Golfers gear up for Manitoba Open in Winnipeg

Golfs amateurs are heading to Winnipeg, as the Manitoba Open sets to kick off at Breezy Bend Country Club. An event that’s helped launch careers from Manitoba greens to PGA Tour dreams.

“Nowhere else will you get this up and close and personal with these PGA Tour America players,” said Brendan Baldwin, Tournament Director, Manitoba Open.

First played in 1919, the Manitoba Open is one of Canada’s longest running golf tournaments. The open last visited Breezy Bend in the early 90’s, but this year marks a new era, part of a rotation bringing the tournament to courses across the province.

“It was exciting back then but now were even more excited to showcase the golf course and all the changes that have been made,” said Corey Johnson, General Manager for Breezy Bend Country Club.

At 6,800 yards, Breezy Bend is shorter than many tour stops, so the rough will be players biggest test, along with new features across the course that add a unique tournament experience.

 “There used to playing 7500 yards, so we needed to protect par with rough that’s at about 4 inches in length,” said Johnson.

“We have a rink hole that’s out there so we built a rink structure so fans can stand right at the boards and watch player tee off and play that par three hole 7,” said Baldwin.

The field will feature top contenders chasing a Korn Ferry Tour card, however all eyes locally will be on the courses own Braxton Kuntz, a Golf Canada exemption pick making his professional debut, following a win at the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship

“He gets to play his home course in his first professional event and showcases the success of him growing up in Manitoba playing in amateur golf, winning some provincial titles and moving on to being professional,” said Baldwin.