The Member Newsletter is distributed to our Members, via email. Should you not receive your copy, please contact Rhianna Slipec for enrollment. In this thread, you will find general updates sent to all members.
Click here – Member Update – September 18, 2025- Niakwa News Click here – Member Update – September 16, 2025 – Weekly Features Sept 16-22 Click here – Member Update – September 12, 2025 – Men’s Closing Day 2025- New Date Click here – Member Update – September 11, 2025 Update Power Outage 2 Click here – Member Update – September 11, 2025 – Update Power Outage 1 Click here – Member Update – September 11, 2025 – Niakwa News Click here – Member Update – September 11, 2025 – Update Power Outage Click here – Course Update – September 9, 2025 – Course Update – Fox Damage Click here – Member Update – September 5, 2025 – Music Night on the Terrace- September 5th Click here – Member Update – September 4, 2025 – Men’s Closing Day Click here – Member Update – September 4, 2025 – Ladies Closing Day Click here – Member Update – September 3, 2025 – Niakwa News Click here – Member Update – September 2, 2025 – Weekly Features & BBQ Menu
As Club Captain I write this message in regard to the ongoing issues that are affecting the experience at our club.
As a top tier private country club, Niakwa carries with it an expectation of excellence—not only in the quality of the facilities and course, but in the way members respect and contribute to our shared environment. Maintaining the integrity and beauty of our course is a collective responsibility, and it’s clear that, at times, this responsibility is not being upheld. We call upon all members to help shift this culture immediately.
When you’re out on the course, please understand the following are expectations, not requests:
Bunkers should be raked carefully and thoroughly after use. This also applies to those playing in the evening. The course team does not have the ability to complete a full rake prior to play, so any footprint left in the evening, may affect members playing in the morning.
Ball marks must be repaired, including your own and any others you can attend to while waiting.
Golf carts should remain on cart paths wherever possible, respect directional signage and stay at least 20 yards away from the greens unless you have express permission to go elsewhere.
Cigarette butts are to be disposed of properly-not in the divot mix bottles, on the ground, or anywhere on the course. Use a garbage bin or take them back with you to dispose of at the back shop. Please be mindful of others on the range as well. If you smoke, take an outside spot where the wind takes the smoke away from people beside you.
Greens and pins require special care. Many members putt with the flagstick in, but this has led to visible wear and tear on even the best-cut holes by 10 am. To preserve the work of our maintenance staff, it’s recommended that you remove the pin and gently retrieve your ball.
Additionally, for early tee times:
Do not hit up on players or staff. The staff require time and space to complete their work preparing the course for play and members should be allowed to complete their round in timely fashion, without being unduly pushed. Adjust your pace of play accordingly to give the maintenance team time to do their job properly.
As always, divots should be filled with the provided divot mix, especially large ones that be collected by mowers.
The practice green should never have range balls on it. This is not an appropriate look for a private club. If you would like to work on your game, please use your own balls.
When practicing in the back lot, please collect your balls when finished for the next person. Common courtesy.
On a positive note, I must say my overall experience this year has been significantly improved, and I want to thank all those—members and staff—who’ve contributed to that.
Lastly, a few important reminders:
When bringing a guest to the club, please ensure they are aware of and follow all club expectations. We want them to enjoy the same high standards we all appreciate as members.
If you experience any issues with staff, course conditions, food and beverage, or service, please do not engage with staff directly. These matters should be brought to Wade or Terry so they can be addressed properly.
Let’s work together to keep Niakwa the exceptional club we all take pride in.
Please join me in thanking Ken Warwick for serving as Captain of the Senior Putter Team over the past decade. We appreciate all his efforts.
As Club Captain, I will manage the team until we identify a candidate and train them to take over as our new Captain.
If you are 55 or older and interested in qualifying for the Niakwa Men’s Senior Putter Team, please submit your name, email address, and handicap by February 28th.
The team is comprised of eight players, with two spots reserved for an over-65 team. Selection is based on the following criteria:
Senior Club Champion will be exempt from qualifying
Three qualifying spots
Four Captain’s picks, determined by:
– Past performance – Course being played – Importance of the match – Weather conditions
To qualify, you must submit your scores into the team group chat, including:
Who you played with
The number of birdies or eagles
The tee you played from
Please note that qualifying rounds can be played from gold, blue/gold or blue tees. Players who qualify, or who are selected, will be notified via the team group chat on, or before, the Sunday evening prior to that week’s match. If you do not submit a score, we will assume you are not available or not performing at a qualifying level.
We encourage all members who enjoy competitive golf and camaraderie to participate. I look forward to hearing from everyone soon.
Jay Doyle Selected as Co-Captain We are pleased to announce that Jay Doyle has been selected as Co-Captain to serve alongside our current Captain, Bill Bench. Bill is in the final year of his term and as such, the Board wanted him to have the opportunity to work with Jay as he prepares for the role.
Jay has been a member of Niakwa for 28 years, during which time he served on the Board of Governors, chaired both the Social & Competition and Course committees, served as Club Captain, Captained the Niakwa Mundie Putter team and Commissioner of the Mundie Putter League. He is also recognized for his many playing accomplishments which include:
• Winner of multiple Club Match Play and Club Championships • Winner of the Golf Manitoba Mid-Amateur and Senior Championships • Representing Niakwa in Golf Canada Men’s Amateur, Mid-Amateur and Senior Championships
With his resume of club service and knowledge of the game, Jay brings a wealth of knowledge and experience which we feel will serve the Club and membership well.
On behalf of the Board and Management, I would like to thank both Bill and Jay for their commitment to Niakwa.
Golf Canada requires a Member Club, which uses the Golf Canada Handicap System, to have a formal Handicap Committee. The Niakwa Handicap Committee is comprised of the Club Captain (chair), the S&C Committee Chair, the Past Club Captain and the Head Professional. The Committee is required, by Golf Canada, to send a Notice to Members at the start of each season. Issues of importance for 2024:
1. Entering Handicap Scores
In 2023, there were over 30,000 rounds played at Niakwa. Out of these rounds, only about half the scores were entered into the handicap system. Yes, some of these rounds were from outside tourneys, guest play, etc.… but we can do much better!! Every golfer, regardless of ability, should have an established handicap. Establishing a handicap will allow you to keep track of where you stand with your game at any given moment.
In 2024, Niakwa members will need to have an official Golf Canada handicap to be eligible to win prizes in any “flighted” event. Examples would be the Men’s/Ladies Days, Monthly Medal, Club Championship, and any season long events such as the Bissett, Two Person Best Ball and Ringer Board.
All scores should be entered into the Golf Canada Handicap System. Scores can be entered online at http://kiosk.rcganetwork.org/Default.aspx or through the Niakwa website. You can also download the Golf Canada app to your phones. If you are having trouble entering your scores, please contact the Pro Shop and they will help you enter your score.
2. Winter Scores Played Away From Niakwa
All away scores from games played during your winter vacation must be entered into the Handicap System. The Pro Shop will be happy to assist members entering away scores in the Handicap System.
3. Local Rules
The local rules for 2024 will be the same as 2023. These local rules can be found on the scorecards
Out of Bounds: Defined by white stakes or fence post at ground level. Inside the Driving Range is out of bounds as defined by the white stakes
Ground Under Repair may be marked by white paint of signage
Flower Beds and Newly Plated Trees are NO Play Areas and relief must be taken. Flower Beds are defined as cultivated beds containing flowers or shrubbery. Newly planted trees are defined by surrounding wood chips
Penalty Areas are defined by red lines or red stakes
Irrigation control boxes and the driving range fence are defined as immovable obstructions. Relief is available under Rule 16.1
Local Rule E-5. If a player’s ball has not been found or is virtually certain to be out of bounds, the player may take relief for two a two stroke penalty by dropping the original ball of replacement in the relief area
4. Temporary Local Rule
Due to the condition of some of the fairways, we will be implementing a temporary rule that allows you to “roll your ball” with your club head up to 1 club length, no nearer to the hole. This rule applies only to balls that are on the fairway of the hole you are playing. This rule will be in effect until further notice.
For more information or any questions that you may have, please contact the Pro shop or any member of the Handicap Committee.
Sincerely,
Niakwa Handicap Committee Bill Bench, Club Captain (Handicap Committee Chair) Andrew Maslyk, Social and Competition Chair Rob Sproule, Past Club Captain Terry Reilly, Head Professional
Renovations are underway on the clubhouse interior, including the member’s dining room, bar, and private dining room. It’s important to note that this area is now a full construction zone. To maintain safety and minimize disruptions, we kindly request that members do not enter this area, which spans from the double door in the foyer to the back stairs going from the locker room to the golf course.
Click Here – Member Update – November 10, 2023 – Construction Update Click Here – Member Update – November 4, 2023 – Clubhouse Interior Renovation
