Golf Ontario Announces Alexandra Taylor as New Manager of Junior Performance
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, Ontario – Golf Ontario is delighted to announce the appointment of Alexandra Taylor as the Manager of Junior Performance. In this pivotal role, Alexandra will be responsible for managing the strategy for Golf Ontario’s Junior Performance program.
Taylor has been an integral member of the Golf Ontario team since 2021, supporting and implementing GO’s Regional Support Strategy as Regional Coordinator as well as assisting Team Ontario as a coach and mentor.
As the Manager of Junior Performance, Alexandra will manage all of our junior golf initiatives, including the delivery of the Junior Golf Pathway, Junior Tour relations, Player ID, Next Wave athlete development, and the coordination for Team Ontario. With a commitment to nurturing a positive and encouraging environment, Taylor will play a key role in shaping lives through golf.
“With a true passion for the game and a proven drive to support young athletes in reaching their highest potential, we are thrilled to have Alex take on this role,” said Golf Ontario’s Director of Competitions and Performance, John Lawrence.
Taylor expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating, “I am honoured and thrilled to take on the role of Manager of Junior Performance at Golf Ontario. Junior golfers represent the future of the sport, and I am committed to providing them with the best possible support and guidance to help them achieve their full potential. I am honoured to be appointed to this position and I am eager to contribute my skills and dedication to the success of junior golfers in Ontario. I believe through collaboration and innovation, we can elevate our program to new heights.”
Alexandra’s passion began as a junior where she competed in the Drive, Chip and Putt National Championships with her two older brothers. She then continued to develop as an athlete by competing on the Niagara Junior Tour, Ontario Summer Games team as well as Golf Ontario and Golf Canada Championships. After her junior golf journey, Alexandra was an NCAA golfer achieving 3 time All-Conference Golfer at Grand Valley State University in Michigan where her team participated in the NCAA DII National Championship three out of her four years. Alex continues to enjoy playing at a high level, competing in Provincial and National Amateur Championships.
Taylor is set to begin her new role, effective November 20th, 2023.
For more information about Golf Ontario’s junior golf initiatives and upcoming events, please visit https://juniorgolfpathway.ca/
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Foresight Sports Canada renews Multi-Year Agreement as an “Official Sponsor” of Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario
September 21st, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Uxbridge – Golf Ontario is pleased to announce a multi-year sponsorship renewal with Foresight Sports Canada. The commitment from Foresight has many layers, including being recognized as the “Official Launch Monitor and Golf Simulator Partner” of Golf Ontario, and continuing as a “Founding Partner of the Junior Golf Pathway”.
To celebrate the renewal of the agreement and demonstrate their commitment to the ongoing development of the Junior Golf Pathway, the company is also the “Presenting Sponsor” of the inaugural Golf Ontario Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament taking place at FireRock on September 25th in conjunction with the Ontario Super Camp and Junior (U19) Tour Championship also presented by Foresight Sports Canada.
Foresight is a global leader in the development of golf performance, entertainment, and game enhancement solutions and is known as one of “The Most Trusted Launch Monitors in the World”. Their products support golfers to Play Smart, Play Anytime, Play Anywhere and Play Healthy. Across North America, the company supports the ongoing development of junior golfers through their industry leading UpNext™ program, which is their new Junior Player Development Program specifically designed to connect today’s best and most passionate players with our game-changing technology.
Ryan Finn, Chief Sport Officer with Golf Ontario remarked that, “Golf Ontario is committed to developing the next wave of talented junior golfers from across the Junior Golf Pathway. To have the full support of Foresight Sports Canada, as a partner in providing best in class technology that has a direct impact on the coaching and development of so many young aspiring golfers is invaluable.”
In announcing the renewal, Aaron Hardy of Foresight Sports Canada said, “We are thrilled to partner with Golf Ontario and share access to our world-class products with their participants and members. We are particularly passionate about supporting the next wave of junior golfers as you can see by the many areas of Golf Ontario’s programming that we support.”
About Foresight Sports Canada
The exclusive distributor of industry leading sports measurement and analysis technologies for Entertainment and Coaching applications from leading global brands Foresight Sports, Swing Catalyst and PuttView.
Foresight products include launch monitors, simulators, performance/entertainment software, and smart mobility solutions for a variety of sports and games. Foresight Sports first golf launch monitor, the GC2 “Game Changer” Smart Camera System was introduced to the market in 2010 and within six years became the best-selling professional-grade launch monitor ever created.
