Golf Manitoba is pleased to announce Southside Golf Course as the recipient of the 2026 Impact Award.
New in 2026, the award was created to recognize member facilities that drive innovation, remove barriers to entry, and build welcoming communities across Manitoba and Northwest Ontario. The selection committee evaluated facilities relative to their size and available resources.
Southside Golf Course will also receive a $2,000 Grow-the-Game Legacy Grant that will be presented to Director of Golf Operations Garret Dykun at the Golf Manitoba Awards presented by AVID GOLF on Monday, November 2nd at Elmhurst Golf & Country Club.
To purchase tickets for the Golf Manitoba Awards presented by AVID GOLF, click here.
Dykun’s response on Southside Golf Course and the 2026 Impact Award:
“Winning Golf Manitoba’s inaugural Impact Award for having the most impact on the sport means a great deal to me. This course has become so much more than a business to me; it’s something I’ve poured my heart into, almost like my first baby. Now that I’ve recently welcomed my own baby, Joseph, the award feels even more special. In many ways, it represents the values I hope to teach him: that hard work, dedication, and believing in a vision can pay off.
Since opening, I’ve put in 16-hour days, seven days a week, working to bring the vision of night golf to life. I never set out to win an award, but it’s incredibly rewarding to have that passion and dedication recognized.
Just as importantly, the success of this business and the support of every single patron allow me to keep moving forward with charitable endeavors. The ability to give back financially is not something I could do without the people who choose to support us, and I’m incredibly grateful to have them behind me. Inclusivity is at the heart of what I want this course to represent.
“The ability to give back financially is not something I could do without the people who choose to support us, and I’m incredibly grateful to have them behind me. Inclusivity is at the heart of what I want this course to represent”
Garret Dykun
I love golf, and I believe that anyone with an interest in the game should have the opportunity to experience it. Affordability is a big part of that, especially knowing how challenging times can be for so many people. I try to offer as many breaks as possible while still being responsible and sustainable as a business, whether that’s through things like the $5 menu at the Grub Truck or creating a more accessible overall experience.
I also want to bring a fresh, more casual and relaxed energy to the sport, and night golf is a great way to do that. It opens up more opportunities for people juggling the hustle and bustle of everyday life, while hopefully creating an atmosphere where beginners and families feel comfortable giving golf a try.
At the end of the day, I believe sport should be for anyone and everyone who wants to participate. You shouldn’t have to fit a certain mold, have a certain background, or feel intimidated to enjoy the game. If I can help make golf more welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable for even a few more people, then I feel like I’m doing something worthwhile.”
Earlier this week Golf Manitoba announced the three Impact Award finalists (EVO Golf, Shooters Family Golf Centre & Restaurant and Southside Golf Course) along with the 2026 Community Honour Roll (Glendale Golf & Country Club, Lorette Golf Course, Neepawa Golf & Country Club and Winnipeg Fore the Fun of Golf).
About the Golf Manitoba Impact Award
The Golf Manitoba Impact Award celebrates member facilities across the region for their outstanding contributions to advancing the game. Open to all member clubs regardless of size or budget, the award measures facility impact across four key pillars: Junior & Grassroots Growth, Competitive Culture, Community Connection, and Event Excellence. The annual winner receives top honors at the Golf Manitoba Awards banquet along with a grant to reinvest into grassroots golf initiatives.
About Golf Manitoba Awards
The annual event recognizes and celebrates all that’s great about the sport of golf in Manitoba and Northwest Ontario – from volunteers to elite performers, teams and milestone achievements including the annual volunteer Distinguished Service Award and the Female and Male Amateur Golfer of the Year awards.
