FIND GREAT PLACES TO TEE OFF THIS SUMMER! Manitoba GOLF GUIDE 2023
SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2023
Inquiries: 204-697-7390
View online at winnipegfreepress.com/lifestyles
Experience... • An 18 Hole superbly conditioned course bordering Riding Mountain National Park, minutes from beautiful Clear Lake. • The area’s only driving range/practice facility with grass tees, a putting green, a chipping area complete with a sand bunker to hone your skills. • Green fees, annual memberships, or groups of any size are welcome. Call 204-848-2382 or visit www.golfpoplarridge.com. • Stay and Play Packages available.
2 Green Fees for the price of 1! Expires October 2023. Valid any day on regular season 18 Hole Green Fees with mandatory shared cart. (Not valid on any specially priced green fees)
Clear Lake, Manitoba
204-848-2382
Check for details online at www.golfpoplarridge.com
02 GOLF GUIDE 2023 M A N I T O B A
Golf Manitoba Going Full Throttle with Junior Golf Programs
and colourful, and the golf balls are about the size of a tennis ball to make them easy to hit.” The intent of the program is simple, he adds. “Of course, it represents an opportunity to show kids what the game is about over the course of a two-hour session. It’s also part of physical literacy. The lessons give students a fun and educational experience through the sport of golf while developing movement concepts and skills. We also offer mobile clinics for kids aged five and up at community clubs and courses without a PGA of Canada pro.” Continued on Page 03
By Todd Lewys W hile the pandemic saw many new and lapsed golfers return to the game in the past few years, the future of the game resides resoundingly with junior golfers. Knowing this, Golf Manitoba has dedicated itself to introducing as many junior-aged golfers to the game as they can through a variety of programs. The first program is the Golf in Schools program, says Golf Manitoba’s executive director, Jared Ladobruk. “The program is in partnership with the First Tee Canada,” he says, noting that approximately 7,000 kids
went through the program in 2022. “It’s designed to offer elementary-age students the opportunity to develop a skill set and have experiences that will encourage and support their participation in golf.” Over the spring and summer, certified PGA of Canada community coach instructors will visit schools to introduce youngsters to the game. “They will provide a basic introduction to the game, showing them how to hold the club and hit the ball in both outdoor and indoor settings,” Ladobruk says. “Equipment kits feature oversized clubs that will work for kids of all shapes and sizes. The clubs are lightweight
03 GOLF GUIDE 2023 M A N I T O B A
Golf Manitoba’s Golf in Schools program saw approximately 7,000 elementary students get introduced to the game through it in 2022.
Photo courtesy of Golf Manitoba
Continued from Page 02 Come July 15, Golf Manitoba will also host its third annual Junior Skills Challenge. “It’s similar to the Drive, Chip and Putt competitions that are popular in the United States,” says Ladobruk, adding that entry to the Challenge is free. “It’s open to any junior that’s a Golf Canada member and focuses on developing the key golf skills of putting, chipping and driving.” During the competition, an online leaderboard allows site coordinators to upload players’ scores so they can track their improvement. The data is then compiled and used to rank players nationally by age group and by scores posted on the national leaderboard. Top regional competitors are then invited to compete in the annual Junior Skills Challenge national event. “It’s a fun event,” he says. “Parents caddie for the kids, and they can go over how they did when they get a bite to eat after. For us, it’s a neat opportunity to connect with the kids. And who knows –
some may go on to compete at a higher level.” Speaking of the next level, Golf Manitoba also runs a Performance program that’s designed to provide juniors with the coaching, competition and physical and mental training required to compete successfully in regional and national tournaments. “This year, we’ll have 13 girls and 12 boys on the competitive side and eight boys aged 13 and under on the developmental side. Kids have a lot of fun with it, and it represents a nice way for us to connect with them on coaching and developmental levels.”
Over the course of the spring and summer, coaches Sean Murray and Bri- ann Tokariwski lead the juniors through the program, which also offers strength and conditioning, nutritional and strategic instruction. “We provide a support system if the kids choose to compete,” says Ladobruk. “We have a network in place if they want to move on.” Overall, the programs share a common goal, he concludes. “Of course, we’ll provide the assistance to help kids go as far as they can. But most of all, we want kids to become lifelong golfers.”
4 FOR 3 GREEN FEES Based on regular rates. Valid anytime. Must bring in coupon. Not valid with other coupons or promotions. Expiry date: Oct. 31, 2023. 2 FOR 1 GREEN FEES Valid 7 days per week, between 12:00 -3:00pm. Must bring in coupon. Not valid with other coupons or promotions. Based on regular rates. Expiry date: Oct. 31, 2023. MONDAY MADNESS SPECIAL $ 28 WALKING $ 40 RIDING 3:00 pm DAILY TWILIGHT RATES Start @ TAXES INCLUDED 2:00 pm FRIDAYS
“Most of all, we want kids to become lifelong golfers.”
— Jared Ladobruk Executive Director, Golf Manitoba
18 Holes La Broquerie, MB | 1-204-424-5046 Toll Free: 1-888-424-5046
Book tee times online: www.labgolf.ca
04 GOLF GUIDE 2023 M A N I T O B A
How to Find the Driver That Suits You Best
By Todd Lewys O ver the past three to five years, huge advances have been made in driver technology. Tune into any golf event – PGA Tour, LPGA tour, even elite-level amateur events – and you can’t help but notice that players are hitting their drives a country mile. Then, there are the commercials, with elite stars like Rory McIlroy (Taylor Made) and Jon Rahm (Callaway) promoting the drivers that have allowed them to hit drives 350 yards or more. Naturally, amateur golfers of all ability levels see how far Tour players are hitting their drives, and want to acquire one of the new, hi-tech Thunder Sticks ASAP. That can be easier said than done. For
starters, a brand-new, state- of-the art driver (Taylor Made Stealth 2, Callaway Paradym, Titleist TSR, Cobra Aerojet) costs $700 to $800. Not only that, but a brand-new driver may not be much better than a five or even 10-year-old driver, says Darrin Keats of the Caddy Shed. “It all depends on where you’re coming from,” he says. “If you’re using a five-year-old driver and it’s still working well, stick with it. Chances are you won’t hit a new one that much farther.” However, if your driver is 20 years old, it’s a whole different matter. “We have people who come in here all the time who are playing some pretty old drivers,” Keats notes. “So, for them, going to a 10-year-old driver will give them tenfold in performance over what they’ve been playing.” Why exactly is that the case? “Well, the heads are much bigger at 460cc’s. That makes for a more stable clubhead with a larger face. That makes it way easier to hit. If you hit a drive off the heel or toe on a 10-year driver, the extra forgiveness will give you more distance on mishits. Hit it square, and you’ll hit it way past your old one.” He adds that there’s an extra bonus associated with going to a driver that’s been produced in the last decade or so. “Many drivers 10-years-old or newer have adjustable hosels that allow us to change the loft, lie angle and face angle. That makes it easy for us as fitters to customize the driver to better suit your swing. Newer drivers also come with better shafts, too. With loft, we can take it up or down by two points either way. In most cases we add loft, as loft is the average golfer’s best friend.” Additionally, cutting-edge technology can also be utilized to really dial in a driver’s settings to tailor it to a player’s game. “When you’re looking for a driver – we sell both new and pre-owned drivers – we’ll suggest up to four models for you and have you hit each one in our hitting bay in back. A launch monitor will analyze the performance of each drive. We can then adjust the driver to the best
Darrin Keats of The Caddy Shed. ( Photo by Todd Lewys/The Free Press)
settings for you.” Once that’s done, other areas, such as grip size, will be addressed. “We’re here to help you find the driver that works best for you,” Keats says. “If you have the budget for a brand-new driver and absolutely crush it, great – we’ll customize it to fit you. But we can also fit you with a five or 10-year-old driver that can work great for you.” What’s the bottom line when it comes to finding a good driver? “You don’t necessarily have to pay $800,” he says. “We have lots of newer pre-owned drivers in stock, so we can probably find you an excellent driver for around $250 or somewhere in that price range.”
Only 30 mins from Winnipeg - our 18-hole golf course is fun for all skill levels! Teulon Golf & Country Club 204-886-4653 www.teulongc.com
“There’s a driver out there for you, whether it be new or pre- owned.” — Darrin Keats The Caddy Shed
05 GOLF GUIDE 2023 M A N I T O B A
“I’ve always been a hard worker because I don’t know if I have as much natural talent as these other guys.” — Aaron Cockerill
Aaron Cockerill and caddy David Corrigan pack up after a practice round at St. George’s Golf & Country Club at the 2022 RBC Canadian Open. ( Photo by Tijana Martin)
Manitoba’s Aaron Cockerill Riding High on the DP World Tour
By Todd Lewys A aron Cockerill is having the time of his life. And little wonder. After spending three years on the PGA Tour Canada, a year on the (European) Challenge Tour and four years on the DP World Tour he is finally starting to reap the rewards of all the hard work he’s put in over the past eight years. “It’s been a slow, steady progression,” says the native of Teulon, Manitoba. “I never thought I would be here. When graduating university, I was getting ready to find a “real job”. My college coach convinced me to give pro golf a shot.” Now, with a second-place finish at the ISPS Handa Championship in Japan in late April – and a career high official world golf ranking of 245 – he has established himself as one of the DP World Tour’s best young players ranking 24th in the Tour’s Race to Dubai.
The result came from working hard every day over the last eight years, says Cockerill. “I’ve always been a hard worker because I don’t know if I have as much natural talent as some of these other guys,” he says. “I have a notebook that I journal and chart my week every single week. I’ve done this for about four years now. I set a plan of what I want to work on in terms of practice drills and games throughout the week and essentially just tick them off as I go.” Not surprisingly, every area of his game has improved, from driving, chipping, ball striking to putting, an area in which he ranked second in strokes gained putting last year on the DP World Tour. “Nothing has been drastic, just a steady progression in all parts of my game. I’ve gotten stronger and added distance and have improved my swing and consistency of ball striking,” he notes.
He’s also gotten help from a fellow Manitoban, Derek Ingram, who serves as the national men’s golf coach for Golf Canada. “He’s helped me with my golf game for a few years now,” Cockerill says. “He’s very knowledgeable and fun to work with. I’ve also been working with Charles Fitzsimmons on the sports psych side for a few years now as well. He’s helped me simplify my process, not get ahead of myself and just focus on routine. Simple stuff that has helped a lot.” At the same time, his self-belief has gotten stronger and stronger. “It’s grown with some better results in better tournaments. I always had people telling me I could do it and compete at a high level, but you never really know until you start to prove it to yourself. There are so many good players, and the margins are so small,” he says. “There’s not a big difference in missing a cut by one or two
shots, versus making the cut, having a good weekend and a top-10 finish.” He also says his wife’s unflagging support has played a huge role in his rise to prominence. “She’s been my #1 supporter my whole career. Without her I wouldn’t be where I am today. There were times when golf was tough and it would have been easier to stop playing and get a normal job, but she has always been so good to me to not only let me pursue this crazy dream, but even put her own career on hold to caddy for me during the COVID year.” Now 31 with a supportive wife and a new arrival in the fold, Cockerill is enjoying life like never before. “We just had our first baby together,” he says. “Addison is three months old now and has given me a whole new perspective on life. I’m very lucky to have those two girls in my life.”
06 GOLF GUIDE 2023 M A N I T O B A
2023 Shaping Up to be Another Strong Year for Local Golf Courses
Kevin O’Donovan, Regional Director, Prairie Chapter of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA). ( Submitted photo)
By Todd Lewys P rior to 2020, the state of the golf industry in Canada – and Manitoba by extension – was perceived to be on shaky ground. The common refrain (or so it seemed) was that the game was just too expensive and time consuming. Consequently, many people either fell away from the game or chose not to take up the gentleman’s sport. That all changed when the pandemic hit. After spending the winter of 2020 sheltering in place and working from home in abeyance of government health orders, people were looking to get outside and do something, anything. Golf was a natural option. It was an outdoor sport played in a beautiful setting where social distancing happened naturally. Realizing that, many that had given up the game came back to it. And others, noting that it was a way to socialize without putting their health at risk, decided to give it a try. The result was that 2020 and 2021 saw participation surge. Golf courses were full. It became difficult to get a tee time. People had rediscovered all that golf had to offer.
Then came 2022. With the pandemic largely over and dealt with, how would golf fare? “Very well”, says Kevin O’Donovan, Regional Director, Prairie Chapter of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA). “Leading into 2020, there had been some promising results that indicated the game was on the rise,” he says. “Then came the pandemic. It was the perfect storm. The game enjoyed a strong resurgence.” The burning question was, how would the game fare in Manitoba in 2022, when things had largely returned to “normal”? Despite a late start to the season that was caused by poor weather, the sport continued to thrive, says O’Donovan. “Early on, it was a struggle at times. The season really didn’t get underway until May 14 due to a seemingly unending series of Colorado lows and Alberta Clippers. In total, courses in Manitoba lost 15-25 days.” Undeterred, golfers across the province came out in droves once the weather improved. “Numbers came out to 17.2 per cent above 2019, the last pre-COVID year,” he notes. “Gross revenues for golf courses were up for food and beverage and tournaments. It was a strong year despite the late start.” The strong
participation numbers, it turned out, stemmed from one thing: people had fallen in love with all the game had to offer. “Both golfers who had lapsed and new golfers discovered what hardcore golfers already knew – it was a sport that rolled up fellowship, exercise and a beautiful, outdoor setting into one wonderful package,” O’Donovan says. “Once you try it, you realize just what a great experience it is, whether you play nine or 18 holes.” In short, people have discovered just how inherently enjoyable golf is. “Now, you see either four guys or four ladies meeting at a course to enjoy a game as well as a bite after to enjoy
each other’s company and go over what happened on the course,” he says. “And families are also getting out for nine holes to enjoy the game and being together. Then these people tell others about the experience. As a result, we’re seeing even more people coming back, or starting to play.” For their part, golf courses are responding, doing their best to provide an enjoyable experience for all levels of golfers. “They’re putting on different events, coming up with different food and beverage options and making the effort to make the game more fun. That being the case, there’s great optimism heading into 2023. We’re looking for another strong year.”
“There’s great optimism heading into 2023. We’re looking for another strong year.” — Kevin O’Donovan Regional Director, Prairie Chapter of the NGCOA
TEE OFF AT MORE THAN 125 COURSES THIS SEASON THERE’S NO SHORTAGE OF GREAT PLACES TO GOLF IN MANITOBA
Assiniboine Golf Club* 204-988-9313____________ 9 SP Bel Acres Golf & Country Club* 204-632-8337____________18 SP Birtle Riverside Golf Club 204-842-5364_____________ 9 P Black Bear Golf Course 204-345-9977_____________9 PU Boissevain Golf Club* 204-534-2365_____________9 PU Breezy Bend Country Club* 204-895-7205_____________18 P Bridges Golf Course* 204-735-3000____________18 PU Buffalo Point Resort 204-437-2777____________18 PU Carman Golf & Curling Club* 204-745-2366____________18 PU Cartwright Town & Country Club 204-529-2260_____________9 PU CFB Winnipeg 17 Wing Golf Course 204-832-8436______________9 P Clear Lake Golf Course* 204-848-4653____________18 PU Crescent Drive Golf Course 204-986-5911_____________9 PU Dauphin Lake Golf Club* 204-638-9400____________18 PU Delahunt (Treherne) Golf & Country Club* 204-723-2502 ____________ 9 PU Deer Ridge Golf Course 204-726-1545_____________9 PU Deloraine Golf Club* 204-747-2411_____________9 PU Elkhorn Resort & Conference Centre 204-848-2802_____________9 PU Elmhurst Golf & Country Club* 204-224-2244_____________18 P Falcon Lake Golf Course* 204-349-2554____________18 PU Fisher Branch Golf & Country Club 204-372-6855_____________9 PU Gilbert Plains Country Club* 204-548-3030____________18 PU Girouxsalem Golf & Country Club 204-326-5722_____________9 PU Gladstone Golf & Country Club 204-385-2998_____________9 PU Glen Lea Golf Course* 204-728-9090____________ 18 SP
Glenboro Golf & Country Club* 204-827-2856_____________9 PU Glendale Golf & Country Club* 204-832-1306_____________18 P Grand Pines Golf Course* 204-756-2345____________18 SP Granite Hills Golf Club* 204-345-4653____________18 SP Halcrow Lake Golf & Country Club 204-627-2300_____________9 PU Hamiota Golf Club 204-764-2341_____________9 PU Harbour View Golf Course 204-222-2751_____________9 PU Hecla Golf Course* 204-279-2072____________18 PU Heritage Golf Course 204-757-2830_____________9 PU Holiday Mountain Golf Course 204-242-2172_____________9 PU Inwood Golf & Country Club 204-278-3536____________18 PU John Blumberg Golf Course* 204-986-3490____________27 PU Kenora Golf & Country Club* 1-807-468-7995__________ 18 PU Kildonan Park Golf Course* 204-986-5679____________18 PU Killarney Lakeside Golf Club 204-523-8277____________18 PU Kingswood Golf & Country Club* 204-736-4079____________18 PU Kyle Memorial Golf Course 204-427-2376____________ 9 PU La Broquerie Golf* 1-888-424-5046__________ 18 PU Lake of the Sandhills Golf Course 204-437-4653____________18 PU Lakeside Golf Club 204-759-2002_____________9 PU Lakewood Hills Golf Course 204-848-2450_____________9 PU Larters at St Andrews Golf & Country Club* 204-334-2107____________18 PU Links at the Lake Golf Course* 204-642-8858____________18 PU Lorette Golf Course* 204-878-2172____________ 9 SP Lundar Co-op Golf & Country Club 204-762-5877_____________9 PU
MacGregor Town & Country Club* 204-685-3100_____________9 PU Manipogo Golf & Country Club 204-646-2100_____________9 PU Manitou Town & Country Golf Club 204-242-2287_____________9 SP Maplewood Golf Club* 204-433-3344____________18 PU Mars Sandhills Golf Course* 204-265-6444____________18 PU McCreary Golf & Country Club 204-835-2711_____________9 PU Melita Golf Course 204-522-3820_____________9 PU Miami Golf & Country Club 204-435-2756____________ 18 SP Minnedosa Golf & Country Club* 204-867-3151____________18 PU Minnewasta Golf & Country Club* 204-822-4992____________18 PU Neepawa Golf & Country Club* 204-476-5711____________ 18 SP Netley Creek Golf Course* 204-738-4653____________18 PU Niakwa Country Club* 204-256-7326_____________18 P Northern Pines Golf Course 204-728-6967_____________9 PU Oak Lake Golf Club 204-855-2641_____________9 PU Oak Island Golf Resort* 204-855-2262____________18 PU Oakview Golf & Country Club* 204-327-5590_____________9 PU Oakwood Golf Course 204-422-8045____________18 PU Old Drovers Run Golf Course 204-431-4653_____________9 PU Phantom Lake Golf Club 204-687-3335_____________9 SP Pilot Mound Town & Country Club 204-825-2766____________ 9 PU Pinawa Golf Club* 204-753-2294____________18 PU Pine Falls Golf Club 204-367-8463_____________9 PU Pine Ridge Golf Club* 204-222-6477_____________18 P Pleasant Valley Golf Club 204-537-2487____________18 PU Poplar Ridge Golf Course* 204-848-2382____________18 PU
Portage Golf Club* 204-857-6177____________ 18 SP Quarry Oaks Golf Course* 204-326-4653____________27 PU Reston Golf Club 204-877-3511_____________9 PU Ridgewood Golf Course 204-326-6225_____________9 PU River Oaks Golf Course 204-261-4653____________18 PU Riverdale Golf & Country Club 204-328-7122_____________9 PU River’s Edge Golf Course* 204-268-2010_____________9 PU Riverview Golf & Country Club 204-746-2027_____________9 PU Roblin Golf & Country Club 204-937-4774_____________9 PU Roland Golf Club 204-343-2409_____________9 PU Rossman Lake Golf Club 204-859-2391_____________9 PU Rossmere Country Club* 204-988-1530___________ 18 SP Russell Golf Club 204-773-2969_____________9 PU Sandhills Golf & Country Club 204-834-2325_____________ 9 SP Sands Beach Golf Club 204-268-3364_____________9 PU Sandy Hook Golf Club 204-389-5466____________18 PU Sandy Lake Golf Course 204-585-5227_____________9 PU Scotswood Links* 204-436-2600____________18 PU Selkirk Golf & Country Club* 204-482-2050____________ 18 SP Shilo Golf & Country Club* 204-765-3623____________ 18 SP Shooters Family Golf Centre 204-339-2326____________18 PU Souris-Glenwood Golf Course* 204-483-2956_____________9 PU Southport Golf Club* 204-428-3174_____________ 9 SP Southside Golf Course* 204-254-6709____________18 PU Southwood Golf & Country Club* 204-269-7867_____________ 18 P St. Boniface Golf Club* 204-233-4276____________ 18 SP
St. Charles Country Club* 204-889-4444____________ 27 P St. Malo Golf & Cabins 204-347-5514_____________9 PU Steinbach Fly-in Golf Club* 204-320-4653____________18 PU Sunnyside Golf Club 204-728-2374____________18 PU Swan River Golf & Country Club* 204-734-3935___________ 18 PU Teulon Golf & Country Club* 204-886-4653___________ 18 PU The Golf Dome 204-489-7776____________ n/a P The Players Course* 204-697-4976_____________9 PU The Shamrock Golf Course 204-878-2098_____________9 PU Thompson Golf Club 204-778-5537_____________9 PU Transcona Golf Club* 204-222-6171____________18 SP Tuxedo Golf Course* 204-888-2867____________18 PU Victoria Beach Golf Course 204-756-2435_____________9 PU Virden Wellview Golf Club* 204-748-1721___________ 9 PU Wheat City Golf Course* 204-729-2177____________18 PU Whispering Winds of Warren* 204-322-5104____________18 PU Wildewood Golf Course* 204-284-7385___________9/18 SP Windsor Park Golf Course* 204-986-3006____________18 PU Winkler Centennial Golf Course* 204-325-7582____________18 PU Winnipeg Canoe Club Golf Course 204-233-1105_____________9 PU Winnipegosis Golf Course 204-656-4737_____________9 PU
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