Golf Ontario is thrilled to announce the 2025 Next Wave Junior Development Program, a premier initiative designed to help young golfers in Ontario sharpen their skills and reach their full potential.
This program blends expert training with continuous support, providing a strong foundation for Ontario’s rising golf stars to thrive in competitive play.
“There are so many good, young golfers in Ontario and it is so valuable to expose them to the Team Ontario coaches, support systems and culture,” says Reggie Millage, Team Ontario Head Coach. “The athletes in our Next Wave program can choose the elements that are most important to them and fill out all aspects of their training regimen,” he says, adding, “We want Ontario to shine on the national and international stage and this group are definitely on their way to making that happen.”
Selected athletes will gain access to top-tier coaching, mental performance training, and strength conditioning, setting them up for long-term success.
Meet the 2025 Next Wave Athletes
The following talented junior golfers have been selected for the 2025 program:
Class of 2029:
- Ava Gilbert – Summit Golf & Country Club | Coach: Sean Burke (PGA of Canada)
- Andrea Lai – St. Thomas Golf & Country Club
Class of 2028:
- Regan Andrusyk – Hamilton Golf & Country Club
- Andrew Sudicky – St. Thomas Golf & Country Club | Coaches: Mark Elliott (Pga of Canada), Tristan Mullally (PGA of Canada)
- Payton Pattison – Colonnade Golf & Country Club | Coach: Matt Robinson (PGA of Canada)
- Stella Lim – Wyndance Golf Club | Coaches: Alexa Kim (PGA of Canada), Jason Helman (PGA of Canada)
- Chloe Hassberger – Vespra Hills Golf Club | Coaches: Shana Kelly (PGA of Canada), Doug Lawrie (PGA of Canada)
- Evelyn Ma – Station Creek Golf Club
- Cadence Tanouye – Lionhead Golf Club
Class of 2027:
- Sarah Du – Meadowbrook Golf & Country Club | Coach: Doug Lawrie (PGA of Canada)
- Zach Lederer – Emerald Hills Golf Club | Coach: Danny King (PGA of Canada)
- David Kowalewski – The Nest Golf Club | Coach: Terry O’Brien (PGA of Canada)
- Narisse Daye – Sarnia Golf and Curling Club | Coach: Mike Martz (PGA of Canada)
- Edward Li – Rocky Crest Golf Club | Coach: Gord Burns (PGA of Canada)
- Brennan Turner – Rockway Golf Club
- Gracie Vescan – Mississauga Golf & Country Club | Coach: James Hutchison (PGA of Canada)
- Karson Hurlbert – Camelot Golf and Country Club | Coach: Lee Curry (PGA of Canada)
Class of 2026:
- Michael Vivone – Royal Ottawa Golf Club | Coach: Matt DeJohn (PGA of Canada)
- Landon Van Loon – Upper Canada Golf Course | Coach: Tristan Mullally (PGA of Canada)
- Tristan Zhang – Summit Golf & Country Club | Coach: Trevor Wallman (PGA of Canada)
- Lucas Gilbart – Summit Golf & Country Club | Coach: Sean Burke (PGA of Canada)
- Ceilidh Spare – Rideau View Golf Club | Coach: Matt Robinson (PGA of Canada)
- Connor Kanellis – Coppinwood Golf Club | Coach: Gord Burns (PGA of Canada)
Class of 2030:
- William Chen – Bayview Golf & Country Club
- Katherine Xia – St. Andrew Valley Country Club | Coach: David Fritz (PGA of Canada)
- Grace Kim – Glencairn Golf Club | Coach: Justin Kim (PGA of Canada)
- Kaeleigh Chung – Meadowbrook Golf & Country Club | Coach: Gord Burns (PGA of Canada)
Program Benefits
Next Wave athletes receive exclusive access to:
- Coaching support from Team Ontario Head Coach, Reggie Millage (PGA of Canada)
- Mental performance training with Dr. Charles Fitzsimmons
- Strength & conditioning coaching by Dr. Nick Martichenko
- adidas Golf Canada apparel
- Access to the TaylorMade Performance Lab
- Participation in Team Ontario programs like Training Days, March Break Training Camp, and Spring Training Camp
Selection Process
Athletes are chosen based on their competitive results and rankings from the previous season within the U13, U15, and U17 divisions of the Junior Golf Pathway.
