Darvin and Clarissa Scheidel, centre, owners of Birdies Golf Lounge, are pictured during the presentation of the Business of the Year award at the 2025 Battlefords & District Chamber of Commerce BBEX Awards at Don Ross Centre in North Battleford on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

By Kenneth Cheung

BBEX

Birdies Golf Lounge named Business of the Year at 2025 BBEX Awards

Nov 6, 2025 | 11:49 PM

A North Battleford couple who turned a winter pastime into a community hub are celebrating a major honour.

Birdies Golf Lounge — the indoor golf facility run by Clarissa and Darvin Scheidel — was named Business of the Year at the 2025 Battlefords & District Chamber of Commerce BBEX Awards on Thursday. The award was sponsored by the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board.

The couple’s story began not with a business plan, but with a little debate.

“We couldn’t decide who’s going to park outside in the winter,” Darvin said with a laugh. What started as a plan to install a single golf simulator at their garage quickly snowballed into something larger.

“So we kind of got thinking — let’s start a business. Let’s buy multiple golf simulators and get it rolling.”

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Inside Birdies, golfers tee off under simulated sunshine while others share laughs over a drink or lesson.

“It fills a gap in the community in the winter as well,” Clarissa said. “Our winters are long and cold, and we have a huge golf community — something they do every day — is now missing. So it’s a great outlet to help beat the winter blues and stay connected.”

The Scheidels said they never expected such recognition so soon after opening in 2024.

“We couldn’t even believe we were nominated,” Clarissa said. “It’s greatly appreciated. We put a lot of love and personality into the business to make everybody feel they’re at home there with us.”

2025 BBEX Award Winners

Heather Guthrie Customer Service Star Award (sponsored by Swanson Gryba & Company)

Gold Eagle Lodge — Honoured for exceptional customer service and hospitality that set a high standard of care across the Battlefords.

Heather Guthrie Customer Service Star Award (sponsored by Swanson Gryba & Company): Gold Eagle Lodge (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

New Business Venture Award (sponsored by SIIT – Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology)

Eston’s Place — Recognized for growth and innovation within its first three years of operation.

New Business Venture Award (sponsored by SIIT – Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology): Eston’s Place (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Community Contribution Award (sponsored by SaskTel)

Home Hardware Building Centre North Battleford — For outstanding support of local recreation, sports, arts and charitable programs.

Community Contribution Award (sponsored by SaskTel): Home Hardware Building Centre North Battleford (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Impact Award (sponsored by Innovation Federal Credit Union)

Battlefords Early Years Family Resource Centre — For improving life in the Battlefords through community projects and programs.

Impact Award (sponsored by Innovation Federal Credit Union): Battlefords Early Years Family Resource Centre (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Young Entrepreneur Award (sponsored by Northwest Community Futures)

Darvin and Clarissa Scheidel – Birdies Golf Lounge — For entrepreneurial success and community spirit under age 35.

Young Entrepreneur Award (sponsored by Northwest Community Futures): Darvin and Clarissa Scheidel – Birdies Golf Lounge (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Micro Business Award (sponsored by TD Canada Trust)

Jety Builders Ltd. — For small operations showing sustainability, service and heart.

Micro Business Award (sponsored by TD Canada Trust): Jety Builders Ltd. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Agriculture & Agri-Business Award (sponsored by Fisher’s Drug Store)

Prairie AG — For excellence and innovation in agricultural enterprise.

Agriculture & Agri-Business Award (sponsored by Fisher’s Drug Store): Prairie AG (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Members’ Choice Award (sponsored by Bralin Technology Solutions Ltd.)

Café 4 U — The only category chosen by Chamber members, recognizing exceptional service and performance.

Members’ Choice Award (sponsored by Bralin Technology Solutions Ltd.): Café 4 U (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Heritage Award (sponsored by Scotiabank)

Ultra Print Services Ltd. — Celebrated for long-term contribution to the Battlefords’ business legacy.

Heritage Award (sponsored by Scotiabank): Ultra Print Services Ltd. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Battlefords Business Hall of Fame Inductee

Swanson Gryba & Company — Honoured for decades of leadership and community service.

Battlefords Business Hall of Fame Inductee: Swanson Gryba & Company (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Stan Wychopen Memorial BBEX Scholarship

Vivian Perry, North West College — Awarded $2,000 toward her business studies.

Stan Wychopen Memorial BBEX Scholarship Vivian Perry, North West College. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com