Golf Manitoba is proud to announce that Donald (Don) Cook has been selected as 2026 Distinguished Service Award recipient.
Cook’s contributions will be celebrated at the 2026 Golf Manitoba Awards presented by AVID GOLF on November 2nd at Elmhurst Golf & Country Club.
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Cook has dedicated more than 30 years to volunteer service, including leadership roles with both the Manitoba Golf Association (MGA) and Golf Manitoba. He served a full term on the MGA Board of Directors as Vice President and continued in that role during the organization’s transition to Golf Manitoba. He subsequently served a full 10-year term on the Golf Manitoba Board of Directors.
His commitment to the sport has also been deeply rooted at the club level. A former Club President and lifetime member of Niakwa Country Club, Cook spent 26 years contributing to the club through board and committee work. His volunteer service has also included serving as a non-playing captain for the Manitoba-Minnesota matches and as a tournament official.
“His past co-volunteers easily reflect on his eager and pleasant demeanor – consistently demonstrating true interest in all players of all levels, being part of a volunteer family which resulted in life long friendships, and a desire to give back to the sport that he so enjoyed” said Distinguished Service Award committee member Michelle Lee. “He has supported many players from their junior years and well into their amateur accomplishments. To this day, he remains both interested and aware of the players from his volunteer days and the young upcoming players.”
Cook, who has eight Holes-In-One to his credit, also excelled away from the golf course as member of the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He has brought a lifelong commitment to player development, mentorship, and growing both on and off the playing field. He has mentored countless volunteers and tournament officials, consistently bringing professionalism, warmth, encouragement, and a high standard of service to every event — including his familiar role at the scoring table.
From his early days as a caddie to remaining an active golfer and advocate for the sport into his 90s, Cook exemplifies the belief that golf is a sport for life.
Also recognized this year will be 12 individuals who reached milestone volunteer anniversaries with Golf Manitoba. The Golf Manitoba Volunteer Recognition Program acknowledges those volunteers for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25+ years of service.
5 years:
John Fox, Darcy Lachance, Brenda Mehmel, Sandra Shibata, Matt Simmons, Janice Rees
10 years:
Mike Berney, Bob Peters, Craig Martin
15 years:
Bill Friesen
20 years:
Carol Martel
25+ years:
Stirling Walkes Sr.
