Dates and locations of other Golf Ontario championships and qualifiers will be announced in early 2022.
This will be the 100th playing of both the Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship and Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship.
All questions can be sent to tournaments@gao.ca
The final installment of our Season in Review series concludes with October and our last two competitions, which included a very special week at our Super Camp and Tour Championship.
An incredible week from Ambassador Golf Club for the 2nd annual Ontario Provincial Super Camp, concluded with the crowning of champions and an emotional presentation of our newest trophy. The second annual Tour Championship featured the top 64 junior boys and girls in Ontario, as they fought three days of tough competitors and varying weather conditions in their quest to come out on top. Team Ontario members on both sides filled up the vast majority of top spots in both the girls and boys divisions.
36-hole leader Ella Weber (Rattlesnake Point GC), a Team Ontario member, once again led the entire final day to claim the girl’s division. She came out victorious after a two-over (73) to finish one-under overall on the championship. Capturing silver was Carlee Meilleur (Loyalist G&CC), the leader after day one, with a strong even-par final round (71). Finishing third at two-over overall was Ashley Lafontaine (Royal Ottawa GC) with a strong two-under (69), the only under-par score of the day for the girls.
On the boys’ side, Team Ontario players picked up where they left off after round two and attacked the course putting up low numbers once again. Second-round leader, Team Ontario member Ben MacLean (Cherry Hill Club), followed up his strong seven-under (64) yesterday with a terrific six-under (65), to be crowned the boys champion at thirteen-under on the championship. On his heels all day with a strong front nine was fellow Team Ontario member Owen Kim (Blue Springs GC), recording a brilliant six-under (65) as well and finishing three strokes back at nine-under. While Kim claimed the silver medal, bronze was tied between two more Team Ontario members, Andreas Diogenous (Whistle Bear GC) and Thomas Latter (Credit Valley G&CC), both shooting a two-under (69) and recording a six-under overall.
An emotional ceremony followed afterwards in the presentation for the newly created Dave Mills trophy. The trophy has been named in honour of Mills, a past Golf Ontario Executive Director and huge supporter and advocate for junior golf, who presented the first-ever Super Camp trophy in 2020. Members of Dave Mills family were on hand to present the trophy. His son John Mills spoke after while fighting some tears about the trophy and his father. “This event was very special to him; his life was his family but it was also golf and all of you. It was his passion.” He added his dad “was looking down and smiling”.
The Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship returned to Oakdale Golf and Country Club to conclude Golf Ontario’s 2021 season in fine fashion. The 62nd running of the event was composed of 58 teams looking to emerge victoriously.
At the end of a frigid but beautiful 18 holes, it was Jonn Drewery (Westmount G&CC) and Derek McGrath (Galt CC) carding an amazing nine-under (63) on the strength of 9 birdies and 1 eagle to lead the pace and secure the championship. The tournament proved to be competitive, with only a four-shot difference separating the first-place duo, and a three-way tie for third.
Following closely were Traynor Turkiewicz and Daniel DiFrancesco, both of Brantford Golf & Country Club. The duo shot seven-under (65), only two strokes behind Drewery and McGrath. In a three-way tie for third at five-under (67) were Scott Nelson and Andrew Ross of Beverly Golf & Country Club, Mike Dinner and Mike Ward of Glencairn Golf Club and Brantford Golf & Country Club respectively, and Jamaal Moussaoui and Ben Doornekamp of Cataraqui Golf & Country Club. 16 other duos were also under-par, showcasing an extremely talented field and proving what a competitive tournament this always is.
About The Ontario Men’s Better-Ball
The Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship has been played since 1959. All but two of the championships have taken place at Oakdale G&CC. The tournament is open to teams whose members both have up-to-date Golf Canada Handicap Factor of 8.4 or less at the time of online registration through the completion of the championship and each team’s combined Handicap Factor must not exceed 12.8 at the time of online registration through the completion of the championship. Previous winners of the event include Gary Cowan, Bill Morland, Mike Weir, Nick Weslock, Kelly Roberts, Warren Sye, Matthew Ion Young and Simon McInnis.
This concludes our Season in Review, as we looked back at a challenging yet amazing 2021 competitive provincial season. Golf Ontario would like to take this time to thank all of our sponsors and partners who helped make this possible; Adidas, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, Solo Golf, and Sport Travel. We are grateful for your continued support. Also a special thank you to all our host clubs, volunteers, officials and to you the golfers; you helped make 2021 a huge success.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
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 over 500-member groups and facilities, 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:
Peter MacKellar,
Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca
Uxbridge, ON – An impressive 2022 Team Ontario squad was announced today, featuring the top young golfers in the province. Consisting of 20 members, Team Ontario will feature a strong line-up of talent heading into the 2022 competitive season. Seven members return from the 2021 team and will be eagerly joined by 13 new faces.
The seven returning athletes include Thomas Latter (Credit Valley G&CC), Sarah Gallagher (Blue Springs Golf Club ), Alissa Xu (Station Creek Golf Club), Alessandra Nagayo (Don Valley Golf Club), Michael Weber (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club), Ryan Somerville (Summit G&CC) and Andreas Diogenous (Whistle Bear Golf Club). These Team Ontario veterans had some great achievements in 2021, including a Junior Girls Match Play Championship for Alissa Xu
Joining the team on the female’s side are seven notable players, who all had a top-level 2021 championship season. The 2021 Ontario Junior Girls Champions Peyton Costabile (Whistle Bear Golf Club), and 2021 Ontario Bantam Girls Champion, Lindsay McGrath (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club) will be joining the team alongside, Nyah Kelly (Lindsay G&CC), Krystal Li (Summit G&CC), Ashley Lafontaine (Royal Ottawa Golf Club), Tara O’ Connor (Victoria Park East Golf Club) and Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club).
Fresh faces on the male’s side include six players with some strong achievements throughout this past season. Perhaps the most impressive being a win at the Golf Canada NextGen Fall Series East Championship by new team member Cameron Pero (Picton G&CC). Also joining the team are Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club), who was a runner up at the Ontario Bantam Boys Championship and Zach Smith (Brampton G&CC), who took home bronze at the Ontario Juvenile Boys Championship. The boy’s side also has a few more strong additions to the squad in Justin Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club), Isaiah Ellis (Lookout Point Country Club) and Isaiah Ibit (Greyhawk Golf Club).
Team Ontario’s season will be led by Head Provincial Coach, PGA of Canada Class “A” professional Reggie Millage. With a focus on the team’s vision, mission, and values aimed at inspiring lifelong excellence. This is coach Millage’s 9th season as Coach of Team Ontario and mentioned his excitement about the new squad. “Every person who has had a sneak-peak at this roster has unanimously said ‘Wow what a great team’. Each athlete has earned this opportunity through hard work and strong performances at big events. The New Junior Golf Pathway and Ranking system have really set the table for this group. Millage added “This is the biggest team we have had since I took over as Head Coach and they all deserve it and every single one of them is trending in the right direction and is looking to utilize this program to get better. I know Dr. Nick, Dr. Charles and I are pumped to get going with this fine group of athletes.”
Millage will work to help team members grow as golfers while also instilling habits that will lead to success throughout life. Additional support from the Integrated Support Team is comprised of Dr. Nick Martichenko; Strength & Conditioning Coach, and Dr. Charles Fitzsimmons; Sport Psychologist, who will help enhance the athletes’ skills through fitness, nutrition, and development of the mental side of the game.
With a heavy focus on training and athlete development, the Team Ontario program has been built to maximize the success of these athletes. Burloak Indoor Golf and Peak Performance Golf and Athletics will be Team Ontario’s primary indoor off-season training facilities. Added to the training schedule this year, Team Ontario will be taking on a new off-season schedule. Along with a Kick-Off Camp in November and a Spring Training Session before the competitive season, the program is extending the Myrtle Beach Training Camp to two weeks ahead of the Can-Am Junior Team Matches which will be making a return in 2022.
Congratulations to all of the 2021 – 2022 Team Ontario members. Golf Ontario, along with our members, volunteers, and partners, looks forward to cheering the team on throughout the 2022 competitive season.
The Team Ontario program is a unique opportunity for identified athletes in Ontario. These athletes can expect to receive the very best in coaching services, training/competitive opportunities, and peer support as they continue their journey towards excellence in golf and life. Being selected to be part of the Team Ontario program is a tremendous accomplishment but the hard work and dedication don’t end at the selection. The Team Ontario program places considerable emphasis on developing lifelong excellence in all facets. As such, athletes in the program will receive guidance on themes like time and self-management, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, tactical strategies, and technical feedback.
Vision: Team Ontario will inspire lifelong excellence on and off the golf course
Mission: Leading the development of junior golfers to succeed in golf and in life
Values: Commitment, Respect, Good Humor, Competitiveness and Positivity
Team Ontario would like to thank partners TaylorMade and adidas, as official equipment and clothing providers.
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 over 500-member groups and facilities, 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.
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
Peter MacKellar,
Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario
PMacKellar@gao.ca
Next on the tee for our Season in Review is the exciting and jam-packed month of September. Normally a month that sees us winding down, September brought a very busy line-up including the Ontario Disability Championship, the Ontario Public Amateur, the Ontario Senior Men’s Championship, the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ and Girls’ Match Play Championship, the Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship, and the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Phew! Let’s reminisce to warmer days, sweet swings, and historic trophies proudly being lifted high.
STASIUK & BARKLEY BECOME 3-PEAT CHAMPIONS AT ONTARIO DISABILITY CHAMPIONSHIP
2021 Ontario Disability Championship
Woodington Lake Golf Club
September 15th to 16th
The final round of the 2021 Ontario Disability Championship was greeted by beautiful weather as competitors took to the stunning Legacy course at Woodington Lake Golf Club. Returning to defend their titles and walking away as 3-peat champions were Natasha Stasiuk (Heron Point Golf Links) and Kurtis Barkley (Cedar Glen GC).
With her lowest round of the championship, Stasiuk shot a 92 to secure the title with an overall 188. Silver medalist Tess Trojan (Public Player) also had a strong round, tackling a couple of holes that were giving her a challenge in round one. Taking home the bronze medal following her first provincial championship was Samantha Lemieux (Hamilton G&CC), who bravely took on the challenging course with the support of her playing partners.
On the men’s side, Barkley finished six-strokes ahead of silver medalist Russell Aide (Public Player). Aide, a Bantam aged player, tied with Barkley for the low round of the day after shooting a stellar 74. Oshawa Golf and Curling Club’s Geoffrey Beecroft finished in the bronze medalist position with an overall 160.
About The Ontario Disability Championship
In 2019, Woodington Lake Golf Club hosted the inaugural Ontario Disability Championship. Played over a 36-hole competition for Men and Women, the Ontario Disability Championship is an inclusive event in which athletes with disabilities compete in a provincial championship environment. The championship promotes awareness and participation for golfers with disabilities and provides a platform for future talent identification. The Ontario Disability Championship is a counting event on the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD).
CHINNER CAPTURES ONTARIO SENIOR MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP WITH BIRDIE ON 18
Ontario Senior Men’s Championship
Loyalist Country Club
September 14th to 16th
Early heavy fog delayed a dramatic final round of the Ontario Senior Men’s Championship, from Loyalist Golf & Country Club. An hour delay exactly, saw the men start at 9:00 am before being able to tackle the challenging course on their quest for gold. That quest came down to a 10-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to decide our champion.
Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood) fought back from a four-stroke deficit, behind 2020 Champion Dave Bunker (Cherry Hill Club), to drain his birdie putt on 18 and claim the prestigious title. Chinner recorded a strong three-under (69) to catch and surpass Bunker, who along with third-place finisher Robert Cowan (Westmount G&CC), shot a two-over (74).
As well as crowning the Ontario Senior Men’s Champion, we also saw hardware handed out for the age 65 and over category, and age 70+ divisions. Ronald James White (St. George’s &CC) captured the 65 and over division, while Kerry Short (Cherry Hill Club) won the 70 and over division.
About The Ontario Senior Men’s Championship
Conducted since 1936, the Ontario Senior Men’s Championship event features Ontario’s best male amateur golfers aged 55 and over, competing over 54 holes of stroke play competition. Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Nick Weslock, one of Canada’s greatest amateurs of the century, won the event a record 11 times between 1968 and 1980. Other notable past champions include Stu Hamilton (2001, 2006), Mike Jackson (2010, 2011 and 2013) and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Warren Sye in 2012.
ROBERT MCLEAN CAPTURES THE 2021 BAKA ONTARIO PUBLIC AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP, PRESENTED BY TRIPLE BOGEY
Baka Ontario Public Amateur Championship, presented by Triple Bogey
Tarandowah Golfers Club
September 15th to 16th
Day two of the 2021 BAKA Ontario Public Amateur Championship saw some spectacular golf at Tarandowah Golfers Club. Three winners were crowned, with Robert McLean taking the A flight with a gross score of +4 (144). Joel Niles won the B flight with a net score of even-par (140) and Jeff Roberts won the C flight in a playoff with a 2-under (138).
The B flight came down to the wire and Joel Niles came out on top with a 2-day total of even-par (140). Tied for second only 1 stroke back were Colin Edwards and Kyle Stolys who both carded a 2 day total of 1-over (141). The win for Niles was a result of a very strong day two net score of 5-under 65, which enabled him to jump 9 spots in the standings.
A playoff was needed to crown the C flight champion. Jeff Roberts and Mike Murphy finished regulation play with identical 2-under (138) scores and went to a 3-hole playoff. Both players were lights out in the playoff with Roberts firing 3 pars to take the championship. Finishing in 3rd at even par (140) was Andrew Schlegel with a sizzling net 64 on day two.
About The Baka Public Amateur Championship
The Baka Ontario Public Amateur Championship was first played in 1958 at Don Valley Golf Club. Past winners include Ken Trowbridge (1970), 2018 Ontario Golf Hall of Fame inductee Dave Bunker (2009, 2010) and Craig Loughry who has won a record four times (1997, 2001, 2005, 2006). Play of the tournament was suspended from 1984-1995. Mill Run Golf and Country Club (Uxbridge, ON) has hosted the tournament a record 9 times.
The Baka Public Amateur Championship provides the perfect opportunity for those interested in trying a competitive tournament while providing gross and net flights. This allows higher handicap players to play against players in their handicap grouping.
MATTHEWS AND KELLY PREVAIL IN ONTARIO WOMEN’S FOUR-BALL FROM LADIES GC
Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship
Ladies GC of Toronto
September 20th
Summer-like conditions welcomed 68 players in teams of two at the Ladies GC of Toronto for the 67th annual Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship. With warm weather came hot play, and the day proved to be competitive just like years in the past.
After 18 however, it was Aryn Matthews (Bigwin Island GC) and Nyah Kelly (Lindsay G&CC) who prevailed. The duo finished the tournament with an impressive six-under (65), including 7 birdies on their card to leave as four-ball champions.
Trailing just two strokes behind in second place, was Sarah Yang and Michelle P. Ding (both of Station Creek GC), who recorded a solid four-under (67). Finishing in third was the duo of Emily Zhu (Public Player) and Cynthia Zhao (Station Creek GC), after firing a three-under (68).
As for the Low Net portion of the tournament, it was the team of Angela Penfound and Gail Bishop (Midland G&CC) who came out on top after a three-hole playoff against fellow club players Susan Rooney and Mary Sallinen, also of Midland G&CC.
About the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship
First played in 1953, the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship is contested annually and features two-woman teams competing in a better-ball 18-hole format. In total, 46 teams and 92 players took part in the 2018 event.
OWEN KIM & ALISSA XU CROWNED THE 2021 ONTARIO JUNIOR (U19) MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONS
Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ and Girls’ Match Play Championship
Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club
September 21st to 23rd
GIRLS LEADERBOARD | BOYS LEADERBOARD | PHOTOS
Greeted by fog and a misting of rain, the final round of the 2021 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ and Girls’ Match Play Championship ended with two Team Ontario athletes claiming the titles. Owen Kim (Blue Springs GC) and Alissa Xu (Station Creek GC) conquered the challenging Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club while enduring less than ideal weather conditions, for a total of 108 (90) holes of golf over three days.
The Semi-Final round teed off at 8:00 a.m. that morning, with Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club), Ethan Irvine (Hamilton G&CC), Andreas Diogenous (Whistle Bear), and Owen Kim (Blue Springs GC) fighting for a spot in the final round. In a well fought battle, bronze medals would be awarded to Smith and Diogenous. Irvine took Smith in 2&1 to advance to the final round, while the other Boys’ match would continue to five playoff holes. Kim went head-to-head against Team Ontario teammate, Andreas Diogenous (Whistle Bear), to come out on top. In the final round, Irvine and Kim were even at the turn, with Kim winning two holes on the back nine to take the title 2&1.
The first Girls’ Semi-Final match of the day took place at 8:16 a.m., against Team Ontario teammates, Alissa Xu (Blue Springs GC) and Sarah Gallagher (Blue Springs GC). Xu would take Gallagher 2&1 to move through to the final round. The second semi-final match occurred between Myranda Quinton (Blue Springs GC) and Lindsay McGrath (Rattlesnake Point GC), which would go into four playoff holes with Quinton taking the win in a sudden-death defeat. The final match of the day would be won by Xu, with an impressive 6&4 takedown of Quinton.
About the Ontario Junior Boys & Girls (U19) Championship
The Junior Boys’ Match Play Championship has been contested since 1998 featuring Ontario’s top 16 amateur male golfers age 18 and under. The field is determined by results from four qualifiers. Notable past champions include Matt McQuillan, Justin Shin, Stephane Dubois, and Jon Boncoddo.
The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship is contested annually and features Ontario’s top 16 amateur female golfers age 18 and under. Players can earn their way into the championship through the Jr. Girls Spring Classic and the Ontario Jr. Girls Championship. Notable past champions include Alena Sharp, Stefi Markovich, Christina Yoon, Elizabeth Tong and Grace St-Germain.
BUNKER WINS PLAYOFF TO CLAIM ONTARIO MEN’S MID-AM CHAMPIONSHIP FROM TABOO MUSKOKA
Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship to
Taboo Muskoka
September 28th to 30th
Cold conditions greeted competitors for the final round of the 2021 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, at the gorgeous Taboo Muskoka. The temperature may not have risen, but the competition absolutely did, as we would see a champion crowned only after playoff holes.
Walking away after two extra holes, is now four-time winner of the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur, Dave Bunker (Cherry Hill Club), with a solid even-par on the final day (71). Jonn Drewery (Westmount G&CC) shot a two-over (73), and would eventually miss a difficult par putt save on the second extra hole to secure the win for Bunker. The bronze medal was won by our 36-hole leader Brett Mitchell (Galt Country Club), after shooting a four-over (75). Round of the day belonged to Robert McCraken, who fired a brilliant four-under (67) to climb the leaderboard into fourth place.
About the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship
Since 1993, the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur championship has proven to be one of Ontario’s most sought-after and important Championship titles. The 54-hole competition caters to Ontario’s best golfers age 25 and older that have gained entry into the event through qualifying tournaments or an exemption.
Despite its young history, the championship has developed a notable list of past champions including Garrett Rank (2015, 2018) and Golf Hall of Fame members Stu Hamilton (1993, 1998), Kelly Roberts (1997), and Dave Bunker (2007, 2011, 2014, 2021).
TORONTO GC’S WILSON & MCCONNELL SECURE THE 2021 ONTARIO SENIOR MEN’S BETTER-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship
Brampton Golf Club
September 30th (moved from the 23rd)
The Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship took to the prestigious course at Brampton Golf Club on September 30th. With just 18-holes of competitive stroke play to determine the 2021 champions, the Toronto Golf Club’s David Wilson and Eamonn McConnell came out on top.
Taking home the championship title with a stellar round of 67, Wilson and McConnell battled the field to win just one stroke ahead of a tight leaderboard. Silver medalists, Jay Campbell and Scott Hepburn (Oaks G&CC) held off a pack of third-place winners with a smooth three-under 68 total. In the bronze medalist position we had a tie between six teams, consisting of the following; Phil Charal and Tony Robinson (Summit G&CC), Gawain Robertson and Jack Moussaoui (Cataraqui G&CC), Mark Kalbfleisch and Brad Stumpf (Oshawa G&CC), John Saffran and John Zdonek (Pointe West GC), Brian Humphrys and Rick Robinson (The Pulpit Club), and Bruno Ardito and Gary Parker (Brampton GC Ltd.).
About the Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship
The Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship was first contested in 1982. It is open to players aged 55 and older as of the date of the tournament. The championship trophy was originally donated by the Oakdale Golf & Country Club, which annually hosted many Men’s Better-Ball Championships. Notable champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Famers Nick Westlock and Stu Hamilton.
In our final Season in Review next week, we look at a busier than usual month of October that included our week-long Junior Super Camp & Tour Championship, and the Ontario Men’s better-Ball Championship.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar,
Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca
Uxbridge, ON – With a challenging yet very strong 2021 Championship season behind us, it is now time to appreciate the true MVPs of Golf Ontario: our volunteers. We wouldn’t be able to run such successful events or provide elite support to each participant and their families without the support and dedication of these spectacular volunteers. We thank and appreciate all the hours, energy, and most importantly the passion, each of our volunteers contributes throughout the busy season. On Tuesday, October 12th, Golf Ontario held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Day, hosted by our incredible friends at Woodington Lake Golf Club. This day of golf is always a special event in celebrating our amazing volunteers.
As COVID-19 continues to affect our lives and the way we celebrate together, Golf Ontario conducted its’ 2021 Volunteer Recognition Day virtually on Monday, November 22nd. This event is one of the most important days in the Golf Ontario calendar as we get a chance to celebrate and honour some of our best volunteers from the 2021 season
“For an organization like Golf Ontario, volunteers are our lifeblood. Without the commitment, passion, energy, and knowledge of our volunteers, we simply could not conduct the amazing programming that we do to grow the game of golf every year”, said Golf Ontario Executive Director, Mike Kelly. “Our incredible volunteer army allows us to conduct world-class championships, deliver game-changing junior performance programming, and launch new events intended to get more people enjoying the game of golf.”
President of Golf Ontario’s Board of Directors, Susan Vail, added, “on behalf of the Board of Directors, we would like to thank you for joining us for this celebratory event. We are so grateful for our volunteer team; especially with the challenges presented in the past season…we could not do what we do without you!”
Each year at Golf Ontario, there are some special accomplishments and contributions that are worth recognizing through our volunteer recognition awards. The recipients of these prestigious awards have gone above and beyond in 2021, or through their long-time contributions, and it is our distinct honour to celebrate them. The 2021 recipients are:
This year we are awarding the Volunteer of the Year honour to Dan Michaud. “Over the last 8 years, Dan has continuously shown his dedication to Golf Ontario. Dan has helped us out at multiple qualifiers and championships this season, providing his knowledge and mentorship at all levels. Dan has conducted seminars and workshops for many levels of rules interest. Dan is recognized as a top-level rules official by the Mackenzie Tour. Dan has helped move along new Level 2 Referees, ensuring they received the required experience”.
Dan’s knowledge, dedication and efforts he has given back to the organization have made him an amazing and deserving winner of the Volunteer of the Year award.
Dan commented, “it is definitely an honour, this is a great reward”. He added, “the opportunity to be involved, the opportunity to give back, the opportunity to participate with a lot of people and really Golf Ontario more so this year than probably any other year, with all the people I was involved with, were truly a family”.
Honorary Life Directors are recognized yearly for their outstanding achievements through their involvement as a Committee and Board Member. “This award goes to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to Golf Ontario’s vision and mission”, explained Mike Kelly.
The 2021 recipient of the Honorary Life Director award is John Gallinger. “John served as president from 2017-2018. He also sat on a number of committees including; Governance, Nominating Committee and Finance. His efforts, commitment and dedication to Golf Ontario never go unnoticed and for these reasons, we’re awarding John Gallinger with the Honorary Life Director Award.”
Jon said “this is truly a special recognition, I’m very appreciative and this is something I will always cherish. I know how important volunteers are to our organization and how lucky we are to have such a dedicated and talented group of volunteers.”
This award will recognize an individual’s meritorious service to the game of golf in Ontario as a volunteer. The Distinguished Service Award was first awarded in 2005. Recipients of this award will embody the principles of integrity, dignity and commitment which are central to the volunteer experience. This honour 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.
The recipient of the 2021 Distinguished Service Award is Wayne Silverman. “Dan has demonstrated a long-term commitment to Golf Ontario, our mission and advancing the sport. Wayne Silverman, from Sarnia, has been a volunteer with the GAO since 2005. Wayne actively works as a level 3 Rules Official and a Site Coordinator while continuously demonstrating an outstanding amount of commitment to Golf Ontario.”
Wayne said after learning he won, “meeting the people involved with Golf Ontario has been a tremendous experience for me over all these years. He added, “with the shutdown in the spring and all the rescheduling this year, we got through it all properly and it turned out to be a great season.”
Mike Kelly summed up the 2021 Volunteer Recognition Day by saying “from myself and the entire Golf Ontario team. Thank you. Thank you for your years of commitment and support. And thank you, to those who were able, for stepping up this year and helping us through this roller coaster of a ride.”
Please see a message from Mike Kelly here.
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 over 500-member groups and facilities, 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.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar,
Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario
PMacKellar@gao.ca
An extremely busy August is featured next in our 2021 Season in Review, containing the Ontario Junior Girls, the Ontario Senior Women’s, the Ontario Men’s Amateur, the Ontario Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur, the Ontario Juvenile and Bantam, and the Ontario Peewee Championship.
KYRINIS CLAIMS HER FOURTH ONTARIO SENIOR WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
Ontario Senior Women’s Championship
Spring Lakes Golf Club (North Course)
August 3rd to 5th
The Ontario Senior Women’s Championship, presented by Durham Artificial Grass from Spring Lakes Golf Club (North Course), was played under pristine conditions. The temperature quickly rose and so did the play of leader Judith Kyrinis, who claimed the 2021 title by a whopping 14 strokes.
The now four-time Ontario Senior Women’s Champion, Kyrinis (The Thornhill Club), fired a tournament best 4-under (67) including 4 birdies and no bogeys. 2020 Champion Terrill Samuel (Weston G&CC) finished second after a 3-over (74) to claim silver, while third was taken by Marion Reid (Islington GC) with a 7-over (78).
Awards for the 2021 Ontario Senior Women’s Championship were also presented through both a Championship flight and an “A” flight. The Championship flight saw awards for the Overall Champion, as well as a champion aged 60 years and older. In the “A” flight, there was both a gross and net champion.
Samuel claimed first place in the 60 years and older category. Cindy Wegg (Rockway Vineyards) clinched first in the Stroke Play Gross – A Flight category, while Lolly Gillen (Bayview G&CC) took home first in the Stroke Play Net division.
About The Ontario Senior Women’s Championship
The inaugural Ontario Senior Women’s Championship was conducted in 1962 and since then has been contested annually featuring the province’s best female amateurs age 50 and over.
The event has had several notable past champions including World, Canadian, and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, who captured the title six times. Also, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Gayle Borthwick, picked up the trophy six times. Recent winners include Ivy Steinberg (2008 and 2009), Terrill Samuel (2011), as well as Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Mary Ann Hayward (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2019), and 2017 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Champion Judith Kyrinis (2016, 2017, 2018. 2021).
COSTABILE BATTLES HARD TO BE CROWNED THE 2021 ONTARIO JUNIOR (U19) GIRLS’ CHAMPION
Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Championship
Brockville Country Club
August 2nd to 5th
Players battled warm temperatures to be crowned the 2021 Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Champion from Brockville Country Club. Following round three, the leaderboard was tight with just eleven girls sitting within a ten-stroke difference. In the final round, the leader groups pulled away from the pack to present a true champion.
Firing her lowest round and the only under-par score of the tournament was the newly crowned Ontario Junior Girls’ Champion, Peyton Costabile (Whistle Bear). Costabile defeated the challenging Stanley Thompson design, to finish the championship with a one-under round and 296 total. Claiming the silver medal three-strokes back was Vanessa Borovilos (Weston G&CC), after a round of 76. The bronze medalist, Chaewon Baek (BC Public Player), would fire a total thirteen-over on the championship.
About The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Championship
First contested in 1927, the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Championship features Ontario’s best amateur female golfers age 18 and under. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. The championship has a rich history of young Ontarians who have gone on to have successful golf careers, such as World Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit (1951, 1952). Other notable winners include Sandra Post (1965, 1966), Sue Hilton (1962), Alena Sharp (1997, 1998), Jessica Shepley (2001), Jennifer Kirby (2008, 2009), and Brooke Henderson (2011, 2012).
GIROUX CAPTURES 2021 ONTARIO MEN’S AM, PRESENTED BY TD BRAZIER / DUPUIS WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship
Beach Grove Golf and Country Club
August 10th to13th
Following an eventful 54-holes of golf over the course of four days, the crown was passed down and the 99th Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship has been awarded to Thomas Giroux. The championship hosted by Beach Grove Golf and Country Club experienced water accumulation during round two, causing the tournament to be shortened to a 54-hole championship.
After a tie in regular play in pursuit of the title, Nicholas Hofland (Hamilton G&CC) and Thomas Giroux (The Club at North Halton) endured a sudden-death playoff on eighteen. Both eight-under following the final round, Hofland and Giroux would head back to the tips, with Giroux coming out as the victor. Hofland would claim the silver medal after a low round of 66 and a total score of 205. The bronze medalist, Cam Kellett (St. Thomas G&CC), would fire a total six-under on the championship to leave him three strokes off Giroux.
About the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship
The Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship was first played in 1923 at Lakeview Golf and Country Club. Featuring the best amateur golfers in the province, it is arguably the most prestigious event in the country. Many players have kickstarted their journey to professional golf through the event.
Since the inaugural event, the Ontario Amateur has enjoyed an illustrious history of great champions including highly decorated amateur golfer and NHL referee Garrett Rank (2018), 2003 Masters Champion Mike Weir (1990 & 1992), Gerry Kesselring (1949, 1951, 1952, 1953), professional players Jon Mills (2001), Corey Conners (2010), Albin Choi (2012), Chris Hemmerich (2014) and Gary Cowan. Cowan holds the record for the most Ontario Amateur Championships with nine (1964, 1968, 1971, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981 & 1984).
LY CLAIMS THE 106TH ONTARIO WOMEN’S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Ontario Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championship
Pointe West Golf Club
August 16th to19th
Players battled the Thomas McBroom designed course as we witnessed competitors rise and fall on the leaderboard throughout the week. In the thrilling final round of the 2021 Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship at Pointe West Golf Club, the course record was broken and a 106th Ontario Women’s Amateur Champion was awarded.
Shooting a low round of 69 and a total of 280 on the championship to complete the 72-holes of competitive play, Jasmine Ly (Public Player) emerged as the newly crowned 106th Ontario Women’s Amateur Champion. The Windsor native is a 2018 Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Champion, 2019 Ontario Junior Girls’ Spring Classic Champion, plays NCAA golf at the Northern Illinois University, and qualified for the second consecutive year for the U.S. Women’s Amateur.
In second place position taking home the silver medal is Monet Chun (Summit G&CC), who had a stellar round of eight birdies to grant her the honour of a new Pointe West course record of 64. Chun is a sophomore at the University of Michigan and is only the second athlete on the women’s golf team to earn conference honours, which hasn’t been accomplished in 25 years. The bronze medalist position was earned by former Team Ontario teammates, Nicole Gal (Oakville GC) and Bo Brown (Blue Springs GC). Gal is a Team Canada National Junior Squad member and is the 66th Canadian Junior Girls Champion. Brown will be attending the University of British Columbia on a scholarship this fall, to pursue a Bachelor of Kinesiology and play on the Thunderbirds Women’s Golf team.
SAMUEL CAPTURES WOMEN’S MID-AM
The 2021 Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship portion concluded with Terrill Samuel (Weston G&CC) capturing the 2021 crown.
Firing a 75 to leave her two strokes ahead, Samuel secures her fourth Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Having won the title in 1991, 2000, and 2010, Samuel also holds the 1991 and 2004 Women’s Amateur and 2011 and 2020 Senior Women’s Championship titles. In second place with the silver medal after her lowest round of the championship, is 2021 Ontario Senior Women’s Champion, Judith Kyrinis (The Thornhill Club). Defending champion, Nonie Marler (Marine Drive GC), tried to make a run for the title as well with a low round of 74 to leave her in the bronze medalist position.
About the Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship
First played in 1989, the Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is open to female golfers aged 25 and over. In honour of her outstanding accomplishments at the Mid-Amateur level in Ontario, the trophy is rightfully named after 14-time champion Mary Ann Hayward. The event is contested annually in a 54-hole competition. Other notable past champions of the event include 2012 Canadian Senior Women’s Champion Terrill Samuel (1991, 2000 and 2010), Casey Ward (2015) and Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Gayle Borthwick Hitchens (1992, 1993), and Judith Kyrinis (2017).
TRUONG, KIM, MCGRATH, & JAVIER ARE CROWNED AT THE TEAM GORAN ONTARIO JUVENILE & BANTAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Ontario Juvenile (U17) and Bantam (U15) Boys and Girls Championships
Roseland Golf and Curling Club
August 23rd to 25th
The competition was hot in the final round of the Team Goran Ontario Juvenile (U17) and Bantam (U15) Boys’ and Girls’ Championship, presented by St. Clair College. Four champions were crowned at Roseland Golf and Curling Club, as players battled a tight leaderboard in the race to claim the Juvenile and Bantam titles.
Maintaining the lead through the entire championship, Joline Truong (Trafalgar G&CC) completed the tournament with a seven-under to take home the 2021 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Girls’ Championship title. With low rounds of 68, 71, and 70 for an excellent three-day total of 209, Truong’s name will join the Sandra Post trophy with past winners Alena Sharp, Lindsay Knowlton, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, and Grace St-Germain. Silver medalist, Lindsay McGrath (Rattlesnake Point GC), finished four-under after shooting the girls’ low round of the day with a stellar 66. Carlee Meilleur (Loyalist G&CC) and Emma Hansen (Blue Springs GC) will take home the bronze medal with a tournament total of 219.
Team Ontario athlete, Owen Kim (Blue Springs GC), secured the 2021 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ Championship title after a lights-out 65 round and a total of thirteen-under (203). Kim will join the likes of Gary Cowan and Johnny Travale inscribed on the Mike Weir trophy. Taking home the silver medal was Isaiah Ellis (Lookout Point CC), who shot his lowest round of the championship with a 68, to give him a grand total of 209. An abundance of T3 players finished in the bronze medalist position, with a total of 212. The five players winning bronze were Jordan Hwang (Emerald Hills G&CC), Zachary Smith (Brampton GC), Isaiah Ibit (Greyhawk GC), Matthew Javier (Scarboro G&CC), and Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club).
For the Ontario Bantam (U15) Girls’ Championship, Lindsay McGrath (Rattlesnake Point GC) was awarded the 2021 title after her best championship round of golf to date. After round two, McGrath found herself in a tie for first with Carlee Meilleur (Loyalist G&CC), who would take home the silver medal seven-strokes behind. The bronze medalist went to Alex Ouellet, who held close to second-place, finishing just two-strokes back.
Matthew Javier (Scarboro G&CC) was crowned the Bantam (U15) Boys’ Champion after sinking a birdie putt against Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club), following three playoff holes. Smith and Jordan Hwang (Emerald Hills G&CC) will share the silver medalist position. Hwang competed in two playoff holes after an out-of-bounds ball on eighteen landed him a double bogey. Javier’s name will be added to the James H. Peacock trophy.
About the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ and Girls’ Championships
The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ Championship is a 54-hole competition that features the province’s best junior golfers under the age of 17, competing for the Mike Weir trophy. Notable past champions include Josh Whalen, Brandon Ng, Tim McCutcheon, Peter R. Knechtel, Bob Panasiuk, and Gary Cowan.
The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Girls’ Championship features the province’s best junior golfers under the age of 17, competing for the Sandra Post trophy. Past champions of the event include Sandra Post, Jessica Shepley, Alena Sharp, Stephanie Sherlock, and Rebecca Lee-Bentham.
About The Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys’ Championship
First contested in 1929, the Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys’ Championship is a 36-hole competition featuring the top Bantam (U15) male golfers from across the province, competing for the James H. Peacock trophy. Past Champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Bob Panasiuk (1955) and Kelly Roberts (1966), as well as Team Canada National Amateur Squad member Johnny Travale (2015).
About The Ontario Bantam (U15) Girls’ Championship
First contested in 2003, the Ontario Bantam (U15) Girls’ Championship is a 36-hole competition featuring the top Bantam (U15) female golfers from across the province, competing for the Cathy Sherk Trophy. Notable past champions include Jennifer Kirby, Augusta James, and Chloe Currie.
SHAUNA LIU AND ANDY DAI ARE CROWNED THE 2021 ONTARIO PEEWEE (U13) CHAMPIONS AT SAWMILL GC
Ontario Peewee (U13) Boys’ and Girls’ Championship
Sawmill Golf Course
August 30th to 31st
Emerging as the 7th annual Ontario Peewee Champions following two stellar rounds of golf, were Shauna Liu (Station Creek GC) and Andy Dai (Station Creek GC).
Holding off the pack with rounds of 69 and 67, Liu maintained the lead to claim the Peewee (U13) Girls’ title. Liu’s two-stroke lead in the final round gave her a championship total of six-under (136), following ten birdies over the two days of competition. Taking home silver medals in a tie for second at four-under was Alexis Card (Galt Country Club) and Celina Yeo (Public Player). The 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt Champion, Alexis Card, shot a whopping seven birdies in today’s round to give her the low round of the championship at 65. Yeo also had an excellent round, firing her lowest round of 67.
Over on the Peewee (U13) Boys’ side, Dai held strong to claim the crown with a five-under total. Dai’s two-stroke lead came from rounds of 70 and 67, for a low championship total of 137. Runner-up to claim the silver medal, was Manav Bharani (Brampton GC Ltd.), who shot an excellent 66 to end his championship with three-under. Vasili Gianakas (The National GC of Canada) came out of the four-way tie for third in yesterday’s round, to secure the bronze medallist position with a total of 141 over 36-holes.
About the Ontario Peewee Championship
The Ontario Peewee (U13) Championship made its debut in 2015. The tournament is open to boys and girls’ who are 12 and under on August 1st.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar,
Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca
Brianna Christopher,
Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
BChristopher@gao.ca
November 17, 2021 – Golf Canada is pleased to announce the group of 46 junior and amateur athletes selected as part of the Team Canada player development program for 2022. Professional players who will be part of Team Canada in 2022 will be determined and announced in January.
The announcement marks a significant roster increase, adding 17 additional male and female athletes to the previous year’s Team Canada amateur and junior squads. The larger program size will increase the number of top developing players who receive nationally supervised coaching and support and will grow the pool of future high-potential Canadian professional golfers.
The athlete roster expansion reflects a restructuring to accommodate the growing talent pool in Canadian golf and is financially supported by contributions from Golf Canada Foundation’s network of Trustees, Golf Canada corporate partners, and a slight reallocation of Golf Canada resources. Golf Canada will also expand its group of Team Canada coaches to effectively support the larger roster of athletes.
“This is an exciting period for Canadian golf, and we are intensifying the National Team Player Development Program,” said Kevin Blue, Chief Sport Officer with Golf Canada. “We are in the process of additional analysis and strategic planning, and we look forward to further system enhancements in 2022 with the goal of helping more Canadian players reach the LPGA and PGA TOUR.”
Team Canada’s 2022 National Amateur Squad consists of 21 athletes, including eight women and 13 men. The Junior Squad totals 25 athletes including 12 female and 13 male U19 athletes ages 14-18.
The athletes representing Team Canada have all achieved impressive results at regional, provincial, national, and international competitions, including NCAA tournament wins and victories at prestigious amateur and junior competitions. The athletes have also benefited in their development from support through their respective provincial golf associations, personal coaches, home golf clubs and families.
“Supporting the Team Canada program and the next generation of Canadian golf talent is a major priority of the Foundation and our Trustee donors,” said Martin Barnard, Golf Canada Foundation CEO. “Together with program partners, we are proud to provide a network of support for the continued growth of Canadian golf at the highest levels.”
Athletes named to the Team Canada Amateur Squad who are expected to turn professional in 2022 will continue to receive support from Golf Canada during their transition.
The following athletes have been selected to Team Canada’s 2022 Amateur Squad:
WOMEN’S AMATEUR SQUAD
– Brigitte Thibault | Rosemère, Qué. – Club de golf de Rosemère (23)
– Brooke Rivers | Brampton, Ont. – Brampton Golf Club (16)
– Céleste Dao | Notre-Dame-de-l’île-Perrot, Qué. – Summerlea Golf & Country Club (20)
– Monet Chun | Richmond Hill, Ont. – Public Player (20)
– Noémie Paré | Victoriaville, Qué. – Club de golf de Victoriaville (24)
– Sarah-Ève Rhéaume | Québec, Qué. – Club de golf Royal Québec (21)
– Savannah Grewal | Mississauga, Ont. – Piper’s Heath Golf Club (20)
– Taylor Kehoe | Strathroy, Ont. – West Haven Golf & Country Club (17)
MEN’S AMATEUR SQUAD
– A.J. Ewart | Coquitlam, B.C. – The Vancouver Golf Club (22)
– Brendan MacDougall | Calgary, Alta. – The Glencoe Golf & Country Club (24)
– Chris Vandette | Beaconsfield, Qué. – Summerlea Golf & Country Club (20)
– Étienne Papineau | St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Qué. – Club de golf Pinegrove (25)
– Henry Lee | Coquitlam, B.C. – Marine Drive Golf Club (23)
– Johnny Travale | Stoney Creek, Ont. – Glendale Golf and Country Club (21)
– Laurent Desmarchais | Longueuil, Qué. – Club de golf de la Vallée du Richelieu (20)
– Matthew Anderson | Mississauga, Ont. – Credit Valley Golf & Country Club (21)
– Max Sekulic | Rycroft, Alta. – The Glencoe Golf & Country Club (22)
– Noah Steele | Kingston, Ont. – Cataraqui Golf & Country Club (24)
– Piercen Hunt | Hartland, WI – The Club at Lac La Belle (20)
– Thomas Giroux | Georgetown, Ont. – The Club at North Halton (22)
– Tristan Mandur | Duncan, B.C. – Duncan Meadows Golf Course (22)
National Junior Squad
The National Junior Squad features 25 athletes (12 women and 13 men).
In September, Golf Canada hosted a selection camp at TPC Toronto in Caledon, Ont., for additional training and performance opportunities for junior golfers in contention for the National Junior Squad. In partnership with the Provincial Golf Associations and personal coaches, all golfers participated in a series of testing modules followed by a 54-hole competition.
National Junior Squad players will be supported with coaching from the Golf Canada national coaching staff and by experts in the areas of mental performance, physiotherapy, biomechanics, and nutrition.
From March through early May, some Junior Squad members will practice out of Golf Canada’s National Training Centre at Bear Mountain—the fifth year that the program has provided spring training for athletes during the second semester of their school year.
The following athletes have been selected to Team Canada’s 2022 Junior Squad:
JUNIOR GIRLS SQUAD
– Angela Arora | Surrey, B.C. – Beach Grove Golf Club (17)
– Anne-Léa Lavoie | Québec, Qué. – Club de golf Royal Québec (16)
– Ella Weber | Burlington, Ont. – Rattlesnake Point Golf Club (16)
– Emily Zhu | Richmond Hill, Ont. – National Pines Golf Club (17)
– Katie Cranston | Oakville, Ont. – Oakville Golf Club (17)
– Lauren Kim | Surrey, B.C. – Morgan Creek Golf Club (16)
– Lauren Zaretsky | Thornhill, Ont. – Maple Downs Golf & Country Club (17)
– Luna Lu | Burnaby, B.C. – Pitt Meadows Golf Club (14)
– Martina Yu | Coquitlam, B.C. – Meadow Gardens Golf Club (15)
– Michelle Liu | Vancouver, B.C. – Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club (15)
– Nicole Gal | Oakville, Ont. – Oakville Golf Club (16)
– Yeji Kwon | Port Coquitlam, B.C. – Swaneset Bay Resort & Country Club (15)
JUNIOR BOYS SQUAD
– Andre Zhu | Richmond Hill, Ont. – National Pines Golf Club (15)
– Ben MacLean | Niagara Falls, Ont. – Cherry Hill Club (17)
– Cooper Humphreys | Vernon, B.C. – The Harvest Club (16)
– Eric Zhao | North York, Ont. – Bayview Golf & Country Club (14)
– Ethan Wilson | St. Albert, Alta. – Glendale Golf & Country Club (17)
– Félix Bouchard | Otterburn Park, Qué. – Club de golf de la Vallée du Richelieu (18)
– Gavyn Knight | Parksville, B.C. – Morningstar Golf Club (17)
– James Newton | Ottawa, Ont. – The Royal Ottawa Golf Club (18)
– Jeevan Sihota | Victoria, B.C. – Gorge Vale Golf Club (17)
– JP Parr | St-Célestin, Qué. – Club de golf Ki-8-eb Golf (17)
– Malik Dao | Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, Qué. – Summerlea Golf & Country Club (17)
– Mathieu Lafontaine | Vaudreuil-Dorion, Qué. – Summerlea Golf & Country Club (17)
– Owen Kim | Oakville, Ont. – Blue Springs Golf Club (17)
Team Canada Coaching Staff Announced
Golf Canada is pleased to announce the 2022 Team Canada coaching staff that will support both the National Amateur and Junior Squads.
For the amateur squads, Derek Ingram of Winnipeg, Man., returns as men’s head coach with support from new assistant coaches Benoit Lemieux of Montréal, Qué., and Louis Melanson from Moncton, N.B. On the women’s side, Tristan Mullally of Dundas, Ont., returns as head coach, supported by assistant coach Salimah Mussani of Vancouver, B.C., as well as an additional women’s assistant coach to be named in the coming weeks.
On the junior side, Robert Ratcliffe of Comox, B.C., will lead the Junior Squads, supported by assistant coach Jennifer Greggain, of Langford, B.C.
Athletes will also access Team Canada’s sport science team, which includes physiotherapists Greg Redman and Andrea Kosa, psychologist Dr. Adrienne Leslie-Toogood, and strength and conditioning coach Bryan Katz. Junior athletes will also receive supplemental support from the Canadian Sport Institute Pacific in the areas of mental performance and nutrition.
Ingram, Mullally, Ratcliffe, Greggain, Mussani, Lemieux and Melanson are all PGA of Canada members.
ABOUT GOLF CANADA’S NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM
Golf Canada’s National Team Program incorporates advanced coaching, sport science expertise, training camps and world-class competition to aid Canada’s top up-and-coming players in all areas of their high-performance development. The National Team Program provides access to world-class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment, and elite competitive opportunities with players selected to the National Amateur and Junior Squads representing Canada at a number of internationally sanctioned golf competitions throughout the year. The National Team Program also includes a Young Pro Squad that supports emerging talents in their transition to professional golf. The comprehensive National Team Program builds on the support that athletes have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations. Golf Canada’s National Team Program is proudly supported by RBC, Canadian Pacific, Audi, Titleist, FootJoy, PUMA Golf, Foresight Sports, Heritage Canada, Bear Mountain Resort, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Golf Canada Foundation. For more information about Team Canada or to donate towards the development of Canada’s emerging talents, please visit www.golfcanada.ca/team-canada.
GOLF CANADA
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing more than 270,000 golfers and 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
Media Contact:
Dan Pino, Senior Director, Communications
Golf Canada
C: 416-434-5525
E: dpino@golfcanada.ca
In this installment of the 2021 Season in Review, we are reminiscing on the quieter month of Championship play in July, with many qualifiers for competitions still taking place.
NEWTON FIRES A STELLAR 16-UNDER TO BE CROWNED 2021 ONTARIO JUNIOR (U19) BOYS’ CHAMP
Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship
Whistle Bear Golf Club
July 26th to 29th
In partnership with Whistle Bear GC, along with the support of PGA Tour player Michael Gligic, donations from the registration of the 2021 Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship went to the Waterloo Region Chapter of Autism Ontario. These proceeds will be used to develop and fund programming focused on healthy, active lifestyle opportunities for those with autism.
The 2021 Junior Boys Championship saw athletes from the following qualifiers in attendance: Silver Lakes G&CC, Lively GC, Kawartha G&CC, Listowel GC, Upper Canada GC, and Cambridge GC. For leaderboard information on qualifiers, click the golf course name.
Weather delays seemed to be the theme of the 99th Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship, as Whistle Bear Golf Club experienced an early morning storm creating a 70-minute delay in tee times heading into the final round.
With stellar play, the newly crowned Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Champion was James Newton (Royal Ottawa GC). Shooting 68, 67, 70, and 67 over the four rounds left Newton with a clean 16-under total (272). The Royal Ottawa Golf Club player fired 24 birdies to give him a 13-stroke lead over silver medalist Ben MacLean (Cherry Hill). MacLean completed the championship with a tough closing round of 79 (285). Taking home bronze medalist hardware in a four-way tie was Shawn Sehra (Kingsville G&CC), Isaiah Ibit (Greyhawk GC), Sam Hogan (Rattlesnake Point GC), and Graem Costigan (Galt CC).
To view the leaderboards from the 2021 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship, visit our Golf Genius page.
For media coverage, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page and view photo albums.
About the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship
First contested in 1923, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship is open to male golfers 18 years of age and under, who have earned entry through one of our qualifiers held across the province, or earned exemptions from prior achievements. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. Past winners of the event include: Gerry Kesselring, Gary Cowan, Stu Hamilton, Mike Weir, Jon Mills and Albin Choi.
Next week we examine an extremely busy August which held the Ontario Junior Girls, the Ontario Senior Women’s, the Ontario Men’s Amateur, the Ontario Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur, the Ontario Juvenile and Bantam, and the Ontario Peewee Championship.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar,
Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca
Brianna Christopher,
Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
BChristopher@gao.ca
As the temperature drops and the gorgeous autumn leaves continue to fall, Golf Ontario would like to take some time to reflect on the challenging yet amazing 2021 Championship season. Early season uncertainty and multiple changes to the schedule to accommodate the global pandemic made for a unique year that still managed to produce successful competitions. With the help of our amazing staff, players, and volunteers, we were able to make an incredible season possible.
In the end, the condensed season saw almost a complete championship line-up that was pushed further back into summer and fall. Please join us to reflect on some amazing shots, successful championships, and the crowned champions of this past season. This week, we are teeing off with the June 2021 season recap.
Ontario Men’s and Women’s Match Play Championships,
Taboo Muskoka
Men (June 22-25) / Women (June 24-25)
The final day of the Men’s and Women’s Match Play Championship was a soggy one, with the rain beginning just before the semi-finals teed off and getting increasingly heavier throughout the final round. With the rain cooling down the competition, we watched fierce players battle for a spot in the final championship round.
Taking home hardware at the 2021 Ontario Men’s and Women’s Match Play Championship were your victors, Charles Fitzsimmons (St. Thomas G&CC) and Hailey Katona (Tilbury GC). The two winning competitors took down legendary Golf Ontario champions, collegiate athletes, and Team Ontario athletes to claim their titles.
To view the leaderboards from the 2021 Ontario Men’s and Women’s Match Play Championships, visit our Golf Genius page.
For media coverage, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums.
About the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship
Established in 1986, the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship is contested annually and features 64 of Ontario’s best amateur golfers that have qualified through one of six qualifying tournaments held earlier this season, or who have gained an exemption into the event. Notable former champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Ian Leggatt, David Hearn, David Byrne, and Dave Bunker.
About the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship
The Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship was first played in 1975 and has several notable past champions including: World, Canadian, and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Marlene Stewart Streit, six-time champion Mary Ann Hayward, Terrill Samuel, and Heather Kuzmich.
Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Spring Classic,
Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course
June 26th to 28th
While the rain held off for the final round, players endured 18-holes of humidity and excessive heat in the battle for their name on the W.D. Randolph Millage Trophy. In the early 90s, Randy Millage started the Junior Spring Classic events to showcase the best players in Ontario. Initially, an invitation-only event taking the top 40 boys and top 20 girls in the previous year’s Order of Merit, the Spring Classic allowed them to get a jump on the competition south of the border.
Maintaining the lead through afternoon temperatures near 31 degrees and a humidex of 40, the low round score of the day and champion of the 2021 Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Spring Classic was Lauren Zaretsky (Ladies’ GC of Toronto/ Maple Downs G&CC). With a final score of 7-under (209), Zaretsky played skillfully to put her 10-strokes ahead of silver finalist, Alessandra Nagayo (Public Player). Climbing twelve positions in round two, Nagayo had another good showing of 72 to push her ahead of Ashley Lafontaine (Royal Ottawa GC).
To view the leaderboards from the 2021 Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Spring Classic Championship, visit our Golf Genius page.
For media coverage, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums.
Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Spring Classic,
Shelburne Golf and Country Club
June 28th to 30th
Over the three-day tournament, Golf Ontario and competitors were lucky to avoid forecasted rain at Shelburne Golf and Country Club. Going down to the wire with a playoff, the champion of the 25th Annual Junior Boys’ Spring Classic was Owen Kim (Blue Springs GC).
The Team Ontario athlete drained a 20+ foot birdie on the first playoff hole to defeat fellow Team Ontario teammate, Ryan Somerville (Summit Golf and Country Club), and Andre Zhu (National Pines Golf Club). The trio finished the tournament all eight-under (205) after three days. Following close behind at six-under was Austin Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club). Another trio of competitors finished at -5 (208), including Andreas Diogenous (Whistle Bear Golf Club), also of Team Ontario, Liam Mosher (Hamilton Golf & Country Club), and Tyler Hurtubise (Pointe West Golf Club).
To view the leaderboards from the 2021 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Spring Classic Championship, visit our Golf Genius page.
For media coverage, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums.
About the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships
The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship is contested annually over the Victoria Day long weekend and features many of Ontario’s best male and female junior golfers. The field of competitors gained entry to the competition through a qualifying process earlier in the season.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar,
Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca
Brianna Christopher,
Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
BChristopher@gao.ca
Uxbridge, ON – From sunrise to sunset on October 5th and 7th, participants took on the formidable challenge of the 100 Hole Hike. The 24 golfers from Golf Ontario, Golf Canada, TaylorMade, adidas, 94.9 The Rock, and Golf Talk Canada walked and played one-hundred holes of golf with the proceeds going to support Youth on Course.
New and returning participants accepted the challenge of completing one-hundred holes of golf in one day to raise money and awareness for the amazing initiative that provides access to affordable golf for young boys and girls at over 1,400 facilities in North America. In its third year of operation in Canada, Youth on Course has seen more than 7,000 subsidized rounds played to date, and membership has increased by 9% from an already successful 2020 season. While these results are great for the growth of the game, it is imperative that we continue to raise awareness and funds to support this program, to reach our goal of expanding across the country by 2024.
Fun Facts from the 100 Hole Hike
Of all the associations participating in the 100 Hole Hike across North America, our YOC Ontario Hike currently sits in 8th place out of 17 teams. Pledges will be open online until the end of November if you’d like to support the participants who completed the 100 Hole Hike. To support Youth on Course, you can pledge any amount towards any golfer by visiting the fundraising page here.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for their support of the 2nd Annual 100 Hole Hike. To our wonderful host courses, Brooklea Golf and Country Club and Eldorado Golf Club, thank you for your amazing hospitality. To Ted Reader’s BBQ, Pulse Nutrition, Michael Kelly’s Homemade Cooking & Eatery, MadeGood, Pita Pit, Boston Pizza Midland, Georgian Bay, Labatt Breweries of Canada, and Falcon Brewing Co., thanks for keeping our participants happy, hydrated, and fueled throughout the grueling day. A big shoutout to 94.9 The Rock, Doug Elliot, and Mike Luck for your continued support and amazing exposure to generate awareness of the event and Youth on Course.
Last but not least, a huge thank you to all our sponsors and partners of this great event; Bruce’s Golf, 94.9 The Rock, TaylorMade, adidas, Gus Brown Hyundai, Durham Artificial Grass, Golf Historical Society of Canada, Bollocks Pub & Kitchen, Nikon Canada, Golf Talk Canada, Cadence Music Group, Geared to Golf, Full Line Electronics, Harbourfront Wealth Management, Team Jordan – Lorraine Jordan, Huronia Physiotherapy & Chiropractic, Colin Steingard Photo & Video, Platinum Lighting & Electrical, Home Hardware Pro Contact Services, Chin & Orr Lawyers, Central Taxi Midland, Foresaleon Georgian Bay.ca, Morden Sand & Gravel, The Centre for Psychology & Emotion Regulation, Lefaive Electric Inc, The Mortgage Centre, and Bourgeois Auto Group. We are grateful for your support!
For photos of the 100 Hole Hike, click here.
About Youth on Course
The core purpose of Youth on Course is to provide youth with access to life-changing opportunities through golf. Members play thousands of courses for $5 or less, benefit from employment through the caddie and internship program, and receive college scholarships. Headquartered in Pebble Beach, Youth on Course is a 501(c)3 organization that began as the charitable arm of the Northern California Golf Association. Since 2006, close to one million rounds have been played by Youth on Course members and nearly $2 million has been raised for college scholarships. In the United States, Youth on Course serves Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin, with the goal of delivering affordable golf in all 50 states by 2021. To learn more about YOC, please visit www.youthoncourse.ca.
About Golf Canada
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada, representing 271,000 golfers and 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
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 450 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, growing the game at the grassroots level and getting the game of golf into our school systems, keeping the Ontario golf community aware of all relevant issues, and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to making golf better for everyone in Ontario. We share a love and passion for golf, while preserving its past, fostering its future, and championing golf’s best interests for everyone who enjoys the sport. To learn more, visit www.gao.ca.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca
Brianna Christopher, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
BChristopher@gao.ca
