Bursary Program - FINAL DAY to Apply for a $750 Bursary
The PGA of Alberta is proud to present a total of four (4) cash bursaries of $750 each to deserving Apprentice and Class A Assistant/Teaching Professionals who meet or exceed the bursary criteria as outlined on the website.
All Apprentice and Class A Professionals (who are not employed as Head/Executive Professionals) in good standing are eligible and encouraged to apply. Two of the bursaries will be reserved for seasonal Apprentice Professionals (working 9-months or less for their employer).
Bursary Criteria
Participation in Association & Industry Events
Volunteer Experience
Education
Work Experience & Responsibilities
Reference Letter from employer
Declaration
Deadline Bursary application and accompanying information must be submitted online no later than September 29th, 2021 by 4pm.
If you have any questions, please contact Marlene Sanderson at the PGA office 403-256-8894 or by email [email protected].
PGA of Alberta Buying Show & Awards Banquet Cancelled
Dear Members, Partners and Vendors,
After much review and consideration from our Board of Directors, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 edition of our Buying Show hosted in Calgary in October. Pressure on our healthcare system, current COVID-19 numbers, and the Government of Alberta declaring a state of public health emergency are some of the reasons behind the decision to cancel. The Association does not want to put anyone’s health at risk by attending the Show and had to make the decision to postpone to 2022.
In addition to the Buying Show, the Awards Banquets has been cancelled. The Association will still go forth with the Awards Program this year in a similar format to last year. The Awards Program is an integral aspect of the Association as it’s important to recognize and celebrate the successes of our hard-working members and industry reps. Finalists for this year’s awards will be announced next week.
Thank you for your continued support of our Buying Show and for your understanding of this difficult decision. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes and hope to see everyone next year.
Shawn Lavoie, Buying Show Chairman
Top 100 News
Top 100 Program - Two Days Left to Submit Extracurricular Form
As of September 29th, the current leader in the standings of the Top 100 Program presented by Foresight Sports Canadais Assistants’ Board Member Chris Ward of Edmonton Petroleum G&CC. Chris is on the verge of winning the Top 100 honour in back-to-back year’s after receiving the Award in 2020.
The program year officially ends on Thursday, September 30th (end of day) so there’s still time left to submit the extracurricular approval form to earn points and move up in the rankings. See where you can earn points by clicking the link below and looking under the "Point Allocation" tab.
Points are still being awarded for extracurricular approval form submissions so continue to check the standings for updated rankings if you have submitted a form recently. Please note that points will automatically be awarded for Award Finalists once announced next week and will be included in this program year.
Top 100 Professional Remember that theTop 100 point earners will be recognized as a “Top 100 Professional” for this program year. Learn more about the program and see where you currently sit in the standings by clicking the link below.
Cash Prizes The top 10 point earners for the 2021 program year will again receive a cash prize as an added incentive! Cash prizes total over $5,200! See the prize breakdown by clicking the link below and looking under the "Cash Prizes" tab.
The current Top 10 in the standings are:
1st Chris Ward(Edmonton Petroleum G&CC) - 77 points
*New Feature* - Standings by Membership Category Want to see how you compare to other Professionals in the same membership category? You can now do so by viewing the rankings in the following four membership categories; Apprentice Professionals, Class A Professionals, Head Professionals and Executive Professionals. *Please note that the cash prizes and Top 100 Professional initiative mentioned below are still based off the overall standings and not by the member category standings. Click Here for standings by membership category.
About Foresight Sports Canada… The Foresights Sports GCQuad and the ceiling mounted GCHawk are world leaders in launch-monitor and golf-simulator technology and software, providing forward-thinking solutions to aid instruction, club fitting, and equipment innovation.
Foresight uses quadrascopic camera technology to measure the club and the golf ball independently to provide users the best golf ball and golf club delivery information available. The GCQuad is golf’s only portable launch monitor which can provide comprehensive golf ball and golf club data for every club in the bag, from driver all the way to the putter.
Foresight Sports has more than 10,000 launch monitors in use in retail, residential, commercial, and driving range facilities around the world. The GCQuad and the GCHawk are trusted by the leading OEM’s for their indoor club fitting needs.
