Golf Ontario is excited to announce the continuation of its longstanding partnership with Baka Communications, celebrating 20 years of unwavering collaboration. This renewal underscores Baka’s role as the presenting partner for the Ontario Public Amateur Championship and its support for the Public Player membership program.
Since initiating their partnership in 2004, Baka Communications has passionately supported amateur golf in Ontario, aligning its mission with Golf Ontario’s dedication to nurturing golf’s growth at the grassroots level. The Ontario Public Amateur Championship stands as a pinnacle event in the golf calendar, offering a competitive platform with both gross and net flights, and showcasing Baka’s commitment to fostering competition and sportsmanship within the amateur golf scene.
“Our partnership has not only endured over time but has also adapted to the evolving dynamics of the sport,” says Baka Communications President, John Marion. “Baka is honoured to continue as the presenting partner for the Ontario Public Amateur Championship, support the Public Player membership program, and contribute to Golf Ontario’s broader fundraising initiatives.”
Beyond the championship and membership program, Baka Communications will support Golf Ontario’s 1000 Ball Challenge, aiding in fundraising efforts for golf programs and initiatives across the province. Additionally, Baka will sponsor a yearly Golf Ontario scholarship to assist an aspiring student-athlete golfer from Ontario, demonstrating Baka’s commitment to developing golf talent both on the course and in the classroom.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Baka Communications for the 20th year,” says Golf Ontario’s CEO, Kyle McFarlane. “Their consistent support has been crucial in elevating the quality of our events and programs,” he says, adding, “we anticipate another year of fruitful collaboration, as we work together to promote golf’s growth and positively impact lives through the sport.”
The enduring partnership between Baka Communications and Golf Ontario reaffirms their joint commitment to the advancement of golf, building upon two decades of success, and contributing to a lasting legacy within the Ontario golf community.
Springfield, ON – The second and final round of the Baka Mobile 2022 Ontario Public Amateur Championship, presented by Triple Bogey Brewing from Tarandowah Golfers Club, proved to be a tight race in all divisions. Gorgeous weather with lesser winds than day one still forced golfers to play a challenging course with tough pins to walk away a champion.
The tournament contains three flights of championship titles for the men while women golfers competed in Gross and Net Competition. A flight competes in a gross competition, while the B and C flights will play in a net competition. Golfers in the B flight had an opportunity to compete in the overall A flight. A women’s division is back for the first time since 2009, when it had run since 2002.
Michael Naus of nearby London, ON., took the A flight and low gross overall after a playoff hole against Jason Rabinowitz and day one leader Jason Wellings. Naus said this was his greatest golf accomplishment so far. “After taking a long break from the game, I decided to get back into high-end amateur golf and see where my game was at.” Naus added, “my putter was ridiculously hot yesterday, and the driver kept me safe today.”
The B flight also went to a playoff between three golfers, Derek Baird, Tyler Allen and Robert Sterling. Sterling would emerge victorious to claim the gold medal. Ryan Dukelow claimed the C flight title with a net 2-under. The silver medal went to Steve Stone, and the bronze to Dalton Maclcolm.
On the women’s side, Nobelle Park held off a second-round attack by her sister Kaprice to claim the Women’s title with a gross score of +8. Kaprice finished second, and Lindsey Hummel took third.
Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the Baka Mobile 2022 Ontario Public Amateur Championship presented by Triple Bogey. Thank you to Tarandowah Golfers Club for hosting this fantastic event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners; Baka, 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, Nikon, and Sport Travel.
For media coverage of the championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To view the full leaderboards, visit our Golf Genius Page.
About The Public Amateur Championship
The Public Amateur Championship was first played in 1958 at Don Valley Golf Club. Past winners include: Robert Mclean (2021), Arnold Johnson (2015, 2011), and Peter Willis (2014). Mill Run Golf and Country Club (Uxbridge, ON) has hosted the tournament a record nine times. The women’s division has returned after a hiatus since 2009.
The Public Amateur Championship 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 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.
