Category: Blog

Second annual Gladstone Golf Tournament raises more than $5,500 for First Tee – Prairies 

GLADSTONE, Man. — Gladstone Golf & Country Club welcomed the community on July 17 for the second annual Gladstone Golf Tournament, raising more than $5,500 in support of First Tee – Prairies. 

Organized by club board members, First Tee coaches and local volunteers, the event brought golfers together to help grow the game for youth in the Westlake-Gladstone region. Proceeds will stay in the community, covering equipment costs, coach honorariums and registration fees for participants. 

Planning is already underway for the 2026 edition of the tournament. 

“We are grateful for the continued support from the community of Westlake-Gladstone,” said Michael Kananoja, program manager for First Tee – Prairies. “The second annual First Tee tournament at Gladstone Golf & Country Club was a great success. Their commitment to the future of golf within the region will allow youth to access quality programming in their schools and on-course.” 

First Tee community champion and Gladstone Golf & Country Club vice-president Ivan Milne emphasized the importance of supporting the next generation. 

“Small town golf courses, and all courses in general, are dependent on the game of golf growing. Children are the future of golf,” Milne said. “First Tee can have a significant impact for our children’s and grandchildren’s development, our course and our community moving into the future.” 

The tournament was made possible through the generosity of sponsors, including Gladstone Golf & Country Club Inc., Spikes Gladstone Golf & Country Club Restaurant, Stride Credit Union, Lightway Transport Ltd., Keystone Concrete Ltd., Soper Farms Ltd., DDM Custom Welding, Gladstone Vet Clinic, Otto Family Farms Ltd., Neepawa-Gladstone Co-op, Mardee Enterprizes, Foxon Agencies, Eblock, Rocky Mountain Equipment, Enns Bros, Westward Ford, McLaughlin GM, Richardson Pioneer, Kinley Thomson CPA Inc., Pete and Rosie Banyard, Ivan Milne and HyLife. 

Since its launch in 2023, First Tee – Prairies has introduced more than 13,300 youth to golf and its inherent life skills, trained over 20 coaches, and has run the program at more than 40 facilities including schools, community centres, and golf courses — nearly 100% of which was at no cost to participants. Continued support from Gladstone Golf & Country Club, community members, and event sponsors ensures the program can grow in Westlake-Gladstone and expand to reach more youth across the Prairies provinces. 

For more information on how to get involved, visit firstteeprairies.ca/get-involved/fundraising. 

Rod Lindquist Memorial Golf Tournament supports junior golf through First Tee – Prairies

WINNIPEG, Man. — The legacy of the late educator and golf enthusiast Rod Lindquist is living on through the Rod Lindquist Memorial Golf Tournament, which recently raised $3,500 in support of First Tee – Prairies.

The nine-hole event, held each May at Southside Golf Course, began as a way for family and friends to honour Lindquist’s memory. It has since grown into a spirited tournament that reflects his lifelong belief that everyone should have the opportunity to play golf.

Rod Lindquist

Lindquist, who taught and coached for more than 50 years, was a member of Niakwa Golf Club as a child and later competed on the Manitoba amateur tour. As a teacher at St. John’s-Ravenscourt School, he introduced golf into the curriculum, started a school club, and guided students through their first swings with patience and care.

“Golf was my dad’s passion, and teaching was his gift,” said his daughter, Raechelle Mudray, who organizes the tournament alongside her husband, Duane. “He believed everyone should have the opportunity to play golf, and he lit up when he saw others improving and enjoying the game. Supporting First Tee – Prairies is a way to continue sharing his love for the sport with young people.”

Raechelle Mudray and family members at the Rod Lindquist Memorial Golf Tournament

First Tee – Prairies is Golf Canada’s youth development program, providing equity-deserving children across Manitoba and Saskatchewan with affordable access to golf, while teaching life skills such as confidence, respect and perseverance. Community-led initiatives like the Rod Lindquist Memorial Golf Tournament are vital in supporting this mission and helping more young people experience the game.

Those interested in hosting a fundraiser in support of First Tee – Prairies can learn more at firstteeprairies.ca/get-involved/fundraising/.

Small Town Makes Big Impact

In August 2023, the small town of Gladstone, Manitoba joined forces with the newly launched First Tee – Prairies program to create more accessible pathways to junior golf and make a positive impact on youth in their community.  

Ivan Milne, the president of Gladstone Golf and Country Club, recognized the potential of First Tee – Prairies programming and was a huge part of bringing this initiative to life.  

“I’ve always loved golf, and when I saw First Tee was coming to Canada, I knew it was something our community needed and could benefit from,” Milne shared. 

