Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club) shot an 8-under par 63 in Gilbert, Arizona earning a T10 finish on the leaderboard at the Asher Tour Power Ranch Championship.

Kuntz completed the 54 hole championship at 16-under par 197 (69-65-63) at the Power Ranch Golf Club. Along with 12 pars during his final round, Kuntz eagled the third and 17th holes and made birdies on the first, fifth, ninth and 13th holes.

Jaden Jones (Whitewater Golf Club) finished T33 at 1-over par 214 (70-72-72).

Zander Winston of Texas won the championship at 22-under par 191 (62-63-66).

Failing to the make the 36 hole cut (-7) were:

Marco Trstenjak (Elmhurst Golf & Country Club) 70-70-140 (-2)
Charlie Boyechko (Southwood Golf & Country Club) 70-71-141 (-1)
Spence Mott (Shilo Country Club) 74-78-152 (+10)

For the final leaderboard, click here.

Golf Manitoba, in association with Golf Canada, is pleased to welcome the Selkirk Golf & Country Club Sim Hut as our newest off-course member facility.

Located at Selkirk Golf & Country Club, 100 Sutherland Avenue in Selkirk, the Sim Hut is open to golfers of all ages featuring two hitting zones with food services and beverages available.

The Sim Hut offers PGA of Manitoba instruction available to all levels of golfer led by Head Professional Mike Dern.

As an official Golf Manitoba / Canada off-course member facility, members may purchase a Golf Manitoba / Canada membership at a special rate to take advantage of various benefits and to record outdoor scores towards establishing or maintaining an official Golf Canada Handicap Index.

For more information call (204) 482-2050 or to book a tee time online, click here.

Former Winnipegger Sudarshan Yellamaraju had a week to remember in Hawaii.

The 24 year old ended play at the Sony Open at 9-under par 271 (67-67-72-65) to finish T13 on the leaderboard taking home $163,041.

Yellamaraju started strong in Sunday’s final round at the Wai’alae Country Club with back to back birdies on the first and second holes carding a 3-under par 32 on the front enroute to the 5-under par 65.

This was the second PGA Tour event for Yellamaraju who made his debut at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open.

Taylor Pendrith was highest placing Canadian at 11-under par 269, T6 on the leaderboard.

For the final leaderboard, click here.

Golf Manitoba, in association with Golf Canada, is pleased to welcome False Front Golf Simulator as our newest off-course member facility.

Located at 140 PTH 52 West, behind Loewen Body Shop in Steinbach, False Front features two (with a third on the way) massive hitting zones with over 1,700 courses in 4K playing into a 16 x 10 foot screen.

Available to host corporate and/or private events, False Front is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year via online booking. Guests can also choose from various membership packages featuring eight day priority booking.

As an official Golf Manitoba / Canada off-course member facility, members may purchase a Golf Manitoba / Canada membership at a special rate to take advantage of various benefits and to record outdoor scores towards establishing or maintaining an official Golf Canada Handicap Index.

For more information, email info@falsefront.ca or go online to falsefront.ca.

With winter underway, it’s a great time to brush up on a few Handicapping terms. Whether you’re travelling south for a round or two, or simply preparing for next season, understanding these concepts will help you get the most out of your Handicap Index all year round.

1. Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC)

The Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) becomes especially relevant during Canadian winter and shoulder seasons. PCC automatically recalibrates Score Differentials on days when course conditions are notably harder or easier than usual. If the scores posted that day show that players, as a group, performed worse than expected, the PCC may adjust by +1, +2, or +3. Conversely, if scoring was better than anticipated, it may adjust by -1.

The best part? PCC is fully automatic. Golfers and clubs don’t need to do anything. The system reviews results at the end of each day, helping to keep your Handicap Index accurate and fair, even with unpredictable conditions.

2. Active Season

Canada’s Active Seasons vary by province. The Active Season is the period during which course conditions are suitable for generating acceptable scores for handicapping purposes. Any score recorded within a specific province during its Active Season will be included in your Handicap Index.

To simplify this process, the Golf Canada Score Centre automatically recognizes the Active Season of the course being played. Golfers simply post their round, and the system handles the rest. For more information on Active Seasons, please click here.

3. Most Likely Score

The most likely score is used when a golfer begins a hole but doesn’t finish it. This is especially common during cold weather rounds when players pick up more often.

To determine your most likely score, take:

· The strokes you have already taken (including penalties), plus

· The estimated number of extra strokes you would likely require to complete the hole from your current position.

The Rules of Handicapping include recommended guidelines. For example, if you’re within 5 feet, add 1 stroke; if you’re between 5 and 20 feet, add 2 or 3 strokes.

For more details on the most likely score, see Rule 3.3 in the Rules of Handicapping.

4. Scoring Record

A common misconception is that rounds played during your home province’s inactive season shouldn’t be posted because they won’t count toward your Handicap Index. While it’s true that inactive season rounds don’t factor into your Index, you should still post them, especially if you’re travelling somewhere that is in an active season.

So even if your course is open but not in its active season, or you’re playing somewhere that is in their active season, be sure to post all your scores. This helps you maintain a complete scoring record, even if some rounds don’t directly impact your Handicap Index.

5. Simulator Golf

Simulator golf continues to expand across Canada as winter leagues and indoor facilities become more prevalent. While excellent for skill development, competition, and enjoyment, simulator rounds cannot be posted for handicap purposes.

Why not?

· Simulators don’t have official ratings

· Playing conditions are controlled rather than natural

· Although simulators can be highly accurate, it’s tough to replicate variables such as elevation change, firmness, wind, rough length, etc.

Though simulator scores do not count toward your Handicap Index, we strongly encourage golfers to use these facilities during the winter.

For more information on the benefits of simulator golf and how to find a facility near you, please visit the homepage for our new Just Swing initiative.

Golf Manitoba is pleased to announce its 2026 Winter Rules Education Series which includes virtual, in-person and self-guided learning opportunities. Sessions include both beginner and intermediate sessions on the Rules of Golf Level 1 Rules of Golf Certification, Provincial and National Certifications.

Winter Rules of Golf Education

Our winter education series is for those interested in learning more about the Rules of Golf.

Rules of Golf

The first of our winter education series will be a virtual Rules of Golf for the beginner session on January 26, 2026, from 7:00-8:30pm. Our second virtual session is February 17, 2026, from 7:00-8:30pm and is for those with Rules experience and for those who want to expand their knowledge of the Rules of Golf.

Both virtual sessions are available at no charge for all Golf Manitoba/Canada members.

Click here to sign-up.

Level 1

Level 1 Rules education focuses on easy ways to learn the basics of the Rules of Golf with its main interest on Etiquette, the principle definitions and commonly encountered situations on the course.

Level 1 is available online and students will be able to test their knowledge by taking the review questions at the end of each section before attempting the online Level 1 Exam.

Earn your stripes!

Do you have interest in becoming a certified referee? If so, Golf Manitoba is hosting an in-person Level 2 Provincial Certification Seminar March 20-22, 2026.

This provincial education and certification series is designed for those who are new to rules and wanting to advance their rules education, active Level 2 tournament referees and PGA of Canada members. Level 2 referees who pass the exam become eligible to referee in all Golf Manitoba provincial championships.

Click here to sign-up.

Level 2 Pre-requisite:

• has achieved 85% or better on the Level 1 Online Exam.

Requirements to be Provincially Certified:

• Attend and achieve a minimum of 80% on the Provincial exam, administered by Golf Manitoba.
• Complete 50 hours of on-course experience as a Referee.
• Complete an additional 10 hours accompanying a Nationally certified Referee at a championship.

Level 2 certified referees are volunteers however Golf Manitoba covers all eligible expenses including mileage, accommodations (when necessary), meals and also provides a uniform package.

To learn more about volunteering with Golf Manitoba, please click here.

Handicap Certification

As part of the Handicap License Agreement, Golf Canada requires that every member club and league have a Handicap Committee in place, and that one person (ideally the Chairperson of the Committee) has successfully completed a Handicapping certification seminar.

Handicap Certification can be achieved either through the Golf Canada online seminar and certification test, or through Handicap Seminars conducted by your Provincial Golf Association.

The Online Rules of Handicapping Certification consist of a series of videos that will guide you through the Rules of Handicapping, providing the knowledge necessary to achieve certification and successfully oversee handicap duties at your club.

• Watch the Golf Canada self-guided online video seminar
• Take the Golf Canada online certification test

Learn More & Register

To learn more about the Rules of Golf and for more information and to register for one of our Rules of Golf education opportunities, please visit golfmb.ca/rules.

As we look ahead to warmer weather, the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour and Notah Begay III Junior Golf Championships have released their respective 2026 schedules.

Six events are on the MJT calendar starting at Kildonan Park Golf Course May 9^th and 10^th along with the 16^th. St. Boniface Golf Club will host May 17^th and 18^th. June will see events at Larters at St. Andrews Golf & Country Club on the 13^th and 14^th followed by Selkirk Golf & Country Club on the 27^th and 28^th. The lone championship in July is at The Players Course on the 18^th. Competition concludes August 17^th to 19^th at Carman Golf & Curling Club. For the full schedule, click here.

The Notah Begay III Manitoba Qualifier will be hosted at Larters at St. Andrews Golf & Country Club on June 6^th and 7^th. The registration deadline is June 1^st. For more information, click here.

Dakota Dunes Golf Links just south of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan will host the Western Championship on August 18^th and 19^th.

A reminder, Golf Manitoba Provincial Championships available for junior competitors are the Match Play Championship Qualifier presented by St. Vital Dental Centre on May 23^rd at Scotswood Links, NextGen Prairie Championship June 19^th to 21^st at Neepawa Golf & Country Club, U15 Championship presented by the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation at Winkler Centennial Golf Club on July 13^th and 14^th, the Junior Boys and Girls Championship presented by the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation July 7^th to 9^th at Pine Ridge Golf Club, the Taylor McCaffrey Women’s Four-Ball Championship August 19^th at Oakwood Golf Course and the Taylor McCaffrey Men’s Four-Ball Championship at Lake of the Sandhills Golf Course at Buffalo Point on August 27^th.

2026 will also see the return of the Junior Skills Challenge on July 19^th at Rossmere Country Club.

For more information on junior golf, click here.

Golf Manitoba, in association with Golf Canada, is pleased to welcome EVO Golf as our newest off-course member facility.

Located at 545 Pacific Avenue in Brandon, EVO Golf features six hitting bays and a short game / putting practice area.

EVO Golf offers PGA of Manitoba instruction available to all levels of golfer led by Head Professional and Director of Golf Austin Dobrescu. It also features a fully licensed lounge as well as club rentals.

As an official Golf Manitoba / Canada off-course member facility, members may purchase a Golf Manitoba / Canada membership at a special rate to take advantage of various benefits and to record outdoor scores towards establishing or maintaining an official Golf Canada Handicap Index.

For more information, call EVO Golf at (204) 717-GOLF, email info@evogolf.ca or go online to evogolf.ca.

As we turn the page on another calendar year, 2025 was a special one for the Manitoba Golf Superintendents Association celebrating their 75th anniversary.

Golf Manitoba Director of Communications and Development Brian Munz caught up with MGSA President Jordan Joye, the Head Superintendent at Oak Island Resort & Golf, to learn more about their association via the following Q&A:

Munz – Jordan, as the President of the MGSA, congratulations on the 75^th anniversary of your association. When you look back at 2025, what stands out?

Joye – Thank you, it really is an honour to be President of the Manitoba Golf Superintendents Association for its 75th year, following in the footsteps of some great past presidents and even better Superintendents. 2025 was another record breaking year across Manitoba. Courses came out of winter in mid-season condition, allowing everyone to hit the ground running and provide immaculate playing conditions first thing in the spring.

Munz – Before we get into the past, for those that are unaware, tell us about the MGSA.

Joye – The MGSA is an organization of individuals with a passion for growing and maintaining turf. We strive to deliver the best conditions possible on our properties, demonstrating professionalism and environmental stewardship while educating the public on what we do and why we do it. We currently have around 140 members ranging from Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Turf Professionals, Equipment Technicians, Industry Partners, students and Honourary Members.

Munz – A golf course superintendent is a unique position for a course in our region. Can you walk us through challenges of maintaining a course in Manitoba

Joye – Golf in Manitoba is underappreciated, in my opinion. Throughout the province there is a wide variety of different golf courses spread over different terrain, with varying microclimates that always provide its fair share of challenges. Probably the most unpredictable and trying challenge is Mother Nature, who is undefeated by the way. As Turf Managers we are constantly experimenting with different methods that give the turf a leg up on long and harsh winters, hot and humid summers, wet springs and drought-like summers. That, along with 30-40,000 golfers walking/driving/playing the golf course over a 5 month period allows for very little time for the turf to recover from any stresses it may be dealing with. Knowing the course, the weather, the limits and the expectations of the club are all vital to ensuring success.

Munz – What attracted you to Oak Island?

Joye – Oak Island for me has always been this hidden gem tucked away in the western part of the province since its opening. It was a treat I looked forward to playing once or twice a year, offering immaculate conditions and a challenging layout, but as it matured I found myself drawn to Oak Island more and more. When the Superintendent position became available, I saw it as an amazing opportunity to continue to improve on the great work former Superintendent and current General Manager Des Koop started, and I look forward to putting my stamp on what already is a top course in the province for years to come.

Munz – What does a typical day look like?

Joye – Most days start early. I live in Brandon and commute the 40 minutes each morning, so it’s in the truck by 4:15am to open the shop up just before 5. The day is planned, coffee made, and the crew trickles in for 6am start time. One of the most rewarding parts of the day is checking irrigation while watching the sun come up, it really is easy to take that “office” for granted.  Throughout the day, I am constantly checking with staff to see how things are cutting, rolling, playing. Checking green speeds and quality of cut, hand-watering dry spots, meeting with the GM and Equipment Technician, planning, adapting, acting. It really is a different challenge day to day, but the payoff is worth it.

Munz – How has technology changed and helped?

Joye – We are coming into an exciting time in the turf industry when it comes to advancement in technology. It seems like every year more and more new tech gets more practical and financially viable. GPS, drone applications, soil moisture mapping, autonomy, the list goes on. The MGSA does a great job of bringing speakers to our annual conference to outline some of the new and changing technology coming to the turf world. Superintendents are also having to monitor regulations by Health Canada regarding chemical use, with many active ingredients being banned in the last few years. Having new technology and a different way of managing turf stress is vital to the course’s success.

Munz – For you personally, how did you get into it?

Joye – I started at my local course in Killarney when I was 12, washing carts and shagging range balls. By 14 I was on the greens crew, biking to work at 5am every morning and playing golf with my buddies after our shift. Throughout university the golf course life always kept pulling me back in, and it was under Superintendent Greg Holden at Clear Lake Golf Course who opened my eyes that turf could be more than just a summer job. From there I went to Olds, AB for the Turf Management program, learned a lot at a few different courses throughout western Canada and ultimately settled in Brandon.

Munz – What advice would you have for people looking to getting into turf care?

Joye – Learn as much as you can. I have been fortunate to have some amazing mentors throughout my turf career, and looking back it is amazing how many habits and philosophies I’ve inherited from different people at different courses. Everyone is pulling on the same rope so don’t be afraid to do the work, no job is beneath us. It sounds cliché but don’t forget to stop and look around every once in a while. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of a short golf season, but I truly believe we have the best office and industry in the world.

Munz – Maybe the most important questions for golfers who are reading this, how can they help maintain a course while playing it?

Joye – It’s the little things that go a long way. Cart traffic is hard to control and can really do a lot of damage in a short amount of time if not managed properly. Stay on the path where possible, and follow all signage. Fixing ball marks, replacing divots, disposing of garbage properly, and respecting the course and the people who maintain it are some of the ways golfers can help keep the course looking and playing beautiful.

Munz – A few fun ones for you.. how’s your golf game?

Joye – Teeter-totter. Some rounds I’m in the mid-70s and have it all figured out, the next I can’t get off the tee and I’m grinding for double bogeys. It’s obviously more fun to golf well, but enjoying the course, being outside, and with good friends is what keeps me coming back. For better or for worse, beer also helps.

Munz – Do you enjoy playing or have you had enough by the end of  the work day and just want to go home?

Joye – It depends. I love playing Oak Island and showcasing the course to my friends and family who come to play, but it is hard sometimes to turn the “work mind” off when you’re just trying to enjoy yourself. Golfing my course is a very important part of the job. Seeing how it plays from a golfer’s perspective may dictate what I do from a turf management side, so it’s good to have that balance. I love getting out and playing different courses throughout the province as well as my home course, we have so many great tracks. The MGSA does an amazing job at putting on events throughout the province so that’s a great opportunity to play some courses that I may not always think of playing.

Munz – You hear people all the time saying they wished their lawn at home could look as good as some courses. Any secret for the average person?

Joye – Lay off the water. One of the biggest things I see with home lawns is sprinklers running for 90 minutes a day, every day, regardless of weather. Grass is resilient, a couple deep waters every week, little bit of fertilizer, keep the weeds at bay and you are good to go. Also you can have a great lawn or a dog, not both.

During the month of December, click on the links below to enjoy some of the top stories and features of 2025.

Be sure to check back daily!

• Dec 31 we go back to November 12: Aaron Cockerill secures status on DP World Tour for 2026

• Dec 30 we go back to November 6: PGA of Manitoba names 2025 award winners

• Dec 29 we go back to October 31: WATCH | 2025 Year in Review courtesy of Mike Peters, May Contain Studios.

• Dec 28 we go back to October 29: Addison Kartusch & Evan Nachtigall named Female & Male Amateur Golfers of the Year

• Dec 27 we go back to October 21: Rory Neill finishes T2 at Canada West Championship; University of Manitoba Bisons place 3rd in Team Championship

• Dec 23 we go back to October 16: Sudarshan Yellamaraju goes from Tuxedo Golf Course to the PGA Tour

• Dec 22 we go back to October 14: Inside the Ropes with Derrick Chlopecki at Pine Ridge Golf Club

• Dec 21 we go back to October 9: Darcy Furber enjoying life as Hall of Fame and World Champion Golfer

• Dec 20 we go back to October 6: Carol Martel named 2025 Distinguished Service Award recipient

• Dec 19 we go back to September 25: Glen Lea Golf Course, Shilo Country Club and Elmhurst Golf & Country Club members advance to National Golf League Canadian Championship

• Dec 18 we go back to September 11: Kildonan Park Ladies League celebrates 50th anniversary

• Dec 17 we go back to August 28: Shilo Country Club wins Gross Championship while Lorette Golf Course wins Net Stableford Championship at Taylor McCaffrey Men’s Four-Ball Championship

• Dec 16 we go back to August 22: Spence Mott (Team Manitoba / Shilo Country Club) finishes T4 to lead Manitoba at Canada Summer Games

• Dec 15 we go back to August 18: Inside the Ropes with Winnipeg Jets Head Coach Scott Arniel at Niakwa Country Club

• Dec 14 we go back to August 13: Todd Fanning (Niakwa Country Club) & Rhonda Orr (Southwood Golf & Country Club) win Hodson Financial Men’s & Women’s Senior Championships

• Dec 13 we go back to August 8: Team Manitoba finishes T3 at Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Inter-Provincial Team Championship

• Dec 12 we go back to August 6: Portage Golf Club, Southwood Golf & Country Club & Windsor Park Golf Course win Taylor McCaffery Women’s Four-Ball Championships

• Dec 11 we go back to July 16: Evan Nachtigall wins Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship; earns exemption into Manitoba Open

• Dec 10 we go back to July 9: Spence Mott (Team Manitoba / Shilo Country Club) & Addison Kartusch (St. Charles Country Club) win Junior Boys & Girls Championships presented by the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation

• Dec 9 we go back to July 4: Allan McDonald (Breezy Bend Country Club) & Addison Kartusch (St. Charles Country Club) repeat as Diamond Athletic Men’s Mid-Amateur & Women’s Amateur Champions

• Dec 8 we go back to July 3: Tour the new Sitwell Short Game Area at St. Charles Country Club with Director of Golf & COO Cory Kartusch

• Dec 7 we go back to June 8: Ty Montour (Team Manitoba / Scotswood Links), Hunter Oakden (Team Manitoba / Wheat City Golf Course) and Angelina Sitarz (Team Manitoba / Elmhurst Golf & Country Club) are gold medal winners in the U15 Championship presented by the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation, Charmaine Hayden (Breezy Bend Country Club) wins the Women’s City & District Champion & Kristian Hammerback (Southwood Golf & Country Club) wins the All Abilities Gross Division and Net Stableford Division championships.

• Dec 6 we go back to June 1: Addison Kartusch (St. Charles Country Club), Jordy Lutz (Elmhurst Golf & Country Club) and Cornell Ruddock (Southwood Golf & Country Club) are the gold medal winners of the 2025 Match Play Championship presented by St. Vital Dental Centre.

• Dec 5 we go back to May 9: Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame welcomes Class of 2024 featuring Donald Craig, James Scollan and Danny Stack along with the 1995 Willingdon Cup Team of Garth Collings, Dale Goehring, Derron Magda and Rob McMillan.

• Dec 4 we go back to Feb 27: Golf Manitoba President Susan Wright-Cassan named 2024 recipient of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Award

• Dec 3 we go back to Feb 4: Shanks Driving Range & Grill wins International Top Tracer Award

• Dec 2 we go back to Jan 9: Team Manitoba Boys Head Coach Sean Murray (St. Charles Country Club) named the PGA of Canada Tex Noble Professional Development Award winner for 2024.

• Dec 1 we go back to Jan 7: Golden West Radio’s Clayton Dreger (Southwood Golf & Country Club) retires after 40 years of covering amateur golf & sports