Alberta Golf (High River) – After the 2nd round of the 2025 Alberta Women’s Senior Championship was rained out on Tuesday, sunny skies for the final round in the rain shortened event at Highwood Golf. Daniela Pacheco from Mickelson National Golf Club fired a final round 1-under 71 for a 5 stroke victory over Jackie Little. Pacheco, playing in only her 2nd ever Alberta Golf event had 2 bogeys in her first 5 holes but had 3 birdies the rest of the way including an impressive birdie on 18 to cap off the win.

Daniela Pacheco – 2025 Alberta Women’s Senior Champion

WATCH VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH CHAMPION DANIELA PACHECO

Tournament runner up and 2025 Alberta Golf Hall of Fame inductee Jackie Little posted rounds of 75-77 to win the Super Senior Championship for competitors over 65 years of age.

Jackie Little – 2025 Alberta Super Senior Champion

Ena Spalding is the 2025 Alberta Diamond Division Champion for competitors over 70 years of age.

Ena Spalding – 2025 Alberta Diamond Division Champion

The Alberta Interprovincial Team that will represent the province at the 2025 Canadian Women Senior’s Championship consists of Daniela Pacheco, Gisselle Willimus and Lynn Kuehn.

Lynn Kuehn, Daniela Pacheco and Gisselle Willimus

At the prize presentation the entire field had high praise for Superintendent Troy Hurl and his staff for getting the course tournament ready for the final round after Tuesday’s heavy rain. Thanks to General Manager J.D. Scheller, Head Professional Dan Warwaruk, Food and Beverage Manager Crista Watt and all the Highwood Golf volunteers for all they did to create a great championship.

Highwood Golf Head Professional Dan Warwaruk

As the summer continues to roll on, so does the Alberta Golf Championship schedule. Up next, the 2025 Alberta Women’s Senior Championship, July 21-23. The championship returns to a course that’s very familiar to competitive players in Alberta, as Highwood Golf will host the event in 2025.

Highwood is a familiar course to many players in Alberta, as it’s been a terrific host for a variety of championships. Last year, Highwood hosted the Men’s Senior Championship where we saw David Schultz win the championship. In previous years Highwood has hosted the U19 Championships and the Women’s Amateur making it no stranger to hosting a provincial championship.

For the Women’s Senior Championship there’s a lot up for grabs this week. Players will be competing for the Women’s Senior, Super Senior, and Diamond Division Championships. There are also national championship quota spots up for grabs and the coveted Women’s Senior Interprovincial Team has three spots up for grabs.

As for potential winners this week, there are a lot of players to watch. Celina Lam, the defending champion, is on the cusp of history with the chance to win three straight Women’s Senior Championships. The other two members from last year’s interprovincial team, Lisa Hall & Lynn Kuehn, are also in the field and will be on the hunt this week. The championship also marks the return of Kim Carrington, a long time competitor in Alberta who has been sidelined for injury in recent years. Jackie Little will defend her Super Senior title from last year and has the chance to claim the 2025 Women’s Senior title in the same year that will see her get inducted into the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame.

For the full event preview and hear from the defending champions, click the button below for the 2025 Women’s Senior Championship Yearbook Article written by Gord Montgomery.

2025 Women’s Senior Championship Preview

For Round 1 & Round 2 pairings, click the button below to find and star your favourites for the event this week!

Women’s Senior Pairings

Alberta Golf (Water Valley) – 2 weather delays, a course record and a playoff that wrapped up with the sun setting defined a memorable day at Water Valley Golf Club at the 2025 Alberta U19 Championships. Saylar May from Pine Hills Golf Club added to her previous U15 & U17 victories with a fantastic course record of 6-under 66 to add the U19 title to her trophy case. The Pine Hills golfer from Rocky Mountain House blistered the course with 7 birdies and a bogey for the course record and an 8-shot victory.

