FIND GREAT PLACES TO TEE OFF THIS SUMMER! Manitoba GOLF GUIDE 2024
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02 GOLF GUIDE 2024 M A N I T O B A
“Both physically and mentally, golf is a wonderful sport for men and women and it definitely promotes health. It’s exercise, and exercise equals longevity.” — Dr. Larry Goldenberg Vancouver Urologist and
co-founder of the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation
Golf, It’s Good For You!
W hether you’re looking to get outdoors, increase your mental wellness, or spend more time with friends, golf can provide a variety of benefits that can significantly improve your quality of life. Golf Canada is highlighting the many benefits that the sport can provide on Canadians through its brand-new Golf and Health campaign. The campaign - Golf, It’s Good for You – focuses on three key pillars: mental, physical, and social. The mental benefits of golf include enhanced overall well-being, improved brain health, and helping to reduce the risk of dementia. Golf can also assist to boost
confidence, promote increased focus and concentration, and help to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. Being out on the golf course can also help to slow down stress response and induces a feeling of calm. As published in The R&A Golf and Health Report, the physical benefits of golf are undeniable. In fact, all of the World Health Organization’s key criteria for health enhancing physical activity can be achieved through golf. It is an activity that incorporates strength, balance, endurance and cognitive challenges and has been shown to improve cardiovascular fitness. In recent studies, it’s been found to
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03 GOLF GUIDE 2024 M A N I T O B A
combat over 40 chronic diseases including diabetes, stroke, breast and colon cancer, heart attacks, dementia and hypertension. Research has also shown that playing golf regularly can add up to five years to life expectancy. Golf is viewed as a moderately demanding form of exercise and is a great way to contribute to daily step goals. The average golfer walks 5,000 steps in a 9-hole round which is the equivalent of three to five kilometres. With nearly 1,700 golf courses in Canada, including both public and private facilities, the sport is highly accessible and significant strides have been made in accessible technology to make the game more inclusive for the differently abled people of all ages. Perhaps the most overlooked benefit of golf is the social aspect. The inherent social nature of the sport is an important factor in helping increase social well-being and is a great way to bond with old friends and meet new ones. It is a sport that welcomes families and partners to be active together and is also an effective way to network and
build business relationships. The social interaction from golf can also reduce the risk of anxiety and depression. For more on the health benefits of playing golf including helpful resource information and articles – visit health.golfcanada.ca . To find a local course near you, visit golfmb.ca/find-a-course . Whether through physical activity over a lifetime, mental health improvements or the wonderful social experience shared by
family and friends, now is a great moment for the Golf and Health campaign to inspire golfers and new enthusiasts to consider the incredible impact that the sport is having on Canadians. So, what are you waiting for? Get golfing today for a longer, healthier and happier life!
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04 GOLF GUIDE 2024 M A N I T O B A
Southside Golf Course: A Labour of Love
After purchasing another 20 acres of land from a nearby farmer, they set about making the long-term vision a reality. The first thing they determined was that they didn’t want to build an ordinary golf course. “Our concept for a golf course was an executive-style course,” says Kibsey. “At that time, Manitoba didn’t have one so we thought it would be something new and different.” With course design ideas in mind but without the expertise to design a golf course themselves, they hired Haliburton, Ontario’s Golf Green Industries to design the course – with their input, naturally. Construction started in 1997 once everything cleared up after the spring’s devastating Flood of the Century. “A lot of earth was moved,” notes Tracy. “We created 11 ponds – some are quite big and as much as 25 feet deep. They’re all interconnected so we can use them to water the course.” As for the golf course itself, the goal was simple. “We wanted to provide golfers with a first- class facility with affordable prices,” says Mandryk. “We wanted to do something unique.” What they did was create a course that consisted of 10 par-three’s, seven par-four’s and one par-five. With four sets of tee boxes to play from, the course ranges from 4,696 yards from the back (blue) tees and 3,263 yards from the forward (yellow) tees. Par ranges from 63 to 65. The overarching idea was to create a course that was fun to play for the average player and challenging enough for good players. And with the course’s shorter yardage and clever mix of holes, it was designed to be played in significantly less time than a standard course, ideally three hours or so. “The first two years were hard on us – it was very rainy,” Kibsey says. “We had to deal with drainage issues but dealt properly with them. The changes worked. We haven’t had to modify it since.”
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, 2024. 2 FOR 1 GREEN FEES Valid weekdays with power cart rental. Must bring in coupon. Not valid with other coupons or promotions. Based on regular rates. Expiry date: Oct. 31, 2024. MONDAY MADNESS SPECIAL $ 33 WALKING $ 45 RIDING 3:00 pm DAILY TWILIGHT RATES Start @ TAXES INCLUDED By Todd Lewys W hen Tracy Kibsey and Wendy Mandryk purchased an 80-acre parcel of land on Southside Road in Grande Pointe in 1991, they had short and long-term visions in mind. “The first thing we wanted to do was open a nice range so that I could teach,” recalls Kibsey. “We eventually opened the range in 1993, and also started a winter golf school.” Once the 20-acre natural grass range was established – it took about four years to do that – Kibsey and Mandryk then turned to part two of their vision: building a golf course.
The success of Southside has been a real team effort, say Kibsey and Mandryk. (Photo by Todd Lewys/The Free Press)
As the years went by – with increasing numbers of golfers playing the beautifully conditioned golf course – Southside turned the corner after its slow start and established itself as a favourite of a wide range of golfers. “We built it for baby boomers and women, but today, all kinds of different golfers of different abilities play here because it’s such an enjoyable course to play,” she says. “It’s a good course for couples to play.” Kibsey adds there’s a reason why the course is such a pleasure to play. “From day one, we’ve done everything to the highest standard. On the range, we clean the golf balls after every use, and our course superintendent, Evan Zacharias, works hard to keep the course in great shape. The greens are always in great
“We built it for baby boomers and women, but today, all kinds of different golfers of different abilities play here because it’s such an enjoyable course to play.” — Wendy Mandryk
18 Holes La Broquerie, MB | 1-204-424-5046 Toll Free: 1-888-424-5046
Book tee times online: www.labgolf.ca
Continued on Page 06
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Here are the rest of their picks below: Goodbrandson’s Top 10 1. Clear Lake G. C. 2. Minnewasta G.C. 3. Falcon Lake G.C. 4. Steinbach Fly-In G.C. 5. Shilo
Garth Goodbrandson
6. Hecla G.C. 7. Selkirk G.C. 8. Carman G.C. 9. Pinawa G.C.
Best Places to Play in Manitoba
10. Grand Pines G.C. Ingram’s Top 10 1. Falcon Lake G.C. 2. Hecla G.C. 3. Quarry Oaks G.C. 4. Sandy Hook G.C. 5. Steinbach Fly-In G.C.
Derek Ingram
6. Carman G.C. 7. Pinawa G.C.
8. Buffalo Point G.C. 9. Kildonan Park G.C. 10. Bridges G.C. Wood’s Top 10 1. St. Boniface G.C.
2. Falcon G.C. 3. Hecla G.C. 4. Clear Lake G.C. 5. Steinbach Fly-In G.C. 6. Rossmere G.C. 7. Quarry Oaks G.C. 8. Larters at St. Andrews G.C.
Hecla Golf Course’s par-4 17th is as challenging as it is beautiful. (Photo by Todd Lewys/The Free Press)
need to hit it straight to score well. I have great memories every time I go there.” The same sentiment applies with Goodbrandson when he talks about Minnewasta G.C.
especially on the back nine, which is tight and has some demanding holes.” Not surprisingly, Goodbrandson and Wood have three further-flung courses in their top-10: Clear Lake, Falcon Lake Golf Course and Hecla Golf Course. For some reason, Ingram didn’t place beguiling Clear Lake in his top-10. “Falcon is in a picturesque park setting, has big greens, and can be a good test when the greens are quick,” says Wood. “Hecla has some great lakeside holes, and the large greens force you to hit good shots to the right section of the green to score. And Clear Lake has two really cool holes, the par-four ninth and 17, a gorgeous par- three with a long drop down to the green.” Goodbrandson concurs. “Moe Norman (Canadian golf great) used to say it was one of his favourite courses in Manitoba, and I agree. It’s a scenic course that’s always in great condition. As for Clear Lake, I played my first tournament there, and I have so many great memories of the course. Hecla is just a fun course to play with a lot of great holes.” As for Ingram?“Falcon is such a great course to play – the layout if great and it’s fair. The views at Hecla are unreal and its layout is cool and very playable.”
By Todd Lewys O ne of the great things about Manitoba is that it has some of the best and most affordable public access golf courses in the country. No matter whether you want to get in a round in the city, or within an hour of the city, you can get in a great day of golf any day of the week. Or, if you have the time to travel and stay a while, there’s literally a golf course in every corner of the province to enjoy. We surveyed three top names in Manitoba golf to get their take on what the best places to play in Manitoba are: Garth Goodbrandson, former Director of Player Development with Golf Manitoba, Derek Ingram, now Team Canada’s Head Coach for Golf Canada and Steve Wood, Head Professional at St. Boniface Golf Club. Turns out, some of the picks are sentimental as is the case with both Goodbrandson and Ingram, who both served as junior coaches for Golf Manitoba at one time. “One of my favourites is Sandy Hook,” says Ingram of the tidy little course, which is out in the Interlake. “I grew up out there over many summers and fell in love with the game, and the people there. Even though it’s not a long golf course, you
9. Granite Hills G.C. 10 Grand Pines G.C.
“Falcon is such a great course to play – the layout is great and it’s fair.” — Derek Ingram Team Canada Head Coach for Golf Canada
Falcon Lake’s par-5 18th hole
“I was the head pro there for six years and loved Morden. It’s a fantastic golf course that’s always in great shape. It’s such a scenic course to play.” Wood says that as head pro at St. Boniface, he has a bias toward the course – but one that is based on the course’s merits. “When you play there, you must use every club in the bag; it requires all different kinds of shots. You need to hit some really good shots to play well there,
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Continued from Page 04
condition and are really fun to putt. Put all that together and people want to come back.” Today, Southside has the largest women’s league in Canada, an incredible driving range and practice facility, a wonderful clubhouse with a fabulous restaurant – and a thoughtfully designed, impeccably maintained golf course that everyone raves about. This all never would have happened were it not for a great financial partner (Niverville Credit Union) and amazing staff, both past and present. “Through thick and thin, we held onto our vision,” says Mandryk. “Everyone, past and present, has worked to make the
course what it is and take it to the next level. Everyone here has a strong commitment to making it a place people love to come to play golf.” Now, it’s the next generation’s turn to continue that legacy, says Kibsey, “We’re getting older, so our vision now is to bring young people like our general manager, Jaclyn Steep, and course superintendent, Evan, on board. They’re young, energetic, and innovative. They and our amazing staff will be here to do what we’ve always done – do everything with care, love, and excellence.”
Mandryk (left) and Kibsey (right) say everything at Southside is done with care and love to provide golfers with a great experience. (Photo by Todd Lewys/The Free Press)
Add Life to Your Game With Newer Used Equipment
a name brand set that is 10 years old or less? “Go from a set of old knock offs or TNT irons to a name brand set, you will experience a big jump in playability,” he says. “The quality and design of the iron is just that much better, even if the irons are 10, or even 15 years old. An example might be a set of 2009 Taylor Made Burner irons. Their player friendly design makes them way more forgiving than a 30-year-old set.” If there’s anything that players with handicaps of 15 and up need, it’s forgiveness – not just with irons, but other clubs in the bag. With that in mind, Keats suggests replacing three to five irons with hybrids. “Again, with our extensive selection of used stock, we can get you into a good hybrid for anywhere to $40 to $140 for an older model; a newer model will cost more. Those models will include name brands like Ping, Cleveland and Adams and others.” Why is a hybrid a better choice than a long iron? “With their sole weighting, they’re just easier to get in the air and hit straighter,” says Scott Staub, the Caddy Shed’s resident clubfitter. “If you did a test to see how many greens you’d hit with a three iron vs. a three hybrid, the hybrid would help you hit more greens.” Staub adds that lofted woods are an alternative to hybrids. “Like hybrids, they are much easier to hit than long irons. Just look at players on the LPGA Tour. They are great with hybrids, lofted seven and nine woods, and wedges. Those are their scoring clubs.” Consequently, it’s advisable for higher
By Todd Lewys I t’s that much harder to play well if you’re using clubs that date back to the days when Friends was the number one comedy on TV and Whitney Houston was topping the charts, says Darrin Keats, owner of the Caddy Shed. “Some people come in here with clubs so old, it’s no wonder they can’t hit the ball very well,” he says. “If your clubs date back to the 1990’s, then it’s probably time to update your equipment.” Keats adds that upgrading from an ancient set of Jazz Fat Cats to a set of newer, more user-friendly clubs can be done affordably. “For a nice set of older irons – about 10-years-old, or so – we can get you into one for about $250, and then go up from there to $500 and more as the set gets newer.” What exactly do golfers stand to get when they go from an ancient set of irons to
Darrin Keats, owner of the Caddy Shed, says high-quality used clubs provide golfers with an affordable way to improve their game. (Photo by Todd Lewys/The Free Press)
handicap golfers to add a lofted wedge to their set. “Like a hybrid, a lofted wedge will help you play better. Many golfers just have a pitching wedge and maybe a gap wedge in their bag. So, when they get close to the green, they don’t have enough loft for the touch shots you need to hit to save strokes. A 56 or 58 degree wedge will help you score better.” He adds that there’s one other thing that pretty much every golfer can do to improve their score without spending a ton of money. “If you don’t, you really should replace your grips every year or two depending on
how much you play. Doing that can make a huge difference. If you’re playing with worn out grips, you likely grip the club too hard. And if it twists at impact even one tenth of an inch, the ball won’t go straight. Good, tacky grips that are the right size for you can help you play better.” The bottom line, says Keats, is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to play good golf. “Upgrading to a newer, used set of clubs costs a fraction of buying brand new. Do it, and you’ll play better and enjoy playing more without paying thousands of dollars.”
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07 GOLF GUIDE 2024 M A N I T O B A
Avid Golf hits the mark with local golfers
“With everything it reads, it makes the whole experience that much more realistic than it was with older technology.” — Cody Brownlee Operations Manager, Avid Golf
Brownlee gets ready to launch a shot into the screen. Once the ball is in flight, the GP Hawk will provide real time data on every aspect of the shot, providing a realistic playing experience. (Photo by Todd Lewys/The Free Press)
What they found was that the Foresight GP Hawk system – which is mounted directly above the tee off mat in the simulator bay – tracked the entire flight off each golf shot. They had found their system. That in place, they populated the former gym with a lounge area and several spacious, state-of-the-art hitting bays, and opened in October 2022. Today, golfers can play one of 150 courses with the GP Hawk above monitoring their every swing. “It reads everything that’s hit off the mat,” explains Brownlee. “With the image of the hole on the screen in front of you, it takes thousands of pics every millisecond.” All those images are then computed into real time data. “The unit gives you data on things like sidespin, backspin, ball speed, swing speed and even how far offline your shot is going,” he says, adding the Hawkeye can even factor in wind. “It will even tell you if you’re hitting up or down on the ball, or even if you’re swinging over the top.” In short, the GP Hawk unit does two things. “With everything it reads, it makes the whole experience that much more realistic than it was with older technology,” he says.
“If you hit a poor shot, the unit will read it. Just like on a golf course, you’ll be in trouble in the rough, trees, or water.” In every instant, players get instant feedback on their shots. “As much as it makes playing more realistic, the unit also serves as a diagnostic tool. Of course, you’re here to have fun and socialize with friends, but you can also learn things about your swing. That can help you improve your game.” Brownlee says Avid Golf has been enthusiastically received by golfers from all over the city. “We just got through our second winter season and beat our previous winter season by a mile. We have a lot of repeat customers that can get both winter and summer memberships. We also host events and parties and have partnered with both A Little Pizza Heaven and Vincenzo’s next door to give our customers the ability to order in food to complement the drinks and snacks that we offer.” A round of 18 holes typically takes about three hours or so for a foursome, notes Brownlee. “We’ve found that it takes around 45 minutes per player to play an 18-hole round. But you can do not only 18 holes but nine,
or even just come and play three holes – say six, seven and eight at Pebble Beach if that’s all the time you have.” Avid Golf also offers coaching, and runs a winter golf league, too. “Our first year for the league was last winter, and it was very popular,” he says. “Everyone who’s been here feels it’s helped improve their game, so we invite you to come out and give it a try.”
By Todd Lewys I n the winter of 2021, Luc Bohunicky and Cody Brownlee – both of whom are avid golfers – were having a hard time getting a tee time at one of Winnipeg’s few indoor golf simulators. That’s when Bohunicky, an entrepreneurial type, decided to act. “He said, ‘we’re going to start our own golf simulator business,” recalls Brownlee, the operations manager for Avid Golf. “The first thing we needed to do was find a good location.” Eventually, they found what they were looking for. “We came across a great opportunity – a unit in a grouping of businesses at 1580 Taylor Avenue that used to be a Snap Fitness,” he says. “It was just what we were looking for.” The next thing on the agenda was to find the right technology to create the best possible golf simulator. “At the time, there were two players in the simulator game – Foresight and Trackman. We looked at Trackman, but it only tracked part of the golf ball’s flight. We then met with a Foresight representative from Calgary to see what that system had to offer.”
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08 GOLF GUIDE 2024 M A N I T O B A
Best Places to Play in Canada
By Todd Lewys W hen Ontario-based golf travel writer and photographer Grant Fraser thinks about mountainside golf courses in Canada, one immediately comes to mind. “While Canada has all kinds of great mountainside golf courses, I’d have to say that Grey Wolf Golf Course in Panorama, B.C., is the best mountainside course I’ve ever played,” he says. “Its layout is excellent, it’s very playable and the scenery is spectacular from start to finish.” He adds that there’s also a fabulous quartet of courses in Whistler, B.C. “What I recommend to vacationing golfers is to find areas where there are clusters of good golf courses. Whistler is that type of area, with courses like Whistler Golf Club, Nicklaus North, Big Sky, and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club. You can easily play all four without having to drive a ton, and the golf and scenery is incredible.” Another good spot in B.C. lies in its interior in the form of the Columbia Valley. “It’s home to the Columbia Valley Golf Trail, which encompasses 10 golf courses that are in close proximity to each other,” says Fraser. “They include Spur Valley, Radium Course, Springs Course, three Fairmont golf courses – Mountainside, River, and Creekside – and two more at Copper Point.” The Golf Trail then concludes with gems such as Eagle Ranch and Windermere Valley. “It’s a spectacular area that puts all kinds of great golf right at your fingertips,” he says. “It’s a fabulous golf destination. In Alberta, while I do like Banff Springs, I like the Jasper Park Lodge a little better. While both are Stanley Thompson gems, Jasper is a little more open which makes it a bit more playable and really opens mountain vistas up.” Being from the Toronto area, Fraser also has plenty of recommendations for Manitobans looking to head east, noting there’s plenty of great golf in Toronto and outside its city limits. “Within Toronto itself, I would recommend Angus Glen G.C., TPC Toronto and of course Glen Abbey G.C. in Oakville, which has hosted countless RBC Canadian Opens. Osprey Valley is another great choice with 54 holes of great golf.” Travel outside the Big Smoke, and there’s also plenty of fine golf to be found. “You might want to play a couple of courses in the city and then head over to Niagara on the Lake,” he says. “Again, there’s a cluster of fine golf courses. I
“While Canada has all kinds of great
Greywolf Golf Course, Panorama B.C. Grant Fraser/GolfTheWorld.ca
would recommend Whirlpool, Peninsula Lake, and Grand Niagara.” From there, intrepid golfers might want to drive from the Niagara area up north. “That’s where Muskoka is. Again, there’s all kinds of golf within easy reach. Courses include Rocky Crest, Muskoka Bay, Deerhurst Highlands, South Muskoka, Bigwin Island, Seguin Valley and more.” Head further east, and you can sample some great golf in Quebec before traveling on to the Maritimes. “If you’re looking to play in Quebec, mountainside golf courses, I’d have to say that Grey Wolf Golf Course in Panorama, B.C., is the best mountainside course I’ve ever played.” — Grant Fraser Golf travel writer/photographer
Cabot Links, Cape Breton Island. Grant Fraser/GolfTheWorld.ca
Mont Tremblant is a great destination. It has two great courses in Le Geant and Le Diable. Both courses are challenging but fair, and the scenery is just spectacular. The Charlevoix region also is home to great golf with courses like Le Manoir Charlevoix, Club de Golf Murray Bay and “If you travel to Nova Scotia, go to Cape Breton where there’s another great cluster of courses in Cabot Links, Bell Bay and Highland Links, another Stanley Golf Le Loup De Baie St-Paul.” Finally, there’s the Maritimes.
Thompson design. Glen Arbor and Osprey Ridge, both of which are near Halifax, are also excellent golf courses. In PEI, I would recommend The Links at Crowbush Cove and Dundarave.” Fraser says the diversity of golf courses in Canada is what makes golf in our country unique and special. “From the scenic mountain courses out west to the courses that cut through the Canadian Shield in Ontario and the ocean courses in Cape Breton, you can literally go anywhere and find great golf.”
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