Manitoba Golf Guide

(ABOVE) VOLUNTEERS HAVE PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN THE SUCCESS OF THE PLAYERS CUP SINCE THE TOURNAMENT'S INCEPTION. (BELOW) THE QUALITY OF PLAY AT THE PLAYERS CUP HAS BEEN LIKENED TO THE WEB.COM TOUR AND THE PGA TOUR. This year, the Players Cup will not only continue its drive to help people suc- ceed – from PGA Tour hopefuls to ju- nior golfers and worthy charities – but it will also be celebrating Manitoba's rich golf history. That history will be front-and-centre with the tournament host, Southwood Golf & Country Club, celebrating its 100th anniversary, says Players Cup executive director Adam Boge. "Not only will people be able to come out and watch future PGA Tour players play some great golf at a world-class venue, but they will also be able to gain an appreciation of the province's great golfing history," he says. "The Players Cup – which was formerly the Manitoba Open, then MTS Classic, then Free Press Manitoba Classic – is one of the oldest golf tournaments in North America." Best of all, tournament patrons will be able to watch the birdies fly and touch that history for free, Boge adds. "Because we really want people to come out to experience the event and celebrate Southwood's 100th anniver- sary and Manitoba's deep golf roots, admission to the tournament will be free of charge. All you need to do is go to the Players Cup website (playerscup. golf) to claim your ticket. There's plenty of parking on-site, and it's also free." Once at the course, tournament patrons will be greeted by quite a sight: flags fly- ing, Southwood's muscular, links-style course spreading out across the hori- zon – and a pavilion with a large tent holding artifacts that will pay homage to the province's proud golfing past. "We call it a celebration tent," Boge says. "It will hold trophies, artifacts, and will pay tribute to past winners of the Players Cup and the Manitoba Open. We'll be celebrating golf in Manitoba – it's past, present, and future." That future – Manitoba's junior golfers – will also be on display, he adds. "We'll be supporting initiatives that are designed to grow the game across the province. Those initiatives include the Junior Golf Mentorship Foundation and the Play Through Foundation, which benefits inner-city children's initiatives in Winnipeg through our primary chari- table partners. Over $500,000 has been given back to local charities since 2010 because of our great partners." Boge notes that there will be plenty more on the go during tournament week. "A secondary pro-am has been added at Elmhurst Golf & Country Club for Tuesday – it will be open to the first 28 teams. We will also be putting up pri- vate hospitality tents for corporations and businesses to enjoy. The goal is to engage spectators as much as possi- ble. We believe the tents will really add to the tournament atmosphere." With plenty of spectators fanning out across the tournament-friendly course – and future PGA Tour stars making birdies by the bushel – the atmosphere promises to be electric. "The quality of play will be very compa- rable to what you see on the Web.com Tour and PGA Tour," Boge says. "Many players that have competed in the Play- ers Cup (Steve Stricker, Tony Finau, Mackenzie Hughes, Corey Conners) have gone on to the Web.com Tour and PGA Tour. Our 2017 champion, Kramer Hickok, is now playing on the PGA Tour, and our 2018 champion, Tyler McCum- ber, is currently 12th on the Web.com's money list. He's in position to graduate to the PGA Tour at season's end." In short, golf fans should mark Aug. 15 to 19 on their calendars. "It's going to be a great week that will celebrate Southwood's 100th anniver- sary, Manitoba's proud golfing past and the abilities of future PGA Tour stars," Boge says. "We'll also be supporting junior golf, too. Donations will be taken for the Junior Golf Mentorship Founda- tion in place of admission; every dona- tion will really be appreciated." The support of Players Cup founding partners – the Johnston Group, James Richardson & Sons Ltd. and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries – along with plati- num partners Quintex, Princess Auto and Langreen Construction – is also greatly appreciated. "We couldn't put the tournament on without them," Boge adds. "Without our tournament partners and volunteers – we will need 400 volunteers again this year – the event doesn't happen." For more information on the 2019 Players Cup – which is one of the premiere events on the Mackenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada – visit playerscup.golf or call 204-330-0266. BY TODD LEWYS On and off the course, The Players Cup's mandate is to provide a platform for people to learn how to win. FOURSOME WITH CARTS $ 160 with this coupon Valid all week, one coupon per group Not valid for tournaments. Expires October 13, 2019. 400 - 15th Street, Winkler, MB For Tee Times Call: (204) 325-7582 THE 49 TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT JULY 26, 27, 28 U.S. $ 110 CAN $ 135 ENTRY FEE * Winkler, Morden, Walhalla and Langdon Golf Courses Non handicapped tournament with GREAT flighted prizes. *Entry fee includes 54 holes of golf and full steak dinner. international-golf.net Try us, you'll be glad you did! winklergolfcourse.com 03 GOLF GUIDE 2019 M A N I T O B A

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