In 2017, Foresight Sports unveiled its ground-breaking four-camera GCQuad launch monitor. Featuring complete ball, club head, and putting data in a compact and portable unit, the GCQuad set a whole new standard of accuracy for performance analytics, and has been awarded Golf Digest’s Editors’ Choice Award for Best Launch Monitor for four consecutive years. The GCQuad has also become the launch monitor of choice for more PGA Tour players, top golf retailers and manufactures, and coaches and fitters than any other technology.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Borovilos And Ouellet Win The Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship At Rockway Vineyards
Golf Ontario
St. Catharines, ON — The 41st annual Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship saw 64 golfers battle it out through tough rainy conditions in the 18-hole competition at the scenic Rockway Vineyards Golf Course.
Vanessa Borovilos + Alexa Ouellet (Weston Golf & Country Club Ltd)took home first place and successfully defended their title after shooting a tournament record 12-under-par score of (60). Claiming second place is Meredith Fairbairn + Alexandra Taylor(Cutten Fields, Cherry Hill Club) who finished the second round with a score of (65). Close by in third place after a tight competition with a score of (66) is Michelle P. Ding + Sarah Yang(Station Creek Golf Club, Heron Point Golf Links).
First place in the Net division was captured by Cindy Wegg + Shelley Lothian1(Cardinal Lakes Golf Club, Rockway Vineyards) with an impressive score of (63). In second place 1 shot back were Candice Higgs + Leona Mitchell(Golf Ontario Members) who shot a score of (64). In third place, there was a tie between Ashley Lalonde + Wesley Janzen (Whistle Bear Golf Club) and Joanne Noble + Kristy Henry (Mad River Golf Club & Weston Golf & Country Club) who shot a (65)
Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2023 Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship. Thank you to Rockway Vineyards Golf Course for hosting this amazing event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners for supporting golf across Ontario.
For media coverage of the 2023 Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. For the full leaderboard, please visit our official tournament website here.
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. The event awards teams in a gross and net team competition. Notable champions of the event include Susan Wickware (1993, 1994, 1998, 2009), Judith Allan-Kyrinis (1996, 2009), Mary-Ann Hayward (2002, 2005, 2006, 2007), Terrill Samuel (2001), Ivy Steinberg (2018) and Alexa Ouellet & Vanessa Borovilos (2022).
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Rockway Vineyards Hosts The Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, ON — On Monday, September 18th, the beautiful Rockway Vineyards Golf Course in St. Catharines welcomes 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 an 18-hole four-ball competition. Awards will be presented to the top three teams in both gross & net competitions. The field of 64 players competing this year will take to the scenic course in hopes of leaving as champions.
Notables in the field include defending champions Alexa Ouellet (Team Ontario member) and Vanessa Borovilos (Team Canada Next Gen member). Vanessa Borovilos most recently secured a victory at the Golf Canada – Next Gen Selection Camp, further solidifying her status as a noteworthy contender deserving of close attention. Competing together from the Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is 2023 runner-up, Alex Taylor, and the third-place competitor, Meredith Fairbairn. Fairbairn also competed this past week at the U.S Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship where she advanced to the round of 64. Additional teams to watch out for are the Team Ontario pair of Emily McKee and Joline Truong, as well as the seasoned pair consisting of Ivy Steinberg, another past champion in the field who won the event in 2018, she’ll be competing alongside Jayne Chalmers fighting to win the event for a second time.
Nestled in the middle of Niagara’s Wine Country, overlooked by the Niagara Escarpment, Rockway Vineyards Golf Course stands as a testament to the beauty of Ontario and exceptional golfing experiences. This meticulously maintained 18-hole course offers golfers an opportunity to test their skills in a picturesque setting.
The field takes to the course for a 1:30 pm shotgun start. For more information on the tournament, please visit our official tournament website here.
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. The event awards teams in a gross and net team competition. Notable champions of the event include Susan Wickware (1993, 1994, 1998, 2009), Judith Allan-Kyrinis (1996, 2009), Mary-Ann Hayward (2002, 2005, 2006, 2007), Terrill Samuel (2001), Ivy Steinberg (2018) and Alexa Ouellet & Vanessa Borovilos (2022).
