Alberta Golfer Magazine article: Water Valley to host 2023 Alberta Women’s Amateur Championship
2022 WOMEN’S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP
Alberta Golfer Magazine article:
Water Valley Golf Club was opened in 1987 as a nine-hole golf course by course designer and developer Brian Setter and his wife Cindy, who operated the course for 34 years. By the spring of 1995, the course had expanded to a full 18 holes. Known then as the Water Valley Golf & Country Club, a larger clubhouse was built in 1998.
In October of 2021, Pat Thomas and Jeremy Dueck purchased the property, rebranded the course as the Water Valley Golf Club and set out on a number of changes that included the goal of hosting more tournaments and provincial championships.
This is exactly what has happened. In 2022 the club hosted a McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour event, an Alberta Golf Senior Men’s Regional Qualifier and the 2022 Alberta Match Play Championship. From June 27-29, the club will host their first ‘major’, the 2023 Alberta Women’s Amateur Championship.
“There’s no question that it’s the jewel of the west,” Dueck said. “It’s an 18-hole championship facility and very well manicured. Our superintendent has been with us for 25 years and I think the course requires players to hit every shot in their bag.”
“It would be silly to sit here and think that somebody coming to our facility has never been to a golf course before, so we work really hard to meet and exceed people’s expectations,” Dueck admitted.
Dueck wants golfers to feel that sense of decompression when they leave the city and set foot on the gorgeous property located 25 minutes north of Cochrane on Highway 22.
“When golfers drive in, they are met with great service, directed to an actual person to help them; not just sent to the pro shop. When we talk about golf experiences, that’s what coming out here is all about.”
The clubhouse, pro shop and
snack shack all received full-scale renovations in 2022 while the golf course now features many new tee boxes and an improved driving range.
“It’s a great facility. We have a terrific group of people on our team working to create the best experience,” Dueck explained. “When Alberta Golf came to us and wondered if we wanted to host the Women’s Amateur, we immediately said that we would do so. These ladies will feel like they’re on the LPGA Tour by the time the event is done.”
The Women’s Amateur was held at Lakeside Golf Club east of Calgary in 2020, The Broadmoor Golf Course in Sherwood Park in 2021 and last year in the mountains at the Canmore Golf and Curling Club. This year’s championship at Water Valley is located in the foothills of the Rockies and Jeremy Dueck hopes word gets around about the quality of the facility.
“We are honoured to host the Alberta Women’s Amateur Championship. Our members will get behind this. It will be a great week.”
First Tee – Canada to launch in Alberta
Written by: Maddy Boelhouwer/ Golf Canada
The debut of First Tee – Alberta makes First Tee – Canada operational in every province
June 20, 2023 – Golf Canada and Golf Canada Foundation are proud to announce that First Tee – Alberta will launch this year thanks to the continued progress of the Golf Canada Foundation Drive Campaign. To date, Drive has raised $15.7 million in cash and commitments to support First Tee across Canada.
With support from Alberta Golf, First Tee – Alberta will hire chapter staff, onboard golf facilities, community centres and schools, and build a supportive provincial network of donors, volunteers, and coaches. Alberta-based programming will begin in the fall.
First Tee – Canada provides accessible and inclusive youth development programming and life-enhancing experiences through golf, especially for children who may have otherwise not had the opportunity.
Golf Canada partnered with First Tee in 2020 to launch First Tee – Canada. Programming began in 2021 in British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario, with the Atlantic and Prairies regions following in 2022.
“The launch of First Tee – Alberta marks a milestone for First Tee – Canada, as we are now operational in every province,” said Sean Reczulski, Director, Development with First Tee – Canada. “We are thankful for the tremendous support from donors and stakeholders who make the growth of First Tee possible. We look forward to further expansion into more communities across Canada and intend for First Tee to make an even broader national impact.”
Although the launch of First Tee – Alberta establishes a presence for the program in every province, this is only the beginning of First Tee – Canada’s efforts to provide accessible introductory golf environments and participation pathways to children from all backgrounds. First Tee – Canada will continue growing its network, onboarding more program locations, and enrolling more participants across the country in the coming years.
“We look forward to continuing the momentum we have built over the past three years, striving to provide all children across Canada with access to First Tee and positive experiences through golf,” said Adam Hunter, Golf Canada’s Director, Grow the Game. “Our program is still in its infancy, so the sky is the limit for what we can achieve moving forward. Together with our dedicated supporters across the country, we will advance the game in a manner that ensures the sport of golf reflects the diversity of Canadians.”
The focus for First Tee – Alberta, and fellow chapters across Canada is to build out community hubs made up of neighbouring community centres, schools, and golf courses offering youth programming with a focus to engage equity-deserving groups.
Golf Canada and Golf Canada Foundation are continuously pursuing gifts to deliver programming to more children across Canada. To date, First Tee – Canada has received nearly $16 million in donations to support the launch and growth of five chapters, the onboarding of 57 golf facilities, 41 community centres, and 110 schools, and the engagement of nearly 50,000 participants across the country.
To learn how to support First Tee – Alberta’s launch and growth, please email Adam Hunter. To find a chapter near you, visit firstteecanada.ca.
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About First Tee – Canada
First Tee – Canada is a youth development program operating by Golf Canada since 2020. In partnership with First Tee, Golf Canada launched First Tee – Canada to provide inclusive and accessible life-enhancing opportunities to children through golf. First Tee – Canada continues to expand programming and positively impact youth at golf courses, schools, and community centres across the country. For more information and to learn how to support First Tee – Canada, visit firstteecanada.ca.
About Golf Canada Foundation
Golf Canada Foundation is the leading source for golf philanthropy in Canada, granting more than $4.5 million to golf programs in 2022, and $19 million invested in the sport since the Foundation’s inception in 1979. The Foundation’s mission is to support and promote programs that increase participation in golf by engaging players of all ages and abilities across Canada. For more information about what Golf Canada Foundation is doing to support golf in your community, visit us online at www.golfcanadafoundation.com
About Golf Canada
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada, representing more than 319,000 golfers and 1,435 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s vision is to be a world leader in golf and achieving the mission to increase Canadian participation and excellence For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
Media Contact:
Madelyn Boelhouwer | Senior Coordinator, Marketing and Communications First Tee – Canada | Golf Canada | mboelhouwer@golfcanada.ca
Jamie Welder wins 2023 Alberta Mens Mid Master Championship at Olds Golf Club
Alberta Golf (Olds) – 48-Year-Old Jamie Welder from Country Hills Golf Club has been on the Alberta Golf scene for decades, has won a lot of city championships and been runner-up in Provincial Championships but has never been crowned a Provincial Champion until today. Welder produced a flawless 5-Under round of 67 with 5 birdies and no bogeys to win the Alberta Mens Mid Master Championship by 2 strokes.
WATCH 1 ON 1 WITH MID MASTER CHAMPION JAMIE WELDER
Ken Griffith from the Red Deer golf and Country Club finished 30 minutes ahead of Welder after also posting 5-Under 67 but started the day 2 strokes behind Welder which was the difference in Griffith’s runner-up finish.
Kevin Temple from Country Hills Golf Club was the top competitor in the 50-59 age category shooting rounds of 71 and 75 to finish 7 shots off the pace and a tie for 5th with Jamie Welder’s brother Jody Welder. Brian Laubman from Highlands Golf Club in Edmonton tied for 3rd with John Deering from the Inglewood Golf and Curling Club in Calgary 5 shots back of Welder.
A huge shout out to Olds Golf Club Professional and Manager Randy Brown and his entire team and Superintendent Jason Clouston for a fantastic week and keeping the golf course in championship condition under tough weather conditions.
Randy Brown: Olds Golf Club CPGA Pro/Manager
John Deering leads Alberta Mid Master Championship heading to final round
Alberta Golf (Olds) – Bad weather on Tuesday reduced the 2023 Alberta Mens Mid Master Championship to a 2 round event at The Olds Golf Club. John Deering from Inglewood Golf and Curling Club shot the low round on Wednesday, a 2 under 70 with 4 birdies and only 2 bogeys to take the lead heading to Thursday’s final round. 9 golfers are within 2 shots of the lead on a sunny Thursday in Olds.
Alberta Golf championship season kicks off with Alberta Best Ball Championship in Sundre
Alberta Golf (Sundre) – The 2023 championship season for Alberta Golf kicked off on Monday at Sundre Golf Club with a new one-day Best Ball event. 50 teams of 2 signed up for the new Alberta Golf event, and those who competed said it was great to see friends on an Alberta gem golf course and compete in a team format. On a calm and mostly sunny day, Ryan Rutherford from The Glencoe Golf & Country Club paired up with Gerry MacDonald from Inglewood Golf & Curling Club to shoot 9-under 63 and take the gross division championship. Ken Griffith and Grant Lee from the Red Deer Golf & CC shot 7-under 65 for a runner-up finish.
Best Ball Champions Gerry MacDonald (L) and Ryan Rutherford (R)
WATCH VIDEO INTERVIEWS WITH RYAN RUTHERFORD AND GERRY MACDONALD
Dan Requa and Jared Thompson (Alberta Golf Public Players Club – Edmonton) teamed up to win the net division shooting 11-under 61.
Best Ball Net Division Champions Jared Thompson (L) and Dan Requa (R)
Read the 2023 Alberta Golfer Magazine
Look for copies of the 2023 Alberta Golfer Magazine at golf courses across the province this May or read the online version here:
2023 ALBERTA GOLFER MAGAZINE
2023 Alberta Golf Board of Directors elected. 2022 Annual Report released.
Alberta Golf (Calgary) The 2023 Annual General Meeting of the Voting Members of the Alberta Golf Association was held virtually on Wednesday March 29. Subsequent to the AGM, the Board of Directors met and the following officers were named:
OFFICERS
President: Brent Bailey
Vice President: Kendra Koss
Treasurer: Ross Nesbitt
Secretary: Chris Leach
Brent Bailey takes over as President from Mark Bamford who provided Alberta Golf with two successful years of leadership, where a continued emphasis was placed on diversifying the Association’s many relationships and enhancing its governance structure.
Bailey, a retired Scotia McLeod Investment Advisor, is well known in most provincial golf circles as a result of his strong competitive play spanning several decades. The past president of the Windermere G&CC has won multiple Club Championships, won the 1971 Alberta Junior Championship, was a member of 3 Alberta junior teams and represented Alberta nationally as a member of the Willingdon Cup Team in 1973.
“Myself along with the Board of Directors and Alberta Golf staff, want to continue the strong tradition of tournament golf excellence,” Bailey said. “We also want to provide increased value to member clubs and recreational golfers recently initiated.”
FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brent Bailey: Windermere Golf & Country Club (Edmonton)
Mark Bamford: Glendale Golf & Country Club (Edmonton)
Jennifer Biernaskie: Public Players Club (Calgary)
Kim Carrington: Cottonwood Golf & Country Club (De Winton)
Ken Knowles: Windermere Golf & Country Club (Edmonton)
Kendra Koss: Earl Grey Golf Club (Calgary)
Chris Leach: Valley Ridge Golf Club (Calgary)
Lorraine Moster: Public Players Club (Edmonton)
Ross Nesbitt: River’s Edge Golf Club (Okotoks)
Two Board Members had their terms come to an end at this year’s AGM. Peter Major has now joined the Golf Canada Board of Directors following seven successful years with Alberta Golf’s Board. Shaane Nathu, who was with us for just one year, provided us with great financial leadership and we are confident he will return to us one day. Nathu has made a big move across the country and we wish him great success in his role with Golf Newfoundland and Labrador.
Two new faces join the Board for 2023: Ross Nesbitt and Jennifer Biernaskie.
Jennifer Biernaskie, a partner with McLennan Ross LLP joins the Board with significant governance and strategic planning experience, having served on several Boards throughout her career. Most recently Biernaskie is on the board of Alberta Lung and also on the board of the Alberta Liquor Store Association since her and her husband own the Kensington Wine Market.
Ross Nesbitt, a CPA currently residing in Calgary and working with Ernst & Young LLP is an avid golfer and eager to step in and join the Board in the capacity of Treasurer, a position vacated by one of his close colleagues in Shaane Nathu.
Alberta Golf is pleased to welcome Jennifer and Ross to the Board of Directors for 2023 and we look forward to the contributions they will be making as part of an exciting time for the entire golf industry.
Alberta Golf named Charity Partner of ATB Classic at Northern Bear Golf Course
STRATHCONA COUNTY, AB – The third stop on the PGA TOUR Canada schedule is the ATB Classic, which will be played at Northern Bear Golf Course, June 26-July 2, 2023. This will be the first of three years that Northern Bear will host the event.
“Northern Bear has always been regarded as a high-quality, strong venue, and we are ecstatic about our three-year partnership,” said Scott Pritchard, PGA TOUR Canada Executive Director. “A hallmark of the Tour since its inception is the excellence of the golf courses where we contest our tournaments. Northern Bear is another in a long line of PGA TOUR Canada golf courses that I know the players will love for both the challenge it presents and its beauty.”
ATB has been a long-standing supporter of professional golf in Alberta for 25-plus years, and this year marks the 16th year as title sponsor of the ATB Classic.
