Although Rhonda Orr did not begin golfing competitively until she was in her 40s, through a combination of talent, hard work and determination she has compiled an amazing record in women’s golf in Manitoba.
Rhonda grew up in Clearwater, Manitoba. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering, Rhonda held increasingly senior roles with Manitoba Hydro for over 25 years retiring in 2017 as Manager of Research and Development.
In 2004, Rhonda joined Southwood Golf & Country Club and committed to making herself a better golfer. With the teaching skills of Honoured Member Tom Kinsman to assist her, Rhonda decided to compete in tournaments.
She won her first individual provincial title in 2013 and since then has continued to add to her impressive resume. Rhonda has been the Manitoba Senior Women’s Champion eight times (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2020) including 6 consecutive years starting in 2016. Rhonda and Faye Zachedniak were winners of the gross title in seven Manitoba Women’s Alternate Shot Championships (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2018).
Rhonda has been a fixture on the Manitoba Women’s Senior Team with appearances every year between 2013 and 2019 for a total of seven (no event was held in 2020 and 2021 due to the global pandemic).
Rhonda has also been a force in golf outside of Manitoba with strong showings in the Canadian Senior Women’s Senior Championship in 2015 (8th), 2016 (tie for 4th), 2019 (11th) and 2021 (7th). She has also competed outside of Canada and was the medalist in a U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship Qualifier in 2018 and made the Round of 32 in that Championship in 2019.
As a result of her success, Rhonda has been the Manitoba Female Golfer of the Year three times (2016, 2018 and 2019) and a finalist for the award four times (2015, 2017, 2020 and 2021).
In the words of Tom Kinsman, “Rhonda epitomizes two traits of all the players I have been honoured to teach and coach – she has an incredible competitive fire and is willing to outwork everyone else. She leaves no stone unturned in preparing for a tournament. It is my honour to know and coach her.”
Rhonda Orr is an inductee into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum Inc., May 10, 2022.