November 10, 2021 – Golf Manitoba is pleased to announce the Selection Committee has chosen their finalists for the 2021 Female and Male Amateur Golfer of the Year Award.  This year’s female and male award winners, along with our Volunteer of the Year, will be announced virtually on the official Golf Manitoba website (golfmb.ca) as well as the official Golf Manitoba Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages on Wednesday, November 17 at 3pm CST.

The finalists for the 2021 Female Amateur Golfer of the Year are Hannah Diamond (St. Charles Country Club), Rhonda Orr (Southwood Golf & Country Club) and Bobbi Uhl (Shilo Country Club).

Hannah Diamond started the 2021 competitive season with a third place finish in the Diamond Athletic Women’s Amateur Championship and placed second in the Mid-Amateur flight. Diamond then went on to play in the 2021 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship where she cracked the top 10 with an eighth place finish.  The St. Charles Country Club member finished the competitive season by making it the round of eight in the Manitoba Women’s Match Play Championship.

Rhonda Orr began her season with a second place finish at the Women’s City & District Championship.  She then went on to finish second at the Diamond Athletic Women’s Amateur and won the mid-amateur flight.  Orr capped off her provincial competitive season with a win at the Hodson Financial Women’s Senior Championship, her eighth senior title in nine years.  Orr then added a seventh place finish at Canadian Women’s Senior Championship.

Bobbi Uhl had a flawless 2021 provincial competitive season.  She started with a win at the Women’s City & District Championship, her first ever title in the event.  She carried that momentum going on to capture the Diamond Athletic Women’s Amateur Championship.  It was the first provincial women’s amateur title for Uhl and her second straight tournament victory. With the amateur win, Uhl has now won every single Golf Manitoba major women’s event including the Junior Girls, City & District, Match Play and Amateur championships.

Three golfers received honourable mention for their play in 2021.  They include Addison Kartusch of St. Charles Country Club (eighth in the Women’s Amateur and winner of the Women’s Match Play Championship), Cala Korman, Golf Manitoba Public Player (seventh in the City & District Championship, tied for fourth in the Girls Junior Championship, ninth in the Women’s Amateur, T57 in the Canadian Junior Girls Championship and runner-up in the Match Play Championship), and Clara Peake, Golf Manitoba Public Player (Junior Girls Champion, 10^th in the Women’s Amateur and T68 in the Canadian Junior Girls Championship).

The finalists for the 2021 Male Amateur Golfer of the Year are Todd Fanning  (Niakwa Country Club)  Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club) and Ryan Sholdice (Breezy Bend Country Club).

Todd Fanning took home a pair of wins on his home course, Niakwa Country Club, at the Diamond Athletic Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship.  He took top spot in the overall championship four shots clear of the runner up and top honours in the Mid-Masters division (40 and over age division) eight shots clear of second.  The double win was the second time Fanning took home double gold in the Mid-Amateur Championship dating back to his victories in 2017.

Braxton Kuntz was a perfect 2-0 in provincial competition in 2021. He led wire-to-wire at the Junior Boys Championship shooting a three-day total of 219 and good for a three-shot victory.  He carried the momentum from his first junior boys title into the Nott Autocorp Amateur Championship where he posted an impressive 16-under par total winning his first men’s amateur title.  With the win, Kuntz set a new Men’s Amateur scoring record in relation to par and becomes only the 4^th golfer in Manitoba golf history to win both the junior boys and the men’s amateur championships in the same year joining Todd Fanning, Rob McMillan and Mike Keast, who also accomplished the feat.

Ryan Sholdice was no stranger to leaderboard in 2021.  He began his competitive season with a third-place finish at the Diamond Athletic Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship.  He then bested that in second place at the Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur shooting a four-round total of 15-under par.  The Breezy Bend Country Club member went on to compete at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship and placed T58.

Four golfers received honourable mention for their play in 2021.  They include Ben Bandura of Elmhurst Golf & Country Club (T13 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship and second in Mid-Masters division),  Jay Doyle of Niakwa Country Club (fifth in the Mid-Amateur Championship, 2nd in the Mid-Masters Championship, T17 in the Men’s Amateur, T19 in the Canadian Mid-Amateur and fourth in the Canadian Mid-Masters), Jordy Lutz of Elmhurst Golf & Country Club (second in the Men’s Mid-Amateur, fifth in the Men’s Amateur, T41 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship), and Jack Werhun also of Elmhurst Golf & Country Club  (T7 Men’s Amateur, T18 Men’s Mid-Amateur, 11^th Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship).

About the Golf Manitoba Amateur Golfer of the Year Award – The Manitoba Amateur Golfer of the Year award recognizes outstanding performance by Manitoba golfers in all levels of competition with the first award presented in 1975. In 2015, the award was re-established to include both a female and male category.

About Golf Manitoba – Golf Manitoba is the governing body for golf in the province of Manitoba and North West Ontario. Its mission is to develop, promote, govern and service the sport of golf for the benefit of all participants. 

For more information:

Brian Munz
Director Communications
Golf Manitoba
204-925-5729
brian@golfmb.ca

WINNIPEG, MB – Wayne McWhirter has been elected as President of Golf Manitoba by members at the 19^th Golf Manitoba Annual General Meeting that was held virtually on November 3, 2021.  McWhirter, a member of the Southwood Golf & Country Club, becomes the 11^th president of the association.

Also elected at the meeting were returning Board members Craig Martin (Assiniboine Golf Club), Bob Peters (St. Charles Country Club), and Ken Warwick (Niakwa Country Club). Two new Board members were also elected and include D’Arcy Lachance (Elmhurst Golf & Country Club) and Matt Simmons (Whitewater Golf Course).

Of special note, Ken Warwick (Niakwa Country Club), concluded his two-year term as president and Vince Mariani (Elmhurst Golf & Country Club), Past President of Golf Manitoba, concluded his 10-year term of Board service. Matt Simmons also assumes his seat on the Board representing the PGA of Canada Manitoba Zone.

The Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated volunteers from across the golf community in the Golf Manitoba jurisdiction. The Board’s duties are to direct the business affairs of the association.

In addition to the election, Golf Manitoba also released its 2021 Annual Report, which includes a recap of the past season, as well as the association’s 2020/21 Financial Statements.

The members of the 2021/22 Golf Manitoba Board of Directors are:

Board Executive

• President: Wayne McWhirter, Southwood Golf & Country Club
• President Elect: Sue Wright-Cassan, Emerald Greens Golf Course
• Vice-President: Bob Peters, St. Charles Country Club
• Past-President: Ken Warwick, Niakwa Country Club
• Treasurer: Kathy Turner, Breezy Bend Country Club

Directors

• Michael Berney, Transcona Golf Club
• D’Arcy Lachance, Elmhurst Golf & Country Club
• James (Jim) Gosman, Golf Manitoba Public Player
• Phil Guenther, Steinbach Fly-In Golf Club
• Craig Martin, Assiniboine Golf Club
• Matt Simmons, Whitewater Golf Club
• Fred Smith, Wildewood Golf Club

About Golf Manitoba – Golf Manitoba is the governing body for golf in the province of Manitoba and Northwest Ontario. Its mission is to develop, promote, govern and service the game of golf for the benefit of all participants.

For more information:

Jared Ladobruk
Executive Director
Golf Manitoba
204-925-5729
jared@golfmb.ca

Golf’s new Rules of Amateur Status have been published by The R&A and the USGA ahead of coming into effect on January 1, 2022.

The work was the latest step by the governing bodies to make the Rules easier to understand and apply, and follows the modernization process of the Rules of Golf in 2019. The new Rules were informed by golfer and golf industry feedback as a part of a comprehensive review, to ensure they continue to reflect how the modern game is played by millions of golfers around the world. 

This review, along with the global feedback received when the proposals were publicly shared earlier this year, reaffirmed amateur golf’s important position in the game and the value in maintaining amateur status Rules. 

The result is a set of Rules that removes many of the restrictions that previously applied to amateur golfers, while ensuring that the integrity of the game is protected by limiting the form and value of the prizes an amateur golfer can accept. 

As part of the modernisation effort, the new Rules identify only the following acts that will result in a golfer losing their amateur status:

• Accepting a prize in excess of the prize limit ($1200 CAD) or accepting prize money in a handicap competition.

• Playing as a professional.
• Accepting payment for giving instruction (although all current exceptions still apply, such as coaching at educational institutions and assisting with approved programs).
• Accepting employment as a golf club professional or membership of an association of professional golfers. 

To achieve this simplified approach, the following key changes have been introduced:

• Distinguishing between scratch and handicap competitions in terms of the prizes that may be accepted.
• The prize rule applies only to tee-to-hole competitions played on a golf course or a simulator, but no longer apply to long-drive, putting and skills competitions that are not played as part of a tee-to-hole competition.
• Eliminating all advertising, expense-related and sponsorship restrictions.

The new opportunities provided by lifting sponsorship restrictions and the ability to accept prize money up to the increased limit of $1200 CAD in scratch only competitions will be of significant benefit to elite amateur golfers looking for ways to fund golf-related expenses.

Grant Moir, Director of Rules at The R&A, said, “We are delighted to be rolling out the modernised Rules of Amateur Status today. These Rules play an important role in protecting the integrity of our self-regulating sport but the code must evolve to meet the needs of the modern game. This is particularly important for modern elite amateur golf, where many of the players need financial support to compete and develop to their full potential. The new Rules give them this opportunity and will help to make the game even more inclusive.” 

“Golf is unique in its broad appeal to both recreational and competitive golfers,” said Craig Winter, USGA Senior Director, Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. “This was emphasized in the feedback we received earlier this year and we believe these updates will help simplify these Rules and ensure the long-term health of the amateur game, not only to those who compete at the highest level of amateur golf, but for the millions of golfers at every age and skill level who enjoy competitive events at their home courses.”

“A great amount of work has gone into making the Rules easier to understand and apply for both the recreational and competitive golfer,” said Kevin Blue, Chief Sport Officer of Golf Canada.  

The new Rules are accompanied by guidance notes, an overview document and explanations that detail the rationale for why changes have been made and, in some instances, why they have stayed the same. These materials can be found here.

Manitoba’s Aaron Cockerill fired a final round of 3-over par 75 to finish in an 8-way tie for 26th place at the Mallorca Golf Open. Cockerill, who started the day alone in 10th position, put together a round that included 5 bogeys, 2 birdies and 11 pars. The finish is projected to move Cockerill up one spot to a 153rd place in the European Tour’s Race to Dubai standings.

Denmark’s Jeff Winther took top spot in the event posting a final round of even par 70 good enough for a one stroke victory over Pep Angles of Spain.

Click here for the full leaderboard.

Cockerill’s next event is the Portugal Masters November 4-7, being played at the Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course in Vilamoura, Portugal.

Manitoba’s Aaron Cockerill will start the final round of the European Tour’s Mallorca Golf Open in 10th place after posting a 2-under par round of 68.

Cockerill’s round included four birdies and two bogeys for his second straight 68 of the championship. Cockerill, the only Canadian with full time status on the European Tour, currently sits in 154th position for the Race to Dubai season ending championship. Cockerill’s best finish of the 2021 European Tour season is a T17 at the D + D Real Czech Masters in late August.

Click here for the full leaderboard.

Final round coverage will start at 6am CST and is available on the Golf Channel.

Manitoba’s Aaron Cockerill fired a bogey free round of 2-under par 68 and sits at T6 moving into the weekend of the Mallorca Golf Open, this week’s stop on the European Tour.

Cockerill’s second round included 16 pars and two birdies for a clean card to move him up eight spots on the leaderboard. Cockerill currently sits in 156th place on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai season ending championship.

View leaderboard >>

Live coverage of the third round is available on the Golf Channel.

The Golf Manitoba Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held virtually and by Zoom web/video calling on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 from 5:30 to 6:30pm.

Under Golf Manitoba by-laws, notice of the AGM has been sent to all member clubs and leagues via email and to the attention of the Club President & Member Club Representative. All member clubs are invited to RSVP one voting delegate to attend the meeting and to vote on behalf of the club.

Please note that the annual Golf Manitoba Awards Reception has been cancelled. This year’s recognition and award winners, including the 2021 Manitoba Male and Female Golfers of the Year and our volunteer Distinguished Service Award, will be announced virtually with more details to follow.

For more information about the Golf Manitoba Annual General Meeting, please contact Golf Manitoba Executive Director Jared Ladobruk at jared@golfmb.ca.

As we hope you enjoy some time with friends and family, take a look back at some of our videos from the 2021 Golf Manitoba season.

To watch, click here.

Cameron McIntyre was the top finishing member of the University of Manitoba Bisons mens golf team as 36 holes of competition came to an end tonight at Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club hosted by the University of Calgary.

McIntyre carded a 3 over par 75 in his second round to finish sixth on the leaderboard at 149.

Stefan Lavallee was just one stroke back of McIntrye overall after shooting a 75 as well.

Cole Peters shot a 79 to finish at 152, Connor Stewart 77 – 156 and Anthony Leicht 84 – 164.

Winnipeg’s Jacob Armstrong, who attends the University of Fraser Valley, fired a 79 to finish in 8th place at 151.

In the team event, the Bisons combined score finished third with a 36 hole total 607, 19 strokes back of the University of Fraser Valley.

For the complete leaderboard, click here.

Five members of the University of Manitoba Bisons mens golf team are in Calgary for a two day tournament at Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club hosted by the University of Calgary.

Cole Peters is the low Manitoban, only two strokes off the lead, after carding a one over par 73.

Cameron McIntyre opened with a 74, Stefan Lavallee 75, Connor Stewart 79 and Anthony Leicht an 80.

Winnipeg’s Jacob Armstrong, who attends the University of Fraser Valley, shot even par 72.

In the team event, the Bisons combined score sits a 301, 11 stroke back of the University of Fraser Valley.

The final round tees off Monday morning.