Stay Connected on 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. Also, make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
Springfield, ON – Tough conditions welcomed the opening round of the Baka Mobile 2022 Ontario Public Amateur Championship, presented by Triple Bogey Brewing at Tarandowah Golfers Club. After an early beautiful sky, fog rolled in, causing an hour delay in tee times. Once the fog lifted, the sun would come out along with high winds making the beautiful course, which includes 108 pot bunkers, even more challenging. The tournament contains three flights of championship titles for the men and women golfers are competing in Gross and Net Competition.
A flight competes 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 A flight. A women’s division has been brought back to this championship for the first time since 2009, when it had run for eight years.
Jason Wellings leads the overall low net and A flight after 18 holes, firing a solid even-par (70), including three birdies. Right behind Wellings is Michael Naus, who shot a one-over (71). Tyler Allen leads the B flight with a net -2. Steve Stone leads the C flight with a net +5.
On the women’s side, Nobelle Park holds the first-round lead after shooting a +9 (79) that included two birdies. Her sister Kaprice sits tied for second with Lindsey Hummel, three back at +12.
Final round tee times begin at 8 am Thursday off the 1st tee. Please view our Golf Genius page here for more information, tee times, and leaderboard links.
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.
Stay Connected on 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. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Aurora’s Peter Willis wins Baka Wireless Public Player Championship; Sarnia’s Nick Powell and Markham’s Fred Bowler win Net flights
Peter MacKellar
INNISFIL, ON— After finishing the opening round at one-under, Aurora’s Peter Willis looked to hang on to his lead during the final round of the Golf Association of Ontario’s (GAO) Baka Wireless Public Player Championship, Sept. 9, at National Pines Golf Club in Innisfil.
It would not be easy for the 36-year-old Willis who had to fend off challengers from his final group along with the second to last group. Willis remained calm and despite all the moves going on around him, was able to tap in for par and the win on the 18th, finishing the day two-over (74) and the tournament one-over.
“I played well during the opening round before a slip up at the end,” said Willis. “I think over the two days my ball striking was very good. I was able to make a lot of up and downs to save par, which is pretty much what kept me going.”
Two shots back of Willis were a pair of players: Burlington’s Barrett McCarthy and Oakville’s Derek Dalziel. Barrett finished the day at even par (72), while Dalziel was one-over (73) resulting in them each earning a share of the silver medal at three-over for the tournament.
“It was a good battle between myself and the two guys I was playing with. But I was able to grind out the win in the end. I was just taking some deep breaths out there and tried to finish off the round,” added Willis.
Rounding out the top five were Etobicoke’s John Contini at five-over for the tournament and Port Perry’s Shea Varty at six-over.
“This win is definitely one of the tops for me so far. A GAO win is always a good win, as Rob Cowan said at the Champion of Champions. I am honoured to win this event with all of the great public players who have won it.”
In the Net A flight, Sarnia’s Nick Powell was able to capture the title after his second straight round of two-under (70). In second was Mississauga’s David Nelson at even par, Erin’s Roland Hill was third at one-over, Oakville’s Bogdan Szybalski finished fourth at two-over and Bolton’s David Hynd and Peter Pusitz tied in fifth at three-over.
Nick Powell won the Net A Flight and receives the gold medal from GAO Executive Director Steve Carroll.
As for the Net B flight, Markham’s Fred Bowler fired an eight-under (64) during the final round to move to five-under for the tournament to take the win. Second was Toronto’s Rizalde Cuachon at four-under for the tournament, third was Toronto’s John Boyack at two-under, fourth was Mississauga’s Mark Blake at one-over and completing the top five was Allan Gregorio from Toronto and Toronto’s Peter Corbett at two-over.
Fred Bowler captured the Net Flight B division and receives his gold from GAO Tournament Manager Larry Longo.
The Baka Wireless Public Player Championship has been contested since 1958. It was suspended between 1984 and 1995. This year’s event is a two-round competition with a Championship and Net A and B flight. Former champions include: Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Gerry Kesselring, Ken Trowbridge, Dave Bunker and Lucas Kim. Craig Loughry holds the record for the most victories with four.
The Golf Association of Ontario would like to thank the volunteers and staff from National Pines Golf Club, along with event sponsor Baka Wireless for their support of golf in Ontario.
