October 22, 2020 – The Golf Manitoba Amateur Golfer of the Year Award Selection Committee is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2020 Male and Female Amateur Golfers of the Year awards.

The female Amateur Golfer of the Year nominees for 2020 are: Rhonda Orr (Southwood Golf & Country Club), Bobbi Uhl (Shilo Country Club), Veronica Vetesnik (Kingswood Golf & Country Club), and Crystal Zamzow (Swan River Golf & Country Club).

From left to right: Rhonda Orr, Bobbi Uhl, Veronica Vetesnik, and Crystal Zamzow

Rhonda Orr of the Southwood Golf & Country Club had a T5th in the City & District Championship and a win at the 2020 Senior Women’s Championship. Impressive was not only her 9-shot victory at the Senior Championship but also that the win was her 7th title in the last 8 years.

Bobbi Uhl started the summer competitive season with an impressive win at the Golf Manitoba Women’s Match Play Championship that was contested at the St. Charles Country Club. Uhl took the title with a 5 and 4 victory defeating defending champion Hannah Diamond in the finals. The win was her first in the event after two straight runner-up finishes in both 2019 and 2018. She then followed her Match Play victory with a runner-up finish in the Diamond Athletic Women’s Amateur Championship where she missed tying top spot by a single shot.

Veronica Vetesnik started her season by making it to the first round matches in the Women’s Match Play Championship. She took that momentum forward to capture the 2020 Diamond Athletic Women’s Amateur Championship that was held at the Bel Acres Golf & Country Club. It was Vetesnik’s first amateur title and against the strongest female field in provincial championship amateur golf.

At only 14 years of age, Crystal Zamzow had an impressive 2020 season. Zamsow’s season included a 2nd place finish in the Junior Women’s Bantam Championship, 10th in the Diamond Athletic Women’s Amateur and a win at the Junior Women’s Championship played at the Selkirk Golf & Country Club. Zamzow also added two Maple Leaf Junior Tour 1st place finishes to her 2020 competitive season resume.

Three female golfers also received honourable mention for their performance in 2020 and include Cala Korman, Golf Manitoba Public Player (2020 Junior Women’s Bantam Champion, 3rd in the Manitoba Junior and 7th in the Women’s Amateur), Charmaine Mackid of Breezy Bend Country Club (T2nd in the City & District Championship and 5th in the Women’s Amateur), and Marissa Naylor of Pine Ridge (T2nd in the City & District Championship and 4th in the Women’s Amateur).

The male Amateur Golfer of the Year nominees for 2020 are: Austin Dobrescu (Shilo Country Club), Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club), Neel Soni (St. Charles Country Club) and Marco Trstenjak (Elmhurst Golf & Country Club).

From left to right: Austin Dobrescu, Braxton Kuntz, Neel Soni, and Marco Trstenjak

Austin Dobrescu of the Shilo Country Club started his summer championship season by successfully defending his Match Play Championship title with a win at St. Charles Country Club. The victory propelled Dobrescu into another strong showing at the Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur where he finished tied for 4th.

Braxton Kuntz of the Breezy Bend Country Club had a successful start to his year making it to the quarter-final matches in the Match Play Championship. He followed that performance with a 2nd place finish in the Manitoba Junior Men’s Championship missing out on top spot by a single shot. He then followed with a 4th place at the Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur where he led after 54-holes. In addition to his Golf Manitoba championship season, Kuntz added two wins on the Maple Leaf Junior Tour where he posted a six round scoring average of 70.6. In recognition of his strong performance this past summer, Kuntz was invited to participate in the 2020 Golf Canada National Junior Squad Selection Camp that was held October 14-18, 2020 at the Bear Mountain Golf Resort in Victoria, B.C.

Neel Soni of the St. Charles Country Club finished his junior competitive career by winning the 2020 Junior Men’s Championship. Soni took the lead in the 54-hole event after round one and never looked back posting rounds of 68-70-70 enroute to his first junior championship title. Soni continued his strong play later that week at the Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship where he posted a four-day total of 289 to finish alone in 2nd and just three shots back of the winner. By right of his play with an impressive 71.0 scoring in both the junior and amateur championships, Soni would have qualified to represent Manitoba on both the junior men’s and men’s amateur interprovincial teams had the 2020 national season not been canceled due to the pandemic.

