Orr & Kuntz named Female & Male Amateur Golfers of the Year
Brian Munz
On behalf of Selection Committee members Clayton Dreger, Jill Hardy, Adam Speirs and Ken Wiebe, Golf Manitoba is pleased to recognize the 2023 Amateur Golfer of the Year Award winners.
This year’s recipients were announced on October 25, 2023, at the annual Golf Manitoba Awards presented by AVID GOLF that was held at the Glendale Golf & Country Club.
Rhonda Orr of Southwood Golf & Country Club is the 2023 Female Amateur Golfer of the Year.
Orr, 62, from Winnipeg, won the Hodson Financial Women’s Senior Championship and Super Senior Championship. She finished third in the Diamond Athletic Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, fourth at the British Columbia Women’s Senior Championship, T7 at the Canadian Women’s Senior Championship and ninth at the Diamond Athletic Women’s Amateur Championship. The Southwood Golf & Country Club member also qualified for the U.S. Senior Women’s Open.
Orr has won the last eight consecutive and 10 of the last 11 Hodson Financial Women’s Senior Championships. With the selection, it is the fifth time that Orr has been recognized as Female Amateur Golfer of the Year (2016, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023).
Braxton Kuntz of Breezy Bend Country Club is the 2023 Male Amateur Golfer of the Year. Kuntz, 19, from Winnipeg, won the Manitoba Match Play Championship presented by St. Vital Dental Centre and the Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship. Representing Nicholls State University (NCAA) south of the border he placed fourth in the Gulf Coast Collegiate Championship, T6 at the Colin Montgomerie Invitational and T7 at the Tunica National Intercollegiate Championship. The Breezy Bend Country Club member was also T8 at the Elmhurst Invitational and T9 at the Glencoe Invitational.
Kuntz was the first player in Manitoba to win both the Manitoba Junior and Men’s Amateur Championship in back-to-back seasons (2021 and 2022). He is also just the third player to have won the Men’s Amateur Championship in three consecutive years (Todd Fanning 1990, 91, 92 and R.J Reith 1935, 36, 37).
With the selection, it is the third time in as many years that Kuntz has been named Male Amateur Golfer of the Year (2021, 2022, 2023).
Kuntz was unavailable to attend the awards banquet in person as he is currently in his junior year at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.
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 female and male category. 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 sport of golf for the benefit of all participants.
Finalists announced for 2023 Female & Male Amateur Golfer of the Year
Brian Munz
Golf Manitoba is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2023 Female and Male Amateur Golfer of the Year Awards.
This year’s female and male award finalists were chosen by the selection committee of Clayton Dreger of Golden West Radio, Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press as well as former Golf Manitoba Junior and Amateur Champions Jill Hardy and Adam Speirs.
The 2023 Female Amateur Golf of the Year Finalists are Addison Kartusch, Cala Korman, Jeri Lafleche and Rhonda Orr.
Addison Kartusch
Kartusch, 17, from Winnipeg, won the Manitoba Match Play Championship presented by St. Vital Dental Centre and the Women’s City & District Championship. She finished second in the Junior Division of the Elmhurst Invitational, third at the Golf Canada NextGen Prairie Championship and fourth in the Junior Girls Championship presented by the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation. The St. Charles Country Club member also placed seventh in the Diamond Athletic Women’s Amateur Championship, 31st in the Juvenile Division of the Canadian Junior Girls Championship and T42 in the Canadian Junior Girls Championship.
Cala Korman
Korman, 18, from Killarney, won the Golf Canada NextGen Prairie Championship at the Evergreen Golf Course in Nipawin, Saskatchewan. She finished second in the Diamond Athletic Women’s Amateur Championship and third in the Junior Girls Championship presented by the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation. The Golf Manitoba Public Player member also placed T35 on the leaderboard at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship and 78th at the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.
Jeri Lafleche
Lafleche, 16, from Winnipeg, won the Diamond Athletic Women’s Amateur Championship, finished second at the Junior Girls Championship presented by the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation, third in the Junior Girls Division at the Elmhurst Invitational and was a semi finalist in the Championship Flight of the Manitoba Match Play Championship presented by St. Vital Dental Centre. The Clear Lake Golf Course member also completed the Canadian Junior Girls Championship T32 on the leaderboard in the Juvenile Division and T46 in the overall championship.
Rhonda Orr
Orr, 62, from Winnipeg, won the Hodson Financial Women’s Senior Championship and Super Senior Championship. She finished third in the Mid-Amateur Championship of the Diamond Athletic Women’s Amateur Championship, 4th in the B.C. Women’s Senior Championship, T7 at the Canadian Women’s Senior Championship and ninth at the Diamond Athletic Women’s Amateur Championship. The Southwood Golf & Country Club member also qualified for the U.S. Senior Women’s Open.
