As a parent, there’s nothing more rewarding than watching your child succeed. For Jennifer Tse, that joy runs especially deep as her 13-year-old daughter, Rachel Adamis, has become an exceptional young golfer — winning 11 stops on the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour in 2025. But there’s far more to Rachel’s story than her talent on the course.

“Rachel started golfing when she was 3 years old, she was in her first Junior Golf camp at the Derrick Club.  The first time she hit her golf ball with a putter and the ball moved 15 feet, she was so excited.  Rachel started jumping up and down and cheering.  She was hooked from that moment on.  Since then, she would always ask to do more golf camps and classes.“

Since those early days, golf has meant more to Rachel than just competition. “Golf has provided Rachel the opportunity to make new friends,” Jennifer explains. “She can talk about golf all the time, and her golf friends are just as excited to join in.” Beyond the friendships, Rachel loves the peaceful views and the sense of calm she finds on every new course she visits.

What began as a fun family activity has grown into something transformative. Golf has taught Rachel valuable life lessons, and just like life, there are both good and bad moments, the key is to keep moving forward.

“Rachel has high functioning Autism.  She has difficulties interacting with people and making friends.  Golf has helped Rachel navigate life challenges through her disability by providing her opportunities to meet like-minded people so she can work on her communication and socialization skills.“

When Rachel first played on the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour in 2024, she was shy and rarely spoke to the other girls. Fast forward to 2025, and she’s not only a top competitor but also a social spark — regularly coming home with new friends and planning get-togethers outside of golf.

“Rachel’s autism provides her the strength of Hyperfocus.  During golf tournaments, Rachel can focus so hard and tune out all other stimuli allowing her to golf better than her handicap.  This Hyperfocus also gives Rachel Nerves of Steel.  She is even more confident when she plays tournaments and thrives under pressure.“

For Jennifer, the greatest reward isn’t just Rachel’s victories — it’s watching her daughter blossom socially and emotionally through golf.

“Rachel met her best friend Nha Truong at the Edmonton Golf Association Junior Golf Tournament in July 2025.  Watching the girls holding hands and skipping down the fairway during the golf tournament just melted my heart.“

Rachel’s excellence on the course continued this past September at the Alberta All Abilities Championship, an event created in 2023 to give golfers with disabilities a chance to compete and connect. Rachel shot her two best rounds of the year — including breaking 80 for the first time — and finished second in the Net Division.

But golf’s impact reaches even deeper for Rachel and her family. In 2021, Rachel’s father passed away from cancer, a devastating loss for the family. In addition to the confidence it has built for Rachel, it became a tool to help the family bond through additional challenges.

“Rachel was heartbroken when her dad died of cancer in 2021.  Her dad used to drive her in a power cart at the Derrick club and watch her golf.  Their favorite hole was the water hole. Late in the evening when the course was quiet, the two of them would try to hit as many balls as possible over the water. After the passing of her father, Rachel wanted to golf more, and golfing kept us busy and focused. It helped us both mourn our loss and allowed us bonding time to strengthen our relationship.“

Rachel’s twin brother Maxim lives with severe autism and following their father’s death had to move into a group home due to safety concerns. Yet golf has continued to bring the family together. 

“Golf has been so therapeutic for Rachel and our family.  Golfing outside and being in nature has helped ground us and eased our grieving. The Derrick Club has been so accommodating to our family.  Maxim, with his Autism service dog Jefferson, will walk with us on the golf course at The Derrick Club when Rachel is playing practice rounds.  Golfing is one of the few activities the twins can share and be safe together.”

Rachel’s dedication to the game is evident. She now practices every day with her best friend, Nha. “Rachel went from a 40 Handicap Index in June 2024 to an 11.9 in September 2025,” Jennifer proudly shares. “Her confidence has grown so much — she’s no longer shy and often does a little ‘happy dance’ after hitting a great shot.”

The staff and members at The Derrick Golf & Winter Club have been an incredible support system. “The course has become a second home,” Jennifer says. “Everyone goes out of their way to interact with Rachel. Many of the female members invite her to play, and she was even asked to play in the club’s Solheim Cup — where she contributed 11 of a possible 12 points for her team.”

One of Rachel’s biggest mentors has been Adam Werbicki, who has coached her since she first started golfing. He’s become a father figure and an instrumental part of Rachel’s development, both on and off the course.

It takes a village to raise a child, and Rachel’s village is full of champions. Her former teacher, Mrs. Tara Jones, at George P. Nicholson Elementary School, supported her passion by setting up a chipping net at recess and even attending her tournaments.

