The second edition of the 2025 Portage Match Play golf tournament wrapped up over the weekend with Clark Bolton bringing home the trophy in a tightly contested final. Hosted over three days—Friday through Sunday—the event brought a solid turnout and favourable playing conditions.
Robby Moar, general manager at the Portage Golf Club, says the tournament is still in its early days but is showing promise. Originally introduced last year, the event is meant to grow in both scale and impact.
Bracket-style format adds competitive edge
The match play tournament follows a multi-tiered format, breaking players into four different sides: A, B, C, and D. Winners advance on the A-side while those who lose continue competing in the other brackets. Eventually, final placings are determined, with cash and prizes awarded.
“You win one, you keep going, and if you lose, you drop down,” explained Moar.
The club first ran the event last year, when Carson Inman took home the inaugural title. While the structure remains similar, Moar says this year’s showing reveals an appetite for more.
Club aims to build on member engagement
Moar explains the tournament is part of a broader push to keep members engaged and to offer fresh, enjoyable activities throughout the season.
“We're just trying to do different things here, like trying to do fun stuff to keep the members interested,” he notes. “Maybe it grows into something big for us.”
This year’s event was capped at 16 players, but Moar says the demand could have supported more participants.
Strong start to golf season fuels optimism
Although the course opened slightly later this year, the spring weather has so far worked in their favour. Early-season conditions have helped the club gain momentum, both in maintenance and membership.
“Season's been great. We wintered well,” says Moar.
He also credits the kitchen team for elevating the club’s food offerings and overall atmosphere.
Current membership numbers have already surpassed 300, an encouraging sign for early May.
While the total may even out later in the season, Moar says favourable spring weather has driven strong early turnout.
Mother’s Day brunch already drawing big crowd
Looking ahead, the club is planning a brunch buffet for Mother’s Day, with reservations already coming in at a brisk pace.
“We go to brunch from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.,” notes Moar. “We’ve been taking reservations, and I think we're up over 100 people already.”
The cost for ages 12 and up is $19.99, while kids 11 and under are $9.99.
To reserve your spot, stop the clubhouse or call 204-857-6177.
Busy tournament season to come
Though the early season has focused on preparation and the match play event, more tournaments are slated to begin in the coming weeks.
“We're getting into tournament season towards the end of May,” says Moar. “So there'll be lots coming up here going forward.”
The Ladies' League starts May 6, while the Men's League will get underway May 7.
To register for either league you can email: generalmanager@portagegolfclub.ca