Construction begins on the clubhouse and a golf course, laid out by Tom Bendelow, seven miles west of the city on the banks of the Assiniboine River.
Construction begins
Construction begins
Construction begins on the clubhouse and a golf course, laid out by Tom Bendelow, seven miles west of the city on the banks of the Assiniboine River.
Director of Instruction
Derrik’s first swing with a golf club happened at the age of 3. It wasn’t until 2005 that he discovered a true love for the game. After making his high school golf team his father bought him a membership at The Wildewood Club. It was at this age that Derrik started golfing competitively and found out that working in the golf industry would be the right career path for him. He attended Lethbridge College where he graduated with his Professional Golf Management Certificate in 2012. In his 2nd and 3rd year, Derrik was the recipient the Frank Lindsay 1st place scholarship award based on the previous year’s GPA as well as 36 holes of stroke play. In his 3rd year Derrik was also named Captain of the golf team where they qualified to compete in the CCAA (Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association) National Championship for the first time in over 10 years.
Derrik turned professional in 2012. Since becoming a member of the PGA of Canada, Derrik has won numerous awards including 2014 PGA of Manitoba Apprentice of the year, 2016 and 2018 PGA of Manitoba Player of the year, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 PGA of Manitoba Junior Leader of the Year, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 PGA of Manitoba Teacher of the Year and 2019 and 2020 PGA of Manitoba Class A Professional of the Year. Most recently Derrik was awarded the PGA of Canada Tex Noble Award for Professional Development and Stan Leanord Award for Class A Professional of the year in 2020.
Having a passion for both golf and fitness, he has his level 2 TPI Golf Pro certification. Derrik is a passionate learner and has continued to educate himself by attending coaching clinics and seminar such as Vision 54 with Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott and the World Golf Fitness Summit. He is also certified in the 5 Simple Keys, Golf Psychology Coaching and a certified fitter with Ping, Titleist, Callaway and Taylormade. Continuing to learn, he has recently become a member of the Proponent Group and has spent time learning from golf instructors such as Mark Evershed, Liam Mucklow, Andrew Rice and Chuck Cook. His goal as a golf coach is to have his students recognize the importance of proper fundamentals while maintaining a level of fitness that will allow them to play golf at their highest potential for an extended period. Derrik enjoys working with golfers of all skill levels and has a true passion for helping everyone truly enjoy the game of golf.
Derrik is also the Head Coach for the Golf Manitoba Junior Boys Development Program and the Head Coach for the University of Manitoba Bisons Golf Teams.
Associate Professional
Mike turned professional in 2005 and is an avid student of the game. He is a firm believer in adapting to the student and being flexible with instruction style while creating a comfortable learning environment. Having spent time in a variety of teaching settings, including time as a dedicated Teaching Professional, has allowed Mike to help many students over the years while continually learning. His goal is to not only improve a golfer’s game, but also to expand their knowledge and understanding of why struggles occur on the course. He achieves this with a balanced approach of technical skills, mental game, and golf fitness.
Mike counts Andrew Rice, George Gankas, James Ridyard, Bob Rotella, Greg Rose, Karl Morris, and Brad Skupaka as some of his greatest influences. While in Melbourne, Mike was also able to spend several days working with Australia’s renowned Denis McDade. Learning from an array of top instructors has helped to refine his knowledge and approach to instruction.
Mike completed four levels of the Teaching and Coaching Certification Program when he joined the PGA of Canada and has continued to research and train since then. He is certified in motion measurement analysis and is a strong believer in using technology and data as a foundation for teaching. Having certifications from Titleist, Ping, Taylor Made, Callaway, Cobra and Mizuno, Mike was one of the top club fitters within GOLFTEC Canada. He is very excited to bring his coaching and fitting experience to St. Charles.
Retail Manager & Merchandise Coordinator
Josh joined the team at St. Charles in 2014 as a member of the Back Shop Services team. He has since moved from dodging golf balls on the range cart to the Pro Shop. Josh specializes in merchandising and can commonly be found with hangers or a folding board in tow. He graduated in 2021 from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Kinesiology. Away from the golf course, Josh is an avid athlete, fan, and coach. He has completed his National Coaching Certification Program training in swimming, track & field, and multi-sport disciplines. Josh played ultimate frisbee at the University level for 5 seasons, coached junior varsity basketball at Westwood Collegiate, and was a former competitive swimmer and current coach with the St. James Seals swim team.
While he may not be able to help you with your golf swing, he can make sure your pants match your shirt or assist you with a multitude of needs as you dash from the parking lot to the tee box. Josh has a passion for understanding how and why things are made in the sporting industry. He is able to apply that knowledge as you shop, ensuring members receive the product best suited for their needs.
Associate Professional & Backshop Manager
Jeremy was first introduced to the game of golf when he first picked up a golf club at the age of 7. His love for the game grew stronger at the age of 13, when he attended a summer-long Junior Golf Program. Born and raised in Wellington, Prince Edward Island, Jeremy comes to St. Charles after graduating from the three-year Professional Golf Management Program at Holland College in Prince Edward Island. Other than golf, he enjoys playing the guitar, and watching sports with his friends. A true student of the game, Jeremy spent countless hours on the golf course as a teenager, practicing and playing, shaving nearly 40 strokes off his game in his first 2 summers. Inspired by his first golf instructor at the Summerside Golf & Country Club, Dallas Desjardins, Jeremy decided to follow in his footsteps in the golf industry by furthering his education and passion for golf at Holland College. Between school years, Jeremy served as the Golf Shop Assistant under General Manager at Summerside, Brad Cook.
Jeremy became a Candidate for Membership to the PGA of Canada late in the summer of 2016 at the age of 20. A new rookie to the pro circuit, he hopes to play some good competitive golf in the years to come and further improve his game. With a true passion for learning, Jeremy is here at St. Charles to absorb all the knowledge he can, as well as further his education through the PGA of Canada in an effort to help him become a Class-A professional. Having spent 2 summers as a Junior Program Instructor, he enjoys helping the youth of the game in hopes to help them learn skills both on and off the course. Predominantly, he likes to work with individuals on the basics of the golf swing, creating upbeat and friendly golf lessons. Working with BodiTrak, Swing Guru and Flightscope technology during college, the young Pro is eager to develop his teaching abilities with the help from the Professional Staff at the club. He thoroughly enjoys making new relationships with co-workers and members alike and looks forward to seeing you all throughout the 2017 season at St. Charles.
Head Professional
Craig began working at St Charles in 2003 and turned professional in 2006. Craig moved into the Head Professional position in 2021. Born and raised in Ashern, Manitoba he started golfing at the age of 10 at the local 9-hole golf course. He is married to his wife Carlene and they have two boys, Logan and Hudson. When not at the golf course, Craig enjoys working on renovation projects, listening to and playing music, curling, fishing, and spending time with his family. He achieved journeyman status as an auto body technician at the age of 21 but left that industry to pursue a new career as a golf professional. He graduated from the Lethbridge Community College Professional Golf Management program in 2002 and spent 4 years at the Lethbridge Country Club before moving back to Manitoba. In 2009, he was awarded the PGA of Manitoba Assistant Professional of the Year. In 2015 he was awarded both the PGA of Manitoba Class A Professional of the Year and the PGA of Manitoba Teacher of the Year.
Craig believes that to be a great golf instructor you must have extensive knowledge of the golf swing and be able to communicate it in a way that every student can learn from. In his search for understanding swing mechanics, he has attended many education seminars with speakers ranging from Andrew Rice, Paul Dewland, Mark Evershed, Chuck Cook, Liam Mucklow, David Orr, Pia Nielson, and Lynne Marriott. He has also completed 4 levels of the PGA of Canada Teaching and Coaching Certificate Program. In his efforts to become a more rounded instructor he attended a 3-day Extraordinary Coaching program hosted by Fred Shoemaker. Craig has also achieved the status of a Golf Machine Certified Instructor as well as a TPI Level 1 Certified Golf Professional. Craig is passionate about growing the game of golf through instruction. He has become known for his patient manner and his ability to adapt his teaching style to enhance each individual’s learning experience.
Director of Golf / COO
Cory Kartusch has served as Head Professional at St. Charles Country Club since 2003. He began his golf career at the age of 16 playing and working at the Wascana Country Club in Regina. Cory is married to his wife Shawna and has two daughters, Addison and Reese.