Now at Vimy Ridge School, Rachel is thriving in their Elite Program, which allows her to train with Coach Werbicki up to five times a week. This year, she’ll join the school’s Junior High Golf Program.

As a single mom, Jennifer admits that balancing work and Rachel’s golf schedule is challenging, but she’s grateful for the help of Rachel’s grandfather, Kevin Morris, who often drives Rachel to practices and tournaments.

While Rachel and Jennifer have been forced to navigate some difficult challenges in life, the two of them are grateful for all that golf has provided this star junior. The friends, the self-confidence, the growth, and a haven. Most importantly, golf has provided them a bond forged through hardship and given Jennifer a lifetime of happy moments, capped off with the knowledge that golf has helped Rachel with the life skills to be an independent and confident young woman. 

Aligned with Golf Canada’s newly launched national off-course strategy, Alberta Golf is proud to champion and connect with the expanding off-course golf community across the province.

 Alberta Golf & Golf Canada endorse and support all forms of golf and are encouraging Canadians to experience the game year-round through off-course golf experiences. 

These experiences include golf simulators, driving ranges, short game areas, mini golf, virtual reality golf and golf-themed video games that all provide opportunities to engage with the sport year-round. Complementing traditional green grass golf, off-course golf provides a continuity of golf experiences that can welcome new individuals into the sport in ways that best fit their lifestyle. 

 For Golf Canada’s Chief Marketing Officer Tim McLaughlin, the campaign is about having a presence wherever and however golf is being enjoyed. 

 “There has been an explosion in off-course golf options in our country, most notably golf simulators, and Golf Canada is excited to officially launch our off-course strategy. This initiative is reflective of the reality that an increasing number of Canadians are now participating in golf activity year-round in non-traditional venues like simulator facilities. Off-course golf has the potential to be transformational for our sport, combining fun and realistic golf experiences with affordable options that are accessible 12 months a year,” said McLaughlin. “This strategy acknowledges the way that Canadians are engaging with the game is evolving, and our intention is to create a greater connection between these new off-course formats and the broader golf landscape.” 

As part of this strategy, Alberta Golf and Golf Canada are introducing a new Facility Membership Program designed specifically for off-course operators. Through this program off-course facilities will now be able to become official members of Golf Canada and have the ability to promote their operations to Canada’s largest and most engaged golf audience. Through this membership, facility owners gain new opportunities to boost participation, enhance engagement, and enjoy a range of valuable, year-round benefits.

It will also be easier for Canadians to find places to play off course. A comprehensive digital program promoting off-course golf will connect Canadians to Official Member Facilities of Golf Canada. Golfers will soon be able to log and track their off-course activity at simulators in the Golf Canada app beginning in early December. For more information or to download Canada’s number one golf app, click here. 

The Just Swing campaign will support Golf Canada’s complete off-course strategy to have a presence wherever golf is being played. The campaign encourages Canadians to discover golf, anywhere, anytime and Just Swing, highlighting the many benefits the game can provide. This campaign is designed to re-frame perceptions of the sport by driving understanding that whether you pick up a club on a golf course or a simulator its all golf. The hope is to position the sport in a new way, particularly for new audiences who aren’t currently active golfers. 

For more information on the Just Swing campaign, the benefits of off-course golf or to find a location near you, please visit golfcanada.ca/justswing. 

Helpful Links

Just Swing Home Page

Member Facility Benefits & Sign up

Alberta Golf (Calgary) – The 2025 Alberta All Abilities Championship wrapped up it’s championship season at McCall Lake Golf Course in Calgary, as a record number 29 participants played in the 2025 Alberta All Abilities Championship. The two day championship had perfect weather as players competed for the Gross and Net division championships.

The Gross division title was won by Kiefer Jones of Blind Golf Alberta. The day saw a battle between Jones and Grant Lee come down to the back 9. Kiefer came into the final day with a one shot lead after a 67 on the first day. After losing his lead on the front, Kiefer reclaimed it with birdies on 14 and 15, and successfully defended Lee the rest of the way. Kiefer won the event previously when it was held at McCall in 2023.

The Net division title was won by Emma Bittorf, who also won the Net title in 2023. After a slow first day, Emma shot a personal best, 73, which resulted in 48 Net Stableford points to jump up the leaderboard and claim the victory. Rachel Adamis, who plays many of the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour events also shot a personal best to come in second in the net division. Randall Mackus in his first visit to the Alberta All Abilities finished third in the Net division.

All Abilities Full Leaderboard

With this, the 2025 Championship season has come to a close! With any luck, the fall golf season will be a long one once again for players across the province. The winter will provide players a break and a reset before turning their attention and preparation to 2026!

