Golf Manitoba is hosting the Junior boys and girls championships at Quarry Oaks and Director of Communications and Development Brian Munz is thrilled with how things are going with day two under way Tuesday and the final round set for Wednesday.
"It's been fantastic," Munz says proudly. "Day one (Monday) had a little bit of rain, about 90 minutes midway through, but before and after it was fantastic. The staff here at Quarry Oaks have the course in terrific condition. Day two got under way bright and early this morning, the players are all out there now and we couldn't have asked for a better start and tomorrow looks terrific, too. We're excited to be here. There's 89 competitors in both the boys and girls Junior Championship, everybody had a lot of smiles on their face getting ready for day two here, it's been good."
With the high level of talent and the course in pristine shape, Munz says it's making for quite the viewing experience and the kids are putting on a show. "It's a great mix with how the golf course is and how talented these young players are. Jeri Lafleche of Niakwa Country Club leads the girls and Spence Mott of Shilo Country Club shot a -1 yesterday. Everyone has proven they can play and the biggest thing that everyone is talking about that they're through 18 holes, they know they have to manage the golf course. They can't go up and bomb it wherever you want because you'll get in trouble and the bush it thick out there. Mental prep is key heading into day two and as we get into day three for the final round tomorrow, we can see the players are very aware where they're hitting their tee shots."
Having Golf Manitoba bring this event to Steinbach is really a win-win for everyone involved. "First and foremost, just from a golf standing point it's awesome where they have 18 holes that we can take over for half the day, but then the public can come out and play right behind us," Munz says with a smile. "There's also the other 9 holes available, and there was an adult/junior event going on last night and you could just see the excitement from a family standpoint, and that's what junior golf is all about. You think about going out when you were a kid and that cycle continues. Whether it's competitive or just being outside for a couple of hours, it's a sport you can do that. This location city wise it's a home run for us. As mentioned, we're just shy of 90 competitors out here and they all have family members out here, so it's great to support the hotels and restaurants, making it a really fun day for the three days that everyone is taking part."
The junior age group is growing and Munz believes that these young athletes are making the future of golf in our province very, very bright. "No question these kids are dynamite. When you look at the two leaders here both under par, setting the tone for what lays ahead over the next couple days for them, it's special to watch. There are so many young kids out here and even if they don't shoot a great score, they're learning the generalities of the sport of golf. Competiting with each other, sportsmanship, etiquite, everything that goes with it. It's been really, really fun to watch. Those that are leading right now have been in the junior program for the last few and then there's the really young kids getting out here for the first time, getting a piece of it and falling more in love with the sport they're going to play for the next 60, 70, or 80 years."
Everyone is encouraged to head down to Quarry Oaks and take in some great golf, especially on Wednesday when things are shaping up to be very competitive and fun. "We want everyone to see these amazing provincial talents," Munz says emphatically. "The top three from both the junior boys and junior girls will advance to the Canadian Championships, so it's always fun to say that you had the opportunity to watch them play on your home course as they go off to do amazing things in the sport of golf. Tee times get underway at 8:00 each morning and the leaders will tee off around 12:00 for the final round of the boys and the girls will be right there as well."
For the leaderboard and all that Golf Manitoba has to offer now and throughout the summer, check out their website: Home - Golf Manitoba