Don Kunkel of Yorkton was recently elected vice-president of Golf Saskatchewan.
Kunkel said the position is a two-year term, and by its end will mark six years on the Board for him. He added if he were to be re-elected, he could find himself president, which is typically what occurs.
For Kunkel becoming involved in golf at the executive level was a natural, as he has long been a lover of the sport, and as a junior was close to making the Saskatchewan team on a couple of occasions.
When he moved to Yorkton Kunkel became involved in rating courses in the province, and a seat on the provincial board was a sort of progression from that.
As an organization Golf Saskatchewan represents 120-plus course in the province, those which have chosen to be part of the provincial body.
The number of courses has been constant for several years.
鈥淭here haven鈥檛 been any new golf courses built in a while,鈥� said Kunkel.
Kunkel said Saskatchewan is fortunate to have the courses it does.
鈥淭here are an awful lot of nine-hole courses in this province, some outstanding nine-hole courses,鈥� he said.
And through those courses the association represents some 11,400 golfers.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been kind of flat (in terms of numbers), but there has been some growth,鈥� offered Kunkel. 鈥淎 lot of courses are getting smart, very creative 鈥� As a whole golf has held its own well in Saskatchewan.鈥�
Kunkel said ideas, such as reduced membership fees for first time members are attracting new people to the sport.
And there is growth among women and youth. He said women find the social aspect of the sport appealing.
In the case of youth courses are realizing good programs to get them on the course youth helps build a base for the future, said Kunkel.
As for individual golfers, Kunkel said membership in the provincial organization is generally part of course memberships, but can be purchased individually. He added membership is a good investment as it provides some insurance toward stolen golf clubs, windshield damage from golf balls in a club parking lot, and other benefits.
Looking ahead, Kunkel said this is a big year in terms of ladies golf in Saskatchewan as it marks the 100th anniversary of the sport.
Kunkel said there has always been some fine female golfers in Saskatchewan, pointing to Anna Young an up and coming golfer at present in the province, and locally Ella Kozak.
鈥淪he鈥檚 (Kozak) going to be a dandy if she stays at it,鈥� he said.