Over his tenure at St. Charles, he and his staff have received several awards for their achievements in the golf industry. Cory has been selected twice as the Manitoba Teacher of the Year (2010, 2013), Professional of the Year (2005, 2014) and three times Merchandiser of the Year (2004, 2008, 2009). In 2014, Cory received a national award as the PGA of Canada Professional of the year while also being awarded Merchandiser of the Year in 2005. The Pro Shop has also been honoured by being named to the Golf World/AGM Top 100 pro shops in North America on three separate occasions, placing in the Top 10 in 2013 and 2014.
Cory has a passion for golf instruction and coaching. He has coached a wide range of golfers from those who are new to the game to players who have competed on a national level, professional tours, and NCAA competition, including three provincial champions. Cory believes that as an instructor he must gain and gather as much knowledge as possible by continually educating himself in order to find the most efficient means of communicating a simple and understandable path towards a player’s improvement. An accomplished player himself, Cory has won several professional tournaments, including a 4th place finish on the PGA of Manitoba order of merit highlighted by three wins that season. He also holds the competitive course record at Tor Hill golf course with an 8 under 63.
Continually striving to learn more about coaching and swing techniques, Cory is a Titleist Performance Institute Level 3 Golf Professional and Junior Level 2 Coach. He is a certified Golf Machine Instructor, AimPoint Express instructor, and has studied and is certified under the 5 Simple Keys (5SK) as a director of instruction. Cory has also studied and worked personally with Pia Nilsson and Lyn Marriott (Vision 54), Fred Shoemaker of Extraordinary Golf, Paul Dewland, Andrew Rice, Mark Evershed and David Wedzik among many others. Cory is also a member of the Proponent Group, which facilitates seminars and continuing education programs for the Top Instructors in North America.
Do you have to be a member to have your event at the club?
St. Charles accepts wedding and banquet bookings from both non-members and members.
Is there a room rental fee?
There is not a room rental charge. For Friday and Saturday bookings during peak season (April-September) there is a $750 facility fee for non-member functions.
How many hours do I get use of the facility?
St. Charles Country Club typically makes its rooms available for the proper length of time to
make the event successful—different types of events require different time requirements. Please call for additional details.
Can I just rent the room and bring in my own caterer?
No. The club has an industry-leading Executive Chef and supporting staff who will ensure that your guests will enjoy a tasteful and memorable meal.
Does St. Charles Country Club offer meal tastings to sample the entrees offered?
Yes. St. Charles Country offers meal tastings after your event has been booked. The cost of the tastings will be added onto your final wedding bill.
Am I able to have the photographer take all of the wedding pictures at St. Charles Country Club?
Yes. St. Charles Country Club has a clubhouse and grounds that are the perfect setting for your memorable wedding photos. The options to document your wedding in a spectacular way is limitless.
Is there a minimum that one must spend on food and beverage?
On Saturdays during the golf season there is a $10,000 minimum spend on food and beverage. With the exception of Saturdays during the golf season, there is no food and beverage minimum. And more importantly, club staff can usually customize a menu to stay within a reasonable budget.
Are there any hidden fees for additional services that I should know about?
The advantage of holding your event at the club is that there are no hidden fees or mandatory charges.
• Linens are COMPLIMENTARY
• Cake cutting is COMPLIMENTARY
• Cookie displaying is COMPLIMENTARY
• A/V equipment is COMPLIMENTARY
• Votive candles are COMPLIMENTARY
• Bridal party room is COMPLIMENTARY
• Valet Parking is available for an additional charge.
What are the Pricing and Guarantees?
Due to market fluctuations, prices will be confirmed three (3) months prior to event. All charges are subject to 8% PST and 5% GST. All food and beverage is subject to a pre-tax 15% supplementary fee. The supplementary fee is not distributed to club staff; rather the club uses this fee at its sole discretion to offset employee wages, overhead, supplies and other amenities required to provide function catering services.
If I am a non-member and paid my deposit, can I get bumped from my date by a member who wants the same date?
If you have paid your deposit and meet all payment guidelines, then there is no possibility that you will get bumped from your date.
Does St. Charles Country Club accept credit cards for payment?
Unfortunately, St. Charles Country Club does not accept credit card payments.
Is there a required pre-payment plan and when is the final payment due?
Yes, there is a manageable pre-payment plan with final payment due 30 days before the date of the event. Please call for additional details.
Does St. Charles Country Club have a baker?
The club does not have a bakery on site. However, the club can recommend the best vendors in the area.
Do you have pictures or room layouts to view various room set ups?
Yes, please click on the following link to view.
I have never eaten at the St. Charles Country Club, what’s the food like?
St. Charles Country Club was established in 1904 and over the years is proud to be considered among Canada’s premier private clubs – the dedicated staff, boards and committees continue to enhance this objective.
St. Charles boasts one of the city’s finest culinary operations. The time and care associated with the procurement, handling and preparation of each ingredient that creates your personalized menu is astonishing. The club’s menu items are steeped in centuries of culinary heritage and are balanced with progressive gastronomic influences and presentations.
What is the Capacity of the Verandah / Inner lounge and where would the pre-dinner reception be held?
The Verandah/Inner Lounge can accommodate up to 250 people for served dinner, and up to 350 for a cocktail-style reception.
The pre-dinner reception is hosted in the club’s lush garden during summer (weather permitting) or on the dance floor area featuring two massive fireplaces.
Is there a minimum number of guests?
No. There is no minimum guest requirement.
Do you offer on-site ceremonies?
On-site ceremonies can be hosted in the clubhouse or in the garden (weather permitting). The clubhouse can accommodate up to 130 seated guests, the garden can accommodate up 250 guests.
What type of table linen is available?
The club offers white signature table linens and 15 different color napkins at no additional charge. We are happy to source and provide alternative table linens and chair covers upon request.
How many other events will be taking place at the Club during my wedding?
Only one wedding is booked on any given day and reserved for your event.
What is a typical room setup?
The club uses 60-inch (8 person) and/or 72-inch (10 person) round tables. Depending upon your final number of guests and preferred seating arrangement, the Club’s experienced Food & Beverage Manager will make a recommendation regarding the optimal room setup. A traditional head table can be set comfortably for up to 20 people.
Where is the dance floor located?
The large dance floor is located adjacent to the veranda and inner lounge area. The dance floor is large enough to allow your band or disc jockey to setup in one corner for your wedding.
How does beverage (bar) service work?
The club can accommodate either host bar service, cash bar service, or a combination thereof. In case of host beverage service, you are billed for what your guests consume throughout the evening.
Can I bring my own wine?
The club’s liquor license does not allow commercial wine that is not purchased by St. Charles Country Club to be consumed on its premises.
Non-commercial (home or on-premises brewed) wine also cannot be consumed within the club due to the provisions of our liquor license.
Our Food and Beverage Manager is pleased to provide wine recommendations that will perfectly match your menu, or source specially requested products for your event.
Can my guests choose from a selection of entrée items?
The club encourages you to offer your guests a selection of entrée items so that they can better enjoy the full St. Charles Country Club experience. For wedding events, it is requested that your guest’s entrée selections be confirmed in advance of the event.
Where can I have pictures taken?
Pictures can be taken anywhere in the veranda, grand staircase, fire place, also some outdoor pictures can be taken on selected areas of the golf course or garden on the day of your wedding.
Where can my guests park?
Ample parking is available for your guests in the clubs parking area.
Do you have a list of preferred vendors?
We have very high standards and expect nothing short of the same from our suppliers and vendors. Therefore, we have created a database of preferred vendors that have earned our trust over the years. Our database includes a selection of decorators, photographers, limousine companies, florists, cake creators, linen providers, bands, and disc jockeys. We are pleased to share our list of preferred vendors with any bride and groom that reserves St. Charles Country Club for their wedding.
Do you provide overnight accommodation?
The club does not provide any overnight accommodation. However, we do receive preferred room rates from our neighbours at the Holiday Inn Hotel (west portage). Your guests may require taking advantage of the club’s special rates.
Is there a Manager on-site during my reception?
St. Charles Country Club’s Food and Beverage Manager or Assistant Food and Beverage Manager and/or Banquet supervisor will be present throughout your event to ensure that it is executed professionally to the standard of the St. Charles Country Club.
For more information on hosting weddings at the Club please contact us to arrange for a tour of our clubhouse or to learn why St. Charles Country Club is your best choice of wedding venue.