Saylar May – 2025 U19 Girls Champion – Course Record 66

On the boys side Jalen Apedoe made a great up and down on 18 to force a playoff with Tobias Buffam. In the playoff Buffam was blocked out on his second shot and could only get it to 88 yards with Apedoe was on the green in 2 25 feet away. Buffam, with staff from his Valley Ridge Golf Club cheering him on, made the up and down of his life while Apedoe was not able to 2-putt and Buffam claimed the title after a 3-under 69 and a par on the first playoff hole.

Tobias Buffam – 2025 U19 Boys Champion

WATCH VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH SAYLAR MAY AND TOBIAS BUFFAM

The Alberta Interprovincial Boys Team consists of Jalen Apedoe, Russell Quinn and Owen Bruins while the Alberta Interprovincial Girls Team consists of Saylar May, Sela Ogada and Alessandra Sundquist.

Saylar May & Sela Ogada (Alessandra Sundquist not in photo)

Jalen Apedoe, Russell Quinn and Owen Bruins

Water Valley Golf Club was a great host for the Alberta U19 Championship. Owner Jeremy Dueck spoke at the prize presentation and the first person he thanked was Superintendent Ross Parsons who had the course in sublime shape. Thanks to Office Manager Shannon Sherriff, Head Professional Wes McLeod, Co-Owner Pat Thomas and all the Volunteers who made this week a great success.

READ HERE PAGE 22 OF OUR YEARBOOK FOR A FULL STORY ON WATER VALLEY GOLF CLUB

Water Valley Golf Club Owner Jeremy Dueck with Saylar May

Water Valley Golf Club Owner Jeremy Dueck with Tobais Buffam

Alberta Golf (Ma-Me-O Beach) – The Black Bull Golf Resort in Ma-Me-O Beach, south of Edmonton, has been operated by one family for 3 generations and is currently the only fully female owned and run golf course in Alberta. The course is currently owned by Judy Wylie and her daughter Patricia O’Connor.

Judy, Patricia and Cathy

The course opened in 1971 with Patricia’s grandfather and uncle as the co-owners. Judy became the sole owner in 1998 with Patricia coming on board as co-owner in 2009.

“I think that’s something to hang your hat on for sure,” O’Connor admitted. “To be a solely female owned and operated course with the largest leagues in the area that other courses have emulated is a great feeling.”

The Black Bull is a busy place with men’s and ladies leagues with 100 players each and 4 generations of the family have been involved. Patricia has 2 daughters who work at the course and her sister Cathy has 4 daughters.

“She’s a teacher by trade and teaches in the area during the school year and she works at the club in the summer and we’d be lost without her,” O’Connor admitted. “My Sister Cathy has 4 daughters, 2 are quite little but the other 2 daughters have worked at the club as well. And my uncle’s son and daughter have also worked here. It truly is a family affair.”

O’Connor takes great pride in the country atmosphere they’ve created.

“The coffee pot is always on, we typically know people’s names and they’re always greeted with a welcoming smile and how you feel is more important than how you look.”

WATCH VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH CO-OWNER PATRICIA O’CONNOR

O’Connor and her extended family all live within seconds of the course.

“All anyone needs to do to discover why we are in love with Black Bull is either be out first thing in the morning which I personally never am, I’m not a morning person,” O’Connor admitted. “I like to come late at night when you have the place all to yourself, there is something so peaceful and so beautiful and you have it to yourself.”

The rest of time the place is very busy and very affordable.

There’s a senior special every Tuesday and Thursday for aged 50 and over which gets you 18 holes with a cart for $45. And the most expensive time on weekends with a cart is still only $90.

There are 7 new tee box options now after the course went through the re-rating process with Alberta Golf and helped introduce some combo tees.

‘For the people who were traditionally intimidated by Black Bull and it’s difficulty and tightness there are now 7 different yardage combinations,” O’Connor said. “That’s made it a little easier and more female friendly as well. “

Quite a few members are from Edmonton and Calgary, some from Red Deer. It’s known as a tournament course that hosts a lot of scrambles but mostly it’s known for being one of the toughest tracks in Alberta.

