Golf Manitoba Director of Competitions & Rules Sam Beavis-Hickey is pleased to announce the addition of two new divisions to the 2026 Golf Manitoba Match Play Championship Championship presented by St. Vital Dental Centre.

Competitors will now have the opportunity to participate in the Men’s Super Senior (65+) and Women’s Senior (50+) divisions, expanding the total to five brackets for Match Play competition.

The Match Play Qualifier is scheduled for Saturday, May 23rd at Scotswood Links with the Match Play Championship to follow Thursday, May 28th to Sunday, May 31st at Whispering Winds of Warren Golf & Country Club.

Registration for the qualifier is open and closes on May 2nd at 11:59 PM.

To be eligible:

– Super Senior Men must be aged 65 or older with a Handicap Index of 20.0 or less.
– Senior Women’s division is open to players aged 50 and over with a Handicap Index of 25.0 or less.

All age categories are calculated as of May 23, the day of the qualifier.

“These new divisions reflect Golf Manitoba’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and competitive opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels” said Beavis-Hickey. “The introduction of these two new divisions are expected to enhance the championship experience and continue the growth of amateur golf across the region.”

The qualifier will consist of an 18-hole stroke play competition, with formats tailored to each division. The Super Senior Men will compete using GROSS scores, with the low 16 players advancing to the match play championship. Should the field include 15 players or fewer, top seeds will receive a bye into the quarterfinal round.

The Senior Women’s division will compete using NET scores. The low 8 players will advance to match play, with byes to the semifinals awarded if the field includes 8 players or fewer.

The championship stage will feature single-elimination match play brackets. The Super Senior Men’s division will include a 16-player bracket requiring four match wins to claim the title. The Senior Women’s division will consist of an 8-player bracket, with three match wins needed to become champion.

Players interested in competing are encouraged to register early, as fields are limited to 20 players for Super Senior Men and 12 players for Senior Women.

For more information and to register, click here.

An Active Season is the period of time when acceptable scores from Golf Manitoba / Canada member courses should be submitted for handicap purposes.

To view a directory of Golf Manitoba / Canada member courses, click here.

To join the Golf Manitoba / Canada membership, click here.

The Rules of Handicapping stipulates that every player is responsible for submitting all acceptable scores into one’s scoring record for rounds played on courses during the active season.

It is the responsibility of authorized provincial golf association to declare active and inactive seasons, with area clubs and players required to observe these dates for score posting purposes. To make this process easier, the Golf Canada Score Centre automatically considers the active season of the course being played when a score is posted and whether it should be included in calculating a player’s Handicap Index.

In Canada, the active season in each province is as follows:

BC =     Mar.1 – Nov.15
AB =     Mar.1 – Oct.31
SK =     Apr.15 – Oct.31
MB =    Apr.15 – Oct.31
ON =    Apr.15 – Oct.31
QC =    Apr.15 – Oct.31
NS =     Apr.15 – Oct.31
NB =     May.1 – Oct.31
PE =     Apr.16 – Nov.14
NL =     Apr.1 – Nov. 30

Scores made at a golf course in an area observing an active season must be posted for handicap purposes, even if the golf club where the player is a member is observing an inactive season. The club’s Handicap Committee must make it possible for a player to post these away scores at the beginning of the active season.

It’s important to note that if you are travelling to other countries or regions, you should confirm their active seasons to ensure all acceptable scores are posted. Your home club needs all acceptable scores (even if played during a Canadian “off-season”) to ensure that your Handicap Index is accurate and reflects your demonstrated ability.

For example, if a player belonging to a golf club in Manitoba plays golf in Florida (which observes a year-round active season) during January, any score(s) made in Florida are acceptable and must be submitted to the player’s scoring record. If the player is also a member of a golf club in Florida and Manitoba, it is important to remember that all acceptable scores must be posted to each scoring record. 

The Golf Canada Score Centre has tools available to link Canadian and USGA accounts, so that a score posted to one account is automatically transferred to the other.  For more information, or to set up this link, please contact members@golfcanada.ca or phone 1-800-263-0009, extension 399.

For a detailed list of active and inactive schedule in the United States, click here.

For more information on handicapping, click here.

Golf Manitoba, in association with Golf Canada, is pleased to welcome Valleyview Golf Club – Rapid City as our newest member club.

Located along Highway #24, 30 minutes north of Brandon and 20 minutes southwest of Minnedosa, this 9 hole, par 34 course can be played from two sets of tee boxes ranging from 2,454 to 2,761 yards.

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

To reserve a tee time or for more information, call Dean at (204) 447-7266 or go on the Valleyview Golf Club – Rapid City Facebook page.

