Kuntz qualifies to join two other Winnipeggers at the Manitoba Open

The Manitoba Open will have plenty of local flavour when it tees off this week at Elmhurst.

Three Winnipeggers are in the field of 156, which primarily features PGA Tour Americas members from around the world competing in one of North America’s oldest golf tournaments, starting Thursday and running through Sunday.

Rory Neill punched his ticket earlier this summer by winning the Manitoba Amateur, which comes with an automatic berth. It’s a huge step for the 22-year-old, who is a member at Glendale.

A second sponsor’s exemption went to Ryan McMillan, who gets to play his home course. McMillan, 27, works as an assistant pro at Elmhurst in addition to being the University of Manitoba’s golf coach. He’s also a decorated amateur player, having won back-to-back provincial junior titles in 2017 and 2018. His uncle, Rob, won the Open in 1996.

Last, but certainly not least, is Braxton Kuntz, who grabbed one of eight open spots during Monday’s qualifying event at Glendale. A total of 58 golfers, including 11 Manitobans, were in the field.

Kuntz, 22, fired a five-under-par 67 that included eagles on three different par-fives — Nos. 6, 14 and 17.

“It’s funny, I was telling my caddie that I think I average one eagle every 12 rounds. And then I happen to make three in a round,” said Kuntz.

“I was just thinking this past weekend how I hadn’t made an eagle in forever.”

The timing couldn’t have been better. Kuntz was one under through 13 holes and felt a sense of urgency, figuring he needed to get to at least five under to make the grade.

“I knew I had to get it going. At no point was I out there cruising. I was always kind of pushing myself,” he said.

Kuntz has played in four Opens. The first three — 2022, 2023 and 2024 — came as a result of winning the Manitoba Amateur, while he got into last year’s rain-shortened event at his home course through a sponsor’s exemption. It marked his first professional event, just weeks after he finished his collegiate career.

“I had to earn it this year, so I’m proud of myself for that,” said Kuntz, who has played a handful of lower-tier pro events this summer in both Canada and the United States.

A trio of American golfers finished tied for the Monday qualifying lead at seven under par — Tyler Isenhart, Jay Nimmo and Jimmy Dales — while Kuntz and Grant Engle of the U.S. were next at five under.

Four golfers were tied at four under, requiring a playoff to determine the remaining three spots. Unfortunately, the lone man out was Winnipegger Ryan Blair, an Elmhurst member who bogeyed the second playoff hole to be eliminated.

That left Alberta’s William Holan and Americans Andrew Boeber and Muzzy Donohue as the other qualifiers.

“I was really hoping for (Blair). It’s too bad,” said Kuntz, who watched the playoff.

The other nine Manitobans trying to qualify included Kaleb Lambert (one under), Carson Inman (one under), Marco Trstenjak (even), Travis Fredborg (even), Charlie Boyechko (one over), Sam Diamond (one over), Austin Dobrescu (two over), Dayne Douglas (eight over) and Jonathan Wiegner (nine over).

“I guess I’ve now found every way to play in the event. The only thing I have that’s on my bucket list is to make a cut. But I’m excited to get out to Elmhurst. It’s a great track, and it’s going to be a challenge,” said Kuntz.

Might he be able to carry the Monday momentum forward?

“To be honest, I’m in a weird spot with my golf game,” he said.

“I’m seeing big improvements with my short game and putting. Irons have been great. But I have struggled quite a bit off the tee, and I did (Monday) as well. I know once I figure that out, I’m gonna be all ready to go. I’m really hoping I can iron some things out with the driver in the next couple days.”

A total of US$225,000 in prize money is up for grabs this week, along with valuable points in the standings. There are just five events left in the season, including this one, and the top 10 at the end of the year get their 2027 cards for the Korn Ferry Tour, which is one step below the PGA Tour.

www.winnipegfreepress.com/mikemcintyre