My name is Amanda Minchin. I am from Estevan, Saskatchewan, born and raised. I grew up playing all kinds of sports and first started playing golf when I was thirteen years old. I didn’t play my first big tournament until I was sixteen years old (Saskatchewan Provincials). I was new to the competitive golf scene and surprised many people by finishing 4th and making Team Saskatchewan, which went on to compete at the Canadian Junior Championship later that summer. I’ve been hooked on competitive golf ever since.

From there, I went on to win back-to-back Saskatchewan Junior Girls’ championships in 1999 and 2000, competed for Team Saskatchewan on the junior level, and have represented Saskatchewan on the amateur level for the past 5 years. I finished in the top 25 at the Canadian Amateur in 2002, 2003, and 2004. My best finish was this past summer where I finished T19th.

I have also received four Order of Merit titles from the Saskatchewan Golf Association – 2 junior and 2 amateur – which recognize the “best and most consistent golfer in Saskatchewan” in respective categories. The Saskatchewan Golf Association runs their own amateur tour in men, women and junior categories. Points are accumulated based on how one finishes in each tournament. I won the women’s title in 2003 and 2004.

In addition to my provincial and national level experience, I obtained a four-year golf scholarship to Eastern Illinois University, a NCAA Division I institution. This is where I gained valuable experience and took my game to the next level. During my four years of college golf, I won the Butler Invitational in Indianapolis, IN. I was also named an Academic All-American, which takes into account a student-athlete’s academic achievements as well as their performance on the golf course. I was named to our All-Conference Team three years in a row, which is voted on by coaches and names the top golfers in our respective conference (teams from Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Illinois.) Even though I went to school in a colder climate, I was given the chance to work with a PGA certified teacher on a day to day basis through the winter months in our indoor training facility. I finished my degree in kinesiology in May of 2004.

After university I returned home and started planning my professional golf career. I have been blessed with an amazing family. My mom, Myrna and my dad, Earl are very supportive and encouraging of my dreams and goals. I also have three wonderful brothers, Michael, Spencer and Stuart who take very good care of their only sister!

In between tournaments and practicing, I work in the pro shop at the Woodlawn Golf club. I have worked there since I was 13 years old and enjoy my job very much. The members are also very supportive and excited to talk to me about my various trips and golf experiences.