(Courtesy: Michele Dion / Golf Canada)

Every foursome has its own chemistry: an unpredictable blend of personalities, rituals, quirks, and conversations that somehow always gels into something meaningful. While golf is often seen as a game of quiet focus and individual performance, the real health benefits occur between shots, between laughs, and between the people who make up the group.

Let’s meet said group.

The Analyst – The data-driven dynamo

For the Analyst, golf is equal parts sport and science experiment. Their pre-round routine involves checking three weather apps, calibrating their swing sensor, and stretching with the focus of someone training for the long-drive world championships. At the first tee, they announce the group’s collective step goal for the day. Nobody asked, but everyone nods in agreement anyway.

What they teach us about health:

• Physical: The Analyst embodies consistency—regular movement, measurable progress, and structured warm-ups.
• Mental: Tracking data provides them with a sense of control and motivation, turning golf into a grounding routine.
• Social: They share tips generously… sometimes too generously, but always with good intentions.

The Analyst approaches golf like a beautifully structured experiment. Sometimes the experiment succeeds. Sometimes it ends with them whispering encouragement to their 7‑iron.

The Therapist – The heart of the group

The Therapist shows up carrying two coffees and a calm presence that instantly slows the morning down. By the third hole—or third simulator bay—they’ve checked in on everyone’s week, listened to two minor crises, and somehow convinced the Athlete that perfection isn’t the point.

What they teach us about health:

• Physical: Their relaxed approach helps the group settle into a comfortable, steady pace.
• Mental: They turn each round into a walking (or riding) reset with space to breathe, talk, release.
• Social: They build trust without trying. People open up around them the way bunkers open up around golf balls.

The Therapist is the one who reminds the foursome that golf is less about the score and more about the stories that unfold between shots.

The Athlete – The engine of enthusiasm

The Athlete arrives already warmed up… sometimes alarmingly so. They stride from the parking lot to the tee with the energy of someone who considers 18 holes “light cardio.” Their golf bag contains speed sticks, snacks, and a foam roller that’s seen more greenside use than their wedge.

What they teach us about health:

• Physical: They lead by example: walk more, move more, swing with intention.
• Mental: Their determination rubs off on the group, even when the motivation is simply to keep up.
• Social: They celebrate everyone’s good shots like they’re highlight‑reel moments.

The Athlete doesn’t just play golf; they power the day. And when they suggest doing “extra reps” on the range afterward, the Analyst is the only one who says yes.

The Fourth – The wildcard

The fourth spot changes weekly, making them the most unpredictable and beloved part of the group. The rotation keeps everything fresh, like the final ingredient in a recipe that never tastes quite the same twice.

Sometimes it’s the Social Butterfly – The connector

They show up with a portable speaker, a list of post‑round brunch spots, and three new stories before the first tee shot. The health benefits they bring include laughter, a sense of belonging, and a comforting reminder that movement feels easier when you’re having fun.

Sometimes it’s the Zen Seeker – The calm in the crosswinds

Their backswing is slow, their breathing even slower. They find beauty in bad bounces and wisdom in water hazards. They bring a sense of health through mindfulness, being present, and embracing the gentle art of not taking golf—or anything—too seriously.

Depending on the week, the fourth brings the spark, the serenity, or the soundtrack.

As the foursome moves through their round—whether it’s along sunlit fairways, across a buzzing range, or inside the glow of a simulator—they settle into their familiar rhythm. The Analyst strategizes, the Therapist listens, the Athlete powers ahead, and the ever‑changing Fourth adds their own texture to the day. Pep talks, shared glances, a few overly enthusiastic fist bumps, and at least one debate about whether a mulligan “counts if nobody saw it” weave themselves naturally into the experience. They walk, they swing, they breathe, they banter… and somewhere inside that easy pattern, they carve out a quiet kind of well‑being that stays with them long after the last putt drops.

And when next week rolls around, the ritual begins again. The Analyst will already be studying the forecast, the Athlete will be plotting a dynamic warm‑up, and the Therapist will arrive with coffees in hand. The Fourth will be whoever shows up; and whoever they are, they’ll fit right in.

Because for the foursome, it’s never just a round of golf. It’s a ritual, a rhythm, a story they keep writing together. One shot and one round at a time, proving in their own way that golf really is good for you.

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

Located in Lee River, just 15 minutes east of Lac du Bonnet and 15 minutes south of Granite Hills Golf Club along Highway #433, this 9 hole, par 34 course can be played from two sets of tee boxes ranging from 4,400 to 5,324 yards.

Black Bear Golf Club, under new ownership of the Angers Family, features a fully licensed clubhouse and restaurant available to host fundraisers, weddings and corporate gatherings. Golf club rentals are available in the proshop along with the availability to purchase balls, clothing and all of your golfing needs.

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

To reserve a tee time or for more information, call the proshop at (204) 345-9977 or click here to book online.

You can also follow Black Bear Golf Club on Facebook and Instagram.

Canada will be represented by three players at the Masters this week, with Corey Conners, Nick Taylor and former champion Mike Weir all set to tee it up at Augusta National.

Conners, from Listowel, Ont., is grouped with England’s Harry Hall and American Michael Brennan. They are set to begin play at 11:44 am CST on Thursday and 8:19 am on Friday. Conners has twice finished tied for sixth at Augusta National (2020, 2022), the best result among the Canadians in the field.

Taylor, of Abbotsford, B.C., will play alongside Americans Keegan Bradley and Ryan Gerard in the opening two rounds. Their group is scheduled to tee off at 8:31 am on Thursday and 11:44 am on Friday. Taylor’s best result at the Masters is a tie for 29th, recorded in 2020.

Weir, the 2003 Masters champion from Brights Grove, Ont., will play with American Wyndham Clark and Argentina’s amateur Mateo Pulcini. Their tee times are 10:27 am on Thursday and 7:02 am on Friday. Weir’s victory in 2003 remains the best result by a Canadian at the Masters.

Golf Canada is pleased to appoint Rob MacDonald and Michel St-Laurent as Honorary Life Governors for the outstanding contributions to the organization as long-time volunteers.

“On behalf of the Honorary Life Governors Selection Committee, we are proud to welcome two individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact on both the game of golf and on Golf Canada,” said Roland Deveau, Chair, Honorary Life Governors Selection Panel. “Rob and Michel are truly deserving of this prestigious honour, and we thank them for their long-time commitment to the game and to Golf Canada.”

The appointment of an individual as an Honorary Life Governor is the highest honour which can be bestowed upon Golf Canada volunteers. All Past Presidents of Golf Canada including the former Canadian Ladies Golf Association are Honorary Life Governors.

In 2020, a change to Golf Canada’s by-laws permitted individuals who are not past presidents to be named as Honorary Life Governors. Since then, Golf Canada has welcomed Barb Allen and Jim Clark (2022), Mike Richards and Pat Thompson (2023), Doug Roxburgh (2024), and Diane Barabé, Robert Laing and Teri Yamada (2025) as Honorary Life Governors.

Honorary Life Governors have an individual vote at Golf Canada’s Annual and Special General Meetings. The selection panel will consider the overall service record of those nominated including local, regional, national, and international service with prime consideration for service to Golf Canada. In addition, length and level of service are also taken into consideration.

Rob MacDonald – Winnipeg, Man.

Rob MacDonald has been an active volunteer with Golf Canada since 2011 but his service to the game in Canada spans more than three decades at the club, provincial and national levels.

Following his appointment to the Governors’ Council in 2011, MacDonald joined Golf Canada and served on the Council until 2013, including Provincial Council which he Chaired in 2014 and 2015. MacDonald served on Golf Canada’s Board of Directors from 2014 to 2020 and played a key role in strengthening Golf Canada’s governance and financial oversight during his tenure. In addition, he served on the Audit & Risk Committee from 2013 to 2020 which included Chairing the Committee for five consecutive years (2016-2020). MacDonald also functioned as Chair of the Investment Committee in 2014 and 2015 and currently serves on the Nominating Committee, since 2023. His leadership has contributed to the long-term stewardship of Golf Canada’s financial assets.

MacDonald has been an active volunteer with Golf Manitoba since 1992. At the provincial level, he has served as President of the Manitoba Golf Association (2000-2001) and as President of Golf Manitoba (2011-2013). MacDonald is a long-time member of Elmhurst Golf & Country Club where he has served as Club President, member of the Board of Directors as well as various committees with the Club.

Michel St-Laurent – Longueuil, Que.

For over 20 years, Michel St-Laurent held important governance roles for the former Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) on its Board of Governors and Executive Committee along with Golf Canada’s Governors Council and Board of Directors.

St-Laurent has also functioned as Chair of the Amateur Status Committee (2006-2009), Treasurer (2008), and represented Canada on The R&A’s Amateur Status Committee (2008-2009), a committee which governs and sets the Rules of Amateur Status for the golf world. In addition to his extensive executive work, St-Laurent holds Canada’s highest referee certification and has officiated tournaments across provincial, national, and international levels for 35 years.

He has served as a volunteer at all levels of tournaments and as Chair of both national and international championships. He was Chair of both the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships when they celebrated their respective 100^th anniversary, both won by 15-year-olds – the 2004 Men’s Amateur at Beaconsfield Golf Club won by Darren Wallace and the 2013 Women’s Amateur at Club de golf Beloeil won by Brooke Henderson. St-Laurent also served as a Tournament Chair for both the 2011 CPKC Women’s Open at Hillsdale Golf Club and the 2014 RBC Canadian Open at Royal Montreal Golf Club.

St-Laurent has also served on Golf Quebec’s Board of Directors, including a term as President in 2001 and currently serves on the Selection Committee for the Quebec Golf Hall of Fame. St-Laurent served two terms as President at Beloeil Golf Club in Beloeil, Que. (1985-86 and 2004-05) and as Club Captain (2013-14). He currently volunteers at Club de Golf La Vallée du Richelieu in Sainte-Julie, Que. as men’s captain and continues to serve on the tournament duty roster for Golf Canada competitions.

Sudarshan Yellamaraju’s unconventional journey to the PGA Tour reached another milestone Sunday as the Canadian rookie delivered a breakthrough performance at THE PLAYERS Championship.

Yellamaraju carded a final-round 4-under 68 at TPC Sawgrass to finish tied for fifth at 9 under par, four shots behind winner Cam Young.

The 24-year-old’s finish marked his first career top-10 result on the PGA Tour and the best showing by a rookie at the tournament in more than a decade. It was also the strongest result by a Canadian at The Players since Stephen Ames won the event in 2006.

Yellamaraju said the result reinforced his belief that he can compete at the highest level.

“I know I can compete and contend, and I have a lot of belief in myself, but that results-based confidence is something you can’t match,” he said. “Once you do something, you know you can do that or better.”

Making his tournament debut, Yellamaraju approached the week with modest expectations while still aiming to contend.

“As a rookie you just go out and see what you can do,” he said. “I always want to win every tournament, but that’s not realistically possible.”

Yellamaraju’s final round started quickly. The Canadian made three birdies in his opening four holes and added another at the par-5 ninth to reach the turn in 4-under 32.

A bogey on the short par-4 12th slowed his momentum, but he rebounded with birdies at Nos. 15 and 16 before finishing with a bogey at the difficult closing hole.

Playing in front of the large Sunday crowds at TPC Sawgrass was another new experience for the rookie.

“It was awesome,” Yellamaraju said of the fan support. “Yesterday when I had that run of birdies the crowd started cheering me on and it kept me motivated even when I was getting a little tired.”

The strong finish also reflected a mindset that has helped define his rise through the professional ranks.

“I’m not someone who packs it in,” he said. “I never give up. I’m very resilient.”

Yellamaraju credited that approach for helping him handle the challenge of one of the PGA Tour’s most demanding courses.

“Everything has to be really good on this course,” he said. “You’ve got to drive it well, hit good approach shots, chip it well and putt it well.”

The Canadian earned US$925,000 for the result, the largest payday of his young PGA Tour career.

Corey Conners was the next-best Canadian in the field, finishing tied for 13th after a final-round 74, his third straight top-15 result at The Players Championship.

Nick Taylor shot a 1-over 73 on Sunday to finish tied for 42nd, while Taylor Pendrith also closed with a 73 to tie for 46th.

Registration is now open for 2026 Golf Canada National Championships.

A reminder, two national championships will be hosted in Manitoba this summer.

Neepawa Golf & Country Club welcomes the NextGen Prairie Championship June 19th to 21st followed by the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship presented by BDO September 8th to 11th at Niakwa Country Club.

For the 2026 Golf Canada Calendar, click here.

The Golf Canada Foundation and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame are proud to announce the creation of the Golf Canada Foundation Heritage Grant Program.

The newly established Heritage Project Grant will provide financial assistance of up to $2,000 to support community heritage projects related to the game of golf in Canada.

The Heritage Project Grant is open for applications to all Golf Canada members (golf course, facilities and individual members). The deadline for applications is Friday, March 27, 2026. To apply for the grant and review specific evaluation criteria, please click here.

“We are excited to announce the launch of the Heritage Project Grant and appreciate the generous support from our donors and partners with the Golf Canada Foundation for making this possible,” said Meggan Gardner, Director, Heritage Services, Golf Canada. “Bringing to life the history of various golf events and competitions, its champions, and most importantly, the community that golf creates, is what this grant will support.”

Heritage Projects that would qualify for the Heritage Project Grant can include, but are not limited to:

• Collection and digitization of historical documents, photographs and artifacts related to golf in Canada.
• Conducting oral history interviews with golfers, historians and members of the golf community.
• Dissemination of findings through a dedicated website, community events and social media channels to engage the public.
• Supporting the publishing of printed or electronic history books and websites.

For more information on the Heritage Project Grant, please contact Meggan at mgardner@golfcanada.ca.