Marco Trstenjak of the Elmhurst Golf & Country Club started his competitive season making with medalist honours in the Match Play Qualifier and then to the round of 16 in the Match Play Championship. At his next event, the Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship, Trstenjak played steady over the 72-hole event to finish at 2-under par 286 and good for a three-shot victory and his first amateur title. Just a few weeks later at the Elmhurst Invitational, Trstenjak, on his home course, posted an even par score of 141 for the win in the 36-hole event.

Four golfers also received honourable mention for their play in 2020 and include 2019 Male Amateur Golfer of the Year Colwyn Abgrall of Southwood (3rd in the Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur and T12th in the Elmhurst Invitational), Eric Johnson of Breezy Bend (T2nd in the Diamond Athletic Mid-Amateur and T6th in the Nott Autocorp Amateur), Allan McDonald of Breezy Bend Country Club (Won Diamond Athletic Mid-Amateur and T8th Nott Autocorp Amateur), and Justin McDonald also of Breezy Bend (T2nd Diamond Athletic Mid-Amateur and T6th Nott Autocorp Amateur).

Unfortunately and due to current indoor gathering restrictions, the annual Golf Manitoba Awards Reception has been cancelled. This year’s announcement for the 2020 Manitoba Male and Female Golfers of the Year award will be made online on the Golf Manitoba website at golfmb.ca and on the official Golf Manitoba Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages on Wednesday, November 4, 2020.

About the Golf Manitoba Amateur Golfer of the Year Award – The Manitoba Amateur Golfer of the Year award recognizes outstanding performance by Manitoba golfers in all levels of competition with the first award presented in 1975. In 2015, the award was re-established to include both a male and female category.

About Golf Manitoba – Golf Manitoba is the governing body for golf in the province of Manitoba and North West Ontario. Its mission is to develop, promote, govern and service the sport of golf in Manitoba and North West Ontario for the benefit of all participants.

For more information:

Jared Ladobruk
Executive Director
Golf Manitoba
204-925-5729
jared@golfmb.ca

The governing body of amateur golf in Manitoba will host its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, October 28, 2020. Due to the current restrictions on indoor gatherings that have been imposed by the province of Manitoba, this year’s meeting will be held via web conference call. The time of the meeting and instructions on how to attend the meeting will be forwarded to all member clubs shortly.

All member clubs are entitled to one vote at the Annual General Meeting. For information on your club’s voting delegate, please contact your club’s general manager or contact Jared Ladobruk, Executive Director of Golf Manitoba at 204.925.5729 or at jared@golfmb.ca.

Also due to current indoor gathering restrictions, the annual Golf Manitoba Awards Reception has been cancelled. This year’s recognition and award winners, including the 2020 Manitoba Male and Female Golfers of the Year and our volunteer Distinguished Service Award, will be announced digitally on the Golf Manitoba website at golfmb.ca and on the official Golf Manitoba Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages on Wednesday, November 4, 2020.

The Invictus Games, held in Toronto in September 2017, included a golf event hosted by St. George’s Golf Club where spectators were treated to outstanding performances by the athletes. Those of us fortunate enough to attend the event could not help but imagine the opportunities of engaging more people with disabilities in golf.

“This was the most memorable and inspirational event we have been a part of,” said Jason Clarke, CCM, who was general manager at St. George’s during the Games.

“St. George’s has a long history of recognizing the contributions made by Canadian service men and women, so hosting the Invictus Games was a natural fit for us,” said Clarke. “This was the first time that golf was included as an official sport of the Invictus Games and the first time they were hosted [in] Canada. We were determined to make Canada proud and give the athletes the ‘St. George’s experience.’ It was inspiring to see so many of our members volunteering for the games, including most of the caddies.

“We had the honour of hosting two Invictus athletes who utilized the Paramobile adaptive golf cart; it is a game changer! These three-wheeled vehicles can enter and exit a sand bunker, drive on a green and even navigate over a 10-inch curb. The Paramobile cart assists the athlete to standing position. This is a sensation that these golfers never thought they would experience again. It is difficult not to get emotional witnessing this achievement.”

Making your club more welcoming and accessible

Jan Bel Jan, of Jan Bel Jan Golf Course Design, is president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and an advocate for golfers with a disability.

“People with disabilities are people first. Each of us knows someone who has difficulty with access, due to a congenital condition or because they have lost some ability because of illness, injury or age,” said Bel Jan. “The opportunity to enjoy golf provides wonderful social, recreational and healthful experiences for everyone. A welcoming and accessible golf facility can benefit economically through increased food and beverage, pro-shop sales and fees, as well as from the satisfaction of providing a valuable service.”

Obstacles can present barriers to people with disabilities in many aspects of their lives. Bel Jan believes the biggest obstacle may be that we are not comfortable in knowing how to treat people with disabilities. It is essential that everyone at a golf facility be trained to be aware of a person with a disability and to feel comfortable assisting them. When in doubt, Bel Jan encourages using common customer courtesy. Because degrees of impairments vary, she suggests asking people with a disability if they need help before attempting to assist them, and then asking how you may assist. For formal training, Bel Jan has found that coaching done by people who have disabilities can be helpful.

“The opportunity to enjoy golf provides wonderful social, recreational and healthful experiences for everyone. A welcoming and accessible golf facility can benefit economically through increased food and beverage, pro-shop sales and fees, as well as from the satisfaction of providing a valuable service.” – Jan Bel Jan, Jan Bel Jan Golf Course Design

The range of disabilities is very broad and, while there are laws and codes to address building accessibility, foresighted golf facility operators can learn how to better accommodate golfers with a disability. Proper signage that directs patrons to the facility’s goods and services is beneficial to everyone. Golf course operators should ensure easy access to at least one teeing area per hole. Creating additional tees, in a safe and accessible place, can meet this need. If readily achievable (with not much difficulty or expense), unobstructed golf cart access should be provided to all areas to be reached by the golfer. Golf cart paths should provide a modest slope for motorized vehicles, including for regular and single rider golf carts.

Ropes and GPS limits on carts can be barriers for those who need to get closer to the green for safety or for ease of access. Both can be adjusted – ropes can be lowered and replaced, and GPS units can be programmed for a specific cart. Red cart flags permit closer proximity to tees and greens and can help to improve access and speed of play. Consider making a map of accessible routes that may include accessible tees, areas of the course to be avoided and bunkers that may be difficult to access or egress.

Another consideration on the course is providing accessible washrooms. If permanent facilities are not available, accessible port-a-potties can meet the need. Also, consider the heights and locations of water and other materials around the course. Where there are steep slopes or difficult-to-access bunkers, the facility can establish the use of the “Modified Rules of Golf for Players with Disabilities” developed by the R&A and USGA. These Modified Rules permit a safe drop area away from the slope or outside the bunker, as well as other accommodations. When course renovations are undertaken, it is important to consider how to make the facility barrier-free.

Should a golf club or practice range want to encourage people with a disability to enjoy the game, inviting adult or children’s groups for clinics may inspire new golfers. Become familiar with programs in your area for people with disabilities. A golf facility could also establish a relationship with a rehabilitation hospital as part of their community outreach. Golf can aid significantly in recovery through an outdoor experience, with a helpful focus on hand-eye coordination, improved balance, strength and flexibility as well as sense of purpose. All of these contribute to the wellbeing of the person with the disability as well as to family, friends and companions.

Finally, Bel Jan recommends that golf facilities audit themselves for accessibility, programs and training. They should include information on their website to promote their accessibility, as well noting any instruction, clinics or programs that may interest people with disabilities and their families.

“An ‘invitation’ is always a great way to make people feel welcome to your course,” said Bel Jan.

Golf for people who are visually impaired

Glenn Babcock is the president of the Ontario Visually Impaired Golfers Association, serves as a director on the board of Blind Golf Canada and sits on the Human Resources Committee of Golf Canada. Babcock was born with his visual impairment. His father was a golf professional, so Babcock grew up around golf courses and had the benefit of learning to golf from a young age.

He says that some golfers are born blind or visually impaired, while others have lost their sight due to injury or illness, or simply as they age. For those who have lost their sight, being able to continue an activity that they enjoy is important to their physical, social and emotional wellbeing.

There are many golfers whose vision loss requires them to seek assistance to play the game. Their “guide” may be a fellow golfer, a non-golfing friend or a family member committed to helping them enjoy the game. The guide helps the golfer get safely around the course, lines them up for each shot and provides information on distances and obstacles and, of course, the guide must also find the ball!

Staff at golf courses should understand this partnership of golfer and guide. Starters and marshals should be made aware of the presence of a “walker.” Groups may be slower, as it takes more time to set up a golfer who is blind or visually impaired. Babcock recommends asking the golfer about their speed of play and how much time they need for setup with their guide and then adjust the group size if necessary.

