Compete

COMPETE is the highest level of the Sawmill Junior Experience. In 2024, the COMPETE program will consist of two Performance Teams and one Development Team, designed to advance juniors through the competitive golf pathway. These three teams will be chosen from applicants based on the age and skill level of the juniors. Each team will have separate weekly instruction/practice sessions. All juniors will play together in the Monday Ryder Cup matches and Sunday Junior league to promote friendly competition and drive each other to be better. This is an advanced program for learning and skill development that is intended only for those juniors driven to be the best players they can be.

Please carefully read the details below about the Development Team and Performance Teams. Click HERE for a 2024 Development Team and/or Performance Team Application. Completed applications should be emailed to Carrie Julie at carrie@sawmillgolf.com. Acceptance will be based on a variety of factors including age, skill level, potential and past experience.

PERFORMANCE TEAM BLUE & RED – $787.45
These teams are coached by Brody Whetham and Kevin Niznik, PGA of Canada Professionals.

Sawmill Junior membership (with preferred tee time access)
Sawmill Range membership (includes use of private range tee)
Winter indoor team instructional practices with Coach Kevin (additional cost $120). *Includes individual video swing instruction, skill competitions, use of launch monitors to determine club yardages, and club assessment as needed.
Pre-season team meetings to set goals, review practice schedules, and plan tournament calendar.
18 weekly 90 minute supervised team practices from April 18^th to August 22^nd.
On course team sessions focusing on course management.
Weekly Monday Ryder Cup competition (match play with handicaps) with season-long standings and prizes.
Play in the Sawmill Junior League (14 weeks), Junior Club Championships, Get-Acquainted Tournament and junior interclub events (TBA).
Team mental training program with sports psychologist, Dr. Bob Winters.
Two team shirts with matching hats.
Sawmill Performance Team Golf Bags (available for purchase).
Complimentary club fitting sessions by manufacturers’ fitting reps.
Discount on all equipment purchased at Sawmill.
Year-round access to PGA of Canada professionals (Brody and Kevin) for private lessons.
Year-end Performance Team/Development Team Family Challenge (date TBA).
Golf Canada membership (for handicaps).
Rules seminar(s) conducted by Golf Ontario.
Access to golf-specific strength and conditioning program at The Athlete Farm.

DEVELOPMENT TEAM – $687.45
This team is coached by Kevin Niznik, PGA of Canada Professional.

Sawmill Junior membership (with preferred tee time access).
Sawmill Range membership (includes use of private range tee).
Winter indoor team instructional practices with Coach Kevin (additional cost $120). *Includes individual video swing instruction, skill competitions, use of launch monitors to determine club yardages, and club assessment as needed.
Pre-season team meetings to set goals, review practice schedules, and plan tournament calendar.
18 weekly 60 minute team practices from April 18th to August 22nd (Thursdays 4:30-5:30).
Weekly Monday Ryder Cup competition (match play with handicaps) with season-long standings and prizes.
Play in the Sawmill Junior League (14 weeks), Junior Club Championships, Get-Acquainted Tournament and junior interclub events (TBA).
Team mental training program with sports psychologist, Dr. Bob Winters.
One team shirt with matching hat.
Sawmill Performance Team Golf Bags (available for purchase).
Complimentary club fitting sessions by manufacturers’ fitting reps.
Discount on all equipment purchased at Sawmill.
Year-round access to PGA of Canada professionals (Brody and Kevin) for private lessons.
Year-end Performance Team/Development Team Family Challenge (date TBA).
Golf Canada membership (for handicaps).
Rules seminar(s) conducted by Golf Ontario.
Access to golf-specific strength and conditioning program at The Athlete Farm.

ALL TEAMS - 2024 Season schedule IS LIVE!!
Click HERE for practice times, Club Championships, Junior League, Monday Qualifiers, etc.
*NOTE: Junior Club Champs, rules seminar, pre-season meeting, year-end Family Challenge are subject to change (waiting on tournament schedules to be released).

2024 Team Members
Blue Performance Team - Andrew Burciul, Will Burleigh, Trent Clarke, Matthew Gray, Ben Julie, Sierra Kowalyshyn, Alec Linton, Joseph Zupanic
Red Performance Team - Vince Belardi, Joshua Bertrand, Thomas Gale, Tiffany Kang, Ryan Kirkpatrick, Landon Friesen, Brynne Kenesky, Ali Nickason, Jaxon Pozzobon, Carter Thompson, Jack Vitiello
Development Team - Cole Dempsey, Joshua Harkin, Heather Harkin, Lilliana Jokanovic, Meg Julie, Maddison Kalil, Bennett Lychak, Sofia Majka. Luca Napoli, Elle O'Neil, Ryan Richmond,

Links to Events

Drive, Chip & Putt local qualifiers
US Kids Golf Niagara
Niagara District Junior Tour
Golf Ontario
Maple Leaf Junior (MJT)
CJGA