Uxbridge, ON – Under sunny skies, the final round of the shortened Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic Championship came down to a nail-biting finish.
Ben MacLean (Cherry Hill Club) and Nathaniel Gray-Lamont (Cutten Fields) battled it out head-to-head to take the top spot in this year’s Boys Spring Classic. MacLean was masterful with his putter today, making the majority of putts on his round, including an impressive eagle on the 4th hole. He would birdie four times on the back nine and shoot ten-under (134) for the tournament. Gray-Lamont would come up just one stroke behind at nine-under (135). Tied in third place were Matthew Javier (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) and day one leader Ellis Kinnaird (Mississippi Golf Club) at five-under (139).
Heading onto the 18th hole, MacLean carried a one-stroke advantage over fellow group member Gray-Lamont who would settle for par. MacLean’s approach was to 20 feet from the hole, leaving him a safe two-putt for both par and the win.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for their support of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic Championship. To Wooden Sticks Golf Club, and its staff, thank you for hosting this amazing event even after being faced with many issues over the past few days. A huge thank you to the volunteers, as you are extremely valuable and we appreciate the time you take out of your week in particular to assist. Lastly, a huge thank you to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, 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, and Sport Travel. We are grateful for your continued support.
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 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.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season. Our complete 2022 Championship schedule can be found here.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Fenwick, ON – The Junior Girls (U19) Spring Classic at Sawmill Golf Course came down to the last hole of play today before a champion could be declared. Lindsay McGrath, a Team Ontario member, birdied eighteen dramatically and broke a three-way tie leading up to that hole to walk away with the hardware.
Sunny cool skies saw a tight leaderboard throughout the day as the girls battled back and forth to hang on to the lead. McGrath (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club) would fire a stellar tournament low four-under (68) that included six birdies. Mekenna Kehoe (West Haven Golf & Country Club) also recorded a 68 on her day to secure second place. Following one stroke behind in third was Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club) after a one-under (71). McGrath would also take the Juvenile (U17) award that is presented at this championship. Team Ontario had a strong showing with eight members finishing in the top 15.
To view the full leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for their support of the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Spring Classic Championship. To Sawmill Golf Club and the Julie Family, and all their hard-working staff, thank you for hosting at such a beautifully maintained course. A big thank you to the volunteers, as you are extremely valuable and we appreciate the time you take out of your week to assist. Lastly, a huge thank you to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, 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, and Sport Travel. We are grateful for your continued support.
Uxbridge, ON – After heavy storms cancelled the original day one, the boys were eager to tee off in the Junior Boys Spring Classic Championship this long weekend. Competitors played 18 holes today and will play another 18 tomorrow to determine the winner of the WD Randolph Millage trophy.
The boys were excited to get onto the course and were quite lucky as the sun was out for most of the day. Golfers had to fight off some wind but that didn’t seem to be an issue for our day one leaders.
Going into tomorrow, we have a very tight leaderboard for the number one spot. Ellis Kinnaird (Mississippi Golf Club) leads all, sitting at five-under (67) on the day. Ben MacLean (Cherry Hill Club) and Nathaniel Gray-Lamont (Cutten Fields) are both right behind at four-under (68). Four competitors are also closely behind at three-under, including Team Ontario golfer Zachary Smith (Brampton Golf Club) who round was highlighted with a gorgeous eagle on the 4th.
The Final round will continue tomorrow (Tuesday) with tee times starting at 7:30 am. To view full tee times and follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
About the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships
The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship is contested annually usually 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.
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 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.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season. Our complete 2022 Championship schedule can be found here.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Fenwick, ON – Moving day of the Junior Girls (U19) Spring Classic (U19) at Sawmill Golf Course saw the weather and the play heat up. Thankfully after a wet and rainy start to the round, the sun came out and provided a beautiful Sunday backdrop that allowed the girls to shine.
A tight leaderboard heading into the day saw a major opportunity for players to make up ground. The back nine brought out eagles and a plethora of birdies as the girls jostled for the lead heading into tomorrow’s final round. Tied for the lead after round two are Team Ontario member Ashley Lafontaine (Royal Ottawa Golf Club) and Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club) at +3 overall after both shooting even par (72) today. Right behind them at +4 are Carlee Meilleur (Players Club – Ottawa) and fellow Team Ontario teammate Lindsay McGrath (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club). Eight more players sit within six strokes to shape things up for an exciting third day.
Final round action resumes tomorrow (Sunday) with the opening tee time at 11 am. To view full tee times and follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
Junior Boys Spring Classic Update: After the opening round was cancelled today, the Town of Uxbridge is still under a State of Emergency, due to yesterday’s severe storm. Crews are working hard throughout the town continuing cleanup efforts and getting power reconnected.
We are hoping that we see good news by later tonight or tomorrow morning regarding the power coming back on at Wooden Sticks Golf Course.
In order for the event to begin as previously communicated this morning, the power at the golf course must be restored. The facility cannot open to us if that does not happen.
Another update will be provided tomorrow morning as soon as possible and no later than 10:00 am.
About the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships
The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship is contested annually usually 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.
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 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.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season. Our complete 2022 Championship schedule can be found here.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Fenwick, ON – The first round of the Junior Girls (U19) Spring Classic (U19) kicked off both the Victoria Day weekend and the 2022 Golf Ontario Championship Season. The Championship running from May 21-23 at Sawmill Golf Course, features many of Ontario’s best under 19 female golfers.
Players were greeted with a variety of playing conditions throughout the day, starting with sunny skies before quickly hit with harsh winds and humidity as the day went on. It was topped off with a 55-minute play delay as rain and dark skies made a late appearance.
The heat brought out some better scores on the back nine after the wind died down. Leading after round one is Nobelle Park (Hidden Lake GC) with a solid one-over (73). Right behind her in a four-way tie for second place at two-over are Sarah Gallagher (Trafalgar G&CC), Lindsay McGrath (Rattlesnake Point GC), Alessandra Nagayo (Ladies’ GC of Toronto) and Mekenna Kehoe (West Haven G&CC). Four more players sit another stroke back at three-over. Play resumes tomorrow (Sunday) with the second round starting tee time at 11 am.
To view full tee times and follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
About the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships
The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship is contested annually usually 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.
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 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.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season. Our complete 2022 Championship schedule can be found here.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
The 2022 Golf Ontario Championship Season Kicks off Victoria Day Weekend with Junior Spring Classics
Golf Ontario
Girls play May 21-23 at Sawmill GC
Boys are May 22-24 from Wooden Sticks
Fenwick/Uxbridge, ON – The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships are back and ready to tee off this Victoria Day weekend and the 2022 Golf Ontario Championship Season! These Championships feature many of Ontario’s best under 19 male and female golfers who gained entry into the competition through one of our qualifiers earlier this Spring or by exemption based on past results. They will all be looking to take home the WD Randolph Millage Trophy.
Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Spring Classic Championship
From May 21-23, Sawmill Golf Course will welcome the Girls (U19) Junior Spring Classic Championship. The course, designed by Gord Witteveen and Nicol Thompson, opened for play in 1976 to humble beginnings. The layout took advantage of the existing natural features and planted many trees. For over forty-five years, they’ve continued to improve and now are considered one of Niagara’s most popular courses.
“Sawmill is honoured to host the Junior Girls Spring Classic and kick off the 2022 competitive golf season in Ontario. We are becoming known for hosting awesome junior events due to the support of our Membership, enthusiastic volunteers, special sponsors, and our unique extras,” said Manager Carrie Julie. “We are guaranteeing the best 60 girls in Ontario a tremendous experience. After a wet spring in Niagara, the course has come along beautifully. The players can expect premium conditions for this early in the season. Bring on the girls next weekend – we can’t wait to host Ontario’s best!”
Last year, Lauren Zaretsky of Ladies’ GC of Toronto/Maple Downs G&CC, took home the gold after a terrific -7 (209) performance. Her skillful play put her 10-strokes ahead of second place.
Team Ontario will be in full swing this year, with all ten Team Ontario girls competing for the Spring Classic title. In 2021, Team Ontario saw 3 team members finish in the top three. Ashley Lafontaine, Alissa Xu, and Alessandra Nagayo will try to improve upon their 2021 finish while fellow member Peyton Costabile, is coming off a win at the 2021 Ontario Junior Girls (U19) Championship.
Tee times for Round 1 on Saturday, May 21st, begin at 11:00 am. To view full tee times, tournament info and follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic Championship
While the girls compete out in Fenwick, the boys will be competing in their own Spring Classic Championship returning to Wooden Sticks Golf Course in Uxbridge, May 22-24. Wooden Sticks is more than simply a place to golf. It is a tribute to this great game’s rich history and grand traditions, with 12 of the 18 holes at Wooden Sticks inspired by different famous golf holes. During a round, you will envision yourself playing off the road in Scotland, across a famous creek in Georgia, onto an island in Florida, and through pine forests in New Jersey.
“We’re looking forward to once again being the host club for the U19 Boys Spring Championship! Our course is in superb condition, and it is always wonderful to see so many talented, promising players at this event,” exclaimed Steve Wilson, Head Professional at Wooden Sticks Golf Club. The Juniors we see are always so thrilled to have the opportunity to play a Championship-worthy course under these conditions. We’re extremely proud to contribute to their development in this manner. Looking forward to seeing you all soon!”
At last year’s Spring Classic, Owen Kim, a Team Ontario member, defeated his fellow teammates Ryan Somerville (Summit Golf and Country Club) and Andre Zhu (National Pines Golf Club). Kim sunk a great 20+ foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to claim the win. The three Team Ontario golfers all finished eight-under (205) on the weekend, while Justin Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club) finished closely behind at six-under.
This year, Owen Kim returns to the Spring Classic, looking to repeat his performance with all ten Team Ontario boys in the mix as well. The annual long weekend classic will be exciting between them and many other skilled players in the field as they all look to add their names to an impressive list of previous champions.
Tee times for Round 1 on Sunday, May 22st, will get underway at noon. To view tee times and the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
About the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships
The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship is contested annually usually 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.
To read more about the boy’s and girls’ results from last year, click 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 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.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season. Our complete 2022 Championship schedule can be found here.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Junior Spring Classic (U19) Boys and Girls Championship set to get underway May 18th
Peter MacKellar
Brockville/Uxbridge, ON – On May 18th to 20th, Brockville Country Club and Wooden Sticks Golf Club will host the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships. The Championships are open to boys and girls who are 18 and younger, and have qualified in previous tournaments.
Junior Spring Classic (U19) Boys Championship
Over the long weekend, Brockville Country Club will be hosting the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Boys Championship. The Brockville Country Club was founded in 1914, and with considerable elevation changes, many narrow fairways, and challenging par 3’s, the 18-hole course can be deceptively challenging.
“It’s an old course with lots of twists and doglegs,” said Doug Wark, Director of Sport Operations at Brockville. “It’s a course golfers have to understand due to the importance of positioning. It’ll be exciting to see how the players adapt.”
Last year, Matthew Anderson of Credit Valley Golf & Country Club took home the gold medal, shooting -2 (214), while Cameron Kellett of St. Thomas Golf and Country Club, Laurent Desmarchais of Vallée du Richelieu, and Brendan Dunphy of Whitevale Golf Club finished in a three-way tie for 2nd with a total score of -1 (215).
With Anderson moving on past the junior ranks, the top spot is up for grabs. Dunphy will be returning in the 2019 tournament, looking to turn his previous second place finish into a championship run.
Another notable golfer playing over the long weekend is Michael Ikejiani from Barrie Country Club. Ikejiani is coming off a hot start to the season, winning the Junior Boys division of the Ontario Champion of Champions Tournament on May 14th. Ikejiani led the charge, shooting -3 (68), which was the most commanding lead in the entire tournament. It is safe to assume he is hoping to continue his success at the Junior Spring Classic.
Players will be facing off on the difficult course for a chance to win the WD Randolph Millage Trophy. The top 3 Ontario boys will get exempt into the Ontario Junior Boys Championship, and the low Ontario boy will get a spot in the Canadian Junior Boys Championship. The Canadian Junior Boys Championship is set to take place on August 12th-15th, and will be held by Covered Bridge Golf and Country Club in Hartland, New Brunswick.
Tee times are set for 12:00pm, with split tees starting at the first, and tenth hole.
Junior Spring Classic (U19) Girls Championship
While the U19 boys are out in Brockville, the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Girls Championship will be held at Wooden Sticks Golf Course in Uxbridge. Wooden Sticks has brought together some of the most recognizable golf landscapes from the PGA and sculpted them into the scenery of the local area to produce 18 holes that will challenge all competitors. With golf holes inspired by Augusta, St. Andrews, Pine Valley, Carnoustie, TPC Sawgrass, and Oakmont, it is surely a course that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
“We’ve hosted this event over the past couple of years for the boys, so we are excited to host the girls this year,” said Steve Wilson, Head Golf Professional at Wooden Sticks. “There’s so much talent in this tournament, it’s without a doubt going to be an exciting weekend.”
Last year, the Girls Spring Classic was a tight race. Emily Zhu from National Pines Golf Club, finished in first with a score of +8 (224). Zhu was closely trailed by Team Ontario member Hailey McLaughlin from Granite Golf Club who finished +9 (225), and then Taylor Kehoe from West Haven Golf & Country Club who finished +11 (227).
With both Zhu and Kehoe not returning to the tournament, McLaughlin is the only medal winner from last year returning this season, giving her a good opportunity to claim the top spot.
The girls will be facing off at Wooden Sticks for a chance to win the WD Randolph Millage Trophy.
Tee times are also set for 12:00pm, with all players starting at the first hole.
To read more about both the boys and girls results last year, CLICK HERE
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.
The three day tournament will challenge the focus, stamina, and skills of all the participating golfers. We wish all attending both Brockville and Uxbridge good luck, and we’ll see you on the course!
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 95,000 individual members and 400 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.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season.
Tony Gil, Selena Costabile win 2014 Investors Group Junior Spring Classic
Peter MacKellar
UXBRIDGE, ON— Despite relinquishing their leads during the second round of play, both first-round leaders, Vaughn’s Tony Gil and Thornhill resident Selena Costabile regained their leads during the final round of the Golf Association of Ontario’s (GAO) 2014 Investors Group Junior Spring Classic to capture the title.
For Gil, he sat in a tie for the lead after the second round, at Wooden Sticks, with fellow Team Canada National Development Team member Carter Simon. However, Gil had one of the lowest rounds of the day, a four-under 68, to finish the tournament at seven-under. As for Simon, the Sutton resident carded a one-under 71 for a tournament total of four-under.
“My iron play was right on throughout the week. I made a lot of good putts and didn’t make any big mistakes, so it was a good week for me,” said Gil. “The first three birdies on 10, 11 and 12 was a confidence booster and turned my game on. I was a little nervous on the first tee and cold topped it but I just thought to myself that there were 17 holes to go and anything could happen.”
At 16-years-old, Gil also captured the juvenile division title.
Finishing in a tie for third at three-under for the tournament were Waterloo’s Trevor Ranton and Cayuga’s Charles Corner. Ranton fired a three-under 69, while Corner finished four-under 68 for the round. In fifth was Mississauga’s Conner Watt at one-under for the event after an even-par 72 final round.
Over at Sleepy Hollow, in Stouffville, Kingsville’s Alyssa Getty took a one shot lead into the final round but quickly relinquished it. Getty bogeyed the first hole while Costabile started birdie-birdie to take the lead. Costabile went on to birdie four on the back nine and finished with a confortable three-shot victory. She ended the day three-under for a tournament total of two under. Getty was one-over for the day and the event.
“I played really well today which helped me close the victory,” said Costabile. “My putts were rolling really well the past three days and most of the credit for my win is because of my putting. After nine holes I was behind but once I started making those birdies on the back nine I knew I had a good chance to win. Birdieing my first two holes, especially the second, was a huge confidence boost, even though I double bogeyed six. I was able to make a few good putts later and it all turned out ok.”
Finishing third was Toronto’s Ana Peric who was five-over for the day and 18-over for the tournament. She narrowly stayed a head of both Pickering’s Crystina Kertsos and Markham’s Stephanie Chu. The two finished in a tie for fourth at 19-over for the tournament after Kertsos was four-over and Chu three-over during the final round.
The Investors Group Junior Spring Classic Championship is a 54-hole stroke-play competition contested annually over the Victoria Day long weekend that 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. The Golf Association of Ontario would like to thank Wooden Sticks Golf Club and Sleepy Hollow Country Club for hosting the event as well as Investors Group for their continued support of amateur golf in Ontario.
