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
Cam and Charlie Burke were crowned the Champions at Oakdale Golf & Country Club, capturing the Ontario Men’s Better Ball Championship.
Coming in hot off this year’s Ontario and Canadian Men’s Mid-Am championship wins, Cam and his father Charlie emerged victorious after defeating Connor Rochon and Owen Allen (Weston Golf & Country Club) in an intense six-hole playoff. Both teams had a better-ball score of 6-under-par 66.
Ty Wadsworth and Brad Wadsworth (Bellmere Winds Golf Resort) tied for third place with Gordon Gibson and Brett Geiser of Cedar Brae Golf Club with a score of 5-under-par for a total of 67.
56 teams (112 players) participated in the one-day event. Established in 1959, the Ontario Men’s Better Ball Championship has a long history at Oakdale Golf & Country Club.
For all final results, CLICK HERE.
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