ALBERTON— It was a dramatic finish to the 2017 Ontario Men’s Champion of Champions on May 16, from Heron Point Golf Links in Alberton. After 18 holes, two players found themselves tied with rounds of two-under (69). Brooklin’s Ashley Chinner and Oakville’s Mike Kray both went back out to the 18th hole to try and determine a winner.
During the playoff, Chinner’s tee shot found the middle of the fairway, while Kray, from Rattlesnake Point Golf Club, was in the rough with a tough angle to the green. However, he recovered nicely and landed his second shot on the green. Chinner, a Coppinwood member, also had a solid approach, which landed inside of Kray’s shot. Kray left his birdie putt just short, giving Chinner a chance for the win. Chinner stepped up and sank the putt, earning the championship.
Afterwards, Chinner talked about the putt and how his short game helped him in the win. “Sinking that putt felt good. I had the right line and I just had to hit it. The greens were a little slow today, but still very good for May 15th. I putted and chipped well. I didn’t hit many greens, so I really had to putt and chip well.”
Kray picked up the silver medal, while the bronze went to the 2016 Ontario Mid-Amateur Champion, Oakville’s Matthew Sim (Mississaugua Golf & Country Club) who shot an even par (71).
In the Senior Men’s Champion of Champions, things were less dramatic but still showcased some of the great skill from around the province. When all was said and done it was Burlington’s Mike Fernie who stood alone atop the leaderboard. Fernie, from Burlington Golf & Country Club, shot an even par (71) to win the title.
“This is a very good win for me,” said Fernie. “It was a very strong field and it is good to see that, early in the season, I can perform against them. I have had some other championship wins but this is certainly up there.”
Finishing second was Toronto’s Robert Gibson. The Cedar Brae Golf Club member shot a three-over (74). Rounding out the podium was a three-way tie for the bronze. The medal was share by London’s Douglas Alexander, Strathroy’s Philip Cole and Owen Sound’s Steve Irving. All three players shot a four-over (75).
For more information, including the final leaderboard for the Men’s Champion of Champions visit the tournament site at: https://gao.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gao17/event/gao17129/index.htm. For complete information on the Senior Men’s Champion of Champions visit: https://gao.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gao17/event/gao17128/index.htm.
Golf Ontario would like to thank Heron Point Golf Links and Clublink, along with their staff, for hosting the event. Thanks also to the Golf Ontario volunteers for their continued support of golf in the province.
About the Ontario Men’s Champion of Champions
The Ontario Men’s Champion of Champions was first contested in 1946 and features men’s club champions from Golf Ontario member clubs across the province. Past champions of the event 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.
About the Senior Men’s Champion of Champion
The Ontario Senior Men’s Champion of Champions was first contested in 1970 and features senior men’s club champions age 55 and over from Golf Ontario member clubs across the province. Past champions include: Nick Weslock, Ed Ervasti and Patrick Suraj, who won the event a record six times.
