A mostly overcast, chilly, rainy day did nothing to dampen the spirits of nearly 100 young golfers, who took to the greens on Friday at the TS&M Woodlawn Regional Golf Course to open the SHSAA Provincial Championship.

40 different schools from every corner of Saskatchewan are being represented right here in Estevan, as 64 boys and 33 girls will swing for the trophy over a two day period, Friday and Saturday.

"As with any of our activities, for a student athlete to make it to a provincial championship is a significant accomplishment. They have to qualify to get here," shared Lyle McKellar, the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan High School Athletic Association (SHSAA).

Dr. Robert Kitchen, Souris-Moose Mountain MP and Deputy Shadow Minister of Sport, whacks the ceremonial tee off.

 "For the golfers, they have to play well that one day at districts in order to get here. You see some of the very best golfers in   the province for this age group."

 During the opening ceremonies, McKellar emphasized the etiquette side of the game.

 "The unique thing about school sport is that it's about the continued education of our students. We're just using sport as   another vehicle for that."

 He pointed out that students are always being evaluated and write tests all the time, and their golfing, with the course as their   opponent, can be another form of that.

 "Their character and their integrity also gets tested in competitions like this, because they are out here as one of 100 golfers,   all on the course together."

 Souris-Moose Mountain MP Dr. Robert Kitchen, for this event donning his Deputy Shadow Minister of Sport cap, was on hand to conduct the ceremonial tee off.

"These are our young athletes who will become our future leaders. It's great to see the schools participating and getting these young girls and boys out and involved, and learning new skills. Learning how to compete fairly, following the rules, with dignity."

Woodlawn Golf Course Head Pro Amanda Minchin, herself a former competitor, was also, of course, there.

"We're pretty excited to have all the kids here, and to have our home kids playing on their home course."

READ MORE: Estevan Set To Host 2017 SHSAA Provincial Golf

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