The final event in the 2025 Alberta Golf Championship season kicks off tomorrow at McCall Lake Golf Course in Calgary, as the third instalment of the All Abilities Championship gets underway!

The Alberta All Abilities Championship is in its third year of operation and this year has become the finale to the championship season. The event is open to any golfer that has a player pass through the European Disabled Golf Association and is an official WR4GD ranking event. The event provides players with disabilities a place to compete and come together to celebrate. The decision to add this event in 2023 followed the move made by many major associations including Golf Canada, the USGA, Golf Ontario, and Golf Manitoba. Alberta is the 4th province to offer this kind of event for its players. There is both a gross competition and a net competition for the players, and as it continues to grow there is the potential of having separate competitions for each category of disability.

EDGA HOmePAGE

In 2024, Bob MacDermott was victorious winning the event up in Sherwood Park. He’s surely a player to watch this year as he tries to defend the title. Returning to the field this year is 2023 Champion, Kiefer Jones, who is 34th in the WR4GD rankings. Kiefer, a Calgarian, at one point was also the #1 ranked blind golfer in the world. He’ll look to repeat his success this year as the event returns to McCall Lake. Another player to watch this week would be Josh Engel, who recently won Gold a the Special Olympics Summer Games earlier this year.

World #1 – Kiefer Jones Interview

McCall Lake has proven to be a terrific host for this event in the past and the City of Calgary has become a leader in accessibility in the game of golf. McCall Lake has been the home of a number of free junior adaptive golf lessons for golfers with disabilities. In addition to this, McCall Lake partnered with the Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind in 2023 to offer additional junior adaptive golf camps to their members. Shaganappi Point also has their own assisted mobility device for golfers who are looking to get into the game.

New this year for the All Abilities, Alberta Golf is pleased to be hosting an adaptive golf clinic at the McCall Lake driving range on September 9th, led by PGA of Alberta professionals.

For the full preview of the 2025 Alberta All Abilities Championship, click the link below to head to the Alberta Golf Yearbook.

2025 All Abilities PReview

For tee times and results from the event, click the link below for the Golf Genius page.

2025 All Abilities Golf Genius Page

Alberta Golf (Kananaskis) – Alberta Golf continued it’s Championship season Tuesday at Kananaskis Country Golf Course as 46 Men’s and Women’s teams represented their home club in the 2025 Alberta Interclub Championship. The day was hot and sunny and the mountains provided an unbelievable backdrop to some great play across the 36 hole layout of Mount Lorette and Mount Kidd.

On the women’s side Country Hills Golf Club defended their title with the team of Meaghan Leblanc, Victoria Tse, Joan Wilson and Amanada Chan posting 7-under par for the victory.

The men’s division was as competitive as ever with 5 teams within 1 stroke of the title.  The Winston Golf Club fired 10-under par for the narrow victory. Great playing by Garett Johnson, Shane Abel, Trevor Martensson and Christian Chivilo

The Innisfail Golf Club consisting of Erin Kirkness, Marg Williscroft, Elayne Shiffner and Michelle Spivik teamed up for a 16-under par total to win the Low Net Championship.

FULL SCORING IN ALL DIVISIONS

Alberta Golf (Chestermere) – 2 hot sunny days at Lakeside Golf Club just east of Calgary for the Alberta U15 and U13 Championship. In the Boys U15 Championship Bennett Love from the Red Deer Golf & Country Club posted a final round 70 for a 3-stroke victory a defended his U15 title from a year ago at Alberta Springs Golf Resort.

In the Girls U15 Championship Danika Horcica from The Edmonton Country Club fired a final round 73 to take the title.

In the Boys U13 Championship, Oscar Gosgnach from the Royal Mayfair Golf Club defended his title shooting a 3-under par 68.

In the Girls U13 Championship Olivia Van Kesteren won while playing in her first ever competitive championship.

WATCH VIDEO INTERVIEWS WITH ALL THE CHAMPIONS

Thank you to Lakeside Golf Club Head Professional Tyler Willner and all the staff and volunteers at the club for hosting the championship.

The new U15 & U13 Championship gets underway tomorrow at Lakeside Golf Club in Chestermere! This is the first year the event will be separate from the U17 players and the change has proven to work with a boost in registration up to 70 players.

The U15 & U13 Championship brings together the top young players in the province. The now separate championship acts as a great bridge between the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour with many of the players there making the jump to our provincial championship schedule. The event has separate divisions for Boys and Girls in both the U13 and U15 divisions. Bennett Love will be a player to watch as he hopes to reclaim the U15 title, as does Oscar Gosgnach in the U13 division. Camilla Ruesga-Rojas will look to take another step in her junior career as she looks to claim the U15 Championship after her U13 victory in 2024. Mia Ha looks to be the favourite in the U13 Girls’ division, as she claimed the 2025 McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour U13 Division and Season Point Race at the Tour Championship just last week.