Golf Ontario is excited to partner with Metro Golf Sportsplex to launch the 2025 season of the 1000 Ball Challenge with an electrifying kickoff event! After smashing fundraising records in 2024, we’re looking forward to hosting an unforgettable day of golf, music, food, contests, and incredible prizes—all in support of the GOLF FOR ALL Fund – a fund to financially support the advancement of critical golf programs in Ontario.
“The 1000 Ball Challenge was a fantastic event that brought our golf community together while making a real difference for our Junior Development programs at Hamilton Golf & Country Club. The energy, excitement, and camaraderie throughout the event were incredible, and the funds we raised are directly helping us develop the next generation of golfers.
I highly recommend this challenge to fellow golf professionals looking for a unique and engaging way to support their own programs. It’s a fun and rewarding experience that benefits both your club and the future of the game!”
– Brad Lawrence, Associate Golf Professional, Hamilton Golf & Country Club
Event Details
📅 Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
⏰Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍Location: Metro Golf Sportsplex (125 Milner Ave, Scarborough, ON)
How to Participate
- Register as an individual or team for the 1000 Ball Challenge.
- Fundraise a minimum of $1,000 before April 26 to secure your spot.
- Come to the Metro Golf Sportsplex on April 26 and join the fun!
Exciting Contests & Prizes
Longest Drive Challenge (Men’s & Women’s): Win a foursome at Wooden Sticks Golf Club
Target Contest: Win a foursome to Cranberry Golf Course
First to Hit 500 Balls: Score a $250 Adidas Gift Card
Plus raffles and more prizes to be announced!
Your Impact
Funds raised will support Golf Ontario’s Golf For All Fund, advancing golf programming for all in this province.
If you are a non-profit or have golf initiatives you are passionate about – please inquire about the 1000 Ball Challenge fundraising share.
🔗 Register today and start fundraising! Visit www.1000ball.ca/kickoff
For questions, contact Raph at rroot@gao.ca.
Don’t miss this thrilling season kickoff—challenge yourself, give back, and get a head start on the season! ⛳
This past weekend at the Toronto Golf & Travel Show, visitors of the Golf Ontario booth took their best shot at guessing the number of golf balls in the aquarium tank. The competition was fierce, but one lucky winner came out on top—congratulations to Brian Mitgang, who guessed 926, closest to the exact number of 924!
Brian’s keen eye (or lucky guess!) earned him an incredible prize of 5 dozen TaylorMade TP5 MySymbol golf balls. A huge thank you to everyone who participated—we hope to see you all again next year!
Golf Ontario is excited to be on location at the Toronto Golf & Travel Show this weekend! Visit our booth for a chance to win 5 dozen TaylorMade MySymbol golf balls by correctly guessing the number of balls in the glass tank. Plus, get all the details on the highly anticipated 1000 Ball Challenge Kickoff Event, launching this April at the Metro Golf Sportsplex. Find out how you can get involved and WIN a Foursome to Wooden Sticks Golf Club, Adidas Gift Cards and more! Visit to www.1000ball.ca/kickoff to learn more.
Golf Ontario experts from Rules & Competitions, Junior Performance, Participation, and Memberships will also be on-site, ready to answer any golf-related questions.
As an added bonus, attendees can enjoy a $5 discount on their tickets by using the code GOLF25 when purchasing online.
The event takes place at The International Centre, Hall 5, in Mississauga, from Friday, January 31, to Sunday, February 2. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to connect with fellow golf enthusiasts, test your skills, and gear up for the upcoming season! Get your tickets now at www.torontogolfshow.com/tickets.
The International Centre
6900 Airport Road, Hall 5, Mississauga ON L4V 1E8
Show Hours:
Friday Jan 31 Noon – 7pm
Saturday February 1 10am – 5pm
Sunday February 2 10am – 4pm
With an exciting year ahead, the schedule highlights a mix of renowned and new venues, spanning the province to provide a platform for Ontario’s top talent to shine
Golf Ontario is thrilled to unveil its 2025 championship schedule.