The Golf Manitoba Awards selection committee would also like to recognize Charmaine Hayden (2nd place at the Mid-Amateur Championship of the Diamond Athletic Women’s Amateur Championship and 3rd place at the Women’s City & District) and Crystal Zamzow (Champion of the Junior Girls Championship presented by the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation and Champion of the Junior Girls Division at the Elmhurst Invitational) on their accomplishments during the 2023 season.
The 2023 Male Amateur Golfer of the Year finalists are Jay Doyle, Todd Fanning,Braxton Kuntz and Marco Trstenjak.
Jay Doyle
Doyle, 56, from Winnipeg, won the Hodson Financial Senior Men’s Championship and finished sixth in the Mid-Masters Championship of the Diamond Athletic Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship. The Niakwa Country Club member also placed T20 on the leaderboard at the Diamond Athletic Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship and T48 at the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship.
Todd Fanning
Fanning, 55, from Winnipeg, finished second in both the Hodson Financial Senior Men’s Championship and the Diamond Athletic Men’s Mid-Masters Championship. The Niakwa Country Club member placed third at the Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship, T8 at the Diamond Athletic Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship and T12 at the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship.
Braxton Kuntz
Kuntz, 19, from Winnipeg, won the Manitoba Match Play Championship presented by St. Vital Dental Centre and the Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship. South of the border he placed fourth in the Gulf Coast Collegiate Championship, T6 at the Colin Montgomerie Invitational and T7 at the Tunica National Intercollegiate Championship. The Breezy Bend Country Club member was also T8 at the Elmhurst Invitational and T9 at the Glencoe Invitational.
Marco Trstenjak
Trstenjak, 23, from Winnipeg, won the Elmhurst Invitational. He finished 2nd in the Manitoba Match Play Championship presented by St. Vital Dental Centre and finished seventh at the Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship. The Elmhurst Golf & Country Club member also place T45 on the leaderboard at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
The Golf Manitoba Awards selection committee would also like to recognize Curtis Markusson (Mid-Masters Champion at the Diamond Athletic Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship) and Patrick Perrin (Diamond Athletic Men’s Mid-Amateur Champion) for their play during the 2023 season.
Tickets are available for purchase until 5pm on Friday, October 20th by contacting Golf Manitoba at (204) 925-5730 or by email at info@golfmb.ca.
Tickets are $25 per person, appetizers and food stations included.
About the Golf Manitoba Amateur Golfer of the Year Award – The Golf 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 female and male 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:
Brian Munz Director of Communications Golf Manitoba (204) 899-1092 brian@golfmb.ca
Under the agreement, AVID GOLF will become the presenting partner of the annual Golf Manitoba Awards event until 2025.
“We are looking forward to embarking on this new relationship with AVID GOLF” said Ladobruk. “In speaking with Luc and seeing their business in operation, we have a common goal of growing the sport of golf for all age levels and playing abilities.”
“It’s hard to love something for only six months of the year so we created AVID GOLF in an effort to grow and allow everyone to enjoy the sport of golf 12 months of the year” said AVID GOLF Founder & CEO Luc Bohunicky. “It’s important to us to not just be looked at as just a sim lounge, we want to be active in the community and allow people to have fun while also improving their skills at the same time.”
About AVID GOLF: Located at 1580 Taylor Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba, AVID GOLF houses 6 indoor simulators using Foresight Sports technology, has an indoor putting green and a bar and lounge. AVID GOLF caters to both serious and recreational golfers in addition to providing a social venue for people looking for a fun and interactive experience.
About Golf Manitoba: 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.
About Golf Manitoba Awards:The annual Golf Manitoba Awards event recognizes and celebrates all that’s great about the sport of golf in the province – from volunteers to elite performers, teams and milestone achievements including the annual male and female Amateur Golfer of the Year awards.
Golf Manitoba, in association with Golf Canada, is pleased to welcome Marvellous Meadows Golf Course as our newest member club.
Located 10 minutes north of Gimli along Highway #222, this nine hole course can be played from two sets of tee boxes ranging from 2,834 to 3,240 yards.
”After a 15 year hiatus, we are excited to have this course available for everyone to enjoy” said owner / superintendent Shawn Magnusson. “We rebuilt a number of the greens and now in our second season, are proud of their maturation and look forward to sharing it with golfers of all ages and skill level.”
Marvellous Meadows Golf Course features a driving range, putting green and a full menu in their restaurant. Every Wednesday is Kids Day where they can play free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
As an official Golf Manitoba / Canada member club, all rounds played at Marvellous Meadows Golf Course are acceptable for handicap purposes and may be recorded toward establishing or maintaining an official Golf Canada Handicap Index.
