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Inside Golf Manitoba

2024 Year in Review

Brian Munz

During the month of December, click on the links below and take time to enjoy some of the top stories and features of 2024.

Be sure to check back daily to see if you are next!

Inside Golf Manitoba Inside the Ropes

WATCH | Inside the Ropes with Cody Brownlee at AVID GOLF

Brian Munz

AVID GOLF General Manager Cody Brownlee gives us a tour of their indoor golf facility, located at 1580 Taylor Avenue in Winnipeg.

AVID GOLF Simulators & Lounge is the presenting partner of the Golf Manitoba Awards, held annually to celebrate the Female and Male Amateur Golfer of the Year as well as our volunteers and the Volunteer Distinguished Service Award winner.

For more information on AVID GOLF Simulators & Lounge, click here.

Inside Golf Manitoba Manitoba Open Media Release

5 course rotation to host Manitoba Open

PGA TOUR Americas and the Manitoba Open announced today a dynamic five-course host rotation for the Manitoba Open starting in 2025.

In addition to the rotation, James Richardson & Sons, Johnston Group and Princess Auto have all committed to becoming Proud Partners of the Tournament. 

Breezy Bend Country Club will be the first facility to host the event in 2025 (August 19-24), with four other clubs hosting in the ensuing years.

“We are thrilled and deeply honored to have been selected as the host course for the PGA TOUR Americas 2025 Manitoba Open,” said Cory Johnson, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Breezy Bend Country Club. “This is an exciting opportunity to welcome some of the world’s best golfers to our club and to showcase our course, and the many improvements that have been made in recent years, on an international stage.

Breezy Bend Country Club has a proud and storied history with the Manitoba Open, having hosted the championship in 1969, 1975, 1981, and from 1991 to 1993. Our members, volunteers and staff are committed to making the 2025 Manitoba Open an unforgettable experience for players, fans and sponsors alike. We look forward to a memorable event.”

Following Breezy Bend Country Club, in the rotation will be Elmhurst Golf & Country Club (2026), Glendale Golf & Country Club (2027), Pine Ridge Golf Club (2028) and Southwood Golf & Country Club (2029) will serve as the hosts. Two of these clubs previously hosted the event when it was part of PGA TOUR Canada: Southwood Golf & Country Club (2018-24) and Pine Ridge Golf Club (2013-15).

“This unique partnership couldn’t have happened without the commitment of our Proud Partners have shown to this event in addition to many other local partners,” said Scott Pritchard, Vice President of PGA TOUR Americas. “We are very excited about the future of the Manitoba Open and feel fortunate to have the support of these five preeminent clubs and their members.”

Helping to usher in the new era of the Manitoba Open, Brendan Baldwin will transition into a full-time role as Tournament Director. Baldwin previously served in the same role for the 2024 Manitoba Open.

Baldwin, who played collegiate golf at Chicago State University, has been recognized as one of the top golf professionals in Manitoba. Baldwin will lead a tournament committee made up of representatives from each club and will provide strategic leadership to execute the needs and visions of the tournament and host organizations.

The three proud partners of the Manitoba Open – James Richardson & Sons, Johnston Group and Princess Auto – and all three are eager to see the continued support for the True North Youth Foundation who will continue as the charitable partner for tournament.

Established in 1857, Richardson & Sons is a private, family-owned and operated Canadian corporation involved primarily in the international grain trade and has been a partner of Manitoba Open for over 10 years. Johnston Group provides employee benefits solutions to over 30,000 Canadian businesses and has been a partner dating back many years. Princess Auto is a private, Canadian-owned company that employs over 3,400 team members. Founded in 1933 in Winnipeg, Princess Auto has been a proud partner of the Manitoba Open for over 10 years.

Past participants of the Manitoba Open include PGA TOUR members Taylor Pendrith, Mackenzie Hughes, Jake Knapp, and Hayden Springer.

Since the tournament became a PGA TOUR-sanctioned event in 2013, over $910,000 has been raised for local charities and has brought nearly $16 million in economic activity to the province of Manitoba. The True North Youth Foundation will remain the primary charitable partner of the event.

The Manitoba Open is a 72-hole event where 156 PGA TOUR Americas members compete for a $225,000 purse and to earn points toward the season-long Fortinet Cup points list. At the conclusion of the 16-event season, the top-10 players in the Fortinet Cup points list will earn Korn Ferry Tour cards for the 2025 season.

About PGA TOUR Americas

PGA TOUR Americas is an international tour that provides professional golfers with competitive opportunities and prepares them to advance their careers on the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA TOUR. The 2024 schedule consisted of 16 events – six in Latin America and 10 in North America – and the inaugural season culminated in September with the Fortinet Cup Championship, where the top-10 players on the season-long points list earned Korn Ferry Tour membership for the 2025 season.

Golf Canada Inside Golf Manitoba

WATCH | Kuntz on joining Team Canada NextGen Program

Brian Munz

With one international event now under his belt representing Team Canada and a full calendar of academics underway at Ball State University, Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club) catches up with Golf Manitoba Director of Communications & Development Brian Munz.

Inside Golf Manitoba

Golf Manitoba remembers James (Jim) Scollan Sr.

Brian Munz

Golf Manitoba extends its condolences to the family and friends of James (Jim) Scollan Sr. who passed away after a lengthy illness on November 2, 2024 at the age of 82.

Scollan was a member at Elmhurst Golf and Country Club for over 50 years and very involved as a competitor and a volunteer. He won club their championship, was part of the “Mundie” Putter squad and provincially won the Manitoba Seniors Championship in 1998.

As a volunteer he was president at Elmhurst, then president of the Manitoba Golf Association (Golf Manitoba), the Golf Manitoba Scholarship Foundation and finally spent ten years with the RCGA (Golf Canada) in various capacities.

He is survived by his loving wife Caroline, sons James (Maria) and David, granddaughters Stephanie and Kyra, two great-grandchildren, sisters Bonnie, Mary-Jane, and Lorraine, brother John, and many nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his parents James and Irene and granddaughter Angela at birth.

Jim was born in 1942 and spent his formative years in East Kildonan in a busy household with four siblings and lots of lifelong friends from the neighborhood. In his teenage years he briefly considered becoming a priest but as we all know he chose a different path. Also, at this time he showed his scholastic skills by skipping a grade and fairly versatile athletic skills for a “big guy”.

Jim married Caroline in 1965 and started a family shortly thereafter with two sons James (Jr) and David. The family lived in East Kildonan and North Kildonan through the early years and eventually settled in East St. Paul, where they resided for the past 24 years.

Jim became a Chartered Accountant in 1970 and eventually owned his own practice. He worked as an accountant for over 50 years and truly loved the business, especially his clients. He also really enjoyed the end of tax season when a glass of wine or two could be lifted.

As mentioned before, he loved sports and competing. He was left-handed, so he was behind the eight ball already as finding sports equipment, etc. was difficult for “lefties” back in the day. However, he persevered, bad back and all and competed at the highest level as an amateur golfer in Manitoba.

A special thanks to all his doctors and medical practitioners who kept him upright over the years.

Jim loved his family, friends and all things about life. He had an easy smile, boisterous laugh and as we all know a booming voice which he used on occasion to demonstrate another of his loves, singing. Danny Boy was a personal favorite of his, along with many other songs. His legacy touched many people and he will be missed. Rest in Peace “Sr”.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday November 22 at Holy Redeemer Parish, 264 Donwood Drive.

In Lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation Inside Golf Manitoba Manitoba All Abilities Championship Manitoba Junior Boys Championship Manitoba Junior Girls Championship Manitoba Men's Mid-Amateur Championship Manitoba Women's Amateur Championship Match Play Championship Media Release Men's Four-Ball Championship Men's Senior Four-Ball Championship Nott Autocorp Men's Amateur Championship Senior Women's & Men's Championships Team Manitoba U15 Championship Women's Four-Ball Championship Women's City & District Championship

Golf Manitoba announces 2025 Championship Schedule

Brian Munz

Golf Manitoba is pleased to announce its 2025 Championship Schedule.

