Breezy’s Kuntz one off lead at Canadian Amateur

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This article was published 07/08/2024 (781 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

He’s breathing some rare air for a Manitoba golfer, that’s for sure. And he’s in some truly elite company.

Now Braxton Kuntz is just 18 solid holes away from adding the biggest accomplishment yet to his already impressive resume: Canadian Men’s Amateur champion.

Kuntz, 20, is tied for second and just one stroke off the lead heading into Thursday’s finale of the 119th annual event, which is being held this year in Saskatoon. The Breezy Bend member is at 11-under par after rounds of 69-67-69.

“It’s just one round of golf. Anything can happen. Just start with the first hole and take it from there,” Kuntz told the Free Press of his mindset.

“I know that, no matter the outcome, it’s going to be a good learning experience that I can take forward.”

Kuntz is no stranger to high-stakes golf, having won four consecutive Manitoba Amateur titles which is a provincial men’s record. He also competes in NCAA Division 1 events while attending Ball State University, where he’s headed this fall to finish up his senior season. He then plans to turn pro next spring.

Kuntz certainly responded well to increased pressure on Wednesday, at one point grabbing the solo lead with a huge eagle on the par-five 16th hole at Riverside Country Club. He blistered his drive, then stuck a wedge to within about seven-feet.

“Definitely a much needed putt there. I really kept my momentum going,” said Kuntz, who had no idea at the moment that he was looking down at every other competitor.

“I really didn’t make too many mistakes out there. If I did make a bogey, it was off a shot that I thought was going to be good. Overall I’m pretty happy with how I played. Really consistent. I didn’t put too much pressure on myself.”

An unfortunate break on the par-four 18th is all that prevented him from remaining on top. Kuntz said he hit a perfect drive, but his approach shot came “about a yard or two” from clearing a ride protecting the green and being in excellent shape. Instead, he had to chip on his third shot, then just missed the par putt to end his day.

“I really didn’t do anything too bad there, just kind of a weird bogey. Not really one shot that sticks out,” said Kuntz, who has been battling a bit of a wrist injury in recent days and was headed to see a physiotherapist on Wednesday night.

“I’m hoping it doesn’t get worse. I can use my wrist fine, but just hitting the golf ball and digging into the ground kind of sends pain up my wrist. I’m trying not to let it make me lean off the golf ball, to not be scared to hit it. So I’m still swinging confidently and with force. But there’s definitely a little bit of pain.”

Kuntz is a single shot behind Florida’s Tyler Mawhinney, who opened with a sensational 65 and has followed that up with rounds of 69 and 70. The 16-year-old is the reigning high school golfer of the year in Florida and a state champion in his age group while also being a member of the U.S. National Junior Team.

Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont. is tied with Kuntz at 11-under (68-70-67). The 22-year-old is the defending Canadian Amateur champion and will round out the final threesome on Thursday.

“He’s arguably the best amateur golfer in Canada,” said Kuntz, who played with McCulloch on Wednesday.

“To see that my game stacks up right next to his when I’m playing well, it gives me a lot of confidence. I think I have what it takes going forward. Although he might be a little bit more polished, he’s got a little bit more experience under his belt.”

A pair of golfers are tied for fourth at nine-under par including NHL referee Garret Rank, who is from Ontario, and Rylan Shim of Virginia.

A total of 264 players began the tournament, which is open to top amateurs from across the country along with players from the United States, England, Wales, Ireland, Columbia, Mexico, Australia, South Africa and China. The field was cut to 90 after 36-holes.

Ten Manitobans teed off on Monday, but only Kuntz and 2020 Manitoba Amateur champion Marco Trstenjak of Winnipeg survived the cut. Trstenjak is currently tied for 57th after round at three-over after rounds of 73-69-77.

Previous winners of the Canadian Amateur include current PGA Tour stars such as MacKenzie Hughes and Nick Taylor, along with decorated players such as Richard Zokol, Jim Nelford and Moe Norman. The last Manitoban to win was Rob McMillan back in 1996.

Kuntz is set to begin his fourth round at 11:20 a.m. central time Thursday. His father is with him in Saskatoon, and a few other family members and friends were hoping to make it out as well to cheer him on in person.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg