After 32 years at Pine Ridge Golf Club as the Head Superintendent, Derrick Chlopecki has announced his retirement.

Chlopecki reflects with Golf Manitoba Director of Communications & Development Brian Munz on his time at Pine Ridge, how he got started and much more.

Since celebrating his 60^th birthday in June, Winnipeg’s Darcy Furber feels he is on top of the golfing world.

You will remember in 2023 Furber was inducted into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame, which he reminds his closest friends in jest when conversations get a little spicy, but now he also has a World Champion title in his back pocket if required.

In early August, Furber earned a seven stroke victory over the field to win the International Blind Golf Association B1 World Championship in Simcoe, Ontario.

“The last few years have been pretty special to say the least” says Furber. “I was shocked when I got the call for the Hall of Fame and that night is something I think about a lot. Then to win a world title, it’s been so awesome. I’ve been fortunate to play golf all over the world — it’s taken me to some beautiful places. The blind game is really growing and it’s exciting to have more people getting involved.”

Darcy’s passion for the sport began early, and he first made his mark in 1983 by winning the Manitoba High School Championship, a pivotal moment that sparked a lifelong love for golf. He continued to compete at a high level as a sighted golfer, earning spots on Manitoba’s Willingdon Cup Team in 1985 and 1992.

As his vision deteriorated, Furber transitioned into blind golf and quickly rose through the ranks, first in the B2 division, which includes golfers with up to 5% vision and now the B1 division, which is reserved for golfers who are completely blind and play using blackout glasses.

“The big challenge for me or the tough shots are when the ball is below your feet, to get a clean club on the ball” says Furber. “Everything else from tee to green I just kind of take in stride.”

He credits much of his success to his coach and brother-in-law Ron Oliver, a member at Elmhurst Golf & Country Club.

“Ron and the entire staff at Elmhurst led by Dave McMillan and Matt Lorenz have been everything to me” added Furber. “Without them, I would not have been able to get on the course and have as much in my life as I do.”

Next on the calendar, Furber is targeting the 2027 World Blind Golf Championship in Spain.

“That’s the plan, I take things day by day, so I guess we’ll see how it goes”.

Swan River Golf & Country Club was established in 1934 and is the most northern picturesque 18 Hole golf course in Manitoba, set between the Duck and Porcupine Mountains.

The Golf Club oversaw a major renovation project with the expansion of another 9 holes, designed by David Grant and opened in 2010.

Currently seeking a highly motivated Superintendent in 2026, this position is full-time seasonal, from mid-March to mid-November. The Golf Course Superintendent, will be reporting to the General Manager and will be responsible for managing all aspects of the golf course property and turf maintenance team.

Responsibilities;

• Course set up
• Equipment, operation and maintenance
• Ensure all record keeping and required government permits are current
• Irrigation operation and maintenance on fully automated system
• Cultural practices (Aeration/Topdressing, Verti cutting)
• Chemical application
• Lead the turf care team
• Directly work with and report to the General Manager

Experience;

• Diploma or Certificate in Turfgrass management or equivalent experience
• Previous golf course maintenance experience
• Knowledge of Rain Bird irrigation systems
• Ability to communicate with General Manager/and membership
• Valid Manitoba Pesticide applicator license (or willing to obtain)
• Ability to lift 50lb and work in sometimes challenging environments
• Positive attitude towards staff and moving the golf course in the right direction
• Flexible shift times including weekends / evenings and holidays

Swan River Golf & Country Club offers a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience which includes;

• Golf and Power cart Privileges
• Pro Shop and Meal Discounts
• Professional Development and Association Dues
• Clothing Allowance
• Cell Phone allowance
• Gas Allowance

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. 

Please forward resume to clintonweir@outlook.com by January 31^st, 2026.

Monday, September 22nd we were fortunate to gather at Glendale Golf & Country Club to show our appreciation to our volunteers for their time and dedication to our sport. Without them, it would not be possible.

To view the photo gallery, click here.

We would also like to thank Glendale Golf & Country Club for hosting us led by PGA of Manitoba Professional & General Manager James Chapman, PGA of Manitoba Head Professional Derrik Goodwin, Course Superintendent Greg Mitchell, Food & Beverage Manager Paige Monzon along with their staff and club members for their warm welcome.

Golf Manitoba, the Provincial Sport Organization for the sport of Golf, is currently seeking interested individuals to serve on the Board of Directors for either one or two-years term commencing November 2025.

If you have a strong passion for, and understanding of the sport of Golf, we would like to hear from you.  We are searching for strategic thinkers with experience in any of the following areas: Community Engagement, Human Resources, Governance, Public Affairs & Communications, Quality & Performance Management, and Strategic Planning. We are committed to making golf more accessible and welcoming to diverse populations, and would encourage like-minded individuals to apply.

The role of a Golf Manitoba Board member is to act as a trustee, always serving the best interests of the organization with integrity and an open mind.  The Board is responsible for upholding our by-laws, determining policy, developing and evaluating strategic priorities, and approving annual budgets. Board members also support the directives of the association through participation on working committees.

Expressions of Interest must include both of the following:

• Nomination Form
• Current CV

The application deadline for open applications is September 26, 2025.   

Interested individuals who are members of Golf Manitoba Member Clubs should contact their home club’s general manager and/or head professional to begin the application process. Public Player members can contact Golf Manitoba directly by email at jared@golfmb.ca.

Serving the Manitoba and Northwest Ontario golf communities since 1915, Golf Manitoba strives to provide quality, innovative and accessible golf programs and services.  We strive to align with all golf stakeholders through a connected golf community while encouraging both youth and adults to play more golf, more often. Our Mission is to develop, promote, govern and service the game of golf in Manitoba and Northwest Ontario for the benefit of all participants.

All Expressions of Interest will be kept in confidence.

For more information:

Jared Ladobruk
Executive Director
Golf Manitoba
204.925.5729
jared@golfmb.ca

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/golfmb.ca

To stay informed on Golf Manitoba’s championships, events, and association updates, follow us on Instagram, X, and Facebook or visit our webpage at golfmb.ca.

Manitoba Moose defenceman Dawson Barteaux joins Golf Manitoba Director of Communications & Development Brian Munz at Clear Lake Golf Course to talk all things golf.

Barteaux, from Foxwarren, shares his passion for the sport, how he got into it and who his dream foursome on the course includes.

Spence Mott (Team Manitoba / Shilo Country Club) was among 47 players in MacTier, Ontario at Oviinbyrd Golf Club this week taking part in the Team Canada NextGen Selection Camp.

“As a provincial organization we are proud of Spence for being selected” said Golf Manitoba Executive Director Jared Ladobruk. “He was the only player to shoot below par in two of his rounds during the 2025 Junior Boys Championship presented by the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation highlighting an impressive season.”

Mott failed to make the cut (+13) finishing at 16-over par carding rounds of 79 and 81.

 “These camps are an incredible developmental opportunity for players to compete and showcase their talents in front of Golf Canada high performance staff as well as NCAA coaches” said Golf Canada High Performance Director Emily Phoenix. 

For the final leaderboard, click here.

Golf Manitoba, in association with Shanks Driving Range & Grill is pleased to announce Golf Manitoba members now receive 20% off their golf experience, food and beverage.

Simply show your Golf Manitoba membership card located in the “More” menu on the Golf Canada app upon payment in store.

Shanks Driving Range & Grill, located five kilometers west of Brandon along the Trans-Canada Highway, features 20 outdoor TopTracer golf bays and four Golfzon indoor simulators so you can play regardless of the weather with family, friends and business associates.

To join the Golf Manitoba membership, click here to purchase a membership.

Golf Manitoba would like to congratulate the Kildonan Park Ladies League on celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2025.

Cathy Horbas is the President of the Kildonan Park Ladies League and shares their story with Golf Manitoba Director of Communications and Development Brian Munz.

Established in 1921, Kildonan Park Golf Course is Winnipeg’s oldest municipal golf course. Situated on the banks of the Red River, the course features a distinctive par three with a train bridge running through it. Golfers have to decide to hit over or under the bridge to hit the green.

Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation recently recognized Golf Manitoba President Susan Wright-Cassan (Emerald Greens Golf Course & Driving Range) presenting her with the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards.

The award celebrates an individual who demonstrated excellence in using golf as a platform to positively impact their communities.

Wright-Cassan was named for having made a significant impact in her community where she has been volunteering for over 20 years. Wright-Cassan currently serves as the President of Golf Manitoba and is a member of the Emerald Greens Golf Course and Driving Range in Thunder Bay. Wright-Cassan earned her community coaching certificate from First Tee and has been teaching junior golf and supporting the introductory First Tee – Canada program in Thunder Bay. Among her many contributions to the game, she has organized a variety of programming including “Golf in Schools” for over 1000 students, “Summer Camps for Kids”, the “Thunder Bay Queens”, “Try Golf Day” held in conjunction with the Thunder Bay Multi-Cultural Association and the Superior North Ladies Golf Association which has an outreach of 800 kilometers. Last year, Golf Manitoba presented Wright-Cassan with her 20-year volunteer certificate in recognition of her involvement with course rating in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.

“I want to thank those that have supported me in my golf endeavors. I am honoured to be the recipient of the Lori Kane Community Leader Award. I must thank the people with the First Tee Program and Golf in School, those that I’ve met teaching at the junior and adult levels, playing at club and competitive levels and especially to those that without thinking of it, have encouraged myself and others,” said Wright-Cassan. “This is a game that I love both to play and share my passion. It is a game for all ages, juniors through senior. The social aspects at all ages, the discipline, self-imposed applications of the rules, health benefits, friendships developed and maintained over the years, and other countless benefits are a few of the reasons that I and many others are involved with the game. The Lorie Kane Community Leader Award will fuel me to carry on with the programs I’m involved with.”

Wright-Cassan will receive a $5,000 donation from the Golf Canada Foundation to advance a golf program or golf-related initiative of her choice.

The Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards were named to honour the Canadian golf icon for a longstanding commitment to advancing the sport, charitable work and giving back to the game that defined her Hall of Fame career. Kane is a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Canada Sports Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Order of Canada.