Friends whose petition helped reopen Alberta golf courses reunite for a social distance game in Calgary
Alberta Golf (Calgary) – Mark Graham grew up in Calgary playing golf in the summer in Douglasdale, just a regular guy who thought golfing could certainly be a social distance activity during the Covid-19 pandemic. Graham along with his buddies in Calgary (Thomas Ferianec, Michael Ferianic and Mike Johnston) started a petition online in April asking the Alberta Government to consider giving golf an exemption from mandated business closures. The government allowed Golf Courses in Alberta to reopen on May 2nd under NAGA-AB Protocol guidelines, and the 53,000 signatures on Graham’s petition certainly played a big role in the decision.
READ: Mark Graham’s petition with over 53,000 signatures
Mark and his friends have been social distancing but reunited at Blue Devil Golf Club in Calgary on Wednesday May 6th for a social distance game of golf to celebrate courses being open.
Mark Graham with CTV Calgary sports reporter Glenn Campbell
“The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, things couldn’t be better right now,” Said Graham as he stepped onto the property of Blue Devil. ” I didn’t think the petition was going to be as popular as it was, obviously there were a lot more golfers out there who agreed with our group, and now we have opportunity to golf a lot sooner than most people anticipated so we’re very thankful.”
VIDEO: Mark Graham in his own words.
The opening of golf courses meant Graham and his friends could catch up over a 4-hour game of social distance golf, and they were impressed with the Covid-19 safety protocols put in place at Blue Devil as they are at all Alberta courses that are open.
Scott Atkinson is the CEO of Play Golf Calgary that runs Blue Devil Golf Club, he played a pivitol role in the NAGA-AB Golf coalition that worked with government to reopen courses. Atkinson says it was great when he finally found out who started the petition.
“When I got to meet Mark it was great because we didn’t know who this person was,” Atkinson admitted. “When you realize it was just a person with an idea, a fun thing, and it was very helpful because it really illustrated to the government that there really is a lot of support for golf.”
Atkinson has been pleased with the reopening of Blue Devil and other courses under the Play Golf Calgary umbrella and says golfers are respecting the new protocols.
VIDEO: Scott Atkinson outlines Blue Devil Golf Club Covid-19 protocols
Graham enjoyed his return to the golf course and seeing his friends again and is looking forward to seeing if Clubhouses and Pro Shops will reopen during the Stage 1 relaunch on May 14th.
Alberta relaunch strategy says Golf Courses can open Saturday, May 2nd
Alberta Golf (Calgary) – Alberta’s Covid-19 relaunch strategy will see golf courses open across the province as early as Saturday, May 2nd. The news delivered by Alberta Premier Jason Kenny during a Thursday afternoon briefing.
Golf courses named in phase one of Saskatchewan “re-open”
Golf courses will be allowed to open for play on May 15.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe made the announcement on Thursday during part of the province’s plan to “re-open” following shutdowns brought on by COVID-19.
On March 26, courses were named as “non-allowable” businesses and told to close. No courses were open to play but several across Saskatchewan closed their year-round restaurants or banquet services due to the spread of the virus. Moe said during the announcement the government is trying to find balance of health and safety.
“We have to find the middle ground that continues to keep our case numbers low and keep Saskatchewan people safe while at the same time allowing for businesses to reopen and Saskatchewan people to get back to work,” Moe said.
Every province across Canada had shut down golf except British Columbia. Courses could use their own discretion. The clubs were allowing play with conditions regarding social distancing and other measures, the same will be for Saskatchewan.
Courses will need to adhere to these mandates:
- Physical distancing
- One person to a cart (walking encouraged)
- Raised cups with flags in
- No walk-ons, all players must have tee times
- Tee times 20 minutes apart
- Rakes and ball washers removed
- Public washrooms will be closed
- Driving ranges and putting greens closed
- Locker rooms closed
The Government of Saskatchewan has their five phase plan laid out here and distributed a “Re-Open Plan.” More golf course guidelines can be found on page 35.
Courses will need to keep their restaurants closed for seating, curbside pickup will be allowed. Eating and licensed establishments such as clubhouses are included in phase 3 of the reopen plan but no date was given. Public gatherings are still restricted to under 10.
Golf Saskatchewan, as part of the allied golf associations, has been working with the government (Canadian Society of Club Managers – Saskatchewan Branch, National Golf Course Owners Association Canada – Prairie Chapter, Professional Golfers Association of Canada – Saskatchewan Zone, and Saskatchewan Turfgrass Association) with the hopes of reopening the sport of golf safely during the pandemic. Golf Saskatchewan executive director Brian Lee said he’s pleased the announcement, but safety is still top priority for the people of the province.
“We are pleased with the outcome of today’s announcements. The Government of Saskatchewan’s Business Response Team was great to work with during the lead up to the announcement today. The allied golf associations look forward to working with the Government of Saskatchewan in the days ahead to ensure the health and safety of all the stakeholders and participants as our sport reopens, under the COVID-19 procedures and guidelines,” Lee stated.
Golf Saskatchewan’s provincial championship schedule has not been modified as of today, but will review our procedures and rules for our events in the coming days and weeks. The start of the official season was April 15, scoring for the new World Handicap System will begin when courses open.
Parks and campgrounds will be open on June 1.
NEWSLETTER: The Spring Swing 2020
Alberta Golf (Calgary) – Golf season is just around the corner. A lot has happened behind the scenes at Alberta Golf this winter, and so far 2020 is on course to be a great season. Please enjoy this material below as we count down the days to teeing it up across our great province.
Alberta Golf Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Policy
In light of the heightened global concerns surrounding Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Alberta Golf and Golf Canada have consulted with various partners and are following Health Canada guidelines. Please read our full policy below.
2020 Alberta Golf Covid-19 Policy
Annual Report
Alberta Golf is pleased to share our 2019 Annual Report with you, our members. Thank you for your support and view now to see highlights, results and initiatives that you have made possible.
2020 Alberta Golf Board of Directors elected
The Annual General Meeting of the the voting Members of the Alberta Golf Association was held Tuesday February 25th at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary.
Provincial Championships
Registration for all Provincial Championships opens on Wednesday, April 1st. We encourage all golfers who meet the eligibility requirements to register for local qualifying as well as other city and regional opportunities.
High Performance Player Profiles
Read up on our high performance athletes and watch the videos of them in their own words.
Alberta based golfer gets national attention
Alberta’s Brendan MacDougall has been named to Golf Canada’s 2020 national amateur squad.
Alberta Golf facility additions
Welcome to the new member courses and facilities to Alberta Golf.
Mickelson National Golf Club
Modern Golf
The Nursery Golf and Country Club
Volunteer Opportunities for 2020
We are currently accepting volunteer applications for the upcoming season. Specifically we are looking for help at community events, course ratings, rules referees and tournaments. If you are able to assist us in 2020 we encourage you to apply and learn more about getting involved.
Alberta Golf announces new Competitions and Event manager
John Deneer joins Alberta Golf to manage events and competitions.
World Handicap System
Your golf handicap is changing, find out why it matters
2020 High Performance Player Profiles
Alberta Golf (Calgary) – In 2020 Alberta Golf will be doing player profiles on our 20 High Performance athletes.
Here are the 7 we’ve done so far.
ETHAN CHOI: Read FULL PROFILE STORY
VIDEO: Ethan Choi in his own words
NICOLAS-GUY LANDRY: Read FULL PROFILE STORY
VIDEO: Nicolas-Guy Landry in his own words
STEPHANIE CHELAK: Read FULL PROFILE STORY
VIDEO: Stephanie Chelak in her own words
MACKENZIE BAUSTAD: Read FULL PROFILE STORY
VIDEO: MacKenzie Baustad in her own words
KEHLER KOSS: Read FULL PROFILE STORY
VIDEO: Kehler Koss in her own words
TOMMY MCKENZIE: Read FULL PROFILE STORY
VIDEO: Tommy McKenzie in his own words
RYAN HODGINS: Read FULL PROFILE STORY
VIDEO: Ryan Hodgins in his own words
Alberta Golf 2020 competition schedule
Alberta Golf (Calgary) – We are pleased to announce the schedule for our 11 provincial championships, 4 Recreational Series events and McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour. Registration for these events will open on April 1st.
Our championship schedule kicks off with a new event, the Alberta Mens Mid Master Championship. The competition for players 40-years-of-age and older will be held June 8-9 at the Inglewood Golf and Curling Club in Calgary.
Between June 23-25, Coyote Creek Golf and RV Resort in Sundre will host the Alberta Mens Mid Amateur Championship for players 25-years-of-age and older.
The Alberta Ladies Amateur Championship will take place at Lakeside Golf Club in Chestermere June 29th through July 1st. New for this year, the event will have a Stableford scoring contest.
The Alberta U19 Championship (Formerly known as the Alberta Junior Championship) will be held at The Links of Spruce Grove July 7-10. U17 competitors (juvenile) are welcome to compete at this event, however the U17 Championship has been moved and will now be part of the U17, U15 and U13 Championship in August.
Glendale Golf and Country Club in Edmonton will host the Alberta Senior Ladies Championship July 14-16.
The Alberta Mens Amateur Championship will take place July 21-24 at The Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club.
The month of July will cap off with the Alberta Open Championship presented by SVR Lawyers. The top amateurs and pros in the province along with pros on various developmental tours will battle July 28-30 on The Links Course at Wolf Creek Golf Resort.
August will kick off at The Olds Golf Club. The Senior Mens Championship will be held Aug 5-7.
The Alberta Match Play Championship moves from June to August. Jagare Ridge Golf Club in Edmonton will host the competition Aug 9-11. A stroke play event will be held August 9th to determine the 16 match-play competitors for the Aug 10-11 championship.
The Alberta U17, U15 and U13 Championship (Formerly known as The Alberta Bantam Championship) will be held Aug 18-19 at the River Bend Golf Club in Red Deer. This event now includes the U17 Championship, which was formerly part of the Alberta Junior Championship.
Our championship season wraps up September 8th at the Kananaskis Country Golf Course with the Alberta Interclub Championship.
FULL Alberta Golf Championships Schedule with Qualifiers
Registration for these 11 championships will open on April 1st but discretionary exemptions for The Alberta Mens Amateur Championship, The Alberta Open Championship, The Alberta Mens Mid-Am Championship, The Alberta Senior Mens Championship and The Alberta U19 Boys Championship can be requested now using this form:
Discretionary Exemption Request Form
Our popular Recreational Series is back with 4 events at spectacular mountain course destinations.
These Learn & Play opportunities break down potential barriers in order to introduce new and recreational golfers to playing organized golf. The full schedule can be found here:
Alberta Golf now runs the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour for juniors who want to learn to compete in a relaxed atmosphere.
The 24-event schedule across Alberta can be found here:
McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour schedule
We look forward to a great season of competitions in 2020 !
Golf Canada Annual Meeting concludes with Charlie Beaulieu elected to serve a second term as president
Mississauga, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada’s 2020 Annual Meeting culminated on Saturday, February 29 with the re-election of Charlie Beaulieu of Lorraine, Qué., to serve a second term as the National Sport Federation’s President.
Beaulieu will continue to lead Golf Canada’s Board of Directors with Liz Hoffman of Thornhill, Ont., remaining in the position of 1st Vice-President and Dale Jackson of Victoria continuing in the role of 2nd Vice-President.
Based on the report of Golf Canada’s Nominating Committee, Beaulieu, Hoffman and Jackson will be joined on Golf Canada’s 2020 Board of Directors by Rob MacDonald of Winnipeg, Man., Susan MacKinnon of Calgary, David McCarthy of Toronto, Adam Daifallah of Montreal, Jean Stone-Seguin of Ottawa and Patrick Kelly of Vancouver. Paul Beaudry of Calgary and Alison Chisholm of Rothesay, N.B. have also joined the Board as Directors at Large.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
Click here to read Golf Canada’s 2019 Annual Report, which includes a recap of the past season, as well as the organization’s 2019 Financial Statements, which were released during Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting.
Bill MacMillan selected as Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year
Bill MacMillan of Eastern Passage, N.S., was named the 2019 recipient of the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award. MacMillan has been a golf tournament official and major contributor to Handicap and Course Rating for more than three decades. This marks the 14th year in which the association has honoured volunteers for their efforts and commitment to grow the game in their community. Going forward, the citation has been renamed the Bruce Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award in honour of Toronto native Bruce Mitchell who in 2017-18, became the first Canada to serve as Captain of the R&A. Click here for more on Volunteer of the Year honouree Bill MacMillan.
Richard Smith and Ian Hutchinson honoured as Recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award
This year’s recipients are a pair of long-time contributors to the sport of golf – volunteer Richard Smith of Regina, Sask. and golf journalist Ian Hutchinson of Newmarket, Ont. Created in 1993, Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award has been presented annually to recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to the game of golf in Canada. Click here for more information on the 2020 Distinguished Service Award honourees.
Golf Canada’s 2020 Annual Meeting took place February 28-29 at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel and Suites in Mississauga, Ont. It was conducted in partnership with Golf Ontario, who scheduled their respective Annual General Meeting activities to take place in conjunction.
2020 Alberta Golf Board of Directors elected
The annual General Meeting of the Voting Members of the Alberta Golf Association was held at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, Alberta on Tuesday February 25th with the following officers elected.
Peter Major – President Calgary Golf and Country Club Calgary
Mark Bamford – Vice President Glendale Golf and Country Club Edmonton
Tiffany Gordon – Secretary Carnmoney Golf and Country Club De Winton
Bill McNaughton – Treasurer Glencoe Golf and Country Club Calgary
Kendra Koss Earl Grey Golf Club Calgary
Chris Leach Valley Ridge Golf Club Calgary
Loraine Moster Public Players Club Edmonton
Alonzo Strange Blackhawk Golf Club Edmonton
Ken Knowles Windermere Golf and Country Club Edmonton
In 2019 the Alberta Golf Association Foundation distributed nearly $60,000 to athletes to help fund post-secondary education.
The following make up the Board of Directors for the Alberta Golf Association Foundation for 2020.
Name City
Tom Zariski – President Drumheller
Wendy Davies Rocky Mountain House
Jim Dymianiw Calgary
Lois Gilbertson Winfield
Chris Thompson Calgary
Neil Little Calgary
Duncan Mills Edmonton
After volunteering his service for more than 10 years, Tom Zariski is coming off the AGA Board and will continue to serve the AGAF in the role of President, as well as in his role as a Level 3 referee. Janice Lamarre is coming off the AGAF Board and remains involved as a lead volunteer with course rating – thank you both for your many years of service.
Click here for a link to the 2019 Alberta Golf Association Annual Report
Golf Canada names 2020 Team Canada Young Pro Squad
OAKVILLE, Ont. (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada is pleased to announce the nine athletes who have been selected to the 2020 Team Canada Young Pro Squad.
Comprising the 2020 Men’s Young Pro Squad are returnees Hugo Bernard (Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Que.), Jared du Toit (Kimberley, B.C.), Stuart Macdonald (Vancouver, B.C.) and Taylor Pendrith (Richmond Hill, Ont.) along with new additions Chris Crisologo (Richmond, B.C.) and Joey Savoie (La Prairie, Que.). Crisologo, 23, and Savoie, 25, will make their Young Pro Squad debuts after graduating from the Men’s Amateur Squad.
The Women’s Young Pro Squad will be represented by a trio of returning athletes in Jaclyn Lee (Calgary, Alta.), Brittany Marchand (Orangeville, Ont.), and Maddie Szeryk (London, Ont.).
Click here to read Team Canada Young Pro Squad player bios.
Now in its seventh year, the Team Canada Young Pro Squad helps to bridge the gap for top-performing amateurs transitioning into the professional ranks. Since the inception of the Young Pro Squad in 2014, current and former team members have accounted for 43 wins across various professional golf tours including PGA TOUR wins by Mackenzie Hughes and Corey Conners as well as a record nine LPGA Tour wins by Brooke Henderson.
New for 2020 is the amount of coaching the Young Pro Squad will receive. After talking with past players, one of the areas Golf Canada was committed to improving on was the amount of contact time with coaches. That time will double in 2020.
Men’s and Women’s National Squad coaches Derek Ingram and Tristan Mullally will provide coaching to their respective Young Pro athletes. Both Ingram and Mullally are PGA of Canada members and Ben Kern Coach of the Year past recipients.
Golf Canada is also pleased to announce the addition of Team Canada assistant coaches Jennifer Greggain (Chilliwack, B.C.) on the women’s side and Andrew Parr (London, Ont.) on the men’s side who will provide coaching support to athletes on the Amateur Squads. Greggain, the 2018 PGA of Canada Jack McLaughlin Junior Leader of the Year, brings an accomplished competitive resume including two years as a member of the LPGA Tour while Parr, a PGA of Canada apprentice professional and Team Canada graduate played professionally on both the Mackenzie Tour and European Tour.
The athletes will also have access to Team Canada’s sport science staff, which includes physiotherapist Greg Redman and Psychologist Dr. Adrienne Leslie-Toogood supporting the men’s team. The women’s team will be supported by physiotherapist Andrea Kosa and mental performance consultant Christie Gialloreto.
Funding for this program, in large part, comes from the Golf Canada Foundation with generous contributions from founding partners RBC and Canadian Pacific, as well as supporting partners Citi Canada and Bear Mountain Resort – the Official Training Centre of Golf Canada’s National Team program.
High Performance Player Profile: Ryan Hodgins
Alberta Golf (Calgary) – Over the winter we will be doing player profiles on our high performance athletes. This week’s profile is on Ryan Hodgins of Medicine Hat.
Hodgins is a grade-12 student in high school in his home city of Medicine Hat. While the smooth lefty played all sports growing up, it’s only recently he’s focused on golf full time.
“My dad brought me into it at a very young age, I got my first set of clubs when I was 3 years old and I fell in love with the game ever since,” Hodgins said. ” I played all sports from a young age, mainly just hockey and golf last year and it’s strictly golf right now.”
Ryan Hodgins: in his own words
Hodgins is already a provincial golf champion. In 2018 at the age of 16 he won the Alberta Juvenile Boys Championship at the Sundre Golf Club by 2 strokes over Ethan Choi of Pincher Creek. Hodgins said that win is the biggest of his young career so far.
“I played really solid going into that event,” Hodgins admitted. “The 4 days were a grind but I battled through, stuck with it and winning was very rewarding.”
Ryan Hodgins: 2018 Alberta Juvenile Boys Champion
The Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club product just spent a weekend in Calgary at The Edge School for Athletes working on his game and fitness level at a high performance camp. Hodgins says the funding he receives from Alberta Golf makes it all possible.
“It’s so awesome the funding they have for the players,” Hodgins beamed. ” They help you out with gym memberships, coaching, it’s really helpful.”
Hodgins is looking forward to competing this season at Alberta Golf events and seeing his friends from across the province, he says his ball striking and mental game are in great form.
“I’m not super long but I’m pretty accurate off the tee, but if there’s one thing I want to improve on this season it’s putting.” Hodgins admitted.
A fan of Rickie Fowler’s, Hodgins has already competed in a Mackenzie Tour Pga Tour Canada event and has his sights set long term on playing professional golf.