The Westlake – Gladstone area has a population of 3,100 and faces unique challenges such as limited access to organized sports, proper equipment, and certified coaches.  

That is where First Tee – Prairies stepped in.  

There are currently six schools, Austin Elementary, Langruth Elementary, Plumas Elementary, Isaac Beaulieu Memorial School, Gladstone Elementary, and William Morton Collegiate, delivering First Tee – Prairies programming to students through their phys. Ed curriculum.  

First Tee – Prairies provides online training for teachers, necessary equipment and turnkey lesson plans to deliver programming, all at no cost to the schools or participants.  

Additionally, in Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation, Recreational Director and First Tee – Prairies coach, Jesse Spence, has witnessed firsthand the positive impact First Tee has made on the community. 

“Being a part of this program is so rewarding,” said Spence. “Without First Tee, many kids would not be exposed to golf or think of golf as a sport for them. My goal is to introduce them to golf here at school and make it fun and inviting so that they want to try it again.”  

Sandy Bay’s Councillor, Jason Starr, and Educational Director, Rene Roulette have also helped grow the program within Sandy Bay.  

In addition to Spence, four other dedicated coaches from the Westlake – Gladstone area including Darcy Zairwney, Mirv Spence, Morris Pelletier and Jason Lucas attended First Tee coach training administered by the PGA of Canada this spring.  

“This is different than your regular junior golf program, it’s bigger than golf,” said coach Zairwney. “Each lesson plan integrates valuable life lessons learned through golf. We discuss the value of honesty when teaching them about scoring, perseverance after you hit a bad shot, self-confidence to believe you can sink that putt, the importance of respect and etiquette on the course, and more.” 

Gladstone Golf and Country Club offers registered on-course programming and field trips for local schools and community organizations.  

“We hope that many children can call First Tee – Prairies and Gladstone Golf Club home,” said Milne. “We want to ensure that kids from all backgrounds feel welcome here and find a sense of comfort on the course.”  

First Tee came to Canada in 2021 and is Golf Canada’s youth development program that provides life-enhancing experiences through golf to children from all backgrounds. First Tee – Prairies is one of six chapters operating programming in its respective regions across the country. 

Although newer to the Prairies, First Tee has engaged over 30,000 youth with free golf programming since last summer, across nearly 40 program locations in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. 

This is only the beginning of a lasting impact First Tee – Prairies aims to have on this community.  

“Who knows, the next Brooke Henderson or Corey Conners may come out of Gladstone,” said Milne. “If not, hopefully we created a golfer for life, or at the very least provided a positive impact on a child’s development through the sport we love.” 

The growth of First Tee across the Prairies is made possible by a network of generous individuals and corporations who champion youth. If you are interested in donating to help First Tee – Prairies’ mission, please click here.  

How to make your golf course more inclusive

At First Tee – Prairies, we value inclusivity and acceptance. There are many impactful ways you can make your golf course a more inclusive environment to everyone that visits.  

Offer diverse programming 

Provide a variety of programs or events for different ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. This includes golf programming for youth from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, specific tee times throughout the week for beginners, and encouraging women’s participation through women’s leagues or tournaments.  

Get involved with your community 

Build connections with local schools, community groups and organizations nearby to promote golf. This helps introduce golf and encourages participation among a range of individuals – from youth to retired folks who may have not thought of golf as a sport for them.  

Provide accessible facilities  

To ensure that everyone feels welcomed and accommodated at your course, restrooms, parking and walkways should be accessible to individuals of all abilities. Many courses also have gender neutral washrooms available.  

Educate your staff 

Provide education on diversity and inclusion to ensure that everyone feels respected and valued when they visit your course. At First Tee – Prairies, we require all staff, coaches and volunteers to complete the Respect Group training program, as well as upholding Safe Sport Policies.  

Provide affordable options 

Financial barriers should never stand in the way of enjoying the game. Offering equipment rentals, affordable lessons, and special membership packages such as family rates or student rates are all options that can contribute to a more inclusive course.  

Promote diversity  

Highlight a diverse range of golfers, coaches, and staff at your course and through your online channels. In addition, think of ways your course can celebrate or acknowledge days of diversity such as pride month. 

Get involved with First Tee – Prairies

Become a Program Location  

First Tee is offered at golf courses across the country. If you’re interested in becoming a program location, click here: https://firstteeprairies.ca/get-involved/facilities/become-a-program-location/

Green Fees Grow the Game

In a few simple steps, you can support your community by adding a $1 donation to each green fee. Learn more about how to get started: https://firstteecanada.ca/greenfees/