The Golf Manitoba Scholarship Fund (GMSF) is a registered charity that provides assistance to students entering or continuing post-secondary studies in Canada. Since 1986, the Fund has provided over 229 awards totaling more than $270,000 to students throughout Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.
AWARDS
There are currently 3 named awards and a number of open awards available each year. Applicants who do not meet the qualifying criteria of the named awards will be considered for the open awards. The number of open awards available will be determined on an annual basis by the Scholarship Fund Board of Directors.
The named awards include the following:
Dr. Dwight Parkinson Award
The Dr. Dwight Parkinson Award has been made possible by Mr. Dave Hill of the St. Charles Country Club. The award recognizes Dr. Dwight Parkinson’s long time commitment to the game of golf.
- Award Criteria – This award is only available to a student entering their first year of studies at a post-secondary institution and are a Golf Manitoba member.
Craig Yahiro Memorial Scholarship
The Craig Yahiro Memorial Scholarship award is made possible by a charitable golf day that is held annually at the Rossmere Country Club and in memory of the late Craig Yahiro. Craig Yahiro was a long-time member of the PGA of Canada where his skillful instruction and great sense of humour helped many improve their game. Craig’s commitment to his craft was recognized in 2009 when he was voted the PGA of Canada – Manitoba Golf Professional of the Year.
- Award Criteria –There are two awards available to one young man and woman who are entering or continuing with post-secondary studies and who are either Golf Manitoba members or who are currently involved with golf either through employment or participation.
Brian Gilhuly Memorial Scholarship
The Brian Gilhuly Memorial Scholarship award is made possible by the generous donation made from the estate of the long-time Golf Manitoba volunteer, Mr. Brian Gilhuly. Brian started his volunteerism with Golf Manitoba in 1986 where he served in a variety of capacities for over 30 years until his passing in late 2017. He became a course rater in 1991 and became the Chair of the Handicap & Course Rating Committee in 2001. Brian completed over 200 course ratings during his tenure. In 2010, Brian was awarded the Golf Manitoba Distinguished Service Award. The Selkirk Golf & Country Club also recognized his long standing commitment to the club in 2004 by honoring him as a life member.
- Award Criteria – This award is only available to students who are currently in the process of continuing on with post-secondary studies and are a Golf Manitoba member.
Ed Dearden Memorial Scholarship (available in 2025)
The Ed Dearden Memorial Scholarship award was made possible by the Dearden family, and the generous donations by family and friends.
In 1965 Ed became the official golf writer and golf columnist with The Winnipeg Tribune. That same year he began his freelance relationship with CJOB. In addition to tireless hours of local golf coverage, Ed reported on many national and international golf competitions, particularly those involving golfers from Manitoba.
Ed served many years on the selection committee for The Manitoba Golfer of the Year and had been on the board of directors for the Grey Owl Golf Tournament for over 40 years.
Ed was elected to the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame in 2007.
- Award Criteria –This award will be available to students who are currently entering or continuing with post-secondary studies and are a Golf Manitoba member. The first award will only be available in the fall of 2025.
To donate to this award, please send a cheque, in memory of Ed Dearden, to the Golf Manitoba Scholarship Fund:
Golf Manitoba Scholarship Fund Inc.
420 -145 Pacific Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3B 2Z6
APPLICATION PROCESS
Golf Manitoba Scholarship Fund awards are available to all Golf Manitoba members in addition to those young people who are currently involved with golf either through employment or participation. Scholarships are awarded based largely on academic achievement, however golf ability and community involvement are also considered.
To apply, applicants must download and complete the application form (link below). The annual deadline for applications is August 1.
Additional scholarship opportunities
2024 RECIPIENTS
Dr. Dwight Parkinson Award: Keira Krahn, Carman G & CC
Brian Gilhuly Memorial Scholarship: MacKenzie Forsythe, Elmhurst G & CC
Craig Yahiro Memorial Scholarship: Isabella Johnson & Matthew Penner
Golf Manitoba Scholarship Award recipients:
- Karly Cote, La Broquerie Golf
- Camryn Desjarlais, Public Player
- Brent Ingram, Elmhurst Golf & Country Club
- Evan Nachtigall, Wheat City Golf Course
- Luke Perret, Public Player
- Eric Strick, Rossmere CC
- Elle Wood, St. Boniface Golf Club
FUND MANAGEMENT
There are no administrative or other charges against the Fund. The earnings of the Fund are used exclusively for the granting of scholarships.
The Board of the Fund recently determined that it would be in the interest of the Fund to establish the Golf Manitoba Scholarship Endowment Fund with The Winnipeg Foundation (the “Foundation”). Benefits of doing this include making the Fund sustainable, almost certainly increasing the amount available to annually distribute as scholarships and the receipt of some amounts from the Foundation added to the endowment as further donations are received.
The GMSF is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors, made up as follows:
- Joan Todd – President
- Don MacDonald
- Rob MacDonald
- Brian Kornelsen
- Vince Mariani
- Jared Ladobruk, Secretary
SUPPORT THE FUND
As a non-profit organization, the GMSF relies on donations as an essential source of revenue. The GMSF acknowledges the incredible support it has received over the past 30 years and looks to the local community for support. The Fund has been greatly assisted in building its Capital Fund through the generosity of Golf Manitoba, various golf clubs and other organizations and individuals.
There are a number of ways that you can help:
Individually, we encourage you to include the Golf Manitoba Scholarship Fund amongst your gift giving considerations. A direct contribution will yield a tax-deductible receipt. Should you wish to honour someone or make a memorial donation, we ask you to consider our Fund as one of your charities of choice. We assure you that appropriate acknowledgement will be passed to the individual or family concerned. Should you have a specific consideration, please contact us directly and we will be pleased to discuss it further.
As members of member clubs, we ask you to take our message back to your Boards and committees. Your clubs can certainly assist. Some clubs have made direct contributions to the Scholarship Fund. Others have included us in yearly assessments or as part of specific tournaments. For example, if each club assessed each member an additional $1.00 earmarked for the Golf Scholarship Fund, significant capital could be added to our base annually.
Planned giving. Planning your estate and legacy for future generations including your charitable interests takes careful evaluation. Consulting with professionals about your charitable intentions can lead to a much better result than going it alone.
The GMSF can provide valuable information about creative giving techniques and will ensure that your gift is used just as you wish.
If you or your golf club would like to support the Fund, you can make a donation on-line (see link below) or by sending a cheque to the Fund to:
Golf Manitoba Scholarship Fund Inc.
420 -145 Pacific Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3B 2Z6
The Golf Manitoba Scholarship Fund is a registered charitable organization with the Canada Revenue Agency and all donations will yield a tax-deductible receipt.