Manitoba will be well represented this week in Ponoka, Alberta at the NextGen Western Championship Thursday through Saturday at Wolf Creek Golf Resort.

It’s a 54-hole stroke play competition where following 36 holes, the field will be cut to the top 52 Junior Boys and top 18 Junior Girls, including ties, for Saturday’s final round.

Representing our province are:

Adam Blair (Team Manitoba / Elmhurst Golf & Country Club)
Ty Brewster (Team Manitoba / Quarry Oaks Golf Course)
Tanner Grose (Team Manitoba / Golf Manitoba Public Players Club)
Hudson Hunnie (Team Manitoba / Rossmere Country Club)
Hunter Oakden (Team Manitoba / Wheat City Golf Course)
Ryder St. Laurent (Team Manitoba / Niakwa Country Club)

For tee times, click here.

For the live leaderboard, click here.

The top eight players in the Junior Boys division will earn exemptions into the 2026 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, August 10-14, at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Saskatchewan. 

The top eight players (including ties) in the Junior Girls division will earn exemptions into the 2026 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, August 10-14, at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (Heathlands Course) in Caledon, Ontario.

The top three players (including ties) per division will earn exemptions into the 2026 Canadian U15 Championship, August 24-27, at Loyalist Country Club in Bath, Ontario, if age eligible.

“Wolf Creek Golf Resort opened in 1984, this original par-70 Rod Whitman design spans 6,624 yards from the back tees. The layout features deep pot bunkers, undulating greens, and native grasses, including several links-style holes,” said Jim Boomer, CPGA Head Professional and General Manager. “It frequently hosts the Alberta Open Championship along with various other provincial championships. The Old Course challenges golfers with tight tee shots and often plays longer than its scorecard indicates.”

“We are excited to host the NextGen Western Championship. The course will challenge everyone mentally and physically throughout the week, and smart club selection will be key for players to achieve their best scores,” added Boomer. “The Course is in excellent spring conditions, and we wish everyone the best of luck.”

The National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA) were in Ottawa today, to coincide with National Golf Day. NAGA delegates met with Members of Parliament and Senators to highlight the Canadian golf industry’s unprecedented economic and social momentum.

As a coalition of Canada’s five major golf associations – Golf Canada; National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) Canada; the Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC); Professional Golfers Association of Canada (PGA of Canada); and the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) – NAGA advocates for the sector with a single, unified voice.

Golf serves as a key pillar of the Canadian economy, generating more than $23 billion in total economic impact and $4.7 billion in tax revenues. The industry supports 239,000 jobs, including employment for 45,000 students annually, and helps to raise over $382 million for charitable causes.

“The sector has undergone a historic transformation since 2020. Today, golf is much more than a seasonal pastime; it has evolved into a year-round cultural force, an economic engine, and an accessible, mainstream platform for community connection enjoyed by over 6 million players,” said Kathryn Wood, Chair of NAGA. “Alongside these economic and social benefits, the industry is deeply committed to protecting and enhancing our role as stewards for the environment.”

Through sustainable turf management practices across 2,100 golf courses in Canada—90% of which are publicly accessible—the industry acts as stewards for almost 250,000 acres of greenspace, playing a leading role in wildlife conservation and carbon sequestration.

“As an accessible, outdoor activity for Canadians of all ages and abilities, golf serves as a primary vehicle for preventative health and social connection, particularly within rural and remote communities where local courses often act as the primary hubs for social infrastructure,” said Wood.

NAGA welcomes the opportunity to work with parliamentarians, senators and the public service to capitalize on the sport’s momentum by expanding accessibility for all Canadians, fostering industry-wide innovation, and bolstering the sector’s contribution to healthy communities, responsible resource management, and environmental stewards from the grassroots to the international stage.

Courtesy: Robert Wolanski (Golf Canada)

The first tee of a new season is more than just a fresh scorecard — it’s a reset. A chance to build better habits, sharpen your edge, and make sure your golf handicap index actually reflects the player you are.

The good news? You don’t need a swing overhaul to see results. A few simple, consistent habits can quietly lower your scores, improve accuracy, and make every game more competitive.

Start here: five easy ways to take control of your scoring and set the tone for your 2026 season.

1. Post Scores Hole-by-Hole

HBH score posting gives you deeper insights into your game and a more accurate handicap index.

It takes approximately 30 seconds.

2. Post Same Day You Play

Waiting to post can impact your handicap accuracy for your next round.

3. Double-Check Before You Post

Confirm the course, tees and score before submitting.

This will help avoid fixes later.

4. Post Every Round

Whether you’re playing during inactive season or abroad, every round matters and adds valuable data to your game.

5. Try New Game Formats

Whether it’s match play, stroke play or skins game, handicapping works for any format. It allows for friendly competition and makes scorekeeping seamless.

All of these features and more are available through the free Golf Canada mobile app.

Calling all local golfers!

The BDO National Golf League (NGL), Golf Canada’s nation-wide league, in partnership with Golf Manitoba, has officially arrived to add a whole lot more awesome to your game. If you’re a recreational player in Manitoba or Northwestern Ontario – league regular or weekend warrior – the BDO NGL is a chance to join the fun, no matter your skill level!

