SASKATOON, Sask. — Wildwood Golf Course has been recognized as the runner-up for the 2024 First Tee Program Location of the Year award. This award is one of six National Facility Awards for Junior Golf, created by Golf Canada and presented by Humi by Employment Hero, to help recognize the outstanding contributions golf facilities are making to junior golf on an annual basis.
Led by PGA of Canada professional Jason Schneider, Wildwood has quickly become one of the most sought-after First Tee – Prairies program locations. Since 2023, every program session has filled to capacity with a waitlist, reflecting the strong demand from local youth and families.
Through the dedication of Schneider and his team of volunteers, the program has created a welcoming space where life skills and golf skills come together. Last summer, participants also had the chance to experience the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, giving them a closer look at the competitive side of the game while continuing to build their passion for golf.
“On behalf of First Tee – Prairies, I want to congratulate Wildwood Golf Course and Coach Jason Schneider on this well-deserved recognition,” said Michael Kananoja, program manager of First Tee – Prairies. “Jason’s leadership and commitment to the values of First Tee have made Wildwood an outstanding hub for youth development, and this accomplishment speaks to the incredible effort he and his team put in every season.”
Since launching in 2023, Wildwood has engaged more than 100 First Tee participants, including 65 per cent who identified as BIPOC and 46 per cent as female in 2024. Thanks to the support of RBC Community Junior Golf, all on-course programming is offered at no cost to participants. The First Tee program also extends into five schools and two community organizations in the surrounding area, with more than 80 per cent of those youth transitioning into on-course sessions each season.