The 2026 Alberta Golf High Performance Program Explained
The 2026 Alberta Golf High Performance Program athletes were announced on December 1 based on the set 2025 Performance Criteria. The 98 players who made the list among Tiers 2 and 3 are some of the top players within the province and we’re looking forward to watching their continued development in 2026.
Identified players can be viewed using the link below.
About the Program
The objective of the High Performance Program is to support identified players reach their developmental and competitive goals while providing guidance in securing the most appropriate post-secondary golf scholarship.
The program aims to achieve this through supporting athletes, coaches, parents, and facilities through a tiered identification program that provides developmental training opportunities, competition guidance, and funding support for players who qualify.
Alberta Golf is committed to developing well rounded individuals as well as high performing athletes. The core values of the program are inclusiveness, respect, ethical practices, and support. Ensuring these values are in place is critical to the success of Alberta golfers.
This year’s program has some minor changes including the naming of the tiers and adjusted age eligibility for players. We’re pleased to announce the 2026 criteria that will be used to identify the 2027 high performance athletes next fall. We’ve also created documents that will help parents, players, and coaches to better understand how players achieve tier status.
Performance Criteria: Explained
The performance criteria established for each tier are meticulously selected based on a range of predetermined requirements. These criteria ensure alignment with the Alberta Golf Competitive Roadmap and incorporate identified and ranked WAGR (World Amateur Golf Ranking) and JGS (Junior Golf Scoreboard) events. The focus is on providing athletes with opportunities at the local, provincial, national, and international levels, with an emphasis on Alberta Golf and Alberta-based competitions, alongside regional and national Golf Canada championships.
The accompanying spreadsheet details the factors influencing the selection of placement requirements at the chosen events for each tier level. A primary focus in establishing the result criteria is the WAGR ranking of the event and the total field size. Based on these parameters, a specific finish, defined as a percentage of the overall field, is established for each tier, outlining the precise required placement to meet the criteria for that event.
For Alberta Golf events and selected NextGen events, the required results have been ‘boosted’ to create additional opportunities for players to achieve these standards. For example, in the Alberta Girls U19 event, which features a field of 30 players, the top 30% are recognized for achievement. This initial 30% would require a top 9 finish, however the boost increases the required result to a top 15 finish, thereby enhancing opportunities for participants to succeed and encouraging broader participation in provincial and regional events.
The performance criteria events and placing requirements are reviewed each season and required or necessary changes are made and communicated accordingly.
Female Performance Criteria Breakdown
Male Performance Criteria Breakdown
Tier Names and Criteria
Tier 1 – International
Tier 1 players are those who excel at the national level, consistently achieving winning results. They are well-acquainted with national championships, regularly finishing in the top 10, and have celebrated victories in provincial championships. These players are on the brink of reaching their full potential as golfers and receive high-level coaching support to refine their skills.
Tier 2 – National
Tier 2 players consistently compete at the national level, successfully making the cut in national championships. At the provincial level, they are strong contenders in provincial championships and often represent Alberta on inter-provincial teams during national competitions. While they are still in development, these players possess well-defined golf games and focus on specific, actionable areas for growth, backed by substantial coaching support in most cases.
Tier 3 – Provincial
Tier 3 players primarily participate at the provincial level, successfully making the cut in provincial championships. They are in the developmental stage of their golfing journey, working on building their overall games and gaining competition experience at various local and provincial levels. They benefit from the mentorship of club professionals and junior leaders for guidance in their development.
Tier 4 – Club
Tier 4 players are juniors competing at the club level, participating in club events and junior mini-tours, while receiving guidance from their local PGA Professionals. They are focused on honing their skills and gaining valuable experience in a supportive environment.
Age Eligibility
To ensure alignment with the program’s objectives, Tier 3 is now a U19 category which is split into 4 age identified categories: U19, U17, U15, & U13. These players are in the key development stages, and this age eligibility adjustment ensures the appropriate resources are applied to Alberta junior golfers.
Tiers 1 and 2 are now reserved for those who are active university golfers or younger to continue the support of players who’ve come through the program and are currently on post-secondary golf scholarships.
High-Performance Summits
With the 2026 identified athletes being named, Alberta Golf is pleased to announce the first two developmental opportunities for the athletes, the 2026 High-Performance Summits.
The summits aim to provide valuable insights into the Alberta Golf High Performance program, as well as opportunities for parents and players to engage with esteemed guest speakers. Past speakers have focused on crucial topics such as mental performance, fitness, game development, and past experiences as professional athletes.
The summit details are below. Both summits begin at 11:30am and finish at 4:30pm with lunch being provided to parents and athletes.
Calgary Region Summit – Saturday, January 10th at the Heritage Pointe Golf Club
CALgary region hp summit registration
Edmonton Region Summit – Saturday, January 17th at the Windermere Golf & Country Club
EDmonton region hp Summit Registration
If you have any questions about the 2026 Alberta Golf High Performance Program, please connect with John Deneer, john@albertagolf.org
Referees and Course Raters
Referees & Course Raters
Looking To Get Involved?
Alberta Golf offers opportunities for interested applicants to assist in a variety of roles that best suit their interests, knowledge and skills.
Assistance is always being sought out to join one of our Course Rating teams and those who are interested in the Rules of Golf beyond Level 1 may look to become a certified Referee through Alberta Golf.
Our volunteer intake opens on February 1 of each season. While applications may be submitted at any time, those received by February 28 are considered when developing our annual duty roster.
For more information on how to get started with either Course Rating or becoming a Referee, please go to the appropriate section on this page.
Golf Canada, the R&A and Alberta Golf have resources, seminars and support systems in place to provide rules education and training to individuals interested in enhancing their rules knowledge and taking steps to becoming a certified Referee. There are 3 levels of certification within the Rules of Golf and with each comes different opportunities at various settings that can be completed by anyone interested in the Rules of Golf.
Rules & Referee Pathway
Level 1 Certification
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Overview
Earning your level 1 Rules of Golf certification can be completed in less than 2 hours!
Level 1 is a free and easy way to learn the basics of golf and is a great resource for the club level player along with provincial competitors.
This level focuses on the game’s etiquette, key definitions, and the most common situations in the field. As part of the Level 1 program, students can put their knowledge to the test by answering summary questions at the end of each section, before tackling the Level 1 online certification exam. -
Eligibility & Opportunities
Eligibility:
Any individual who is interested in learning more about the Rules of Golf.
Opportunities:
Level 1 rules education is great for those playing the game, those interested in Rules Chair positions at their home club and junior coordinators.
Level 1 Resources: The R&A Rules Academy
Level 2 Certification
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Overview
Alberta Golf coordinates one (1) Level 2 Certification Seminar each year and the curriculum will begin to look at the more important playing rules in detail. Some of the complexities that are found in the Rules of Golf booklet, or the Official Guide of the Rules of Golf are introduced along with on-course demonstrations.
Level 2 Certification Seminars are set for those interested in becoming more involved with rules officiating at the club level or becoming a certified Golf Canada Referee.
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Eligibility & Opportunities
Eligibility:
Any individual who is Level 1 certified.
Opportunities:
Level 2 certified individuals can Referee provincial championships, Golf Canada NextGen events along with provincial and national junior tour events
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Requirements to Complete Certification
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- Complete an additional 10 hours accompanying a Nationally certified Referee at a championship.
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- (NEW) Attend and achieve a minimum of 60% on the exam to become provincially certified.
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- To have the opportunity to work national events, 80% on the provincial exam is required.
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- Complete 50 hours of on-course experience as a Referee.
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2026 Rules of Golf Level 2 SeminarWillow Park Golf & Country Club – March 20, 21, & 22
Seminar Information and Registration
Level 3 Certification
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Overview
To become Level 3 certified, individuals must partake in the National level education program which consists of an eight-week online seminar run by Golf Canada. It serves to give guidance and advice on refereeing at the highest level. This program is intended for experienced Referees who wish to improve both their technical and practical knowledge as a Referee.