“ATB Financial is excited to welcome PGA TOUR Canada to Strathcona County to celebrate the seven-day event with our clients and community partners from across the province,” said Curtis Stange, President & CEO, ATB Financial. “Northern Bear is going to be a great test for the professionals as they battle it out for the ATB Classic title and the coveted Fortinet Cup points.”
Northern Bear Golf Course is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course located just 30 minutes away from downtown Edmonton in Strathcona County. The 7,400-yard course is only the fifth Canadian course to be built by Nicklaus Design, and with its tight, tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers and greens situated around five lakes located on the property, it will be a great challenge for the PGA TOUR Canada professionals.
“Northern Bear is extremely excited to be hosting the ATB Classic for the next three years” said Blair McDowell, General Manager of Northern Bear Golf Club. “The golf course is considered one of the best layouts in Western Canada and will challenge the players in all aspects of their games. Edmonton is a great sports town, and people are passionate about the game of golf. We can’t wait to be a part of a wonderful event that support junior and professional golf.”
The beneficiary from this year’s event is Alberta Golf and the net proceeds will support Youth on Course, which provides youth ages 6-18 affordable, life-changing opportunities through golf. Youth on Course members have access to golf for $5 or less at more than 20 participating courses in Alberta.
“This is the fifth year for Youth on Course in Alberta, and this funding from the ATB Classic is crucial in keeping this popular initiative viable going forward,” said Alberta Golf’s Communication Director Kevin Smith. “It’s amazing to see Northern Bear and other Alberta courses join together for the 2023 season to break down cost barriers and allow all youth in our province to discover golf.”
In 2022, the tournament launched the MJT Future Stars Invitational presented by ATB, and it was deemed a huge success. The event is back for 2023 and will be held June 23-24 leading into the ATB Classic tournament week. The Invitational will see 18 of the best juniors from across Canada participate in a 36-hole, stroke play event at Northern Bear Golf Course. The winner of the Invitational will receive an exemption to play in the ATB Classic.
“The MJT is privileged to partner with ATB, Northern Bear and PGA TOUR Canada to once again offer this unique experience to Canadian junior golfers,” said Trent Matson, National Operations Director, Maple Leaf Junior Tour. “The opportunity to experience competition at this level is the first step in their pursuit of playing professional golf.”
The ATB Classic will require approximately 300 volunteers and 50 caddies for the event. To register, or for more information, please visit www.atbclassic.com.
About PGA TOUR Canada
PGA TOUR Canada is professional golf tour that offers a series of tournaments played across Canada each summer, where tomorrow’s stars begin the path to the PGA TOUR. The leading five money winners at the end of each season earn status on the Korn Ferry Tour for the following year. The Tour’s alumni include 54 PGA TOUR players and more than 300 Korn Ferry Tour players since 2013. The PGA Tour Canada’s mission is to deliver a PGA TOUR experience for its members, fans, volunteers and partners in order to develop the future stars of professional golf and enrich the communities it visits.
About Alberta Golf
Alberta Golf is the provincial governing body of golf in Alberta, a not-for-profit organization comprised of 50,000 members. We work collaboratively with Golf Canada, the National Sport Organization, to ensure golf remains the number one recreational activity in Canada. We preserve the integrity of the game of golf at more than two hundred golf courses in the province and promote the sport for enjoyment by all golfers.
About the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour
The non-profit Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour is Canada’s No. 1-played junior golf tour as well as the only national junior tour run exclusively by PGA of Canada professionals and is the ‘Road to College Golf’ in Canada. The organization is supported by valued Premier, Tournament and Product Partners. The MJT hosts 100 events across Canada, including free Ford Go Golf Junior Clinics, the MJT Mini Tour for 12-and-under players and multi-day events for competitive players aged 11-19, which also offer qualifiers for international tournaments. The program has annual awards, scholarships and incentives to help reward performance and participation throughout each season. MJT alumni include many professional tour players and PGA of Canada professionals, as well as Canadian amateur, national and provincial junior champions. The MJT aims to develop champions, in golf and in life, promoting the game from grassroots through the provincial, national, university and professional levels.
2023 Newsletter: The Spring Swing
2022 Newsletter: The Winter Wrap
WRAPPING UP THE 2022 GOLF SEASON
Alberta Golf has wrapped up another successful season supporting the golf industry and running events for all ages and level of players from those discovering the game to the elite performers in our province. Please enjoy the following content outlining what Alberta Golf has been up to the past few months as the golf season ended and planning for 2023 commenced. Happy holidays!
