Can-Am Matches Golf Ontario junior golf pathway team ontario

Team Ontario Narrowly Falls in Can-Am Matches

In a gripping finale at the 24th Can-Am Matches in South Carolina, Team Ontario faced a narrow defeat.

The host team, comprising 16 juniors from South Carolina, emerged victorious at Wachesaw Plantation Club in Murrells Inlet, S.C., with a final score of 37 to 35 over the visiting Ontario squad.

“Sixteen individual matches and it ultimately came down to earning one more point,” says Team Ontario’s head coach Reggie Millage.

During Sunday’s Singles Matches, Team South Carolina clinched a total of 26.5 points, surpassing Team Ontario’s 21.5 points. This outcome was a significant turnaround from Saturday’s mixed Four-Ball Matches, where Ontario had taken the lead with 13.5 to 10.5, setting the stage for an intense showdown in Sunday’s 16 Singles Matches. With 48 points available on the final day, each match offered three points—one each for the front nine, the back nine, and the overall match.

“This is the youngest team I have taken to the Can-Am Matches and they showed their skill, resilience and character,” Millage says. “Although there is some sadness and disappointment, I am very proud of this group and excited for the season ahead.”

The Can-Am Junior Team event kicked off on Friday with the Junior Am event, dinner, and opening ceremonies at Wachesaw Plantation Club, marking a warm welcome for the athletes. The juniors paired with members and event sponsors for a round of golf in a pro-am style.

Team Ontario, the 2019 champions of the Can-Am Matches, showcased a formidable lineup this year, including Alexa Ouellet; Angela Cai; Aryn Matthews; Bridget Yu; Kaprice Park; Nobelle Park; Shelby Hardwick; Wendy Li; Ben Sheridan; Bode Stephen; Chase Jerome; Dawson Lew; Graydon Laughlin; Jordan Hwang; Nathaniel Yoo; Luke Smith, and Rylan Hall.

Notably, past participants in the Can-Am Matches include prominent figures such as Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, Brittany Marchand, Augusta James, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, Bill Haas, Kevin Kisner, Lauren Stephenson, and Jensen Castle.

To follow Team Ontario’s progress in Sunday’s singles matches on social media, check out their profiles on InstagramFacebook and X.

Can-Am Matches Golf Ontario junior golf pathway team ontario

Team Ontario Leads at Can-Matches

Team Ontario holds a lead over South Carolina with a score of 13.5 to 10.5 after the first day of the 24th Can-Am Matches.

The opening day’s eight mixed four-ball matches at Wachesaw Plantation Club in Murrells Inlet, S.C., showcased Team Ontario facing off against their South Carolinian counterparts. The visiting juniors from Ontario seized an early advantage, securing 13.5 out of the available 24 points.

“Today’s matches were incredibly close, yet our cohesive teamwork allowed us to take the lead for the first time in years,” says Team Ontario’s Head Coach, Reggie Millage. “I’m immensely proud of our collective achievement today and look forward to the opportunities tomorrow’s matches will bring.”

Team Ontario’s early lead was bolstered by outstanding mixed-team performances from Angela Cai and Dawson Lew; Alexa Ouellet and Bode Stephen; and Bridget Yu and Rylan Hall.

FOR THE CAN-AM MATCHES LEADERBOARD, CLICK HERE.

The Ontario team, comprising the entire Team Ontario roster, will each participate in one of the 16 singles matches at the Wachesaw Plantation Club. A total of 48 points will be at stake during Sunday’s singles matches, with three points available per match (one point for the front nine, one for the back nine, and one for the overall match). The first team to reach at least 36.5 points will claim victory.

CLICK HERE FOR SUNDAY’S SINGLES MATCHES PAIRINGS.

Team Ontario last clinched the Can-Am Matches in 2019.

The roster for Team Ontario includes Alexa Ouellet; Angela Cai; Aryn Matthews; Bridget Yu; Kaprice Park; Nobelle Park; Shelby Hardwick; Wendy Li; Ben Sheridan; Bode Stephen; Chase Jerome; Dawson Lew; Graydon Laughlin; Jordan Hwang; Nathaniel Yoo; Luke Smith, and Rylan Hall.

Former Can-Am Matches participants include notable figures such as Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, Brittany Marchand, Augusta James, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, Bill Haas, Kevin Kisner, Lauren Stephenson, and Jensen Castle.

To follow Team Ontario’s progress in Sunday’s singles matches on social media, check out their profiles on InstagramFacebook and X.

Can-Am Matches Golf Ontario junior golf pathway team ontario

The 24th Can-Am Matches Tee Off This Weekend

The 24th Can-Am Matches, an annual face-off featuring junior golfers from Ontario against their counterparts from South Carolina, will commence this Saturday at the Wachesaw Plantation Club in Murrells Inlet, S.C.

The Ontario team, composed of 17 players, encompasses the entire Team Ontario Squad. Over the course of two days, they will participate in 24 matches: 8 mixed four-ball matches on Saturday followed by 16 singles matches on Sunday. To claim victory, the winning team needs to secure 36.5 points.

“All our athletes, coaches and staff are excited about this year’s Can-Am Matches versus South Carolina at the beautiful Wachesaw Plantation,” says Team Ontario’s Head Coach Reggie Millage. “This event is truly special because our Team Ontario athletes get to experience competing together as a team,” he says, adding, “the unique format, the special golf course and the unbelievable support from the members and staff at Wachesaw make this one of the most memorable events not only of the season, but in many cases, of these athletes’ entire junior careers.”

Team Ontario’s roster includes Alexa Ouellet; Angela Cai; Aryn Matthews; Bridget Yu; Kaprice Park; Nobelle Park; Shelby Hardwick; Wendy Li; Ben Sheridan; Bode Stephen; Chase Jerome; Dawson Lew; Graydon Laughlin; Jordan Hwang; Nathaniel Yoo; Luke Smith and Rylan Hall.

A Junior-Am event will precede the official start of the matches, allowing Can-Am Matches participants to play alongside event sponsors and members. This will be followed by a dinner and opening ceremonies at the Wachesaw Plantation Club.

For updates and standings, please visit the Can-Am Matches leaderboard by CLICKING HERE.

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TEAM NOTES:

Team Ontario (name, high school graduating year):

Boys:

Girls:


Team South Carolina (name, high school graduating year):

Boys:

Girls:

FAST FACTS:

Venue: Wachesaw Plantation Club. Murrells Inlet, S.C.

Dates: March 16-18

Social Media: @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook and X

Teams: Eight junior boys and eight junior girls from Team Ontario versus eight junior boys and girls from South Carolina

Format: Eight four-ball matches on Day 1 and 16 singles matches on Day 2. One full point is awarded for each victory, while a half-point is earned for matches that are all square after 18 holes. The first team to 36.5 points is the winner.

Pairings: First and second round pairings

Leaderboard: Live updates

Series Record: South Carolina leads 19-4

Notable Can-Am Matches Competitors: Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, Brittany Marchand, Augusta James, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, Bill Haas, Kevin Kisner, Lauren Stephenson and Jensen Castle.

Fun Fact: Wachesaw Plantation Club was home to an LPGA Tour event from 1997-2000.

Can-Am Matches team ontario

Team Ontario Falls Short in Quest to Repeat at Can-Am Matches


Photos Day 1 / Photos Day 2


MURRELS INLET, S.C.— Despite a valiant effort on a beautiful day two, Team Ontario couldn’t catch Team South Carolina, falling 44 ½ -27 ½ at the 2022 Can-Am Matches.

The Matches, held at the Wachesaw Plantation Club in Murrels Inlet, South Carolina, capped off two weeks of training for Team Ontario. Perfect temperatures greeted players on both days and set up some exceptional play despite some gusty periods.

Arriving March 4th, the Team had a great couple of weeks with plenty of practice and team-building, experiencing some of the best courses in Myrtle Beach. Team Ontario was fortunate to play Barefoot Golf ResortAero Club Short CourseThe True Blue Golf ClubThe Reserve Golf Club and Wachesaw Plantation Club. During that time, the Team worked on physical, mental, and technical training while also going through specific testing measures using tracking technology. Other activities during this trip included attending the General Hackler College Invitational from March 12th to 13th to watch NCAA Division 1 schools in action.  

The Can-Am Junior Team festivities teed off Friday with the Junior Am event, dinner, and opening ceremonies welcoming the athletes to Wachesaw Plantation Club. The juniors played a round with members and event sponsors in a pro-am style. Following this, March 19th and 20th saw two days of competitive and challenging golf between the two sides in a quest to claim the historic and prestigious title.

Saturday, the Juniors competed in Four-Ball Match Play with a significant change to the format that made the event even more exciting and unique. The Four-Ball Matches were mixed partners meaning Girl/Boy from Ontario versus Girl/Boy from South Carolina. Sunday brought the return of the classic single matches.

Day one produced some rusty play at times, and although the juniors fought hard throughout the round, saw Team Ontario drop in overall points 17-7.

“Playing in these Matches’ format, things can change drastically very fast,” noted Head Coach Reggie Millage. “I thought our play was decent. It shows we are getting closer and how strong our athletes are. It is a big boost to play well coming out of our winter when you consider South Carolina is in the middle of their season and playing year round.”

The deficit proved too big a hill to climb by the end of day two despite some stellar efforts. Justin Mathews took all 3 points while Emma Hansen, Payton Constible, Ashley Lafontaine, Zach Smith and Ryan Somerville secured 2 ½ points each.

Millage was happy to be back at the event despite the loss. “It was great to be back at Wachesaw after the hiatus to a great venue as always. The kids got to see some great golf and get into a competition they don’t any other time in junior golf.”

Golf Ontario would like to thank all of the courses and their staff and members for hosting the Team. Thanks also to their SCJGA for their continued support of the matches.

About the Can-Am Junior Team Matches (SCJGF)

In the 20 plus years, the Can-Am Junior Team Matches have seen over 125 South Carolina junior golfers who participated in these matches play competitive golf at the collegiate level. A select few of these youngsters have followed up their Can-Am competitions with NCAA National Championships, a FedEx Cup Title, and President’s Cup Team Member! Read more on their website.

About Team Ontario

The Team Ontario program is a unique opportunity for identified athletes in Ontario. They 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 part of the Team O program is a tremendous accomplishment, but the hard work and dedication don’t end there. The Team Ontario program places considerable emphasis on developing lifelong excellence in all facets, including time and self-management, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, tactical strategies, and technical feedback.

Stay Connected: @TheGolfOntario / @TeamOntarioGolf

For more information, please contact:

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing CommunicationsGolf Ontario
pmackellar@gao.ca

Reggie Millage, Head Coach – Team Ontario
rmillage@gao.ca

Can-Am Matches team ontario

Team Ontario Returns to South Carolina to Defend Junior Can-Am Matches Title

Uxbridge, ON – March has arrived, which means it’s time to let the madness begin… Golf madness, that is! As the 2019 defending champions of the Can-Am Junior Team Matches, Team Ontario will start their journey down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on March 4th for just over two weeks of training camp and competition. 

Our gracious host, the South Carolina Golf Association, will welcome Team Ontario back to Wachesaw Plantation Club for three days of competition to defend their 2019 title. Following two years of cancelled Can-Am Junior Team Matches, Team Ontario’s Head Coach, Reggie Millage, is excited for the athletes to gain this golf experience. They’ll put their skills to the test against the top eight junior boys and girls from South Carolina. “The Can-Am Matches are always one of the most anticipated events on the calendar for the athletes, coaches and staff at Golf Ontario,” explained Millage. “The last two years have been very challenging, making this year’s Matches even more special. I believe we are even more grateful and appreciative to have these opportunities. I can’t wait to get back to one of my favourite places at Wachesaw Plantation and reconnect with all the wonderful people that make this event happen.”

“The last two years have been very challenging, making this year’s Matches even more special. I believe we are even more grateful and appreciative to have these opportunities.”

Reggie Millage, Team Ontario Head Coach

Starting March 5th, our partner Play Golf Myrtle Beach and the stunning Barefoot Golf Resort will host Team Ontario for thirteen days of training camp. During this time, the Team will work on physical, mental, and technical training, while also going through specific testing measures using tracking technology. Other activities during this trip include attending the General Hackler College Invitational from March 12th to 13th to watch NCAA Division 1 schools in action. 

All twenty Team Ontario athletes will attend the training camp and Can-Am Matches. From the girls’ side is, Alessandra Nagayo, Alissa Xu, Ashley Lafontaine, Emma Hansen, Krystal Li, Lindsay McGrath, Nyah Kelly, Peyton Costabile, Sarah Gallagher, and Tara O’Connor. Andreas Diogenous, Cameron Pero, Isaiah Ellis, Isaiah Ibit, Justin Matthews, Luke Smith, Michael Weber, Ryan Somerville, Thomas Latter, and Zach Smith will all be present on the boys’ side. 

Head Coach Reggie Millage will join these athletes along with Sports Psychologist Charles Fitzsimmons, Dr. Bradley Murray, Director of Competitions and Performance John Lawrence, Junior Performance Coordinator Evan Arsenault, Regional Coordinator Alexandra Taylor, and Manager of Marketing and Communications Peter MacKellar. In addition, Ontario Golf Academy’s (Whistle Bear Golf Club) Development Coach and former Team Ontario athlete Alyssa Getty, PGA, will also be making the journey to Myrtle Beach.

The Can-Am Junior Team Matches will tee off on March 18th with the Junior Am event, dinner, and opening ceremonies to welcome the athletes to Wachesaw Plantation Club. Juniors will play a round with members and event sponsors in a pro-am style for the Junior Am event. Following this, March 19th and 20th will be best-ball matches and single matches. More details and coverage will be published as training camp and competition gets underway.

To follow along with the Team Ontario’s South Carolina experience and the Can-Am Junior Team Matches, check out the Team’s (@TeamGolfOntario) Twitter and Instagram accounts for live updates and coverage. 

About the Can-Am Junior Team Matches (SCJGF)

In the 20 plus years, the Can-Am Junior Team Matches have seen over 125 South Carolina junior golfers who had participated in these matches go on to play competitive golf at the collegiate level. A select few of these youngsters have followed up their Can-Am competitions with NCAA National Championships, a FedEx Cup Title, and President’s Cup Team Member! Read more on their website.

Stay Connected: @TheGolfOntario / @TeamOntarioGolf

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. For further information, visit our website.


For more information, please contact:

Peter MacKellar,
Manager, Marketing CommunicationsGolf Ontario
pmackellar@gao.ca

Brianna Christopher,
Assistant, Marketing Communications – Golf Ontario
bchristopher@gao.ca

Can-Am Matches team ontario

Team South Carolina beats Team Ontario in Can/Am Matches

MYRTLE BEACH, SC— It was a tough couple of days on the course, but a successful week of training, for the Golf Association of Ontario’s (GAO) U19 Team Ontario as they competed in the 16th annual Can/Am Matches against South Carolina in Myrtle Beach. Team Ontario last won the competition back in 2010, but their drought continued in 2014 as South Carolina won with an overall point total of 252 to 180.

The team had the opportunity to train earlier during the week at various courses around Myrtle Beach. Team Ontario had nothing but positive things to say about their hosts for the week and thanked all of the courses the team played and trained at. “Many thanks to great hospitality shown to our team from the staff and members of the Wachesaw Plantation Club throughout the week,” said Manager of Sport Performance Mary Ann Hayward. “Also, a big thanks to the golf courses that hosted us earlier in the week: Debordieu Golf Club, The Reserve Golf Club and The Dunes Golf and Beach Club. Thanks as well to the Legends Golf Resort and True Blue Plantation for allowing our team to train at the facilities.”

On the first day of competition (March 15), the teams competed in best-ball matches. Only one Team Ontario pair won their match as Tony Gill and Sam McNulty beat their opponents 10-8. Carter Simon and Max Sear lost 10.5-7.5, Trevor Ranton and Chad Watts Denyes fell 11.5-6.5, Conner Watt and Brendan Seys were downed 11-7, Alyssa Getty and Grace St-Germain took a 10.5-7.5 loss, Annika Haynes and Samantha Spencer fell 11.5-6.5, Kennedy Bodfield and Claire Hernandez lost 12-6 and Monet Chun and Ana Peric lost by that same score.

After the best-ball matches, South Carolina held an 87-57 lead, meaning Team Ontario had their work cut out for them in the singles matches. However, a grand comeback was not in the cards as they could muster only one win and a trio of ties during the second day.

“It was another tough day (March 16) for our Ontario Team,” said Hayward. “Although we battled back in several matches, the South Carolina Team would once again prevail. Grace St-Germain, Max Sear and Samantha Spencer all rallied back on their back nines but would still fall short in their matches. Ana Peric played solidly and tied her match.  Both Tony Gil and Trevor Ranton holed putts on their final hole to tie their respective matches.”

Even though the team did not bring back the title, there were many positives from the event. No doubt the story for Team Ontario was a day-two singles match win by 13-year-old Monet Chun. Chun took her match by a score of 11-7 while shooting one-under par, the first time she has broken par in a competition. Her feat was even more impressive considering the weather conditions the athletes faced during the second day of competition. “The weather was less than ideal today – with heavy rain for the latter part of the day.  We were impressed by the grit shown by our players today as they all fought hard to the very end,” said Hayward.

As for the rest of the day-two results, it was Peric, Ranton and Gil all drawing their matches with scores of 9-9, Haynes was beaten 10.5-7.5, Hernandez fell 11-7, Bodfield took a 12.5-5.5 loss, Getty was defeated 11-7, Spencer and St-Germain both took 10.5-7.5 losses, McNulty lost 11-7, Denyes and Seys were both narrowly beaten 9.5-8.5, Sear took a 10.5-7.5 loss, Watt was beaten 13-5 and Simon lost 11.5-6.5.