TORONTO —With the official Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada sidelined this season due to issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tour announced Friday that it will hold a series of four tournaments for players residing in Canada. The tournaments are set for Langford, British Columbia, and Caledon, Ontario, in August and September, all events contested under the direction of the Mackenzie Tour and its staff.

The Canada Life Series will feature two 54-hole events at Bear Mountain Golf & Tennis Resort Community in Langford on Vancouver Island and two more at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. Fields will consist of Canadian professionals and elite amateurs, as well as Mackenzie Tour members, regardless of citizenship, who are already in Canada. Officials anticipate field sizes between 90 and 120 players, with purses set at $50,000 (CAD) per event.

Exempt players for the Canada Life Series will include any Canadian professional who has held status on any of the PGA TOUR’s International Tours since 2018 (Mackenzie Tour, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica and PGA TOUR Series-China). In addition, six sponsor exemptions will be used by Golf Canada for its national team members. Canada Life will receive two sponsor exemptions, while both host facilities will have two sponsor exemptions each. The Tour will fill the fields on a first-come-first-served basis if the exempt categories don’t reach their limits.

“It was certainly disappointing when circumstances surrounding COVID-19 required us to cancel the 2020 Mackenzie Tour season. We were poised for a great summer of golf, but we never lost sight of the purpose for this Tour, which is to give players opportunities to play tournaments on quality golf courses,” said Scott Pritchard, Mackenzie Tour Executive Director. “Canada Life has been an incredible partner in helping us put this together, and with two terrific venues—Bear Mountain and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley—we will stage four exceptional tournaments.

“To be able to promise the top player from the Canada Life Series additional playing opportunities next season on the Mackenzie Tour only enhances what we’re trying to do, and we’re extremely pleased that will happen,” Pritchard continued.

The player who earns the most points during the four tournaments will be granted conditional Mackenzie Tour status and guaranteed six tournament starts on the 2021 Mackenzie Tour. In addition to those playing opportunities, Golf Canada will also award the top player a spot in the 2021 RBC Canadian Open. The players finishing in the second-through-fifth positions on the final points standings earn conditional 2021 Mackenzie Tour status along with two guaranteed Mackenzie Tour tournament starts. The players finishing between Nos. 6-10 earn a discounted rate into one of the 2021 Mackenzie Tour Qualifying Tournaments.

“At Canada Life, we believe in helping Canadians achieve their potential. The Canada Life Series is one way we can do that,” said Jeff Macoun, President and Chief Operating Officer, Canada, at Canada Life. “We’re very proud to be able to provide Canadian-based players the opportunity to advance their careers.”

The first two Canada Life Series tournaments will be at Bear Mountain’s two courses, both designed by World Golf Hall of Famer Jack Nicklaus and his son Steve. The Canada Life Series at Bear Mountain: Mountain Course is from August 10-12, while The Canada Life Series at Bear Mountain: Valley Course is August 17-19.

The Mountain Course has twice hosted PGA TOUR-affiliated golf, the PGA TOUR Champions’ 2016 and 2017 Pacific Links Bear Mountain Championship. Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie won the 2016 event, while American Jerry Kelly prevailed a year later.

“Bear Mountain’s two courses are quite diverse, and Jack and Steve designed them in such a way that we think the tournaments will certainly have different feels to them while at the same time providing excellent tests of golf,” said Rob Larocque, Bear Mountain Director of Golf.

The Series will observe a one-week break, allowing players to travel to the other side of the country for the final two events, outside Toronto. The Canada Life Series at TPC Toronto’s links-style Heathlands course is set for September 2-4. The following week, September 9-11, the players will once again tackle the Heathlands, one of three signature Doug Carrick courses at TPC Toronto, for the Series’ closing event, the Canada Life Series Championship.

TPC Toronto is also no stranger to PGA TOUR-affiliated tournament golf. It has been home to the Mackenzie Tour’s Osprey Valley Open presented by Votarantim Cimentos – CBM Aggregates since 2018, with the eventual Mackenzie Tour Player of the Year in each season winning both editions of the tournament—Tyler McCumber in 2018 followed by Paul Barjon in 2019. McCumber is currently a PGA TOUR member, and Barjon is playing on the Korn Ferry Tour.

“The Mackenzie Tour is a familiar and important partner of ours, and we’re thrilled to be hosting two Canada Life Series tournaments here in September. We look forward to seeing some outstanding players compete on the Heathlands and follow in the footsteps of Tyler, Paul and the other champions who have played here over the last two years,” said TPC Toronto President Chris Humeniuk.

“It was gratifying to see TPC Toronto enthusiastically embrace this concept. We planned to play the Heathlands for the 2020 Osprey Valley Open, and we will now use the Canada Life Series events as a chance to showcase this spectacular course to these players,” Pritchard added.

TORONTO – The Canadian Society of Club Managers (CSCM) is pleased to announce and congratulate the recipients of CSCM’s 2020 Awards Program. The awards ceremony will take place on Monday, October 5, 2020, at CSCM’s first-ever virtual national conference.

The award recipients are:

President’s Award
Cameron Gray, CCM, St. Charles Country Club, Winnipeg, MB

Club Manager of the Year
Jim Hope, CCM, CCE, Derrick Golf & Winter Club, Edmonton, AB

Club of the Year (Medium)
Cedar Brae Golf Club, Toronto, ON (Martin Piché, CCM, General Manager/COO)

Club of the Year (Large)
Terminal City Club, Vancouver, BC (Peter Jackman, General Manager)

In addition, the following members will be honoured for recently receiving their Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation:

• Dan Campbell, CCM, St. Andrew’s East Golf & Country Club, Stouffville, ON
• Rob Cheevers, CCM, Buffalo Canoe Club, Ridgeway, ON
• Jennifer Cox, CCM, The Glencoe Golf & Country Club, Calgary, AB
• Molly Jagroop, CCM, Oakdale Golf & Country Club Ltd., Toronto, ON
• Steven Pert, CCM, Kanawaki Golf Club, Kahnawake, QC
• Martin Piché, CCM, Cedar Brae Golf Club, Toronto, ON
• Shendal Yalchin, CCM, The Hamilton Club, Hamilton, ON

The following member will be honoured for recently receiving their Certified Chief Executive (CCE) designation:

• Paul Morrell, CCM, CCE, Ontario Racquet Club, Mississauga, ON

Moreover, the following member will be recognized for recently achieving Honour Society status:

• Mary Elizabeth Sullivan, CCM, Granite Club, Toronto, ON

The annual awards program honours members who have made a significant contribution to the Society and the profession of club management in Canada, supporting CSCM’s mission to offer quality education and networking opportunities. Annually, members are invited to nominate peers in the industry. All nomination submissions are carefully reviewed by the Awards Committee and recipients are selected based on specific criteria.

Michael Hearse, CCM, Member of the CSCM National Board of Directors and Chair of the Awards Committee remarked, “We thank all those who participated this year. I am delighted to congratulate the award recipients, each of whom are wonderful representatives of the club management industry and the professionalism of the Society.”

Suzanne Godbehere, Chief Executive Officer of CSCM, said, “While our awards ceremony will be held virtually this year – make no mistake – it will be just as triumphant. We will be working to incorporate video highlights and live award presentations to the online event. The format will allow members from across the country to participate.”

For further details regarding the CSCM Awards Program & Application Process, please visit: CSCM Awards Program

Information about CSCM’s first-ever virtual national conference can be found here: Flatout

About The Canadian Society of Club Managers

Established in 1957, CSCM is the national professional society representing the club management profession in Canada. Of our approximately 600 members, over 70% are from golf clubs, and the remainder from a variety of city, recreation, fitness, curling and other types of clubs.

The Society’s members hold position titles that include General Manager, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer as well as Assistant Manager, Clubhouse Manager, Controller and Food and Beverage Manager.

Chafing about the restrictions on your activities during the coronavirus pandemic?

One option that thousands of Canadians are taking advantage of in these difficult times is golf. Some are taking up the game for the first time while others are rediscovering its pleasures. Families who can’t go on vacation are enjoying golf outings together. Kids whose other sports are unavailable are loving the opportunity to learn the game. “Nine and dine” at the course is a great date night. Seniors can reconnect with their friends at the course.

Although there are necessary protocols that must be followed (these are outlined on just about every course’s web site), you still have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful scenery, socialize (while observing physical distancing) and get some exercise.

Here are nine tips to help you enjoy the game. On that note, nine holes is just the right number for beginners.

1. Go online

There are lots of sites that offer helpful tips for beginners on every topic from the basic rules and etiquette to the fundamentals of the swing and basic golf attire.

2. Go to a course

Even before you head to the tee for the very first time, do a little online research about the courses in your area. You will want to find a public or “semi-private” course (one that has members but also welcomes the public golfer). Drop into the golf shop, introduce yourself as a new golfer and have a look around. Ask if they have a program to introduce new golfers to the game. If they do, sign up!

3. Go to a pro

Just about every course has a PGA of Canada professional. They’re helpful and knowledgeable. Even a half-hour lesson with a pro will get you started on the right path. Many courses offer lesson packages and some include playing a few holes as well. Taking a lesson is the best investment you can make if you want to enjoy the game and improve your skills.

4. Go get some clubs

Although most courses have clubs you can rent, you may want to have your own set. Most golf course pro shops carry equipment and gear to get you started. Chain stores and other major sporting goods retailers also have inexpensive sets that include irons, woods, putter and a carry bag. They also sell inexpensive balls and tees. As long as you follow the course’s dress code (often published on their web site), you don’t even need golf shoes at this point. Running shoes will suffice.

5. Go to the driving range

If you’re taking lessons at a course, you no doubt have taken advantage of the practice facility, also called the driving range. If not, head for a local public driving range with a friend and hit some balls. Many facilities also have a practice putting green. As you will find out, putting is a very important part of the game!

6. Go to the first tee

You’ve hooked up with some friends or new acquaintances from your introductory program. You’ve asked the folks in the golf shop from which tees you should play as a beginner (generally, the most forward set of tees is appropriate).

7. Go hit the ball

Assuming you’ve followed these first few tips, you should be hitting the ball in the right general direction. Don’t be discouraged if you’re not as proficient as your more experienced companions. Just relax, swing, and don’t forget to breathe! From a safety perspective, make sure you are aware of where your friends are and when they are hitting. From a “pace of play” viewpoint, always be ready to hit your next shot when it’s your turn. Most importantly, don’t get frustrated if you’re not proficient immediately. You will improve the more you play and practise. Remember, the object of the game is to have fun.

8. Go to the clubhouse

Much of the appeal of golf is the social aspect following a round. Reliving the game, good shots and not-so-good, with friends and family is an integral part of the game.

9. Go back

Golf has been called “the game for a lifetime.” You can play this game at whatever level you wish, from recreational to competitive, for years and years. It’s healthy, fun and a great way to meet new friends.

So there you go.

Nine tips, just like the nine holes you will likely play the first few times you’re at the course.

But there is so much more!

Although you can learn the fundamentals of the swing, course etiquette and rules online, GolfCanada.ca is the best resource for anyone who enjoys the game at any level.

As you play more golf, you’ll want an official handicap index and the other benefits that come with a Golf Canada membership.

But you have to start somewhere. So, like so many of your fellow Canadians are doing these days, start now!

In golf, there is no such thing as “one size fits all.”

That’s why there are different sets of tees to accommodate all types of players. That’s a good thing.

That’s also why there are so many options when it comes to equipment. That could be a good thing but, for the vast majority of you reading this, it’s not. And it’s your fault.

You’re probably thinking, “I’m not good enough to get fitted for golf clubs.” Interestingly, this is the most common excuse you likely cite when asked why you don’t have a Handicap Index. And, in both cases, you are wrong.

It’s not about your ability, says Rick Young. It’s about your level of commitment.

“It makes zero sense to buy golf clubs without getting fitted,” says Young, SCOREGolf’s longtime equipment expert. He warns against purchasing new clubs off the rack as well as new or used clubs online.

His point is repeated by every expert in the field. Many compare buying a standard set of clubs to purchasing apparel. While that might be a touch trite, it is undeniably accurate.

The average Canadian man is 5’8” tall and weighs 182 pounds. The average woman is just over 5’3” and about 153 pounds. Chances are that doesn’t describe you so the odds that the clothing that fits those “average” Canadians wouldn’t fit you either.

So why are you playing their golf clubs? Essentially, that is what you are doing when you buy a standard set off the rack.

I’m 6’2” and weigh 220. Not average, by any means. So my clubs are a little longer than standard, the lie is a touch upright and the grips are slightly larger. As I get older, I’ve switched to regular shafts in my irons from the stiff version I played for years. There’s no chance my 5’4” wife (about the national average) was fitted for the same clubs as our 6’1” daughter. Thank goodness she got her looks from her mom and her height from me and not the other way around.

Like our dimensions and ages, our Handicap Indexes vary but we all saw getting fitted for clubs as an investment in our enjoyment of the game, not just an expense. Playing the wrong clubs can be discouraging, infuriating, and can dissuade you from playing more golf.

“Do you want to get better? Then get fitted, even if you’re terrible,” says Tony Covey, managing editor of My Golf Spy, an independent online reviewer and evaluator of all things golf.

“You don’t have to spend a lot of money right out of the gate. As you improve and your scores go down, you can get re-fitted and either get your clubs adjusted or invest in a new set and sell the old ones or trade them in.”

Covey also cautions against some of the misconceptions that may influence your equipment choice.

“Don’t get sucked in by brand bias and some of the other mythology that’s out there. Do some research and then find a reputable expert and listen to them.”

Ian Fraser is the founder and CEO of TxG (Tour Experience Golf) with locations in Toronto and, soon, Mississauga, Ont. With a background in club fitting, he worked with beginners as well as superstars like Colin Montgomerie, Gary Woodland and Eduardo Molinari before coming to Canada to start Modern Golf, a leading-edge club-fitting company. In 2015, he left Modern Golf to found TxG.

As a nod to his expertise, GOLF Magazine named TxG No. 2 on their 2020 list of the top club fitters in North America.

Fraser points out that the proliferation of golf club technology has made getting properly fitted more essential than ever. There are more than 30,000 potential combinations to ensure the client gets the correct “prescription,” as he calls it, for 14 optimized clubs to maximize their enjoyment and lower their scores.

A full-bag (driver through putter) fitting session takes 4 ½ hours. Don’t panic. Much of that time is spent discussing, analyzing and advising. It’s not a ball-beating marathon.

Not surprisingly, that philosophy is echoed at Fraser’s former hangout, Modern Golf, which has locations in Mississauga and Vaughan in Ontario, two in Calgary and one in Vancouver.

At Modern Golf, TxG and other sophisticated fitting facilities, the technology, such as ForeSight and other high-tech aids, is on par with the expertise of the humans doing the hands-on fitting. For example, Modern Golf has a “coach/build” concept that places a fitter and a coach in the fitting bay with you. That combination doesn’t come cheap but, remember, this is an investment.

At Modern Golf, the $400 full-bag fitting fee is waived if you purchase a new set of clubs. The fee is also waived for any of their other fitting options ranging from single clubs like the driver or putter to irons and wedges.

Once you’ve committed to a fitting, go all the way, Young recommends.

“One thing people don’t realize is that 42 per cent of your shots are on the green but people will walk into a golf store, try two or three putters and when they make a couple of putts, they fork over two or three hundred dollars for a putter that most likely is wrong for them. Do you need a mallet or blade, toe-balanced or face-balanced, what loft, what length, what grip, what kind of putting stroke do you have … these are all questions you need expert advice on.