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Sobottka and Perkins Win The 2023 Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile
Golf Ontario
Toronto, ON – Heavy rain greeted competitors this morning for the second round of the 2023 Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile at Don Valley Golf Course. The second round concluded with Nachcha Perkins claiming the ladies’ title by 17 strokes and Paul Sobottka(Toronto) winning the men’s side in a thrilling playoff against Ben Snaidero(Burlington).
In the Men’s Low Gross overall division, Paul Sobottka(Toronto) took home first place after a repeat score of (71) with one birdie. Claiming second place is Ben Snaidero(Burlington) who finished the second round with an even-par (72). There was a two-way tie for third place as Devin Bartlett(Cambridge), and Jacob Robitaille (Penetanguishene) both finished with a total two-day score of (143). First place in the B flight was captured by Ivan Wardman(Mississauga) who had a score of net two-under-par (70) and had five birdies. The C flight was won by Robert Fulton(East York) who finished the round with a repeat score of net 75 with four birdies.
Winning the Women’s Low Gross division with a score of 73 and four birdies is Nachcha Perkins(Oakville). Jenna Power(Georgetown) finished second place in the gross division after shooting a score of (80) with one birdie. Following behind in Third place after finishing the second round with a score of (93) is Lori Steenson(Newmarket). Jenna Power(Georgetown) won the net women’s division by 1 stroke as she was net +7 for the tournament.
Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2023 Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile. Thank you to Don Valley Golf Course for hosting this amazing event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners for their support of golf across Ontario.
For media coverage of the 2023 Ontario Public Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. For the full leaderboard, visit our tournament website.
About the Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile
The Ontario Public Amateur Championship was first played in 1954 at Don Valley Golf Course. Past winners include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Member Dave Bunker (2009, 2010), Robert Mclean (2021), Arnold Johnson (2015, 2011), Peter Willis (2014), Gail Pimm (2015) and Nobelle Park (2022). Mill Run Golf Club (Uxbridge, ON) has hosted the tournament a record nine times.
The Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile 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.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Sunny Start To The 2023 Baka Mobile Ontario Public Amateur Championship.
Golf Ontario
Toronto, ON- Sunny skies and beautiful conditions made for a great start to the 2023 Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile at Don Valley Golf Course. The first round concluded as Jager Pain (Woodbridge) and Nachcha Perkins(Oakville) lead their overall divisions.
In the Men’s Low Gross overall division, Jager Pain (Woodbridge) leads after shooting an impressive 6-under par (66) which included eight birdies. Following close behind is Ben Snaidero(Burlington) who finished at 2-under par with a score of (70). There is a three-way tie for third place as Devin Bartlett(Cambridge), Connor Parker(Toronto), and Paul Sobottka(Toronto) all finished with 1-under par (71). The B flight has two competitors tied for First; Ivan Wardman(Mississauga) and Robert Love(Toronto), both with a score of two-over-par (74). The C flight is led by Nick Moskun(Georgetown) who finished the round with a score of (73) with five birdies.
Leading the Women’s Low Gross division with four-over-par and two birdies is Nachcha Perkins(Oakville). Lori Steenson(Newmarket) finished round one in second place in the gross division with a score of (83) with two birdies. Following closely behind in Third place is Jenna Power(Georgetown) who finished the round with a score of (87). Power had the shot of the day as she holed out for an impressive eagle from the fairway on hole #4 from 167 yards out. Lori Steenson currently leads the net division by an impressive 8 strokes as she was net -1 on the day.
The second and final round will begin at 8 am September 12th off the 1st tee. For more information on the championship and to follow the leaderboard, click here for the official tournament website.
About the Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile
The Ontario Public Amateur Championship was first played in 1958 at Don Valley Golf Course. Past winners include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Member Dave Bunker (2009, 2010), Robert Mclean (2021), Arnold Johnson (2015, 2011), Peter Willis (2014), Gail Pimm (2015) and Nobelle Park (2022). Mill Run Golf Club (Uxbridge, ON) has hosted the tournament a record nine times.
The Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile 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.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Don Valley Golf Course Welcomes Back The 2023 Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile.
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, ON – Golfers return to Don Valley Golf Course for the 8th time to compete in the 2023 Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile from September 11th to 12th. Ninety-nine golfers will compete over 36 holes of championship stroke play, male players will be in competition for three flights of championship titles and women golfers will play in Gross and Net Competition.
Don Valley, the seven-time host, located in the heart of Toronto offers a variety of holes with a reputation for its exciting natural setting. With its highly sought-after tee times and year-round beauty, Don Valley Golf Course sets the stage for another year of fierce competition. Last year’s overall men’s champion Michael Naus, will be returning to defend his title.
This tournament is open to players of the Golf Ontario Public Player Program and members of a semi-public golf course. Golfers will compete in three separate flights of competition, with the A flight competing in a gross competition, while the B and C flights will play in a net competition. Golfers in the B flight will also have an opportunity to compete in the overall competition.
Tee times begin at 8 am September 11th off the 1st tee. For more information on the championship and to follow the leaderboard, click here for the official tournament website.
About the Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile
The Ontario Public Amateur Championship was first played in 1958 at Don Valley Golf Course. Past winners include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Member Dave Bunker (2009, 2010), Robert Mclean (2021), Arnold Johnson (2015, 2011), Peter Willis (2014), Gail Pimm (2015) and Nobelle Park (2022). Mill Run Golf Club (Uxbridge, ON) has hosted the tournament a record nine times.
The Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile 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.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Call for Expressions of Interest: Board of Directors
Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario, the Provincial Sport Organization for Golf, is currently seeking interested individuals to serve on the Board of Directors for a three-year term commencing February 2024.
If you have a strong passion for the sport of Golf and believe that it can contribute to building healthy communities, we would like to hear from you. We are searching for strategic thinkers with demonstrated expertise and experience in Community Development through Sport and/or Government Relations. Knowledge of the amateur sport system in Ontario, including the infrastructure of golf, would be highly valued. We are committed to making golf more accessible and welcoming to diverse populations and would encourage like-minded individuals to apply.
Our Vision is a simple but powerful statement: Golf for All. This Vision is brought to life in our Strategic Plan, through unique participation initiatives such as the Regional Support Strategy. We are committed to building trusting relationships with our facilities and our golf partners so that together we can expand participation opportunities not only for current players but also for those who have never had the opportunity to play the game.
The role of a Golf Ontario Board member is to act as a trustee, always serving the best interests of the organization with integrity and an open mind. The Board is responsible for upholding our by-laws, determining policy, developing and evaluating strategic priorities, and approving annual budgets.
The Board currently consists of 11 directors serving staggered three-year terms, with an option to extend for a second three-year term. We will welcome 3 new directors in 2024. In-person Board meetings are hosted quarterly (travel and accommodation reimbursement provided), while quarterly Board committee and work group meetings are held virtually.
Expressions of Interest must include the following:
• Online application form and
• Current CV (Instructions for uploading your documents are included on the application form).
The application deadline for the coming year is October 31, 2023.
With over 80 years of history and tradition, serving 100,000 members, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. We strive to align with all golf stakeholders through a connected golf community while encouraging both youth and adults to play more golf, more often. Our Mission is to shape lives through golf by connecting people to positive golf experiences.
Golf Ontario is an equal-opportunity organization committed to providing accessible practices. We will make all reasonable accommodations for applicants with varying abilities to support their full participation in this process. We thank all individuals for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All Expressions of Interest will be kept in confidence.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
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.
Golf Ontario Celebrates Women in Golf on International Women’s Day
Golf Ontario
We caught up with just some of the passionate girls and women across our community recently, and asked them to share what it means to them to be a woman in golf in Ontario, and if there was a moment in their golf experience that made a major impact on them.
Barbara allan, volunteer -golf ontario & golf canada
We know that sport has the power to change lives. Girls who play golf tend to learn teamwork, self- reliance, resilience and confidence. All powerful skills that can create great leaders. I love watching young women playing golf and I’m very proud to be associated with both Golf Ontario and Golf Canada who provide so many opportunities for both young and older women to learn the sport, compete in the sport and to support the sport. We are so fortunate in Ontario to have many excellent female role models as players, as coaches, as volunteers, as golf course owners and even as golf course architects. And, as we all know, “if you can’t see, you can’t be it”. So on March 8th, let’s celebrate all that International Women’s Day means to golf and to all the opportunities that we have and can continue to create for female golfers. “Play like a Girl”
krystal li, team ontario 2023
Growing up, media coverage for the LPGA tour was not very big. Only recently, it started to change and women in golf are beginning to gain the attention and recognition they truly deserve. As a woman in golf, I believe I have the opportunity to represent this community to further develop the game for future generations. The sport has given me many new opportunities to grow and learn invaluable skills. I hope to inspire other girls to become more involved in sports and continue the progress we are making for female athletes today.