For more information, check out their website or call the proshop at (204) 642-4653.
Golf Manitoba, in association with Golf Canada, is pleased to welcome Gladstone Golf & Country Club as our newest member club.
Located just off Highway #16, south of Gladstone along Highway #34, this nine hole course can be played from three sets of tee boxes along with a new set of junior tees in the fairway.
“Our junior tees have been very popular getting more young people introduced to the game” said 2nd Vice President Ivan Milne. “Our course is in real good shape, the greens are fantastic, so it’s been a good summer for us and we are excited about the future.”
The Gladstone Golf & Country Club also features a driving range, putting green and a full menu in their restaurant.
As an official Golf Manitoba / Canada member club, all rounds played at the Gladstone Golf & Country Club are acceptable for handicap purposes and may be recorded toward establishing or maintaining an official Golf Canada Handicap Index.
For more information, check out their Facebook page or call the proshop at (204) 385-2998.
CentrePort Canada Railpark Manitoba Open begins with Qualifier
Brian Munz
A field of 48 will tee off Monday morning at Glendale Golf & Country Club looking to earn a birth into the 2023 CentrePort Canada Railpark Manitoba Open.
Of the 48, six are homegrown talents hoping to be one of the top eight qualifiers to play at Southwood Golf & Country Club starting Thursday.
The six Manitobans include:
Charlie Boyechko Austin Dobrescu Travis Fredborg Ryan McMillan Jose Mekish-Lacquette Zach Sackett
Golf Manitoba, in association with Golf Canada, is pleased to welcome to the Russell Golf Club as our newest member club.
Located east of Russell along Highway #45, this 3,200 yard 9 hole course can be played from various sets of tee boxes with 10 greens available.
“Our course is a very family friendly course” said Executive Board Member Kevin Boucher. “What’s unique about our place is the 8th hole has two greens to shoot at so when you play your second nine holes it gives you a different look.”
The Russell Golf Club also features a driving range, putting green and a full menu in their restaurant.
As an official Golf Manitoba / Canada member club, all rounds played at the Russell Golf Club are acceptable for handicap purposes and may be recorded toward establishing or maintaining an official Golf Canada Handicap Index.
For more information, call the proshop at (204) 773-2969.
RESULTS | Round 2 at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship
Brian Munz
Addison Kartusch (Team Manitoba / St. Charles Country Club) shot a one over par 72 in her second round of the Canadian Junior Girls Championship in New Brunswick.
With a 149 two day total, Kartusch is tied for 13th on the leaderboard.
Two other Manitobans made the cut. Cala Korman (Team Manitoba / Golf Manitoba Public Players Club) is at 155 after carding an 80 while Jeri Lafleche (Clear Lake Golf Course) is at 157 after a 77.
Also representing our province, however failing to make the cut:
RESULTS | Round 1 of the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship
Brian Munz
Marissa Naylor of Niakwa Country Club is eight strokes off the lead after the opening round of the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship in Creemore, Ontario.
Naylor’s five over par 77 has her tied for fifth place on the leaderboard.
Judith Kyrinis of Ontario was the only player to go under par with a three under 69.
Also representing our province:
Hannah Diamond (St. Charles Country Club) 79 Charmaine Hayden (Breezy Bend Country Club) 79 Katherine McGlenen (Breezy Bend Country Club) 88 Nicole McGlenen (Breezy Bend Country Club) 88
Team Manitoba (Naylor, Diamond) are currently in second place in the Inter-Provincial Team Championship, only one stroke back of Quebec.
For the complete opening round leaderboard, click here.
RESULTS | Round 1 of the Canadian Junior Girls Championship
Brian Munz
Cala Korman (Team Manitoba / Golf Manitoba Public Players Club) is five strokes off the lead after the opening round of the Canadian Junior Girls Championship in New Brunswick.
Korman’s four over par 75 is the top score of the eight Manitobans taking part.
Also representing our province:
Addison Kartusch (Team Manitoba / St. Charles Country Club) 77 Jeri Lafleche (Clear Lake Golf Course) 80 Crystal Zamzow (Team Manitoba / Golf Manitoba Public Players Club) 84 Keira Krahn (Team Manitoba / Carman Golf & Curling Club) 84 India Young (Team Manitoba / Carman Golf & Curling Club) 84 Jewel Lafleche (Clear Lake Golf Course) 85 Payton Oakden (Team Manitoba / Glendale Golf & Country Club) 99
In the Inter-Provincial Team Championship, Manitoba (Korman, Jeri Lafleche, Zamzow) is fourth at +13. Ontario leads the way at two over par.
