Herrara, is Head of People and Organization Analytics for Korn Ferry. With more than 15 years of experience in consulting, Mr. Herrera’s expertise is designing and implementing transformative solutions that will enable organizations to achieve their strategic imperatives. David is a passionate DE&I practitioner and subject matter expert and has advised several organizations globally on how to become more diverse and inclusive with talent and customers/clients.
During his consulting career, David has led various projects with global and local organizations in various sectors including non-for-profit, financial services, healthcare, retail and industrial, including projects in Canada, USA, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama and Chile and coordinated international projects with Europe, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Singapore and Central America.
While David is an amateur golf player, he has found passion in the game and how it can support the development of communities and youth. David brings his passion in the game and for DE&I to the Board at Golf Ontario.
In acknowledging the honor, Herrara said, “Golf Ontario’s commitment to promote DEI in golf across Ontario, and the steps we have taken to ensure that everyone feels welcomed, valued, and respected within our organization, have been instrumental in my journey and this recognition.”
Congratulations David! Golf Ontario and the community we serve are fortunate to include your passion and expertise amongst our thought leaders.
To learn more about how you can join Golf Ontario in supporting awareness and impact across key EDI initiatives and achieving our vision of Golf For All, click here.
Six Golfers Crowned Champion of Champions at Deer Creek Tournament
Golf Ontario
Ajax, ONT – The 2023 Ontario Champion of Champions Tournament presented by Durham Artificial Grass saw six golfers emerge as Champions on May 15 at Deer Creek Golf and Country Club in Ajax. A total of 258 golfers participated in this esteemed event as winners of their respective club championships, or equivalent event in the previous year.
The Senior Men’s Championship ended in a thrilling playoff tiebreaker, which saw Rob Gibson of Cedar Brae Golf Club edge out Rob Cowan of Westmount Golf and Country Club. The playoff took place on the par 4, 9th hole of the North Course, where Gibson, the Toronto native, finished at 2-over par (73). Cowan also finished at 2-over par (73) for a second-place finish, while David Greenaway of Barrie Country Club finished third at three-over par (74).
Nancy Vamvakas of Beacon Hall Golf Club was the Senior Women’s Champion. The native of Keswick finished 9-over par (80), while Meredith Stanford of Coppinwood Golf Club finished one stroke behind her at 10-over par (81). Denise Schaefer of Rockway Golf Course was close behind at 11-over par (82).
In the Men’s Championship it was Bradley Greenside of Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club winning by one stroke. Greenside from Barrie finished the tournament 1-under par (70) after a back-and-forth outing, which included a triple bogey on the par 5 10th. However, Greenside was able to hold on to finish one stroke ahead of Donalda Club’s David Lang and Camden Braes Golf and Country Club’s Peter Beneteau, who both finished tied for second at even par (71).
Julia Champion of Cedar Brae Golf Club lived up to her name by winning the Women’s Championship, which also went to a playoff on the South Course. Champion finished 5-over par (76), which was the same score Aurora’s Shelby Hardwick had, but due to the playoff, she had to settle for a second-place finish. Kara Anthony of Rosedale Golf Club would finish three strokes (79) behind them to finish third.
Wellandport’s Nathan Freure playing out of Sawmill Golf Course held on to secure the Junior Boys’ Championship finishing 3-over par (74), while Peter Blazevic of Markland Wood Golf Club and Justin Repovs of Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club finished 4-over par (75) to tie each other for second place.
For more information on this tournament, including the final leaderboard and more information on each participant, visit the Champion of Champions website powered by Golf Genius.
This was the first time the Champion of Champions had been held after a three year gap due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Golf Ontario Tournament Director, Rob Watson, was pleased to see golfers take to the greens for this event again. “This was an amazing first year back,” he said. “We were honored to have the top golfers from their respective clubs here at this prestigious event, and we’re pleased that they were able to compete against and connect with one another.”
