The Jimmy Doyle Senior Putter League

Know as ‘Senior Putter’ the Jimmy Doyle Senior Putter League is what Mundie Putter players graduate to once they either cannot, or no longer are interested in  playing in the Mundie Putter League.

As the name ‘Senior Putter’ suggests players are required to be 55 years of age or older.  Matches are conducted at a more dignified time (1:30 in the afternoon) compared to Mundie Putter where the last teams at times finish in the dark, especially early in the golf season.

The League consists of 10 member clubs;  St Charles, Glendale, Southwood, Niakwa, Elmhurst, Pineridge, Rossmere, Breezy Bend, St. Boniface and Bel Acres.

Each club is represented by three two-man teams and the scoring system is the same as Mundie Putter, one point if you win the front, one point for the back and one point for the overall 18.

Play differs from the Mundie Putter League in that the matches are played at stroke play.  That means at least one member of each team must finish the hole.  Matches usually go right to the 18 hole due to the fact that you can gain multiple strokes on one hole.  You could be two or three strokes down going into the 18th hole and still have a chance to tie or even win.

The top four teams in the standings at the end of the season get into the playoffs.

The Central Senior Putter League

The Central Senior League consists of both Winnipeg-based and rural golf clubs. Like the Jimmy Doyle League it is restricted to golfers 55 years of age and older. At the present time the League has 15 member clubs.  They are: Wildewood, Assiniboine, John Blumberg, Transcona, Larters, Selkirk, Meadows, Oakwood Steinbach, South Interlake, Portage, Carman,  Winkler, Minnewasta, and a new addition for 2016, Bridges.

The matches are played on Mondays at 9:30 in the morning and are preceded by breakfast at the host club.  The format is four ball match play.  Each club is represented by three  two-man teams.  The scoring system is the same as the other two Leagues with a total of three points up for grabs in each match.

The team that generates the most points through the regular schedule is the League winner.  There are no play-offs.

The season is ended with a  wind-up event that is hosted by one of the member clubs.

End note

Over the past twenty-five years I have participated in the Mundie Putter League as well as the two Senior Putter Leagues.  The players in all  three Leagues display a high level of sportsmanship and camaraderie.  The Mundie Putter League, which has no age restriction attracts good young players and is the most competitive of the Leagues.

The Jimmy Doyle League because it is based on stroke play is in my view is the most difficult as, if both teams members have a ‘blow up’ on the same hole it is much more difficult to recover from.

I would urge all Winnipeg/Manitoba golfers to consider competing in one of the three Leagues if they are able.  It is just a down right enjoyable experience.