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Eligibility & Opportunities
Eligibility:
Any individual who is Level 2 certified
Opportunities:
Level 3 certified individuals can Referee at provincial, national and international events and in many cases in the Tournament Rules Chair (TRC) role.
- Attend and achieve a minimum of 80% on the National level exam, administered by Golf Canada.
- Complete 100 hours of on-course experience as a Referee
- Complete an additional 10 hours accompanying a Nationally certified Referee at a championship.
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Requirements to Complete Certification
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- Attend and achieve a minimum of 80% on the National level exam, administered by Golf Canada.
- Complete 100 hours of on-course experience as a Referee
- Complete an additional 10 hours accompanying a Nationally certified Referee at a championship.
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Additional Rules of Golf Information:
If you have any questions, please contact John Deneer, John@albertagolf.org
Course Rating
Course Raters help to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the World Handicap System (WHS) by conducting Course Ratings at Alberta Golf’s 200 member facilities. Each season Alberta Golf conducts roughly 20 course ratings, resulting in a golf course receiving an updated official Course and Slope Rating.
If you’re interested in learning more about course rating, please send an email to info@albertagolf.org to find out more about course rating and volunteering with Alberta Golf.
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Golf Canada Course Rating SystemCourse Rating & Slope
Golf Canada Course Rating
The evaluation of the playing difficulty of a course for scratch golfers under normal course and weather conditions expressed as number of strokes (e.g. 72.5).
Golf Canada Slope Rating
The evaluation of the relative difficulty of a course for players who are not scratch golfers compared to the difficulty of the course for scratch golfers. The lowest Slope Rating is 55 and the highest 155. A course of standard playing difficulty will have a Slope Rating of 113.
Referee and Course Rater Bios
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Chris WilsonCourse RaterWhat year did you start with Alberta Golf?
2011
What is your home club?
Lethbridge Country Club
What is your career away from Alberta Golf?
I retired in 2008 after a 35-year career with RBC as a financial planner.
How did you get into volunteering your time with Alberta Golf?
I was asked by a dear friend and career volunteer with PGA, Thelma Coutts, to take on the challenge of course rating.
What are your interests away from the golf course?
Aside from golf my other passion is curling. The highlight of my curling career was being able to represent Canada at the 2008 World Senior Ladies championship in Finland. Our team defeated Scotland in the final game and went on to win gold. A proud moment that I will never forget.
What is your favourite thing or memory about volunteering with Alberta Golf?
I enjoy the challenge and opportunities that come with being a course rater. My favorite memory happened in 2024 when we went north to rate Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith and Gameti. It was during this time that we had the challenge of rating courses with artificial turf greens, sand/rock fairways and unusual conditions.
What is your favourite golf course that you’ve played?
Crowsnest Pass
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Dave MitchellRefereeWhat year did you start with Alberta Golf?
2017
What is your home club?
Public Player
What is your career away from Alberta Golf?
I work in IT Sales or Cyber Security to be more specific.
How did you get into volunteering your time with Alberta Golf?
My kids used to swim competitively, and I was involved in their swim club until they stopped. I was looking for something to volunteer some time and had been volunteering as a marshal at the Shaw Charity Classic since day 1, so looking for something in golf seemed about right. My dad always handed me a copy of the new rule book every 4 years, and I always wondered how anyone could find time to understand all those rules. I saw an article somewhere about a lady who had got involved with the rules and ended up on the LPGA so I thought that maybe that was something I could set my mind to. Took the level 1 & 2 in those days (now just level 1), someone reached out from Golf Canada and put me in touch with Alberta Golf and the rest is history.
What are your interests away from the golf course?
My other great passion these days is playing Darts. Always had a dartboard in my room as a kid and then didn’t play again until a few years ago when we were invited to join a friendly pub league for beginners. Now it has become all-consuming next to golf!!
What is your favourite thing or memory about volunteering with Alberta Golf?
I can’t say I have any bad memories – even the mistakes become learning opportunities. Positive interactions with players are always memorable and anytime a player says they learned something is a good day. And of course, as referees we constantly learn by sharing our experiences, rulings, questions and the occasional beer!
What is your favourite golf course that you’ve played?
I still want to go back and play Girvan again after all these years!
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Diane BannmanCourse RaterWhat year did you start with Alberta Golf?
2016
What is your home club?
Edmonton Petroleum Club
What is your career away from Alberta Golf?
I am retired now. I used to work as an Interior Designer/Decorator for TwoDifor Interiors
How did you get into volunteering your time with Alberta Golf?
I was asked by another course rater.
What are your interests away from the golf course?
My hobbies include travel, aerobic dance, Oilers, and gardening.
What is your favourite thing or memory about volunteering with Alberta Golf?
I really enjoy the comradery with the other raters. The expertise of fellow raters is also a wonderful learning curve.
What is your favourite golf course that you’ve played?
Real Club Valderrama-Sotogrande Spain and Diamante Cabo San Lucas
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Dominic (Joe) RozarioRefereeWhat year did you start with Alberta Golf?
2015.
What is your home club?
Public Player.
What is your career away from Alberta Golf?
I’m retired now but I was a Corporate Insurance Specialist.
How did you get into volunteering your time with Alberta Golf?
I had really good mentors and a general love of golf made volunteering for Alberta Golf attractive.
What are your interests away from the golf course?
I enjoy travelling now when I’m not on the golf course.
What is your favourite thing or memory about volunteering with Alberta Golf?
I enjoy helping others play the game that I love.
What is your favourite golf course that you’ve played?
Whistling Straights in Wisconsin, USA
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Doug PatersonRefereeWhat year did you start with Alberta Golf?
2021.
What is your home club?
Sunrise Country Club, Rancho Mirage, California.
What is your career away from Alberta Golf?
Retired, previously worked for CIBC for 35 years including postings throughout Alberta/NWT and then outside Alberta in Hong Kong, Singapore, Head Office, Toronto and Barbados.
How did you get into volunteering your time with Alberta Golf?
Transferred in from BC where I started refereeing in Zone 6 (Central Vancouver Island).
What are your interests away from the golf course?
Swimming, travel and investing.
What is your favourite thing or memory about volunteering with Alberta Golf?
All the prep work required before the event starts. For example, site visits, marking the course, selecting hole locations, documentation, meeting with the host club superintendent/staff. Getting this right goes a long way to having a successful event.
What is your favourite golf course that you’ve played?
Pebble Beach
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Greg WilkinsCourse RaterWhat year did you start with Alberta Golf?
2024
What is your home club?
I was a member at the Devon Golf and Conference Centre for about 20 years. Now I travel around and play courses wherever we are.
What is your career away from Alberta Golf?
I have been in the Oil Industry for 45 years and are planning on retirement after this year.
How did you get into volunteering your time with Alberta Golf?
My wife started volunteering 4 years ago and I thought it would be something good to do to stay active.
What are your interests away from the golf course?
I coached hockey and soccer, volunteered at the Special Olympics and Junior golf tournaments held at Devon Golf Club, organized men’s league from 2014 to 2020 at Devon, board member for 6 years at Devon as the Treasurer, Vice President and President, and board member with the Devon Oilmen’s Golf Tournament from 2005 to 2015. Hockey was my first sport, now that I am aging it was too demanding on the body, so golf has become my sport now, and walking the dog.
What is your favourite thing or memory about volunteering with Alberta Golf?
I have enjoyed my time volunteering for Alberta Golf, it’s all about the people that you are working with or for and sharing the knowledge that each person brings, always learning something new every day. It’s great way to enjoy golf and do some camping and be outdoors.
What is your favourite golf course that you’ve played?
I don’t really have a favourite golf course, I believe there are many great golf courses though out Alberta.
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Heather MolyneuxRefereeWhat year did you start with Alberta Golf?
2022
What is your home club?
Windermere Golf & Country Club
What is your career away from Alberta Golf?
I’m retired now after a career as a manager with the Federal Public Service.
How did you get into volunteering your time with Alberta Golf?
I started volunteering after deciding to take the level 2 rules clinic and finding out how few women referees there were.
What are your interests away from the golf course?
When not on a golf course, I spend time with family or painting, playing piano, curling and traveling.
What is your favourite thing or memory about volunteering with Alberta Golf?
My favourite thing is refereeing the junior tournaments and helping younger golfers with the rules.
What is your favourite golf course that you’ve played?
My home course, Windermere Golf and Country Club
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Jack WilsonCourse RaterWhat year did you start with Alberta Golf?
2011
What is your home club?
Lethbridge Country Club
What is your career away from Alberta Golf?
A friend of ours who was volunteering for Alberta Golf recommended that I join.
How did you get into volunteering your time with Alberta Golf?
I started volunteering after deciding to take the level 2 rules clinic and finding out how few women referees there were.
What are your interests away from the golf course?
Avid sports fan. I also love doing stained glass art.
What is your favourite thing or memory about volunteering with Alberta Golf?
My favorite thing was the trip in 2024 to Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Hay River and Gameti to rate four different and challenging courses.
What is your favourite golf course that you’ve played?
Crowsnest Pass
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Jeff WarrenCourse RaterWhat year did you start with Alberta Golf?
2025
What is your home club?
Lethbridge Country Club
What is your career away from Alberta Golf?
I am currently in my last year as a Chiropractor and will retire in 2026 after 45 years.
How did you get into volunteering your time with Alberta Golf?
I was asked if I wanted to volunteer by some fellow members of my golf club. I thought it would be an amazing thing to do as I move into retirement, as I love the game, and being a course rater helps me appreciate how golf courses are built.
What are your interests away from the golf course?
I am very active year-round. I love to run and bike in the summer and ski and curl in the winter. I travel quite a bit throughout the year, sometimes for golf and sometimes for races that I have entered.
What is your favourite thing or memory about volunteering with Alberta Golf?
I am still quite new at being a course rater, but I really appreciate the fellowship of my fellow raters and the cooperation and acceptance of the courses we are rating.
What is your favourite golf course that you’ve played?
Thracian Cliffs in Bulgaria
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Jeff CramptonCourse RaterWhat year did you start with Alberta Golf?
2024
What is your home club?
Sirocco Golf Club
What is your career away from Alberta Golf?
Director/Country Manager Agricultural Crop Inputs but I’m semi-retired.
How did you get into volunteering your time with Alberta Golf?
I was involved with a course rating in Mexico through SCGA. The lead rater said I should contact Alberta Golf to volunteer as a course rater.
What are your interests away from the golf course?
I enjoy golf course architecture, soil sustainability, paddle boarding.
What is your favourite thing or memory about volunteering with Alberta Golf?
Learning about what is involved with golf course rating, the parameters and the process.
What is your favourite golf course that you’ve played?
St. Andrew’s Old Course
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Jim DymianiwRefereeWhat year did you start with Alberta Golf?
Officially a Level 2 Referee in 2016.
What is your home club?
Wintergreen Golf and Country Club
What is your career away from Alberta Golf?
My previous career was spent in the IT industry, representing hardware and software products along with IT-related services in the Province of Alberta. Most of my working life was spent at IBM Canada Ltd. (30 years), followed by several other mainstream hardware, software and services companies for 10 more years before announcing my retirement.
How did you get into volunteering your time with Alberta Golf?
My good buddy Chris Thompson (another current referee) got me into the rules education side of golf in 2010. The more I got into the education side of golf rules, the more I took to the interest I had for the academic side of learning the rules behind the game of golf.
What are your interests away from the golf course?
My interests in retirement are varied and still in development. To date, I am an avid motorcycle rider, golfer, wine certification enthusiast and church volunteer.
What is your favourite thing or memory about volunteering with Alberta Golf?
My favourites are twofold. Firstly, the personal self-fulfillment of giving back to the competitive golf community. In other words, its my way of “giving back” to the game that has given me so much enjoyment over my life. Secondly, the friendships that I’ve gained from the Alberta Golf staff, the Provincial refereeing fraternity, the various member-courses that host competitive events from year to year and finally to the many club volunteers – all of which who give of their time for the betterment of the game we all treasure.
What is your favourite golf course that you’ve played?
Hard to pick just one, but if I’m pressed to choose outside of my own home course, I would choose the Wilderness Club in Eureka.
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John HaliburtonReferee & Course RaterWhat year did you start with Alberta Golf?
I joined as a Referee in Feb 2021.
What is your home club?
Belvedere Golf & Country Club
What is your career away from Alberta Golf?
In my past, I taught Financial Planning, Investments, and managed a great team of Financial Advisors.
How did you get into volunteering your time with Alberta Golf?
Sun Life used to be the sponsor of the Men’s Amateur. I was asked to be the Liaison for Northern Alberta. I always enjoyed being a volunteer. When I retired from Sun Life, I looked for ways to give back to the game.
What are your interests away from the golf course?
Currently, I help my son with his Electrical Business. During the Winter, I volunteer removing snow for low-income seniors. I also serve as the Director of Financial Planning and Advisory with a National Training Company. I enjoy traveling, golf and gardening. Plus, 3 grandchildren. Life is good.
What is your favourite thing or memory about volunteering with Alberta Golf?
I think the strategy of setting up the golf course for a tournament. Tee boxes, hazard markings, pin Locations, distances, and communication to the Players. If done well, the tournament runs very smoothly.
What is your favourite golf course that you’ve played?
Eagle Ranch, Invermere, BC
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Lee RaffeyRefereeWhat year did you start with Alberta Golf?
2019
What is your home club?
Priddis Golf & Country Club
What is your career away from Alberta Golf?
CEO of a cooperative of Independent Optometrists across Canada. They all own and run their practices to ensure patients eye care needs are valued.
How did you get into volunteering your time with Alberta Golf?
I started as a course rater to get involved and then decided to pursue my interest in the rules. I used to officiate hockey, basketball, volleyball, and thought golf would be another sport to see the other side of the game.
What are your interests away from the golf course?
I enjoy spending time with my two kids (aged 7 & 9), golfing, hiking, and travel when I can.
What is your favourite thing or memory about volunteering with Alberta Golf?
I enjoy being out on the course and watching competitors having fun and appreciating their abilities. It is nice to watch all levels of golf and how they manage their way around a golf course differently. All people have different mentalities in a competition. The best memories are those that a player needs a ruling due to unfortunate circumstances, and I can see them recover and even smile after the fact. Witnessing the resilience in people is excellent.
What is your favourite golf course that you’ve played?
Kingsbarn in Scotland
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Mark SikstromRefereeWhat year did you start with Alberta Golf?
2017
What is your home club?
Public Player
What is your career away from Alberta Golf?
I was a reporter, producer and executive with CTV News for more than 30 years, including 3 years in Washington as White House correspondent.
How did you get into volunteering your time with Alberta Golf?
I had been a referee with Ontario Golf and when I moved to Calgary, I decided to carry on with Alberta Golf.
What are your interests away from the golf course?
I play squash and enjoy writing short stories.
What is your favourite thing or memory about volunteering with Alberta Golf?
I enjoy watching good players compete and working with my Alberta Golf colleagues.
What is your favourite golf course that you’ve played?
Jasper Park Lodge
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Nancy MackellarCourse RaterWhat year did you start with Alberta Golf?
