Nine golfers from Williams Lake are set to compete at the 3rd Annual British Columbia Indigenous Golf Championship. The event takes place from July 21 to 23, 2025, at the St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino in Cranbrook, B.C.
The local players include Crystal Wells, Anthony Robbins, Doyle Flaherty, Darcy Flaherty, Drent Louie, Michelle Palmer, Kolby Paul, and Jared Pukacz. Crystal Wells, a three-time participant, said, “Our Williams Lake area is always well-represented.”
Organized by British Columbia Golf, this championship began in 2023. It aims to celebrate Indigenous golfers of all ages. Players compete in both gross and net divisions.
The competition features 36 holes of stroke play and includes 120 players from across the province. Top finishers earn a chance to qualify for the Indigenous Challenge Match, a contest between British Columbia and Ontario.
May 2025 marked the 25th anniversary of the St. Eugene Golf Resort. The golf course was the first development on the resort site, which sits on the land of the former Kootenay Indian Residential School.
The resort’s website highlights that the golf course, casino, luxury hotel, and RV campground at this location are symbols of strength. These were built through the efforts of the four Ktunaxa Indian Bands and the Shuswap Indian Band. These groups collectively own the property.
This golf championship reflects both sporting excellence and the spirit of Indigenous communities. It offers a platform for athletes to showcase their skills while honoring their heritage.