To learn more about the products, please visit www.foresightsports.com. For a demonstration, contact the Representative below:
Nominations Open for 2021 Warren Crosbie Community Leader of the Year Award
The Warren Crosbie Community Leader of the Year Award, introduced in 2020 and named after PGA of Canada Past President and Life Member Warren Crosbie, is presented annually to a member of the Association who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and gone above and beyond to make a meaningful and lasting impact within their community.
Crosbie, a long-time member of the PGA of Canada, worked as Head Professional at Bayview Golf & Country Club for 33 years. Though currently retired, he remains actively involved in several association affairs and is widely regarded as a benevolent and visionary leader. He was inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in 2008 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the industry.
Involved in the promotion and development of community and/or charitable initiatives to help others, going beyond their regular day to day duties;
Consistent and outstanding dedication to making their community a better place;
Recognized as someone of outstanding character.
The National Awards Committee will select a recipient based on these criteria. While achievements during the past year should be emphasized, a candidate’s entire experience and commitment to continuing their contributions will be strongly considered.
The more detailed your nomination, the better chance the candidate has of being chosen by the selection committee.
Heffernan Hauls in Last G.S.H Title of Season at Picture Butte GC
After an excellent day of almost summer weather at Picture Butte GC, Wes Heffernan of Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre is back to the winner’s circle again after another stellar performance today at the last Golf Supply House Series event of the season.
Continuing his excellent play of this season, Wes carded an excellent round today which included a ridiculous 10 Birdies to finish at 7-under 65 and win the tournament by a convincing three strokes. Wes carded 2-under par 34 on the Front-9 and followed it up with a stellar 5-under par 31.
Finishing in a Two-Way tie for Second Place was the likes of: Justin Stoski (Lethbridge CC) and Scott Stiles (Earl Grey GC) after both shooting great rounds of 4-under 68. Justin carded two solid 9’s of 34-34 and had 3 Birdies and 1 Eagle today. Scott also went 34-34 and had 5 Birdies on the card today.
Rounding out our Top-5 today, in a Two-Way tie for Fourth Place was: Jeremy Maher (Modern Golf) & Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume GC) who both carded great 3-under par 69’s today.
In a Two-Way tie for Sixth Place was: Jonathan West (Carnmoney GC) & Eric Porter (Lethbridge CC) who both carded solid 2-under par 70’s today. In sole possession of Eighth Place was: Kevin Black (Redwood Meadows G&CC) who carded a solid Even-par 72 today. Rounding out our Top-10 today, in a Three-Way tie for Ninth Place, was: Tyler Lebouthillier (GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights), Braden Chown (Bearspaw GC) & Paul Bonenfant (Golf Course Marketing) who all carded respectable +1-over par 73’s.
Thank you to all our Competitors at this event and over the course of the season. Special thank you to our Host Facility: Picture Butte GC for helping put on an excellent event. Special Thank you to our invaluable Sponsor: Golf Supply House who’s support helps make our Golf Supply House Series events happen.
2021 Buying Show Update – New Restrictions in Place for the Show
We hope you are looking forward to the upcoming PGA of Alberta Buying Show scheduled for October 19 – 21 at the Calgary BMO Centre (Hall D).
With the latest update from the Government of Alberta on new restrictions and the restriction exemption program, the Association wanted to provide everyone with an important update on the Buying Show as a result of the province declaring a state of a public health emergency.
Please read the below policies that will be in effect and mandatory for all attendees at the Buying Show this year.
DOUBLE VACCINATION MANDATORY FOR ENTRY As leaders in the golf industry, the Association wants to ensure the health and safety of all attendees at the Show. This is why the PGA of Alberta has decided to make double vaccinations mandatory for entry into the Show in October.
Each attendee and exhibitor of the show MUST show proof of double vaccination prior to entry and to receive their credentials. More information will be released in the coming weeks on steps to show proof and what information will be required.
Please note that individuals who cannot be vaccinated based on medical or other reasons deemed acceptable by the PGA of Alberta can request an exemption for entry into the Show in advance (documentation required). Requests for exemption MUST be submitted by October 12th at the latest (1 week prior to the first day of the Show). No requests will be considered after this date and individuals will be refused entry. Requests can be sent to [email protected].
NO RAPID TESTING EXEMPTION The PGA of Alberta will only allow entry to double vaccinated individuals (proof required) or to individuals that receive an exemption for entry as noted above. There is no other alternative for entry.
MASK MANDATORY As outlined by current Government of Alberta restrictions, masks will be mandatory for ALL attendees of the Show. More information will be communicated in the coming weeks pertaining to the F&B portion of the Show.
SHOW SCHEDULE There has been no changes to the Buying Show schedule to date. The Association will continue to monitor the situation and communicate required updates to ensure a safe environment for everyone attending the Buying Show. CLICK HERE TO VIEW SHOW SCHEDULE (scroll down to view schedule)
Buying Show Registration Numbers EXHIBITORS We are pleased to have 50 exhibitors registered to date that are excited for this year’s Buying Show and to support the Association. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CURRENT LIST OF EXHIBITORS
GOLF FACILITIES On the golf facility side, we are pleased to announce that over 100 golf facilities are currently registered for the Show this year which is 30% up from the 2019 Show at this point in time. Of the 100+ golf facilities registered, 380 individuals are signed up and looking forward to meeting our exhibitors at the Show to do their buying for the 2022 season. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CURRENT LIST OF FACILITIES
REGISTER TODAY If your facility has still not registered for the Buying Show, please ensure you sign up right away to secure your spot and to support our Exhibitors at the Show! Click on the link below to register online.
A Message from Board Member & Buying Show Chairman Shawn Lavoie
Dear Members,
We are eager to present the 2021 edition of the PGA of Alberta Buying Show in Calgary in 5 weeks. The team has been very busy preparing, with safety as our number one priority and appreciate that recent announcements from the Government of Alberta make it a challenging endeavor. Having said that, we hope you can attend and see faces you haven’t seen in some time. We highly encourage supporting our vendors that support the Association and the show. It’s a challenging time for everyone, and we appreciate that we are in the game together. It’s critically important to the success of the show that we attend and commit to our partners who have supported our Association through these difficult times. Utilizing the Buying Show in an efficient manner can save you and your team a tremendous amount of time completing your buy for 2022. We expect 2022 to continue record growth, it’s time to get ready!
See you in a few weeks,
PGA of Canada News
Team Alberta Wins the InterZone Championship at The Winston GC
While the individual champion will be crowned later today (September 15th), the InterZone Championship was decided yesterday with the PGA of Alberta team consisting of Mitchell Fox, Wes Heffernan, Dillon Batsel and Riley Fleming winning by eight strokes over the PGA of Ontario to defend home turf! Congratulations on the exceptional play and keeping the trophy in Alberta.
On the individual side, the following six Alberta Professionals sit inside the top 10 at the PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada heading into the final round. The current leaders are Branson Ferrier of Ontario and Yohann Benson of Quebec at -7.
Register Today for the PGA of Alberta Buying Show Education Series
The PGA of Alberta’s Education Committee is excited to announce its 2021 Buying Show Education Sessions. This year’s aim was to highlight the local knowledge we have within the association, but also learn from what other professionals are doing in the province. Each of the 3 days, there will be an education session covering a different relevant topic related to the golf industry that will help to continue to grow the game.
October 19, 2021
Dean Ingalls is excited to be sharing some of his knowledge of merchandising within a Golf Shop. This will include different philosophies as well as techniques used recently to achieve great member communication and success within his shop. Further to this he will be discussing some keys to being hired year-round at golf facilities for Assistant and Associate Golf Professionals.
October 20, 2021
An open discussion on growing the game of golf and promoting your book of business. Todd Halpen, Randy Robb, Luke Workman and Paul Horton will be sharing their experiences as golf instructors to give insight on what has made them successful over many years. Josh Fleming has graciously agreed to mediate the event.
October 21, 2021
In this presentation Dr. Legg will discuss the importance of adapted programming for persons experiencing disability. David will review practical steps your club and staff can start doing immediately to be more inclusive, welcoming and diverse.
Masterful McGarry Victorious at MKRAK Seniors’ Championship
Day two at the The Ranch G&CC Seniors’ Championshippresented by MKRAK saw a continuation of the excellent summer weather and playing conditions for our competitors today.
Winning his first Seniors’ Championship in his second time competing in this event was: Greg McGarry (Glendale G&CC) who carded two excellent rounds to finish at +1 overall for the Championship. Greg carded a 1-under par 70 in Round 1 and followed it up with a 2-over 73 today to clinch the Championship by 1-stroke. Greg had 1 Eagle and 2 Birdies on the card and made an extremely timely Par on #18 to take home the Championship today.
In second was one of our Host Professionals: Scott Westman (The Ranch G&CC) who put together two great rounds of golf to finish the Championship at +2 overall. Scott carded 1-over par 72 for both Rounds and had 2 Birdies on the card today.
In third was: Darryl James (National Golf Academy at Shaganappi) who carded two solid rounds of golf to finish at +3 overall. Rounding out our Top-5, in a 2-way tie for fourth was: Grant Cammidge (Jagare Ridge GC), Kent Fukushima (Redwood Meadows G&CC).
Congratulations to our Super Senior Division (60+) winner Darrell McDonald (Mill Woods GC) who carded two excellent rounds to finish the tournament at +11 and in solo 11th place of the main Championship.
Congratulations to our 4 skins winners today: Greg McGarry (Glendale G&CC) with a Birdie on #7, Andre DiBartolo (Edmonton Garrison Memorial G&CC) with a Birdie on #8 & #17 and Bob MacDonald (Douglasdale GC) with a Birdie on #16.
Nelson Neatly Repeats at MKRAK Ladies’ Championship
Day two at the The Ranch G&CC Ladies’ Championshippresented by MKRAK saw a continuation of the excellent summer weather and playing conditions for our competitors today.
Our 2021 Ladies’ Championship Champion and our 2020 Defending Champion is none other than Gina Nelson of Magrath GC. Gina came from 1-stroke down on the Leader today to successfully defend her title. Gina finished the tournament at an excellent +6, carding 75 for Round 1 before turning it on today for Round 2 with a 73. She had 2 Birdies on the card today, one of which was an extremely timely Birdie on #18 to prevent a playoff.
In sole possession of Second Place was: Shaye Leidenius (Wolf Creek GR) who continued her noteworthy season and just came up short today. Shaye battled throughout the Championship and finished at a great +7 carding a Round 1 score of 74 and a Round 2 score of 75.
Rounding out our Top-3, in her first season with the PGA of Alberta was: Kate Griffiths (Advantage Golf Academy Inc.) who played two solid rounds of golf over the course of the Championship. Kate carded 77 for Round 1 and 80 for Round 2 with 2 Birdies on the card today.
Congratulations to our Day 2 Skins Winners: Olivia Nickel (Ranch G&CC) with a Birdie on #3, Kate Griffiths with Birdies on #10 & #16, Gina Nelson with Birdies on #11 & #18 and Shannon Werbicki with a Birdie on #13.
James & McGarry Share Lead at MKRAK Seniors’ Championship after Round 1
Today at The Ranch G&CC for our Seniors’ Championship presented by MKRAK saw some beautiful weather and playing conditions for all of our competitors.
After Round 1, we have a Two-Way tie for First Place: Greg McGarry (Glendale G&CC) and Darryl James (National Golf Academy at Shaganappi) who are our Leaders after each carding an excellent 1-under par 70’s respectively. Greg had 5 Birdies on the card today and Darryl had 6 Birdies himself to set us up for an exciting Round 2 tomorrow.
Rounding out our Top-5, in a Three-Way tie for Third Place is: Host Professionals from The Ranch G&CC, Murray McCourt & Scott Westman, and Blair Oko (Blair Oko Golf Academy) who all carded great 1-over par scores of 72 today to keep some heat on our pair at the top.