“The Black Bull can give you a real butt kicking,” O’Connor said. “Anyone who thinks they’re tough enough to tame the bull and wants a true challenge should come here.”

The top juniors in the province have their eyes on the prize this week, as we close in on the Alberta U19 Championship set at Water Valley Golf Club from July 8-10.

The U19 Championship is a full 140 players all competing for either the U19 Boys’ or U19 Girls’ Championship. The list of winners is long with plenty of names going on to win either the Men’s Amateur or Women’s Amateur, and even turning pro. This year with neither of the defending champions returning, two new juniors will be crowned as champions. In addition, there are national championship implications with quota spots available on both the Boys’ and Girls’ sides. There are also two interprovincial teams up for grabs, either for the Canadian Junior Boys or Canadian Junior Girls.

Some top players to watch are the champions from the 2024 U17, U15, & U13 Championship. On the girls side, Saylar May looks to continue her winning ways already claiming the 2023 U15 and 2025 U17 Championships. Sela Ogada looks to make a big step after winning the 2024 U15 Championship. On the Boys’ side, Patrick McLarty hopes to win this event after claiming the 2024 U17 Championship and Bennett Love is eyeing down his next junior prize after winning the 2024 U15 Championship.

Click below to hear from last year’s champions and read more about our 2025 host club, Water Valley Golf Club. Additionally, follow the bottom button to see the tee times for Rounds 1 & 2.

U19 Yearbook Preview

ROUNDS 1 & 2 Pairings

Alberta Golf (Leduc) – The 112th Alberta Women’s Amateur Championship was proudly hosted by the Leduc Golf and Country Club. Final round action on Friday saw Carys Code from The Glencoe Golf and Country Club post a 3-over par round of 74 with 4 bogeys and a birdie on a breezy day to fend off Sydney Bisgrove by a single stroke to claim the title.

Carys Code – 2025 Alberta Women’s Amateur Champion

WATCH INTERVIEW WITH CARYS CODE

Kassie Bourassa won both the Alberta Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship and the Alberta Women’s Mid-Master Championship.

Kassie Bourassa – 2025 Alberta Women’s Mid-Amateur & Mid-Master Champion

2 Alberta teams were named after the championship. The Women’s Amateur Interprovincial Team consists of Sydney Bisgrove, Jayla Kucy & Sarah Armstrong while the Women’s Mid-Amateur Interprovincial Team consists of Kassie Bourassa, Heather Lee and Jenn Orcheski.

Jayla Kucy, Sydney Bisgrove & Sarah Armstrong (Not in photo)

Jenn Orcheski, Kassie Bourassa and Heather Lee

A big thank you to the Leduc Golf and Country Club General Manager Rick Brown and Head Professional Jeremy Beirnes for being amazing hosts this week. The volunteers, food and beverage, and course conditions were all outstanding.

Jeremy Beirnes – Leduc Golf and Country Club Head Professional

WATCH INTERVIEW WITH JEREMY BEIRNES

The Alberta Women’s Amateur Championship starts tomorrow at Leduc Golf Club and the 112th playing of this event promises to be a treat!

At the Alberta Women’s Amateur there’s more than just one trophy up for grabs, there’s three! The Alberta Women’s Mid-Amateur and Women’s Mid-Master are also up for grabs, with competitors of the right age having a chance of walking away with multiple pieces of hardware. Also up for grabs this week are quota and interprovincial team spots for the Canadian Women’s Amateur and Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championships. New in 2025, the winner of the Alberta Women’s Amateur will get an invite to compete in the 2026 PNGA Women’s Amateur, along with the Low Albertan at Nationals and the Low Amateur at the new Alberta Open Women’s Division.