This year’s schedule features 12 prestigious venues from SCOREGolf’s 2024 Top 100 Golf Courses in Canada list, alongside several beloved courses that continue to be favourites among players.
With an exciting year ahead, the schedule highlights a mix of renowned and new venues, spanning the province to provide a platform for Ontario’s top talent to shine.
“We’re thrilled to present one of the most dynamic and inclusive championship schedules in amateur golf, designed to cater to Ontario’s competitive golfers while partnering with some of the province’s most prestigious golf clubs,” said Golf Ontario Director of Competitions and Performance, John Lawrence. “The 2025 venues promise an exciting season, bringing the spirit of competition to communities across Ontario. We extend our sincere gratitude to the clubs that have graciously agreed to host our events.
Highlights and Important Notes for the 2025 Championship Schedule:
- Golf Ontario’s championships remain true to their core mission, but their names have been updated to ensure consistency across events and alignment with the standards set by golf’s governing bodies. These updates enhance clarity and continuity, making it easier for players, partners, and media to engage while preserving the rich traditions of the sport.
- The 2025 Championship season will officially begin on March 10-11 with the highly anticipated return of the Ontario Junior Players Invitational at Legends Golf Resort – Parkland Course in Myrtle Beach, S.C. This 54-hole competition will once again grow its field, welcoming 84 of Ontario’s top junior boys and girls.
- The Ontario Champion of Champions tournament will return to The Club at Bond Head on May 14th, utilizing both the North and South courses. This prestigious event is open to Men’s, Women’s, Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s, and Junior Boys’ & Girls’ club champions from the 2024 season. Clubs are encouraged to submit their champions to Golf Ontario to facilitate registration and approval for the event.
- The 2025 Ontario Junior Boys’ & Girls’ Spring Classic marks its 30th anniversary as one of the province’s most esteemed junior tournaments. Consistently drawing Ontario’s top young golfers, the milestone event will take place at two exceptional courses—Wooden Sticks Golf Club and FireRock Golf Club. This tournament continues to serve as a proving ground for rising stars, offering a world-class stage to showcase their talent and a critical step in their competitive golf journey.
- New for 2025, the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship will debut the Senior Women’s Match Play Championship, open to players aged 50 and older. Featuring a shorter yardage setup, this new division provides a competitive yet accessible environment for senior golfers. Qualifying rounds will determine the top eight players who will advance to match play, expanding inclusivity and creating more opportunities for senior women to compete.
- The 2025 Ontario Men’s Senior Amateur Championship introduces expanded qualifying for the 70-and-older division, with separate east and west qualifiers offering more entry opportunities. This enhancement eliminates the need for a practice-round qualifier, with 70-and-older spots determined through the two regional qualifiers.
Golf Ontario extends its deepest gratitude to the clubs hosting our championships and qualifiers in 2025. Their unwavering support is instrumental in the continued success of amateur golf in Ontario. We greatly value these partnerships and look forward to another exceptional championship season.
CLICK THE LINKS BELOW to view the full 2025 Championship Schedule and Registration Opening Dates.
2025 Championship Schedule
Registration Opening Dates
Tournament website links will be available on GAO.ca on Friday, Feb. 7, this will include all information related to tournament eligibility, exemptions, entry fees, and other important information.
Registrations for the 2025 Golf Ontario championship season will begin on Friday, Feb. 14 with a schedule of opening dates across the championships to follow.
All registrations will open at 12 p.m. each day this year.
Golf Ontario will continue to make announcements once confirmation of dates are made on the outstanding championship locations and to make announcements of any additional dates and venues or changes moving forward.
For more information, visit the Golf Ontario Provincial Championships page, or contact our tournaments department at tournaments@gao.ca.
Golf Ontario is proud to announce the continuation of its longstanding partnership with adidas Golf Canada, celebrating over a decade of collaboration.
As part of the renewed agreement, adidas Golf Canada remains the Official Golf Clothing and Footwear provider of Golf Ontario.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with adidas Golf Canada,” says Golf Ontario’s CEO, Kyle McFarlane. “It’s exciting to work with a global brand that shares our passion and commitment to growing the game of golf in Ontario. Their dedication to helping Ontario athletes perform at their best is invaluable, and we’re pleased to have their continued support for Golf Ontario’s participation, fundraising, and performance initiatives.”
The Woodbridge-based company will also continue its support of Golf Ontario’s high-performance Team Ontario program, as well as participation initiatives like the Women’s Try Golf series and fundraising efforts such as the Junior Golf Drive.
“We are so pleased to extend our longstanding partnership with Golf Ontario,” says Jeff Feltrin, General Manager of adidas Golf Canada. “One of adidas Golf Canada’s core goals is to connect with amateur golfers of all levels—from elite juniors to newcomers to the game—and this partnership allows us to do exactly that.”
Golf Ontario is deeply saddened by the loss of former colleague and recent Golf Canada Board member Teri Yamada of Collingwood, Ont. who passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, at the age of 66 following a difficult battle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD).
A personal obituary written by Teri Yamada along with visitation details is available here:
https://www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com/memorials/teri-yamada/5536387/index.php
Golf Ontario’s Board of Directors along with staff both current and past extend its sincere condolences to Teri’s partner, Doug Moxon, along with her family and the extensive personal and professional network of friends and golf industry peers who knew and admired her genius, expertise, work ethic, friendship and incredible generosity to charitable causes that meant so much to her.
One of Canadian golf’s leading voices in agronomy, turfgrass and environmental research, Yamada served the Canadian golf industry for nearly 40 years, including the past 16 years as owner of TY Environmental Strategic Ltd. supporting golf courses’ use of science to minimize their environmental impact. She was a leading voice in the agronomic and business analysis of golf course operations and specialized in government relations, industry communication and interpreting complex scientific information.
Yamada spent 18 years with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada) across several senior leadership roles. She served as the association’s tournament agronomist for National Open and Amateur Championships, working with host clubs and their superintendents to set up and condition golf courses hosting all national championships.
She joined the organization in 1990 as National Director, Greens Section (1990-98), which at the time was Golf Canada’s turfgrass research and consulting division providing the Canadian golf industry with turfgrass information and best practices. In 1993, she authored the Environmental Guidelines for Canadian Golf Courses following an 18-month consultative process with regulators, environmental interest groups and the golf industry leaders.
Yamada then spent 10 years (1996-2006) as the association’s Managing Director, Golf Programs and Services supporting Golf Canada member club programs and services (handicapping, junior golf, amateur status, heritage, etc.) in addition to turfgrass and environmental research.
From 2005-2008, the role evolved into Managing Director, Communications and Government Relations, serving as a leading government liaison on issues affecting the Canadian golf industry. During this period, she also spent two years (2006-2008) as Executive Director of the RCGA Foundation (now Golf Canada Foundation) and has since supported the Foundation as a generous donor.
Yamada returned to Golf Canada as a volunteer in 2021, serving three years a member of the Governance Committee, two years as a member of the Governors Council (2022-2023) and two years on the HR Committee. In 2023, she joined Golf Canada’s Board of Directors becoming one of the few individuals to have served the association in both a staff and Board of Directors capacity.
During her accomplished career, Yamada served the Canadian and global golf community in a variety of roles including an invitation to participate in the development of the Environmental Principles for Golf Courses in the United States and was referenced in An Environmental Strategy for Golf in Europe.
She spent 14 years (2009-2023) as Executive Director of the IPM Council of Canada (Integrated Pest Management) which administered the IPM Accreditation program for golf courses, public works (hydro and railway corridors) and specialty turf.
Yamada also served as President, Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System of Canada Inc. (1996-2007); Executive Secretary and past Board member with the Canadian Turfgrass Research Foundation (CTRF) (1992 – 2008); was a past Board Member of the Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation (2009-2012); member of the Halton-Hamilton Source Protection Committee (2007-2025); was a member of the Strategic Planning Committee and Environmental Programs committee member, Environmental Institute for Golf, Kansas (2003-2007); served as a USGA Turfgrass & Environmental Research Committee member (1996-2004); member and Past Chair of the Ontario Pesticide Advisory Committee (2009-2020); Chair, Scientific Program Committee for 9th International Turfgrass Research Conference (2000-2001); and was an Advisory Committee member with the Selkirk College Golf Management Program – Nelson, BC (1996-2001).
She graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture and Environmental Horticulture).
A passionate golfer and proud member of Mad River Golf Club (as well as the York Downs Golf and Country Club prior), Yamada was a very active volunteer giving back to both clubs across a variety of roles including four years on the Member Board of Directors with Mad River (2019-2023) as well as the Grounds Committee, Finance and Audit Committee, and the Governance and Nominating Committee. She also served four years on the Board of York Downs as well as two years as the club’s Green Committee Chair.
Yamada was also one of three Canadian women members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St Andrews, Scotland.
A visitation will be held on January 23 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm with tributes taking place at 3:00pm at Fawcett Funeral Home at 82 Pine Street in Collingwood. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
As the weather turns cooler and courses across Ontario transition into winter conditions, golfers may notice a shift from an “active” to an “inactive” posting season for their Handicap Index®. But what exactly does this mean? Here’s everything you need to know about the inactive season, why it exists, and how it impacts your scores.
What is the Inactive Season?
The inactive season is a designated period when scores from rounds played in Ontario no longer count toward your Handicap Index.
Why Don’t Scores Count During the Inactive Season?
The inactive season helps ensure fairness by accounting for the impact of weather on course conditions. Golf Canada issues a Course Rating and Slope Rating for each set of tees based on normal playing conditions. During the colder months, courses in Ontario may remain open but often cannot maintain typical playing conditions. Counting these scores could lead to inaccurate Handicap Index calculations.
What if I Play in a Region That’s Still Active?
If you play golf outside of Ontario during the inactive season (e.g., in Florida or Arizona), those scores still count. Just be sure to post your score as an “Away” round when submitting it to your Handicap Index.
Who Decides the Inactive Season?
The start and end of Ontario’s inactive season are determined by Golf Ontario, based on local weather patterns and course conditions. While Ontario has an inactive season, some regions, such as British Columbia or southern U.S. states, remain active year-round due to favourable climates.
Where Can I Learn More?
Golf Canada and Golf Ontario provide many resources to help you understand your Handicap Index, including FAQs, articles, and instructional videos. For more details, visit the Golf Canada Handicapping hub or contact Golf Ontario directly.
Stay informed and enjoy the off-season responsibly!
As the 2024 golf season comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your progress and accomplishments on the course. Golf Ontario is excited to offer you the opportunity to review your year in detail with your Annual Golf Ontario Performance Report, now available in your Score Centre record.
What’s in Your Report?
Your Performance Report provides a comprehensive overview of your game, including:
- Rounds Played: See how many times you hit the course this year.
- Handicap Summary: Track changes in your handicap over the season.
- High/Low Scores: Celebrate your best rounds and reflect on areas for growth.
- Monthly Stats: Review your activity and performance month by month.
You can also access reports from previous years through a drop-down menu, allowing you to compare your progress year over year.
How to Access Your Report
Accessing your Performance Report is simple:
- Log in to the Members Area of the Score Centre. Click here to log in.
- Click “View History” in the title bar.
- Select “Performance Report” from the menu.
Important Note
The Golf Ontario Performance Report is only available through the desktop version of the Score Centre and cannot be viewed on the mobile app.
Celebrate Your Growth
Your Performance Report is more than just numbers—it’s a testament to your dedication and love for the game. Whether you’re analyzing your stats to fine-tune your skills or simply reliving great moments, this report is a valuable tool to help you improve and enjoy your golf journey.
Log in today to view your 2024 report and celebrate another fantastic season on the green!
Golf Ontario is proud to unveil the 2024 Junior Golf Pathway Players of the Year, recognizing outstanding performances across multiple age groups. This year’s honourees include:
- Girls U15, U17 and U19: Nobelle Park
- Girls U13: Riviera Lindholm
- Boys U19: Gabriella Mainella
- Boys U17: Jager Pain
- Boys U15: Joseph Totino
- Boys U13: Wilson Doornekamp
The Ontario Junior Golf Pathway Ranking system is used to recognize the top-performing Ontario junior golfers who succeed over the course of the golf season. Junior golfers can earn points through each event they play in, with their best eight results counting towards the rankings.
2024 Honourees
For more information about the Junior Golf Pathway Rankings, CLICK HERE.