Donald Craig, James Scollan and Danny Stack along with the 1995 Willingdon Cup Team of Garth Collings, Dale Goehring, Derron Magda and Rob McMillan will be inducted as honoured members in the spring of 2025.
DONALD CRAIG – Builder
Born: March 11, 1938
From 1959 to 1989 was employed at Kildonan Park Golf Course, Windsor Park Golf Course, Crescent Drive Golf Course, John Blumberg Golf Course, Harbourview Golf Course, Tuxedo Golf Course
In 1989 was named the Non-Playing Captain for Team Canada at the Simon Bolivar Cup in Venezuela
From 1991 to 1996 was the Executive Director of the Manitoba Golf Association
From 1997 to 2003 was the Tournament Director for Manitoba Golf Association
Involved with various committees within the Manitoba Golf Association Scholarship Fund, Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Manitoba Open, Canadian Turfgrass Research Foundation and Royal Canadian Golf Association
Recipient of the Manitoba Sportswriters Association Dallas Beck Memorial “Good Guy” Award
Recipient of the Royal Canadian Golf Association Honourary Award
Honourary Director, Canadian Professional Golfers Association
JAMES SCOLLAN – Athlete & Builder
Born: May 12, 1942
1985 Club Champion: Elmhurst Golf & Country Club
From 1989 to 1994 served on the Golf Manitoba Board of Directors, serving as President from 1991 to 1992.
From 1995 to 2004 served on the Royal Canadian Golf Association’s Board of Directors
1997 Champion of the 55 to 59 age group in the Manitoba Senior Championship
1998 Champion of the Manitoba Senior Championship and represented Manitoba at the Canadian Championship
In 1998 received the Province of Manitoba Sporting Excellence Recognition Award
DANNY STACK – Athlete / Builder
Born: October 11, 1908
From 1929 to 1974 competed in numerous provincial amateur and national championships.
Won the 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932 Kildonan Municipal Tournament. During that final championship he set a new course record of 63.
Two time Willingdon Cup team member.
Won the 1935 Nelson, British Columbia Club Championship, 1936 Labour Day Open, 1937 City Mixed Four-Some at Niakwa Country Club, 1937 Inter City Team Match Play Championship, 1943 Merchant Navy Trophy, 1945 Quebec Medal, 1945 Manitoba Open and four time recipient of the Seagram’s Trophy.
Also set a course record of 63 in 1951 at Windsor Park Golf Course and 62 at Birtle Riverside Golf Club.
Recorded 13 Holes in One
Contributed / volunteered countless hours of teaching, coaching and mentoring beginner and junior golfers.
Two time President of the MPGA Board of Directors, served on the CPGA Board of Directors
1995 WILLINGDON CUP TEAM
Garth Collings, Breezy Bend Country Club
Dale Goehring, Breezy Bend Country Club
Derron Magda, Rossmere Country Club
Rob McMillan, Pine Ridge Golf Club
On Wednesday, August 16, 1995, the team captured the National Team Championship played at the Canadian Men’s Amateur at the Toronto Golf Club in Mississauga, Ontario.
Manitoba edged the host province by two strokes with a score of 2-over par 422.
This was the second time that a Manitoba team won the Willingdon Cup.
INDUCTION CEREMONY
The Induction Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at Glendale Golf & Country Club.
Tickets for the event will be available early in 2025.
Individual members and member clubs wishing to nominate an individual (amateur or professional golfers, superintendents, builders, media, etc.) for the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame may obtain nomination forms through any of the three member organizations or at manitobagolfhalloffame.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.
Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame announces Class of 2022 & 2023
Golf Manitoba
WINNIPEG, MB – The Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum is pleased to announce the Class of 2022 & 2023. Hugh Allan and Gavin Speirs (Class of 2022)and Darcy Furber, Dave McMillan and Adam Speirs (Class of 2023) will be inducted as honoured members in the spring of 2024.
Of special note for the induction ceremony of 2024, it will the first time in the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame’s 20-year history that a father and son (Gavin Speirs and Adam Speirs) will be inducted as honoured members.
Class of 2022
HUGH ALLAN – Builder
Born: May 14, 1917 Deceased: May 30, 2004
Photojournalist including for the Winnipeg Tribune
Founding member of the Grey Owl Tournament
Golf Photography for MGA/MLGA from 1950 to 2003 – first recorded golf imagery in 1946 which is held in University of Manitoba Archives. He was published in many national and international publications
Inducted into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour
GAVIN SPEIRS – Athlete
Born: September 10, 1944
Over course of 47 years he represented Manitoba in 10 National Championships
Manitoba Junior Team Member (1962 and 1963)
1974 Manitoba Willingdon Cup Team – Winning Team
Manitoba Mid-Amateur Team (1995, 1996 and 1998)
Manitoba Senior Amateur Team (2001, 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2009)
Three time Manitoba Senior Men’s Champion (2001, 2005 and 2006)
Member of 1974 Manitoba Willingdon Cup Team inducted into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame
Class of 2023
DARCY FURBER– Athlete
Born: June 15, 1965
Darcy became blind so he has accomplishments as both a sighted and blind golfer
Sighted golf accomplishments
1983 – Manitoba Individual High School Champion
1985 and 1992 Manitoba Willingdon Cup Team
1993 Jack Blair Match Play Champion
Blind golf accomplishments
2015 – Nations Cup Champion, One of two golfers in his division selected from Canada to represent Canada in a Canada vs. U.S. competition won by Canada
2015 and 2019 – Canadian Blind Golf Championship Runner-Up
2016 – Canadian Blind Golf Championship Winner – Canadian Champion
2022 – Canadian Blind Golf Championship – Low Gross Champion
2017 – Canadian Blind Golf Championship – Runner-Up
2017 and 2019 – Vision Cup World Blind Golf – selected one of two golfers in his division to represent Canada and North America as part of Team North America against the World in World Blind Golf event
2019 and 2022 – Western Canadian Blind Golf Championship – Runner (low gross)
5-time Manitoba Blind Golf Champion in his division (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019)
DAVE MCMILLAN – Athlete & Builder
Born: December 4, 1968
Golf Awards
1989 Manitoba Golfer of the Year
1998 PGA of Manitoba Player of the Year
2007 and 2016 Manitoba Head Professional of the Year
2017 and 2019 PGA of Manitoba Executive Professional of the Year
2019 member of 1985 Manitoba Junior Team inducted into Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame
Playing Accomplishments
1985 Manitoba Juvenile Champion
1985 and 1986 Manitoba High School Golf Champion (Individual)
1989 Manitoba Amateur Champion
1998 Manitoba Assistant Professional Champion
1998 and 2000 Manitoba Open Champion
1999 PGA of Manitoba Champion
2021 Manitoba PGA Senior Champion
Has won over 40 PGA of Manitoba events
Member of Canadian Tour 1993 to 1996
1990 NCAA National Team Champions
Mentored many Manitoba golf professionals and instructor to many top amateurs
Building and development of Golf Central which was Manitoba’s first year round outdoor driving range
Executive Director of Golf Course Operations, Elmhurst Golf & Country Club
ADAM SPEIRS – Athlete
Born: 1978
Amateur from 1989 to 2001 and since 2012
Professional from 2002 to 2011
Golf Accomplishments
1991 Manitoba Bantam Champion
1997 Manitoba Junior Champion
Manitoba Junior Team Member (1994, 1996, 1997)
Manitoba Amateur Champion (1999 and 2001)
Manitoba Willingdon Cup Team (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001)
Team Canada World Junior Team Member (1997)
USGA Amateur Qualifier (2000)
Played in 2002 U.S. Open (Bethpage Black) and 2007 U.S. Open (Oakmont CC)
PGA Tour Canada – Winner – 2008 Greater Vancouver Charity Classic
Player Representative Canadian Tour Board (2008 to 2011)
INDUCTION CEREMONY
Tickets are now available to celebrate the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame & Museum Class of 2022 & 2023. The Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the Breezy Bend Country Club. Click below to purchase tickets.
Individual members and member clubs wishing to nominate an individual (amateur or professional golfers, superintendents, builders, media, etc.) for the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame may obtain nomination forms through any of the three member organizations or at manitobagolfhalloffame.com.
Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2020
1967 Manitoba Junior Men's Team
WINNIPEG – The selection committee for the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum is pleased to announce the class of 2020. This year’s honoured inductees include Brian Gilhuly, Tom Kinsman, Rhonda Orr and the 1967 Manitoba Junior Boys Canadian Inter-provincial Team Champions.
Brian Gilhuly, 1940-2017 (Builder)
Selkirk Golf & Country Club member of the Board of Directors (1960-1974 & 1986-2017)
Selkirk Golf & Country Club Treasurer (1988-2017)
Golf Manitoba volunteer from 1980 to 2017
Golf Manitoba member of the Board of Directors (1989-2010)
Seven-time Manitoba senior women’s interprovincial team member (2013-19)
Qualified for the USGA Senior Women’s Championship (2016, 2018 & 2019) making it to the round of 32 in 2019
Seven top-20 finishes in the Canadian Senior Women’s Championship (T13 – 2013, T19 – 2014, 8th – 2015, T4th – 2016, T13 2017, T18 – 2018, T11th – 2019)
Three-time Golf Manitoba Female Amateur Golfer of the Year award winner (2016, 2018 & 2019)
1967 Manitoba Junior Boys Canadian Inter-provincial Team Champions
Steve Bannatyne – Winnipeg, MB
Manfred Broavac – Port Arthur, ON
Dave Hill – Winnipeg, MB
Kenneth Redfern – Winnipeg, MB
Dr. Dwight Parkinson – Winnipeg, MB (non-playing captain)
Feature image above (left to right): Manfred Broavac, Steve Bannatyne, Kenneth Redfern, Dave Hill, Dr. Dwight Parkinson (non-playing captain)
The 1967 Manitoba Junior Men’s Interprovincial team finished in 1st place shooting a 36-hole team score of 619 and seven shots ahead of second place Team British Columbia (626). The team championship was conducted during the first two days of 1967 Canadian Junior Men’s Championship that was held August 21-24 at the Toronto Golf Club in Toronto, Ontario.
An Induction Ceremony for the 2020 Class will be held when it is safe to do so and a further announcement will be made when a date is selected.
Individual members and member clubs wishing to nominate an individual (amateur or professional golfers, superintendents, builders, media, etc.) for the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame may obtain nomination forms through any of the three member organizations or at manitobagolfhalloffame.com.
WINNIPEG – Golf Manitoba is excited to announce that the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation has again committed to support junior golf programming and the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame in 2020. The Foundation has agreed to make a $70,000 donation with the proceeds to benefit grassroots and high-performance junior golf programs, the University of Manitoba Bison Golf program and the annual induction ceremony conducted by the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum. In 2019, the Foundation made a $60,000 donation with the proceeds also targeted to the above mentioned programs.
In 2018, the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation was established with a mandate to support junior golf in the province of Manitoba. The Foundation will eventually commit a total of $3 million dollars to an endowment that will aid in supporting the development of new generations of golfers through grassroots golf initiatives and high-performance programming.
“We are delighted that the Foundation has again provided us with a tremendous opportunity for the coming year” said Ken Warwick, President of Golf Manitoba. “With the donation, we will look to continue with the momentum from 2019 and further expand our ability to grow the sport and support our high-performing athletes.”
In 2019, the donation made an immediate impact in the grow-sport programming offered by Golf Manitoba. A significant portion of the proceeds were directed to the Golf in Schools program where over 9,800 early years students were introduced to the golf through clinics conducted at over 40 schools across Manitoba. Additionally, the donation provided enhanced funding to Golf Manitoba inter-provincial junior teams with 18 juniors representing Manitoba in national championships and inter-provincial competitions.
In addition to the above, Golf Manitoba provided funding to external junior golf programs including the Boys and Girls Club program at Bridges Golf Club, the PGA of Canada Manitoba Zone Future Pros program and junior development programs provided by Golf Mentor. Again for 2020, existing junior golf programs will be able to apply for funding which will be evaluated by Golf Manitoba to determine eligibility with further announcements to follow.
Additionally, proceeds from the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation donation will provide support to the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame which recognizes and celebrates those who have made extraordinary contributions in the Manitoba golf community as well as nationally and internationally. A goal of the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame is to make known the achievements of its Honoured Members and Teams to serve as inspiration to future generations which is consistent with the goals of the Alex and Peggy Colonello Foundation to support junior golf. The 2020 induction ceremony is scheduled to take place in late September.
The donation from the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation will again be made through the Manitoba Fund within the Golf Canada Foundation, a fund dedicated to providing development opportunities for juniors in the province of Manitoba. For more information about the Manitoba Fund and how your contribution can help to grow the sport of golf, please contact Jared Ladobruk, Executive Director for Golf Manitoba at jared@golfmb.ca or at 204.925.5729.
About Alex & Peggy Colonello:Peggy Colonello served as president of the Manitoba Ladies’ Golf Association in 1974 – 76 and was an active participant at her home course, the Elmhurst Golf & Country Club, where she and husband Alex had been members since the 1940s.
Peggy also served a two-year term as president of the Canadian Ladies’ Golf Association from 1982-83. During her time on the national executive, Peggy attended World and Commonwealth championships in Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Columbia, Britain and Switzerland, including the various Canadian events in which she participated. Peggy was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 1994 and was an inaugural inductee into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame on September 29, 2003.
Alex Colonello first moved to Winnipeg in 1941 where, in 1949, Bay Bronze Company asked him to start a machinery division for them. Alex eventually bought control of the company in 1973 becoming President until his retirement in 1996. In 1998, Alex purchased the golf accessory line from Bayco Industries to form Bayco Golf Inc. Alex Colonello passed away in 2013 at the age of 93.
About Golf Manitoba: Golf Manitoba is recognized by Sport Manitoba as the Provincial Sport Organization and governing body of amateur for golf in the province. Its mission is to develop, promote, govern and service the sport of golf in Manitoba and North West Ontario for the benefit of all participants.
About Golf Canada Foundation: Founded in 1979 with the purpose to raise and grant funds for the advancement of golf in Canada. As a registered Canadian Amateur Association, the Foundation delivers this mandate by awarding scholarships to Canadian student golfers and distributing grants to support initiatives that fall into five key areas:
Junior Golf
Collegiate Golf
Women’s Golf
High Performance Golf
Heritage
In 2019, the Foundation granted $1.5 million to programs nationwide which brings our total to more than $8.9 million since 2012, and $10.3 million invested in the sport since the Foundation’s inception.
For more information:
Jared Ladobruk
Executive Director
Golf Manitoba
204.925.5729
jared@golfmb.ca
Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame announces class of 2019
WINNIPEG, MB – The selection committee for the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum is pleased to announce the class of 2019.
Brionie Brown and Bruce North will be inducted as Honoured Members in the Athlete category. Rob Officer will be inducted in the Builder category and the 1985 Manitoba Junior Men’s Team that won the Canadian Junior Men’s Inter-Provincial Team Championship will be inducted in the Team category.
“The Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame is very pleased to announce this year’s inductees and to thereby permanently recognize their outstanding achievements in golf and their contributions to the game. We look forward to the Induction Ceremony, which is sponsored by the Alex and Peggy Colonello Foundation, to celebrate the accomplishments of the new Honoured Members” said Don MacDonald, President of the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum Inc.
The official induction ceremony will take place on Monday, September 30, 2019 at the Southwood Golf & Country Club.
Mid-Amateur Team Appearances (1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2005)
Senior Team Appearances (2011 and 2019)
Willingdon Cup Appearances (1986, 1992)
Runner Up , Canadian Mid-Amateur (2001) to Graham Cooke
On Manitoba Mid-Amateur Team that won the Canadian Mid-Amateur Team Competition (2005)
3-time Manitoba Amateur Golfer of Year Runner Up (1982, 1998, 2001)
8-time winner of Tamarack Golf Tournament (7 Men, 1 Junior)
3-time winner of International Golf Tournament (1979, 1980, 1982)
2-time winner of the Grey Owl Golf Tournament (1982 and 1984)
2nd place, Manitoba Men’s Amateur (1996)
Rob Officer
Since 1997 has been integral in developing the Greenspace Program at Red River College
Grow in and Construction Superintendent at Grand Pines Golf Course (1995 – 1996)
Canadian Golf Superintendents Association John B. Steel Distinguished Service Award (2015) – awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the profession of Golf Course Superintendent
Member of CGSA Board of Directors (1992 – 1998) Member of CGSA Education and Certification Committee (1994 – 2001)
Chairperson CGSA National Occupational Standards (1994 – 1998)
President of MGSA (1994 and 1995)
Diploma, Turfgrass Management, Fairview College (1987)
University of Winnipeg Bachelor of Arts (Business Administration – 2008) and (Environmental Studies – 2009)
University of Manitoba Master of Environment (2012)
Assistant Golf Superintendent, Elmhurst Golf and Country Club (1987)
Golf Superintendent, Elmhurst Golf and Country Club (1988 – 1992)
Assistant Golf Superintendent, Selkirk Golf & Country Club (1993)
Golf Superintendent, Swan River Golf & Country Club (1993 – 1994)
Lead Instructor, Fairview College Grounds and Golf Course Program (1994 – 1995)
Golf Superintendent, Grand Pines Golf Course (1995 – 1997)
Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame Board of Directors member 1996-1998.
Member Membership Standards Committee Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, 1997.
Member of the Canadian Golf Superintendents National Occupational Standards Marketing/Communications Committee 1994-2000.
Member of the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association Education and Certification Committee’s, 1994-2001
Recipient of the Inaugural (1991) Gord Witteveen Article of the Year Award for Greenmaster Magazine- National Magazine of the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association.
