Golf Newfoundland Labrador - Golf NL

The Mercedes-Benz Junior Tour continues next week!

Three events will commence at Grand Falls/Gander on Sunday-Tuesday.

The skills clinic/9 hole tournament at Grand Falls will commence on Sunday, July 12th - sign up -> https://www.golfgenius.com/websites/12159744077180488015?preview=false

The Thompson Classic will take place on Monday, July 13th at The Grand Falls Golf Club - sign up -> https://www.golfgenius.com/websites/12477652455015893170?preview=false

The Gander Junior Open will be on Tuesday, July 14th at the Gander Golf Club - sign up -> https://www.golfgenius.com/websites/12491971369879259393?preview=false

Efford gets his masterpiece at Harmon Seaside, Snook becomes youngest ever champion.

The provincial championships have concluded for another year. We saw many familiar faces return to the etchings of the trophies, we also crowned new champions that will carry forward a legacy.

Men’s Amateur

Ethan Efford (Bally Haly Country Club) has captured his first career Newfoundland Labrador Amateur Championship after a final round 71 (-1). It is his third provincial championship in total after capturing two junior championships (2021, 2022).

Daniel Sharpe carded a round of 70 (-2) to vault into a runner-up position for the 2026 event. Ryan McNeil Lamswood held strong in the final round and posted a 1-over par 73 to claim the third place position.

Top 3

Ethan Efford – 213 (-3)
Daniel Sharpe – 217 (+1)
Ryan McNeil Lamswood – 220 (+4)

Men’s Mid-Amateur

The Mid-Amateur Championship has a new champion after 2024 Amateur champion Ryan McNeil Lamswood climbed to the top with rounds of 75-72-73 (220, +4)

Trevor White claims the second place on the podium in his return to the provincial championship after 21 years, White had a 7-under par round going through 15 holes but struggled on the way to the house, posting a 3-under par 69 (tournament low).

GolfNL Hall of Famer Jaron Flynn once again has a strong showing and snags third place and secures a spot on the team for the Canadian Mid-Am.

Top 3

Ryan McNeil Lamswood – 220 +4
Trevor White - 221 +5
Jaron Flynn – 227 +11

Women’s Amateur

The championship’s most memorable moment came in the Women’s Amateur division, where the title was decided in a thrilling three-player playoff. After 54 holes, Mila Snook (Bally Haly Country Club), Taylor Cormier (Blomidon Golf & Country Club), and Freya Snook (Bally Haly Country Club) were deadlocked at 242 (+26).

The trio returned to the course for a sudden-death playoff, with all three players matching each other over the opening two playoff holes. On the third playoff hole, Mila Snook emerged victorious to capture the 2026 Women’s Amateur Championship in one of the most dramatic finishes in recent provincial championship history.

Mila Snook is the youngest golfer in Newfoundland & Labrador history to win the Newfoundland Amateur for either male or female (15 years old)

Top 3 (54-Hole Stroke Play)
Mila Snook* – 242 (+26) (Champion after 3-hole playoff)
Taylor Cormier – 242 (+26)
Freya Snook – 242 (+26)

Men’s Senior

Paul Hulan (Harmon Seaside Links) delivered a steady championship performance, posting rounds of 77-74-71 to finish at 222 (+6) and claim the Men’s Senior title by six shots.

Top 3
Paul Hulan – 222 (+6)
Chuck Conley – 228 (+12)
Glen Burke – 231 (+15)

Women’s Senior

Kathleen Jean (Harmon Seaside Links) added yet another provincial championship to her remarkable career. The 12-time Women’s Amateur Champion carded rounds of 75-81-80 to finish at 236 (+20) and comfortably claim the Women’s Senior Championship.

Top 3
Kathleen Jean – 236 (+20)
Deborah Delaney – 266 (+50)
Karen Healey – 280 (+64)

The 54-hole Royal LePage Amateur Provincial Championship concludes Wednesday, July 8, with provincial champions set to be crowned following the final round at Harmon Seaside Links. With multiple divisions still up for grabs—including a tie atop the Women’s Amateur Championship—the stage is set for an exciting finish to one of Golf Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier championships.

18 Holes! 18 Questions!

Scott Russell

Amaruk Golf Course

Bio: I was born in 1982 and grew up in Stephenville Crossing. After high school I went to Acadia University and lived in Nova Scotia for 12 years before moving to Labrador in 2012 where I live today with my wife Renee and 2 kids, Emma (17) and Max (12). I work with the Canadian Coast Guard as Officer in Charge at Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre. I spend my spare time in the winter at the rink and in the summer on the course.

1. What is your full name?
David “Scott” Russell

2. Where were you born? Where do you live today?
I was born in Stephenville, NL and today I live in Goose Bay, Labrador.

3. What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I am type 1 Diabetic – taking 4 needles per day. It makes for some stressful times late in a round on hot days.

4. Are you a member of a golf club and what club? Who do you regularly play golf with?
I am a member at Amaruk Golf Club. We have a pretty big group of guys at Amaruk for weekend games – but I play the most with Brad Lucas, Rich Lewis and Shane Byrne.

5. What's your favorite course that you have played? What course would you like to play anywhere in the world?
My favorite course would have to be the We-Ko-Pa–Cholla Course in Fort McDowell, Arizona while I would love to play Augusta National in Augusta, Georgia.

6. Where and when did you start golfing?
I started golfing with my Dad when I was about 9 years old at Harmon Seaside Links. I would just follow him around the course hitting a few shots per hole until I was hooked.

7. Can you (briefly) tell us your most memorable golf experience.
My one and only hole-in-one. I was a member at Ken-Wo Golf club in New Minas, NS and me and my buddy were paired with 2 pros who were in from Halifax for a round. We got on Hole #15 and the sun was setting right above the green so it was hard to see. We all hit great shots – all looked right on target. When we got up to the green we could only see 3 balls and sure enough, mine was in the hole. To make it more memorable, the rest of the group had 1,2, and 3 putts respectively - so on the scorecard there was a 1,2,3, and 4.

8. Can you (briefly) tell us your funniest golf experience.
First golf trip to Arizona we were on the front 9 and the course marshal stopped in for a chat - when he left he said one of us is going to get a hole in one on Hole #16. We laughed and didn’t think anything more of it. Later that day on 16, one of the guys threw a dart just over the pin - it spun back and stopped on the lip of the cup for the closest ball I ever seen that didn’t go in. We still laugh at how close that shot was and how the marshal almost called it.

9. What is your greatest golf accomplishment?
I’d say winning 2023 Men’s Club Championship at Amaruk Golf Club. It was quite the experience as it came down to a playoff between me and my good buddy, Brad. I got him on the second playoff hole. He has since gotten his redemption, winning in both 2024 and 2025.

10. How do you like to relax?
If the course is open, I am relaxing on the golf course – I also enjoy walks with my wife and hanging around with and picking on my kids.

11. What is your most treasured golf possession?
I have 3 golf balls in cases displayed in my office at work – one is from my hole in one (2012), one is the ball used from winning club champs (2023), and the other is one from my wedding with the date and logo on it that we passed out as wedding favors (2007).

12. What is your best/worst quality on the golf course?
My best quality is I play quick, not too many thoughts, just pick my target and hit whereas my worst quality is when I get in trouble or have a bad hole, it is sometimes the next day before I get back on track!

13. What 3 professional golfers would complete your dream foursome for a round of golf? What 3 Newfoundlanders, past or present, would you like to join you at a dream dinner?
The 3 pros would be Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and John Daly. The 3 Newfoundlanders would be my father and 2 grandfathers - all have passed - I can only imagine the stories that would be told.

14. Have you ever had a hole-in-one? When and where?
One! September, 2012. #15 at Ken Wo Golf club in New Minas, NS. Still chasing my second, 14 years later.

15. What is your best score ever? When and what course?
I have shot even par 71 at Amaruk and even par 72 at Harmon. Both on several occasions – still chasing an under par round at 43 years old.

16. What is your favorite/least favorite golfing hole on a Newfoundland & Labrador golf course?
My favorite hole is Hole #5 at Amaruk where smart tee shot set you up for a perfect approach. My least favorite hole is Hole #14 at Harmon, especially into the wind.

17. What do you think is the worst rule in golf and how would you change it?
The standard answer - having to play a from a divot in the fairway. Play as ground under repair.

18. What advice would you give to a young golfer starting to play golf today?
Putt everything out, always! – no such thing as gimmies.

Efford Extends Lead as Provincial Championships Head to Final Round, Conley completes Grand Slam

The race for provincial championships tightened across several divisions on Tuesday as Round Two of the 2026 Royal LePage Amateur Provincial Championship concluded at Harmon Seaside Links.

With 36 holes complete in the 54-hole championship, leaders have emerged, but several divisions remain well within reach heading into Wednesday’s final round.

Men’s Amateur

Ethan Efford (Bally Haly Country Club) backed up his opening-round even-par 72 with an outstanding 2-under 70, becoming the only player under par through two rounds. At -2 (142), Efford will take a five-shot lead into the championship round.

A three-way tie for second has developed at +3 (147) between defending champion Ryan McNeil Lamswood (Harmon Seaside Links), Daniel Sharpe (Blomidon Golf & Country Club) and Brandon Powell who matched the tournament low with 70 (Powell out!!) (Bally Haly Country Club), setting up an exciting chase on Wednesday.

Top 3

Ethan Efford – 142 (-2)
Ryan McNeil Lamswood – 147 (+3) (T2)
Daniel Sharpe – 147 (+3) (T2)
Brandon Powell – 147 (+3) (T2)

Men’s Mid-Amateur

The Mid-Amateur Championship has a new leader after defending Amateur champion Ryan McNeil Lamswood climbed to the top with rounds of 75-72 for 147 (+3).

Alester Pike sits second at 149 (+5), while Jaron Flynn moved into third after a solid second-round 73.

Top 3

Ryan McNeil Lamswood – 147 (+3)
Al Pike – 149 (+5)
Jaron Flynn – 150 (+6)

Men’s Senior

The Senior Championship also saw a change at the top as Paul Hulan (Harmon Seaside Links) fired a second-round 74 to move into first at 151 (+7).

Five-time Senior Champion Chuck Conley climbed into second at 153 (+9), tied with first-round leader Andrew Hynes, setting up a closely contested final round.

Top 3

Paul Hulan – 151 (+7)
Chuck Conley – 153 (+9) (T2)
Andrew Hynes – 153 (+9) (T2)

Men’s Super Senior

Chuck Conley defeated Andrew Hynes in a one-hole playoff for the Super Senior championship.

Conley is the first Male golfer in Newfoundland Labrador to win the career Amateur Grand Slam. It's his 13th provincial championship and his first Super Senior title.

Top 3

Chuck Conley – 153 (+9)
Andrew Hynes – 153 (+9)
John Hogan – 155 (+11)

Women’s Amateur

The Women’s Amateur Championship is headed for an exciting finish after Freya Snook erased a five-shot deficit to pull even with first-round leader Mila Snook.

Both players enter the final round tied at 163 (+19), while Taylor Cormier remains within striking distance at 169 (+25).

Top 3

Freya Snook – 163 (+19) (T1)
Mila Snook – 163 (+19) (T1)
Taylor Cormier – 169 (+25)

Women’s Senior

Twenty-seven time provincial champion Kathleen Jean continues to lead the Women’s Senior Championship at 156 (+12).

Deborah Delaney moved into second after an excellent round of 91, improving to 183 (+39), while Karen Healey sits third at 187 (+43).

Top 3

Kathleen Jean – 156 (+12)
Deborah Delaney – 183 (+39)
Karen Healey – 187 (+43)

Women’s Super Senior

Kathleen Jean captured yet another Super Senior title on Tuesday for her 27th provincial title. She took a 27 stroke victory over Deborah Delaney after two impressive rounds.

Top 3

Kathleen Jean – 156 (+12)
Deborah Delaney – 183 (+39)
Karen Healey – 187 (+43)

The 54-hole Royal LePage Amateur Provincial Championship concludes Wednesday, July 8, with provincial champions set to be crowned following the final round at Harmon Seaside Links. With multiple divisions still up for grabs—including a tie atop the Women’s Amateur Championship—the stage is set for an exciting finish to one of Golf Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier championships.

Support junior golf across NL for a chance to win big! Golf NL’s provincial online 50/50 raffle runs from July 6th to August 31st – and the prize pot is growing every day! 🎟️🏌️

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Efford Takes Early Lead as Round One Concludes at the 2026 Royal LePage Amateur Provincial Championship

The opening round of the 2026 Royal LePage Amateur Provincial Championship wrapped up Monday at Harmon Seaside Links, with strong scoring across all championship divisions setting the stage for an exciting final two rounds. The championship continues through Wednesday with provincial titles and national championship berths on the line.

Men’s Amateur

Ethan Efford (Bally Haly Country Club) fired an even-par 72 to take the overnight lead.

Just one stroke back is Mitch Normore (Tamarack Golf Club) at 1-over 73, while Brad Roberts (Humber Valley Resort) and Philip Snow (Glendenning Golf Club) share third after rounds of 74 (+2).

Rounding out the top five are Alester Pike (Tamarack Golf Club) and defending champion Ryan McNeil Lamswood (Harmon Seaside Links), both at 75 (+3).

Top 5

Ethan Efford – 72 (E)
Mitch Normore – 73 (+1)
Brad Roberts – 74 (+2) (T3)
Philip Snow – 74 (+2) (T3)
Alester Pike – 75 (+3)
Ryan McNeil Lamswood – 75 (+3)

Men’s Mid-Amateur

Normore leads the Mid-Amateur Championship after his opening-round 73 (+1).

Roberts sits second at 74 (+2), while Alester Pike, Ryan McNeil Lamswood, and Zack Bennett are tied for third after rounds of 75 (+3).

Top 5

Mitch Normore – 73 (+1)
Brad Roberts – 74 (+2)
Alester Pike – 75 (+3) (T3)
Ryan McNeil Lamswood – 75 (+3) (T3)
Zack Bennett – 75 (+3) (T3)

Men’s Senior

Andrew Hynes (Bally Haly Country Club) carded a 76 (+4) to take the opening-round lead in the Senior Championship.

Paul Hulan and John Hogan, both representing Harmon Seaside Links, share second at 77 (+5), while decorated champions Chuck Conley and Glen Burke are tied for fourth at 78 (+6).

Top 5

Andrew Hynes – 76 (+4)
Paul Hulan – 77 (+5) (T2)
John Hogan – 77 (+5) (T2)
Chuck Conley – 78 (+6) (T4)
Glen Burke – 78 (+6) (T4)

Men’s Super Senior

Andrew Hynes also leads the Super Senior division after his opening 76 (+4).

John Hogan sits one stroke behind, with Chuck Conley in third at 78 (+6). Gary Dunville and Colin Budgell complete the top five.

Top 5

Andrew Hynes – 76 (+4)
John Hogan – 77 (+5)
Chuck Conley – 78 (+6)
Gary Dunville – 79 (+7)
Colin Budgell – 82 (+10)

Women’s Amateur

Mila Snook (Bally Haly Country Club) opened with an impressive 77 (+5) to establish a five-shot lead heading into Round Two.

Defending Junior champion Freya Snook sits second at 82 (+10), while Taylor Cormier is close behind after posting 83 (+11).

Top 4

Mila Snook – 77 (+5)
Freya Snook – 82 (+10)
Taylor Cormier – 83 (+11)
Lacey Baxter – 93 (+21)

Women’s Senior

Veteran champion Kathleen Jean once again finds herself atop the leaderboard after an opening-round 75 (+3).

Karen Healey sits second at 89 (+17), while Deborah Delaney rounds out the top three at 92 (+20).

Top 5

Kathleen Jean – 75 (+3)
Karen Healey – 89 (+17)
Deborah Delaney – 92 (+20)
Dana Fleming – 99 (+27)
Tracy Blagdon – 105 (+33)

Women’s Super Senior

Kathleen Jean also leads the Super Senior Championship after her excellent opening round.

Karen Healey is second, Deborah Delaney third, while Lynn Sparkes and Carolyn Bennett complete the top five.

Top 5

Kathleen Jean – 75 (+3)
Karen Healey – 89 (+17)
Deborah Delaney – 92 (+20)
Lynn Sparkes – 112 (+40)
Carolyn Bennett – 113 (+41)

Round Two begins Tuesday at Harmon Seaside Links as players continue their pursuit of provincial championships and qualification opportunities. With many divisions separated by just a handful of shots, another exciting day of championship golf awaits.

18 Holes! 18 Questions!

Alex Gamboa

Golf NL Board of Directors

Membership Director

1. What is your full name?
My full name is Peter Alexander Gamboa but I go by my middle name, “Alex”.

2. Where were you born? Where do you live today?
I was born in Kenora, Ontario and today I live in Mount Pearl, NL.

3. What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I have a deep interest in international cuisine.

4. Are you a member of a golf club and what club? Who do you regularly play golf with?
Yes, I am a member at Glendenning Golf Course. Mostly I play with other professionals that I connect with at work. I also love booking times myself and golfing with and getting to know new people.

5. What's your favorite course that you have played?
My favorite course is Beauty Bay Golf Course in Kenora Ontario. It is the first course I ever played at, so it has a very special place in my heart. I would really love to play the Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia!

6. Where and when did you start golfing?
Beauty Bay Golf Course in Kenora, Ontario in summer of 2015.

7. Can you (briefly) tell us your most memorable golf experience.
It will always be my first time golfing – went out for a round with some co-workers. I figured out very fast that I really enjoyed golf.

8. Can you (briefly) tell us your funniest golf experience.
I was golfing with a friend of mine who was following a vegan diet at the time. Ironically they ended up drilling a goose with a golf ball.

9. What is your greatest golf accomplishment?
I've played golf recreationally up to this point in my life. I'd say my greatest golf accomplishment is just sticking with it.

10. How do you like to relax?
Doing anything with my wife and my two young sons.

11. What is your most treasured golf possession?
My pitching wedge. I have made a good share of chip ins with it!

12. What is your best/worst quality on the golf course?
My best quality is my chipping while my worst is trying to get a bad shot out of my head and move on.

13. What 3 professional golfers would complete your dream foursome for a round of golf?
That would be Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer and Phil Mickelson.

14. What 3 Newfoundlanders, past or present, would you like to join you at a dream dinner?
That would have to be Brad Gushue, Rick Mercer and my one year old son Hudson (he was born here)!

15. Have you ever had a hole-in-one? What is your best score ever? When and where?
No, but I wish I had …... My best score is 88 at the Beauty Bay Golf Course in Kenora.

16. What is your favorite/least favorite golfing hole on a Newfoundland & Labrador golf course?
My favorite golfing hole is Hole #9 at Glendenning Golf Course and my least favorite hole is Hole #16 at Glendenning.

17. What do you think is the worst rule in golf and how would you change it?
The worst rule for me is being penalized a stroke if you hit the ball out-of-bounds from the tee. It’s been the most devastating rule for me and it always slows down the game. I'd change that by adopting a 2 stroke lateral drop rule near where the ball went out-of-bounds and continue to play from there.

18. What advice would you give to a young golfer starting to play golf today?
Enjoy the atmosphere of being outside, taking in nature, and playing a round with great people. Golf is a beautiful game!

Royal LePage Junior Provincial Championship Crowns 2026 Champions

Three days of outstanding junior golf came to a close on Wednesday, July 1, as the 2026 Royal LePage Junior Provincial Championship concluded. Players from across Newfoundland and Labrador battled through 54 holes, with champions crowned in the U19, U16 and U13 divisions.

U19 Boys

Defending champion Lucan Meade (Bally Haly Country Club) successfully defended his provincial title, finishing at +21 (237) after rounds of 77-83-77. Meade pulled away on the final day with the lowest round among the contenders to secure back-to-back championships.

Top 3
🥇 Lucan Meade – 237 (+21)
🥈 Luke Arnold – 251 (+35)
🥉 Brody Dohey – 255 (+39)

U19 Girls

Freya Snook (Bally Haly Country Club) continued her dominance in provincial junior golf, capturing another U19 Girls title with rounds of 91-80-79 for a 250 (+34) total. Her final-round 79 capped off a strong championship performance.

Top 3
🥇 Freya Snook – 250 (+34)
🥈 Mila Snook – 263 (+47)
🥉 Sarah Hayes – 320 (+104)

U16 Boys

The closest finish of the championship came in the U16 Boys division, where Riley Hancock (Terra Nova Golf Resort) claimed the title at 263 (+47). Hancock held off a charge from Andrew Davis and Brody Patten, who finished tied for second, just two shots back.

Top 5
🥇 Riley Hancock – 263 (+47)
🥈 T-2 Andrew Davis – 265 (+49)
🥈 T-2 Brody Patten – 265 (+49)
4️⃣ Brayden Norman – 270 (+54)
5️⃣ Carter Evans – 277 (+61)

U13 Boys

Nathan Hodder (Pitcher’s Pond Golf Course) produced the round of the day in the U13 division, firing an impressive 46 to complete a wire-to-wire victory. Hodder finished at 151 (+43).

Top 3
🥇 Nathan Hodder – 151 (+43)
🥈 Beckett Nichols – 166 (+58)
🥉 Parker May – 192 (+84)

Congratulations to all competitors, coaches and families for another fantastic week of junior golf. A special thank you goes to the host club, volunteers, officials, and Royal LePage for their continued support of junior golf in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Tournament Director Ryan Holwell was joined by dedicated member of Golf Newfoundland Labrador Barry Stacey in presenting awards.