2024
What is your home club?
Public Player
What is your career away from Alberta Golf?
Retired Real Estate Broker, Educator, Course Developer
How did you get into volunteering your time with Alberta Golf?
I was recruited through their website.
What are your interests away from the golf course?
Volunteerism. I volunteer with different organizations including FearIsNotLove – also known as Calgary Emergency Women’s Shelter, I’m a Board Director with FLC Seniors Club Calgary, and I help with PGA Golf Tournaments.
What is your favourite thing or memory about volunteering with Alberta Golf?
Learning new areas of golf course development, ratings, and handicapping. I previously worked on doing a golf course strategic plan
What is your favourite golf course that you’ve played?
St. Andrews – mostly for the bragging rights… It didn’t lower my handicap
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Raymond ProvencherReferee & Course RaterWhat year did you start with Alberta Golf?
2016
What is your home club?
The Broadmoor
What is your career away from Alberta Golf?
Now retired. Finished my career as the Assistant Controller with Suncor Energy. Spent most of my career in Fort McMurray and did the full range of accounting type activities, Project Management, Expenditure Control, Budgeting, Forecasting etc.
How did you get into volunteering your time with Alberta Golf?
In our senior’s league, I met Larry who was a level 3 referee and had been a level 4. I did a couple ride alongs and quickly took my level 1 and 2. While I was refereeing, I heard about course rating and attended a session in Calgary and started doing that as well.
What are your interests away from the golf course?
They used to range from skiing, snow boarding and curling in the winter to slow pitch, golf and camping in the summer. Now that I’m retired it’s mostly golf (winter and summer), reading and gardening.
What is your favourite thing or memory about volunteering with Alberta Golf?
Helping junior golfers with the Rules. Also watching good golfers manage or mismanage the course.
What is your favourite golf course that you’ve played?
The original 18 holes at the Fort McMurray Golf Course is still one of my favourite courses.
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Richard EmeryRefereeWhat year did you start with Alberta Golf?
2020
What is your home club?
Glencoe Golf & Country Club
What is your career away from Alberta Golf?
I am now semi-retired but still do a little bit of business process improvement consulting in addition to serving on two volunteer boards of directors.
How did you get into volunteering your time with Alberta Golf?
While volunteering at the Glencoe Invitational, I met the late Lyle Cuthbert, who encouraged me to get involved with Alberta Golf. Around the same time, my daughter was one of eight juniors selected to represent Alberta Golf at the Alberta–Japan Sport Exchange in Hokkaido, Japan—an unforgettable experience for her. Volunteering with Alberta Golf has been a meaningful way for me to give back and support the game that has given our family so much.
What are your interests away from the golf course?
Away from the golf course, I enjoy traveling, tackling home improvement projects, and staying involved in my community. I also really enjoy coaching and supporting others in their personal growth and continuous learning.
What is your favourite thing or memory about volunteering with Alberta Golf?
My favorite part of volunteering with Alberta Golf is helping grow the game and supporting players of all ages. It’s rewarding to give back to a community that’s given my family so many memorable experiences.
What is your favourite golf course that you’ve played?
Victoria Golf Club, Victoria, BC – Canada’s oldest golf course on its original site.
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Rick NowosadCourse RaterWhat year did you start with Alberta Golf?
2010
What is your home club?
Glencoe Golf & Country Club
What is your career away from Alberta Golf?
Retired. Formerly social work supervisor With Alberta government.
How did you get into volunteering your time with Alberta Golf?
Upon retirement in 2006, I was golfing too much, and I began sustaining golf related injuries (elbow and lower back). Course rating was a viable alternate activity.
What are your interests away from the golf course?
Away from golf, I enjoy baseball, music, and travel.
What is your favourite thing or memory about volunteering with Alberta Golf?
The feeling that I’m giving back to the game that has given me so much pleasure (and agony) over the years.
What is your favourite golf course that you’ve played?
There are many of them around the world but probably Casa de Campo (Teeth of the Dog)
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Tom ZariskiRefereeWhat year did you start with Alberta Golf?
2006
What is your home club?
Dinosaur Trail Golf & Country Club
What is your career away from Alberta Golf?
I was a High School Principal and am currently a Town Councillor in Drumheller.
How did you get into volunteering your time with Alberta Golf?
I was interested in the Rules of Golf. I began my referee certification hosted by AG and have been doing it ever since.
What are your interests away from the golf course?
I enjoy Pickleball and serve on many boards and committees in Drumheller.
What is your favourite thing or memory about volunteering with Alberta Golf?
Meeting the many people who are as passionate about the game of golf as I am.
What is your favourite golf course that you’ve played?
Dinosaur Trail
High Performance Program
High Performance Program
Objectives & Mission Statement
The key objective of the High Performance Program is to support identified players reach their developmental and competitive goals while providing guidance in securing a post-secondary golf scholarship.
The Program aims to achieve this through supporting athletes, coaches, parents and facilities through a tiered identification program that provides developmental training opportunities, appropriate competition, parent support and funding for players who qualify.
Alberta Golf is committed to developing well rounded individuals as well as high performing golfers. The core values of the High Performance Program are inclusiveness, respect, ethical practices and support and ensuring these values are in place always is critical to the success of Alberta golfers.
Performance Criteria Explained
The performance criteria established for each tier are meticulously selected based on a range of predetermined requirements. These criteria ensure alignment with the Alberta Golf Competitive Roadmap and incorporate identified and ranked WAGR (World Amateur Golf Ranking) and JGS (Junior Golf Scoreboard) events. The focus is on providing athletes with opportunities at the local, provincial, national, and international levels, with an emphasis on Alberta Golf and Alberta-based competitions, alongside regional and national Golf Canada championships.
The accompanying spreadsheet details the factors influencing the selection of placement requirements at the chosen events for each tier level. A primary focus in establishing the result criteria is the WAGR ranking of the event and the total field size. Based on these parameters, a specific finish, defined as a percentage of the overall field, is established for each tier, outlining the precise required placement to meet the criteria for that event.
For Alberta Golf events and selected NextGen events, the required results have been ‘boosted’ to create additional opportunities for players to achieve these standards. For example, in the Alberta Girls U19 event, which features a field of 30 players, the top 30% are recognized for achievement. Initially determined to require a top 9 finish, the boost increases the required result to a top 15 finish, thereby enhancing opportunities for participants to succeed and encouraging broader participation in provincial and regional events.
The performance criteria events and placing requirements are reviewed each season and required or necessary changes are made and communicated accordingly.
Female Performance Criteria Breakdown
Male Performance Criteria Breakdown
Tier 1 Performance – International
Tier 1 players are those who excel at the national level, consistently achieving winning results. They are well-acquainted with national championships, regularly finishing in the top 10, and have celebrated victories in provincial championships. These players are on the brink of reaching their full potential as golfers and receive high-level coaching support to refine their skills.
Tier 2 Performance – National
Tier 2 players consistently compete at the national level, successfully making the cut in national championships. At the provincial level, they are strong contenders in provincial championships and often represent Alberta on inter-provincial teams during national competitions. While they are still in development, these players possess well-defined golf games and focus on specific, actionable areas for growth, backed by substantial coaching support in most cases.
2026 Tier 2 Identified Players
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2026 Tier 2 Identified PlayersAlessandra SundquistChase StrangLexi BlairAliyah HullDanika HorcicaOlivia JohnsonBennett LoveEileen ParkRaylee DentonBenson WhiteEmily CornwallRussell QuinnBrae RogalczykGeorgia BarrRyan BadgerBrett JonesHarrison KiziakSaylar MayCamilla Ruesga-RojasJayden ArnoldSela OgadaCarys CodeJeevin DhaliwalSydney BisgroveCoryn TardifJosiah TongTessa IonChase LassmanKali YeskeTobias Buffam
Tier 3 Performance – Provincial
Tier 3 players primarily participate at the provincial level, successfully making the cut in provincial championships. They are in the developmental stage of their golfing journey, working on building their overall games and gaining competition experience at various local and provincial levels. They benefit from the mentorship of club professionals and junior leaders for guidance in their development.
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2026 Tier 3 U19 Identified PlayersAli NorrisIan BavisLukas ShankarukPatrick McLartyCade FarrowJalen ApedoeLuke ReganPeter HlushakCasey SlivaJames HowieMalkin LetendreRiver RommensCharlie DuchnijJezaellie TranMataya HampsonRyan JohnsonCian ThubronKade TrefanenkoMatthew KeaneSam CookEvan EvaskavichKendrick LeeNicole RohrSean KellyGrace MurphyKole MyhraOwen BorggardTyler Kidd
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2026 Tier 3 U17 Identified PlayersAllison ChanGavin BraithwaiteMike BosankoStavros ArgirisAriana HeJackson GourlieMilo AbboudSydney KorbylCharlotte MixJayden PopikNolan ParkTristan HowesClaire ChanyiJustine LeonRhea DeoTristyn AndersonElle BannisterJustin MrazekShylee KostiukEverett BraithwaiteLuke MacdonaldSolomon Tong
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2026 Tier 3 U15 Identified PlayersBelanna BandolaJase HansenBrooke HalbauerKaleia KuryloCole YurchakLogan NguyenCorina KoMackenna FergusonEdwin ParkNiko TranErik PetersenOscar GosgnachGrace JordanRachel AdamisJake FaireySedona Weitz
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2026 Tier 3 U13 Identified Players
Christi Zhu
Mia He
High Performance Program Sponsors
Alberta Golf is proud to have Titleist and Footjoy as the High Performance Program Sponsor
Sarah Armstrong and Ryan Gillis win 2024 Alberta U19 Championship
Alberta Golf (Olds) – Hot and windy day at Olds Golf Club for the final round of the Alberta U19 Championship. High drama in the girls division with Sydney Bisgrove, Aastha Savadatti, Sarah Armstrong and Tessa Ion all having the lead or share of the lead at some point during the day. Armstrong, playing one group ahead of the leaders, poured in 4 birdies on the back nine and came to the 18th hole at 2-over par for the Championship and the lead. After putting her tee shot out of bounds, the Desert Blume golfer from Medicine Hat made par on her provisional ball and posted 4-over par for the championship and watched the final group come in not knowing how things stood. Savadatti & Bisgrove were tied with Armstrong a 4-over par with Ion one shot back. on the 18th hole Bisgrove made a double bogey, Savadatti made a bogey but Ion poured in a birdie putt to join Sarah Armstrong in a playoff. On the first playoff hole Armstrong knocked a wedge to 9 feet, made a stress free par and took the title.
Sarah Armstrong: 2024 U19 Girls’ Champion
In the boys division Ryan Gillis from Pinebrook Golf and Country Club made 10 birdies en route to an 8 under par 64, one shot off the course record, and a 5 shot win over Tate Bruggeman who had a bogey free 68 including 32 on the back nine.
Ryan Gillis: 2024 U19 Boys’ Champion
WATCH INTERVIEWS WITH SARAH ARMSTRONG AND RYAN GILLIS
Jeevin Dhaliwal used a 5-wood from 260 yards on the par 5 14th hole to knock it in for an albatross !!!!
Jeevin Dhaliwal records an albatross on the 14th hole with a 5-wood from 260 yards
Tessa Ion, Sarah Armstrong and Aastha Savadatti make up the Alberta Girls’ Interprovincial Team.
Tessa Ion, Sarah Armstrong and Aastha Savadatti
Jonathan Vinge, Brett Jones and Ryan Gillis make up the Alberta Boys’ Interprovincial Team.
Ryan Gillis and Brett Jones (Not pictured Jonathan Vinge)
Thanks to Mat MacDonald and his staff for a great week at Olds Golf Club.
Olds Golf Club GM/Head Professional Mat MacDonald
2024 NEWSLETTER: THE SUMMER SWING
2024 Newsletter: The Summer Swing
THE 2024 GOLF SEASON IS WELL UNDERWAY
Alberta Golf qualifiers have all wrapped up and competitions are set to begin. Our youth initiatives and recreational events are well underway across Alberta. From our Championships, High Performance program, Youth on Course, UpSwing brand, all ages and levels of ability are golfing more than ever. Please enjoy the following content on all that Alberta Golf has been working on leading up to a full summer of events across the province in 2024.
ALBERTA GOLF 2024 OPERATING COUNCIL MEETING
Alberta Golf held it’s Spring Operating Council Meeting at Earl Grey Golf Club which is hosting this year’s CPKC Canadian Women’s Open on the LPGA Tour. The meeting brought together leaders from all segments of the golf industry as well as sharp minds from other industries to talk about the state of the game. The GEO Foundation for sustainable golf also joined in via video call from Scotland.
ALBERTA GOLF 2024 CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
Alberta Golf started the season with our Best Ball Championship at Sundre Golf Club with Carter and Logan Graf taking the title. Please take a look at the 2024 Alberta Golf Championship Schedule.
Alberta Golf 2024 Championship Schedule
ALBERTA GOLF 2024 MCLENNAN ROSS ALBERTA JUNIOR TOUR SCHEDULE
The McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour has 26 events this season including 2 new events in Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie.
Find out more about the 26 events on this learn to compete junior tour below.
2024 McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour Schedule
THIRD ANNUAL TOM BYERS JUNIOR GOLF DAY
On Sunday May 17, Inglewood Golf & Curling Club hosted the third annual Tom Byers Junior Golf Day. 80 kids aged 6-15 discovered the game of golf, got 90 minutes of instruction from PGA of Alberta professionals and then a fun BBQ. Alberta Golf & UpSwing partnered with Kids Up Front and The Calgary Flames Alumni Association to support junior golf all in the name of Lanny McDonald’s brother-in-law who passed away in 2020. Nothing made Tom Byers happier than seeing junior golfers enjoy the game and the event was a great tribute to the former Inglewood member. Calgary Flames Alumni Lanny McDonald, Colin Patterson, Perry Berezan and Tim Hunter were on hand to support the amazing day.
UPSWING BY ALBERTA GOLF
UpSwing by Alberta Golf had a great start to the season with initial events in Banff, Stewart Creek, and Crowsnest Pass.
The UpSwing platform is growing as we welcome new players and events each week.
Check out the UpSwing website and find your fun!
24 COURSES INVOLVED IN 2024 YOUTH ON COURSE PROGRAM. ALBERTA GOLF / YOUTH ON COURSE NAMED CHARITY PARTNER OF ATB CLASSIC
Youth on Course is breaking down barriers and getting kids on golf courses across the province for $5 or less. We had 8,500 rounds last season in the province with 1,400 unique participants and Alberta Golf / Youth on Course has once again been named the beneficiary of the ATB Classic on PGA Tour Americas June 27-30 at Northern Bear Golf Club in Sherwood Park. Find out more about Youth on Course below.
2024 Alberta Golf Youth on Course program
COURSE RATING IN ALBERTA
Alberta Golf has a team of course raters busy rating courses across the province each season. Your golf course can be re-rated once a decade.
Learn more about course rating here
2024 ALBERTA GOLF BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTED.
2023 ANNUAL REPORT RELEASED
The 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Voting Members of the Alberta Golf Association was held virtually on Wednesday March 27. Subsequent to the AGM, the Board of Directors met and the officers were named.
