Scarborough – A thrilling late victory highlighted the 100th playing of the 2022 Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship from Scarboro Golf & Country Club. Sunshine beamed down on the course, heating up play, especially for the new champ, Peyton Callens, who fired a scorching 7-under (64).
Callens would make a solid late push late in the round, including a hat-trick of birdies on the final three holes to claim the title, highlighted by a chip-in birdie on the 17th. Owen Kim (Hamilton Golf & Country Club) and Aidan Gavey (Golf Canada Club – Ontario) tied for second place. Kim also had a wonderful day firing a -5 (66) on his round. In total, twelve players would shoot under par on a tough final day.
I hit the same as the first few days, today the flat stick just got hot. It just started to peak, which made the difference,” said Callens after the round. He added, “I think the confidence I found yesterday carried over to today.”
Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the centennial Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship. As well, a huge thank you to Scarboro Golf & Country Club for hosting this terrific week. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, StrackaLine, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, and Sport Travel. We’re extremely grateful for all your continued support.
For media coverage of the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
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 kick-started 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).
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.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Scarborough – With second-round cuts out of the way, players were ready put on a show at Scarboro Golf & Country Club for round three of the 2022 Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship. Golfers shifted up and down the leaderboard all day, helping shape up an exciting final round set for tomorrow.
Aidan Gavey (Golf Canada Club – Ontario) finished the round today with a remarkable 4-under (67), including five birdies. This strong performance has pushed Gavey into the top spot with a total score of minus-6 (207), a one-stroke lead over second-round leader Ryan Tsang (Cedar Brae Golf Club), who now sits in second with a score of minus-5 (208). Peyton Callens (Golf Canada Club – Ontario), Sam Hogan (RattleSnake Point Golf Club) and Justin Allen (Weston Golf & Country Club Ltd) are behind in third with an even-par (213).
The final round is right about the corner, with the first tee time being at 7:30 am Friday morning. For media coverage of the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
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 kick-started 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).
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.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Scarboro G&CC Ready to Host Centennial Men’s Amateur
Golf Ontario
Scarborough, ON – Scarboro Golf and Country Club’s distinguished hosting resume has seen four Canadian Opens, the Canadian Tour Championship and several amateur championships. With prestigious championships being nothing new at Scarboro, the 100th playing of the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship is set to get underway from July 12th – 15th. This year, a field of 156 competitors is ready to play to their strengths to determine who’ll take home the prestigious Men’s Amateur Crown.
“Scarboro Golf & Country Club is a Tillinghast design that’s challenging for all skill levels. Even though the course specs out at 6500 yards, it plays much longer and has undulating greens that defend it against today’s long hitters,” said Chris Piedimonte, Head Professional at Scarboro Golf & Country Club.
As 2021 Champion Thomas Giroux is not set to return, we will have a new champion lifting the trophy after four rounds. Some past Golf Ontario Champions to keep an eye out for include: Dave Bunker (Cherry Hill Club), Ben MacLean (Cherry Hill Club), Dave Greenaway (Barrie Country Club), and Charles Fitzsimmons (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club). MacLean, Greenaway and Fitzsimmons have already secured championship hardware in 2022 and are looking to keep their hot play going for the Men’s Amateur Championship this week.
The championship sees round one underway at 8:00 am on Tuesday, July 12th. For qualifying, pin locations, tee times, and leaderboard information check out our Golf Genius page.
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 kick-started 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).
Quick Shots
Scarboro Golf and Country Club last hosted the Men’s Amateur in 1968. Philip Farley was their last member to win the Men’s Am in 1948.
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.
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
Elliott Whitley cruises to win at Investors Group Ontario Men’s Amateur
Peter MacKellar
PETERBOROUGH— Heading into the final round of the Golf Association of Ontario’s (GAO) Investors Group Men’s Amateur Championship, at the Peterborough Golf & Country Club, Hamilton’s Elliott Whitley held a six-stroke lead.
Whitley, who plays for the Lynn University Fighting Knights in Boca Raton, Florida, came out focused on seeing out the win and got off to a terrific star with a birdie on the first hole. He would finish the turn, two-under increasing his tournament total to 10-under. Meanwhile, others around him struggled. Both of his playing partners in the final group, Thornhill’s Ryan Tsang and Waterloo’s Luke Moser struggled early and dropped out of contention.
On the back nine, Whitley continued to dominate. He added another four birdies and finished the day five-under (66) to bring his tournament total to 13-under (72-67-66-66-271).
After the win, Whitley spoke about what winning the Ontario Amateur meant to him. “It feels great! I have been playing in these events for a long time and to finally win one is a great feeling. Coming into the final round I just knew it wasn’t over and I needed to play well, keep pressing and making birdies because anything can happen out here.”
Whitley credited his victory to his strong wedge play. “My wedges were great! I hit many good, close, three and four-footers from 100-yards in, which really helped my game.”
Now he will turn his attention to the Canadian Men’s Amateur, Aug. 10-13, at Weston Golf & Country Club and Lambton Golf & Country Club in Toronto, something that he is quite excited about. “I’ll be gearing up for the Canadian Amateur. I’d really like to win that and have a good finish there.”
Finishing second was Napanee’s Josh Whalen. The Napanee Golf & Country Club member shot a four-under (67) during the final round to claim the silver medal at six-under for the tournament (70-72-69-67-278).
Finishing in a three-way tie for third at one-under for the tournament were: Unionville’s Max Sear (69-69-75-70-283), Woodbridge’s Dave Bunker (71-74-70-68-283) and Shanty Bay’s Mitch Macleod (69-74-72-68-283).
After a playoff, Macleod joined Whitley and Whalen as representatives for Ontario in the inter-provincial team competition at the Canadian Men’s Amateur.
The GAO would like to thank the Peterborough Golf & Country Club, along with their staff and volunteers for helping to run the event. Thanks also to all of the GAO volunteers and title sponsor Investors Group for their continued support of golf in the province.
The Investors Group Ontario Amateur Championship was first played in 1923 at Lakeview Golf and Country Club, and has a rich history of former champions. Past winners include 2003 Masters Champion Mike Weir (1990 & 1992), Gerry Kesselring ( ‘49, ‘51, ‘52, ‘53), professional players Jon Mills (2001), Corey Conners (2010), Albin Choi (2012), Chris Hemmerich (2014) and Gary Cowan, who holds the record for the most Ontario Amateur Championships with nine (’64, ’68, ’71, ’74, ’74, ’75, ’77, ’78, ’81 & ’84).
Chris Hemmerich finishes final round eight-under to win 2014 Investors Group Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship
Peter MacKellar
GEORGETOWN— It was a spectacular final round for Kitchener’s Chris Hemmerich at the Investors Group Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship on July 11 at the Club at North Halton. Hemmerich, the Westmount Golf & Country Club member, entered the day at five-under, two behind leaders and Team Canada teammates, Listowel’s Corey Conners and Richmond Hill’s Taylor Pendrith. However, Hemmerich would shoot eight-under (63) for the final round and held on for a one-shot win over both Conners and Pendrith.
The 21-year-old Hemmerich lite up the course from the beginning of the round. He opened the day with birdies on the first two holes to earn a share of the lead. After birdies on five, seven and nine, Hemmerich sat five-under for the day at the turn. He didn’t let up on the back nine as he drained birdies on 10, 11 and 13 to drop to 13-under for the tournament. From there he pared the final five holes to enter the clubhouse with the lead, a tournament total of 271.
That put the pressure on Conners and Pendrith. Conners, the Listowel Golf Club member, was able to drop to eight-under after a birdie on the second hole. He added two more birdies on the front nine and sat at 10-under at the turn. As for Pendrith, who plays his golf at The Summit Golf & Country Club, he drained a birdie on the third before an eagle on the par-five seventh. He finished the front with another birdie on the ninth and was at 11-under.
Despite beginning the back nine with a pair of birdies on the 10th and 11th holes, Pendrith would go on to bogey 15 and 16 and finished the round five-under (66), 12-under for the tournament.
Conners got a couple stroke back on the 10th and 15th holes with a pair of birdies but couldn’t find one more on the final three and finished the day five-under (66), 12-under for the tournament, resulting in Hemmerich taking the title.
“This really feels awesome!” Said Hemmerich after the round. “I had a great support staff with me here this week, from the national team staff to family and friends who all came out to watch. It really couldn’t have been drawn up any better.”
One of the things Hemmerich was able to do well during his final round was rebound from sub-par shots. He talked about how he approached those situations. “In years past, I have hit a lot of very bad shots so I know they are going to happen and when they do you just need to laugh about it. That is really how I approach golf.”
Hemmerich gave full credit to the other members of Team Canada who will join him in representing the province at the inter-provincial event at the Canadian Amateur, Aug. 4-7 at Elmhurst Golf & Country Club and Southwood Golf & Country Club in Winnipeg. “Every tournament we have entered as a team, at least one of us has been up near the top of the leaderboard, which just shows how strong it is. It is kind of weird when you are seven-under for the day and still not leading. That just shows how good those boys are.”
The Investors Group Ontario Amateur Championship was first played in 1923 at Lakeview Golf and Country Club, and has a rich history of former champions. Past winners include 2003 Masters Champion Mike Weir (1990 & 1992), PGA Tour player Jon Mills (2001), Gerry Kesselring ( ‘49, ‘51, ‘52, ‘53) and Gary Cowan, who holds the record for the most Ontario Amateur Championships with nine (’64, ’68, ’71, ’74, ’74, ’75, ’77, ’78, ’81 & ’84).
