Clear Lake Golf Course is a model of environmental stewardship principally due to the efforts and innovation of its Superintendent from 1993 until 2017, Greg Holden. Known by the nickname “Turf”, Holden was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba in 1951 and had his post-secondary education at the University of Manitoba and Fairview College.

Holden’s environmental awareness became a passion during his involvement with the expedition "Las Balsas". This epic trip involved a trans Pacific voyage of three rafts from Ecuador to Australia.

He was the author of the environmental section of the successful bid by the Clear Lake Golf Foundation to Parks Canada to operate the golf course.

As Superintendent, Holden has more than fulfilled the commitment to ensure an environmentally sensitive and sustainable golf course. Initiatives include employing organic fertilizer programs and non-chemical approaches to controlling weeds and disease; a re-cycling program that has reduced material sent to landfill by 80%; composting grass clippings and kitchen waste with dry carbon-based material for use on greens and flower beds; use of composting toilets to reduce water usage by over 300,000 gallons per season; and utilizing used cooking oils to make bio-diesel to operate equipment.

Holden has been recognized by the Manitoba Eco-Network with its 2009 Environmental Stewardship Award “in recognition of significant contributions to the protection and awareness of Manitoba’s environment” and with the 2012 Little Saskatchewan River Conservation Award. Holden was honoured by the Manitoba Golf Superintendents Association as the 2012 Superintendent of the Year and by the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association as the 2017 Superintendent of the Year.

He has also given back to his profession by assisting other superintendents whenever asked, educating the public on the importance of the profession and by serving on the board of the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association between 2003 and 2012 including a term as President in 2010.

Greg Holden is an inductee into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum Inc., September 24, 2018.

Al Scott has been commended by the Canadian Professional Golfers Association (CPGA) for his “…passion and devotion to the game…” as well as his “…loyalty and tireless dedication…” to the CPGA.

Born in Loughborough, England in 1963, Scott emigrated to Brandon, Manitoba where he worked for CPGA Professional Rich Bull and learned to make and repair golf clubs at Taurus Golf.

He obtained his Certificate in Management from the University of Manitoba.

An excellent golfer, including being named the Manitoba Professional Golfers Association (MPGA) Player of the Year in 1995, Scott’s most significant contributions to the game have been through his exceptional leadership skills as both a golf professional and administrator.

He served as Assistant and Associate Professional at Elmhurst Golf and Country Club between 1982 and 1988 and as Head Professional at Selkirk Golf and Country Club between 1989 and 1997 where he introduced over 500 children between the ages of 4 and 9 to the game of golf.

In 1992 and 1993, Scott was recognized by the MPGA as its Professional of the Year. From 1997 to 2005, Scott was Head Professional for Lakeland Golf Management (Lakeland) at Grand Pines Golf Course and since 2006 has been Lakeland’s Director of Golf Operations including responsibility for Links at the Lake Golf Course and other golf courses owned or managed by Lakeland.

Scott was a long-time member of the MPGA Board of Directors and served as its President in 1995 and 1996.  In 1993, he became a member of the Board of Directors of the CPGA and was its President in 2004 and 2005 and during this term, he was involved in the initial meetings that led to the development of the Future Links Junior Program and the creation of the National Allied Golf Associations.

The CPGA was without an Executive Director for 11 months while Scott was President which required him to perform this role as a volunteer that resulted in a positive financial turnaround for the CPGA.  Scott is always willing to assist other professionals.  The CPGA describes Scott as “…a true ambassador, a leader and one of the Association’s most memorable national officers.”

Alan (Al) Scott is an inductee into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum Inc., September 24, 2018.

The Interprovincial Challenge Cup, more commonly known as the Willingdon Cup, had been contested for by provincial teams at 40 Canadian Men’s Amateur Golf Championships before the 1974 Manitoba Men’s Amateur Team was able to win the Cup.

The team consisted of Steve Bannatyne, Ted Homenuik and Barry McKenzie, all from Rossmere Golf and Country Club, and Gavin Speirs from Southwood Golf and Country Club.  The non-playing captain, W.J. (Bill) Doyle, was from Southwood and with respect to his role, Bannatyne said “It was definitely a five-man team.”  Doyle was prophetic at the opening ceremonies when he stated: “It’s too bad we’ll be keeping the Willingdon Cup here when it’s all over.”

However, he knew the golfing talent on the team was exceptional.  Homenuik and Bannatyne are both Honoured Members of the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame having been inducted in 2004 and 2012 respectively.  McKenzie, who had won the 1965 Manitoba Men’s Amateur Championship, was playing in his 11^th Willingdon Cup and Speirs (who would later win 3 Manitoba Senior Men’s Championships) was playing in his first.

The Championship was contested on August 19 and 20, 1974 at Niakwa Country Club in Winnipeg.  Bannatyne, the Manitoba Men’s Amateur Champion, led the team on the first day to a 4 shot lead over defending champion British Columbia with an opening round of 70.  Homenuik added a 73 and McKenzie shot 75 (only the top 3 team scores counted).  The second day was played in a steady downpour with McKenzie leading the way with a 72 followed by Speirs at 73 and Bannatyne with a 75.

This was good for a 4 shot victory over British Columbia (which included future PGA Tour player Jim Nelford) and 6 shots better than Ontario.  The Winnipeg Free Press summed up the achievement with the headline reading: “Victory Drought Over! Steady Manitobans Claim Willingdon Cup.”

The 1974  Manitoba Men’s Amateur Team is an inductee into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum Inc., September 24, 2018.