Inside Golf Manitoba Media Release

CentrePort Canada Railpark Manitoba Open begins with Qualifier

A field of 48 will tee off Monday morning at Glendale Golf & Country Club looking to earn a birth into the 2023 CentrePort Canada Railpark Manitoba Open.

Of the 48, six are homegrown talents hoping to be one of the top eight qualifiers to play at Southwood Golf & Country Club starting Thursday.

The six Manitobans include:

Charlie Boyechko
Austin Dobrescu
Travis Fredborg
Ryan McMillan
Jose Mekish-Lacquette
Zach Sackett

Canadian Men's Mid-Amateur Championship

Golf Manitoba well represented at Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship

A premier field of top-level golfers aged 25-and-over will gather on Monday to open the 36th playing of the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship at Algonquin Golf Resort in St. Andrews, N.B.

The Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship is a 72-hole stroke play event, with a 36-hole cut to the low 70 players and ties. In the event of a tie at the end of four rounds, there will be a hole-by-hole playoff. The championship was first contested in 1987 and includes an inter-provincial competition held over the first 36 holes. The Mid-Amateur division will run concurrently with the Mid-Master division for players 40 and older.

Golf Manitoba members taking part in this year’s championship feature:

Delwyn Doerksen (Oakview Golf & Country Club)
Drew Jones (Shilo Country Club)
Cameron Duncan (Oak Island Golf)
Tyler Hall (Pine Ridge Golf Club)
Adam Guenther (Elmhurst Golf & Country Club)
Chase Beach-Ducharme (Pine Ridge Golf Club)
Curtis Markusson (St. Charles Country Club)
David White (St. Charles Country Club)
Lyle Mackenzie (Niakwa Country Club)
Michael Coutts (Southwood Golf & Country Club)
Troy Kehler (Elmhurst Golf & Country Club)
Wade Wetelainen (Eagles Landing Golf & Curling Club)

For Monday’s opening round tee times, click here.

For the opening round leaderboard, click here.

The field of 156 amateur golfers will navigate the picturesque seaside course looking to etch their name onto the Presidents Cup. Situated in the charming costal town of St. Andrews, The Algonquin Golf Course is an iconic establishment in New Brunswick and is part of one of Canada’s most enchanting destinations, The Algonquin Resort.

“Golf Canada is excited to welcome this talented group of Mid-amateur players to The Algonquin Golf Course for the 2023 edition of this great championship,” said Golf Canada’s Tournament Director, Sam Meek. “This year’s field consists of numerous past champions, as well as several of the top mid-amateur golfers in Canada and the United States. The town of St. Andrews and golf fans in the region can look forward to a great week of golf.”

Founded in 1894, The Algonquin boasts a rich and captivating history. Renovated during the 1920s by the renowned Donald Ross and more recently under the attention of Rod Whitman, a prominent figure amongst Canada’s esteemed designers. Each of Whitman’s Canadian designs fall in the top 10 in Canada on SCOREGolf’s Biennial course rankings list.

“The Algonquin Golf Course and its members who are the Algonquin Golf Club are excited to welcome competitors to the Canadian Mid-Amateur Championship. This is a terrific opportunity for us to showcase our excellent course which is described locally as the Pebble Beach of the East,” said Andrew Cook, Host Tournament Chair for the event and Past President of Golf Canada and Golf New Brunswick. “We have over 60 volunteers lined up to assist with the operation of the tournament. We think the competitors will find the course challenging but also fun, and even if the golf game is not perfect, the spectacular views of the Bay of Fundy will more than compensate.”

Charles Fitzsimmons of London, Ont., has won the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship in back-to-back years in 2021 and 2022 and placed third at the 2019 championship. He returns this year looking to defend his title in search of a three-peat.

Other notables in the field are Joseph Deraney of Belden, Miss., champion of the 2018 and 2019 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship and Phil Arci of Woodbridge Ont., who finished as the runner-up at the 118th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship that took place at The Pulpit Club last week.

Previous winners of the championship include one of Canada’s top-ranked men’s amateur golfers, Garrett Rank of Elmira, Ont., who won the event three years in a row from 2014-2016; Graham Cooke who won it seven times between 1987 and 2002; and Stu Hamilton who won it on four separate occasions between 1990 and 1994.

In addition to the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur title, the 2023 champion will receive an exemption into the 2023 U.S. Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship and the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.

with files courtesy Golf Canada

Inside Golf Manitoba

New Golf Canada Mobile App Features Help Golfers Stay Connected Off the Course

If you scroll through a golfer’s smartphone, you’ll undoubtedly find a myriad of golf course images and swing videos. Most golfers enjoy capturing their golf experiences with their smartphone and sharing them with their friends via their favourite social networks – and now the Golf Canada Mobile App can be one of them.

The most recent version of Golf Canada’s Mobile App includes several enhancements that help golfers stay connected off the course, including a new friending system. The new version of the mobile app will also enable golfers to post images and videos to document, log and share great moments from their rounds.

Once you become friends with another Golf Canada Mobile App user, you’ll be able to follow their golfing experiences seeing their scores, photos and videos on your new in-app home screen feed. This home screen feed will also feature relevant news and stories from Canadian Golf. You’ll have the ability to like or comment on updates and also have the option to be notified of their updates via email or app push notifications.

“We recognize that many Canadians journeys with the game of golf are inherently social, this exciting update to the Golf Canada Mobile App, will enable golfers across the country to stay connected with their friends in a new and engaging way,” said Golf Canada Chief Marketing Officer Tim McLaughlin. “Whether it’s photos from a bucket-list course, a new career-low score, or telling your friends you’re headed out on a sunny Friday afternoon for a round, those conversations can all happen right within the Golf Canada Mobile App. We aim to create the largest golf centric social network in Canada.”

Golf Canada’s Mobile App is free for everyone, with an enhanced version available for Golf Canada members.

There are plenty of exciting features that already exist in the app. A major redesign and rebuild in 2020 introduced several enhancements including course GPS, enhanced stats tracking, game modes and Apple Watch compatibility. In 2022, live event features were added for patrons attending Golf Canada’s national golf championships – the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open.

Golf Canada also hopes the new features will encourage more Canadians to get outside, play golf and share their experiences. Research recently conducted by Golf Canada shows that while the No. 1 reason Canadians play golf was for physical activity, No. 2 is for socializing.

Golf Canada first launched its mobile app in 2013 as a member-only app that featured handicapping and scoring as its primary function.

The mobile app is a key component of Golf Canada’s digital marketing strategy designed to draw more people to the sport, improve the in-game experience and increase membership. It has also been developed in consultation with the provincial golf associations across Canada to ensure a grassroots connection.

“You are likely already talking with your golf buddies in a group chat, so Golf Canada wanted to help make it so you can add media and post in a place where everyone is alerted,” added McLaughlin. “This new friend functionality will give golfers even more reason to spend time engaging with what is already the #1 golf app in Canada.”

Golf Canada will continue to work on adding even more exciting updates in 2024. For now, the new update will let golfers from coast-to-coast share their photos, updates and start conversations with all those who love golf just as much as they do.  

The Golf Canada Mobile App is available for download for both IOS and Android operating systems from both the App Store and Google Play at no cost.

Learn more about these new enhancements.

Member Club Spotlight

WATCH | Member Club Spotlight on Kildonan Park Golf Course

A look at Kildonan Park Golf Course with City of Winnipeg Golf Operations Coordinator Dave Comaskey.

For more details on Kildonan Park Golf Course, click here.

Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation Canadian Junior Boys Championship Team Manitoba

FINAL RESULTS | Canadian Junior Boys Championship

Alex Zhang shot a final round of 74 to win the 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO at the North Bay Golf and Country Club in North Bay, Ont. on Thursday.

Zhang took a one-shot lead into the final round and that’s how it would end as he becomes the 11th player in tournament history to win both the Silver Cup (Junior Championship) and the Jack Bailey Trophy (Juvenile Championship), and the first player to win both since Christopher Vandette in 2018.

He joins Jim Rutledge, Jeff Makahon, Rob McMillan, Jesse Collinson, Dustin Risdon, Gord Scutt, Rafael Lee, Mitch Sutton, Charles-Éric Bélanger and Vandette as those who have won both championships.

Grady Chuback (Team Manitoba / St. Charles Country Club) shot a one over par 73 to finish tied for 37th on the leaderboard at +12, 300. Chuback’s round featured four birdies – on the first, 10th, 11th and 16th holes.

Ryan Orchard (Carman Golf & Curling Club) carded a final round 80 to end play at +23, 311.

With the victory, Zhang has earned an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.

Zhang will also be awarded a cheque of $1,200. To align with the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, players at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, competed for a purse of $8,000 CAD. Along with Zhang, the top-10 finishers earned prize money.

Jake Houston of Baie-D’Urfe, Que. and James Lee of Whistler, B.C. both finished at 1-under to earn silver medalist honours in the Junior Championship. Lee also earned solo silver medalist honours in the Juvenile Championship and Matthew Javier of North York, Ont. took home bronze medalist honours finishing at even par.

For the final standings of the 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.

  • copy courtesy Golf Canada
Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation Canadian Junior Boys Championship Team Manitoba

RESULTS | Round 3 of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship

Grady Chuback (Team Manitoba / St. Charles Country Club) made two birdies in his opening six holes while carding a six over par 78 during today’s third round of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship in North Bay, Ontario.

Through 54 holes, Chuback is T56 on the leaderboard at +11, 227.

Ryan Orchard (Carman Golf & Curling Club) is four strokes back of Chuback in 70th place at +15, 231 following a seven over par 79 today.

For the third round leaderboard, click here.

For the final round tee times, click here.

Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation Canadian Junior Boys Championship Team Manitoba

RESULTS | Round 2 of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship

Terence Rafferty (Team Manitoba / Southwood Golf & Country Club) had Manitoba’s low round of the day carding a two over par 74 during today’s second round of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship in North Bay, Ontario.

Ryan Orchard (Carman Golf & Curling Club) shot a 77 while both Grady Chuback (Team Manitoba / St. Charles Country Club) and Zostrianos Gross (Shilo Country Club) had an 80.

Chuback (+5, 149) and Orchard (+8, 152) made the cut to play the final two rounds.

Chuback, Orchard and Rafferty represented Manitoba in the 36 hole Inter-Provincial Team Competition and finished fourth overall at seven over par.

For the second round leaderboard, click here.

For the third round tee times, click here.

Inside Golf Manitoba Media Release

Welcome Russell Golf Club

Golf Manitoba, in association with Golf Canada, is pleased to welcome to the Russell Golf Club as our newest member club.

Located east of Russell along Highway #45, this 3,200 yard 9 hole course can be played from various sets of tee boxes with 10 greens available.

“Our course is a very family friendly course” said Executive Board Member Kevin Boucher. “What’s unique about our place is the 8th hole has two greens to shoot at so when you play your second nine holes it gives you a different look.”

The Russell Golf Club also features a driving range, putting green and a full menu in their restaurant.

As an official Golf Manitoba / Canada member club, all rounds played at the Russell Golf Club are acceptable for handicap purposes and may be recorded toward establishing or maintaining an official Golf Canada Handicap Index.

For more information, call the proshop at (204) 773-2969.

Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation Canadian Junior Boys Championship Team Manitoba

RESULTS | Round 1 of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship

Grady Chuback (Team Manitoba / St. Charles Country Club) is Manitoba’s top performer today in the opening round of the 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship.

After bogeying his opening hole, Chuback made four birdies and 13 pars en route to a three under par 69 at The North Bay Golf and Country Club in North Bay, Ontario.

Also representing Manitoba:

Ryan Orchard (Carman Golf & Curling Club) +3, 75
Zostrianos Gross (Shilo Country Club) +7, 79
Terence Rafferty (Team Manitoba / Southwood Golf & Country Club) +13, 85

Chuback, Orchard and Rafferty are representing Manitoba during the 36 hole Inter-Provincial Team Competition. Chuback and Orchard have combined to place our province second on the leaderboard, just one stroke back of first place Ontario.

For the opening round leaderboard, click here.

For the second round tee times, click here.

Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation Canadian Junior Boys Championship Team Manitoba

Team Manitoba tees off at Canadian Junior Boys Championship

156 of Canada’s top junior golfers head to Northern Ontario to compete for the Junior title along with a U16 Juvenile division and an inter-provincial team competition.

The 2023 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO is underway with a field of 156 junior golfers competing over four rounds at The North Bay Golf and Country Club in North Bay, Ont.

Four golfers from Manitoba are taking part including Grady Chuback (Team Manitoba / St. Charles Country Club), Zostrianos Gross (Shilo Country Club), Ryan Orchard (Carman Golf & Curling Club) and Terence Rafferty (Team Manitoba / Southwood Golf & Country Club).

Chuback, Orchard and Rafferty will represent Golf Manitoba during the Inter-Provincial Team Competition.

OPENING ROUND TEE TIMES, click here.

1st ROUND LEADERBOARD, click here.

This year’s field competing for the Canadian Junior Boys Trophy, also known as the Silver Cup, features a talented field of Canadian players, including five 2023 NextGen tournament winners—Dougie Basadur of Fonthill, Ont. (NextGen Atlantic), Isaiah Ibit of Orleans, Ont. (NextGen Ontario), Jerry Li, Vancouver, B.C. (NextGen Pacific), Kye Fisher of Leduc, Alta. (NextGen Prairie) and Henry Dao from Laprairie, Que. (NextGen Quebec).

“North Bay Golf & Country Club is a classic Stanley Thompson design and will provide a tough but fair test for the country’s best junior golfers,” said Golf Canada Tournament Director Daniel Suppa. “The Host Club committee at North Bay and its members are extremely proud to host this prestigious event. In working with the staff at North Bay and their tournament committee, everyone involved is passionate and committed to providing a world-class event for all participants travelling to the tournament.”

Established in 1921, the North Bay Golf and Country Club is a privately owned club with shareholders and governed by an elected Board of Directors. In 1921, a group of golf enthusiasts formed the North Bay Golf and Country Club and engaged Stanley Thompson, the renowned Canadian designer to lay out the new course on what was once farmland originally owned by the Macintosh family.

The original nine holes spanned 2,800 yards and were ready for play in 1923 with the second nine opening in 1966. With seasonal renovations and a strong commitment from members giving of their labour, resources and donations, the course has evolved into one of the finest eighteen-hole challenges in North Ontario.

Established in 1938 with the first championship played at London Hunt and Country Club in London, Ont., the Canadian Junior Boys Championship has given Canadians a glimpse into the future glory that many of its champions have gone on to enjoy. Canadian Golf Hall of Famers Doug Silverberg, George Knudson, Gary Cowan, and Doug Roxburgh have all won the Silver Cup before moving on to amateur and professional careers.

Reigning RBC Canadian Open champion Nick Taylor won the Junior in 2006, the only Canadian male golfer to win the trifecta of national championships comprised of the Canadian Junior Boys, Canadian Men’s Amateur, and Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship (joining Brooke Henderson who is the lone female Canadian golfer to win the Canadian Junior Girls, Canadian Women’s Amateur, and the CPKC Women’s Open).

In addition to the 18-and-under Junior Championship, the 16-and-under Juvenile Championship was added in 1970, with the winner receiving the Jack Bailey Trophy. Since its inception, only ten golfers have won both the Juvenile and Junior titles — Jim Rutledge, Jeff Makahon, Rob McMillan, Jesse Collinson, Dustin Risdon, Gord Scutt, Rafael Lee, Mitch Sutton, Charles-Éric Bélanger and Christopher Vandette.

The Junior and Juvenile championship rounds are played concurrently over four rounds, with the top 70 players plus ties in the Junior division and a minimum of ten players in the Juvenile division advancing to the final 36 holes. The Junior Inter-Provincial Team Championship will be played over the first 36 holes, where teams will compete for the Junior Inter-Provincial Championship Trophy.

The new purse payout that was introduced in 2022 will continue at this year’s championship. To align with the modernized Rules of Amateur Status, players at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship will compete for a purse of $8,000 CAD. Amateur golfers may accept prize money up to a maximum of $1,200 CAD, and payouts will be awarded to the top 10 finishers and ties.

The Junior champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship earns an exemption into the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship as well as the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.

– with files courtesy Golf Canada