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!

David Li

Since her introduction to the sport of golf at the age of nine, Calgary’s Jennifer Ha has dreamed of competing at the highest level.

After tying for eighth spot in December at the final stage of LPGA Qualifying School, the 22-year-old has earned the right to do just that.

As she is preparing to kick off her rookie season with full playing privileges on the LPGA tour, Ha took a moment to reflect on her humble beginnings.

“When I was nine my dad introduced me to golf and I remember going to a golf dome near our house in the winters,” recalled Ha, who played volleyball and ran track and field as a youngster.

“Afterwards, we got a membership to the city’s public courses; and we started to play more often over the summer and kept on practicing over the winters,” she continued.

“I wasn’t really good at it at the beginning but I always dreamed of getting better and competing with the best; and I’ve worked really hard to get to where I am,” added the 22-year-old.

Ha – who turns 23 years old on Feb 1st – is quick to credit her parents, John and Christina, for their unconditional support throughout the years.

“My dad has done so much for me, he’s helped me out so much, he’s been my coach, my caddy and travelled with me to my tournaments; and my mom’s always been so incredibly supportive also,” she pointed out.

“We don’t always see eye to eye but I can say that they’ve always had my best interest at heart and they’re always so selfless…..I’m so blessed to have their support.”

On the first Sunday in December last year, Ha made her parents – and Canadians across the country – proud by finishing the final stage of LPGA Q school tied for eighth and earning full playing privileges in the process.

“It didn’t really sink in until a little later when people starting messaging me,” said Ha about the outpouring of support she’s received.

“Alena (Sharp) and Brooke (Henderson) have sent me nice messages through Twitter,” she noted.

“I’ve also received a lot of messages from girls I’ve played with growing up and I’ve really appreciated that.”

Ha says her successful path to the LPGA was paved through valuable lessons learned during her four years at Kent State University.

“I learned a lot from Coach Robertson. I learned about time management and being organized with regards to school, golf and travel,” she said.

“I really needed to have those years to mature and I think that was why I was able to make it to the LPGA. For me learning those things was more important than skipping right onto the tour,” added the Kent State University grad.

While she’s been receiving a lot of congratulatory messages, Ha was quick to offer some of her own to her former Kent State teammates Mackenzie Hughes, who won the RSM Classic in mid November to earn his PGA Tour card for 2017; and Corey Conners who recently secured a spot onto the Web.com tour for 2017.

“Mackenzie is one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met; he was always the first one in practice and the last one to leave…… It was great to see that he made it to the PGA Tour,” said Ha.

“As well, it’s great to see Corey make it to the Web.com Tour next year also. Just like Mackenzie, he’s one of those guys that puts in so much time and is always so dedicated.”

In terms of her own success, Ha says her time with Golf Canada’s national team program has also played a significant role bringing her to this point in her golfing career.

“I was part of Golf Canada’s program for three years and I learned so much during that time,” said the young Calgarian.

“I learned about course management and how to play different shots; as well as how to manage the mental and nutrition parts of the game and much more…..Being part of the program was definitely a huge benefit to me.”

According to Canadian women’s national team head coach, Tristan Mullally, Ha is well-prepared to make an impact on the LPGA tour in 2017.

“Jen’s thoughtful in the way she executes her shots….She has a lot of variety in her game and has the talent to go out there and do very well,” said Mullally.

“I’m excited about Jen and her upcoming rookie LPGA year. I think she’s someone that will surprise a lot of people in terms of how good she is and I’m really looking forward to that.”

Ha is expected to kick off her rookie campaign at the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic later this month.

Given how far she has come since her humble beginnings, the 2017 LPGA rookie was asked for her advice to aspiring young golfers looking to find similar success in the game one day.

“My advice would to be to work hard and just have fun with the game and let yourself fall in love with it,” she replied.

“In golf, there’s going to be ups and downs but you have to always remain focused on learning and growing,” continued the mature 22-year-old.

“And if you’re looking to play at the highest level, you have to be dedicated fully to it – but at the same time, never lose sight of the fact that it’s a game because to be successful you have to love what you’re doing and enjoy it out there.”

Please Note: Time Sensitive Material Attached

The Annual General Meeting of the Voting Members of the Alberta Golf Association (herein “Alberta Golf”) will be held at the RedTail Landing Golf Club, Nisku, Alberta T0C 0V0 on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. MDT. The Alberta Golf AGM will be followed by the Alberta Golf Association Foundation AGM and refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. Attached you will find the following information:

• Notice of the Annual General Meeting including the 2016 Nominating Report and 2015 AGM Minutes
• Delegate Certificate Form
• Proxy Form

Please note that it is extremely important that the Delegate Certificate Form be completed and submitted to Alberta Golf at least seven (7) days in advance of the Annual General Meeting in order to properly conduct the business and voting in the meeting.

We look forward to seeing you at the Annual General Meeting. We value your contributions and interest in the development of the game. Please feel free to forward any questions to myself or our Executive Director/CEO, Phil Berube at phil@albertagolf.org

Sincerely,

Bob McGinn
President

John Gordon

To find out how you can grow your business by Adopting a School, visit golfcanada.ca/adoptaschool or call 1-800-263-0009 ext. 475.

There’s been much hand-wringing recently over the “future of the game” and where golf is headed if more youngsters don’t get involved.

For those of you who really care about the future of the game, the solution might be to stop wringing your hands and use them to open your wallets. Here’s your chance.

Sept. 19-23 is national Adopt a School Week, created by Golf Canada and supported by the PGA of Canada, provincial golf associations and the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada.

Adopt a School is an offshoot of the successful Golf in Schools program created by Golf Canada in conjunction with the PGA of Canada and PHE Canada with support from the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada as a program partner. It provides courses, companies and individuals with the opportunity to “adopt” one or more schools of their choosing to introduce the Golf in Schools program at that school. (Schools can also enroll in the program on their own if they wish.)

In a very generous gesture, for a limited time the Canadian Seniors’ Golf Association is matching all adoptions, giving donors the option to select two schools to receive the GIS program, while donating funding for just one.

The GIS program, currently in more than 3,000 elementary and high schools with more than 336,000 students participating from coast to coast, includes a “best-in-class” learning resource as well as child-friendly golf-specific equipment.

“It’s a fabulous program and the equipment is so well designed,” says Enid Botchett. A retired educator in Edmonton, she has a long history in volunteerism including serving in many roles with Alberta Golf, including president. In 2012, she was named Golf Canada’s volunteer of the year.

But as excellent as the program materials and equipment are, Botchett says having a local champion for the program is equally vital.

Fellow Edmontonian Patti Christensen agrees. Now an elementary principal, she has shared her love of golf at every school where she has worked.

Like Botchett, Christensen says the Golf in Schools program is unlikely to achieve its ultimate goal of not only introducing kids to the game, but keeping them in the sport unless there is a connection with a golf course or driving range.

“For Golf in Schools to really work, you must build a community partnership with golf courses. It’s not just about showing the kids what golf is about for a day or a few days, but helping them make the connection with the real golf experience.

“Another important part of the program is to teach them not just skills but values that come along with golf, like perseverance, etiquette, sportsmanship and character.”

For golf courses participating in the Adopt a School program, there are tangible benefits. Call it “enlightened self-interest.”

“My motivation [to support GIS]  is to grow the game because, otherwise, who is going to play golf?” says Jason Harris, owner of Orr Lake Golf Club near Barrie, Ont. Harris is heavily invested in the program, having adopted four schools in the area and paying a pro from a neighbouring course to visit those schools. Harris then busses the kids to his course to swing a club for real and get some pointers from a PGA of Canada member. Over the past few years, his support of the program has introduced more than 550 kids to golf.

“As great as the GIS concept is, Golf Canada can only do so much and they are doing their part by subsidizing the GIS packages and providing the grants to go into schools and to bring schools to the course,” says Harris.

“It is the ultimate responsibility for golf course owners to step up and continue or take over the school sponsorship by offering the in-school visits and bringing the classes to the golf course. We have to realize this is a top priority for the future of the game as well as for our business.”

Harris has seen ancillary benefits to his support of the Golf in Schools program.

“Sure, the kids come out to the course, but then they bring along mom and dad. Then there’s a whole family dynamic. Not only the kids want to play golf and take lessons, but so do their parents. We had 140 people go through our Learn to Golf clinics this summer. That’s 140 new golfers, so that’s a positive thing for golf.

“This entire program was great PR for us in the community plus we have definitely seen an increase in the number of juniors and families playing our course this year.”

Every journey starts with a first step, as the old saying goes.

With your support, Adopt a School just may provide that first step for thousands of youngsters to be introduced to “the game for a lifetime.”

Interested in adopting a school in your community? Check out this step-by-step infographic for adopting a school below:

For Immediate Release

September 9, 2016

NEWS RELEASE

Alberta Golf announces $54,000 in scholarship funds

Over 40 successful applicants were awarded scholarships for the 2016-17 academic year

CALGARY, Alta. (Alberta Golf) – Many golfers will be heading back to school with a scholarship this year, after Alberta Golf announced the 2016 scholarship recipients. The successful applicants include past Team Alberta members, past Interprovincial Team members, Alberta Junior Champions, Alberta Amateur Champions, as well as students who simply enjoy the sport. In fact, Alberta Golf’s scholarship program is open to all applicants pursuing their academic interests such that golfing ability is not a requirement. More than 20 of the recipients are past junior players who have competed in Alberta Golf’s provincial championships and several continue to play at a post-secondary level. 

Scholarship applications are evaluated by a committee of volunteers based on the criteria of financial need, grade point average and volunteer experience. The funds for the scholarships are generated through a yearly casino, the generosity of patrons and from various donors and foundations. 

Thanks to the following donors and foundations for their support:

Lola Rozsa, Frank Lindsay, R.E. Courage, Bob Rintoul, Jeff Llewellyn, Charles C. Reid, Christa Spahmann, McLennan Ross Junior Tour, Sun Life Financial and Alberta Golf Foundation

The 2016 scholarship recipients are:

Lindsay Almberg, Barrett Belland, Katie Benoit, Quinn Ceplis, Andrew Chelack, Celine Copeland, Courtney Dickson, Claire Emery, Jolene Freerksen, Kevin Gfrerer, Heather Gisi, Patrick Gobran, Andrew Harrison, Bria Jansen, Conaire Kehoe, Peter Keith, Kat Kennedy, Alissa Kuhn, Julie Kuhn, Brendan Kuny, Carolyn Lee, Daria Leidenius, Shaye Leidenius, Erin Martens, Kate Martens, Scott McNichol, Melanie Murchison, Brandon Murphy, Hamzah Naeem, Nathan Nobert, Jack Pengelly, Allan Pruss, Michael Pruss, Dalton Ronan, Elliot Saive, Tyler Saunders, Luke Scanlon, Amanda Sha, Tyler Vandermeer, Mackenzie Walker, Sydney Weber, Rachel Wiebe and Jack Wood.

The application process for the 2017 academic year starts January 1, with a deadline of July 15, 2017. For more information on the application process, click here. 

Individual and corporate donations are greatly appreciated. Each donation is eligible to receive a tax receipt. To donate online at any time, click here.     

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About Alberta Golf:

The Alberta Golf Association was incorporated as a society in 1912 and continues today as a not for profit Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) operating as Alberta Golf. As the PSO, we are committed to realizing the positive impacts of golf on individuals and communities across Alberta. Our vision is that through golf, Albertans will enjoy a high quality of life, improved health and wellness, a strong sense of community, economic benefits and personal fulfillment. 

For more information:

Chloe Mansfield 

Manager, Member & Public Relations

Alberta Golf

(c) 587-435-6334

(e) chloe@albertagolf.org  

Herb Fung/ Golf Canada

NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. – An unrelenting heat continued to envelop the Grand Niagara Golf Club during the second round of the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship. A trio of Albertans emerged victorious in the inter-provincial team competition, while John Gallacher claimed the Super Senior national title.

Camrose, Alta., native Frank Van Dornick began the day with a share of 19th, but vaulted up the leaderboard with six birdies on the day, including four across a bogey-free back nine, en route to a 4-under 68.

“My round was fairly steady,” said Van Dornick. “I haven’t been hitting it very well, so I was just trying to manage the golf course as best I could. Today, I hit a lot of decent irons, I actually made a lot of putts, and that was the difference.”

The performance propelled Team Alberta to a nine-stroke victory after entering the day two shots back of Manitoba. Teammates David Schultz of Calgary and Brian Brown from Nanton carded rounds of 1-under and 2-under, respectively. Team Manitoba claimed second, while the squad representing British Columbia came third.

“Historically, we’ve been in the hunt, but we don’t always win, of course,” reflected Van Dornick. “When we do, it’s always very special. This is Brian’s first year and David and I go back 25-30 years, so I’ve known David an awfully long time. I think it was really nice for Brian to not only be a part of this, but also play as well as he has to date. I think you’ll see a lot more of Brian in the future.”

Van Dornick was pensive when asked about his fellow competitors and the unique nature of this national championship.

“A lot of these guys, we’ve gone through illnesses together; we know what everyone’s had in the past. The ones that have survived and can continue to compete and still find joy in the competition, they’re the ones we still see. Our hats are off to the ones that are unable to do that for health reasons. We’ve made a lot of friends nationwide as a result of these competitions and all of these friendships are very special.”

At 2-under 142, Van Dornick holds a share of second alongside first-round leader Michael Mercier of Juno Beach, Fla., and Garth Collings of Matlock, Man. The trio trails Las Vegas native Brady Exber by a single stroke. The 60-year-old Exber is playing in his third consecutive Canadian Men’s Senior Championship with his best finish being a runner-up result in 2014.

Back-to-back 72s have earned Burnaby, B.C., product John Gallacher the Super Senior title. The 65-year-old closed the round with nine straight pars to win the 65-and-over division by six strokes. A trio of Albertans in Howard Broun (Calgary), Merv Dusyk (Sylvan Lake) and Ron Kelly (Calgary) tied for second.

A total of 77 players finished 155-or-better to advance to the final two rounds of the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship. The winner will receive an exemption into the 2016 U.S. Senior Amateur championship to be contested at Old Warson Country Club in St. Louis, Mo., from September 17-22.

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This article was originally published in the 2016 edition of The Alberta Golfer Magazine. To view the full magazine, click here.

Are you an Alberta Golf member, male or female, aged 19 or over? Are you looking for a fun-filled, 36-hole tournament at one of Alberta’s most interesting golf courses? Are you perhaps a bit nervous about entering an Alberta Golf championship, but want to give competitive golf a try in a low-stress atmosphere?

Well, have we got a tournament for YOU! The inaugural Alberta Net Amateur Championship will be held August 30-31, 2016 at the sensational Dinosaur Trail Golf Club in Drumheller. The 36-hole event is open to both men and women and will be in a Stableford format, with full handicap allowances in the net scoring system. Many of the entrants for the Net Amateur are expected to be relatively inexperienced in competing in Alberta Golf championships, so the Stableford scoring format will eliminate the worry about having to complete every hole, regardless of the number of strokes you might take.

Rob Forshner, manager, rules and competitions for Alberta Golf, talked about the newest event on the Alberta Golf tournament schedule. “We think the Net Amateur has the potential to be one of our most popular events.” Forshner said. “We have thousands of Alberta Golf members who perhaps aren’t quite skilled or confident enough to enter the men’s or ladies amateur championships or even the seniors or mid-am events, but still want to feel part of the Alberta Golf community.

“We have added the Net Amateur Championship to our tournament schedule this year to help give these players an event in which they can feel comfortable. We fully expect that over time, the Net Amateur will become one of Alberta Golf’s most popular tournaments.”

There is no question that the host venue, Dinosaur Trail Golf Club, provides an outstanding site for the first Net Amateur Championship. The front nine is a parkland style, tree-lined fairway traditional course, but the back nine is where the course has earned its reputation as one of Alberta’s most scenic venues, as the holes twist and turn through spectacular hoodoos.

This article was originally published in the 2016 edition of The Alberta Golfer Magazine. To view the full magazine, click here.