Leading our Super Senior Division (60+) is Darrell MacDonald (Mill Woods GC) who carded an excellent 2-over par 73 to hold a 1-stroke over his nearest competitors which will make for an exciting Round tomorrow!
First tee time is at 8:30am tomorrow and our last group tee’s it up at 10:10am sharp! Congratulations to our 5 skins winners today who each won $136 - Greg McGarry (Glendale G&CC) with 2 Skins on #6 & #9, Murray McCourt (Ranch G&CC) on #14, Andre DiBartolo (Edmonton Garrison Memorial G&CC) on #16 & Jerry Linquist (Lewis Estates GC) on #18.
Leidenius Leaps out to Lead at Ladies’ Championship at Ranch G&CC
Today at theThe Ranch G&CC for our Ladies’ Championship presented by MKRAK saw some beautiful weather and playing conditions for all of our competitors.
Leading the way after Round 1 and continuing her stellar play of this season is: Shaye Leidenius (Wolf Creek GR) who put together an excellent round today shooting a 3-over 74 with 3 Birdies on the card.
In Second Place and last year’s defending Champion is: Gina Nelson (Magrath GC) who sits only 1-stroke behind Shaye and carded a great 4-over 75 today with 4 Birdies on the card.
First tee time is at 10:20 AM tomorrow and our final group tee’s it up at 10:50 sharp. Final group consists of: Shaye Leidenius (Wolf Creek GR), Gina Nelson (Magrath GC) & Kate Griffiths (Advantage Golf Academy Inc.).
Congratulations to our skins winners today: Gina Nelson with a Birdie on # 12 and Kate Griffiths with a Birdie on # 15!
The Winston GC Set to Host PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada
100 of the country’s best Professional Golfers are set to play the fourth PGA of Canada National Championship of the season next week at The Winston Golf Club in Calgary.
Anticipation is at an all-time high as two years have passed since Wes Heffernan’s incredible final-round 64 at the 2019 Assistants’ Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf at TPC Toronto gave him a three-stroke win over Yohann Benson – both of whom are in the field in Calgary.
The Winston Golf Club lacks neither brawn nor beauty – and the championship may be decided on the difficult 225-yard island-green 17th hole. The course, which went through a massive re-design in 1992 at the hands of renowned architect Les Furber, proved to be a phenomenal test of golf when it previously hosted the Assistants’ Championship presented by Callaway Golf in 2018, when Marc-Etienne Bussieres posted a three-day mark of 15-under to claim a two-stroke win over our 2021 BetRegal PGA Championship of Canada winner Riley Fleming.
Good luck to all PGA of Alberta Professionals competing at the Championship! For more details on the Championship and to follow the leaderboard throughout the week,please click here.
Quick Championship Facts
Event Dates: September 13-15 (Practice Round on September 12)
54-hole individual stroke play (cut to low 60 and ties after 36 holes)
The North Teaching Summit has been officially rescheduled for Thursday, September 16th at Edmonton Petroleum Club. There are still spots available to register. The event will run from 9:00am -2:00pm with a round of golf to follow. We hope to see you there.
Lynx Ridge GC Lead The Way at Callaway Golf Pro-Assistant
Round Two of the Pro-Assistant at the spectacular Jasper Park Lodge GC and sponsored by Callaway Golf was hugely successful. We had a packed field of 55 teams and 110 Professionals. This year saw a continuation of the 6-6-6 format of play with Teams playing: Scramble (6-holes), Scotch Ball (6-holes), Best Ball (6-holes) which makes for an extremely exciting Leaderboard with plenty of movement throughout both Rounds.
Congratulations to our Champions today who hail from: Lynx Ridge GC (Matthew Kirlin & Riley Fleming) who put together two outstanding rounds of golf and carded a ridiculous 13-under par 58 today to finish the tournament at an unbelievable 20-under par!Matt and Riley tore the course up today with 7 Birdies and 3 Eagles on the card.
In Second place was last year’s Champions and the Team representing: Modern Golf (Jeremy Maher & Jeff Diduck) who played two exceptional rounds of golf and carded an excellent 11-under par 60 today to finish the tournament at an exceptional 19-under par!
In sole possession of Third Place was Team representing: Redwood Meadows G&CC (Kevin Black & Murray Walter) who played two excellent rounds of golf and carded an awesome 8-under par 63 today to finish the tournament at an excellent 18-under par! Team Redwood Meadows G&CC had 7 Birdies on the card and 1 Eagle on the card.
Rounding out our Top-5, in a two-way tie for Fourth Place was the Teams representing: Royal Mayfair GC (Matt Johnson & David MacComb) and Speargrass GC (Jacob Manz & Mitchell Fox). Team Royal Mayfair played two excellent rounds of golf and carded a stellar 8-under par 63 today with 9 Birdies on the card. They finished the tournament at an excellent 17-under par. Team Speargrass GC played two great rounds of golf and carded a stellar 5-under par 66 today with 6 Birdies on the card to also finish at an excellent 17-under par.
Congratulations to Cory Seaman (Turner Valley GC) for winning the closest-to-the-pin competition today on the par 3 fifteenth hole with an excellent shot.
Speargrass GC’s Strong Showing at Round 1 of Pro-Assistant to Sit in Solo First
Today saw the third last event of the season at the spectacular Jasper Park Lodge GC and sponsored by Callaway Golf. We had a huge field of 55 teams comprised of 110 Professionals playing today who saw a return to some excellent summer conditions for our competitors. This year saw a continuation of the 6-6-6 format of play with Teams playing: Scramble (6-holes), Scotch Ball (6-holes), Best Ball (6-holes).
Leading the Pack after a blistering Round One today and last week’s Pro-Pro Best Ball Champions is the Team representing: Speargrass GC (Jacob Manz & Mitchell Fox) who carded an outstanding 11-under par 60 today. Jacob and Mitch had 7 Birdies and 2 Eagles on the card today.
In sole possession of Second Place is the Team representing: Redwood Meadows G&CC (Kevin Black & Murray Walter) who carded an excellent 10-under par 61 today. Kevin and Murray had 7 Birdies and 2 Eagles today with only 1 blemish to show.
In sole possession of Third Place is the Team representing: Royal Mayfair GC (David MacComb & Matt Johnson) who carded an excellent 9-under par 62 today. David and Matt had 9 Birdies today with a blemish free card to show.
In a three-way tie for Fourth Place is the Teams representing: Mickelson National Golf Academy (Dave Nikirk & Randy Robb), Bearspaw GC (Braden Chown & Gord Courage) & Modern Golf (Jeff Diduck & Jeremy Maher). All three teams carded great 8-under par 63’s today to remain well in contention for Round 2 tomorrow.
In a three-way tie for Seventh Place is the Teams representing: Cardiff G&CC (Dallas Cantera & Matthew Mah), GOLFTEC Calgary Beacon Heights (Craig Vogel & Josh Fleming) & Lynx Ridge GC (Matthew Kirlin & Riley Fleming). All three teams carded great 7-under par 64’s today and hope to put some heat on the top of the Leaderboard tomorrow.
Rounding out our Top-10 today, in a six-way tie is the Teams representing: Miskanaw GC (Ben Matthews & Chris McKenzie), Heritage Pointe GC (David Robinson & Jared Nicolls), River Bend G&RA (Logan Hill & Phil McCluskey), Inglewood G&CC (Greg Johnson & Sam Kirkness), Big Buck Golf Centre (Garrett Fraser & Sean Mills) & Jasper Park Lodge GC Host Professionals (Tahlon Sweenie & Robert Johnson). All six Teams carded stellar 6-under par 65’s today with a low round needed tomorrow to move up the Leaderboard.
Congratulations to the Closest to the Pin Winner on hole #9- Leif Hanson
The first tee time is at 9:00 am sharp tomorrow and our final grouping of Team Speargrass GC (Jacob Manz & Mitchell Fox) and Team Redwood Meadows G&CC (Kevin Black & Murray Walter) are going out at 1:30 PM.
Haydamack & Kucy Steer the Course to Win the 2021 Junior Masters
The 2021 edition of the PGA of Alberta Junior Masters presented by Sundog Eyewear & TourTee is now officially in the books. Round 2 today saw plenty of fantastic golf being played by the talented field of juniors showing why they are the top players in the province.
Winning her first Junior Masters title in the Girls’ Division was Jayla Kucy of Camrose GC. Jayla played fantastic golf over the two-days shooting 74-79 to win by just a single stroke over Sydney Bisgrove of Canyon Meadows G&CC. Sydney started the day six strokes back of the lead and did everything she could to force a playoff but fell just short after shooting 80-74. Rounding out the top 3 was Georgia Barr of Glencoe G&CC after firing 76-80 for the tournament to finish three back of the lead. Congratulations to the following winners of their respective Flight:
16 & Under - Sydney Bisgroveof Canyon Meadows G&CC
14 & Under - Gabrielle Roznicki of Pinebrook G&CC
In the Boys’ Division, shooting an even par 71-70 to win the Junior Masters for the first time was Zachary Haydamack of Mickelson National GC. Zachary cruised his way to victory by six strokes over his nearest competitor and was only one of two players in the field to shoot even par for either round. Finishing in second was the likes of Cole Bergheim of Red Deer G&CC after carding 74-73 for the two rounds. Rounding out the top 3 was Brett Jones of Glencoe G&CC with 76-72 for the tournament. Congratulations to the following winners of their respective Flight:
18 & Under - Cole Bergheim (Red Deer G&CC)
16 & Under - Brett Jones (Glencoe G&CC)
14 & Under - Charlie Gillespie (Canyon Meadows G&CC)
Thank you to all our players, sponsors, and of course Wolf Creek GR for hosting another Junior Masters event.
Haydamack & Kucy Battle the Conditions to Lead at the Junior Masters
After a windy and cool day at the Wolf Creek Golf Resort in Ponoka for the PGA of Alberta Junior Masters presented by Sundog Eyewear & TourTee, Zachary Haydamack of Mickelson National GC in the Boys’ Division and Jayla Kucy of Camrose GC in the Girls’ Division stood above the rest to hold the lead heading into Round 2 tomorrow.
Haydamack played bogey-free on the front nine and was sitting at 3-under after the 11 holes until making a few bogeys down the final stretch to finish at even par 71. Sitting right behind Haydamack is the 2020 Junior Masters Champion Carter Code (Glencoe G&CC) at 1-over 72. Code will be looking to repeat after winning by 3-strokes last year to win his first Junior Masters title. Five other players sit within 3 strokes of the lead heading into tomorrow at the Old Course.
In the 14 & Under Boys’ Division, Peter Hlushak (Stony Plain GC) had a stellar performance today to sit atop the leaderboard in his respective division. Hlushak fired a 3-over 74 today on the Links Course to give himself a healthy 3-stroke lead heading into tomorrow.
In the Girls’ Division, Kucy stayed calm under tough conditions today to finish at 3-over 74, giving herself a 2-stroke lead heading into round two. She started the round at 3-over after nine holes but dialed it in on the back nine and played even par golf to put herself in the lead. Right behind Kucy is Georgia Barr (Glencoe G&CC) at 5-over 76 and Aastha Savadatti (Canyon Meadows G&CC) at 6-over 77. Both players will try to put the pressure on the leader tomorrow as they tee off in the final group of the tournament at 10:20am.
In the 14 & Under Girls’ Division, Kali Yeske (Valley Ridge GC) took sole possession of first in her division after shooting an 83. Gabrielle Roznicki (Pinebrook G&CC) sits only one back of Yeske with at 84 setting up for an exciting battle tomorrow for the 14 & Under Division.
Players will take their talents over to the Old Course tomorrow (Sept. 3rd) at Wolf Creek GR for the final round and do everything they can to take home the 2021 Junior Masters title as well as their respective division.
Five Players Pass the last PAT of season at Alberta Springs GR
Congratulations to the five players that passed the Play Ability Test today hosted at Alberta Springs GR located West of Red Deer. All players shot the target score or better (79) or (81 for 50+ aged players) to successfully pass and become an Apprentice Professional of the PGA of Canada. Congratulations to the following:
