PUMA Golf unveils 2024 Maple Leaf Collection, celebrating Canadian golf at home and abroad
Brian Munz
PUMA Golf has launched its latest Maple Leaf Collection, marking the third consecutive season of creating exclusive gear for Canadian golfers. This new collection features over a dozen fresh styles of apparel and headwear designed to unite the nearly 6 million Canadians passionate about the sport.
Inspired by Canada’s iconic maple leaf, PUMA’s Maple Leaf Collection transforms this national symbol into contemporary designs suitable for both on and off the golf course. The collection represents the maple leaf’s elegance while presenting a sophisticated, fashion-forward aesthetic that celebrates Canadian golf.
“No matter if it’s a pivotal shot at your local club or a crucial putt on a grand stage, Canadians are always ready to seize the moment,” said Dwayne Boecker, Vice President at COBRA PUMA GOLF. “Our bold designs reflect this competitive spirit, allowing golfers to perform at their best while representing Canada with pride. This collection showcases our unique perspective on the game at PUMA.”
The collection prominently features a red, white, and black color palette, traditional for Canadian gear. Highlights include the Maple Dot Polo, showcasing a distinctive maple leaf and ditsy dot pattern, available in both men’s and women’s sizes. The Maple AOP Polo features an all-over print of repeating black and red maple leaves, creating a dynamic and visually striking design perfect for any Canadian. Additionally, the Women’s Microdot Polo adds texture and visual interest with a black base adorned with small red microdots, offering a subtle contrast that’s sure to become a wardrobe staple.
Each piece in the Maple Leaf Collection is crafted with PUMA’s premium-quality materials, including tech-forward fabrics that wick moisture and keep players cool under pressure. Additional features include contrasting plackets, solid collar stands, and recycled materials, ensuring both performance and sustainability.
“Our team captured Canada’s essence through the Maple Leaf, reflecting a shared national identity,” said Chris MacNeill, Teamhead, PLM – Golf Apparel & Accessories, PUMA Golf. “Incorporating this symbol into our products fosters a cultural connection among fans and golfers across the country and beyond.”
The collection also includes stylish headwear options. The Canada Snapback Cap features a structured, flat-brim design with a classic six-panel construction, adorned with a maple leaf emblem whose stems are mini golf clubs. The Reversible Bucket Hat offers a versatile design with a wide brim for sun protection, featuring a playful print on one side and a more subtle dual-colored stripe on the other.
Match Play Qualifier moves to Sunday at Winkler Centennial Golf Club
Brian Munz
DUE TO UNPLAYABLE COURSE CONDITIONS, THE MATCH PLAY QUALIFIER HAS BEEN MOVED TO SUNDAY, MAY 26.
TEE TIMES REMAIN AS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED
The 2024 Golf Manitoba Championship calendar tees off Sunday morning at Winkler Centennial Golf Club as 92 competitors take part in the Manitoba Match Play Championship Qualifier presented by St. Vital Dental Centre.
They are vying for a spot in the brackets of 32 men, eight women and 16 senior men to be contested Monday, May 27th to Sunday, June 2nd at Breezy Bend Country Club.
There will be a new men’s champion in 2024 as defending champion Braxton Kuntz of Breezy Bend is unable to attend due to the U.S. Open Qualifier. 2022 champion Marco Trstenjak of Elmhurst Golf & Country Club is back vying for another title.
Bel Acres Golf & Country Club (1) Breezy Bend Country Club (10) Bridges Golf Course (1) Carman Golf & Curling Club (1) Dauphin Lake Golf Club (2) Delahunt Golf & Country Club (1) Elmhurst Golf & Country Club (11) Glenboro Golf & Country Club (1) Glendale Golf & Country Club (3) Golf Manitoba Public Players Club (15) La Broquerie Golf (1) Niakwa Country Club (10) Pine Ridge Golf Club (8) Rossmere Country Club (6) Sandy Hook Golf Club (1) Shilo Country Club (3) Southwood Golf & Country Club (6) St. Boniface Golf Club (1) St. Charles Country Club (6) Steinbach Fly-In Golf Club (1) Wheat City Golf Course (1) Winkler Centennial Golf Club (2)
As our 2024 championship season begins, Golf Manitoba would like acknowledge our Official Performance Partners:
SCORING UPDATES | Manitobans at college / university
Brian Munz
Golf Manitoba is proud to keep you updated on amateur golfers from our region who are on the course during these winter months while attending post secondary educational facilities.
May 23 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) shot a final round 74 to finish at 12-over par 304 in the NJCAA Division 1 Women’s Golf Championship at the Duran Golf Club in Melbourne, Florida. Final leaderboard
May 22 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) shot a 78 in the third round of the NJCAA Division 1 Women’s Golf Championship at the Duran Golf Club in Melbourne, Florida. Final leaderboard
May 21 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) shot a 74 in the second round of the NJCAA Division 1 Women’s Golf Championship at the Duran Golf Club in Melbourne, Florida. Final leaderboard
May 20 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) shot a 78 in the opening round of the NJCAA Division 1 Women’s Golf Championship at the Duran Golf Club in Melbourne, Florida. Final leaderboard
May 15 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) carded a 4-over par 74 in the final round of the NCAA Division 1 Chapel Hill Regional at The UNC Finley Golf Course in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Finished T21. Final leaderboard
May 13 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) shot an 8-under par 62 in the opening round and a 2-over par 72 in the second round of the NCAA Division 1 Chapel Hill Regional at The UNC Finley Golf Course in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Final leaderboard
April 30 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) shot an 8-over par 80 in the second round of the NJCAA Southwest District Women’s Championship in Fort Worth, Texas.
April 29 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) shot a 4-over par 76 in the opening round of the NJCAA Southwest District Women’s Championship in Fort Worth, Texas.
April 28 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) shot an 8-over par 80 in the final round of the Mid-American Conference Men’s Golf Championship at The Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield, Indiana. Finished T29. Final leaderboard
April 27 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) carded his second straight 1-over par 73 in the second round of the Mid-American Conference Men’s Golf Championship at The Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield, Indiana. Live leaderboard
April 26 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) opened the Mid-American Conference Men’s Golf Championship at The Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield, Indiana shooting a 1-over par 73. Live leaderboard
April 21 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) shot a 2-over par 73 in his final round of the Fighting Illini Spring Collegiate at the Atkins Golf Club in Urbana, Illinois. Finished T12. Final leaderboard
April 20 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) opened the Fighting Illini Spring Collegiate at the Atkins Golf Club in Urbana, Illinois playing 36 holes carding a 1-over par 72 and 4-over par 75. Final leaderboard
April 10 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) playing final round of the Bobcat Desert Classic at the Golf Club of Estrella in Goodyear, Arizona. Final leaderboard
April 9 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) shot a 3-over par 75 in the second round of the Bobcat Desert Classic at the Golf Club of Estrella in Goodyear, Arizona. Final leaderboard
April 9 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) shot an 82 in the final round of the Oral Roberts Invitational on the River Course at The Club at Indian Springs in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Finished T71. Final leaderboard
April 8 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) shot rounds of 82 and 83 on the opening day of the Oral Roberts Invitational on the River Course at The Club at Indian Springs in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Final leaderboard
April 8 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) shot a 1-over par 73 in the opening round of the Bobcat Desert Classic at the Golf Club of Estrella in Goodyear, Arizona. Live leaderboard
April 7 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) shot a 4-over par 75 his final round of the Mason Rudolph Championship on the South Course at the Vanderbilt Legends Club in Franklin, Tennessee. Finished T33. Final leaderboard
April 6 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) carded his second straight 1 over par 72 in the second round of the Mason Rudolph Championship on the South Course at the Vanderbilt Legends Club in Franklin, Tennessee.
April 5 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) shot a 1-over par 72 in the opening round of the Mason Rudolph Championship on the South Course at the Vanderbilt Legends Club in Franklin, Tennessee.
April 3 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) T3 finish at the Butler University Don Benbow Invitational carding a pair of 68’s to finish at 136.