Emma Hansen (right) Team ontario 2023
I always felt like golf was always a very male dominated sport, I didn’t know many other female golfers and women’s golf was almost never broadcasted on TV. I’m glad to say that female golf is gaining its proper recognition now, and it means the world to me that I am a part of the generation where female golf is growing immensely. Golf means the world to me, and I am so proud that I am able to represent females in golf for Ontario. I hope that my fellow female competitors and I can continue being role models for the female golfers in the making.
swetha sathish, 2022 ontario jr. (u19) girls champion
Women in Sports have come a long way in the last few years with pay raises, more tournaments/tours, and more recognition on television. One of the sports that I have seen the most improvement in is golf. There is so much talent for women in sports and in golf right now, and I think we can prove to the world that we should be recognized. Women in Golf is an awesome movement to bring more women into this sport and help them feel belonged, and I think Golf Ontario is doing a great job by promoting this event every year and helping it grow. The more we can teach and get women interested in golf, the more we can help this sport grow in all parts of the world for everyone!
In my family tree, I am the only female athlete to have come far enough to play in provincial, national, and international tournaments at a junior age. I have tremendous support from my whole family and our friends. But, the most support I get is from my little cousins! They love to ask me about my tournaments and find out if I have won, and watch me play. They are so interested to learn and play golf when they grow up and go play in these high-level tournaments. When they ask me if I can teach them golf, and they say “I want to be like you when I grow up,” it inspires and motivates me to become better every day. I think to myself that one day I will be inspiring many more little girls to start playing golf, and grow this sport for the girls out there that can truly bring out their talent!
leslie ferrari, golf ontario president
I joined my golf club shortly after graduating and I didn’t know a soul. Over the past 47 years, I have participated in many events, draws and competitions. I started without a handicap and I’m now a single digit golfer. Most importantly, I have met hundreds of people through golf some I include in my family circle. These lasting connections will last a lifetime.
nancy bertrand, golf ontario board director
I think it is very important for women in business to participate in golf. Personally I started to golf when I first started at a law firm and the men left to go golfing but the women were not invited. Many women miss out on important business development and mentoring opportunities when they don’t know how to golf. Learning to golf is not only enjoyable but can be very helpful in a woman’s longer term career objectives.
Aja crawford, golf ontario cfo
Golf has and continues to play a significant role in my life, in wonderful and meaningful ways. Starting back as a student, I fondly recall enjoying the landscape and sunshine of Ontario summers outdoors on the golf course on a beverage cart. In my professional career as a finance professional, I have had the fortune of occupying leadership roles at member golf facilities, and at present here at Golf Ontario. Our vision of Golf for All and mission to shape lives by connecting people to positive golf experiences are statements that resonate, and are congruent with my personal values and philanthropic desires. Our association’s path forward is exciting!
As a Woman working in Golf, I am driven to be a positive influence and supporter of others in both the accounting profession and in business management, particularly in sport. In my personal life, golf talk continues – my husband also works in the golf industry as a Turfgrass Professional, we met nearly 20 years ago on course, sharing many friends in this wonderful industry. Today we raise our two young children with an active lifestyle, and cherish the memories we make as a family together, often on the golf course.
Amanda cookson, director of golf – Firerock & regional manager, golf ontario
For me this means so much more than just women playing the great game of golf. I would love to see in future years more women in the business of golf, whether that be reporting, managing or even creating golf courses. I am most excited to see Golf Ontario venture into creating hype over working in golf and all the benefits that come along with the game!
I will never forget the time when we hosted the 2019 University College National Championship and a players parents came up to me to say how their daughter couldn’t believe that it was a woman in charge of running the facility. Throughout the week I had many young ladies ask me about my career path and how I came to hold my position in golf. This was encouraging for me as they now can see someone who they can relate to in a senior leadership position as well as opening the conversation surrounding female empowerment in sport.
This International Women’s Day, Golf Ontario celebrates and acknowledges all the many contributions made by these young girls and women that are just a small part of the fabric of our golf community across Ontario. We thank them for being part of our mission to shape lives by creating positive golf experiences for all.
