Jeri Lafleche (Niakwa Country Club) had another strong performance this weekend in Florida finishing in second place on the leaderboard at the Walt Disney Classic at Lake Buena Vista.

Lafleche carded rounds of 74 and 73 to finish the 36 hole event at 147, just three strokes off the lead in the Girls 14-18 division.

Jewel Lafleche (Niakwa) had rounds of 84-80 to finish T16 on the leaderboard in same division.

Hudson Hunnie (Team Manitoba / Rossmere Country Club) competed in the Boys 16-18 division. He finished T35 after an 87 and 81.

For the final leaderboard, click here.

Recognizing the fact that the game of golf is one with many physical and mental health benefits, Golf Manitoba has extended its partnership with Manitoba Blue Cross as their Official Health & Wellness Partner for three more years. This further reinforces the goal of both organizations to support golfers and their well-being on and off the links.

“We are incredibly grateful to Manitoba Blue Cross for their ongoing support of amateur golf in our region,” said Golf Manitoba Executive Director Jared Ladobruk. “As a not-for-profit organization, Manitoba Blue Cross is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of Manitobans with industry-leading health care programs and solutions for its members. This partnership perfectly aligns with the physical, social, mental and emotional benefits that playing the sport of golf can provide.”

As part of the partnership, Golf Manitoba members receive a 10 per cent discount on travel health coverage from Manitoba Blue Cross. This benefit extends to eligible family members traveling with the member, ensuring comprehensive health protection when away from home.

“We have built a strong foundation with Golf Manitoba in supporting the well-being of golfers across Manitoba, both at home and while away,” said Manitoba Blue Cross President and CEO Benjamin Graham. “With every swing, we are facilitating golfers of all ages to prioritize their physical and mental health, while contributing to a healthier, happier community across the province.”

Manitoba Blue Cross will also continue to have a presence at select Golf Manitoba events and championships, and will offer health tips and strategies that support golfers in many ways, from their golf game to their overall health and wellness.

About Manitoba Blue Cross

Manitoba Blue Cross is a Manitoba-based health benefits provider with coverage that is among the best in the industry. With the added advantage of a national network, they provide the utmost care for their members living both locally and out of province.

As an independent licensee of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans and together with its subsidiary, Blue Cross Life, they provide health, dental, employee assistance, life, disability, wellness and travel coverage for over half a million people. Their personal and group plans fill the gap between government health plans and what Manitobans want and need.

About Golf Manitoba

Golf Manitoba is the Provincial Sports Organization and governing body for golf in Manitoba representing over 10,000 golfers and 101 member clubs across the province. A proud partner of Golf Canada, Golf Manitoba’s mission is to develop, promote, govern and service the game of golf for the benefit of all participants. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our vision is to be a leader in delivering quality, innovative and accessible golf programs and services.

Golf Manitoba, in association with Golf Canada, is pleased to welcome Shooters Family Golf Centre as our newest member club.

Located along Main Street in Winnipeg, this executive18 hole par 57 golf course can be played from three sets of tee boxes ranging from 2,076 to 2,879 yards.

Shooters Family Golf Centre also features a 100 stall driving range, mini golf course, putting green and a full service restaurant for all guests to enjoy.

As an official Golf Manitoba / Canada member club, all rounds played at Shooters Family Golf Centre are acceptable for handicap purposes and may be recorded toward establishing or maintaining an official Golf Canada Handicap Index.

To reserve a tee time or for more information, call the proshop at (204) 339-2326 or go online www.shootersgolf.ca.

Tickets are now on sale for the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Induction Banquet.

To purchase tickets, click here.

The Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2024 features Donald Craig, James Scollan and Danny Stack along with the 1995 Willingdon Cup Team of Garth Collings, Dale Goehring, Derron Magda and Rob McMillan.

The Induction Banquet is scheduled for Thursday, May 8 at Glendale Golf & Country Club.

Golf Manitoba, in association with Golf Canada, is pleased to welcome Killarney Lakeside Golf Club as our newest member club.

Located in southwest Manitoba, this 18 hole course can be played from four sets of tee boxes ranging from 3,942 to 6,180 yards.

Killarney Lakeside Golf Club features a driving range, chipping green and putting green. The fully licensed clubhouse and restaurant is available to host fundraisers, weddings and corporate gatherings.

As an official Golf Manitoba / Canada member club, all rounds played at Killarney Lakeside Golf Club are acceptable for handicap purposes and may be recorded toward establishing or maintaining an official Golf Canada Handicap Index.

To reserve a tee time or for more information, call the proshop at (204) 523-8277 or click here for their website.

Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are pleased to announce that Golf Manitoba President Susan Wright-Cassan (Emerald Greens Golf Course & Driving Range) of Thunder Bay, Ont. and Carly Crooks of Scarborough, Ont. have been named the 2024 recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards.

Following a national call for nominations to the Canadian golf community, Wright-Cassan and Crooks were identified by the selection committee as recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards. The recognition celebrates a pair of individuals who demonstrated excellence in using golf as a platform to positively impact their communities.

“On behalf of Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation, we are very proud to recognize Susan Wright-Cassan and Carly Crooks as our 2024 Lorie Kane Community Spirt Award recipients,” said David McCarthy, President, Golf Canada. “Nominations were brought forth from across the country highlighting the many contributions of passionate individuals who willingly give their time to inspire others through the game of golf. Congratulations to Susan and to Carly for this deserved honour and we thank them for their continued contributions to the sport in their communities.”

Wright-Cassan has been named the recipient of the 2024 Lorie Kane Community Leader Award, 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 kms. 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 2024 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 Susan 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.

Crooks has been named the recipient of the 2024 Lorie Kane Future Leader Award. The 21-year-old has dedicated her summers to coaching with First Tee – Canada, both in her community and across Ontario. After completing training as a First Tee – Canada coach in 2023, Crooks has coached in First Tee – Canada programming at the RBC Canadian Open, Golf Ontario’s Indigenous Try it Day, All-Girls First Tee along with programming at Tam O’Shanter Golf Course in Scarborough, Ont.

“Winning this award is so exciting, and I couldn’t have done it without the amazing people in my corner,” said Carly Crooks. “Shout out to my coach, Sean Burke, for always pushing me to be better, and to my parents for their endless support. My twin sister has been with me through everything, and I’m especially grateful to the First Tee – Ontario team for getting me involved.”

Crooks will receive a $5,000 donation towards her post-secondary education. Wright-Cassan and Crooks will be honoured during the RBC Hall of Fame Day in August during the CPKC Women’s Open at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont.

Submissions for the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards were evaluated by a selection committee that includes representatives from Golf Canada, the Golf Canada Foundation, Honoured Members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, industry representatives and the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.  

The Lorie Kane Community Leader Award celebrates individuals over the age of 19 with a demonstrated ability to lead community initiatives; who have contributed a measurable impact through volunteerism or charity; or have showcased excellence in their involvement with, or support of youth programs such as First Tee – Canada or other junior golf activities.

The Lorie Kane Future Leader Award honours a young individual who embodies community leadership; has a history of sportsmanship or demonstrated activities to make the game more inclusive; or an individual who has used golf to create a meaningful impact in their community.

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.

A call for nominations for the 2025 Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards will go out later this year.

2024 Golf Manitoba Junior Boys Champion Zostrianos Giordani-Gross (Shilo Country Club / Miles College) has won his first college championship south of the border.

Giordani-Gross earned a two stroke victory in the Men’s Division #2 Championship of the Arcis HBCU Golf Championship at The Club at Weston Hills – Players Course in Weston, Florida carding rounds of 75, 72 and 37 (only nine holes due to weather) to finish at 4 over par 184.

Final leaderboard

Golf Manitoba is pleased to announce 23 Junior Boys and 15 Junior Girls have been named to the 2025 Team Manitoba roster.

These junior golfers will train and compete in various tournaments throughout the season representing our province under the guidance of coaches Sean Murray and Bri-ann Tokariwski, both PGA of Canada members.

The Junior Boys Gold Team roster features:
– Dauphin Lake Golf Club’s Jackson Delaurier
– Gavin Carver & Hunter Oakden of Glendale Country Club
– Niakwa Country Club’s Ryder St. Laurent
– Pine Ridge Golf Club members Adam Blair & Liam Comaskey
– Brayden Boge, Hudson Hunnie & Ryder Pufahl of Rossmere Country Club
– Quarry Oaks Golf Course’s Ty Brewster
– Payne Wood of St. Boniface Golf Club
– St. Charles Country Club member Owen Conrad
– Spence Mott of Shilo Golf & Country Club.

With just over three months until the tournament season we are very excited to get the 2025 campaign underway” said Boys Head Coach Sean Murray. “What we do now during the offseason is crucial to our individual and team. Being in Manitoba we can’t afford to start playing our best golf in July or August, it has to be from the get go. The boys have a great support team and resources behind them to help them play their best golf. We have a great group selected here, who work hard, love the game, and will represent Golf Manitoba with class.”

The Junior Girls will be divided into two teams.

The Gold Team roster features:
– Angelina Sitarz of Elmhurst Golf & Country Club
– Payton Oakden of Glendale
– Pine Ridge’s Sadie Blazeiko, Gracie McMillan & Erin Nowicki
– Golf Manitoba Public Players Club member Maisy Shewchuk.