“And how about your wedges? Do you have the right gapping between your wedges? Are the lofts right for you? How about the bounce?”

Young believes not getting fitted can discourage new golfers who want to enjoy the game but have the wrong equipment. If, for example, the lie angle on those used irons you bought for a song is too upright, you’ll likely be hitting pull hooks. Or if the lie is OK but the shaft is too stiff, get used to hitting a bunch of low-right screamers.

“The worst mistake you can make, at any level, is buying clubs that work against you,” says Matthew Sim, Modern Golf’s Director of Operations.

If getting to some of the facilities mentioned here is inconvenient, there are lots of other options. If you’re really out in the boondocks, major manufacturers have online fitting apps for everything from clubs to balls.

Fittings are easy to arrange with many PGA of Canada members across the country offering fitting services. If you decide to purchase new clubs, the fitting fee is waived in most cases.

Alternatively, many courses have “demo days” during the golf season where one or more of the major club manufacturers set up shop on the range. “This is one of the best ways for novice golfers to get a baseline for fitting if they’re unsure of what they want for free,” says Young.

Just as there is a fitting option suitable for every budget, so too is there one for the clubs themselves, even at places like TxG.

“If the client says, for example, that their budget is $900, then we give them the very best value we can for that budget,” says Fraser. “We treat every client the same whether they’re a pro or a beginner. It’s in our best interest to make sure they not only get better but have more fun.”

Golf Manitoba (Carman, MB) – It was a beautiful sunny day for round one of the 2020 Senior Women’s & Men’s Championships being contested at the Carman Golf & Curling Club. These are the last of the two major provincial championships on the Golf Manitoba calendar.

In the women’s event, defending champion Rhonda Orr of the Southwood Golf & Country Club picked up where she left off finding herself at the top of the leaderboard after round one. Orr opened with a 9-over par round of 80 good enough for a four shot lead over Tammy Gibson of the the Niakwa Country club who posted a first round score of 84.  There is a three-way tie for third with including Gail Kennedy of St. Charles Country Club, Cathy Derewianchuk (Glendale Golf & Country Club) and Barb Lafleche of the Teulon Golf & Country Club all shooting 85.

In the all new forward tee division, there is a tie for first with Karen Saarimaki of the Kenagomisis Golf Club and Nancy Porth of the Niakwa Country Club opened with 10-over par rounds of 81.  Both Saarimaki and Porth also are tied for lead in the Super Senior (60+) division.

Senior women’s leaderboard >>

On the men’s side, again another familiar name topped the leaderboard after Monday’s opening round.  Mike Walker, the defending champion playing out of the St. Boniface Golf Club, opened with a tidy 1-under par of 70 and was the only player in the field to break par. Walker has a two shot lead over John Multan (Elmhurst Golf & Country Club) and Ken Warwick (Niakwa Country Club) who both posted a 1-over par rounds of 72.

In the forward tee division, Mike Berney of the Transcona Country Club leads after shooting a 3-over par round of 74. Berney also leads the Super Senior Division (65+).

Senior men’s leaderboard >>

Round two of the 54-hole championships resume tomorrow at Carman with the women’s field starting at 10am.

Golf Manitoba (Winnipeg) – The 2020 Senior Women’s & Men’s Championships are set to go July 27-29 at the Carman Golf & Curling Club. These are the last two provincial championships of the 2020 Golf Manitoba event season.

SENIOR WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP INFORMATION

Dates: July 27-29
Course: Carman Golf & Curling Club
Yards/Par: 5,759 yards/71
Field: 23
2019 Champion: Rhonda Orr, Southwood Golf & Country Club
2019 Runner-up: Tammy Gibson, Niakwa Country Club
Format: 54 holes of stroke play
Awards/Placing: Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd & 3rd lowest competitors in the championship division and 1st place in the Super Senior Division. First place will also be awarded to the top player in the new Forward Tee Division.

Round one tee times >>

SENIOR MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP INFORMATION

Dates: July 27-29
Course: Carman Golf & Curling Club
Yards/Par: 5,955 yards/71
Field: 56
2019 Champion: Mike Walker, St. Boniface Golf Club
2019 Runner-up: Bruce North, Carman Golf & Curling Club
Format: 54 holes of stroke play
Awards/Placing: Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd & 3rd lowest competitors in the championship division and 1st place in the Super Senior Division. First place will also be awarded to the top player in the new Forward Tee Division.

Round one tee times >>

LOOKING BACK

In the 2019 Senior Women’s Championship, it was the steady and consistent play from Rhonda Orr that helped her claim her second straight senior women’s championship. Orr played three solid rounds of golf on the Rossmere layout posting scores of 77-78-77 that was good enough for an 18-shot victory over runner-up Tammy Gibson of Niakwa Country Club who posted rounds of 82-83-85. Rounding out the top three was Diane Eyford of St. Charles Country Club. Read more…

2019 Senior Women’s Leaderboard >>

Mike Walker of the St. Boniface Golf Club held off a late round charge from 2018 Senior Champion Bruce North of the Carman Golf & Curling Club. North, playing in a group ahead of Walker, carded an eagle and two birdies in his last four holes to post an inward nine score of 4-under 30 and a round of 71. Despite the push from North, Walker bounced back from a late round double-bogey with an eagle on the 16th hole and closed with final round 72, good enough for a two shot victory over North. Read more…

2019 Senior Men’s Leaderboard >>

HISTORY

The Senior Women’s Championship was first contested in 1928.

Past Champions:

Complete past champions directory >>

The Senior Men’s Championship was first contested in 1966.

Past Champions:

Complete past champions directory >>

FAST FACTS

• Golf Manitoba provincial championship sponsors: TaylorMade Golf Canada, adidas Golf Canada
• Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd & 3rd lowest competitors in the championship division and 1st place in the Super Senior Division. First place will also be awarded to the top player in the new Forward Tee Division.
• Players this week will compete under the Golf Manitoba 2020 Conditions of Competition and Protocols including enhanced health and safety standards in response to COVID-19.
• Caddies and spectators are not permitted.
• For media inquiries, please contact Lisa Andersen, Director of Competitions at lisa@golfmb.ca.
• Scoring updates will be available on the Golf Manitoba Twitter and Facebook pages.
• Leaderboards will be available on the event information webpage:
  • Senior Women’s Leaderboard 
  • Senior Men’s Leaderboard

ABOUT THE COURSE

More information on Carman Golf & Curling Club can be found here.

Golf Manitoba (Winnipeg, MB) – Marco Trstenjak of the Elmhurst Golf & Country Club has won the 2020 Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship.

The 8th hole at the Glendale Golf & Country Club

It was a sunny but windy day the Glendale Golf & Country Club for the final round of the 2020 Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship. Rain overnight coupled with a strong west wind pushed the scoring average up to 80.76, almost a full three strokes higher than the previous day of 78.05. Despite the conditions, it did not bother the steady play of Trstenjak.

Trstenjak started the day in a tie for the lead at 2-under par with 2020 Manitoba Junior Men’s runner-up, Braxton Kuntz of the Breezy Bend Country Club. Trstenjak would not give up the top spot throughout the entire last round while on his way to an even par round of 72. Trstenjak, the only player to break par for the 72-hole event, played a steady final round that included 3 bogeys matched by 3 birdies that were good enough for a 3-shot win. Kuntz started off slow by going out with a 2-over par opening nine of 37 and continued to falter on the back to finish with an 81 and in a tie for fourth spot overall. 2020 Junior Men’s Champion Neel Soni of the St. Charles Country Club was the only competitor to make a move against Trstenjak’s lead finishing with a 1-under par round of 71. Soni was the only player to break par in the final round on the wind-stricken Glendale Golf & Country Club track that helped propel him into a solo second finish. Defending champion Colwyn Abgrall of the Southwood Golf & Country Club continued his steady play posting a 1-over par round of 73, moving him into the medals with a third place finish.