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
This highly anticipated tournament features the largest field of competitors of all the Golf Ontario championships this season with competitors representing over 100 clubs from across the province. The respective club champions are some of the best amateur golfers from across Ontario, and will compete for the title of Champion of Champions. With a 12:00 NOON shotgun start time, the North Course at Deer Creek will be home to the men’s, women’s and junior boys, whereas the South Course will feature the senior men’s, senior women’s and junior girls’ divisions.
The Champion of Champions tournament has a long and storied history in Ontario, dating back to the mid-1900s. Over the years, it has become one of the most highly regarded amateur golf tournaments in the province, attracting top players from across Ontario. In addition to the thrill of competition, the tournament also provides a unique opportunity for golfers to meet and connect with others who share their passion for the game. Participants will have the chance to network with fellow golfers and industry professionals, while also enjoying the camaraderie and sportsmanship that is so often associated with the sport.
To qualify for the Champion of Champions tournament, golfers must have won their respective club championship or an equivalent event in the previous year. The tournament is open to male and female golfers of all ages and is played in a stroke play format. With the inaugural tournament dating back to 1946 many individuals have captured the title, some of which include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Bill Morland, Gerry Kesselring, Warren Sye, and Stu Hamilton, as well as Big Break Indian Wells champion David Byrne.
Returning after a three year hiatus, the importance of the Golf Ontario Champion of Champions presented by Durham Artificial Grass cannot be understated and CEO Kyle McFarlane had this to say in preparation for the event; “We are thrilled to host the upcoming Champion of Champions tournament, and thank Durham Artificial Grass for their partnership. The event promises to be an exciting showcase of golfing talent from across Ontario. This championship holds a special significance as it provides an opportunity to celebrate the club champions from our incredible member facilities. We are excited to bring together such a talented and passionate group of golfers, and we cannot wait to see who will emerge as the ultimate champions.”
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on the competitors as they prepare for what promises to be a challenging and rewarding experience at Deer Creek. With the level of talent and dedication on display, it’s sure to be a tournament to remember.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Noble Estates has been a leading mid-size wine and spirits agency in the province of Ontario since 1990. Representing some of the best wine and spirits producers around the world, the company offers full-service sales and marketing with a team of sommeliers and wine experts. Their curated portfolio includes many exclusive wines that they deliver directly to the consumer’s home, office, or cottage. Noble Estates strives to exceed client expectations by continually adjusting to their needs and bringing the world of wine and spirits to your glass.
“With such a diverse portfolio of wine and spirits from across Canada and around the world, we are thrilled to partner with Craig and his team at Noble Estates Wine & Spirits. As our Women’s Try Golf Series continues to grow in popularity, and we continue to host important tournaments and championships across the province, we look forward to sharing all that this partnership can offer to our participants and members alike.” said Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer with Golf Ontario.
In announcing the new partnership, Craig De Blois of Noble Estates said, “We are excited to partner with Golf Ontario and share our world-class wines with their participants and members. Golf and wine both celebrate passion and enjoying life, so we are looking forward to adding to the fun of the game with our fine wines.”
About Noble Estates Wine & Spirits
Noble Estates was founded in 1990 by Philip and Debra Mirabelli. In December 2013, the company was purchased by Craig de Blois, who together with his team, is building on the very successful first 25 years. Noble is recognized as having a dynamic sales force, and is proud to represent many of the top wine and spirits producers from around the world, offering full service sales and marketing.
With a sole focus on the Ontario market and the LCBO, we promise to deliver world class Sales and Brand Management to both our suppliers and the LCBO. We pride ourselves on building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with all of our suppliers and customers. Noble strives to exceed client expectations by continually adjusting to their needs.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
For more information, please contact:
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer, Golf Ontario NTaylor@gao.ca
2023 Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Class Inducted at Wooden Sticks Ceremony
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, Ontario- With the 2023 Golf Ontario season getting underway, the association returned to a familiar location and time in the calendar, to play host to one of the most celebrated events of the season, the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame ceremony. Held last night at Wooden Sticks Golf Club, following the annual Partner Golf Day, three new members were welcomed into the Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Lorne Rubenstein Media Award was presented in front of friends, family, industry partners and media numbering well over 120 strong.