Lakeside Golf Club has stepped up as host for this event and has proven to be a terrific fit. Tyler Willner, the clubs head professional, has done a tremendous job growing the courses junior program from 40 players to 150. The course also played host to a McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour event earlier in the season. The course also offers a fair test to the field with an open layout, but is not just decided by players who can bomb the ball of the tee.

To read more about the event and hear what this event means from our past champions, click the button below to check out the U15 & U13 Championship spread in our Alberta Golf Yearbook.

U15 & U13 Championship Article

To find out what time everyone starts tomorrow, click the button below to check out the pairings for the event.

U15 & U13 Pairings

Alberta Golf (Magrath) – Hot conditions with wind gusts at the challenging Magrath Golf Club for the final round of the 2025 Alberta Super Senior Championship. 2-time defending champion David Schultz made a late charge with birdies on 16 and 17 to momentarily tie the lead with Norman Bradley, but Bradley made a birdie on 16, a great lag putt par on 17 and a clutch 4 foot par save on 18 for a 1-stroke victory and his first ever Alberta Golf crown.

WATCH VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH CHAMPION NORMAN BRADLEY

Tom Dixon won the 65-69 flight, Ronald Mercier took the 70-74 age category and Eric Brodie fired a round of 76 to take the aged 75 and over Diamond Division title.

Magrath Golf Club was founded in 1925 and is celebrating it’s 100th anniversary. Head Professional and Director of Golf Glen DesRoche was a great host this week and was on course following the final round action.

Superintendent Jordy Sautner had the course in fantastic shape with the competitors complimenting the fairways and true greens.

WATCH DRONE FOOTAGE OF MAGRATH GOLF CLUB

The Championship season continues to wind down with Magrath Golf Club set to host the 2025 Men’s Super Senior Championship!

The Men’s Super Senior Championship is for male players aged 65+ and was originally a part of the Men’s Senior Championship. In 2023, the event was separated to be its own event and the Diamond Division for players aged 75+ was also created. The event has seen incredible buy-in from players across the province boasting 260 players over its first three years. The field for 2025 includes past Senior Champions, past Super Senior Champions, Alberta Golf legends, and newcomers to the championship.

Players To Watch

With such a stacked field, there are plenty of names with the ability to win. The 2023 and 2024 champion, David Schultz, is a name that many players would be familiar with as an Alberta Golf Hall of Famer, and he’s had a busy season playing the Men’s Amateur, Men’s Mid-Amateur, and Men’s Senior Championship. Defending Diamond Division Champion, Howard Broun, will look to continue his streak and claim the title again this season. Floyd Kilgore is a local legend in Northern Alberta and looks to get back to his winning ways this year. Kelly Risling is a former Super Senior Champion who could also find himself up on the leaderboard.

The Host Club

Magrath Golf Club is just south of Lethbridge and is known as “The Hidden Gem of The South”. The course rings true to this nickname as anyone lucky enough to play it would agree. The speedy and undulating greens will make a great test for the players. The course winds through a valley in Southern Alberta, and each hole offers a different test off the tee, whether it’s distance, precision, or managing the trouble, this course has it all. Magrath has hosted Alberta Golf events in the past, most recently the 2025 Alberta-Montana Ryder Cup in early August. The course is also celebrating its 100th year of operation, joining an elite list of clubs to hit this milestone.

For more about the course and our defending champions, click the link below to read the full article from the Alberta Golf Yearbook.

Super Senior Yearbook Article

To find out where your favourite players are on the leaderboard or when they tee off, click the button below for Round 1 Pairings.

Round 1 Pairings

Alberta Golf (Red Deer) – Alberta Springs Golf Resort a great host for the 2025 Alberta U17 Championships. In the Girls’ U17 Championship Saylar May from Pine Hills in Rocky Mountain House posted a final round 1-under 71 and a commanding 11-stroke victory. May adds the U17 crown to the U19 Championship she won at Water Valley earlier this summer.

On the boys side, Chase Strang from Pinebrook Golf and Country Club fired a 2-under final round of 70 with 3 birdies and a lone bogey for a comeback 2-stroke victory over James Howie who made birdies on the 16th and 17th holes to makes things interesting. A clutch birdie by Strang on the par 5 18th hole secured the win.

WATCH VIDEO INTERVIEWS WITH SAYLAR MAY AND CHASE STRANG

Thanks to Al Norlin and his entire staff at Alberta Springs Golf Resort for hosting a great championship.