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
Construction on our parking lot and new entrance from Niakwa Road is progressing.
The entrance on the west side of the property, along with the back parking lot, are now open (shown below in red).
The entrance will now function as a two way roadway for member traffic. We kindly ask all members to use caution as it is one lane directing both ways of traffic in and out of the parking lot.
Members will still be required to use the front Clubhouse entrance doors due to construction around the Back Shop area.
Please be aware that water service to the clubhouse has been repaired. All clubhouse amenities, along with food and beverage services will return to normal starting tomorrow morning.
Thank you to all members for their understanding and patience.
Due to a break in our water main, the water to the clubhouse has been shut off. This will require us to shut down our food service, as well as the washrooms and showers.
We are still able to offer beverage service in the clubhouse and on-course food and beverage (Stanley’s and Thompson’s) will remain open. Our on-course washrooms remain in service and portable toilets will soon be available at the clubhouse.
An update will be sent once the break is fixed and clubhouse service returns to normal. Wade Nybakken, General Manager