READ HERE: 2024 ALBERTA GOLF BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTED
ALBERTA GOLF SUPPORTS 103 ATHLETES IN THE 2024 HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM
The Athlete Development Program is designed to support athletes across the province by providing programs and services that ultimately help them reach their competitive goals in the sport. Support is provided to athletes, coaches, and facilities who are committed to developing the game of golf in the province of Alberta. Alberta Golf has 2 athletes in the Tier 4 program, 28 in Tier 3 and 73 in the Tier 2 program.
2024 Athlete Development Bios. Meet the Athletes here.
ALBERTA GOLF’S NEW FOCUS ON PACE OF PLAY
With pace of play being a common issue in golf, read about Alberta Golf’s focus and plans to tackle it in 2024.
About Alberta Golf’s Pace of Play Initiative
ALBERTA GOLF HAS A NEW HERITAGE AND HALL OF FAME WEBSITE
Alberta Golf has a new Heritage and Hall of Fame website to celebrate our past which dates back to 1912. Please check out the new website and it’s content below.
2024 CHRISTA SPAHMANN MEMORIAL GOLF SCRAMBLE AND GAL PALS GIRL’S GOLF CLINIC
If you’re in the Lethbridge area make sure to check out the 2024 Gal Pals Girl’s Golf Clinic at the Lethbridge Country Club and the Christa Spahmann Memorial Golf Tournament at Henderson Lake Golf Club, both to honour the late Christa Spahmann and her Memorial Scholarship Fund.
2024 ALBERTA GOLF SAFE
SPORT POLICY
Alberta Golf is aligned with Golf Canada and Respect Group and is fully committed to fostering a Safe Sport environment for golf.
2024 Alberta Golf Safe Sport Policy
ALBERTA GOLF FOUNDATION
The Alberta Golf Association Foundation was established in 1994 and is focused on supporting students on their path to pursue a post-secondary education. In 2022 the foundation awarded $70,500 to deserving scholarship applicants. The 2024 scholarship application is open now.
FOLLOW ALBERTA GOLF ON SOCIAL MEDIA
You can follow us as always on Instagram and X/Twitter but we also have a brand new Facebook page you can check out as well.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Alberta-Golf/61556008408332/
INSTAGRAM: @Alberta_Golf https://www.instagram.com/alberta_golf/
X/TWITTER: @Alberta_Golf https://twitter.com/Alberta_Golf
2024 Newsletter: The Spring Swing
THE 2024 GOLF SEASON IS ALMOST HERE !
Alberta Golf tournament registration is a few days away and golf courses across our province are getting ready to open soon. Alberta Golf has an expanded schedule of championships this season including a new format for the Alberta Women’s Amateur Championship as well as 26 stops on the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour. Our UpSwing offerings continue to expand for recreational golfers, we offer $5 golf for juniors in our popular Youth on Course program and we have a new heritage website as well to keep in touch with our past. Please enjoy the following look at what Alberta Golf has been up to the past few months as we prepare for the upcoming season.
2024 CHAMPIONSHIP AND JUNIOR TOUR REGISTRATION
Our Alberta Golf Championship registration opens at 9am on April 1 with The McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour registration opening 3 hours later at noon. Golf Genius centralized registration for all events will be used again in 2024. Please ensure your Golf Canada Score Centre profile is updated in order to register for championships and qualifiers.
The McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour has 26 events across Alberta this season.
Please read the following Championship registration reminders.
2024 CHAMPIONSHIP REGISTRATION REMINDERS
2024 MCLENNAN ROSS ALBERTA JUNIOR TOUR SCHEDULE
RED DEER GOLF & CC TO HOST 2024 ALBERTA WOMEN’S AMATEUR WITH NEW FORMAT
The Red Deer Golf and Country Club will host the 2024 Alberta Women’s Amateur Championship July 2-4. In an effort to strengthen the field, the maximum field size for the Women’s Amateur will be 30 players. Players will either be exempt or qualify for a spot in the championship. There is also a new stand-alone event at River Spirit Golf Club in August for the Alberta Women’s Mid-Amateur and Women’s Mid-Master Championship.
READ MORE HERE ON THE ALBERTA WOMEN’S AMATEUR CHANGES
ALBERTA GOLF HIGH-PERFORMANCE PROGRAM
The Alberta Golf Athlete Development Program is designed to support golfers throughout the province reach their competitive goals in the sport and earn a post secondary scholarship.
SEE THE 2024 HIGH-PERFORMANCE ATHLETES HERE
READ MORE ABOUT THE HIGH-PERFORMANCE PROGRAM HERE
ALBERTANS SEKULIC AND MACDOUGALL MAKE TEAM CANADA
Golf Canada recently named 18 professionals to their 2024 men’s and women’s Team Canada squads that include Alberta’s Max Sekulic and Bendan MacDougall.
READ MORE ABOUT TEAM CANADA HERE
GOLF CANADA TO RECOGNIZE ALBERTANS DUNC MILLS AND TIFFANY GORDON WITH ITS 2024 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Long time Alberta Golf volunteer Dunc Mills of Edmonton along with industry leader Tiffany Gordon of Calgary are among the four people being recognized later this year for a Golf Canada Distinguished Service Award.
READ MORE ABOUT THE AWARD WINNERS HERE
ALBERTA GOLF AGM UPDATE AND ANNUAL REPORT
The 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Voting Members of the Alberta Golf Association was held virtually on Wednesday March 27. Subsequent to the AGM, the Board of Directors met and the officers were named.
READ HERE: 2024 ALBERTA GOLF BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTED
2023 ALBERTA GOLF ANNUAL REPORT RELEASED
WORLD NO.1 CALGARIAN EXCITED TO HAVE ADAPTIVE GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP IN ALBERTA
Alberta Golf will be hosting it’s second All Abilities Championship this summer at the Broadmoor Golf Club August 6-8 after a successful debut of the event in 2023 at McCall Lake Golf Course in Calgary where Kiefer Jones was the champion.
READ MORE ABOUT THE ALL ABILITIES CHAMPIONSHIP HERE
ALBERTA GOLF’S RECREATIONAL BRAND UPSWING: FIND.. BOOK.. PLAY
UpSwing continues to build momentum in 2024!! As the recreational brand of Alberta Golf, anchored with a digital platform that supports the golf industry, we are again accommodating recreational players looking to diversify their playing opportunities. Besides our 6 mainstay UpSwing events at Banff Springs, Stewart Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Canmore, Sundre and Silvertip, you will discover us throughout the province doing on-course activations, as a way to interact with players while providing a skills challenge!
New for 2024 is our UpSwing Grant program. Event organizers, course operators or tournament committees can request up to $1000 in pro shop grants for events that align with our diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives (DEI).
For more information, or to request support for your DEI focussed event:
Contact john@upswinggolf.ca or visit UpSwing at www.upswinggolf.ca
ALBERTA GOLF HAS A NEW HERITAGE AND HALL OF FAME WEBSITE
Alberta Golf has a new Heritage and Hall of Fame website to celebrate our past which dates back to 1912. Please check out the new website and it’s content below.
ALBERTA GOLF SURVEY
Alberta Golf wants your feedback! Please take 10 minutes to fill out this third-party anonymous survey so we can better understand how to serve all golfers needs across the province. For your time and responses, you will have the opportunity to enter a draw for one of ten prize packs (valued at $100) at the end of the survey.
TAKE PART IN THE ALBERTA GOLF SURVEY HERE
ALBERTA GOLF ANNOUNCES THE COURSES INVOLVED IN THE 2024 YOUTH ON COURSE PROGRAM
Youth on Course is a popular program in the province run by Alberta Golf that gets kids 18 and under on to 23 courses across in Alberta for $5 or less. Please check out the courses available for 2024 and how the program works.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: SELA OGADA & JALEN APEDOE DISCUSS DIVERSITY IN GOLF & ACCESSIBILITY FOR EVERYONE
February was Black History Month and Alberta Golf juniors Sela Ogada and Jalen Apedoe spent some time with us to discuss growing up in Alberta playing golf and diversity in the game. Please read the story below.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: SELA OGADA & JALEN APEDOE
SAFE SPORT: PLAY TO YOUR POTENTIAL
Alberta Golf is once again aligned with Golf Canada and Respect Group to create a Safe Sport environment where our competitors can reach their full potential free of Bullying, Abuse, Harassment and Discrimination.
WATCH OUR SAFE SPORT VIDEO HERE
2024 CHRISTA SPAHMANN MEMORIAL GOLF SCRAMBLE AND GAL PALS GIRL’S GOLF CLINIC
If you’re in the Lethbridge area make sure to check out the 2024 Gal Pals Girl’s Golf Clinic at the Lethbridge Country Club and the Christa Spahmann Memorial Golf Tournament at Henderson Lake Golf Club, both to honour the late Christa Spahmann and her Memorial Scholarship Fund.
CLGA UPDATE
The Calgary Ladies Golf Association kicks off the 2024 season with the 40th Anniversary of the Rileys Best Ball Ladies Classic with a reception, May 6, at The Calgary Golf and Country Club. Other featured Championships on the 2024 CLGA schedule include:
Calgary Ladies Amateur, June 24-26, Priddis Greens Golf &CC.
Calgary Ladies Senior Amateur, August 13-14, The Glencoe Golf &CC.
Calgary Junior Girls’ Championship, August 1-2, Turner Valley Golf Club.
For more info go to the CLGA website calgaryladiesgolf.ca
EGA UPDATE
The Edmonton Golf Association has announced their 2024 event calendar. The main events include:
BMW Men’s Open Championship, June 3-5, Coal Creek Golf Resort
Arctic Spas Senior Open, June 4-5, Coal Creek Golf Resort
Senior and Super Senior Amateur, June 22-23, Trestle Creek Golf Resort
Provincial Electrical Services Ladies Tournament, July 21-22, Broadmoor Golf Course
103rd Edmonton Amateur presented by IG Wealth Management, July 26-28, Cardiff Golf and Country Club
Jiffy Lube Edmonton Junior Championship, July 31-August 1, Sturgeon Valley Golf and Country Club
For more info please go to egagolf.ca
CGA UPDATE
2024 is the 50th playing of the Rileys Best Ball!
Draw night will be May 16 at The Calgary Golf and Country Club.
The CGA Junior will be the first event on the 2024 McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour, July 2-3, at Maple Ridge Golf Club.
Entries and more information for all events can be found at: calgarygolfassociation.org
MJT UPDATE
The Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour is launching a new Ready2Play (#R2P) initiative which aims to make players aware of Pace of Play and areas relating to Respect for the Game. The MJT R2P program will focus on Pace of Play, Responsibilities of the Scorer and Fellow-Competitor, Respect for the Golf Course, and Etiquette.Watch out for educational videos relating to R2P on our social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok (new this April!).
To see the 2024 MJT Junior Tour and Mini Tour schedules click HERE
To register for events click HERE
For more info go to maplejt.com
FOLLOW ALBERTA GOLF ON SOCIAL MEDIA
You can follow us as always on Instagram and X/Twitter but we also have a brand new Facebook page you can check out as well.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Alberta-Golf/61556008408332/
INSTAGRAM: @Alberta_Golf https://www.instagram.com/alberta_golf/
X/TWITTER: @Alberta_Golf https://twitter.com/Alberta_Golf
2023 NEWSLETTER: THE WINTER WRAP
WRAPPING UP THE 2023 GOLF SEASON
Alberta Golf has wrapped up a very diverse season that saw membership grow to 56,000 golfers, the addition of 3 new elite competitions including the Alberta All Abilities Championship, a busy and fun schedule for recreational players through Upswing by Alberta Golf and another busy season of $5 golf for juniors using our Youth on Course program.
In 2023 Alberta Golf spent time reconnecting with our past through our Heritage Services and our Hall of Fame, supported the golf industry and its diverse organizations and ran events for all ages and levels of players from those discovering the game to the elite performers in our province.
In 2024 Alberta Golf will focus on our strengths as a not-for-profit organization, gain a deeper understanding of who our members are and connect with them in segmented digital and print communications to better serve their needs.
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 2024 went into full swing.
Happy holidays!
ALBERTA GOLF’S 2024 PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE TAKING SHAPE
We are pleased to announce selected venues for our Alberta Golf 2024 Provincial Championship Schedule. There will be 13 championship events across the province next summer with 8 of the venues already selected. Here’s a look at where our championships will be held in 2024
View 2024 Championship Schedule here
UPSWING BY ALBERTA GOLF TO EXPAND 2024 OFFERINGS
UpSwing members made 2023 a tremendous success at all of our events across the province.
Make sure to check our UpSwing website upswinggolf.ca for added offerings, events, simulators, lessons, and virtual leagues being added each month and contact John Burns john.burns@albertagolf.org for any further inquiries.
ALBERTA GOLF SUPPORTS 101 PLAYERS IN THE 2024 ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Athlete Development Program is designed to support athletes across the province by providing programs and services that ultimately help them reach their competitive goals in the sport.
101 players have qualified for player support in 2024, including an increase of 26 athletes who qualified for Tier 2 support in 2023. There are 35 female golfers in the 2024 Tier support program which is a 52% increase over last year.
14-year-old Eileen Park from Red Deer won the 2023 Canadian Junior Girls Championship and defended her title at the Alberta U19 Girls Championship and is the first athlete to qualify for Tier 4 since Jaclyn Lee in 2019.
See the 101 players here in the 2024 Athlete Development Program
4 ALBERTANS MAKE TEAM CANADA 2024 AMATEUR SQUADS
Golf Canada is pleased to announce the names of 39 amateur athletes and 10 coaches named to the men’s and women’s 2024 Team Canada – NextGen and Team Canada squads. Albertans Eileen Park, Brady McKinlay, Hunter Thomson and Ethan Wilson join the best in our country on Team Canada.
Read more about the Albertans on Team Canada Amateur Squads
2023 ALBERTA GOLF VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Congratulations to our Volunteer of the Year Ray Provencher of Edmonton for his great service as a Referee and a Course Rater.
Watch video: Ray Provencher named 2023 Alberta Golf Volunteer of the Year
ALBERTA GOLF SUPPORTS PGA OF ALBERTA BUYING SHOW
Alberta Golf was proud to have a booth at the 2023 PGA of Alberta Buying Show this fall in Calgary. The 3 day event was a great chance to meet face to face with industry leaders and discuss all Alberta Golf offerings along with Golf Canada’s National Golf League and First Tee Alberta.
FIRST TEE – ALBERTA IS HERE!
With the launch of First Tee – Alberta, there are now six Canadian chapters providing accessible youth development programming coast to coast. First Tee delivers introductory golf lessons through a life-skills-focused curriculum at golf courses, community centres and schools.
First Tee – Alberta hired a Program Manager this fall to onboard locations and execute programming across the province. Programming is expected to be underway in the spring of 2024. Interested in getting involved? Reach out to Mike Steele (msteele@golfcanada.ca) or visit firstteealberta.ca to learn more.
YOUTH ON COURSE PROGRAM ENTERS 6TH SEASON IN ALBERTA
In 2023 Youth on Course provided $5 rounds of golf at 23 courses across the province for all Alberta Golf members 18 years of age or younger. 1,387 juniors logged 7,684 rounds of golf in Alberta. Alberta Golf partnered with the 2023 ATB Classic at Northern Bear Golf Course to fundraise $55,000 this summer to help subsidize Youth on Course and keep it viable in our province for years to come.