Some courses have recognized the challenges in arranging a game and offer incentives to encourage blind and visually impaired people to play. Two-for-one rates for the golfer and their guide, even if the guide is playing, are offered by some. Others offer a discount and one club even offers a complimentary nine-hole round for two golfers, and their guides, each week on Monday afternoons.

Golf for people with missing limbs or limited mobility

Kristian Hammerback is the president of the Canadian Amputee Golf Association and is a member of Golf Canada’s Amateur Competitions Committee. As a golfer who was born missing a limb, golf provided him with a childhood activity he could participate in with his friends. He believes that it is important to provide golfing opportunities for people who are missing limbs or with reduced mobility and that it can be instrumental in getting back into life after an injury or illness.

Golfers with missing limbs or limited mobility may have challenges getting around the course and getting to the ball. They don’t like to play long rounds or slow play down for other golfers. Using carts or “solo rider” units, providing red flags and being lenient with cart rules will help to speed their play.

Hammerback, who has helped organize several tournaments for amputee golfers, has found that golf courses are always very helpful and “bend over backwards” to give the competitors a great experience. He encourages golf courses to promote golf participation for all, get involved with organizations for people with disabilities to offer golf clinics and partner with local rehabilitation facilities to provide golf opportunities as part of the recovery process.

Golf for people who are deaf or hard of hearing

Alain Turpin, the executive director of the Canadian Deaf Sports Association, says that the biggest challenge is communicating with deaf and hard of hearing golfers.

“Sometimes, it is difficult for pro-shop employees to communicate with deaf golfers who speak poorly or can’t speak and use language signs,” he said.

He recommends speaking face-to-face with deaf or hard of hearing golfers and writing simple messages on a sheet of paper to communicate.

When golfers who are deaf or hard of hearing take part in a sanctioned competition, it is important for the host committee to reserve a sign language interpreter. It makes a big difference for the deaf golfer to feel included and equal. As well, creating awareness for fellow competitors, competition officials and facility staff of the importance of face-to-face and written communication is essential.

Golf for military veterans who are ill or injured

Joe Kiraly, the outreach and communications manager for Soldier On, a program of the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group, attests to the impact that golf brings to the recoveries of veterans.

“Golf has been a surprising addition to my life following an injury resulting in physical limitations and loss of personal identity,” said Kiraly. “I saw how golf helped others and decided to try it myself.”

The Soldier On golf program, one of its most robust initiatives, is championed by Michael Feyko, who works at Royal Oaks Golf Club in New Brunswick. Feyko is a PGA of Canada teaching professional and a former soldier who used golf as an integral part of his own recovery from injury. The program began as a grassroots initiative to support Armed Forces personnel suffering loss of ability, loss of identity or loss of career and was found to help improve mental and physical health.

Kiraly reports golf clubs being very welcoming to ill and injured men and women. Many veterans who have experienced

sensory or mobility loss, or who have been suffering emotionally, have found golf to be an important component of their healing. With the support of the golf community, the Soldier On golf program is continuing to grow across the country, with three week-long camps planned in 2020.

Golf is for everyone

While you may not have the opportunity to host the Invictus Games, you can make your club welcoming and accessible to all golfers and potential golfers. We all know people with a disability. Providing them the chance to learn the game or continue an activity they enjoy following the loss of ability is tremendously beneficial to them, their families and your club!

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2020 issue of Club Manager Quarterly, a publication of The Canadian Society of Club Managers (CSCM), and is reprinted with their permission. The original article can be found online here.

Leslie Dunning is the past president of Golf Canada. She believes golf is for everyone and that inclusion is key to growing the game. She is a member of Earl Grey and Bigwin Island Golf Clubs.

Winnipeg, MB – Breezy Bend Country Club’s Braxton Kuntz has been selected to attend Golf Canada’s National Junior Squad Selection Camp to take place at Bear Mountain Golf Resort in Victoria, BC from October 14-18th 2020.

Golf Canada coaching staff will be conducting the selection camp whereby athletes are invited to attend and compete for spots on the Squads through a series of objective testing protocols assessing skill and a 54-hole head-to-head tournament. Following the camp, Golf Canada’s selection committee will use the results from the camp assessments along with supplementary information to select the teams.

Kuntz’s invite comes after a solid 2020 campaign that included a 2nd place finish in the Manitoba Junior Men’s Provincial Championship, a T6th in the Manitoba Men’s Amateur Championship and a win and two 2nd place finishes in three Maple Leaf Junior Tour events where he posted a six round scoring average of 70.3. Kuntz is one of just thirteen junior boys and fourteen junior girls from across the country who have been invited to participate in the national team camp.

The intention of the Team Canada program is to provide the best possible support and services to athletes and assist them in attaining their goals. Each player receives a personalized program tailored towards his or her needs and in turn each team member is expected to be fully committed to the program with the goal of becoming one of the top ranked amateur golfers worldwide.

Team Canada players, lead by PGA of Canada head coach Robert Ratcliffe, will receive a full program inclusive of training (technical, physical, mental), competition coaching, sport science support, training camps, centralization support, in addition to uniform and equipment support. The program also includes athlete participation in major amateur competitions including the Pacific Junior Team Championship, Toyota World Junior Qualifier and Final, Glencoe Invitational, the Canadian Amateur and Junior Championships and the World Junior Girls Championship.

More information on the Team Canada golf program is available at golfcanada.ca/team-canada.

Like many of you, I’ve always been diligent about maintaining an accurate handicap. The reasons are ridiculously obvious: I want to know if my game is improving (or not) and I want to ensure that when I compete in net events, I’m being honest and equitable with my fellow competitors.

I never really thought about the mechanics of the system, perhaps because I was too lazy or disinterested to read through the ponderous Handicap Manual (now called the Rules of Handicapping). I gave full credit to the boffins who came up with the convoluted doorstop but never cared to interview the geniuses behind the curtain.

And then, this year, along came the World Handicap System.

Perhaps because of the restrictions due to COVID-19, golfers had more time on their hands. In any case, I’ve never been asked more handicap-related questions at the course or on social media. So, taking a cue from the manuals that accompany your new car or fridge or TV, here’s my version of a “Quick Start Guide” for the World Handicap System.

Why a new handicap system?

Why not? Golf now has both a globally recognized set of Rules as well as a worldwide handicap system. Even if you never travel outside Canada, you can be assured you are playing the same game as every other golfer around the world. The new system may require some tweaking after it’s been in effect for a while but it’s doubtful there will be another significant revision in the near future.

How does the new World Handicap System work?

At one of the meetings of the 23-member committee tasked with creating the new system, a USGA delegate compared understanding the intricacies of the handicapping system with air travel.

“I have no idea how an airplane works. I don’t understand jet propulsion, aeronautics and so on, but I trust that when I get on that plane, it will get me safely to the destination I intended.”*

Likewise, the process of coming up with the World Handicap System would make your head spin, so just concern yourself with the final outcome.

But if you’re in quarantine or a masochist or one of those aforementioned boffins, you can review the Rules of Handicapping here.

Has the Course Handicap calculation changed?

Yes. To your benefit. Under the old system, there might have been just a two- or three-shot difference in your Course Handicap from the front to back set of tees, despite the fact that those tee decks might be separated by 1,500 yards.

Under the new system, that difference now might be 10 to 12 shots because the par of the course has been integrated into the calculation.

Why doesn’t my Handicap Index go up when I post a high score?

Under the old system, the low 10 of your most recent 20 scores were used to calculate your Handicap Index. Under the new system, the low eight are used. So that bad score may not enter into the calculation. Similarly, using the most recent eight scores instead of 10 may have lowered your Index.

What the heck is Net Double Bogey?

“Net Double Bogey” has replaced the old Equitable Stroke Control system (ESC).

Now everyone’s maximum score for handicap purposes is net double bogey. Simply put, this is the par of the hole PLUS two strokes (double bogey) PLUS any handicap strokes you may be allowed on that hole.

If you don’t want to have to figure that out when you’re posting your score, let the Golf Canada Score Center do it for you. When you enter your score hole by hole, the Score Center automatically adjusts for net double bogey.

And for those of you complaining about posting scores hole by hole: You play the game hole by hole so why not post your score that way? It takes only a couple of minutes and provides some interesting data.

Here’s my Super Easy Quick Start Guide:

Post all your scores hole by hole immediately after your round. Let the Golf Canada Score Centre take care of the rest. And check out the new app which makes the process even easier.

(*Thanks to Craig Loughry, Director of Golf Services at Golf Ontario, for this anecdote and other invaluable assistance with this article. Loughry was the Canadian representative on the World Handicap Operations Committee.)

Winnipeg, MB – The Board of Directors of the Golf Manitoba Scholarship Fund are pleased to announce the award recipients for 2020. These outstanding individuals are active in the Manitoba golf community, have demonstrated academic excellence and are pursuing post-secondary studies at Canadian universities and colleges.

Golf Manitoba Scholarship Fund awards are available to all Golf Manitoba/Canada members in addition to those young people who are currently involved with golf either through employment or participation. Scholarships are awarded based on a combination of academic achievement, golf ability and community involvement.

For 2020, the Board is pleased to present awards to the following individuals:

Dr. Dwight Parkinson Award | $2,000 – Eric Strick

The Dr. Dwight Parkinson Award has been made possible by Mr. Dave Hill of the St. Charles Country Club.  The award recognizes Dr. Parkinson’s long-time commitment to the sport of golf. This award is available to a student entering their first year of studies at a post-secondary institution.

Erick Strick
Home club: Rossmere Country Club
School: River East Collegiate, attending Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba in fall of 2020
Golf highlights:

• 2019 Maple Leaf Junior Tour Manitoba Series: 2nd, 3rd and two 5th place finishes
• 2019 Maple Leaf Junior Tour: 4th on the Manitoba Series Order of Merit
• 2019 Golf Manitoba Junior Boy’s Championship: 26th
• 2018 Maple Leaf Junior Tour: two 4th place finishes and three 5th place finishes
• 2018 Golf Manitoba Junior Boy’s Championship: 17th

Brian Gilhuly Award | $2,000 – Jacob Armstrong

The Brian Gilhuly Memorial Scholarship was made possible by the generous donation from the estate of the long-time Golf Manitoba volunteer, Mr. Brian Gilhuly. Brian started his volunteerism with Golf Manitoba in 1986 where he served in a variety of capacities for over 30 years until his passing in 2017. This award is available to students who are currently in the process of continuing with post-secondary studies.

Jacob Armstrong
Home club: St. Boniface Golf Club
School: University of Fraser Valley, Business Administration, 1st
Golf highlights:

• 2019 Canada West Fall Championships: T25, individual team champions
• 2019 Golf Manitoba Junior Boy’s Championship: 1st
• 2019 Golf Manitoba Provincial Junior Boys Team Member
• 2019 Golf Manitoba Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship: T12
• 2019 Golf Canada Junior Men’s Championship: T59
• Finalist 2019 Golf Manitoba Male Golfer of the Year
• 2018 Golf Manitoba Junior Boy’s Championship: 3rd
• 2018 Golf Manitoba Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship: T7

Open Scholarship Awards | $1,500 x 5 – Lachlan Allerton, Brett Asseltine, Brent Ingram, Anthony Leicht & Brynn Todd

The Open Scholarship Awards are made possible each year by the Scholarship Fund. These awards are made available to both high school and post-secondary students who are pursuing studies in Canada. Scholarships are awarded based largely on academic achievement; however, golf ability and community involvement are also considered. The number and size of the awards are determined each year by the Scholarship Fund Board of Directors.

Lachlan Allerton
Home club: Rossmere Country Club
School: Kildonan-East Collegiate, attending University of Manitoba in fall of 2020
Golf highlights:

• 2019 Golf Manitoba Junior Development Team
• 2019 Maple Leaf Junior Tour Order of Merit runner-up
• 2019 MHSAA Provincial Golf Team Champions
• 2019 Golf Manitoba Junior Boy’s Championship: T15
• 2019 Golf Manitoba Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur: T45
• 2018 MHSAA Provincial Golf Championship low individual
• 2018 MHSAA Provincial Golf Team Champions
• 2019 Golf Manitoba Junior Boy’s Championship: 19th

Brett Asseltine
Home club: Niakwa Country Club
School: University of Manitoba, 3rd
Golf highlights:

• Competed in the 2019 Niakwa Country Club Club Championship
• Competed in the 2018 Golf Manitoba Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur
• Employed for three seasons at Niakwa Country Club

Brent Ingram
Home club: Elmhurst Golf & Country Club
School: University of Manitoba, 1st
Golf highlights:

• 2019 Golf Manitoba Junior Development Team
• 2019 Golf Canada Future Links Prairie Championship: 8th
• 2019 Golf Manitoba Junior Boy’s Championship: 11th
• 2018 Golf Manitoba Junior Development Team
• 2018 Golf Manitoba Junior Boy’s Championship: 28th
• 2018 Golf Canada Future Links Prairie Championship: 14th

Anthony Leicht
Home club: St. Charles Country Club
School: University of Manitoba, 2nd
Golf highlights:

• Member of University of Manitoba Men’s Golf Team
• 2019 Golf Manitoba Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur: T14
• 2018 Golf Manitoba Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur: T34

Brynn Todd
Home club: St. Charles Country Club
School: University of Manitoba, 3rd
Golf highlights:

• Member of University of Manitoba Women’s Golf Team
• 2019 Golf Manitoba Women’s Amateur: 20th
• 2019 U Sport CanWest Championships: 22nd
• 2018 Golf Manitoba Women’s Amateur: T21
• 2018 Jamestown Invitational: 5th
• 2018 University of Victoria Vikes Shootout: 21

Craig Yahiro Memorial Scholarship Award | $1,000 x 2 – Kayla Barnabe & Aaron Macdonell 

The Craig Yahiro Memorial Scholarship Award is made possible through the generosity of the Yahiro Family and in memory of the late Craig Yahiro. Craig Yahiro was a long-time member of the PGA of Canada where his skillful instruction and great personality and sense of humour helped many improve their game. This award is available for students who are either Golf Manitoba members or who are currently involved with golf either through employment or participation.

Kayla Barnabe
Home club: Southside Golf Course
School: University of Manitoba, Faculty of Arts, 1st
Golf highlights:

• 2018 High School Golf Team, Centre Scolaire Léo-Remillard
• Employed at Southside Golf Course for two seasons

Aaron Macdonell
Home club: Niakwa Country Club
School: St. Paul’s High School, attending University of Manitoba in fall of 2020
Golf highlights:

• Member of the Golf Manitoba Junior Development Team
• 2019 Golf Manitoba Junior Boy’s Championship: 34th
• Employed at Niakwa Country Club for two seasons

About the Golf Manitoba Scholarship Fund

The Golf Manitoba Scholarship Fund (GMSF), formerly known as the Manitoba Golf Scholarship Fund, is a registered charity, the object of which is to provide financial assistance to young golfers entering or continuing in a post-secondary educational institution in Canada. Since 1986, the Fund has awarded over 180 scholarships totalling over $205,000 to students associated with 36 different golf clubs throughout Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.

For more information about the Scholarship Fund including information on how to apply or to make a donation, please visit the Fund’s website at golfmb.ca/scholarship.

For more information:

Jared Ladobruk
Executive Director, Golf Manitoba
204-925-5729
jared@golfmb.ca

– 30 –

The 2020 Golf Manitoba junior development program has come to a close. It was another fantastic year of learning and competition despite the challenges faced from COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s program was led by Golf Manitoba’s Director of Player Development and PGA of Canada professional, Garth Goodbrandson. Golf Manitoba intern Seth McMahon also assisted throughout the season.

The junior boys’ team season started in May with testing sessions led by Golf Canada men’s amateur and Olympic coach Derek Ingram.

The season continued with two teams competing in the 2020 Mundie Putter league. Team Gold lost in the semi-finals and team Black had a solid season as well.  Congratulations to all members of our boy’s development program!

2020 Junior Development Gold Team:

• Jacob Armstrong – St Boniface Golf Club/Southwood Golf & Country Club
• Braxton Kuntz – Breezy Bend Country Club
• Jordon McDonald – Breezy Bend Country Club
• Noah Fiks – Pine Ridge Golf Club
• Ryan Blair – Pine Ridge Golf Club
• Adam Ingram – Elmhurst Golf & Country Club
• Trey Ross – Rossmere Country Club
• Carter Johnson – Rossmere Country Club
• Lachlan Allerton – Rossmere Country Club
• Jack Taylor – St Charles Country Club
• Ryden Hargreaves – Wheat City Golf Course

2020 Junior Development Black Team:

• Grady Chuback – St Charles Country Club
• Nolan Watson – St Charles Country Club
• Jack Rudick – St Charles Country Club
• Dylan Moon – St Charles Country Club
• Thomas Scott – St Charles Country Club/Dauphin Lake Golf Club
• Scott Miner – St Charles Country Club/St Boniface Golf Club
• Tazio Ciaflone – Breezy Bend Country Club
• Hayden Deleloye – Neepawa Golf & Country Club
• Aaron Macdonell – Niakwa Country Club
• Eric Strick – Rossmere Country Club
• Austin Boge – Rossmere Country Club

The Juniors Girls Development Team also began practicing at the end of May and continued through the summer working with PGA of Canada professional Bri-Ann Tokariwski of the Elmhurst Golf & Country Club.

The team was also fortunate to work with PGA of Canada head professional Cory Kartusch of the St. Charles Country Club early in the season. Special thanks also to Golf Manitoba volunteer Lori Russell for her help throughout the year!

2020 Junior Girls Development Team:

• Crystal Zamzow – Swan River Golf & Country Club
• Cala Korman – Golf Manitoba
• Addison Kartusch – St Charles Country Club
• Sarah Farmer – St Charles Country Club
• Jeri Lafleche – Clear Lake Golf Course
• Jewel Lafleche – Clear Lake Golf Course
• Mackenzie Forsythe – Elmhurst Golf & Country Club
• Armaan Dhillon – Elmhurst Golf & Country Club
• Annika Russell – St Boniface Golf Club
• Elle Wood – St Boniface Golf Club
• Payton Oakden – Glendale Golf & Country Club

Congratulations to all team members and coaches and we look forward to doing it all again in 2021!

Golf Manitoba wishes to extend a warm welcome to Oak Island Golf Resort, our newest member club!

Located approximately 45 minutes southwest of Brandon, Manitoba, Oak Island is designed by Les Furber, one of Canada’s most prolific golf course architects. Designed with 4 tee decks on each hole, Oak Island Golf Course has strived to ensure anyone from beginners to professionals can find challenge and enjoyment on the golf course. And the A-4 bentgrass greens provide one of the best putting surfaces available in the world today. Combine this with a course that is completely surrounded by beautiful prairie wetlands and you have a perfect setting for memorable round of golf.

For more information about Oak Island Golf Resort and to book your online tee-time, please visit fourseasonsislandresort.com/oak-island-golf.

Golf Manitoba would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest member clubs! Joining us for the 2020 season will be Dauphin Lake Golf Club, Glenboro Golf & Country Club, Scotswood Links and Souris-Glenwood Community Golf Course.

Dauphin Lake Golf Club is an 18-hole, 6,110 yard, par 70 course situated on the beautiful shore of Lake Dauphin. A challenging course known for its rolling and slightly tiered greens, the Dauphin Lake Golf Course has narrow fairways, numerous trees and shrubs, plus sand and grass bunkers, with water hazards on several holes. For more information and to book your tee-time, please visit golfdauphinlake.ca.

Dauphin Lake Golf Club

Located in on the southern edge of Spruce Woods Provincial Park, Glenboro Golf & Country Club is a challenging 3,020 yard 9-hole layout with lush fairways, great people and excellent atmosphere. Most fairways at Glenboro are fairly open, and the rough is usually forgiving to errant drives. All but one of the course’s nine holes have hills and rolling greens that are both challenging and interesting with lots of undulation. You can learn more about Glenboro Golf & Country Club at golfglenboro.ca.

Glenboro Golf and Country Club

Scotswood Links is located near the town of Elm Creek, Manitoba and just 30 minutes from Winnipeg’s south perimeter on Highway #2. Scotswood Links offers a beautiful 18-hole golf course measuring at just over 6,000 yards from the back tees. The new clubhouse is open year round and is home to The Wooden Spoon restaurant and lounge. During the winter, Scotswood Links offers cross country skiing and 4 kilometer skating trail on the creek with snowmobile paths running nearby. For more information and to book an online tee-time, visit scotswoodlinks.com.

Souris-Glenwood Community Golf Club is located in Souris, Manitoba. Three sets of tees provide the golfer with a variety of options on this scenic 9-hole layout. The fully licensed clubhouse provides food and beverage options before and after your game with an outdoor deck overlooking the 9th hole. Visit the club website for contact information and to book your tee-time.

Souris-Glenwood Community Golf Course

For a complete listing of all Golf Manitoba member clubs, visit our member club directory at golfmb.ca.

Golf Manitoba is excited to announce that applications for 2020 scholarship awards is now open!

The Golf Manitoba Scholarship Fund (GMSF), formerly known as the Manitoba Golf Scholarship Fund, is a registered charity, the object of which is to provide financial assistance to young golfers entering or continuing in a post-secondary educational institution in Canada. Since 1986, the Fund has awarded over 180 scholarships totalling over $205,000 to 36 different golf clubs throughout Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.