This year a new champion will be crowned and the list of potential winners is lengthy. With young juniors climbing the ranks like Saylar May, the university players back from their years at school like Sydney Bisgrove and Jenna Bruggeman, and the veteran champions like Celina Lam.

Click the link below to read more about what Leduc has to offer the competitors this year and hear from the 2024 Champions.

Women’s Amateur Yearbook Preview

Get ready for the golf season with Jordan Jeske and Projct Golf, as he provides golfers with 5 easy exercises they can do at home with minimal equipment! Click the Youtube video below to watch.

If you’re looking for more information on Projct Golf, visit their website which is linked below.

PROJCT Golf Training

As the New Year continues to roll on, Alberta Golf is proud to announce the following items of change or renewed focus for 2025.

Women’s Competition Growth

In 2025, the Alberta Open will undergo a substantial change with the addition of a Women’s Division, which will be open to both female amateurs and professionals. This change will increase the field size from 120 to 140, with 40 spots reserved for the top female golfers in the province. These 40 spots will be reviewed each year based on feedback and demand. Invitations will be sent out to the top players in March, and registration will open for the remaining spots on April 1^st. Players hoping to register for this division will require a Golf Canada membership and a Handicap Index of 10.0 or lower. For any questions about this initiative, please email John Deneer, john@albertagolf.org.

In addition, Alberta Golf is committed to growing participation in the Women’s Amateur Championship and additional events around the province. We’ll be contacting golf clubs in the province to inquire about their Women’s Club Champions and will be inviting them to register for the Women’s Amateur for 2025. We’re also working on creating a page on our website to promote additional competitive events for women around the province.

 U17, U15, & U13 Championship

After careful consideration and feedback, the U17, U15, & U13 Championships are undergoing a major split. The U17’s will now have a stand-alone championship which will be three-days and WAGR ranked. This better aligns with long term player development and helps add another event for younger players to showcase their skills for college recruiting. The event will be held August 18-20 at Alberta Springs Golf Resort.

 The U15 & U13 Championship will stay as a two-day event and will help bridge the gap between the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour and provincial championships. This again aligns with long term player development and helps remove some of the fear younger players may have surrounding a provincial championship. The host club and dates for this event are yet to be announced but will be held in late August.

 New Website

With an increased focus on communication in the digital age, Alberta Golf is proud to announce the launching of a new website in 2025. The website will mirror that of Golf Canada and other provincial bodies. While no official launch date is set, the new website grants new allowances and will ease navigation for users.

 McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour Experiences

With a focus of improving player experiences across the board, there are some changes to the AJT that will help improve experiences on the tour and help cement it as the #1 competitive onboarding junior tour in Alberta. A variety of merchandise items will be given away at events as prizes.

 To help promote rules education on the tour, a Level 1 Rules incentive program has been created.  Players who complete the Level 1 Certification process will receive limited edition McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour merchandise. This will help prepare players for their time on the course with rules knowledge and help prepare any of them for the jump to other tours and provincial championships.

Searching for Partnerships

Alberta Golf has identified two programs that are actively looking for partners.

• Alberta Open Championship: The focus of having a sponsor to help build the player experience.
• High-Performance Program: The goal of having a partner to have elevate our offering to our players within the program to achieve their goals in sport

 Long Range Scheduling

Alberta Golf has placed an increased focus on securing host venues for the 2026 season and beyond. While this move might not be felt immediately, players can look forward to having host venues lined up for coming years. This will help players plan their schedules in advance and ease demand on golf courses.

 Golf Development Pathways

Golf is the #1 recreational activity in the country and due to the pandemic, the sport saw major growth over the last three years. Alberta Golf is committed to working on continuing this trend and retaining our position in the sport. As part of this plan, we’re updating our long-term player development guide for juniors, our competitive roadmap to include new organizations and initiatives, and creating a LTPD for adults to help introduce them to the great game of golf.

 Work on all these initiatives has already begun. Keep an eye on our website to stay up to date on these initiatives and more!