Gary Poole (left) alongside the division winners at the final event of the 2026 Westman Junior Golf Tour season.
After 26 seasons under founder Gary Poole, the Westman Junior Golf Tour is entering a new chapter, with EVO Golf taking over operations and Austin Dobrescu stepping in as Director.
Founded in 2001, the Westman Junior Golf Tour (WJGT) has been a staple of junior golf in the region for more than two decades, giving young golfers the opportunity to compete, develop their skills, and build friendships on the course.
For 26 seasons, Gary Poole was the driving force behind the tour, dedicating countless hours to organizing tournaments, working with local golf courses, and creating opportunities for junior golfers across Westman. Alongside him was his wife, Gisele Charette, who also contributed her time and support to the tour over the years.
For Austin Dobrescu, EVO Golf owner and PGA of Canada Professional, the opportunity is particularly meaningful. A former WJGT player himself, Austin will now serve as Director of the organization.
"I got my first taste of competitive golf on the Westman Junior Tour, so having the opportunity to be the director of the WJGT and having EVO Golf run the tour feels pretty special. I'm excited to give juniors the chance to compete, and grow both on and off the course," said Dobrescu.
While Austin will provide leadership and direction for the tour, the EVO Golf team will handle its day-to-day operations, including tournament organization, registration, player communications, and coordination with host golf courses.
As highlighted in an August 2026 article by the Brandon Sun, Gary's retirement marks the end of an era for junior golf in Westman. His dedication helped create opportunities for generations of young golfers, many of whom have continued playing competitively or pursued careers in the game.
Through its EVO Academy programs, junior camps, lessons, and year-round training opportunities, EVO Golf has made junior development a major focus of its business. Taking over the WJGT is a natural extension of that commitment, bringing more opportunities for young golfers to put their skills to the test in a competitive environment.
Looking ahead to 2027, EVO plans to build on the tour's foundation by expanding its schedule, reaching more communities across Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and creating an even better experience for junior golfers.
While there are exciting plans ahead, the priority remains preserving what has made the WJGT successful for more than two decades: affordable competition, great experiences, and a welcoming environment for golfers of all skill levels.
EVO Golf would like to extend a sincere thank-you to Gary and Gisele for the years of dedication they've given to the Westman Junior Golf Tour. Their commitment has made a lasting impact on junior golf in the region, and the EVO team is proud to carry that tradition forward.
More details about the 2027 Westman Junior Golf Tour season will be announced in the coming months.