As the Provincial Sport Organization and governing body of golf in Manitoba and Northwest Ontario, Golf Manitoba conducts premier amateur golf championships to support the development of the province’s competitive golfers at Golf Manitoba member clubs.

The 2025 championship season begins May 24th at Winkler Golf & Country Club with the Manitoba Match Play Qualifier presented by St. Vital Dental Centre and concludes with the Men’s Senior Four-Ball Championship September 4th at the Pinawa Golf & Country Club.

“We are excited to officially announce our 2025 Championship Schedule” said Director of Competition and Rules David Borowski. “2024 once again showed a record number of golfers enjoying our sport at both the recreational and competitive levels. With the courses we have set to host our 2025 championships, there will be a lot of excitement. I would like to thank our member clubs for working these championships into their very busy calendars.”

Early registration will open from April 1st to April 15th for select players and based on their finish in 2024 Golf Manitoba Championships. These players will receive an email informing them of their status.

General registration will open on April 16th.

To view Golf Manitoba’s 2025 Championship Schedule, including all host venues and registration requirements, click here.

2025 Golf Manitoba Championship Season Calendar at a glance:

The first competitive tee in the ground will be May 24th at Winkler Centennial Golf Course for the Manitoba Match Play Championship Qualifier presented by St. Vital Dental Centre.

For the sixth time is course history, Elmhurst Golf & Country Club will host the championship matches from May 29th to June 1st. The last time it was played at Elmhurst was 2016 when Tom Humniski of the host club won his second consecutive Men’s Senior Championship.

Carman Golf & Curling Club will host the All Abilities Championship, Women’s City & District Championship and U15 Championship presented by the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation June 7th and 8th.

The Diamond Athletic Men’s Mid-Amateur and Women’s Amateur Qualifier will be contested at Transcona Golf Club June 20th. The 54 hole Championship will be played at St. Charles Country Club July 2nd to 4th where Addison Kartusch looks to defend her 2024 Women’s Amateur Championship at her home course.


The Junior Boys & Girls Championship presented by the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation will be played July 7th to 9th at Quarry Oaks Golf Course.

Minnewasta Golf & Country Club will host the Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship July 15th to 17th. Braxton Kuntz of Breezy Bend Country Club would be looking to become the first player in Manitoba history to win five consecutive Men’s Amateur championships.

The month of August opens on August 5th at River Oaks Golf Course with the Women’s Four-Ball Championship.

The Hodson Financial Men’s & Women’s Senior Championship will be at Glendale Golf & Country Club August 11th to 13th. Rhonda Orr of Southwood Golf & Country Club is vying for her 10th straight and 12th Senior Women’s Championship.

The Men’s Four-Ball Championship is scheduled for August 28th at Wheat City Golf Course in Brandon.

The Men’s Senior Four-Ball Championship on September 4th at Pinawa Golf & Country Club concludes our championship summer of competition.

Manitoba Amateur Championships

Golf Manitoba annually conducts provincial golf competitions and qualifiers – which play host to more than 900 golfers who play over 1,700 rounds.

In partnership with our host clubs, volunteers, and corporate partners, Golf Manitoba is dedicated to supporting player development through first-class competition.

Golf Manitoba’s amateur championships are proudly supported by the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation, Taylormade Canada, PUMA GOLF, Sport Manitoba and Golf Canada as well as Hole Partners Cleanline, A Little Pizza Heaven, McDonalds, Payworks and Sigurdson Financial.

Inside Golf Manitoba

WATCH | Lafleche commits to North Dakota State University

Brian Munz

Golf Manitoba would like to congratulate Jeri Lafleche (Niakwa Country Club / Clear Lake Golf Course) on signing with North Dakota State University.

Golf Manitoba Director of Communications & Development Brian Munz caught up with Lafleche to talk about joining the Bison and her 2024 season.

Inside Golf Manitoba

Golf Manitoba members set another score posting record in 2024

Golf Manitoba

Golf Manitoba members set a new record in 2024 with 289,188 scores registered in the Golf Canada Score Centre. That is an average of just over 28 rounds posted per member.

The 2024 season total represents a 2% increase over the previous record set in 2023 (283,431) and a 39% increase from the 205,000 rounds posted in 2019.

Of the 289,000 rounds, over 169,000 rounds were posted using the Golf Canada App.

Nationally, Golf Manitoba members contributed to a record breaking season reported by Golf Canada of 10.7 million rounds which betters the previous year’s record of 10 million.

Scores posted nationally in 2024 are 47% higher from the 2019 total of 7.3 million.

The top five member clubs in Manitoba for score posting during the 2024 Active Season were as follows:

1. Breezy Bend Country Club – 21,025
2. Pine Ridge Golf Club – 19,431
3. Rossmere Country Club – 18,044
4. Southwood Golf & Country Club – 17,773
5. Niakwa Country Club – 17,003

All Golf Manitoba/Golf Canada members receive access to score posting under the World Handicap System. Any nine or 18 hole round played at an official Golf Manitoba/Canada Member Club or any club worldwide that has an official Course and Slope Rating under the World Handicap System qualifies towards establishing and maintaining an official Golf Canada Handicap Index.

Not a member? Join Canada’s largest golf community here.

Golf Manitoba Awards Inside Golf Manitoba Media Release

Golf Manitoba announces 2024/25 Board of Directors

Golf Manitoba

The 2024/25 Golf Manitoba Board of Directors was announced at the Golf Manitoba Awards presented by AVID GOLF at St. Charles Country Club. The twelve-member board was elected during the associations 22nd Annual General Meeting that was held on October 29, 2024.

The Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated volunteers from across the Golf Manitoba jurisdiction of Manitoba and Northwest Ontario.

The Board’s duties are to direct the business affairs of the association.

The members of the 2024/25 Golf Manitoba Board of Directors are:

OFFICERS

President: Susan Wright-Cassan, Emerald Greens Golf Course
President Elect: Bob Peters, St. Charles Country Club
Vice-President: Matthew Simmons, Whitewater Golf Club
Past-President: Wayne McWhirter, Southwood Golf & Country Club
Treasurer: Janice Rees, Windsor Park Ladies

DIRECTORS

Rob Bell, Breezy Bend Country Club
Michael Berney, Delahunt Golf & Country Club
John Braun, Pine Ridge Golf Club
D’Arcy Lachance, Elmhurst Golf & Country Club
Craig Martin, Minnewasta Golf & Country Club
Justin Price, Glendale Golf & Country Club
Blake Russell, Niakwa Country Club

In addition to the election, Golf Manitoba also released its 2024 Annual Report, which includes a recap of the past season, as well as the Association’s 2023/24 Financial Statements.

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.

Golf Canada Inside Golf Manitoba

Team Canada finishes 2nd at Copa Juan Carlos Tailhade; Braxton Kuntz finishes T8

Team Canada earned a second place finish at the 52nd Copa Juan Carlos Tailhade (Copa Tailhade) at Los Lagartos Country Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Sunday.

Canada shot a combined score of 575 over four rounds, finishing four shots behind Colombia (571). Host nation Argentina finished third with a total score of 576.

Canada was represented by Team Canada NextGen members Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club) and Antoine Jasmin of Quebec.

Jasmin finished T5 at 3-over in the individual standings following rounds of 71-73-70-73-287. Kuntz finished T8 at 4-over with rounds of 73-68-72-75-288.

Juan Martin Loureiro of Argentina won individual honours, finishing the tournament at 5-under.

Canada has won the Copa Tailhade four times in tournament history winning titles in 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2023. Austin Connelly (Clare, N.S.) and Corey Conners (Listowel, Ont.) won in 2014, Eric Banks (Truro, N.S.) and Tony Gil (Vaughan, Ont.) in 2015, Joey Savoie (La Prairie, Que.) and Josh Whalen (Napanee, Ont.) in 2017 and Brady McKinlay (Lacombe, Alta.) and Felix Bouchard (Montréal, Que.) in 2023.

Since 1996, Australia has won five titles (1998, 1999, 2002, 2007, 2012), in addition to Canada, England and Argentina have also won the tournament four times.