The Black Team roster includes:
– Elmhurst’s Emily Devlin, Annika Gording & Kate McMillan
– Golf Manitoba Public Players Club member Mikaila Pador
– Camryn Thomas of St. Charles. 

“The team this season is some of the hungriest group of athletes to come through the program” said Girls Head Coach Bri-ann Tokariwski. “Their work ethic and wanting to learn is really exciting. They each possess their own strengths and experiences that will help them compete this season. We are all excited to go through the Canada Games cycle and showcase their abilities.”

Looking into the future, 10 Junior Boys and four Junior Girls have been recognized for their potential and named to Team Manitoba’s Blue practice squad rosters.

The boys roster includes Brady Comaskey (Pine Ridge), Colton Drul (Elmhurst), Brayden Hamm (Wheat City), Preston Johnson (St. Charles), Finn Kydd (St. Charles), Hunter MacLean (St. Charles), Aris Mercury (Glendale), Tiago Miranda (St. Charles), Ty Montour (Scotswood Links) and Grant Secord (St. Charles).

The girls are Mackenzie Bartlett (Carman), Isla Dent (Golf Manitoba Public Player), Leah Klippenstein (Golf Manitoba Public Player) and Lindley Kurz (Golf Manitoba Public Player).

“As an association, this is always an exciting time of year as we get to identify our future” said Golf Manitoba Executive Director Jared Ladobruk. “Over the past number of years, we have seen Team Manitoba members move on to attend Canadian and American universities with some advancing to play professional golf. With commitment and dedication to our 2025 Team Manitoba program, we hope one day these individuals will too.” 

Team Manitoba will once again benefit greatly from the generosity of the Alex and Peggy Colonello Foundation while also receiving support from the Integrated Support Team at Sport Manitoba Performance that will help enhance the athletes’ skills through fitness, nutrition, and development of the mental side of the game.

Golf Manitoba would also like to thank Elmhurst Golf & Country Club and Southwood Golf & Country Club for their hospitality as the host courses for Team Manitoba practices.

About Team Manitoba: The Team Manitoba program provides enhanced training, development, and competitive opportunities for both aspiring and accomplished junior female and male athletes from the Golf Manitoba region.

The program encompasses fitness, sports psychology, nutrition, technique, equipment management and regional, multi-sport, and national level competition.

For more, please visit golfmb.ca/team-manitoba.

Shanks Driving Range & Grill, a Golf Manitoba Off Course Facility, has been named winner of the 2024 Top Tracer Rookie of the Year Award.

In partnership with Golf Manitoba, customers at Shanks Driving Range & Grill who are Golf Manitoba / Canada members receive 20% off their golf experience, food and beverages. To purchase your Golf Manitoba / Canada membership, click here.

Top Tracer Canada Sales Manager Josh Brunner recently travelled to Brandon to present the award to Shanks Owner / Operator Ross Sheard.

Located five kilometers west of Brandon on Highway #1, Shanks Driving Range & Grill officially opened April 28, 2024.

For more information, click here.

Golf Manitoba is pleased to announce the 2025 Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship will be held Monday, July 14^th to Wednesday, July 16^th at Southwood Golf & Country Club. The championship was previously scheduled to be held at Minnewasta Golf & Country Club.

“Following the fire earlier this month at the Minnewasta clubhouse, a joint decision was made by Minnewasta’s management and our association to relocate the event” said Golf Manitoba Executive Director Jared Ladobruk. “Our thoughts are with the golf club, its members, and the Morden community as they begin the rebuilding process. We look forward to the day we can return this event to this great venue.”

Ladobruk also expressed appreciation, stating “I would like to thank Chief Operating Officer / General Manager Rob Guthrie, Head Professional Andrew Steep, Superintendent Dustin How, the Board of Directors, staff and membership of Southwood for their support in hosting the 2025 Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur. Southwood is an excellent venue. Their staff and members do an amazing job in hosting high level championships.”

“When Golf Manitoba approached us we were happy to help out” said Guthrie. “The golf community in our province is a tight knit group and we all look forward to seeing Minnewasta at its finest again in the near future.”

“It has been a challenging month” said Minnewasta Golf & Country Club General Manager & Head Professional Greg Hesom. “Currently without our clubhouse, we could not put our best foot forward in hosting the province’s top amateur golfers for three consecutive days. We are excited about the future and welcoming everyone when the time is right.”

This will be the first 54-hole Golf Manitoba championship to be held at Southwood Golf & Country Club since the course opened in 2011.

Braxton Kuntz of Breezy Bend Country Club is the defending champion of the Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship having won the last four consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024).

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

General registration will open on April 16^th.

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

Manitoba Amateur Championships

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

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

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