Watch video here: ATB Classic helps fundraise for Youth on Course Alberta
ALBERTA GOLF LAUNCHES HALL OF FAME AND HERITAGE WEBSITE
Alberta Golf is pleased to announce the launch of our official Hall of Fame and Heritage website. At albertagolfheritage.org you can learn more about the game of golf in Alberta including the pioneers who paved the way, the Hall of Fame members that helped shape the game, and the clubs that built Alberta Golf. Please contact taylor@albertagolf.org for any questions or inquiries.
Alberta Golf Hall of Fame and Heritage Website
’TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY AND WIN BIG!
For all Alberta Golf members. Save on insurance & Win BIG in the @belairdirect Groups Contest! There are 3 x $1,000 cash prizes drawn every month. Enter now at belairdirect.com/winbig or call 1-833-294-2911 for a car, home, condo or tenant quote to double your chances. Be sure to mention Alberta Golf. Good Luck!
PARTNERSHIP WITH JOHNSON INSURANCE
We are delighted to partner with Johnson Insurance to provide you the travel insurance plan that’s packed and ready.
Alberta Golf members have access to great travel coverage with MEDOC® through Johnson Insurance.
For often less than the cost of purchasing insurance for multiple trips separately, you can enjoy an unlimited number of trips during the policy year. You’ll always be prepared.
- With MEDOC®, you’ll receive: Emergency medical coverage
- Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay coverage
- Baggage protection
- And much more!
Give Johnson Insurance a call at 1-866-606-3362 or visit Johnson.ca/MEDOC to get a quote and finalize your coverage. Remember to mention Alberta Golf as your group to get the discounted group rates!
ALBERTA GOLF SAFE SPORT AND IDENTITY VIDEOS
Alberta Golf was proud to provide a safe environment for all levels of golfers this season and help them reach their full potential. Please watch our Safe Sport and Identity videos.
Watch the Alberta Golf Identity Video “For Everyone”
THE R&A AND USGA ANNOUNCE DECISION TO REVISE GOLF BALL TESTING CONDITIONS BEGINNING IN 2028
The R&A and USGA will update the testing conditions used for golf ball conformance under the Overall Distance Standard (ODS), which will take effect in January 2028. The decision aims to reduce the impact increased hitting distances have on golf’s long-term sustainability while minimizing the impact on the recreational game.
NGCOA CANADA AND CGSA LAUNCH SUSTAINABLE GOLF PROGRAM
The National Golf Course Owners Association Canada (NGCOA Canada) and the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) have announced an important new program which will extend further support and recognition to facilities for sustainability and climate action.
2023 ALBERTA GOLFER MAGAZINE
Please read the content here in our 2023 Alberta Golfer magazine
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!
Dunc Mills and Bill Newis to be inducted into Alberta Golf Hall of Fame
By Kevin Smith
Two very deserving Distinguished Service Inductees Dunc Mills and Bill Newis will be entering the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame next Spring, Mills for his quarter century dedication to The McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour and The Alberta Golfer Magazine and Newis for his near half century work in Golf Course Design.
Dunc Mills started volunteering at Alberta Golf events in 1991 and left a banking career to become the Executive Director of The McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour in 1996, he’ll be starting his 28th year as the Tour Director in 2023.
“It was a very pleasant surprise, when I joined Alberta Golf in 1991 the concept of me ever becoming someone worthy of being in the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame was the farthest thing from my mind,” Mills admitted. “To me Hall of Fame people were primarily the players who I looked up to and admired like Keith Alexander, Bob Wylie and Betty Cole, people of that calibre, I didn’t even really realize there was a part of the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame that recognized volunteers so to gain that recognition is very rewarding and a big surprise.”
Over the years Mills has spent time on the Alberta Golf Executive Committee, volunteered at many Alberta Golf events and on other professional tours when they visited Alberta and for over 25 years helped create the yearly Alberta Golfer Magazine but it’s his presence on the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour that Mills is synonymous for.
“As the face and driving force behind the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour, virtually every player who ever played a tour event knows Duncan Mills,” Said Alberta Golf Hall of Famer Les Swelin. “With over 600 events in the tour’s history, many kids played for 3 or 4 years and became a much more well-rounded person because of Duncan’s guidance and consistent leadership on the tour.”
And Mills is proud of the life skills these kids have taken into adulthood.
“The poster child for the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour right now would be Wil Bateman, he’s going to be out on the Korn Ferry Tour next year as a fully exempt player, he’s the Player of the Year on PGA Tour Canada so he had a fabulous year,” Mills beamed. “I’ve known the kid since he was 10 years old, and Wil is still the youngest to win a McLennan Ross event when he was 11-years-old but to be honest I’m just as rewarded when I run into former players who are successful in business, using life skills they used as junior golfers to be successful in business and raise families.”
WATCH VIDEO: DUNC MILLS in 2020 on McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour
Bill Newis was born in Regina but has lived in Priddis, Alberta the past 34 years. During a 45-year-career he’s designed and renovated over 60 golf courses, most of which are located in Alberta.
“I was certainly pleased to hear it, I’m already in the Saskatchewan Golf Hall of Fame, but most of my work has actually occurred in Alberta,” Newis said. “ When I talk to people they tell me my golf courses don’t have any tricks and what you see is what you get and they’re suitable to all level of golfers which was good to hear.”
Many of Newis’s course designs are part of residential developments or resorts including Cottonwood Golf & CC, Bearspaw Golf Club, Redwood Meadows Golf & CC and Priddis Greens in the Calgary area. Newis is proud of all of his courses across Alberta but has a fondness for one hole in particular.
“I’ve lived in Priddis for 34 years and being involved with their 36 holes from the outset, the 4th hole on the south course (Now the 13th hole on Raven) is a hole I cherish and always enjoyed,” Newis admitted. “It’s a long dogleg to a green and there’s water on the corner of the dogleg and there’s water guarding the left side of the green. The hole is a good challenge and a pretty but fair hole with elevation off of the tee, it’s a hole I’m proud of and always enjoyed.”
13th hole, Priddis Greens (Raven Course)
While looking over the list of current Alberta Golf Hall of Fame members, Newis says he’s proud to join that group and leave a legacy for his three sons and seven grandchildren.
“It’s really nice to achieve this,” Newis said. “When other generations come along in my family they can appreciate that one of their own is in the Hall of Fame.”
Bill Newis and Dunc Mills will be formally inducted into the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame at a ceremony in April.
“We are really looking forward to bringing people together for our Hall of Fame ceremony this spring,” Said Alberta Golf CEO Phil Berube, “We have two outstanding inductees to recognize and to be conducting this special event at The Winston GC as part of their 100th anniversary should serve as a great start to the golf season. In addition to the celebration itself, Alberta Golf will be showcasing some of the heritage services work we have been doing over the past few off-seasons in an effort to connect our future to our past.”
See all of Alberta Golf’s Hall of Fame members here:
If you want to nominate anyone for future Hall of Fame consideration as a player or distinguished service builder please fill out this form and return to Taylor Tracey: Coordinator, Digital Communications and Heritage Services at Alberta Golf Taylor@albertagolf.org
Graf, Fisher and Park lead after first round of Alberta U19 Championship
Alberta Golf (Carvel) – Hot gorgeous day just west of Edmonton at Cougar Creek Golf Resort for the first round of the 2022 Alberta U19 Championship. The first round on the boys side saw a tightly packed leaderboard with 20 players within 3 shots of the lead held by Logan Graf and Kye Fisher at 2-Under par 70.
In the girls division, 13-Year-Old Eileen Park from Red Deer shot a 4-Under round of 68 to lead Brynne Davies from Earl Grey Golf Club by 2 strokes.
WATCH 1 ON 1 WITH COUGAR CREEK GM/HEAD PROFESSIONAL JAKE BEHIELS