April 2 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) wins OCAC Championship at Crimson Creek Golf Course in El Reno, Oklahoma. Peake finished the 36 hole event at 1-under par 143 carding rounds of 1-under par 71 and even par 72. Final leaderboard
March 26 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) wins the Hardscrabble Invitational in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Due to weather only 18 holes were played. She shot a 1-over par 71 at the Hardscrabble Country Club. Final leaderboard
March 18 – Armaan Dhillon (Elmhurst Golf & Country Club) / University of Victoria) finished T24 at the Vikes Spring Shootout at the Cordova Bay Course in Victoria, B.C. Final leaderboard
March 17 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) 5-over par 77 in the final round of the Red Rocks Invitational at the in Sedona, Arizona. Finished T88. Final leaderboard
March 12 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) 11-over par 83 in the final round of the Tiger Invitational at the Auburn University Club. Finished T73. Final leaderboard
March 12 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) 11-over par 83 in the second round of the Tiger Invitational at the Auburn University Club. Final leaderboard
March 11 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) 4-over par 76 in the opening round of the Tiger Invitational at the Auburn University Club. Final leaderboard
March 9 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) 3-over par 75 in the final round of the Pizza Hut Lady Thunderbird Invitational at the Sunbrook Golf Course in St. George, Utah to finish T35 on the leaderboard. Korman’s Weber State University team finished second in the team standings at 904, 10 stroke back of first place Boise State. Final leaderboard
March 8 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) 8-over par 80 in the second round of the Pizza Hut Lady Thunderbird Invitational at the Sunbrook Golf Course in St. George, Utah. Final leaderboard
March 7 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) 6-over par 78 in the opening round of the Pizza Hut Lady Thunderbird Invitational at the Sunbrook Golf Course in St. George, Utah. Final leaderboard
March 5 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) 7-over par 77 in the second round of the Diffee Ford Lincoln Invite at Kickingbird Golf Course in Edmond, Oklahoma. Finished T13 on the individual leaderboard. Final leaderboard
March 4 – Clara Peake (Minnedosa Golf & Country Club / Redlands Community College) 6-over par 76 in the opening round of the Diffee Ford Lincoln Invite at Kickingbird Golf Course in Edmond, Oklahoma. Final leaderboard
February 27 – Ryan Blair (Elmhurst Golf & Country Club / South Mountain Community College) finished T12 on the leaderboard at the Paradise Valley Puma Spring Invitational in Phoenix, Arizona with rounds of 70 and 73. Blair’s South Mountain team won the team championship at 5-under par 555.
February 26 – Braxton Kuntz (Breezy Bend Country Club / Ball State University) rain cancelled the final round round of the Dorado Beach Collegiate Championship in Puerto Rico. Kuntz finished T48 after shooting back to back 71’s.
February 26 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) shot an 81 in her final round at the Causeway Invitational at Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento, California to finish T55 on the leaderboard.
February 25 – Cala Korman (Golf Manitoba Public Players Club / Weber State University) opened with a 75 at the Causeway Invitational at Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento, California.
* If you have information on players not listed, please email Golf Manitoba Director of Communications & Development Brian Munz at brian@golfmb.ca.
National Golf Day Highlights Golf’s Positive Impact on Canadians
Golf Manitoba
After a four-year pause due to COVID-19, the National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA) are on Parliament Hill leading National Golf Day and discussing with Parliamentarians the many positive benefits of golf for Canadians.
The golf industry representatives are also releasing the results of a new Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study highlighting golf’s financial contributions and incredible popularity as the number one participation sport in Canada.
National Golf Day also celebrates golf’s physical and mental health benefits, its safe sport attributes, social merits, environmental stewardship, diversity, life skills for youth, and economic value to the business community. National data indicates that hundreds of thousands of Canadians have entered the sport since Covid-19, totaling six million Canadian golfers and further strengthening golf’s status as the number one participation sport in the country.
“Canadians played 74 million rounds of golf in 2023, a considerable 24% increase from the last Study in 2019,” stated Jeff Calderwood, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada, and Chair of NAGA.
“Existing golfers have been playing more often and new golfers have been taking up the game at impressive levels,” said Calderwood. “The broad appeal of golf as a safe, healthy, outdoor recreation that can be enjoyed by all ages, genders, abilities, and budgets, anywhere in Canada, generates continued growth in the game. The impressive economic impacts that are then generated reflect that popularity.”
NAGA conducts an economic impact study every five years to measure such financial contributions as employment, charitable support, tourism, and gross domestic product. The sport and business of golf are thriving post-pandemic and continue to be an important economic engine for Canadians and their communities across Canada. Some of the highlights from the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study include:
Golf contributes a massive amount to Canada’s GDP at $23.2 billion, an increase of $4 billion since the previous Study.
Golf supports 237,000 person-years of employment, illustrating its importance as a vital source of livelihood for countless Canadians. Nearly 135,000 Canadians work directly in golf, with 45,000 being student employment.
Golf-related activities generated over $14.2 billion in labour income, sustaining families and generating significant economic spin-off spending.
$382 million was raised through golf activities for charities across Canada, a return to the pre-Covid-19 range and tops among all participation sports.
Approximately 6 million Canadians played golf in 2023, an all-time high for the number one participation sport in the country, generating 74 million rounds played.
Golfer spending totalled $14.2 billion in 2023.
Golf course operations contributed $8.1 billion to Canada’s GDP.
Capital expenditure by golf course operations in 2023 was $907 million.
