MOOSE JAW — Under sunlit skies and the watchful eyes of proud parents, volunteers, and organizers, 100 young golfers teed off at the Hillcrest Golf Club recently for the inaugural Adam Butler Junior Golf Tournament — a free, fun-first event designed to honour the memory of a beloved Moose Jaw resident.
Hosted by the Adam Butler Junior Golf Foundation, the tournament marked the group’s first major initiative to make the sport more accessible to local youth.
“At today’s tournament, we had 100 kids (and) 100 parents also coming up to chaperone … we had lots of gift givers, people working our reception desk, and lots of volunteers. We really, really appreciate that,” said Blake Butler, Adam’s brother and co-chair of the Adam Butler Junior Golf Foundation. “There were lots of smiles today, and the kids had a blast.”
The tournament’s top performer was Kingston MacLeod, who shot a 77 to earn the day’s lowest score — part of a broader, light-hearted award presentation that focused more on participation than competition. Golf bags, push carts, and junior memberships were also handed out as part of the final celebration.
Adam Dowling, co-chair of the foundation, said awards were given to the lowest three scores from each age group and described the inaugural event as “a great success.”
“It’s not even about the score,” he said. “It’s just about getting kids together and creating a really positive experience for them. Winners, losers — it doesn’t matter. The whole point of golf is just to go out and create that social aspect.”
The event reached its 100-participant goal and had more than 50 kids on the waitlist, prompting organizers to confidently announce its return next summer. The tournament was open to kids aged six to 16 and prioritized fun over form, with support available for those who needed gear or guidance.
“The whole reason behind today was highlighted when you saw the kids’ faces — from the bags of chips to the belts to the prize bags … it really drove home what they’re really trying to promote, and that is getting kids out on a golf course with no boundaries,” said Jasmine Cameron, general manager at Hillcrest.
“If they needed support getting here, we would get them here,” she continued. “We supplied all the equipment for them.”
Hole sponsors ensured every child left with swag or a prize, while sponsorship funds are set to help build a scholarship fund for junior golfers. The event’s title sponsors were Moose Jaw Co-op and the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Club.
“We know Adam would be looking down on us and saying, ‘Great job to all the kids, and thank you to everyone who participated,’” Blake said, adding that his brother would be proud.
For many of the young golfers, the cause — and the fun — hit close to home.
“Today was really fun,” said Brek, a young golfer in the tournament. “This is for my cousin who has cancer, and for kids who can’t afford to golf. Every year we’re going to do it because it’s for our cousin.”
To learn more, visit AdamButlerJGF.com or follow the foundation on Facebook and Instagram at “Adam Butler Junior Golf Foundation.”
The Hillcrest Golf Course is located at 1599 Main Street North.
