To say it has been a successful golf season for Yorkton’s Kade Johnson would be an understatement. That success has led him away from Canada, into a university in the United States.
The 18-year-old golfer started class at Southern Arkansas University last week. Johnson is taking business, focusing on finance, but that’s not the only reason the school caught his eye.
“It’s a good business school, but the golf team is good and is playing in a good conference. There’s lots of good competition down here,” Johnson said.
Johnson said he started speaking with the coach of the golf team, and things fell into place for him.
The team is made up of nine athletes from Canada and the United States who train on two of the school’s golf courses. Johnson is one of three freshmen on the team.
Johnson has an impressive golf resume that played a role in solidifying his spot on the team.
This year alone has brought him several successful finishes.
“Winning provincials was a goal of mine since I started golf,” Johnson said. He’s referring to the Saskatchewan U19 Junior Men’s provincial championships. Johnson took home the first place trophy on July 20th.
This win secured him a spot as captain for team Saskatchewan at the Canadian Junior Boys Championships, which were held in St. John’s, Newfoundland at the beginning of August.
This was Johnson’s third time competing at the national competition, so he knew what to expect.
“I felt more confident going into it, I felt like I had a better game plan,” he said. “But I wasn’t too pleased with how it turned out.”
Although nationals didn’t turn out as he had hoped, he found unexpected successes at other tournaments.
Johnson came fifth at the Saskatchewan Amateur Men’s Championship, qualifying him for the Canadian Men’s Amateurs. He made the cut for the finals there, and finished 75th overall.
“That was sweet, I wasn’t expecting to do that for a couple of years,” he said. “Going there and making the cut made me feel great. That was a great week.”
Over the next few years, Johnson has no plans on slowing down. He has three main goals that he’d like to complete.
First, he would like to defend his provincial title in Saskatchewan.
Secondly, he’s got his eye on the Canada Games happening next year.
“To make team Saskatchewan and go to the Canada Games, that would be an honour,” he said.
And his third goal, “I’m hoping to win a college tournament down here in the states, but that’s a long ways away, and a lot of work,” he said.
