Volunteer Recognition

Don was always into athletics, but golf was not his first love. Rewind 60 years and you would have seen Don on a baseball field playing for the Elmwood Giants and he could also be seen coaching the Air Canada Women s baseball team.

But then it happened, he was bit by the great well known ‘Golf Bug’.

Now, let’s rewind 40 years.

That’s when Don started golfing at his home course of St. Charles Country Club and he continues his regular play there to this day. He really took to golf and can proudly say that he became a scratch golfer in those early years. He improved his game so much that he even had to relinquish his amateur status. Yup, no amateur status for one full year. No, he didn’t turn pro, but he did accept a reward for a hole in one that he accomplished that meant a loss of amateur status!

It didn’t take long being a part of the golfing community before Don asked himself “what can I do to give something back to the golf community”? His initial thought was to tackle becoming a rules official. Very quickly he was enticed by the ‘how and why’ of course rating and handicap system. After some discussions with our master course raters Don realized this was where his interest laid.

However, when talking about course raters one has to highlight the traits of both the process and the people. They are truly a unique breed of volunteers. It’s like that old cliche: Neither rain, sleet, or snow keep them away from their jobs. They are rarely seen or, even more so, rarely understood, but they are gravely missed when their job isn’t done. A course rater is highly trained and skilled in ‘the process’ and in communication skills. They work in teams and have to be able to work through differing opinions and calculations to end up with a decision that is ultimately for the best for golfers. I have learned much about the process from Don and our other course raters, but I do believe, unless we were to spend years learning we will never quite understand nor appreciate the enormous contribution they provide to our golfing community. Perhaps when we play match play and realize we don’t ‘stroke’ on the last hole, then, maybe we think about the rating!

When Don entered the world of volunteer course-raters the training was demanding. Most of his courses, and training took place in Edmonton. Further, he did annual reviews that ensured his skills and knowledge remained current and/or updated.

For Don and the teams of course raters, the devotion and dedication to this ‘volunteer’ position is MIND BOGGLING. Rating a golf course can take not just hours on a nice summer day but is often meant traveling around the province, spending several days on a course in the worst of weather, and being as diplomatic as possible to not disturb players. Following the on-course assessment there is a massive amount of collected data that would have to be calculated and discussed. When Don started course rating, there were no computers to enter the data, so this meant even more time to manually calculate.

Most notable is the dedication to teamwork. Communication with the team is crucial. Don describes the team as a family. As he said, “He most enjoyed all the good people he had the opportunity to meet and be part of a community where everyone was there to help and contribute”.

Course rating affects each of us as it determines our handicap, our course rating and our course slope. Don and his teammates strived diligently to achieve a standard of excellence that Manitoba course raters are known for. In Don’s words – “There wasn’t anything that would stop us from our job! I just never wanted to let anyone down!” Well Don, you never did!

Don started course rating in 2001. Approximately 2,000 volunteer hours on course rating alone.  He has rated 90 courses to date. You can do the math.

It’s impossible to attach an accurate value to this huge contribution. Don didn’t just devote time to course rating. He volunteered with the then MGA as a timer, a starter, a scorer, and he continues to this day to volunteer with Golf Manitoba as a ‘pace of play’ official.

Don has also volunteered many hours at his home course taking on the role of Club Captain and serving on the handicap committee. Through Don’s decades of volunteering he has become a true Golf Manitoba advocate. He is always a friendly face and a positive influence within the volunteer family. He is always happy to mentor, to take time to discuss anything golf, and is one of those great volunteers that you never have to ask…because he offers.

To this day he keeps himself aware of the changes and the process of course rating. He continues to stay involved with both the volunteer family and the players through his ongoing active volunteer efforts.

The world renowned ‘Golf Bug’ really took a bite out of Don and, thankfully, we at Golf Manitoba have been the benefactor of his golf addiction.

It is with great pleasure that we welcome and congratulate Mr. Don Hargot as our 2023 Distinguished Service Award recipient.

Dennis is the seventeenth recipient of the volunteer Distinguished Service Award.

Dennis was a stalwart volunteer with Golf Manitoba for over 28 years. Not only did he volunteer, but he was a true golf advocate for our sport.

Dennis grew up loving sports (was part of a baseball team inducted into the hall of fame), and as written in his obituary – “Dennis will be remembered by most for his love of golf, a game for which his passion was unlimited and his grasp of detail, at least to the fairway-challenged, essentially infinite’.

Knowing Dennis meant knowing his passion and enthusiasm for all things golf. He did so love playing golf but he also gave so much of himself to promoting and advocating for our sport and the development of other players. Frequently described as unassuming, entirely devoted, the quiet cog that always keep the wheel in motion. Dennis was the type of volunteer that never really had to be asked to do something…he would see a need and would take care of it. He was the first to show up and the last to leave.

Dennis was very strongly involved in the player development program and worked closely with Garth Goodbrandson. He helped grow the player development program for well over a decade. There are many a past junior players who are now grown up with their own families. These were Dennis’s ‘boys’. They became like family to Dennis. He developed longstanding relationships with the ‘boys’ and their families. I am certain these players could tell some great tales about the passion Dennis brought to the junior development programs. Dennis would beam when talking about ‘his boys’.

He became the Golf Manitoba Chairperson for Junior Boys, assisted with the Mundie putter teams and the player development camps, Manitoba / Minnesota matches. He was the non playing captain at the Canadian Junior & Western Canadian Championships. He attended the Canadian Junior championships over 10 times with his players.

Dennis also volunteered in a number of other capacities with Golf Manitoba.  Dennis  was a volunteer with the MGA prior to the amalgamation and continued on with Golf Manitoba until his passing. He was a Director of golf with the MGA in the 90’s.  He volunteered as a rules official, as well as starting & scoring. He always had a welcoming smile and kind words for his fellow volunteers and golfers.

In the spirit of sport development , Dennis took on the position of President of the Golf Manitoba Scholarship Fund. The Fund which started in 1986,  provides financial assistance to young golfers who are starting or continuing with post-secondary studies in Canada. With the care and dedication of people like Dennis and through generous contributors, the fund has supported over 180 young golfers.

Most importantly, Dennis Langrell was a gentleman who offered of himself and his time for the betterment of our sport and  players, and to the future of our sport and association. He was a positive role model, a voice of encouragement, a passionate and dedicated volunteer who truly made a difference in the Golf Manitoba community. He was the type of volunteer who willingly gave all he had asking nothing in return. Dennis was passionate about golf, he was the best sounding board and always could be depended on to offer a well thought out opinion, he would offer before being asked, he was steadfast, passionate, kind and true. He gifted Golf Manitoba with his time and his spirit .

Golf Manitoba is very pleased to honor Dennis posthumously as the volunteer Distinguished Service Award recipient for 2022.

Brenda is the sixteenth recipient of the volunteer Distinguished Service Award.

• 70’s Brenda was the assistant Tournament Director for all Manitoba Ladies tournaments, working under Aihlin Walker.

• In 1997 she began course rating, the same year I began and the first course we did was Transcona.  She holds the distinction of being a Master Rater which there are not that many in Canada

• When they moved to Minaki she joined Falcon Lake Golf Course.  She was the club representative for Golf Manitoba and the Ladies President
•  Co-chaired many ladies golf tournaments such as the Children’s Museum for many years

• President of Ladies section at Falcon Lake

Golf Manitoba is very pleased to honour Brenda as the volunteer Distinguished Service Award recipient for 2022.

Michelle Lee is the fifteenth recipient of the volunteer Distinguished Service Award.

Michelle’s volunteerism with golf first began serving as a district representative with the Manitoba Ladies’ Golf Association. In this role, Michelle would visit and advocate for the MLGA with member clubs inside the district.  She also ran the district “Bronze Tournament” where she met numerous women golfers from around the city.  Michelle remained a volunteer of the MLGA until the amalgamation with the Manitoba Golf Association in 2003.

In 2004, Michelle joined the Board of Golf Manitoba where she completed a full 10-year term. During that time, Michelle was very active taking on numerous volunteer roles including the following:

• 2005 – Present: Starter/Scorer/Pace of Play Official
• 2006 – 2010: Marketing Committee
• 2007 – Chair of Membership Committee
• 2007 – 2008: Volunteer Committee
• 2009 – Chair of the Volunteer committee
• 2010 – Chair of Tournament Committee / Co-chair Medical at CN Canadian Women’s Open
• 2013 – Chair Volunteer Committee / Nominating Committee member
• 2013 – Present: Tournament Committee

Of special note in 2007/2008, Michelle assisted Volunteer Committee Chair Bonnie Stephenson in establishing the inaugural Golf Manitoba volunteer Distinguished Service Award.

In addition to her volunteerism with Golf Manitoba, Michelle also volunteered at St. Charles Country Club, her home course.   She joined the Board of St. Charles where she completed three full terms holding the following appointments:

• Chair of Play & Rules
• Honorary Secretary
• Communications Chair
• Membership Committee member
• LRP Committee
• Member of the Ladies Invitational committee (Rossbrook House)
• Member of the Ladies Mackenzie Gathering committee

Michelle continues to sit as a member of the St. Charles Ladies Executive serving as the Communications Chair.

Golf Manitoba is very pleased to honour Michelle Lee as the volunteer Distinguished Service Award recipient for 2021.

After a combined 52 years of volunteerism to the sport of golf, Golf Manitoba is pleased to recognize Brenda & Dennis Prystayko as this year’s recipients of the Golf Manitoba Distinguished Service Award.

Brenda’s volunteerism in golf began in 1990 with the Manitoba Ladies’ Golf Association where she served as a Board member and a non-playing captain for numerous junior girl’s provincial teams.  When the MLGA merged to become Golf Manitoba, she became actively involved with the junior girl’s development teams that competed in the ladies Nassau League, Western Canada and Canada Summer Games and at national level championships.  Brenda’s enthusiasm and her involvement directly contributed to the success of the junior girl’s program where many of her past players have continued to play competitively at university and provincial level championships.

Brenda has been an excellent role model for junior girl’s golf in Manitoba and Northwest Ontario where she created an atmosphere that made playing competitive golf fun.  The Nassau team alumni speak fondly of their experience and continue to enjoy their relationship with Brenda. Every parent and every junior girl who where fortunate to know Brenda have nothing but nice things to say about her contributions and her genuine interest in wanting to help and grow junior girls golf.

Brenda Prystayko’s volunteer highlights:

• Began volunteering with the Manitoba Ladies’ Golf Association (MLGA) in 1990
• Previous Board member of the MLGA
• Non-Playing Captain for Provincial teams with the MLGA
• Manager for Team Manitoba at the 2011 Western Canada Games
• Manager for Team Manitoba at the 2013 Canada Games
• Manager for Team Manitoba at the 2017 Canada Games
• Non-Playing Captain for Team Manitoba numerous times at the Canadian Junior
• Non-Playing Captain for the Junior Girls Nassau Team since their inception in 2008

Dennis Prystayko’s volunteerism began in 1998 with the then Manitoba Golf Association and most recently with Golf Manitoba.  He has dedicated countless hours assisting with the junior boy’s development program where he acted as a non-playing captain for the junior teams that competed in the Mundie Putter league and at national junior championships.  His leadership skills are exceptional, and he has developed an amazing relationship with many junior golfers several of whom have gone on to play college golf, have become top provincial players as well as Club and Touring Professionals.  Dennis has shown a genuine interest and dedication in helping to grow the sport of golf during his 22 years of service.

Dennis Prystayko’s volunteer highlights:

• Began volunteering for the MGA in 1998
• Non-Playing Captain for Team Manitoba at the Canadian Junior for many years
• Captain of the junior boys Mundie Putter team for 17 years
• Past member of Golf Manitoba’s Player Development Committee

Dennis and Brenda continue to enjoy their passion for golf and are both active, long-time members of the Pine Ridge Golf Club in Winnipeg.

Golf Manitoba is very pleased to honour Brenda and Dennis as the Distinguished Service Award Recipient for 2020.

Lou’s impactful volunteer career started in 1992 where he joined the Manitoba Golf Association as a starter and scorer for tournaments. In 1994, Lou served as the MGA representative for his home club, the St. Boniface Golf Club. His passion for volunteerism lead the retired Winnipeg police detective to obtain his certification as a Rules Official in 1996, a credential that he still holds to this day. In 2000, Lou joined the MGA Board of Directors which ultimately led to his two year term as President of Golf Manitoba from 2005 to 2007. More recently, Lou received his Level 3 Rules Referee certification through Golf Canada. In addition to these roles, Lou has served on a variety of Golf Manitoba sub-committees including co-chair of the Rules Committee, marketing, membership and tournament committees.

Golf Manitoba is very pleased to honour Mr. Lou Spado as the Distinguished Service Award Recipient for 2019.

Rick’s involvement with the Manitoba Golf Association (M.G.A.) dates back to 1978 when he became an M.G.A. Council Representative for the City of Winnipeg Municipal Golf Courses. He remained in this capacity until 2000 serving on many and various committees and executive positions.  During that time and continuing to the present, Rick has provided volunteer service to the former Manitoba Golf Association and Golf Manitoba for the past 40 years.

The following are some of the highlights of Rick’s extensive volunteer career with the Manitoba Golf Association and Golf Manitoba:

• Council Representative from 1977 to 2000
• Junior Chairman from 1981 to 1985
• Tournament Chairman in 1986 and 1987
• Financial Chairman in 1988 and 1989
• Course Rating Chairman 1989 to 1994 where he introduced the Slope Method of course rating
• President of the Manitoba Golf Association in 1995
• M.G.A. Golf Journal Yearbook Committee member from 1980 to 1991
• Rules Official from 1982 to 2001 where he refereed club, inter-club, provincial and national level competitions
• Non-playing captain four times including the 1981 and 1982 Canadian Junior Championships, 1985 Western-Canadian Junior Championship and the 1995 Canadian Amateur Championship
• Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame Selection Committee from 2001 to 2008 and President in 2007

All of these extra-curricular activities were performed while Rick was employed with the City of Winnipeg as the Superintendent of the Municipal Golf Courses where he managed the administration, financing affairs, club and maintenance operations of the Kildonan Park, Windsor Park, Crescent Drive, John Blumberg and Harbour View Golf Courses.

After 33 successful years with the City of Winnipeg, Rick retired in January of 2005. He is now enjoying life with his wife Angie and their son Sean. Rick still remains as an active volunteer with Golf Manitoba.

Golf Manitoba is very pleased to honor Mr. Rick Thain as the Distinguished Service Award Recipient for 2018.

Irv started volunteering in 1990 as a starter in Manitoba Golf Association Championships.  He then began course rating where he attended advanced course rating seminars at the national level.  His interests then turned to his role as a Rules Official which he continues today.  He has attended several Rules Education Seminars and was certified as a Level Four Official, a status very few people achieve. He has Officiated at many tournaments over the years & conducted rules education seminars at golf clubs.

Irv also has a strong interest in competitive golf as he was the Manitoba Senior Champion in 1993 and 1997 and had played on five Manitoba provincial teams.  He is also a past Manitoba Rural Senior Champion (2003).

He has been a shareholder and member of the Elmhurst Golf & Country Club since 1973.  He has served on the Board of Governors for several years as course captain, secretary and club representative for Golf Manitoba.

“I am very honored and humbled to receive this award”, said Benne.  “I have enjoyed my association with Golf Manitoba for many years”.

“On behalf of the Board and Staff of Golf Manitoba, I would like to extend our congratulations to Irv Benne as this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Service Award,” commented Tammy Gibson, President of Golf Manitoba. “Irv’s commitment and dedication to the game over the years are certainly worthy of this award and we are appreciative of his many contributions to amateur golf in Manitoba and North West Ontario” added Gibson.

Golf Manitoba is very pleased to honor Mr. Irv Benne as the Distinguished Service Award Recipient for 2017.

George started volunteering in the 1980’s as a Rural Representative for the Wheat City Golf Club with the Manitoba Golf Association (MGA).  He was then nominated and elected to the Board of the MGA in 1985. During the 20 years on the Board, he served on every committee the MGA had with the exception of the Finance Committee and eventually moved on to be President (2002 – 2004).  He was the last President of the MGA and the first President of the newly formed Golf Manitoba.

George was also instrumental in the formation and inauguration of the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum.

Nationally, he served on the Royal Canadian Golf Association Board of Directors as Manitoba’s Class “C” Governor for 10 years. Following a governance change with Golf Canada, he then went on to become a member of the Golf Canada Governors Council, served on the Membership Committee and was Chair of the Canadian Turf Grass Research Foundation until 2015. McLeod also assisted Golf Canada with the amalgamation of the Canadian Ladies Golf Association (CLGA) and the RCGA and served on numerous committees for ten years as a Governor.

George has been a rules official, course rater, and volunteer starter/scorer for Golf Manitoba, the RCGA & Golf Canada for over 30 years. Some highlights are: In 2013 he was a rules official for 4 days at the Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur Championship held at Neepawa. In 2014, he was the Golf Canada Tournament Chair and Starter/Scorer at the CN Future Links Prairie Championship held at the Shilo Country Club.  He was a Starter/Scorer at the 2014 Canadian University Championship at Southwood and a Starter/Scorer at the Canadian Men’s Amateur at Southwood that same year.

“I am very humbled by this honour and privileged to be in the distinguished company of the previous recipients”, said McLeod.  “Golf Manitoba has already awarded me with a lifetime of cherished times, memories and friends that is unmatched by anything I’ve been involved with.”

“On behalf of the Board and Staff of Golf Manitoba, I would like to extend congratulations to George McLeod as this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Service Award,” commented Tammy Gibson, President of Golf Manitoba. “George’s leadership, commitment and dedication to the game over the years are certainly worthy of this award and we are appreciative of his many contributions to amateur golf in Manitoba, North West Ontario and Canada” added Gibson.

Golf Manitoba is very pleased to honor Mr. George McLeod as the Distinguished Service Award Recipient for 2016.

Barbara Hamill is the 2015 Golf Manitoba Distinguished Service Award Recipient.

Barbara started her volunteering with the Manitoba Ladies Golf Association (MLGA) in 1991. She volunteered in a wide range of roles leading up to the Executive as Secretary/ Treasurer and eventually as Vice President only vacating this position due to family health issues.

She was also very involved at St. Charles Country Club volunteering on the Sports Committee, introducing the Social Committee, became the Sports Captain as well as the Lady Captain of St. Charles, sat on the Play and Rules committee and the Grounds committee and founded & Chaired St. Charles Ladies’ Invitational Golf Tournament which continues as a major fundraising event at St. Charles today.

In 2000, Barbara became the committee chair of the MLGA tasked to write a manual for Sports Captains in Manitoba and North West Ontario.

She began course rating in 1997 with the MLGA and has continued on to this day.  In 2010, she received the designation of Master Rater based on the high level knowledge and experience she has.

Barbara also became a rules official in 2009.  In addition to her roles as a course rater and rules official, she also volunteers as a starter, scorer, course marking, and pace of play official at Golf Manitoba Championships.

“On behalf of the Board and Staff of Golf Manitoba, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate Barbara Hamill on receiving this prestigious award,” commented Tammy Gibson, newly elected President of Golf Manitoba. “Her passion, enthusiasm, commitment and dedication to the game of golf over the past 25 years make her a most worthy recipient and we are truly appreciative of her continued involvement with Golf Manitoba.” added Gibson.

Golf Manitoba is very pleased to honor Ms. Barbara Hamill as the Distinguished Service Award Recipient for 2015.

Don started to volunteer in 1993 with the Manitoba Golf Association and has just completed his twenty first year as a volunteer. He became a member of the Board of Directors in 1996 and served on the Board until 2007 during which time he was on several committees and eventually became President of Golf Manitoba in 2003 to 2005.

Don was involved in the amalgamation of the Manitoba Ladies Golf Association and the Manitoba Golf Association.  A lawyer with Investors Group, Don’s legal expertise assisted with the transition to Golf Manitoba.  Don was also involved at the Golf Canada level which was formerly the RCGA and the CLGA. He was a member of the Golf United Committee which led to the amalgamation of the 2 groups that now are Golf Canada.

Don has been a member of the Board of Director of the Manitoba Golf Scholarship Fund since 2006. He also is the current President of the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame serving in that role since 2009 and is also a member of the Sport Manitoba Board of Directors since 2013.

Don is very passionate about the Rules of Golf.  He first became qualified at the national level in 1999 and has maintained that status since 2008.  He has worked as a National rules official at two National Men’s amateur events, four National Future Links events, and the Canadian University Championship.  He continues to officiate throughout the summer at Golf Manitoba events.

Along with his fellow Rules Officials, Don assists in instructing the Level 3 Rules Education seminar and he plays a significant role in the succession plan for Rules officials in Manitoba. He also gives of his time through the winter months assisting with the delivery of the Winter Rules Education Sessions.

Don gives so freely of his time and expertise at the club level. He is a long time member and Past President of the Rossmere Country Club.  He is also a member at the St Charles Country Club where he is involved at the committee level.

Don’s volunteer services do not end with golf.  He has been a Board member at Cancer Care Manitoba since 2003 to the present time and acted as the Chairperson of the Board from 2006 – 2009.

In October of 2013, Bob Forcand was presented with Golf Manitoba’s Volunteer Distinguished Service Award.  The criteria for this award is long time service to Golf Manitoba (including Manitoba Golf Association & Manitoba Ladies’ Golf Association); gone above and beyond the expectations of a volunteer; proven to be an advocate for the game and the Association, demonstrated commitment to amateur golf in Manitoba and Northwest Ontario and displayed qualities of a positive role model for other volunteers

Mr. Forcand joined Breezy Bend in the winter of 1971 and became a Board member in the early 1980’s.  He served as the Club’s Tournament Chair and went on to serve as President in 1982-83.

He began volunteering with the Manitoba Golf Association in the 1970’s.  In the early 80’s without his knowledge, former MGA President Jim Bristow submitted his name to become a member of the MGA Board of Directors.  After serving in a number of roles, he eventually would become the Association President in 1989.

To this day, he still continues to be involved with the Association assisting at tournaments.  In 2013, back problems prevented him from doing so but he plans to return to action in 2014.

“On behalf of our Board and Selection Committee, Golf Manitoba is pleased to recognize Bob Forcand with our Distinguished Service Award in 2013,” noted Kevin O’Donovan, President. “Bob has been an integral part of amateur golf in Manitoba for almost forty years and he epitomizes what the Distinguished Service Award is all about,” added O’Donovan.

Joyce provided the leadership as the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum became a reality in 2003 and her lengthy record of service to the golf community has resulted in her inclusion as part of this year’s Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

She served as president of the Hall of Fame and Museum from 2003 to 2006 and as chair of the induction event from 2003 to 2011. She was a member of the selection committee from 2003 to 2011 and also served on the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame selection committee from 2010 to 2012.

Her involvement with the sport started at her home course, serving as president, vice-president, handicap chair and junior chair for the Portage Ladies’ Golf Club. She initiated the introduction to golf program at Portage la Prairie schools and was a director of the club’s junior girls and boys section.

On the provincial scene, Collier served as District D chairman, then on the Manitoba Ladies’ Golf Association executive as junior director in 1983-84, teams director in 1992-93, vice-president in 1994-95 and president in 1995-97.

Nationally, she was director of player development for the Canadian Ladies’ Golf Association in 1998-2000 and associate governor of the Royal Canadian Golf Association in 2006-2008. She was on the rules committee for the national CLGA junior and amateur tournaments in 1981, publicity chair for the 1991 National junior championship and provincial president for the 1996 national senior championship. She also worked as a volunteer on starting and scoring at national and CN Future Links events from 2006 to 2010 and was chair of the ecology committee for the 2010 Canadian Women’s Open championship.

She was named sports person of the year in Portage la Prairie in 1998, earned a CLGA distinguished service award in 2000 and was presented with honorary life membership by the Portage Golf Club in 2004. An award in her name was presented by the Portage Ladies’ Golf Club in 1993 and is presented annually to a junior golfer.  She was also presented with the Golf Manitoba Distinguished Service Award in 2012.

Her other volunteer activities have included service as a General Board Member of the Southport Aerospace Centre Inc. and past board member of the Portage Figure Skating Club, Portage Minor Hockey and Manitoba Arthritis Society.

Rudy Boivin began volunteering with the Manitoba Golf Association in 1980.  He is a founding member of the MGA Golf Annual Magazine (later the Golf Manitoba Journal) and from 1980 to 1982 was Chair of the Advertising Committee for that magazine.

In 1982, he became a starter and scorer at MGA events and remains committed to that volunteer role today with Golf Manitoba.

In 1983 he joined the MGA Board of Directors and was the Chair of the Tournament Committee in 1986/87 and the President in 1988.  He also served as the Non-Playing Captain for the Willingdon Cup Team in 1985, 1986 & 1987.

From 1989 to 1994 he was nominated by the Manitoba Golf Association for the Board of Directors of the Manitoba Sport Federation, elected for 3 terms and Chair of Marketing Committee for four years.

He is a current member of the Marketing & Communications Committee of Golf Manitoba.

He served on the Manitoba Golf Scholarship Fund Board of Directors from 1990 to 2010 and was President of that organization from 1999 to 2005.

He was also a member of the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame Board of Directors from 2002 to 2007.

Rudy Boivin has been a member at the Southwood G&CC since 1966.  He served on the Board of Directors from 1971 to 1978, was Member of the Year in 1976, President in 1977, Club Captain from 1990 to 1993 and honored in 2003 as a Life Member.

His devotion to amateur golf is extremely evident as he continues to be involved in committees and tournament activity after 31 years of dedicated service.

At the Golf Manitoba Annual Awards Dinner in October of 2011, Rudy was presented with our Distinguished Service Award for his years of dedicated service.

“Rudy Boivin has shown true passion for both the Manitoba Golf Association and Golf Manitoba” said Rob MacDonald, President of Golf Manitoba.  “His long term commitment is a true asset to our Association and we are pleased to recognize him with the Distinguished Service Award”.

Brian Gilhuly of the Selkirk Golf & Country Club is the fourth recipient of the annual Golf Manitoba Distinguished Service Award.

Brian has been a volunteer since 1986 both with the Manitoba Golf Association and Golf Manitoba.  His initial start as a volunteer came as a club representative for the Selkirk G&CC and as a starter and scorer in tournaments.

He joined the Manitoba Golf Association Board of Directors in 1989 and has continued on the Board since the amalgamation with the Manitoba Ladies’ Golf Association in 2004.  He was the finance chair from 1990 to 2005.

He became a course rater in 1991 when the present course rating and slope system was adopted and became the Chair of the Handicap & Course Rating Committee in 2001 following the retirement of Gord Lenton where he continues in that role.  To date, Brian has completed 177 course ratings.

He has volunteered as a walking scorer at St Charles for the LPGA tournament in 1992 and the PGA Champions Tour event in 2000 and was also a hole marshal for this year’s CN Canadian Women’s Open.

When he is not volunteering for Golf Manitoba, Brian devotes countless hours to the Selkirk Golf & Country Club where he has served on various committees since 1958.  He has been a Board member at Selkirk from 1960 to 1974 and again from 1986 to present.  He is also the current treasurer of the club where he has been since 1988.  The Selkirk G&CC recognized his long standing commitment to the club in 2004 by honoring him as a life member.

Brian Gilhuly spends countless hours travelling to measure courses prior to actually conducting a course rating.  He also spends a lot of time in front of his computer working on ratings as well as trips into the Golf Manitoba office to process the ratings.  His devotion to amateur golf is extremely evident in his passion for course rating as well as his dedication to the Board and Association.

“Brian’s long term dedication to the game of golf exemplifies what it means to be a Golf Manitoba volunteer” said Harvey Goehring, President of Golf Manitoba.

“His passion and professionalism for course rating is a true asset to our Association. His diligence in all he does is indeed outstanding and we are pleased to recognize him with the Distinguished Service Award”.

A second prestigious award was presented on Monday night to Betty Grant of the Windsor Park Ladies Golf is the third recipient of the annual Golf Manitoba Distinguished Service Award.  Betty has been a volunteer since 1997 both with the Manitoba Ladies’ Golf Association (MLGA) and Golf Manitoba.  She served on the MLGA Board of Directors as Rules Assistant, Rules Chair and Teams Director and currently serves on the Golf Manitoba Officials Committee.  She works as a Rules Official at Golf Manitoba events and is very well respected by fellow officials, volunteers, competitors and staff.

Betty is a founding member of the Windsor Park Ladies Golf Club which was formed in 1977 where she has served terms as Secretary-Treasurer, President, Sports Captain, and approx. 20 years as Rules Chair.  She was also responsible for drafting the club’s constitution.

She is also an original member of the Crescent Drive Thursday Ladies’ Group where she has served as Secretary – Treasurer and Sports Captain.

A passionate player of the game, she is two time winner of the CLGA / RCGA Pin Rounds at Windsor Park and well as the CLGA / RCGA low net twice in the Club Championship.  Betty is also an eight time club champion of the Crescent Drive Thursday Ladies’ Group.

When she is not volunteering for Golf Manitoba or playing golf, she spends some of her time volunteering as a starter at the Southwood G&CC.

“Betty Grant exemplifies what it means to be a volunteer for Golf Manitoba,” said Harvey Goehring, new president of Golf Manitoba. “Her passion for the rules of golf is very evident and her professionalism on the golf course is a true asset to our association.  Betty’s diligence and dedication in all she does is beyond belief.”

Don Forsyth of the Bel Acres G&CC is the second recipient of the annual Golf Manitoba Distinguished Service Award.  Don has been involved as a volunteer with amateur golf since 1992 where he was a part of the first four person team to introduce course and slope rating in Manitoba and Northwest Ontario.  In 1993 he had his first experience as a rules official at the Men’s Match Play Championship at the Wildewood Golf Club.  He has continued as an active rules official to this day.  He served on the Board of the Manitoba Golf Association and Golf Manitoba from 1998 to 2004 where he held the position as Officials Chair for the duration of his tenure.

An accomplished player, Don has also been club champions at the Polo Park Golf Club, the Assiniboine Golf Club and the Breezy Bend Country Club.  He was also crowned the provincial senior champion in 1988.

“Through golf, I’ve met and enjoyed friendships of many fine people both administratively and competitively and would do it all over again if I had the chance.  It has been my way of putting something back into golf”

“Everyone who knows Don knows what a personable and dedicated individual he is,” said Trish Jordan, president of Golf Manitoba. “He has made a significant contribution to our Association over many years of service as both a Board member and active volunteer.  Don is a well-respected and knowledgeable rules official and is a very deserving recipient of this prestigious award.”

Jerry Budyk of the Elmhurst G&CC is the inaugural recipient of the Golf Manitoba Distinguished Service Award.  Jerry has been involved as a volunteer with amateur golf since 1982.  He was an active volunteer with the former Manitoba Golf Association (MGA) and continued his dedicated service to Golf Manitoba.  He has served in the capacities of club representative, as a starter and scorer at provincial championships and as the Associations coordinator of volunteers for bingos at Club Regent and McPhillips Street Station.

“Jerry has always displayed a high level of professionalism, been a very strong advocate for Golf Manitoba and the former Manitoba Golf Association and shown commitment well above and beyond what has been expected of him,” said Trish Jordan, Golf Manitoba’s President. “Golf Manitoba is truly lucky to have a volunteer with the dedication of Jerry Budyk.”