Alberta Golf Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees: Little & McMillan Join the Ranks

The 2025 induction evening for the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame was a powerful celebration of the people who have shaped the game across the province. The event highlighted Alberta Golf’s ongoing commitment to recognizing individuals whose skill, leadership, and passion continue to strengthen the sport in every corner of Alberta.

 

A Year in Review

 

The evening began with a look back at the 2024–2025 season’s biggest moments.

Brett Jones earned back-to-back men’s amateur titles, confirming his dominance on the provincial stage. Rising star Saylar May captured both the U17 and U19 provincial championships, signaling that Alberta’s next generation is strong. A major milestone came when the Alberta Open Championship introduced a women’s division for the first time, with Sydney Bisgrove claiming the inaugural title.

 

Nine clubs were also recognized for major anniversaries of 25, 50, 75, and 100 years of operation. Among them, Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course received a special mention for marking its 100th year despite the challenges posed by recent wildfires. Its perseverance reflected the enduring spirit of Alberta golf.

 

Volunteer of the Year

 

Before the main ceremony, the Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Doug Paterson. A longtime referee and course rating volunteer with Alberta Golf, Paterson has also contributed to major events such as the United States Golf Association Adaptive Open at Pinehurst. His decades of service and dedication have made him a pillar in the Alberta golf community.

 

Welcoming the 2025 Inductees

 

The highlight of the night was the formal induction of two remarkable women into the Alberta Golf Hall of Fame.

 

Jackie Little began her career at Glendale Golf and Country Club and quickly established herself as a dominant competitor. She won the Alberta Junior and Juvenile Girls Championships in 1974 and 1976, followed by victories in the Alberta Women’s Amateur in 1978 and 1981. Her talent earned her spots on multiple interprovincial teams, and her success carried beyond Alberta with provincial, national, and international titles. In 2024, she continued her winning ways by capturing the Alberta Women’s Super Senior title.

 

Cathy McMillan has spent more than five decades building one of the most respected careers in Canadian women’s golf. She won the 1963 Canadian Junior Girls Championship and went on to compete successfully at every level of the game. Her achievements include leading roles on Alberta’s interprovincial teams and winning the Alberta Women’s Senior Championship in 2006. Beyond competition, McMillan played a key role in developing young players as Alberta Golf’s Director of Player Development from 2004 to 2009 and continues to serve as a volunteer at her home club in Ponoka.

 

Why It Matters

 

The Hall of Fame induction is about more than trophies and records. It represents Alberta Golf’s broader mission to honour the dedication and community spirit that keep the game thriving. Players like Little and McMillan, along with devoted volunteers such as Doug Paterson, set a standard for everyone involved in golf across the province.

 

For golfers, fans, and club leaders alike, this event served as a reminder that the Alberta golf community continues to grow stronger with every generation. The Hall of Fame does not just preserve history; it inspires the future of the game in Alberta.