-Nelson, David Schultz, and Frank Van Dornick.
Nominations are now open for future Alberta Golf Hall of Fame classes.
To learn more or submit a nomination, please use the link below.