Taxes paid to governments by the Canadian golf industry were $4.7 billion in 2023.
“Golf is a sport that brings so many benefits to Canadians – not just the economic contributions. It is also a holistic solution to many of life’s necessities and an activity that can enjoyed for a lifetime,” said Laurence Applebaum, CEO, Golf Canada.
“Golf is a healthy, safe activity, promoting environmental stewardship, providing exceptional social value, and is great for business. And importantly, we’re seeing tremendous diversity in our growth with incredible levels of engagement,” said Applebaum. “In addition, the recent success of our Canadian LPGA and PGA Tour Pros has further propelled the enthusiasm for the sport, with such stars on the world stage as Brooke Henderson and Nick Taylor.”
Other attributes of Canadian golf include:
18 holes of golf burns up to 2000 calories, a very healthy 15 km walk and active exercise in nature.
95% of golfers in Canada feel that golf is very good for their mental health, which has also been clinically proven.
83% of Canadian golfers state that the social aspects of golf are important to them and improve their lives.
Spectator interest in professional golf is at an all-time high. The RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open are setting records for attendance and commercial success.
Golf is a trusted Safe Sport environment for both recreational and competitive play.
Canadian golf has been experiencing great diversity, including a 6% increase in active women golfers and 33% growth in BIPOC golfers in 2023.
Off-course golf including simulator play and virtual golf experiences have bolstered the growth in participation.
Sustainable golf has become a leading environmental stewardship movement in Canadian golf, with golf courses throughout the country embracing sustainability pledges and best practices.
Golf flourished during the pandemic as the nature of the sport easily allowed for social distancing while delivering a social recreation experience that could not be found elsewhere.
With golf now better recognized as an important part of the solution, and all of the health, social and economic benefits, the positive spotlight on golf and its impact on Canadian communities has since sustained most of that increased demand.
Rossmere Country Club hosted members of the media from across the province Tuesday teeing off the 2024 Golf Manitoba season.
A few of them also had an opportunity to play with three time defending Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Champion Braxton Kuntz of Breezy Bend Country Club. Kuntz has returned home following his U.S. College season at Ball State University and is now preparing for the final stage of qualifying for the U.S. Open.
2024 Media Day participants:
Evan Andrew (Sport Manitoba) Christian Aumell (CJOB) Jason Bell (Winnipeg Free Press) Clayton Dreger (Golden West Radio) Thomas Friesen (Brandon Sun) Brody Jackson (QX 104) Jared Ladobruk (Golf Manitoba) Mike McIntyre (Winnipeg Free Press) Brian Munz (Golf Manitoba) Bob Peters (Golf Manitoba) Mike Peters (May Contain Studios) Sandra Shibata (Golf Manitoba Photographer) Karly Troschuk (QX 104) Dave Wheeler (Energy 106) Ken Wiebe (Winnipeg Free Press)
A special thank you to all of the staff at Rossmere Country Club for making the day possible as we look forward to Rossmere hosting the 2024 Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship.
Golf Manitoba, in association with Golf Canada, is pleased to welcome Riverdale Golf Club as our newest member club.
Located seven kilometers west of the Town of Rivers off Highway 259, this 9 hole course can be played from two sets of tee boxes ranging from 2,854 to 3,030 yards.
“Our course is a gem that not many people from outside our area know about” said President Andy Gerrard. “It was established during World War Two as an old air force base course and has stood the test of time. A creek that runs through four of the holes keeps everyone on their toes.”
Riverdale Golf Club also features a putting green and a full service restaurant for all guests to enjoy.
As an official Golf Manitoba / Canada member club, all rounds played at Riverdale 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) 328-7122 or go online riverdalegolfclub.com.
Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame welcomes Classes of 2022 & 2023
Brian Munz
Golf enthusiasts, industry members, friends and family gathered at Breezy Bend Country Club Monday night as the 2022 and 2023 Induction Classes were officially welcomed into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame.
The five individuals were honoured together in an effort to restore logistics from the halt of proceedings due to COVID.
For more information and background on these newest Hall of Fame members, click here.
Golf Manitoba Public Players Club member Austin Dobrescu is the latest Manitoban to advance to the Final Stage of Qualifying for the 2024 U.S. Open.
Dobrescu carded a 1-under par 71 on Monday at The Country Club of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. His round included three birdies, 13 pars and a pair of bogeys. He is one of five players from the field of 90 competitors who started the day to advance.
The final qualifier is scheduled for June 3rd with the location to be determined by the USGA.
Five Manitobans also took part but failed to qualify: