A fixture at the Portage Golf Course over the last five years is moving on to a new opportunity. Deb Pritchard announced yesterday that she has accepted a position as the Executive Director of the PGA of Manitoba and will not be back next season.

"Portage has truly become a home away from home. It's been great to get to know the membership here and become a part of such a great group of people. I've got to work with some wonderful people. My staff certainly makes it happen day in and day out, and the relationships I have formed with so many of them is going to hopefully last a lifetime."

Pritchard didn't only praise the staff she has worked with but all of the other people that make things happen as well.

"I also want to thank all of the board members, past and present, who have supported me along the way. The members too. It has been exciting to be a part of the last five years and to celebrate the hundredth anniversary with them. And I certainly wish them all the best in the seasons coming down the line."

There have been many hi-lites and challenges over her tenure and Pritchard outlined a few things she was happy to be a part of.

"One thing that stands out in my first season here, is we rolled through a movie shoot on-site at the golf club. Within my first six months on the job, we also hosted the Prairie Future Links Junior Championship, a national event that was held here. And then on the club front, we've done a full renovation of the pro shop and added on another office in the back. This past winter we did a full renovation of the upstairs kitchen. So lots of different things to look back on"

Pritchard plans to stay in the city as her new appointment allows her to work from home.

"Essentially, I will be running all of the programs for the Golf Professional Association here in the province. So all of the PGA tournaments that the Club Pros participate in, the merchandise show that's held annually where we do all our buying for the shops for the season, some of the insurance programming and administrative duties, it's really promoting the game and also the career paths that are available in golf."

The Golf Club board will now get busy in their search for the next leader of the 100-year-old course as preparations are underway for next season. The course closed for the year earlier this month.