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

History is at the heart of everything Alberta Golf does. For over 110 years, the Association has successfully hosted events for amateur golfers across the province. Since its inception, the competitors and builders of the game in Alberta have worked quietly but passionately to grow the sport. The Alberta Golf Hall of Fame exists to celebrate these individuals and bring their accomplishments into the spotlight.

This year, the Hall of Fame welcomed two new inductees in the Player Category – Jackie Little and Cathy McMillan, both remarkable champions who have made lasting contributions to the game of golf in Alberta and beyond.

The Evening

The celebration began with a Year in Review, showcasing the highlights of Alberta Golf’s 2025 season. Among them were Brett Jones’ impressive back-to-back Men’s Amateur victories, Saylar May’s rare double crown as both U17 and U19 Champion, and the introduction of the Women’s Division at the 89th Alberta Open Championship, won by Sydney Bisgrove.

Nine clubs across the province were also recognized for milestone anniversaries of 25, 50, 75, and 100 years. Notably, Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course celebrated its 100th anniversary — a remarkable achievement made even more meaningful after the devastating wildfires of the previous season. The milestone stands as a testament to the dedication of the club’s staff, members, and community stakeholders who have ensured its legacy endures.

Before the inductions, Doug Paterson was named 2025 Alberta Golf Volunteer of the Year. Paterson, a respected referee, has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the sport. Prior to joining Alberta Golf, he served with Golf BC and brought extensive knowledge in course rating. In 2025, he officiated at three Alberta Golf events, including the Men’s Amateur, and was invited by Golf Canada to assist at the USGA Adaptive Open at Pinehurst.

After dinner, the evening’s main event began — the official inductions of Jackie Little and Cathy McMillan into the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame.

Jackie Little was introduced by her husband, Patrick, and took a moment to remember her friend and fellow Hall of Fame member Betty Stanhope-Cole, noting that she was “surely looking down.” Cathy McMillan was introduced by one of her twin daughters and expressed heartfelt gratitude to join so many of her longtime friends in the Hall.

More About Jackie Little

A proud product of Glendale Golf & Country Club, Jackie Little found success early and often in Alberta. She captured both the Alberta Junior and Juvenile Girls Championships in 1974 and 1976, and went on to win the Alberta Women’s Amateur in 1978 and 1981. Little also represented Alberta on four Junior Girls Interprovincial Teams and three Women’s Interprovincial Teams before relocating to British Columbia, where her winning ways continued.

In B.C., Little claimed five BC Amateur, five Senior Amateur, and two Mid-Master titles, while continuing to return to Alberta in the summers to win three Alberta Women’s Senior Championships. Her success also extended to the international stage, where she captured the PNGA Women’s Senior Championship twice, along with four national titles — including Mid-Amateur, Mid-Master, and Senior crowns. She has represented Canada on both World Amateurand Commonwealth Teams.

Still active on the senior circuit, Little added another title to her name by winning the 2024 Alberta Women’s Super Senior Championship, continuing to build on her remarkable career.

Jackie Little HOF Bio

More About Cathy McMillan

For more than 50 years, Cathy McMillan has been a fixture in Alberta’s competitive golf scene. She burst onto the scene with a win at the 1963 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, followed by two Alberta Junior Girls titles. Between 1965 and 1991, she represented Alberta on 15 Interprovincial Teams, including the 1973 squad that won the Women’s Interprovincial Team Championship.

McMillan was a seven-time runner-up at the Alberta Women’s Amateur before transitioning to senior competition, where she again excelled. From 1996 to 2006, she earned a spot on every Alberta Women’s Senior Interprovincial Team, contributing to four team victories (1997, 1998, 1999, and 2001). In 2006, she capped her competitive career with a win at the Alberta Women’s Senior Championship.

Her competitive highlights also include international play, finishing third at the 2004 Irish Senior Women’s Championship, and appearances at both the British Senior Women’s and USGA Senior Women’s Championships.

Beyond her playing career, McMillan has been instrumental in growing the game. She served as Director of Player Development at Alberta Golf (2004–2009) and continues to volunteer at her home club, Ponoka Golf Club, supporting local events and nurturing the next generation of golfers.

Cathy McMillan HOF Bio

About The Hall of Fame Player Award

The Player Award recognizes individuals who have brought distinction to Alberta through excellence in competitive golf at the international, national, provincial, and regional levels.

Previous inductees include Bob Wylie, Doug Silverberg, Keith Alexander, Betty Stanhope-Cole, Marilyn O’Connor, Rea Milligan-Simpson, Kareen Qually-Nelson, David Schultz, and Frank Van Dornick.

Nominations are now open for future Alberta Golf Hall of Fame classes.
To learn more or submit a nomination, please use the link below.

Alberta Golf Hall of Fame Nomination Forms

After playing one of the most underrated golf courses in the province (hint: it was just outside Stettler and it was called Pheasantback), my four-man posse plunked itself down on the beautiful outdoor patio, ordered a pint, and watched the western sky explode in red-orange fire. We tallied scores, we laughed, we ate, we quenched our thirst. It was a perfect day of golf. Capped off, of course, with an amazing patio experience. 

Not surprisingly, given the spectacular natural beauty of our province, the quality of the golf courses we have here, and the fact that the vast majority of golfers cherish post-round nourishment, there is no shortage of pristine patios at Alberta golf courses.  

As long as the wind is down and the temperature is decent, you can bet that the outdoor patio at your friendly neighbourhood golf course will be bustling. After all, the season is relatively short in these parts. And those idyllic summer days are at a premium. You gotta take advantage when the going is good! Definitely don’t have to twist my arm. 

While the patio at Pheasantback – especially when those prairie sunsets offer a breathtaking show! – is certainly a gem, there are numerous others sprinkled throughout Wild Rose Country. From Lethbridge to Fort Mac, Medicine Hat to Banff, great patios are par for the course. Here are a few more that rate high on my list. (Disclaimer: I readily admit that there are many more that should be included here. Hopefully I’ll get to those…soon!) 

Crowsnest Pass Golf Club – The spectacular mountain golf experience at the refurbished Crowsnest Pass Golf Club is no longer a secret! And the awesome new clubhouse, perfectly situated on the ridge overlooking the course and the snow-dipped mountains, is the appropriate way to cap off the day. 

Kananaskis Country Golf Course – Regardless of which course you play at the storied Kananaskis Country GC (my favourite is Kidd), a “session” on the patio is required. Perched above the course on the bench, the towering ramparts of Mt. Lorette and Mt. Kidd looming overhead, this is, unquestionably, one of the most scenic patios in the entire golf world.  

Priddis Greens GC – Just fifteen minutes west of Calgary, the private Priddis Greens GC, which is right on the doorstep of Kananaskis Country, is bordered by unspoiled forests and stunning natural scenes. And the view from the wraparound patio is the ideal place to soak them all in. 

Fort McMurray Golf Club – It’s a fact: neither fire nor flood can keep the fabulous Fort McMurray Golf Club down for long! The stunning new timber-framed clubhouse at this resilient club is anchored by The Bear & Buffalo, which has to be in the running for one of the best golf course restaurants in the country. And, yes, the massive patio is pure perfection. 

Desert Blume Golf Club – The sneaky-good Desert Blume GC in the sun-soaked city of Medicine Hat is always a treat to play. And the spacious clubhouse, which features the largest patio in town, serves up tasty food (thanks to the talents of Executive Chef, Brent Donkin) and delicious views of the golf course, the coulee, and Seven Person’s Creek. 

Blackhawk Golf Club – Routed along the pine-covered banks of the North Saskatchewan River, the exceptional course at Blackhawk, a masterpiece by Alberta architect Rod Whitman, is rightfully regarded as one of the top private clubs in the country. And the amazing clubhouse patio overlooking the pristine valley? Yes, that’s absolutely upper-tier as well. 

            Obviously, with over 300 golf courses in Alberta, I’ve just scratched the surface here. And I’d conclude with this: with good friends, good food, good drinks, and good weather, any patio in our province is perfect!

January 16, 1933 – Red Deer, Alberta

May 20, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Athlete

Douglas “Doug” Howard Silverberg, a man of extraordinary talent, deep integrity, and boundless love for his family, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, well visited by those who cherished him. He was 92.

Born with a competitive spirit and a generous heart, Doug came from humble beginnings and lived a life rich in achievement. He was the devoted husband to Carole Silverberg, his partner in love and life for 58 years. Together, they built a life full of friends and family and a passion for Flathead Lake, MT. He is survived by his brother, Dick, and was predeceased by his sister Babe. He also leaves behind eleven nieces and nephews.

Doug was the proud father of three sons, Doug (Kim), Kyle (Angie), and Scott (Melanie)—each of whom he mentored with wisdom, strength, and wit. He was also the deeply adored grandfather of nine grandchildren, Taylor, Kara, Cole, Jack, Jenna, Brooke, Lara, Heath, and Liam—each of whom he shared a unique, loving, and unforgettable bond with. To them, he was more than a grandfather—he was a hero, a confidant, and a lifelong source of inspiration.

His natural ability and drive for excellence revealed itself early. At Colorado College, he was an All-American defenseman for all three years he played—a testament to both his athletic prowess and relentless work ethic. His success on the ice was only the beginning.

In the world of golf, Doug rose to extraordinary heights. A fierce competitor with a stoic demeanor, he achieved victory in World Cup matches, Commonwealth matches, represented his province an astounding 22 times on the Willingdon Cup team, and crowned his amateur career with a prestigious Canadian Seniors Championship win. These achievements speak not only to his skill, but to the discipline and sheer will with which he approached the game—and life. He was inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.

Professionally, Doug enjoyed a successful career with London Life, where he built strong relationships and earned the respect of clients and colleagues alike. He brought the same integrity and commitment to his career as he did to sport and family.

He leaves behind a legacy not just of success, but of love, generosity, authenticity, and deep human connection.

There will not be a public celebration of life.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Alberta Golf, 22 11410 27 Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2Z 3R6, Telephone: (403) 236-4616, www.albertagolf.org, in support of junior golf in Alberta.

Alberta Golf is proud to announce the names of the 108 gifted athletes named to the 2025 High-Performance program, as part of the Tier player rankings.

 Alberta Golf’s High-Performance program is designed to support Alberta’s top golfers reach their competitive goals in the sport and assist in securing post-secondary scholarships. The program provides financial support for the players that can be distributed to coaches, facilities, fitness trainers, nutrition specialists or any other support professional the athlete identifies. Additionally, the High-Performance Program offers developmental initiatives including teaching summits, scheduling guidance, recruiting support, and training opportunities for all identified athletes.

 The High-Performance program identifies players based on set performance criteria achieved in the previous season, players earn their tier ranking according to the criteria achieved. The tiered system acts as a roadmap for players and their parents to follow, refer to for guidance and identify the next steps in their competitive golf journey.

 Tier 1 encompasses all junior players at the club level. There is minimal travel for this player, playing most of their golf at their home course. Players at this level should play club level events such as junior leagues, interclub, play McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour events and eventually can graduate to the Alberta U15 & U13 Championships.

 Tier 2 is for the established club players and emerging provincial players, who are working on coordinating a travel schedule, while playing locally and at the club level. This is a very broad tier with the skill levels upon entry and exit varying extensively. This tier has additional opportunities granted to them including potentially playing at Canada Summer Games or the Alberta/Montana Ryder Cup. Players identified as Tier 2 will also receive invitations to development prep camps and an invitation to participate in the Tier Developmental Training trips.

 2025 Tier 2 Players

Tier 3 athletes are established provincial players and emerging national players, who are likely to make the cut at a national competition. These players are actively competing at the highest levels including AJGA events, Golf Canada events, and Alberta Amateur Championships. Players in this tier are eligible to apply for financial support, as part of the Alberta Golf Athlete Support program.

 2025 Tier 3 Players

 Tier 4 is the highest level within the program and is reserved for international level players, who are competing on the international stage and in some cases are members of Team Canada. Players in this tier are also eligible for financial support from the program.

 In 2024 Eileen Park was the first player since Jaclyn Lee to achieve this standard. In 2025 she has once again has been named to Tier 4. Eileen’s 2024 accolades consist of:

• 2024 Alberta Women’s Amateur Championship – Champion
• Named to Golf Canada’s NextGen Squad for the second year
• 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship – 6^th
• 2024 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship – 9^th
• 2024 Golf Canada NextGen Pacific – Champion
• 2024 World Junior Girls Championship – T34^th
• WAGR Ranking: 367
• AJGA Ranking: 101

 In 2025, look out for the Alberta Golf High-Performance bios, highlighting each of the players in Tier 3 and Tier 4!

For International Day of Disability, Alberta Golf wants to showcase the work that’s being done by other organizations in the sports and recreation space. This is where the Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind (ASRAB) comes in. ASRAB supports Albertans, who are visually impaired, and want to live physically active lives and participate in competitive support programs.

The association runs a variety of programs each year, many of them introductory, in a variety of sports helping these athletes learn the basics of each sport, while promoting physical literacy. They’re most known for their involvement with Goalball which is a Paralympic Sport. ASRAB has been offering try-it golf programming for over 10 years, and it has since grown to almost all their major centres.

 Please enjoy this Question and Answer with ASRAB’s Executive Director, Linda MacPhail!

What is ASRAB? What is the mission of the organization? What kind of programs do you run?

 ASRAB is the Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind. The association’s mission is to support Albertan’s who are visually impaired with living active lifestyles and participate in sports. So, we work with children and teach them fundamental movement skills and introduce them to a wide variety of sports. We have a “Movement for Me” session going on right now where we teach the kids skills such as jumping, hopping, throwing and striking, so they develop some of those basic skills, and then take that into different sports. We’re working with educators to create modules for when children are in physical education classes, and assist the teacher or educator can work with the child and include them in a meaningful way in learning new sports skills. We also offer a wide range of recreational activities to expose participants to as many opportunities as we can, to see what they like and find a niche for them to be physically active. So, in a year we’ll have any number of different activities, anything we can think up that we can adapt for our members and introduce them to different sports.

 Goalball is the sport that we have responsibility for, and the one activity that we support recreationally and competitively. Goalball is a Paralympic sport.  It was created after the Second World War to keep soldiers that had lost their vision physically active in a competitive environment.  So goalball is the sport we do from playground to podium.  We teach children Goalball, we have youth Goalball programs,  junior teams and senior teams, coaches and officials.  Both of our Provincial Coaches were Paralympians, and one (Trent Farebrother) is the head coach for the women’s national team coach, and spent this last summer in Paris coaching the Canadian Women at the Paralympic Games.

 How did ASRAB start and how has the association grown since then?

We’re coming up to our 50^th anniversary.  It was a swim coach, Lorna Snow, who was working with a child with vision impairment in the pool, and was looking for other ways to support children with low vision develop physical literacy.  She and other like-minded individuals started the association. From there we’ve grown to where ASRAB is currently active with seven major centres:  Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat.

 Going back to the first question, it sounds like ASRAB runs a lot of introductory programming, besides Goalball are there any other sports that the association has a competitive pathway for?

The only sport that we have the technical expertise in to support high performance programming is goalball.  We’re experts at helping adapt sports and being inclusive and teaching sports but if somebody starts a sport and they become more adept at it and want to pursue it we’re here help get them connected with the correct people.

 Do you mind listing some of the programs that you ran this year?

As I said we’re now in seven different centres and they all offer different programming based on availability, but we run a physical literacy and fundamental movement skills for children program called “Movement For Me”, we’ve been working on educational and support programs for educators, and of course our Goalball programs.

Some of our introductory sport programming includes golf, curling, gymnastics, skating, hockey, snowshoeing, summer camps, walking Clubs, hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, cycling, tennis, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball. All our programming duration varies for each sport from one-day to ongoing programs as well.

 How did your organization begin your golf program and what does your golf programming entail?

 There has been active golf associations for the vision impaired for some time.  We knew about the Western Canadian Golf Association, and they offer competitive golf.  We were looking to introduce new players to golf, as it is a great sport for life, with a strong social component.  We began working with golf pros in Calgary and Edmonton to offer a try-it golf program to expose our members to the technical skills of the game.  Additionally, the City of Calgary and Gennie Liu have been helpful with a program for youth that we have partnered with.  Last summer we added programming in Lethbridge, and this summer Medicine Hat.

 What we try to do with our golf programming is introduce them to all the key facets of the game; driving, chipping, putting, and then hopefully finish it off with some time on the course whether that’s a three-hole loop or whatever we can do.

 What’s the age range and skill level of the participants in your golf programming specifically?

Our programming is introductory. We may have skilled players that start there, but most of our golfers are new. The age range is mostly youth, but we do have some adult participants. Again, our focus is the introductory and physical literacy for the kids, and then providing help to transition those more skilled players to a golf game or competition when they decide that’s what they want to do.

 We’re noticing an increase in competitive golf offerings for players that are visually impaired along with other disabilities, where do you think the game can grow in this department in terms of inclusiveness?

There is a lot of scope for growth.  Golf is a great game for life, with technical skill in a social environment out of doors.  For persons with low vision, we just need some adaptions and guided aid to support their engagement and enjoyment.

 You’ve mentioned a few organizations, but what other golfing organizations have you worked with in the past?

We’ve worked with a variety of organizations including Western Canadian Blind Golf Association, City of Calgary, and different golf professionals across the province. Again, we’re always open to different organizations and would love to collaborate with any of them to offer a complete pathway from the movement skills needed for golf to competitive opportunities.

 In all of your programming, what do you define as success?

Success for us is just about getting kids out and enjoying activity!   We want people to participate in whatever activity they wish, either recreationally with their family and friends, or to pursue competitive play.

 Specifically with your golf programs, what are some of the challenges you’ve faced?

The challenges that we’ve faced are just timing and availability, which isn’t unique to ASRAB. Golf professionals are always busy, courses are busy during the summer, and we’re a small group;, so finding people that are focused on helping is a big part of it. We’ve always been very fortunate that there are people out there that are willing to help.

 As mentioned, we’re seeing growth in golf in terms of inclusion and accessibility. What can associations do to help continue growing and making the game more accessible?

Just partnering and working with their local associations to help with instruction and development.  I think a great idea would be to initiate some skill competitions (such as the drive, chip, putt event) and a 3-hole event; which would help transition new players from the try-it skill sessions to playing a game of golf.

 For our golf programming, we want to continue our growth in all our centres. So, working with a facility, club, or professionals in all these centres to provide access and development would be our next goal.

 How can someone support ASRAB with their mission?

Just reach out. Our website is asrab.ab.ca.  We’re always looking for volunteers and we’re always looking to get more Albertans engaged in programming and enjoying a physically active life.

The Interprovincial Challenge Cup was the first interprovincial team championship conducted by the RCGA in 1882 and was far from a true interprovincial championship with only member clubs from Ontario and Québec playing. Five years later these matches ended abruptly. It wasn’t until 1927 that the event was brought back for good. In 1962, the Men’s Senior Interprovincial Championship got its start with only three teams playing in the event. Over the next 15 years the event would continue to grow and in 1977 the Phil Farley Memorial Trophy was created for the winning team of the event.

In the 62-year history of the event, two provinces have seemingly separated themselves from the rest of the field in terms of victories; Ontario and Alberta. Ontario was extremely dominant since the event began, until 1986 when Alberta’s newest crop of seniors arrived. In 1985, Bob Wylie won his first Canadian Men’s Senior Championship and in 1986, Alberta won its first Men’s Senior Interprovincial Championship. Alberta would finish 3^rd in 1987 and would then win the next 4 interprovincial championships and seven of the next ten. This was part of a historic run that saw the previous dominance of Bob Wylie, Doug Silverberg, Keith Alexander return on the Senior stage. This group would finish with 8 team wins and 8 individual wins from 1986-1995. The years to follow were ruled by Ontario, with provinces like Quebec, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia winning the occasional title or two.

1988 Men’s Senior Interprovincial Team Winners: Bob MacDonald, Len Brayton, Doug Silverberg, Bob Wylie

Alberta’s luck changed in 2005 with a second-place finish, which kickstarted a run of almost 20 years of podium finishes for Alberta’s senior men. Over the last 19 years, Alberta has two 4^th place finishes, one 3^rdplace finish, and nine championship wins including six of the last seven. The recent success of Alberta on the interprovincial stage at the Canadian Men’s Senior has been led by five players in Alberta with each team having some combination or inclusion of these players who have helped shape the current landscape of men’s senior golf in the province. The reason for their success; the culture at the Alberta Men’s Senior Championship, and an intense focus on the team event at the national event.

 Howard Broun and Frank Van Dornick are seen as trailblazers and leaders at the Men’s Senior Championship in Alberta and an argument against this is hard to come by with 14 interprovincial team championship appearances between the two of them. Howard’s team won the championship in 2006, the first since 1996, and describes the feeling of winning as one being extremely proud of your province.

 “It can almost feel better winning the team championship than the individual at times because you’re proud of the team and your province”

When asked about the recent success and how it seems to have started, Howard had a clear answer:

 “Frank. Frank (Van Dornick) has been so good for so long and we’re lucky to have him. He kind of dragged the rest of us along and elevated the field around him”.

 Frank Van Dornick is not a new name in Alberta, with a storied career including his induction into the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame. His addition to the senior circuit certainly helped boost the competitiveness of the field in the early 2000’s. Frank won five interprovincial championships with the Senior team from 2012 to 2019 and believes it’s a true honour to be a part of this championship story that he has helped create in Alberta.

“It’s terrific to watch truly. The guys I came with valued the team portion and we have a lot of pride within that. The guys put the team first and the competition second. The guys love it.”

 The team spot for a Canadian event is always a coveted position by any competitive golfer in Alberta. What separates the Men’s Senior Interprovincial team is the level of camaraderie that comes with the team. Brian Laubman who is another highly decorated competitive golfer in the province always comes to the tournament with the goal of making the team in his mind.

 “It’s just different at the Senior’s, guys don’t care as much about the team aspect at the Willingdon (Amateur Interprovincial Team). You can see the change at the Mid-Amateur level, but the Senior’s it goes the full way”

 As someone who has played at a high-level throughout his career, he discussed that compared to the Willingdon Cup team, where the players are a little more serious, and the Mid-Amateur teams where you start to get to know the guys but are not close friends yet. “The Senior teams are much closer as you’ve been playing with these guys for 40 years” Laubman explained “at the Canadians, all the Alberta players and their wives are hanging out together and coming together as a group”. He feels that the culture at the Men’s Senior level is what separates them and has helped build this legacy of success.

 Ken Griffith, who didn’t make the team this year but is no stranger to winning the Farley trophy, explains the culture that Laubman points out. “These are all my friends, and we might be competitors, but I’m happy and proud of them”, and he adds “I stayed and watch the groups finish up like others had done for me and I was one of the first people to go over and celebrate with them”.

 Griffith explains that the culture that has been created for the Men’s Senior Championship is a testament to “the work that Alberta Golf has done to grow our high-level competitions” and he sees the sport moving in a positive direction, especially at the Senior level.

 “Being on the team 6 years and winning 4 golds and one silver in that span, what an accomplishment to have multiple championships in this short period of time, it’s a memory I will hold on to for the rest of life.”

 Griffith adds that “Making any Alberta team at any level is a great honour, it’s a great accomplishment. It’s a great rivalry we have at our level because we’re all good friends.” Most importantly though Griffith knows it’s about the competition and enjoying the challenge.

“Going to Nationals and competing against the other teams and setting our goals so high is always a lot of fun. It’s an added pressure and we all enjoy the challenge.”

2023 Men’s Senior Interprovincial Team Winners: Ken Griffith, James Varnam, Brian Laubman

Senan Foley is one of the “new guys” at the Senior level and was informed eloquently by Howard Broun how different it is. “There’s more appreciation and thankfulness on the Senior circuit” he recalls Howard telling him. Senan made the team in 2021 and 2022 and was on it again in 2024. “Being on the team, it adds to the week because you’re there to represent something bigger than just yourself” he notes. The honour of a team spot is not lost on any of these players, as Senan puts it “There’s some added pressure for sure, but pressure is a privilege”.

 Looking to this year, the Men’s Senior team found themselves four back from Ontario after the first day. Laubman recalls calling a team meeting with Foley and David Schultz knowing that they had to get it done.

 “You don’t want to be the team that loses for the other guys before you, it’s about keeping that legacy going” Laubman explained. Foley expressed similar sentiment, “No one wants to let last year’s group down and we take it very seriously”.

 Led by an impressive 68 from Foley on Day 2, who was in so much pain from his elbow that he didn’t know if he could finish the front 9, and David Schultz who felt he had to rally around Senan’s hot hand, Team Alberta brought home their 4^th straight Phil Farley trophy.

2024 Men’s Senior Interprovincial Team Winners: Brian Laubman, David Schultz, Senan Foley

 David Schultz is another familiar name, as an Alberta Golf Hall of Famer and a decorated golfer at every level in Alberta, and he mentions how every year it feels like they have one of the best teams there.

 “You know if you come out as the team from Alberta, you know that we have a really good chance and should always be one of the favourites.”

 The culture at the Men’s Senior in Alberta seems to be the key to the success at the team event every year and all the players will tell you the same thing. Schultz mentions that everyone keeps in contact over the winter and how everyone is excited to see each other in the summer.

 In 2025, the camaraderie of the Men’s Senior Championship will once again be on display at Wolf Creek, as the men will begin the process of preparing to defend their title and continue the legacy that was created before them. Who makes the team in 2025? Can Alberta win five in a row, making it eight in nine years? What we know is the preparation has already begun, and the Men’s Senior Championship will bring camaraderie, excitement, and a winning tradition.

Alberta Golf  – 2024 was another successful golf season in Alberta with packed tee sheets and full tournaments. One of the biggest areas of growth can be seen in the amount of youth discovering the game, and a big reason is the Youth on Course program run by Alberta Golf. Youth on Course was established in 2006 at the Northern California Golf Association to break down financial barriers, offer life-changing opportunities through golf and bring diversity to the game. The concept is simple, if you’re aged 18 and under and you join Alberta Golf you can access 24 courses in the province (and over 2,000 golf courses across the United States, Canada and Australia) and play your rounds for $5 or less.

Alberta was the first province to bring the program to Canada in 2019 and a modest 1,000 rounds were played by youth in Alberta. In 2023 over 8,000 rounds were played by 1,400 kids while 2024 saw that number soar to over 16,000 rounds played by 3,000 kids. In the past year alone the number of youth using the program and the amount of golf they play has literally doubled! Some of these kids will eventually try our “learn to compete” McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour and follow the pathway to compete in our provincial championships while others will just keep enjoying recreational golf, but either way, by getting affordable access to the game many of these kids will be hooked for life.

24 courses were part of the program in Alberta in 2024 with the City of Calgary seeing the most action, accounting for 4 of the top 5 busiest courses.

Paul Hemstreet is the Volunteer Coordinator for Golf Course Operations for the City of Calgary and says the amount of kids enjoying the game on city courses has been inspiring.

“The City of Calgary Golf Courses are so proud of the impact Youth on Course has had at our facilities,” Hemstreet said. “Our management, staff and patrons have enjoyed seeing the affordable access that the program has provided kids of all skill levels. We are thrilled to continue growing the game of golf with our youth in Calgary and Alberta.”

Youth on Course is now expanding across Canada, there are over 100 participating golf courses offering Youth on Course in Canada and there are plans to grow that number next year with the expansion into Quebec, making the program operational in every province. Michael Lowe is the VP of Programs for Youth on Course in the United States and says he’s proud of how Alberta has paved the way for the program to expand across Canada.

“Witnessing Youth on Course continue to grow in Alberta is inspiring,” Lowe admitted. “Many thanks to Alberta Golf and the community of course partners who work together to ensure golf, and all of the opportunities it provides, are accessible for all.”

Youth on Course is a subsidy program and Youth on Course Alberta is the charity partner of the ATB Classic at Northern Bear Golf Course on PGA Tour Americas. In the past 2 years Youth on Course Alberta and the ATB Classic have fundraised over $100,000 to help keep the program viable for years to come in Alberta.

Alberta’s roster of courses for 2025 will be announced in the spring in what should be another successful season for Youth on Course across the province.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUTH ON COURSE ALBERTA HERE