The event was presided over by acclaimed Canadian sports presenter and commentator, Rod Black who returned to the celebration as the MC. While the evening was to be a celebration of the many accomplishments by each of the inductees and award winner, Black started the evening in a somewhat somber way by recognizing the loss within the community of 2017 Lorne Rubenstein recipient Ian Hutchinson, who passed away over the previous weekend. Ian’s contributions to the game for many years were well known, and in many ways he was also known to be connected to past inductees by way of his many nominations of colleagues across the sector.
The 2023 Hall Of Fame featured two individuals who were recipients of the Builder Category award which recognized their achievements in growing the sport. Bob Beauchemin and Garry McKay. Beauchemin, an individual who had an illustrious playing career himself, competing in various tours across North America, was recognized for his achievements in progressing the sport. His notable accomplishments were gaining his PGA Tour card in 1981, and his development and execution in numerous teaching programs for golfers of all ages. Garry McKay who was a former recipient of the Lorne Rubenstein Award in 2015, has been immersed within the Golf Ontario community for many years. His commitment to providing extensive coverage of the sport through journalism and various other forms of media was recognized and praised by all.
The late Audrey Bendick-Akins (1967- 2022) was inducted in the Players category for her numerous accomplishments throughout her career as a competitive golfer. An icon within the Windsor-Essex community, Bendick-Akins was a member of the Canadian National Women’s team (1986-88) and won gold at the 1987 Commonwealth games, a feat that has not been matched by another female Canadian golfer since.
The 2023 Lorne Rubenstein Media Award was presented to the founding member of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC), Rick Young. Young is regarded as one of the pioneers of journalism within the sport as his career began in the early 1980s and is still prominent to this day. His notable pieces of work have been featured in the Globe and Mail, the National Post, Toronto Star and other notable sports media newspapers.
After the event had concluded, Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane shared his thoughts regarding the 2023 Hall Of Fame induction ceremony saying; “On behalf of Golf Ontario, I extend our warmest congratulations to Audrey’s family, Bob, Garry and Rick on this momentous occasion. Each has made a significant contribution to the sport of golf in Ontario, and we are thrilled to honor their achievements and impact on the game. The induction ceremony has been a wonderful celebration of their dedication, skill and passion for golf. Their extraordinary contributions will forever be a part of the rich history of golf in our province”.
About The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame
The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in the game of golf in Ontario. To be considered for election to the Hall of Fame, the nominee must have made an EXTRAORDINARY provincial, national or international contribution to the game of golf in Ontario. These achievements may be in the form of golfing accomplishments, an illustrious golf related career or some other exceptional contribution to the sport. Nominees may be amateur golfers, playing/club professionals, course designers/managers, administrators and others.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
2022 Volunteer Awards presented during National Volunteer Week
Golf Ontario
During National Volunteer Week, April 16th-22nd, Golf Ontario hosted a series of Officials Days where the many volunteer officials that help deliver our tournaments and competitions gathered to kick off the 2023 season. It was during this week, and in front of their peers, that Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane presented the Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award and the 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award to Jim Davidson and Dennis McEntee respectively.
The Dick Grim Distinguished Service Award – Jim Davidson
The Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award is considered the highest honor recognizing individual service to the game of golf in Ontario. The award is named after Richard H. Grimm, who was affectionately known as “Mr. Canadian Open” for his service to the event from 1965 to 1993.
Golf Ontario’s Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual’s meritorious service as a volunteer. Recipients of this award embody the principles of integrity, dignity and commitment, which are central to the volunteer experience and to Mr. Grimm’s persona. This honor recognizes individuals who over a significant period of time have demonstrated outstanding leadership and involvement in the growth of Amateur Golf in Ontario. The recipient will also demonstrate a commitment to the vision and mission of Golf Ontario by promoting and upholding the values of the association and the game.
Jim is a deserving recipient having spent huge number of hours over the last half dozen years with Golf Ontario, Golf Canada and Golf Quebec. He is very involved with the junior program and player development. He set up a junior team to compete in OVGA events and both Ontario and Quebec summer games, he is a huge support for those athletes both in preparation and at events. He is also heavily involved in the changeover to Golf Genius and has been the main support. A dedicated referee with Golf Ontario, Golf Quebec and Golf Canada, working both amateur and professional events. He was responsible for getting two interns to support the OVGA over the last three years, writing and reporting the related government grants. He launched a junior girl’s golf league hosted at the Marshes Golf Club that includes instruction and golf for girls 12-18. He is an active OVGA board member for at least 6 years.
Volunteer of the Year – Dennis McEntee
The Golf Ontario Volunteer of the Year Award has been designed to recognize and honour a GO volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding performance and contributions. The GO volunteer of the year will be someone who has played an instrumental role in promoting the growth and development of golf while preserving the integrity and traditions of the game.
Dennis began volunteering with Golf Ontario in 2019 when he helped out at the Ontario Open. From that moment on, he immediately joined our volunteer team with Golf Ontario as a tournament official. For the past couple years Dennis has gotten involved anywhere he can and always brings a positive, and welcoming attitude to any position he is asked to do.
This past season Dennis has continued that and has worked more tournament days than any other tournament volunteer this season. He has done qualifiers and multiple championships. Many where he travelled to those events, staying overnight. And when doing so he would always do full days for us, whether it would begin at registration, moving to starting as well as scoring. On top of all the events Dennis has been at this year, he also offered to start and score at the PGA Championship of Canada at Beacon Hall in June.
Dennis has also helped the tournament team “off the course” as well this season. An avid wood worker. While at home in between events he worked, Dennis made us 4 sandwich board signs for our clocks to sit on at our events. And Dennis made us 6 wood boxes to transport our tee markers in.
Dennis has been a pleasure to work with this year. He is a delight to the players. They enjoy the friendly interactions with him at the 1st tee, and he follows that up seeing them again at scoring.
Golf Ontario appreciates the contributions of so many passionate volunteers that are an extension of our professional staff, and work together with us as we strive to deliver world class competitions.
For information on how you can volunteer with Golf Ontario and play a role in shaping lives through positive golf experiences, visit our Volunteer information page here.
While today’s forecast is calling for a 90% chance of up to 15mm of rain, which will challenge any players engaged in pre-tournament training, the forecast for Monday and Tuesday looks good with high temperatures of 17 and 13 degrees respectively.
Fifty-one athletes from across Ontario have assembled to participate in this first year event, including fifteen members of Team Ontario, three Next Wave players and a large contingent of Junior Golf Pathway competitors.
Director of Competitions & Performance, John Lawrence said, “We are excited to be here at River Hills Golf Club, with the full support of presenting sponsor Play Golf Myrtle Beach, as we deliver the first ever Ontario Junior Players Invitational. Our strategy over the next four years at Golf Ontario, includes the expansion and enhancement of the performance development pathway, and this new event signals our commitment to that growth.”
Given the breadth of talent involved in the event, any number of players could surface at the top of the leaderboard when play gets underway in the two day tournament on Monday. Certainly the members of Team Ontario will be pushing their way to the top as they will have been be put through their paces under the guidance and support of Provincial Head Coach Reggie Millage, Dr. Charles Fitzsimmons and Dr. Nick Martichenko, as well as staff from Golf Ontario’s Performance team.
Past performance at the tail end of the 2022 season might indicate that Luke Smith, two time member of Team Ontario and the U19 Junior Golf Pathway 2022 number one ranked boy, as well as Kelly Zhao, the U19 JGP 2022 number one ranked girl, a first year member of the Provincial team, could be players to watch for.