The BDO NGL regular season is a net Stableford points competition that’s built seamlessly into the recreational golfers’ experience.

To participate, simply be a Golf Manitoba/Golf Canada member (easy to join if not already a member!) and pay a $20 entry fee for the season. Golfers will continue to play normal rounds at any Golf Manitoba/Canada member club.  One round can be posted during the each of the following time periods:

• June 1-15, June 16-31

• July 1-15, July 16-31

• August 1-15, Aug. 16-31

You can play up to six rounds of 9 holes of which your best four scores will count. This is your pathway to the Provincial Championship which will be held on Sunday, September 20^th at Falcon Lake Golf Course.

The ultimate prize? Successful teams from the 2026 provincial qualifier will earn exclusive merchandise and an all-expenses-paid trip to the BDO National Golf League Championship. Played at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) the host site of 2027 RBC Canadian Open and just days before the event, fifty-two two-player teams will go head-to-head over 18 holes in a best ball net Stableford format. This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience as participants will play the course like the pros, with ropes and structures in place, walking the same fairways as some of the world’s top PGA TOUR players.

Register now for the NGL

In addition to enhancing your recreational golfing experience, participation in the BDO National Golf League supports First Tee – Prairies, a youth development program striving to bring accessible and inclusive pathways to golf participation at schools, community centres, and golf courses across the country.

The mission of the First Tee – Prairies, is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, promote life-enhancing values and healthy choices through the game of golf. In collaboration with the PGA of Canada, First Tee – Prairies instills character development as a fundamental element of Golf Canada’s junior golf program. Learn more about the First Tee at firstteeprairies.ca.

For more information about the BDO National Golf League in Manitoba and Northwest Ontario, please visit golfmb.ca or by email at info@golfmb.ca.

Golf Canada is proud to announce the first nationally sanctioned pathway connecting simulator golf to an on-course national competition.

Off-Course Member Facilities of Golf Canada now have the opportunity to host and participate in the inaugural BDO National League indoor qualifier. Players who compete in facility-run simulator leagues will have the opportunity to advance to outdoor Provincial Finals as part of the BDO National Golf League.

“We are excited to offer this new pathway for players that compete in off-course leagues,” said Tim McLaughlin, Chief Marketing Officer. “This new pathway brings great value to off-course member facilities and offers their customers a competitive pathway tied to a national championship. This opportunity also creates greater connectivity between off-course and on-course facilities.”

Off-Course Member Facilities must host a simulator league that concludes by August 31 to be eligible. Competition is facility-defined while being supported by the standardized league guidelines provided by Golf Canada. Following the season of simulator league play, the top player at each participating facility will be eligible to advance to an outdoor Regional Final in their home province.

Top Regional Final teams advance to the National Championship, held the Saturday prior at the host venue of the RBC Canadian Open.

Golf Canada Off-Course Membership connects facilities to Golf Canada’s national off-course strategy, giving access to recognized leagues, marketing exposure, and programs that promote participation, engagement and the growth of off course golf.

To become an Off-Course Member Facility, click here. For more information on facility membership and the new player pathway please contact offcoursegolf@golfcanada.ca.

(Courtesy: Mike Masaro / Golf Canada)

Golf Manitoba, in association with Golf Canada, is pleased to welcome Anderson’s Homestead Golf Course as our newest member club.

Located along Johnston Road on the northwest corner of Dryden, Ontario, this 9 hole, par 35 course can be played from two sets of tee boxes ranging from 2,765 to 3,080 yards.

Anderson’s Homestead Golf Course features a fully licensed clubhouse and restaurant available to host corporate gatherings, fundraisers and weddings. Stay and Play packages are available with an RV park located on site. There is also a driving range and putting green.

As an official Golf Manitoba / Canada member club, all rounds played at Anderson’s Homestead Golf Course 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 (807) 223-4653.

You can also follow Anderson’s Homestead Golf Course on Facebook and Instagram.

The National Facility Awards for Junior Golf were established in 2022 to shine a light on the Golf Clubs and facilities across Canada going above and beyond to develop young Canadian golfers. These awards focus on facilities that provide exceptional experiences for their juniors by way of access, programming, development, and competition.

“The National Facility Awards for Junior Golf continue to be an incredible showcase of the country’s top clubs supporting junior golf in Canada,” said Ryan Logan, Director of External Relations, Golf Canada. “This year’s awards program was highlighted by outstanding achievements from coast to coast to coast, further elevating the quality of programming, expanding access, and deepening community partnerships that foster welcoming, accessible, and safe environments for young Canadians. We are honoured to celebrate these 2025 award winners and to shine a spotlight on the remarkable work being done to support junior golf nationwide. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners!”

The 2025 winners and finalists are as follows:

Junior Golf Opportunity Award

Awarded to a facility that provides exceptional access and membership opportunities for junior golfers. Special consideration is given to facilities with strong non-family sponsored junior programs and facilities with fundraising programs to help athletes compete at provincial, national, and international competitions.

WINNER: Glendale Golf & Country Club (Winnipeg, Man.)

With programming available for children as young as three, Glendale Golf & Country Club offers a stellar, well-rounded junior golf experience. From first swings and introductory clinics to summer camps and family events for recreational players, season-long challenges and competitive opportunities, Glendale supports juniors at every stage of their development. The club’s commitment to access and growth ensures young golfers not only build golf skills but develop a lasting love for the game.

Finalist: Club de golf Lotbinière (Saint-Gilles, Que.)
Finalist: The Marshes Golf Club (Ottawa, Ont.)

Youth on Course Program Location of the Year

Awarded to a facility that demonstrates exceptional commitment to youth golf development by providing extensive course access through Youth on Course, leading to more juniors playing at a subsidized rate throughout the calendar year.

WINNER: South Ajax Golf Club (Ajax, Ont.)

With 494 unique participants, South Ajax Golf Club had another outstanding Youth on Course season, with juniors playing a total of 2,712 rounds during the 2025 golf season, up from 1,433 rounds the previous season. Youth on Course is integrated alongside the club’s existing junior programs, ensuring it complements the offerings already in place. By allowing participants to play at any time and actively tracking rounds through the Youth on Course portal, South Ajax Golf Club maintains strong operational standards. The club’s ongoing engagement with juniors highlights its commitment to supporting Youth on Course and fostering a thriving junior golf environment.

Finalist: The Nest at Cabot Cape Breton (Inverness, N.S.)
Finalist: Meridian Hills Golf Club (Surrey, B.C.)

Tournament Host of the Year
Awarded to a facility that gives back to junior golf by embracing the opportunity to host junior competitions. The facility creates an excellent tournament experience for players and involves the local community through volunteers and fundraising support.
 
WINNER: Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club (Bathurst, N.B.)

Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club was the host of the 2025 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO. The club staff, led by Adam Chamberlain and the Host Club Committee, led by Shawn Patterson, both excelled in the planning and execution stages of what was an incredible championship. The club recruited upwards of 150 volunteers to ensure that competitors and guests alike were welcomed with typical East Coast hospitality. Despite an unusually dry and hot summer, the golf course remained in impeccable condition thanks to the tireless efforts of the greens staff. The event had a professional feel from start to finish, and Gowan Brae shined as a national championship host club.

Finalist: Pitt Meadows Golf Club (Pitt Meadows, B.C.)
Finalist: Club de Golf Sainte-Marie (Sainte-Marie, Que.)

First Tee Program Location of the Year

Awarded to a First Tee – Canada Program Location that demonstrates excellent enrolment in First Tee – Canada programming and makes a significant impact on growing participation among new juniors within its community.
 
WINNER: Antigonish Golf Club (Antigonish, N.S.)

Antigonish Golf Club has fully embraced First Tee in their second season offering programming. By developing meaningful relationships within their community, and creating unique fundraising opportunities, they were able to increase participation from 12 juniors in their first season, to 120 in 2025 – an increase of 900 percent. They offered six, six-hour First Tee programs at maximum capacity, and an additional six-hour, all girls session in the fall. Antigonish Golf Club’s dedication to accessibility and fostering a safe environment has created life-enhancing golf experiences for youth from all backgrounds in Atlantic Canada.

Finalist: Broadmoor Public Golf Course (Sherwood Park, Alta.)
Finalist: Cultus Lake Golf Club (Cultus Lake, B.C.)

Grassroots Junior Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program that is excelling at creating new junior golfers through local programming.

WINNER: Bowen Island Golf Club (Bowen Island, B.C.)

A returning finalist from 2024, Bowen Island continued to grow their impressive programming into 2025. In addition to free golf and club rentals for juniors, the club has connected with schools and youth programs in the area, as well as hosting various community events throughout the summer, making the club as accessible as possible for young golfers in the area. In 2025, Bowen Island registered over 1,500 rounds played by juniors, all free of charge.

Finalist: The Oaks of St. George Golf Club (Paris, Ont.)
Finalist: Paragon Golf & Country Club (Kingston, N.S.)

Competitive Junior Program of the Year

Awarded to a facility or academy program with many junior athletes competing in provincial and national championships and earning strong results in those championships.

WINNER: Club de golf de la Vallée du Richelieu (Sainte-Julie, Que.)

Club de golf de la Vallée du Richelieu demonstrates a deep commitment to developing young athletes into high-performing golfers. Supported by a foundation dedicated solely toward growing their junior programming, the club provides a comprehensive training environment that combines targeted on-course practice with off-course specialists in physical training, nutrition and sport psychology. This dedication is evident in their golfers’ successes, with many juniors competing provincially, and an impressive nine players representing the club at the 2025 Canadian Junior Boys and Girls Championships.

Finalist: Summit Golf Club (Richmond Hill, Ont.)
Finalist: Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club (Surrey, B.C.)

Golf Canada extends its congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all winners and finalists for their dedication to junior golf. Their efforts continue to shape the future of the sport, ensuring young golfers across the country have the opportunities and resources available to succeed.

For more information about the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf Presented by Humi, please visit golfcanada.ca/national-facility-awards-for-junior-golf/.

If you have any questions regarding the awards or nomination process, please feel free to email NFAJG@golfcanada.ca.

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.