It is the first men’s amateur title for Marco Trstenjak.

Final Leaderboard >>

Golf Manitoba would like to sincerely thank Trevor Nott and Nott Autocorp for their continued support as the title sponsor of this event!

Golf Manitoba also wishes to extend a sincere thank you to the membership, management and staff at both our host clubs who really helped to make this event a major success!  Thank you to PGA of Canada head professional Geoff Kehler and his team at the Minnewasta Golf & Country Club. Thank you also to PGA of Canada professional and general manager James Chapman and his team at the Glendale Golf & Country Club. We could not have done this without the skill, patience and support of all those involved at our host clubs. Thank you!

Special thanks also to Golf Manitoba performance partners Eric Johnson of TaylorMade Golf Canada and Paige Lawrence of adidas golf Canada for their support of our provincial championships.

And last but not least, thank you to all the competitors for your support and your fine play this past week!!!

Golf Manitoba (Morden, MB) – It was moving day at the Glendale Golf & Country Club for the third round of the 2020 Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship. Braxton Kuntz of Breezy Bend Country Club and Marco Trstenjak of Elmhurst Golf & Country Club will head into Sunday’s fourth and final round tied for the lead at 2-under par 214 shooting 76 and 73 respectively. In third place is Justin McDonald of Breezy Bend at 1-under par for the event after shooting a 1-over 73. Defending champion Colwyn Abgrall of the Southwood Golf & Country Club and Curtis Markusson of St. Charles Country Club are tied at 4th at 1-over par at 217. Markusson’s move into fourth place was aided by a 2-under par round of 70 that also included an ace on the 9th hole.

The move of the day goes to Connor Stewart of the Southwood Golf & Country Club who started the day at 8-over par and 14 shots back of the lead. Stewart carded a 4-under par round of 68 that included a back nine score of 32 to move him within just 6 shots of the lead and in a tie for the 8th place.

Other notables near the top include 2020 Mid-Amateur Champion Allan McDonald of Breezy Bend shooting 71 to put him in a tie for 11th at 221. 2020 Junior Men’s Champion Neel Soni of St. Charles Country Club posted 73 to move into a tie for 6th. And 2019 Men’s Amateur Champion runner-up Austin Dobrescu of the Shilo Country Club shot a 1-under par round of 71 to move him 6 shots back of the lead and also into a tie for 6th place.

Round three scores >>

The final round will start will start tomorrow at 12pm.

Golf Manitoba (Morden, MB) – Round two of the 2020 Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship was finally completed early Saturday morning at the Minnewasta Golf & Country Club. Round 2 was called late Friday afternoon due to darkness with 8 groups still on the course.  After 36-holes, Braxton Kuntz of the Breezy Bend Country Club holds a 3-shot lead after posting a 4-under par round of 68 for a 36-hole total of 4-under par 138. In a tie for second place is Justin McDonald of Breezy Bend and Marco Trystenjak of Elmhurst Golf & Country Club on rounds of 71 and 68 respectively and good for a 36-hole total of 3-under par 141. Defending champion Colwyn Abgrall of Southwood Golf & Country Club sits in a tie for 6th at even par 144.

Final round 2 scores >>

The cutline was +17 and the top 60 now move on to Glendale Golf & Country Club for round three later today with tee times beginning at 2pm.

Golf Manitoba (Morden, MB) – Round two of the 2020 Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship was suspended due to darkness. Those players still on the course will return to Minnewasta Golf & Country Club to complete round two starting at 7:45am on Saturday, July 18. Upon completion of round two, the field will then be reduced to the top 60 and ties and those within 10 shots of the lead.

Round two scores >>

Round three is schedule to go at 2pm on Saturday, July 18 at the Glendale Golf & Country Club.