For more information on the 2023 Ontario Junior Players Invitational presented by Play Golf Myrtle Beach, visit our Golf Genius page.
Uxbridge, ON – The Board of Directors of Golf Ontario (GO) today announced that Kyle McFarlane will replace Mike Kelly as the next CEO of the organization beginning on March 1st, 2023.
Dr. Susan Vail, President of the Board, said, “Following the completion of a comprehensive search process which included a deep field of talented candidates, it is my distinct pleasure to share the exciting news that Kyle McFarlane will assume the leadership of Golf Ontario.”
Since 2004, Kyle has demonstrated tremendous dedication to the organization across his multiple roles most recently as Chief Sport Officer. Over the course of his career with the association he has been directly involved in significant growth in the operational and financial breadth of Golf Ontario. He has helped strengthen core and value-added services to members, led the development of new initiatives to introduce more golfers to the game and supported the launch of systems for our best athletes to achieve their highest potential.
Kyle brings a breadth of knowledge and experience that is valued within the sector. As a respected member of the industry, Kyle has developed credibility and in turn strong relationships with Golf Ontario members and industry partners alike. He is well positioned to work collaboratively with partners to positively impact the health of the game and the industry.
In accepting the role, Kyle shared that “For almost two decades, I have had the pleasure to be involved in the evolution of Golf Ontario into a recognized world class operation. This opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time as I’m fully prepared for a new challenge, and am energized to take on the responsibility of leading Golf Ontario through the 2023-26 Strategic Plan.”
Kyle’s passion for golf started at an early age and continues to this day. He is a sports enthusiast and actively involved in his community. Kyle graduated from the University of Memphis with a Master’s degree in Sport Commerce. He currently resides in Whitby with his wife Lisa and their three children Nolan, Jake and Maya.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
For more information please contact:
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer, Golf Ontario,
Golf Ontario is proud to announce Owen Rigg as Regional Manager for Northern Ontario
Owen joined Golf Ontario February 7, 2023 as we expand our reach across the province in the delivery of our Regional Support Strategy (RSS). As a Director with the Northern Golf Association (NGA), Owen understands the unique challenges faced by Northern Ontario facility operators. He will be able to leverage the many relationships he has built over the years to ensure the successful introduction of the RSS with facilities and stakeholders in the region.
In welcoming Owen to the team, Chief Sport Officer Kyle McFarlane said; “Golf Ontario is extremely excited to welcome Owen to our team. He has played such a huge role in the development of golf in Northern Ontario and we look forward to the launch of the Regional Support Strategy in the region under his leadership. We are extremely confident that Owen brings the experience and skillset necessary to the role.”
Owen is not only an accomplished golfer as the Northern Ontario Amateur (2010) and Junior (2004) Champion, but is also a member of the Northern Ontario Course Rating team and served as Tournament Chair for the 2021 Golf Canada NextGen Fall Series East Championship. A member of Hollinger Golf Club, Owen brings a wealth of golf experience to the role. Away from the golf course he is the Referee in Chief for District One of the Northern Ontario Hockey Association, a Hockey Canada Regional High Performance Hockey Official and President of the Timmins U18 Hockey League.
“My passion for golf is undeniable and to have the chance to help the development and delivery of Golf Ontario’s vision and mission in Northern Ontario is amazing,” Owen shared. “The Regional Support Strategy is a great way for us to work with facilities to ensure the delivery of programs and initiatives designed to support the growth and sustainability of golf in the Region.”
ABOUT THE REGIONAL SUPPORT STRATEGY
The Regional Support Strategy was designed to build and strengthen relationships with facilities and amongst facilities in the same region. Golf Ontario is committed to the health and sustainability of golf in all regions across the province. Built on trust and collaboration, our collective business success, as well as our ability to grow the game, will far exceed what any one of us can do alone.
ABOUT GOLF ONTARIO:
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 540 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