Member, Canadian Golf Superintendents Association Public Relations, Communications & Marketing Committee, 2005-2013
Member, City of Winnipeg Advisory Committee, Golf Courses Operating Agency, 2005-2009
Member, City of Winnipeg Topsoil Advisory Committee, 2005- 2008
Member of the Manitoba Golf Superintendents Association Environmental Resource Manual Committee, 1999.
Advisory Committee Member for the Red River College/Assiniboine Community College Turfgrass Management Committee 1992-1997.
Vice Chairman of the Canadian Turfgrass Research Foundation 1997.
Red River College:
Program Facilitator/ Instructor – Greenspace Management Program (1997 – 2005)
Program Instructor – Greenspace Management Program (2005 – 2016)
Program Instructor and Academic Planner – Civil Engineering and Landscape technician Programs (2016 – June 2019)
Executive Director – Manitoba Nursery Landscape Association (June 2019-present)
During 12 years as Superintendent had 10 staff members go on to become Superintendents; while teaching at RRC has had over 300 graduates including over 30 who have become Superintendents
Director of Manitoba Golf Superintendents Association (1988 – 1998)
1985 Manitoba Junior Men’s Team
Won the Canadian Junior Men’s Interprovincial Team
Team members:
Glenn Collins, St. Charles Country Club
Todd Fanning, Southwood Golf & Country Club
Dave McMillan, Rossmere Country Club
Ken Tresoor, Jr., Rossmere Country Club
Jim Bristow, non-playing captain
Played during first two days (August 27 and 28) of Canadian Junior Men’s Championship at Rossmere Country Club from August 27 – 30, 1985
Second time that Manitoba won the Interprovincial Junior Men’s Team Championship (1967 at Toronto Golf Club with Steve Bannatyne of Rossmere, Dave Hill of Southwood, Kenny Redfern of Elmhurst and Manfred Braovac of Thunder Bay)
Led by Provincial Junior Men’s Champion Todd Fanning with rounds of 69 and 71
Won by 4 shots over New Brunswick and Ontario
Manitoba was 7 shots back starting Day 2
Todd Fanning won the Canadian Junior Golf Championship in 1985 and in 1986
About the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame & Museum Inc. – The Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame & Museum Inc. was formed to acknowledge the contributions and accomplishments made by Manitobans as competitors, both amateur and professional, builders and course superintendents to the game of golf. It is a tripartite organization, the partners being Golf Manitoba, Manitoba Golf Superintendents’ Association and the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of Manitoba.
Individual members and member clubs wishing to nominate an individual (amateur or professional golfers, superintendents, builders, media, etc.) for the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame may obtain nomination forms through any of the three member organizations or at manitobagolfhalloffame.com
About the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation – In 2018, the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation was established with a mandate to support junior golf in the province of Manitoba as well act as the title sponsor of the annual Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The Foundation will eventually commit a total of $3 million dollars to an endowment that will aid in supporting the development of new generations of golfers through grassroots golf initiatives and high-performance programming.
Peggy Colonello served as president of the Manitoba Ladies’ Golf Association in 1974 – 76 and was an active participant at her home course, the Elmhurst Golf & Country Club, where she and husband Alex had been members since the 1940s.
Peggy also served a two-year term as president of the Canadian Ladies’ Golf Association from 1982-83. During her time on the national executive, Peggy attended World and Commonwealth championships in Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Columbia, Britain and Switzerland, including the various Canadian events in which she participated. Peggy was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 1994 and was an inaugural inductee into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame on September 29, 2003.
Alex Colonello first moved to Winnipeg in 1941 where, in 1949, Bay Bronze Company asked him to start a machinery division for them. Alex eventually bought control of the company in 1973 becoming President until his retirement in 1996. In 1998, Alex purchased the golf accessory line from Bayco Industries to form Bayco Golf Inc. Alex Colonello passed away in 2013 at the age of 93.
For more information:
Jared Ladobruk
Executive Director
Golf Manitoba
204-925-5729
jared@golfmb.ca
WINNIPEG – (Golf Manitoba) Golf Manitoba is proud to announce that the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation has donated $60,000 to Golf Manitoba to support junior golf programming and the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame. Working cooperatively with the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation, Golf Manitoba will apply the donation to benefit grassroots and high-performance junior golf programs, the University of Manitoba Bison Golf female and male programs and the annual induction ceremony conducted by the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum.
In 2018, the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation was established with a mandate to support junior golf in the province of Manitoba. The Foundation will eventually commit a total of $3 million dollars to an endowment that will aid in supporting the development of new generations of golfers through grassroots golf initiatives and high-performance programming.
“We are extremely excited about the impact the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation will have in supporting and growing the sport of golf in the province,” said Vince Mariani, President of Golf Manitoba. “As far as we know, this type of personal commitment to golf, and amateur sport for that matter, is unprecedented in Manitoba.”
“For 2019, the donation will have an immediate impact on our regional Golf in Schools program, a key grassroots program that delivers basic golf skills instruction through the school system,” said Jared Ladobruk, Executive Director of Golf Manitoba. “More funding means we can expand our capacity and visit more schools thereby introducing more young people to golf. The increased funding gives us the ability to train and certify early years educators who will then be able to deliver basic golf skills instruction as part of physical education programing. By training and certifying educators, we expand our Golf in Schools capacity and can now introduce more young girls and boys to the sport of golf with physical literacy in mind. Linking golf to physical literacy I believe is an opportunistic area for the future of the sport and hopefully this serves to grow the game even further.”
“Another key area of golf benefiting from the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation donation is Golf Manitoba’s interprovincial junior golf teams,” added Ladobruk. “This new funding will offset the costs of travel and equipment for the girls and boys who have earned the right to represent Manitoba in national competitions conducted by Golf Canada. This generous funding will reduce the financial barriers that come with participation in national competitions and will mean that Golf Manitoba’s best young golfers will not be denied the opportunity to compete against the nation’s best due to financial constraints.”
The University of Manitoba Bison Golf Program will also benefit from the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation donation. Funding will be allocated to support both the men’s and women’s programs. The Bison Golf Program is celebrating its 20th year in 2019 and the program is entirely self-funded through sponsorships and donations.
Golf Manitoba will now also fund external junior golf charitable programs through the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation donation. Existing junior golf programs will be able to apply for funding which will be evaluated by Golf Manitoba to determine eligibility with further announcements to follow.
Additionally, proceeds from the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation donation will provide support to the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame which recognizes and celebrates those who have made extraordinary contributions in the Manitoba golf community as well as nationally and internationally. A goal of the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame is to make known the achievements of its Honoured Members and Teams to serve as inspiration to future generations which is consistent with the goals of the Alex and Peggy Colonello Foundation to support junior golf. The 2019 induction ceremony is scheduled to take place in late September.
The donation from the Alex & Peggy Colonello Foundation was facilitated through the Golf Canada Foundation and its partnership with Golf Manitoba. Golf Canada Foundation is a Registered Canadian Athletic Amateur Association (RCAAA), and as such is recognized by the Canadian Revenue Agency as a qualified donee. Gifts received by Golf Canada Foundation qualify for an official donation receipt.
About Alex & Peggy Colonello:Peggy Colonello served as president of the Manitoba Ladies’ Golf Association in 1974 – 76 and was an active participant at her home course, the Elmhurst Golf & Country Club, where she and husband Alex had been members since the 1940s.
Peggy also served a two-year term as president of the Canadian Ladies’ Golf Association from 1982-83. During her time on the national executive, Peggy attended World and Commonwealth championships in Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Columbia, Britain and Switzerland, including the various Canadian events in which she participated. Peggy was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 1994 and was an inaugural inductee into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame on September 29, 2003.
Alex Colonello first moved to Winnipeg in 1941 where, in 1949, Bay Bronze Company asked him to start a machinery division for them. Alex eventually bought control of the company in 1973 becoming President until his retirement in 1996. In 1998, Alex purchased the golf accessory line from Bayco Industries to form Bayco Golf Inc. Alex Colonello passed away in 2013 at the age of 93.
About Golf Manitoba: Golf Manitoba is the governing body for golf in the province of Manitoba and North West Ontario. Its mission is to develop, promote, govern and service the sport of golf in Manitoba and North West Ontario for the benefit of all participants.
Recognized by Sport Manitoba as the Provincial Sport Organization for golf in the province, Golf Manitoba is responsible for promoting participation in and a passion for the sport of golf in Manitoba and North West Ontario. Golf Manitoba is also involved in national golf events through its affiliation with Golf Canada.
About the Golf Canada Foundation: The Golf Canada Foundation is the leading source for Golf Philanthropy in Canada, awarding more than $7.76 million in grants and scholarships since inception in 1979. Golf Canada Foundation’s mission is to inspire young players to build strong core values and character while living a healthy lifestyle. Golf Canada Foundation is a Registered Canadian Athletic Amateur Association (RCAAA), and as such is recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency as a qualified donee. A qualified donee is an organization that can receive gifts and issue official donation receipts for those gifts.
For more information:
Jared Ladobruk
Executive Director
Golf Manitoba
204.925.5729
jared@golfmb.ca
Nominations open for induction for the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame
The Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame recognizes and honours those who have made their mark on Manitoba’s rich golf history through their extraordinary activities and accomplishments.
Do you know of someone who should be recognized for their contributions and accomplishments to the game of golf as either a competitor (both amateur and/or professional), builder and/or superintendent? Nominations for induction for the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame 2019 Induction Class are now open.
Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame Member Bob Picken (1932-2019)
The world has lost a great friend, gentleman and a sports legend. On January 30, 2019, Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame honoured member Mr. Bob Picken passed away. He was 86 years old.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Barbara as well to his family and friends.
Mr. Picken was a tremendous supporter of golf in the province of Manitoba, and, as a tribute to Mr. Picken, we thought it fitting to re-publish the biography from his induction into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame. The biography was written by his good friend, fellow sports journalist and fellow Honoured Member of the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame, Ralph Bagley.
R. J. (Bob) Picken – Builder
For more than 60 years, Robert John Picken has kept Manitobans well informed on events in the world of sports through broadcasting and writing and he has been recognized for his achievements in many areas.
His induction into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame is a tribute to his detailed attention to golf events in the province. He is similarly honoured by his inductions in recent years to the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame, Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame, Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame, Winnipeg Football Club Media Hall of Fame, Canadian Football Media Hall of Fame and the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Roll of Honour.
Born in Winnipeg on September 24, 1932, Picken attended St. John’s High School and his journalistic career began in 1948 while in high school when he joined the staff of the Winnipeg Citizen to cover a variety of sports, including golf. The paper folded in 1949.
From 1965 to 1969, he was on the sports staff at CJOB and he later returned to that radio station on a free-lance basis from 1993 to 2008, covering mainly golf and curling. He was the voice of sport on CBC radio commencing in 1969 until his retirement in 1990.
During his career, Picken covered virtually every type of golf event, from provincial and national amateur championships through the Canadian Open, Canadian Senior Open, the duMaurier Classic, the America’s Cup, the World Amateur in Vancouver and two trips to the Masters at Augusta.
In addition to his extensive radio reporting, he also contributed articles in Backspin magazine from 1993 to 1998 and to the Golf Manitoba Journal since 1993.
He has been an active contributor to the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame, being involved as it was being formed and serving on the selection committee from 2003 to 2007. He was master of ceremonies for the first two induction ceremonies. He has also served as chair of the selection committee for the Manitoba Amateur Golfer of the Year award since its inception in 1975.
Picken has been a director of the Grey Owl golf tournament since 1979, serving as secretary for many years, a two-year term as president and currently is the drawmaster for the event, which marked its 50th year in June.
R. J. (Bob) Picken is an inductee into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum Inc., September 27, 2010
The Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame to honour 2018 inductees September 24, 2018
The Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame & Museum Inc. will hold its sixteenth annual induction ceremony on Monday September 24th, 2018 at Elmhurst Golf & Country Club.
Three new Honoured Members and an Honoured Team will be added: Greg Holden and Alan (Al) Scott will be added in the Builder Category; the late Alexander (Sandy) Weir will be inducted in the Athlete/Builder Category; and the 1974 Men’s Team (Steve Bannatyne (Rossmere), Ted Homenuik (Rossmere), the late Barry McKenzie (Rossmere) and Gavin Speirs (Southwood), that won the first Willingdon Cup for Manitoba, will be inducted in the Team Category (Career highlights for all Inductees below).
“The Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame is very proud to welcome the individuals who have devoted so much time and talent to contribute to the game of golf. The team was able to accomplish something no other Manitoba men’s team had done to that point after many decades of effort. They have all earned their place as Honoured Members” said Don MacDonald, President of the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum Inc.
The Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame & Museum Inc. was formed to acknowledge the contributions and accomplishments made by Manitobans as competitors, both amateur and professional, builders and course superintendents to the game of golf. It is a tripartite organization, the partners being Golf Manitoba, Manitoba Golf Superintendents’ Association and the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of Manitoba.
For more information about members of the Golf Hall of Fame and Manitoba’s rich golfing history, please go to the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame website at: www.manitobagolfhalloffame.com.
Individual members and member clubs wishing to nominate an individual (amateur or professional golfers, superintendents, builders, media, etc.) for the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame may obtain nomination forms through any of the three member organizations or from the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame website.
For further information, contact:
Don MacDonald (204) 771-3825 or by email at dmacdona@mymts.net
2018 Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame Honoured Member Inductees
Career Highlights
Greg Holden
Born St. Boniface, Manitoba in 1951
Educated at Erickson High School, University of Manitoba and Fairview College Diploma Turf
Superintendent of Clear Lake Golf Course since 1993
Wrote the environmental section of the successful bid for Clear Lake Golf Foundation to Parks Canada in 1993 to operate Clear Lake Golf Course
Nickname is “Turf”
Has spearheaded many initiatives over 25 years including organic fertilizer programs and non-chemical approaches to controlling weeds and disease
One of most innovative superintendents including installing composting toilets which saves up to 300,000 gallons or water each season and collects up to 10,000 litres of used cooking oils to run 7 pieces of equipment
Manitoba Eco-Network Environmental Stewardship Award – 2009
Finalist Canadian Tourism Achievement Association Conservation –2012
Little Saskatchewan River Conservation District Award — 2012
Manitoba Golf Superintendents Association “2012 Superintendent of the Year”
Canadian Golf Superintendents Association “2017 Superintendent of the Year”
Been an active member of CGSA, serving on board from 2003 to 2012 and is a Past President of the CGSA
Sandy Weir
Born in Selkirk, Scotland in 1892
Came to Canada in 1913 living in Weyburn, Edmonton, Regina and Saskatoon before moving to Winnipeg in the 1920s
Won Saskatchewan Open in 1919; Won Saskatchewan Men’s Amateur in 1920 and 1924
Low Amateur in 1925 Manitoba Open
Runner-up in 1925 Western Canadian Men’s Amateur
Semi-Finalist in Canadian Men’s Amateur in 1926
Won Manitoba Men’s Amateur in 1929 playing out of Niakwa
Played in 1930 British Open Championship
Won Manitoba Men’s Amateur in 1934 playing out of Winnipeg Beach
Manitoba Senior Age Champion in 1944
For over 25 years wrote the column “Tee Topics” for the Winnipeg Free Press
Strong supporter of junior golf in Manitoba
Described by Maurice Smith as “…never happier than when he was playing or discussing golf”
Passed away February 4, 1968
Alan (Al) Scott
Born in Loughborough, England in 1963
Class “A” PGA of Canada
University of Manitoba Certificate in Management
Director of Golf Course Operations for Lakeland Golf Management
Golf Professional:
Assistant/Associate Elmhurst Golf and Country Club – 1982 to 1988
Head Professional Selkirk Golf and Country Club – 1989 to 1997
Head Professional Grand Pines Golf Course (Lakeland Golf Management) – 1997 to 2005
Director of Golf Links at the Lake Golf Course (Lakeland Golf Management) – 2006 to present
Manitoba PGA Professional of the Year in 1992 and 1993
Manitoba PGA Player of the Year in 1995
Multiple winner of one day Professional Events, e.g. Pro Ams with low competitive scores of 64 in St. Charles Pro Am; 65 in Rossmere Crown Life Pro Am; 66 in Niakwa Pro Am and 66 in Pine Ridge Pro Am
Was member of Manitoba Assistant Professionals Board of Directors in the middle 80’s and moved on to the Manitoba Zone Board where he served on multiple committees and was President in 1995 and 1996
In 1993, joined the Canadian PGA Board of Directors, served on multiple committees, and was President in 2004 and 2005
During his presidency of CPGA the organization was without an Executive Director for 11 months during which Al led the Association as a volunteer for the betterment of the CPGA and as a result the CPGA enjoyed a positive financial turnaround under his leadership
Involved in initial meetings between RCGA and CLGA that led to the development of the Future Links Junior Program
Also involved in discussions that led to the creation of the National Allied Golf Associations
Strong supporter of golf development, especially junior golf
Al started the “Selkirk Little Swingers” that introduced over 500 children to golf between the ages of 4 to 9 over a 6 year period
In the CPGA biography for Al he was commended for his “…passion & devotion to the game, his loyalty & his tireless dedication to the Canadian PGA. He is a true ambassador, a leader & one of the Association’s most memorable national officers.”
Manitoba Men’s Amateur Team — Winners of 1974 Willingdon Cup
First Manitoba Men’s Amateur Team to win the Willingdon Cup which was first competed for in 1927
Members of team were Steve Bannatyne (Rossmere – Manitoba Amateur Champion), Ted Homenuik (Rossmere), Barry McKenzie (Rossmere), Gavin Speirs (Southwood) and Bill Doyle (non-playing captain)
Conducted over 36 holes at Niakwa
Total of 348 was 4 shots better than defending champion British Columbia and 6 shots better than Ontario