Golf Ontario Announces 2024 Junior Pathway Players of the Year
Golf Ontario
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: WilsonDoornekamp
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.
If you have ever examined a scorecard or posted a score for handicap purposes, you have probably seen the terms Course Rating and Slope Rating. While most golfers know they pertain to course difficulty, there are misconceptions about how they are determined, what they represent and how they impact players of different skill levels.
To set the record straight, here’s everything you need to know about these two key terms within the Rules of Handicapping:
How are they are determined?
When a golf course is rated by Golf Ontario, the rating team determines the effective playing length for each set of tees – which is the measured length adjusted for things like roll, forced lay-ups, and elevation changes that make the course play longer or shorter. The rating team also evaluates how obstacles such as bunkers, penalty areas, fairway widths, rough heights, green speed/contours impact two model players: the scratch player (with a Handicap Index of 0.0), and the bogey player (with a Handicap Index of 20.0 for men and 24.0 for women).
From the data collected during the rating procedure, a Course Rating, Bogey Rating and Slope Rating are all calculated based on weightings and formulas that reflect the impact of each item evaluated.
What do they represent?
Let’s start with Course Rating – which is an indication of the difficulty of a golf course for the scratch player under normal course and weather conditions. In other words, a Course Rating of 71.2 means that a scratch player can expect to shoot around 71 when they play well.
An additional term that isn’t well known is Bogey Rating – which is an indication of the difficulty of a golf course for the bogey player. In other words, a Bogey Rating of 95.5 means that a bogey player can expect to shoot around 95 or 96 when they play well. Although Bogey Ratings are generally not printed on scorecards or displayed within score-posting apps, they can be found for each course on the Course Rating and Slope Database™.
Once the Course Rating and Bogey Rating are established, they are compared to determine the Slope Rating – which represents the relative difficulty of a course for non-scratch players compared to those who are scratch players. To put it simply, the larger the difference is between the Course Rating and the Bogey Rating, the higher the Slope Rating will be.
For example:
With a Course Rating of 71.0 and a Bogey Rating of 92.5, Course A has a Slope Rating of 116.
With a Course Rating of 71.0 and a Bogey Rating of 95.5, Course B has a Slope Rating of 132.
What does this mean for you?
It depends on your ability – i.e., your Handicap Index. Since low-handicap players tend to find the fairways and hit greens wherever they play, their scores do not increase much when faced with obstacles that can impact wayward shots.
On the other hand, for higher-handicap players, increasing length or the presence of severe obstacles, such as forced carries, long rough, and deep bunkers, can lead to much higher scores – and that’s where Slope Rating comes into play.
For example, if we go back to Course A, with a Course Rating of 71.0, Slope Rating of 116 and par of 71:
A 1.0 Handicap Index player would have a Course Handicap of 1 and an 18.0 Handicap Index player would have a Course Handicap of 18.
However, if we go back to Course B, with a Course Rating of 71.0, Slope Rating of 132, and par of 71:
The 1.0 Handicap Index player would still have a Course Handicap of 1, but the 18.0 Handicap Index player’s Course Handicap would increase from 18 to 21.
In summary
The Course Rating and Slope Rating allows you, and any other player with a Handicap Index, to get the strokes you need to have a fair game wherever you decide to tee it up.
For more information about the World Handicap System, visit www.usga.org/whs.
Golf Ontario is proud to unveil the 2024 Players of the Year, recognizing outstanding performances across multiple categories. This year’s honourees include:
Men’s Amateur: Ashton McCulloch
Women’s Amateur: Nicole Gal
Women’s Mid-Amateur: Alexandra Taylor
Men’s Mid-Amateur: Charles Fitzsimmons
Men’s Senior: Dave Bunker
Women’s Senior: Terrill Samuel
The Player of the Year awards are determined based on the BioSteel Golf Ontario Amateur Order of Merit Rankings, which utilize a points system. Points are awarded according to a player’s finishing position in sanctioned events, with event weighting and strength of the field factored in at Golf Ontario’s discretion.
2024 Honourees
Men’s Amateur – Ashton McCulloch Cataraqui Golf & Country Club Tied for 2nd at the 2024 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship Qualified for and competed in the 2024 U.S. Open Competed in the 2024 RBC Canadian Open Advanced to the Round of 16 at the U.S. Amateur
Women’s Amateur – Nicole Gal Oakville Golf Club Tied for 2nd at the 2024 Porter Cup Tied for 3rd at the ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada Tied for 5th at the 2024 Glencoe Invitational Achieved six additional top-20 finishes in 2024
Women’s Mid-Amateur – Alexandra Taylor Cherry Hill Club Winner of the 2024 Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship 17th place at the 2024 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship Tied for 25th at the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship Quarterfinalist at the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship
Men’s Mid-Amateur – Charles Fitzsimmons Summit Golf Club Tied for 2nd at the 2024 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship 15th place at the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship Advanced to the Round of 32 at the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship Winner of the 2024 Gasparilla Invitational
Men’s Senior – Dave Bunker Cherry Hill Club Winner of the 2024 Ontario Senior Men’s Championship Tied for 6th at the 2024 Canadian Senior Men’s Championship Winner of the 2024 Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship Tied for 6th at the R&A Senior Amateur Championship Quarterfinalist at the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship Winner of the 2024 Senior Porter Cup
Women’s Senior – Terrill Samuel Weston Golf & Country Club Winner of the 2024 Canadian Senior Women’s Championship Tied for 2nd at the 2024 Ontario Senior Women’s Championship Tied for 19th and low amateur at the 2024 U.S. Senior Women’s Open Advanced to the Round of 16 at the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship Tied for 6th at the R&A Senior Women’s Amateur Championship
For more information about the BioSteel Golf Ontario Amateur Order of Merit Rankings, please CLICK HERE or contact Golf Ontario’s Connor Doyle at cdoyle@gao.ca.
Joseph Totino (Summit Golf & Country Club) – 2024 Ontario Bantam champion
Leadership from a Proven Coach
The 2025 team will be guided by head coach Reggie Millage, a PGA of Canada Class “A” professional entering his 12th season coaching Team Ontario.
“This team is one of the most accomplished we have ever had. Twelve athletes won major events in 2024 and all 17 have proven they can contend at the highest level of junior golf,” Millage says. “What sets them apart is their hunger for more—they’ve already created a hard-working and highly competitive environment.”
A Program Designed for Excellence
The Team Ontario program is dedicated to developing the province’s top junior golfers into world-class athletes, both on and off the course. This unique program provides identified athletes with access to premier coaching, cutting-edge training, competitive opportunities, and a supportive peer environment as they strive for excellence in golf and life.
With a focus on fostering lifelong success, the program emphasizes comprehensive development. Athletes receive expert guidance in critical areas, including time management, self-discipline, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, tactical strategies, and technical skill enhancement.
Team Ontario is more than a golf program—it’s a foundation for personal and athletic growth that equips young athletes for the challenges of the game and beyond.
World-Class Coaching and Support
In addition to Millage, the team is supported by an exceptional group of experts, including:
Dr. Charles Fitzsimmons: One of Ontario’s leading mental performance coaches and a two-time Canadian Mid-Am Champion, providing invaluable guidance in mental preparation and focus.
Dr. Nick Martichenko: A renowned physical performance coach whose expertise has benefitted elite athletes, including professional tennis star Denis Shapovalov.
Alexandra Taylor: Golf Ontario’s Manager of Junior Performance and the 2024 Women’s Mid-Amateur Champion. With NCAA competitive experience from Grand Valley State University, Alexandra brings a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to the team.
This world-class staff is dedicated to fostering growth, development, and excellence in every athlete.
Preparing for Competition
The 2025 season officially kicked off with the October Kick-Off Camp at Whistle Bear Golf. Later this month, the team will travel to the International Junior Golf Academy at Bishop’s Gate in Orlando, Fla., for intensive training, team-building activities, and preparation for the Can-Am Matches.
Winter training will include specialized sessions at the Humber College Golf Lab, followed by additional camps in Florida and Myrtle Beach. These efforts lead up to key events like the Ontario Junior Players Invitational and the Can-Am Matches.
The offseason will conclude with a final spring camp in Niagara, ensuring the team is well-prepared for a successful competitive season. Throughout the summer, athletes will receive continued support from the coaching staff during team training days, seamlessly integrated into their busy tournament schedules.
This comprehensive approach ensures every athlete is primed for peak performance both on and off the course.
For more information about Team Ontario, CLICK HERE.
Team Ontario alumni help Canada win bronze at The Spirit
Golf Ontario
Team Canada won the bronze medal in the combined men and women’s team competition along with another bronze in the women’s team competition at The Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship at Whispering Pines Golf Club in Trinity, Texas.
In the combined team championship, Canada finished T4 at 36-under (196 women’s and 200 men’s) with Denmark. England won the combined competition firing a 44-under to take the gold medal. The Republic of Korea (Korea) and Spain finished tied for second at 39-under. Due to the ties, Korea and Spain shared the silver medal, while Canada and Denmark shared bronze.
Borovilos and Kim combined to shoot 20-under (66-63-67-196) to earn the bronze medal in the women’s team competition. Denmark finished at 23-under to win with Spain taking the silver medal at 21-under. On Friday, Canada was led by Borovilos carding six birdies and an eagle. Kim was equally as strong in Thursday’s opening round with five birdies.
In the women’s individual competition, Carla Bernat Escuder of Spain finished first with 21 points, 2024 World Junior Girls team and individual champion, Soomin Oh of Korea finished second with 20 points and Marie Madsen of Denmark finished third with 17 points. Borovilos finished T5 with 14 points and Kim finished T11 with 12 points.
McCulloch and Matthews combined to shoot 16-under (66-66-68-200) to finish 10th in the men’s team competition. Mexico and England finished tied for first at 28-under with Australia finishing third at 25-under.
Individually, Josiah Gilbert of Australia won the men’s gold medal finishing with 21 points. Omar Morales of Mexico finished second with 19 points and Gerardo Gomez (Mexico) and Dominic Clemons (England) finished tied for third with 18 points. Both McCulloch and Matthews finished T18 with 11 points.
The 11th playing of The Spirit was contested over 54-holes of stroke-play competition that brought together 20 countries. In addition to the combined team component, competitors battled in individual championships as well as men’s and women’s team competitions. In the individual competition, players were awarded points based solely on birdies and eagles during their round with one point for a birdie and two for an eagle.
For the final leaderboards from The Spirit, please click here.
A version of this content was originally posted on golfcanada.ca
How often your morning is affected by frost delays depends not just on the weather, but a variety of factors. Here’s what every golfer should know about frost:
Crunchy grass is vulnerable to damage
Golf course turf is normally resilient to traffic, but when ice crystals form inside the plants, they become brittle. Walking or driving over frost-covered grass can rupture plant cells, leading to dead turf, or the plants may be weakened without immediately showing the effects. It can take grass more than a month to recover from this damage.
Location is everything
You look out the kitchen window and see no signs of frost, only to find a frost delay when you get to the course. Know that frost can linger in colder microclimates long after other areas have thawed. North-facing slopes, low-lying areas and areas sheltered from the wind are especially likely to remain covered with frost. When in doubt, call the golf shop to check on course conditions before leaving home.
Closely mown turf is at high risk
Frost damage can occur throughout the course, but it poses the greatest risk to closely mown turf. Putting greens are particularly vulnerable because they experience the most concentrated traffic. A foursome typically takes 300 steps or more per green; with frost present, each step could cause serious damage.
Looks can be deceiving
No signs of frost on the first tee doesn’t mean an immediate “all clear” sign. If frost remains in unavoidable early in the round, the course must remain closed. Also remember that once the frost is totally clear, the maintenance staff will still need time to catch up on course preparation before play can begin.
More light goes a long way
Shade extends frost delays by preventing sunlight from melting the frost. Pruning or removing trees that shade primary playing surfaces can improve the course’s overall health and reduce the duration of frost delays. This is especially true on the first few holes, where the shade from a handful of trees can keep an entire course closed.
As the outdoor season wraps up, it’s time to keep the momentum going indoors! Thank you for an amazing season of Trying, Learning, and Playing Golf with us. Your enthusiasm has made this year unforgettable.
We’re excited to announce our Indoor Golf Schedule—the perfect way to refine your skills and stay sharp for next season. Just like our Outdoor Learn Days, these events are designed to be fun, social, and skill-building.
What’s Included:
Access to state-of-the-art golf simulators
Rotations through interactive stations led by professional coaches
A FREE beverage to enjoy during social time
Don’t let the off-season slow you down! Spots are limited, so secure yours today and stay ready to hit the course next spring.
Golf season is winding down for most recreational players across the country. For high-performance athletes, however, the grind never stops.
That is the case for members of Team Ontario, who recently wrapped up their first camp of the so-called “off-season.”
Team Ontario athletes engage with the provincial high-performance coaches year-round. During the summer months, athletes compete in tournaments across the province and participate in Team Ontario training days. Throughout the fall and winter, the program hosts camps in the United States, primarily in Florida. The team has camps scheduled in the Sunshine State next February and March. The final session south of the border takes place in Myrtle Beach and culminates with the Can-Am Matches against South Carolina.
“Our camps allow our coaching team to really dive into the four pillars of performance,” said Team Ontario’s head coach, Reggie Millage. “We focus on mental performance, physical strength and conditioning, injury prevention and technical and tactical approach.”
The camps are among the many draws of being part of a provincial program. Ahead of the Junior Golf Drive, a fundraising tournament held at Stouffville, Ont.’s Granite Golf Club in September, Team Ontario athletes said the extra sessions help them improve on and off the course.
“It’s really fun, the camps are obviously great,” said Angela Cai, who hails from Oakville, Ont., and plays out of RattleSnake Point Golf Club in nearby Milton. “We get to go to really cool places like Florida and Myrtle Beach. I have definitely improved, mentally especially. I have become aware of my mental state on the course. My swing has also improved, which is a bonus.”
Golf Ontario athletes participate in offseason camps in the United States during the offseason. (Golf Ontario)
“All the coaches have provided me with different information and different ways to look at the game, ways I have not thought of before,” added Bode Stephen, who plays out of Cataraqui Golf & Country Club in Kingston, Ont. “It has really helped to improve my game all around.”
One key aspect of the provincial program is allowing golfers to thrive in a team environment. Golf’s individual nature leaves few opportunities to practise and socialize with other players, something high-performance programs aim to fix.
“Having that team environment has been really fun,” said Stephen. “The team aspect of it is cool because of the individual aspect of golf; you don’t get that team environment very much, so it’s a cool experience.
“Bringing them together allows them the opportunity to push each other and learn from one another,” explained Millage. “Golf is hard and can be a lonely game at the top level, so the support network of having teammates there with you not just now but bonded together for years to come as they continue their journey in the sport.”
There is always a question of when the best time is for athletes to specialize in a certain sport. And while provincial and national coaches hope athletes prioritize golf, there are major benefits to participating in other activities that can help players down the line.
“Having other experiences as an athlete in other sports is such an asset to be an elite golfer,” said Millage. “The physical literacy, being in a team environment and dealing with adversity will help them now and into the future.”
Level 2 Rules of Golf Program Now Open for Registration!
Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario’s Level 2 Rules of Golf Program provides an in-depth, intuitive approach to understanding the key concepts, procedures, and outcomes of today’s game, with a focus on practical application for referees, tournament administrators, and golfers. Designed for those looking to become provincial referees, PGA professionals, or enhance their rules knowledge, the program covers Rules 1-25 and includes weekly webinars led by Level 3 Certified Referees. Participants will also explore the use of Clarifications from the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf and complete reading assignments and quizzes. To achieve certification, participants must score at least 80% on the exam, with eligible costs for travel, hotel, and registration available through Golf Ontario’s Volunteer – Rules Certification Expense Policy.
Why Join the 2025 Level 2 Rules of Golf Program?
The Level 2 program is designed for individuals with an involvement in tournament administration or individuals who have a desire to become a provincial Referee, PGA professionals, or golfers who wish to further their Rules knowledge. Level 2 certification is required for those participants proceeding to Level 3.
How to Register
Registration for the 2025 Level 2 Rules of Golf Program is now open, and spots are filling up fast! If you’re looking to deepen your golf knowledge and become an expert on the rules, don’t miss this chance. Click here to register today and take the next step in mastering the game!
1,000 Thank-Yous for Making the 1000 Ball Challenge a Success!
Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the 1000 Ball Challenge, which raised an incredible $77,835! Thanks to the unwavering support of our golf community, generous donors, and dedicated participants, all the funds raised this season will make a profound difference in advancing golf participation for more people in Ontario for many years to come.
We would also like to extend a special congratulations to Pam Jeacock from LPGA Amateurs of Ontario, the lucky winner of the 1000 Ball for the 1000 Ball Challenge Raffle! We are thrilled to celebrate this moment with you and appreciate your support.
Please see the highlight reel below, which contains all the incredible accomplishments our participants achieved this season!
Once again, thank you for your generosity, enthusiasm, and commitment to turn this program into a remarkable success. We look forward to elevating the 1000 Ball Challenge next season and continuing to bring GOLF FOR ALL to more communities in 2025.
One Week Left to Chip In: 1000 Ball Challenge closes on October 31st
Golf Ontario
As we approach the conclusion of this year’s 1000 Ball Challenge, Golf Ontario wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and supported this one-of-a-kind golf fundraiser such a success this season!
Whether you hit the greens yourself, encouraged others, or supported from the sidelines, your contributions have made a real impact!
Throughout this campaign, we’ve seen incredible dedication and energy from our participants across Ontario such as the LPGA Amateurs of Ontario, Hamilton Golf and Country Club, Terry Johnston, Ontario Golf Superintendents Association and Golf Fore All Abilities and many more!
As the fundraising portion of the event wraps up on October 31 2024, we encourage everyone to make a final push. Whether it’s sending out a few more donation requests or making a last-minute contribution, there’s still time to make a difference. Every dollar raised will help support Golf Ontario’s Golf For All Fund, as well as each group’s own fundraising initiatives.
Remember, your support not only goes to these incredible causes but it can also give you a chance to WIN the epic 1000 Ball for the 1000 Ball Challenge Raffle. Learn more by clicking the link!
We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together thus far. Thank you to all our participants and donors! You’ve made the 1000 Ball Challenge a success. Let’s finish strong and make these last few days count!
Thank you to all the Driving Ranges that have generously donated their space for our participants:
Since 1994, the Golf Ontario Scholarship program has thrived thanks to the generous support of our corporate partners and sponsors, impacting the lives of young people annually. This donor-led initiative allows us to award multiple scholarships each year to help students pursue higher education. Congratulations to the outstanding recipients of the 2024 scholarships!
Golf Ontario has established scholarship awards in memory of Ken McKenzie, Christine Fisher, Craig Revell, and Helena Harbridge, who greatly contributed to golf in Ontario.
In collaboration with their families, Golf Ontario will present these awards to deserving recipients who embody the passion and dedication of these remarkable people. Former Board Member and Executive Director of Golf Ontario, Dave Mills dedicated his life to promoting golf through initiatives like learn-to-play clinics and the Golf Ontario Scholarship Program.
Full List of 2024 Award Recipients:
Antiona Ho / Helena Harbidge Scholarship Award / University of Victoria
Finlay Kennie / Ken Mackenzie Scholarship Award / Western University
Graydon Laughlin / Dave Mills Scholarship Award / Bellarmine University
Michelle Ding / Dave Mills Scholarship Award / Williams College
Kelly Zhao / Craig Revell Scholarship Award / Elon University
Mia Wong / Christine Fisher Memorial StudentScholarship Award / University of Toronto
Ashley Lafontaine / Golf Ontario Scholarship / Elon University
Jacob Foxworthy / Golf Ontario Scholarship (BAKA) / University of Waterloo
Lucy Yang / Golf Ontario Scholarship (BAKA) / University of Toronto
To be eligible for one of the Golf Ontario awards or scholarships, recipients must have maintained at least a 75% academic average, be enrolled in a post-secondary institution, be members of Golf Ontario, and be actively involved in golf. If you are interested in applying for next year’s batch of scholarships, please visit here to learn more about the process and benefits of Golf Ontario Scholarships.
The Golf For All Fund, supported by generous donations, enables us to award scholarships to deserving young athletes. These funds help talented students pursue their academic goals through golf, shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
By donating, you’re not only supporting their athletic potential but also helping them unlock their full potential in life. We aim to make a lasting impact on these young lives.
Golf Ontario also invites opportunities to create new named scholarships for those passionate about leaving a legacy in Ontario Golf. For more information, please contact Raphael Root at rroot@gao.ca.
Join us in shaping young lives across Ontario. Consider supporting the Golf For All Fund today! Learn more at gao.ca/donate.
Father-Son Duo Triumphs at Ontario Men’s Better Ball Championship
Golf Ontario
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.
Oakdale Golf and Country Club is set to host the Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship on October 7th. This prestigious, one-day competition will see 56 two-man teams battle for the championship title in the better-ball format.
Established in 1959, the Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship has a long history at Oakdale Golf and Country Club—also the site of the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, where Canadian Nick Taylor secured a historic victory. The event has been held here every year since its inception, with the exception of 1963 and 1965.
QUOTE
“We are deeply honoured to have our final Golf Ontario provincial championship of the year hosted at the prestigious Oakdale Golf and Country Club. The club has been an incredible supporter of this championship for more than 60 years, and we’re excited to be on-site this Monday for another exceptional Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship.” –Rob Watson, Tournament Director.
TEAMS TO WATCH
2022 Men’s Better-Ball champions, Ryan Kings and Josh Hunke.
John Drewery and Derek McGrath, 2021 Men’s Better Ball winners.
2018 Men’s Better-Ball champions, Matt Ion-Young and Simon McInnis (last year’s Men’s Mid-Am winner).
The No. 1-ranked Men’s Mid-Am player from the BioSteel Golf Ontario Amateur Order of Merit Rankings, Charles Fitzsimmons and Canadian radio icon Howard Glassman.
This year’s Ontario and Canadian Men’s Mid-Am champion Cam Burke is teaming up with his dad, Charlie.
FAST FACTS
Venue: Oakdale Golf and Country Club
Date: Oct. 7 Field: 56 two-man teams Format: 18-hole, better-ball Leaderboard: HERE Fun Fact: Past champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Mike Weir, Gary Cowan, Warren Sye, Kelly Roberts, Bill Morland and Phil Farley
Golf Ontario Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers at Annual Appreciation Days
Golf Ontario
At this year’s Volunteer Appreciation Days across Ontario, Golf Ontario paid tribute to the incredible efforts of our more than 250 volunteers.
As part of the three celebrations (which took place in September at Craigowan Golf Club, Wooden Sticks Golf Course and Brockville Country Club), we proudly revealed the 2024 recipients of the Volunteer of the Year Award and the Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award.
These prestigious awards honour individuals whose dedication has made a significant and lasting impact on golf in Ontario. Their unwavering support continues to drive Golf Ontario’s mission to ‘Shape Lives Through Golf.’
Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award Recipient: Sally Cirtwill
Sally, a Level 3 National Golf Canada Rules Official, has been a dedicated volunteer with Golf Ontario since 1998. As she considers stepping back from her role, this year may mark her final season as one of our most esteemed referees.
For decades, Sally has generously devoted her time and energy, traveling countless miles to ensure our events run smoothly.
Earlier this season, the parent of a Golf Ontario Junior Player, who is now competing at the amateur and collegiate level, shared a heartfelt message. He mentioned that Sally has talked about retiring for years, but he believes this time she may truly mean it. He expressed deep gratitude for Sally’s kindness and professionalism, stating that she will be greatly missed by his family and many others when she does decide to retire.
Sally’s presence at events is always a highlight, with players, parents, and friends eager to greet her warmly. She embodies the essence of Golf Ontario’s mission—creating meaningful connections and enriching lives through golf.
Her unwavering passion, commitment, and love for the game make Sally a standout choice for the prestigious Golf Ontario Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award.
When she does retire, Sally will no doubt relish more summer days spent at home, enjoying her love of fishing and getting back on the golf course herself.
The Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award is named in honour of Richard H. Grimm, known as “Mr. Canadian Open” for his contributions from 1965 to 1993. The award, first presented in 2005, recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to amateur golf in Ontario through volunteerism. Recipients demonstrate leadership, integrity, and dedication while embracing Golf Ontario’s mission and values.
Volunteer of the Year Award: John Sharp
John Sharp has been a dedicated volunteer with Golf Ontario since 2011, serving as a Level 3 Rules Official. He exemplifies the spirit of the game and reflects Golf Ontario’s core values. John’s interactions with players are always positive and encouraging, all while maintaining professionalism. He consistently arrives early for his volunteer shifts and stays late to help with any unfinished tasks, demonstrating remarkable dedication and organizational skills during championship preparations.
John is well-connected within the golf community and is warmly greeted by many when he steps onto a course—a testament to the respect and admiration he has earned over the years.
One of John’s standout qualities is his openness and willingness to guide new volunteers, offering advice and support as they begin their journey with Golf Ontario. He extends this same mentorship to the summer interns, even assisting with course markings at events near him, regardless of whether he’s scheduled to volunteer.
John is also a great team player, regularly organizing dinners with fellow officials and volunteers, fostering camaraderie among the team.
Through his actions, John truly embodies Golf Ontario’s mission of shaping lives through positive golf experiences.
Volunteer of the Year Award: Margaret McCornock
Marg has been a dedicated and long-serving volunteer with Golf Ontario since 2012.
Her journey as a volunteer began with Golf Quebec in 2007 as a golf course rater, quickly rising to the position of rating leader by 2010. When many courses transitioned to Golf Ontario in 2012, Marg seamlessly continued her role as a rating leader, bringing her expertise to a new audience.
In addition to her work as a course rater, Marg also served on the Ottawa Valley Golf Association Board of Directors as the Director of Course Rating and Handicaps for a decade, from 2012 to 2022. Even after stepping down from this position, she continues to lead course rating teams for both Golf Ontario and Golf Quebec.
Marg’s leadership and commitment have been exceptional throughout her tenure. Her vast experience and knowledge in course rating have been instrumental in developing a skilled team of over 10 raters in the Ottawa Valley, with many others waiting to learn from her. Drawing from her teaching background, Marg has been an enthusiastic mentor, helping new raters grow into their roles with patience and dedication.
At the start of each rating season, Marg organizes refresher courses for both new and experienced raters, ensuring that the team is up-to-date with the latest information from the Course Rating System Guide and the provincial rating sessions. She also played a key role in the adoption of new technologies, offering on-course training to raters—both seasoned and novice—on how to use tablets to record rating data, while emphasizing the importance of understanding the reasoning behind the data collection.
For her work ethic, leadership, teaching ability, willingness to embrace new technologies, and her commitment to completing challenging course rating assignments—averaging three ratings a month during the summer—Marg is truly deserving of the title Golf Ontario Volunteer of the Year 2024.
Volunteer with Golf Ontario
At the heart of Golf Ontario, our volunteers are the lifeblood in a variety of critical areas, including championships, rules, course rating, and governance on committees and our board of directors. They are the sport’s ambassadors and an essential part of our team, enabling us to deliver exceptional programming and experiences to golfers, partners, and industry stakeholders.
Interested in becoming part of the Golf Ontario volunteer family? Find out more about the opportunities and rewards on our Volunteering Resource page HERE.
Champions Crowned at Ontario Senior Men’s Better Ball Championship
Golf Ontario
The top two ranked senior men’s amateur golfers in the province triumphed Thursday at Brampton Golf Club, capturing the Ontario Senior Men’s Better Ball Championship.
The duo of Dave Bunker (Cherry Hill Club) and Rob Cowan (Westmount Golf and Country Club) emerged victorious after defeating Dan Keogh (Toronto Golf Club) and Nigel Hollidge (Taboo Resort) in a one-hole playoff. Both teams carded a better-ball score of 5-under-par 66 on the day.
Last year’s champions, Bruno Ardito (Brampton Golf Club) and Gary Parker (Brampton Golf Club), secured third place.
A total of 55 teams (110 players) participated in the one-day event. Established in 1982, the Ontario Senior Men’s Better Ball Championship is open to players aged 55 and older as of the tournament date.
This victory marks the second provincial championship win this year for Bunker, following his triumph in the Ontario Senior Men’s Championship earlier this summer. He also claimed the Senior Porter Cup this season. Cowan recently finished in the top 15 at the Canadian Senior Men’s Championship and top 10 at the Ontario Senior Men’s Championship.
After making the winning putt, Luke Smith was crowned the champion, scoring 69 for a total of 213. Hall finished the round with a score of 70.
Close behind in third place was Jager Pain who was two-under-par with scores of 73, 74, and 67 for a total of 214.
Girls’ Division
Team Ontario had two players winning Gold and Silver. Angela Cai of Heron Point Golf Links was the champion of the girl’s division after a strong performance with scores of 74, 71, 72 for a total of 217. Nobelle Park of Rattle Snake Point took home silver with scores of 74, 75, 73 for a total of 222.
Finishing in third place was Kayla Black of Markland Wood Golf Club. Black had scores of 74, 73, and 76 for a total of 223, only one point behind Park.
Brampton Golf Club to Host 2024 Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship
Golf Ontario
The Brampton Golf Club will host this year’s Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship on September 26th. The one-day event will feature 56 two-man teams competing for the championship title in a better-ball format.
First held in 1982, the Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship is open to players aged 55 and older as of the tournament date.
QUOTE
“The Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship is a great way to close out the Senior Men’s championship season here in Ontario. This year’s field includes multiple past champions and many of the top-ranked senior players in the province, all eager to reclaim their spot at the top. We’re in for another exciting championship.” — Connor Doyle, Tournament Director
TEAMS TO WATCH
Dave Bunker and Rob Cowan: The No. 1 and No. 2-ranked senior men in this season’s BioSteel Amateur Order of Merit Rankings, with Bunker also being the winner of the 2024 Ontario Senior Men’s Championship.
Bruno Ardito and Gary Parker: Defending champions from the 2023 Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship.
Chris Lee and Cam Hreljac: Winners of the 2022 Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship.
David Wilson and Eamonn McConnell: Champions of the 2021 Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship.
Mark Bennett and Jim Briggs: The 2018 Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship winners.
Notable nice playersDan Keogh and Nigel Hollidge.
FAST FACTS
Venue: Brampton Golf Club Date: September 26 Field: 56 two-man teams Format: 18-hole, better-ball Leaderboard: HERE Fun Fact: Past champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Nick Weslock and Stu Hamilton.
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The Fifth Annual Ontario Super Camp and Tour Championship Set to Begin at Black Bear Ridge
Golf Ontario
The fifth annual Ontario Super Camp and Tour Championship kicks off this weekend in Belleville at Black Bear Ridge Golf Course and Resort.
More than 60 junior golfers, each earning their invitation based on the Junior Golf Pathway Rankings, will compete for top honors and the prestigious Dave Mills Trophy. The four-day event includes the 54-hole Tour Championship and a one-day Super Camp combine, taking place from September 22 to 25.
“The Super Camp and Junior Tour Championship is an exciting time of the year for junior golf. There’s a lot at stake this week! The top 30 boys and girls in the province face off, showcasing what they’ve been working on all year. We’re extremely excited to see the best of the best compete for the title.” — Mason Cowan, Championship Director.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
BOYS:
Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club) – Team Canada NextGen member and 2023 Ontario Junior Boys U19 champion.
Bode Stephen (Cataraqui Golf and Country Club) – Team Ontario athlete and winner of this year’s NextGen Atlantic Championship.
Gabriel Mainella (Summit Golf and Country Club) – Ontario Next Wave member, winner of this year’s Ontario Junior Boys U19 Championship and Junior Players Invitational, and the No. 1-ranked U19 boy on the Junior Golf Pathway rankings.
Jaeger Pain (Station Creek Golf Club) – Defending champion of last year’s Super Camp and Junior Tour Championship.
Joseph Totino (Summit Golf and Country Club) – Winner of this year’s Ontario Junior Boys U15 Championship.
Justin Chu (Meadowbrook Golf Club) – Finished second at this year’s Canadian U15 Championship.
Karson Hurlbert (Camelot Golf and Country Club) – Finished T3 at this year’s Canadian U15 Championship.
Chase Jerome (The Royal Ottawa Golf Club) – Team Ontario member.
GIRLS:
Nobelle Park (RattleSnake Point Golf Club) – Team Ontario member with multiple wins this summer, including the Canadian U15 Championship, Ontario Women’s Amateur, Ontario Bantam U15 Championship, and the Junior Spring Classic.
Avery Nordman (Canadian Golf and Country Club) – Ontario Juvenile Girls U17 champion.
Kaylan Green (Scarboro Golf and Country Club) – Winner of this year’s Ontario Junior Girls U19 Match Play Championship.
Sarah Xing (Players Club-Ottawa) – Winner of this year’s Ontario Peewee Girls U13 Championship.
Angela Cai (Heron Point Golf Links) and Emily McKee (St. George’s Golf and Country Club) – McKee is the recent winner of the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship.
Evelyn Li (Brampton Golf Club) – Finished third at this year’s Canadian U15 Championship.
FAST FACTS
Championship Venue: Black Bear Ridge Golf Course and Resort
Championship Dates: September 22-25
Field: 63 players—33 boys and 30 girls
Format: One-day skills combine followed by a 54-hole stroke play championship.
First awarded in 2021, the Dave Mills Trophy is named in honour of Dave Mills, a past Golf Ontario Executive Director and a passionate advocate for junior golf. Mills presented the first-ever Tour Championship trophy in 2020. The soapstone trophy was carved by Canada’s foremost Ojibway sculptor, Kris Nahrgang, who met with Mills before his passing.
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World Junior Girls Golf Championship coming to Credit Valley G&CC
Golf Ontario
Golf Canada has set an impressive stretch goal of having 30 professional golfers at the highest levels of the sport by 2032.
The World Junior Girls Golf Championship is a huge part of that target.
Credit Valley Golf and Country Club will host the international tournament from Sept. 30 to Oct. 5, with 24 teams representing 23 nations — Canada gets two squads — competing. Lindsay McGrath, a 17-year-old golfer from Oakville, Ont., said she’s excited to be representing Canada and continue to develop her game.
“I’m really grateful to be here,” said McGrath on Monday after a news conference in Credit Valley’s clubhouse in Mississauga, Ont. “It’s just such an awesome feeling being here and representing our country, wearing all the logos and being on Team Canada.
“I’ve always wanted to play in this tournament, so it’s really special to me.”
McGrath will be joined by Nobelle Park of Oakville, Ont., and Eileen Park of Red Deer, Alta., on Team Canada 2. All three earned their places through a qualifying tournament last month.
“I love my teammates so much,” said McGrath. “I know Nobelle and Eileen very well. I’m just so excited to be with them. We have such a great relationship.”
Shauna Liu of Maple, Ont., Calgary’s Aphrodite Deng and Clairey Lin make up Team Canada 1. Liu earned her exemption following her win at the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship while Deng earned her exemption as being the low eligible Canadian on the world amateur golf ranking as of Aug. 7.
Deng was No. 175 at the time, she has since improved to No. 171 and is Canada’s lowest-ranked player.
“I think it’s a really great opportunity,” said Liu. “We don’t really get that many opportunities to play with people from across the world, so it’s really great to meet new people and play with them.
“It’s great to see maybe how they play and take parts from their game that we might also implement our own games.”
Golf Canada founded the World Junior Girls Golf Championship in 2014 to fill a void in women’s international competition and help grow its own homegrown talent. The hosts won for the first time last year when Vancouver’s Anna Huang, Toronto’s Vanessa Borovilos and Vancouver’s Vanessa Zhang won team gold and Huang earned individual silver.
Medallists who have gone on to win on the LPGA Tour include Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., who was fourth in the individual competition at the inaugural tournament. She was on Canada’s bronze-medal team in 2014 with Selena Costabile of Thornhill, Ont., and Calgary’s Jaclyn Lee.
Other notable competitors who went on to become LPGA Tour winners include Angel Yin and Megan Khang of the United States, as well as Yuka Saso of the Philippines, Sweden’s Linn Grant and Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand.
“It’s not if, it’s when they’re going to be on the LPGA Tour,” said Garrett Ball, Golf Canada’s chief operating officer, of how Canada’s golfers in the World Junior Girls Championship can be part of the organization’s goal to have 30 pros in the LPGA and PGA Tours by 2032.
“Events like this, like the She Plays Golf festival that we launched two years ago, and then the CPKC Women’s Open exemptions that we utilize to bring in our national team athletes and get the experience has been important in that pathway.”
The individual winner of the World Junior Girls Golf Championship will earn a berth in next year’s CPKC Women’s Open at nearby Mississaugua Golf and Country Club.
Both clubs, as well as former RBC Canadian Open host site Glen Abbey Golf Club, were devastated by heavy rains through June and July as the Greater Toronto Area had its wettest summer in recorded history.
Jason Hanna, the chief operating officer of Credit Valley Golf and Country Club, said that he has seen the Credit River flood so badly that it affected the course’s playability a handful of times over his nearly two decades with the club.
Staff and members alike came together to clean up the course after the flooding was over, with hundreds of people coming together to make the club playable again.
“You had to show up, bring your own rake, bring your own shovel, bring your own gloves, and then we’d take them down to the golf course, assign them to areas where they would work, and then we would do a big barbecue down at the halfway house,” said Hanna. “We got guys, like, 80 years old, putting in eight-hour days down there, working away.”
Trophies Captured at the Ontario Women’s & Senior Women’s Four-Ball Championship
Golf Ontario
The 2024 Ontario Women’s & Senior Women’s Four-Ball Championship at the Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto saw interesting finishes all around.
The women’s division was won by Team Ontario’s very own Angela Cai + Emily McKee (Heron Point Golf Links, St. George’s Golf and Country Club). The pair finished the round with 5-under-par for a total of 67.
Women’s & Senior Women’s Four-Ball Heads to the Historic Ladies’ GC of Toronto
Golf Ontario
The prestigious Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto will host the Ontario Women’s & Senior Women’s Four-Ball Championship on Monday, celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2024. The event features 44 two-player teams divided into women’s and senior women’s divisions competing in a four-ball format.
Founded in 1924 by the legendary Ada Mackenzie, an Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member, the Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto was designed with the assistance of Stanley Thompson on the rolling terrain between Yonge Street and Bayview Avenue in Thornhill.
The one-day championship begins at 1 p.m. on Monday.
QUOTE
We’re excited to be hosting the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball and inaugural Ontario Senior Women’s Four-Ball Championship at The Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto during their 100th anniversary. This championship annually hosts some of the top female amateur golfers in the province, and we look forward to having them compete at this amazing facility.” – Connor Doyle, Tournament Director
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Alexandra Taylor of The Cherry Hill Club, 2024 Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur champion.
Golf Ontario Career Opportunity— Director, Human Resources & EDI
Golf Ontario
A new, full-time career opportunity is available at Golf Ontario.
To learn more about the Director, Human Resources & EDI role, CLICK HERE.
The role summary is as follows:
As an experienced Human Resources Leader, the Director, Human Resources (HR) & EDI will have a passion for building culture and collaborating with key stakeholders in delivering an HR strategy to inspire a performance-based team environment that is passionate, respectful, united, accountable and brilliant.
The Director, HR & EDI will collaborate with the leadership team, colleagues and volunteers to develop and lead the HR strategy for Golf Ontario, including employment practices to attract, retain and engage talent, compliance, administration, training, benefits, compensation and health, safety and wellness.
The Director, HR & EDI will drive the strategy for advancing Golf Ontario’s commitment to EDI and Safe Sport, including collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to build an inclusive environment that will shape lives by connecting people to positive golf experiences across Ontario.
Golf Ontario is a Provincial Sports Organization and the governing body for golf in Ontario. With more than 80 years of history and tradition, serving 125,000 members, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. We strive to partner with a connected golf community to inspire the game of golf for all Ontarians, including youth, women and underserved communities.
With our vision of Golf for All, Golf Ontario is committed to creating a diverse and safe environment within our organization and across the sport of golf.
BREAKING NEWS: An Epic Addition to Our Junior Golf Drive Auction!
Golf Ontario
Golf fans, brace yourselves—we’ve got one final auction item, and it’s nothing short of superhero-level cool.
Thanks to our incredible partners at TaylorMade Canada, we’re thrilled to offer a dozen limited-edition, comic book-inspired TP5 PIX golf balls. These collector’s items sold out faster than you can say “Smash! Boom! Pow!”—and now’s your chance to get your hands on them.
What makes these golf balls truly special?
Each ball features bold comic book language like “Smash!” “Boom!” and “Pow!” perfectly aligned to create pix’s ClearPath Alignment for improved visibility.
The outside of the collector’s box? Showcasing four of golf’s greatest superheroes—Rory McIlroy, Brooke Henderson, Collin Morikawa, and Tommy Fleetwood!
But that’s not all: the inside reveals more about their golf super-powers!
And now for the real plot twist… this exclusive box is signed by:
? Brooke Henderson? Collin Morikawa? Tommy Fleetwood? World No. 1, Scottie Scheffler
That’s right—you get signatures from some of the biggest legends in the game, making this item a once-in-a-lifetime collector’s dream!
But time is running out! ⏳
This online-only auction closes this Friday at 5 p.m.—so don’t wait! Place your bids on this super cool, one-of-a-kind treasure before it’s gone for good.
Every dollar raised from this auction directly supports junior golf programming across Ontario. Let’s keep building the future of the game—one superhero golf ball at a time!
Pendrith, Conners, Hughes named to International Team for upcoming Presidents Cup
Golf Ontario
Ontario’s own Taylor Pendrith, Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes have been named to the International Team’s for the upcoming Presidents Cup in Montreal.
It’s the first time three Canadians have played in the prestigious international event at the same time.
Canadian golf legend and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Mike Weir used three of his six captain’s selections on Pendrith, Conners and Hughes. He also picked South Africa’s Christiaan Bezuidenhout, South Korea’s Si Woo Kim and Australia’s Min Woo Lee.
Pendrith finished the 2024 season on a heater, earning his way into the PGA Tour’s playoffs and finishing the Tour Championship tied for 14th.
Corey Conners
Country: Canada
Age: 32
PGA TOUR Wins: 2
Presidents Cup: 1 (2022), 0-4-0
2024 Highlights: Has notched three top-10 finishes in 2024 including a season-best, solo-sixth-place effort at the RBC Canadian Open.
Captain Weir on Conners: “Corey is one of the best ball-strikers on the PGA TOUR and his ability to consistently put himself and his playing partner in a position to attack is invaluable in team competition. He has looked towards the 2024 Presidents Cup for two years now, and I know he’s eager to compete in front of his fellow Canadians.”
Mackenzie Hughes
Country: Canada
Age: 33
PGA TOUR Wins: 2
Presidents Cup: First appearance
2024 Highlights: Has recorded three top-10 finishes including a season-best T3 at the Valspar Championship. Only missed four cuts in 22 starts, marking a career best.
Captain Weir on Hughes: “Canadian golf fans have followed Mackenzie’s career for nearly two decades and it’s incredible to know he’s going to make his Presidents Cup debut in his home country. He is steady and calm under pressure and is without doubt one of the best putters on the PGA TOUR, which is a great combination for our team.”
Taylor Pendrith
Country: Canada
Age: 33
PGA TOUR Wins: 1
Presidents Cup: 1 (2022), 0-4-0
2024 Highlights: Picked up the first win of his PGA TOUR career at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson. Recorded five additional top-10 finishes while advancing to the TOUR Championship for the first time.
Captain Weir on Pendrith: “Taylor is in the midst of his best year on the PGA TOUR, and it was great to see him breakthrough for his first win in Dallas and advancing to the TOUR Championship. He has built a reputation as one of the longest hitters in our game, and that length should be advantageous in match play competition at Royal Montreal.”
Weir’s International side will face off against Jim Furyk’s U.S. squad in the match-play competition, Sept. 24-29, at The Royal Montreal Golf Club.
Pendrith and Conners — close friends — also played for the International Team at the 2022 Presidents Cup at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte.
That was the first time two Canadians had played at the elite event.
Ultimately, the Internationals lost 17 1/2 to 12 1/2 to the United States.
The International team has only won once in the event’s history, emerging victorious at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in 1998 when captain Peter Thompson led them to a 20 1/2 – 11 1/2 triumph over Jack Nicklaus’s American squad.
Social Handles: Stay connected with us on social media: Instagram, Facebook andX @thegolfontario
Call for Expressions of Interest: Board of Directors
Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario, the Provincial Sport Organization for Golf, is currently seeking interested individuals to serve on the Board of Directors for a three-year term commencing February 2025.
If you have a strong passion for the sport of golf and believe that it can contribute to building healthy communities, we would like to hear from you. We are searching for individuals who understand the amateur golf system in Ontario and have solid financial expertise, including knowledge and experience with investments and foundations. We are committed to ensuring that our Board reflects the diversity of golfers in Ontario and would particularly welcome women to apply.
Our Vision is a simple but powerful statement: Golf for All. This Vision is brought to life in our Strategic Plan, through unique participation initiatives such as the Regional Support Strategy. We are committed to building trusting relationships with our facilities and our golf partners so that together we can expand participation opportunities not only for current players but also for those who have never had the opportunity to play the game.
The role of a Golf Ontario Board member is to act as a trustee, always serving the best interests of the organization with integrity and an open mind. The Board’s governance responsibilities are multi-faceted and include upholding our By-Law, determining policy, developing and evaluating strategic priorities, monitoring financial performance, and approving annual budgets.
The Board currently consists of 11 directors serving staggered three-year terms, with an option to extend for a second three-year term. We will welcome 2 new directors in 2025. In-person Board meetings are hosted quarterly (travel and accommodation reimbursement provided), while quarterly Board committee and work group meetings are held virtually.
Expressions of Interest must include the following:
Online application form and Current CV (Instructions for uploading your documents are included on the application form). The application deadline for the coming year is October 31, 2024.
With more than 80 years of history and tradition, serving 120,000 members, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. We strive to align with all golf stakeholders through a connected golf community while encouraging both youth and adults to play more golf, more often. Our Mission is to shape lives through golf by connecting people to positive golf experiences.
Golf Ontario is an equal opportunity organization committed to providing accessible practices. We will make all reasonable accommodations for applicants with varying abilities to support their full participation in this process. We thank all individuals for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All Expressions of Interest will be kept in confidence.
Social Handles: Stay connected with us on social media: Instagram, Facebook andX @thegolfontario
Ontario Public Amateur Presented by Baka Mobile Sees Two New Winners Crowned
Golf Ontario
The final round of the 55th Ontario Public Amateur Championship presented by Baka Mobile from Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club saw interesting finishes all around.
The men’s Gross and ‘A’ Flight divisions were won by none other than Tangle Creek’s very own Josh Taylor, who had two very impressive rounds of play, shooting 2-under-par-70 yesterday and 4-under-par-68 today.
Taylor finished nine strokes ahead of runner-up, Brett Wira of London and 11 ahead of Toronto’s Paul Sobottka in both ‘A’ Flight and total Gross play. Overall, Taylor shot 138-6-under-par in both competitions while Wira shot 147 and Sobottka 149.
Jenna Power of Hornby Glen Golf Course captured both the women’s Gross and Net titles, shooting 87-par in Net play in the final round to finish two strokes ahead of runner-up, Loren Gabel of Cambridge.
Power shot 85-97 for a two-day total of 182 in gross play and 75-87 for 162 in net competition. Meanwhile, Gabel shot 92-86 for 178 in Net and 95-89 for 184 overall.
In the ‘B’ Flight division, Glencoe’s Jamie Howe took the reigns on the back of an impressive final round, where he shot 68-4-under-par in B Flight Net to finish six strokes ahead of Mike Vieira of Whitby. In Gross play, Howe shot 79 in the final round and both he and Vieira shot a two-day total of 159 in the overall competition.
The ‘C’ Flight division was decided in a playoff, where Joseph Smith of Alliston knocked off Whitby’s Steve Stone. Stone shot 72-even-par in C Flight Net play in the final round, which allowed him to rally from five strokes behind to allow a playoff. In the end, Smith, who shot 75-par in Net competition in the second round, prevailed after a nine-hole grind.
The event will see 109 public golfers, the most in Ontario Public Amateur Championship history, compete in four sperate flighted divisions.
The men will play in three flighted divisions—the ‘A’ flight division will compete in Gross competition, while flights ‘B’ and ‘C’ play in net competition with the option for ‘B’ flight golfers to compete in the overall championship. The women will compete in their own division, with both gross and net competitions.
First played in 1958, the Ontario Public Amateur Championship has provided great opportunities for public players of either the Golf Ontario Public Player Program and of semi-private golf courses to compete in a competitive tournament with gross and net flights. This allows high-handicap players to compete with players in their handicap grouping.
Past champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Dave Bunker (2009, 2010), Robert Mclean (2021), Arnold Johnson (2011, 2015), Peter Willis (2014), Gail Pimm (2015) and Nobelle Park (2022).
Both rounds will see morning tee-offs between 8-9:30 a.m. and afternoon times between 12:30-2 p.m., each on first and 10th tees.
CLICK HERE for all first-round pairings and start times.
Rob Watson, Tournament Director: “The Ontario Public Amateur Championship has served as a great opportunity for public players across the province to play in a competitive field. With about 110 players making up the field, as well as a course that brings plenty of hole-by-hole challenges in Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club, competition at this year’s event promises to be fierce.”
Richard Edmonds, General Manager – Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club: “It’s an honor and pleasure to be able to host such a prestigious event at our club. Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that the experience this week will be world class. The course is in immaculate shape and will test all golfers’ abilities. I would like to thank Golf Ontario and all the Volunteers that have dedicated their time to organizing this event.”
Golf Ontario is launching an exciting new raffle that every golfer will want to be a part of.
For a donation of just $20 to the 1000 Ball Challenge, you can enter for a chance to win 1,000 TaylorMade TP5/X golf balls—a prize valued at $7,000! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to stock up on top-quality golf balls while supporting a great cause.
What is the 1000 Ball Challenge?
The 1000 Ball Challenge is Golf Ontario’s bold fundraising initiative designed to drive golf participation across the province. This unique challenge inspires golfers to rally their friends and family, hit 1,000 golf balls in a single day, and raise much-needed funds to support the growth of the game. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just getting started, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact while having fun. Learn more and get involved at 1000 Ball Challenge.
How to Enter:
Supporting the 1000 Ball Challenge is easy and rewarding! For every $20 donation, you’ll receive one entry into the raffle for the grand prize of 1000 TaylorMade TP5/X golf balls.
You can donate directly to a team or individual taking part in the challenge or contribute to the overall campaign at www.1000ball.ca/raffle.
Remember, the more you donate, the better your chances of winning.
The lucky winner will be announced after at season’s end.
Don’t wait—make your donation today and take your shot at winning 1,000 TaylorMade TP5/X golf balls!
Special Olympian Fundraising for Adaptive Golf in Ontario Through 1000 Ball Challenge
Golf Ontario
Mikey “Rocco” DiRaddo, a Special Olympian golfer, is making waves by launching Golf Fore All Abilities earlier this year—a vision he’s held for a long time.
Golf Fore All Abilities aims to bring golf opportunities to youth in schools across the Niagara region, with plans to continue expanding for weeks and months to come.
Now, Rocco is taking the next step to support Golf Fore All Abilities by launching a fundraising initiative through the 1000 Ball Challenge and the Golf For All Fund.
His goal is to raise $5,000 by the end of the golf season to help kickstart golf programming in the Niagara area.
“Reaching this goal would mean a lot to me and to the nonprofit organization I’ve started,” Rocco shared. “It would help us get the ball rolling for future events and allow us to positively impact others through sport. It would also support both my program and Golf Ontario’s work in adaptive golf.”
The 1000 Ball Challenge invites individuals or teams to support the expansion of golf opportunities in Ontario while testing their endurance by hitting as many golf balls as possible. Meanwhile, the Golf For All Fund focuses on increasing access to golf and introducing the game to a wider audience, with funding allocated for programs supporting Girls and Women, Indigenous communities, Adaptive Golf, and Junior Performance.
“My idea for this challenge came from my experiences as a Special Olympic golfer in Ontario,” Rocco explained. “In June, I had the opportunity to play in a tournament in Uxbridge, where I met incredible people with various disabilities. That experience inspired me to do more.”
Proceeds from the 1000 Ball Challenge will be split equally, with 50% going to the Golf For All Fund and the other 50% supporting summer programming for Golf Fore All Abilities in the Niagara Region.
“Golf Fore All Abilities will use these funds to continue running our adaptive golf program and reach more people with various disabilities,” Rocco added.
Rocco will be taking on the 1000 Ball Challenge at Lookout Point Country Club on Saturday, October 12. You can support his efforts by visiting Mikey Rocco’s Golf Fore All Abilities 1000 Ball Challenge page to make a donation.
For any questions or assistance with creating or joining teams, please reach out to Raphael Root at rroot@gao.ca.
Dramatic Final Round at the 2024 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys and Girls Championship
Golf Ontario
The 2024 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys and Girls Championship concluded in thrilling fashion at Hollinger Golf Club.
Boys’ Division
In an unforgettable comeback, Dawson Lew of Team Ontario and Wyndance Golf Clubclaimed the prestigious Mike Weir Trophy.
Entering the final round nine strokes behind the leader, Lew delivered a stunning performance, carding a 7-under-par 65 to tie the Hollinger Golf Club course record. His remarkable round allowed him to finish one stroke ahead of Station Creek Golf Club‘s Jager Pain.
Pain, who led going into the final round, finished with a total score of 216 (even-par), securing second place. Hawk Ridge Golf Club’s Spencer Shropshire rounded out the top three with a final score of 220.
Lew’s final tally of 1-under-par 215 included seven birdies, with four consecutive birdies between holes five and eight.
Both players entered the final round tied for the lead. Although Card appeared to be pulling away on the back nine, Nordman staged a fierce comeback to ultimately claim the Sandra Post Trophy. Nordman finished four strokes ahead of Card and six strokes ahead of Narisse Daye from Sarnia Golf & Country Club.
After a challenging start with rounds of 77 and 76, Nordman rebounded with an impressive 71 in the final round, bringing her total score to 224.
Just 21 days after finishing as a finalist in the Ontario Junior Girls Match Play Championship, Nordman can now proudly call herself the Ontario Juvenile Girls Champion.
The top 60 boys and 30 girls aged 17-and-under compete in 54-hole stroke play for the Mike Weir and Sandra Post trophies.
Notable past winners of the Ontario Juvenile Girls Championship include Alena Sharp (1996), Jessica Shepley (1998), Stephanie Sherlock (2003) and Rebecca Lee-Bentham (2006 & 2008).
Notable past Ontario Juvenile Boys Champions include Gary Cowan (1954), Bob Panasiuk (1956 & 1957), Brandon Ng (2007 & 2009) and current Team Canada NextGen member, Matthew Javier (2022 & 2023)
All three rounds will see morning tee-offs starting at 8 a.m. from the first and 10th tees.
For first round pairings and start times, CLICK HERE.
Dawson Lew (Team Ontario), who finished tied for second in the 2024 Ontario NextGen Championship and fourth in the 2024 Ontario Junior Boys Championship.
Spencer Shropshire (Hawk Ridge Golf Club), who comes in fresh off finishing third in the Canadian Junior Boys Championship.
Notable players in the Juvenile Girls division include:
Connor Doyle, Tournament Director: “The Ontario Juvenile U17 Championship has always had a very competitive field. The field for this year’s championships is no different as it features multiple Team Ontario, Next Waive athletes, and many top ranked players from the 2024 Junior Golf Pathway rankings. Hollinger Golf Club will be a great test for the players with its tight treelined holes and angulating greens. We look forward to another excellent championship in the north.”
Taylor Dupuis, General Manager – Hollinger Golf Club: “Hollinger Golf Club is excited to not only welcome the top Juvenile players in the province, but to also showcase our beautiful Northern Ontario landscape, hospitality and championship calibre course. This is the first time a provincial championship has made its way to Timmins, and we look forward to setting a standard for years to come. This is a great opportunity for junior golfers and parents of our area to come by and experience an environment and of course golf of this calibre and we couldn’t be more thrilled.”
Fun Fact: Hollinger Golf Club is named after its previous owners, the Hollinger Mine of Timmins. The course was renamed from Timmins Golf Club after the Hollinger Mine closed and sold the club in 1974.
This year’s championship saw more than 110 players from more than 60 First Nations compete from across Canada as well as the U.S.
Taking the reigns on the men’s side for the second consecutive year was Ky Horn of the Mohawks of Kahnawake, who put together an outstanding final round performance to rally back from a seven-stroke deficit.
Horn shot 4-under-par-68 in the final round to finish two strokes ahead of both Lower Mohawk, John Monture and Lucas Rogers of Kettle Point First Nation.
Despite a rocky start to his Indigenous Ontario Championship, Horn shot a total par of 219 overall, which included a 70 in the second round and his final round 68.
Cheryl Mitchell of Walpole Island First Nation captured the women’s title for the third straight year.
Mitchell came into the final round with a two-stroke lead over Melanie Burgess of Matachewan First Nation, but quickly took control in the final round, shooting a 35 on the front nine and ended with a total of 73 in the final round and 226 overall.
For the third consecutive edition of the Indigenous Ontario Championship, Burgess finishes in second place, shooting 236 overall, while Savana Smith of the Delaware Nation shot a total of 239 to finish third.
The following 16 players have qualified to represent Team Indigenous Ontario in the Indigenous Challenge Cup in Bear Mountain Golf Club in Victoria, BC:
MEN:
Ky Horn – Mohawks of Kahnawake
John Monture – Lower Mohawk
Lucas Rogers – Kettle Point First Nation
Colin Sobey – Red Rock Indian Brand
Andrew Hill – Lower Mohawk
Lorne Smith – Walpole Island
Brent Sault – Mississaugas of the Credit
Earl Hill – Mohawk
WOMEN:
Cheryl Mitchell – Walpole Island First Nation
Melanie Burgess – Matachewan First Nation
Savana Smith – Delaware Nation
Loraine Elijah – Oneida Nation of the Thanes
Alisha Jacobs – Delaware Nation Moravian of the Thames
Xing pulled off impressive scores of 73 and 69. While Doornekamp stayed on top both days shooting 66 and 71.
The intense competition continued as the second place medalists kept it close with Riviera Lindholm of St. Georges Golf & Country Club on the girl’s side finishing with scores of 72 on both days and Dustin Zhao of National Pines Golf Club on the boy’s side had scores of 75 and 64.
Kaige Zhu and Grace (HyunYi) Kim followed along in third place to close out the championship.
CLICK HERE for all results of the Ontario Peewee U13 Girls Championship.
CLICK HERE for all results of the Ontario Peewee U13 Boys Championship.
LPGA Amateur Golf Association Growing Women’s Participation in Golf Through 1000 Ball Challenge
Golf Ontario
LPGA Amateurs is made up of over 15,500 women of all golf abilities and provides playing and learning opportunities for women of all ages through local and national events.
The association is taking further action to grow women’s participation programs by raising money through the 1000 Ball Challenge and the Golf For All Fund.
The 1000 Ball Challenge allows individuals or teams to support expansions of Ontario golf opportunities and experiences while testing their endurance by hitting as many golf balls as possible.
The Golf For All Fund aims to increase access to the game of golf and introduce it to a wider audience by funding for the participation and programing of Girls and Women, Indigenous, Adaptive and Junior Performance.
LPGA Amateurs have set an ambitious goal they hope to achieve before the end of the golf season. They have divided four regional teams and 20 different representatives, all with their own 1000 Ball Challenge pages.
One team that has stood out is Team HamBurGirls, who represent the Hamilton-Burlington region. Their team goal was to raise $5,000, but the current total at $6,001 tops that goal drastically.
“Our Association has the relationship it does with both Golf Canada and Golf Ontario, and supporting women in golf is such an important issue for us,” said Deb Kucheran, LPGA Amateur of Hamilton-Burlington region president.
If the LPGA Amateurs’ goal is reached, 50 percent of funds will go directly to all LPGA Chapters, while the other 50 will go toward the Golf For All Fund.
Both the LPGA Chapter and Golf For All Fund will put the raised money towards expanding women’s golf opportunities across the province, which according to Kucheran includes adding more women’s golf programs to more regions and educating golf courses to accept women in golf.
“It’s time for equality in golf,” she said.
When Kucheran and the rest of the LPGA Amateurs Ontario governing body learned that each Chapter would get back 50 percent of what they donated, the thought of making her own regional team was instant.
“I set up Team HamBurGirls and then recruited team members by advertising in our newsletters, social media and just asking members,” she said.
With $1,000 more than the team goal raised, Kucheran hopes the money will make it easier to provide members with golf experiences.
“As our LPGA Amateurs’ seven Chapters in Ontario depend only on member fees for income, fundraising is extremely important to be able to provide the members value for their membership dollar,” she said.
The first two rounds will begin tee times between 11:00am- 3:00pm.
For first round pairings and start times, CLICK HERE.
FIELD NOTES
Riveria Lindholm No.1, Keisha Han No. 2, Katherine Xia No.3 are top three under the U13 Girls Junior Golf Pathway Rankings.
Gerry Kou No.1, Chi-Shen Lin No.2, Dustin Zhao No.3, are top three under the U13 Boys Junior Golf Pathway Rankings.
PLAYER NOTES
Notable names in the 72-player field include:
Riviera Lindholm of St. Georges Golf and Country Club has competed at the Women’s Amateur at just 11 years old. She will also be competing for the Ontario Pewee (U13) Girls Championship.
QUOTES
Mason Cowan, Tournament Director: “We are beyond excited to host our Ontario Pewee U13 Championship at Victoria Park East. Their staff and ownership have done an amazing job to provide our athletes with great course conditions. It allows our athletes to showcase their talents over the next two rounds. I’m looking forward to watching the future of golf in action!”
The championship features 117 of the top male and female Indigenous golfers from across North America, the most players this event has seen yet, competing in Gross and Net Stableford divisions. The championship will also feature junior and senior divisions.
In its third year running, the Indigenous Ontario Championship has been open to Indigenous golfers of all ages. With the inaugural Indigenous Ontario Championship’s success, the format was switched from a 36-hole to a 54-hole stroke play event.
This championship aims to bring awareness to the growth and impact of the game of golf to Indigenous communities and provide both players and spectators with a memorable experience.
All three editions of this championship have been hosted by MontHill Golf & Country Club thanks to its strong ties with the community ever since Six Nations business leaders, Jerry Montour and the late Ken Hill acquired rights to the club in 2014.
The first two rounds will see tee-offs begin at 7:30 a.m. from the first and 10th tees.
For all first-round pairings and start times, CLICK HERE.
PLAYER NOTES
Of the 85 players in the men’s division, notable names include:
Matachewan First Nation’s Melanie Burgess, who finished runner-up in the first two Indigenous Ontario Championships.
QUOTES
Kyle McFarlane, Golf Ontario CEO: “We are excited for the third playing of the Ontario Indigenous Championship. The week promises to be a celebration of golf and showcase the talent of Indigenous golfers from across the province and country. We are incredibly grateful to the leadership of MontHill Golf & Country Club for their support and collaboration, which have been pivotal in bringing this championship to life. We anticipate a fantastic week ahead, filled with competition, camaraderie, and outstanding golf.”
Brendan Painter, Director of Golf – MontHill Golf & Country Club: “MontHill Golf & Country Club is proud to host the 3rd annual Indigenous Ontario Championship. Being 100 percent Indigenous owned, this tournament holds a special place in our hearts bringing together Indigenous from all over Turtle Island. Last year we had 91 players from over 40 different Nations, with some great competition, lots of laughs, and just an overall positive experience. We look forward to much more of the same this year.”
Throughout the championship Nobelle Park of RattleSnake Point Golf Club pulled off impressive scores of 67 and 67. While Joseph Totino of Summit Golf and Country Club finished the championship with scores of 65, 68 and a 1-hole playoff win.
On the girl’s side, Park battled both days with runner up Alexis Card of Galt Country Club, who had scores of 69 and 73. Evelyn Li of Brampton Golf Club and Regan Andrusyk of Hamilton Golf & Country Club fell close behind as both players finished in third place.
In the boy’s division, Andy Dai of Station Creek Golf Club was the runner-up with scores of 66 and 67 to end the final day. Justin Chu of Meadowbrook Golf Club was close behind, finishing in third place with scores of 69 and 66.
CLICK HERE for all results of the Ontario Bantam U15 Girls Championship.
CLICK HERE for all results of the Ontario Bantam U15 Boys Championship.
With the victory, Kyrinis ties Marlene Stewart Streit and Gayle Borthwick with the most Ontario Senior Women’s Championship wins in tournament history with six. This is also her third Ontario Senior Women’s Championship victory in the last four years.
This piece of history adds to her outstanding Ontario golf career, which includes her 1998 Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship, 2009 Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship and 2017 Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship titles.
While Kyrinis captured the Championship Flight division, the ‘A’ Flight Gross division saw Grey Silo Golf Course’s Lori Friesen as the winner, finishing four strokes ahead of the runner-up, Ruth McBride of Bridgewater Country Club.
The ‘A’ Flight Net division saw an intense finish, as Lori Friesen, Soon Huh (Glen Abbey Golf Club) and Kelly Dory (Midland Golf & Country Club) all had to settle a winner in a sudden death playoff.
In the end, Huh came out on top, shooting 218-1-under-par.
For all results of the 62nd Ontario Senior Women’s Championship, CLICK HERE.
Mason Cowan, Tournament Director: “I’m looking forward to watching some amazing golf this week. Chedoke Golf Club has provided us with great playing conditions for our championship. This tournament will showcase the outstanding talents of the top U15 golfers in the province, and we get to watch them display their abilities against each other.”
The field consists of 93 of Ontario’s top female golfers aged 50 and over compete in 54-hole stroke play for Champ Flight and ‘A’ Flight titles.
Since 1962, the Ontario Senior Women’s Championship has featured the best provincial senior female golfers that either aim to carve their names onto the walls of greatness or look to cement their legacies as current Ontario Golf Hall of Famers.
Notable past champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Famers Mary-Ann Hayward and Judith Kyrinis, who have both won this championship five times, Terrill Samuel and Ivy Steinberg who have won this championship twice, and Marion Reid,the 2022 Champion.
As well, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Famers, Marlene Stewart Streit and Gayle Borthwick, are both six-time winners of this championship.
Tee-offs begin at 7:40 a.m. tomorrow. For all pairings and start times, CLICK HERE.
Connor Doyle, Tournament Director: “The Ontario Senior Women’s Championship has annually featured many legendary Ontario female golfers who have significantly contributed to women’s golf throughout their careers. The 62nd playing of this championship features multiple past champions and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members, to go along with largest field we have had in this championship in many years. We are in for an exciting week at Lora Bay Golf Club.”
Brad Brown, The Club at Lora Bay Golf Professional: “Lora Bay Golf Club offers a unique atmosphere and challenge to players with its stunning views and total distance of 7,034 yards. We are thrilled to welcome the Senior Women’s Championship, and our team is dedicated to providing an unforgettable experience for all its participants.”
Fun Fact: Judith Kyrinis and Mary-Ann Hayward can tie Marlene Stewart Streit and Gayle Borthwick’s six Senior Women’s Championship titles record with a win.
Dave Mills’ Legacy Being Honoured with Funding for Scholarship through 1000 Ball Challenge
Golf Ontario
Dave Mills has been a giant for decades in the golf industry, and for golf in Ontario in particular, thanks to his contributions to advance golf across the province. This year, Golf Ontario is pleased to award two deserving junior golfers with a scholarship in honour of Dave.
Mills was heavily involved with the Golf Association of Ontario – now known as Golf Ontario – since 1986. He served on the board of directors from 1989-1997, before stepping down from the board and taking over as executive director in 1997.
He is responsible for turning the association from one experiencing financial and administrative challenges, to one of the largest and most successful golf associations in the world.
The passion and contributions Mills brought to Ontario golf has led to the Dave Mills Scholarship being established.
“I can’t count how many times people came up to me and expressed their sincere gratitude for what my dad did for them,” said Dave’s son, Jon Mills, Kent State University’s head men’s golf coach. “He seemed to impact so many people in different ways. He would do anything to help a young player out while at the same time teach them how to be respectful of the game.”
He also led the process to establish the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame and helped to have golf recognized as an “Official Sport” by Sport Ontario/Sport Canada.
Dave had a great love of the game and cherished every moment he played with his wife, family and friends.
Mills’ sons, Jeff and Jon, are using the 1000 Ball Challenge to grow the fund for the scholarship and to ensure his legacy and impact is felt for many generations to come.
“I heard about the 1000 Ball Challenge through a great friend Craig Loughry,” Jon said. “Wanting to honour my dad to continue giving to his scholarship to help the next generation of junior golfers in Canada.”
Their goal is to reach $20,000 by the end of the season, all of it will be put into further funding for the Dave Mills Scholarship. Donations of $20 or more are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
Drewery and Green Win 2024 Ontario Junior Boys & Girls Match Play Championships
Golf Ontario
The final day of the 2024 Ontario Junior Boys and Girls Match Play Championships at Grey Silo Golf Course featured breathtaking finishes.
Taking home the Len Goldson Trophy on the boys’ side is Will Drewery, who faced fellow Whistle Bear Golf Club athlete, Rylan Hall of Team Ontario, in the finals.
It all came down to an extra 19th hole, where Drewery defeated Hall with a Birdie putt to complete a comeback from 3-down earlier.
En route to the finals, Drewery won the Round of 64 8&7, the Round of 32 3&2, the Round of 16 2 Up, the Quarter-Finals 2&1, and both the Semi-Finals and Finals in 19 holes.
Regardless of the outcome, an Ontario Junior Boys Match Play Championship title was in Whistle Bear Golf Club’s hands before the finals even began.
After the two went back-and-forth all afternoon, their match came down to a 21st hole, where Green sunk her Par putt to clinch the victory.
Both contestants were playing in their first Ontario Junior Girls Match Play Championship and went through impressive lengths to make it all the way to the finals.
In the end, Green’s journey to the title included a 4&3 win in the Round of 32, a 3&1 win in the Round of 16, a 4&3 win in the Quarter-Finals, a 3&2 win in the Semi-Finals, and a 21 hole win in the final showdown with Nordman.
CLICK HEREfor all results of the Ontario Junior Girls Match Play Championship.
CLICK HERE for all results of the Ontario Junior Boys Match Play Championship.
The field will feature 144 of province’s top golfers aged 25-and-over competing for a provincial title.
Despite its young history, the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship has seen a number of notable past champions since its first playing in 1993.
Notable past winners include Garret Rank (2015, 2018), as well as Ontario Golf Hall of Famers Stu Hamilton (1993, 1998), Kelly Roberts (1997), and Dave Bunker (2007, 2011, 2014, 2021).
The first two rounds will see morning groups tee off at 8 a.m. and afternoon groups at 1 p.m. until the 36-hole-cut.
For first round pairings and start times, CLICK HERE
The respective events will feature 30 players on the girls’ side and 64 players in the boys’ division. Both divisions will be competing in epic battles against one another in match play format.
While the Ontario Junior Girls Match Play Championship first commenced in 1982, and the Ontario Junior Boys Match Play Championship in 1998, both have seen talented players go head-to-head in tremendous matchups over the years.
The Junior Boys begin their first round matches Monday starting at 7:30 a.m., while the Junior Girls kick off their first round with tee times set for 12:30 p.m. Both the boys and girls events will tee-off from the first and 10th tees.
CLICK HERE to view all matchups and start times for the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship.
CLICK HERE to view all matchups and start times for the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Match Play Championship.
Ava Gilbart (Summit Golf & Country Club) recently finished tied for 2nd at the Golf Canada NextGen Atlantic Championship.
QUOTES
Connor Doyle, Tournament Director: “The Ontario Junior U19 Boys & Girls Match Play Championship is a tremendous event on the Golf Ontario Championship Calendar that generates lots of excitement year in and year out. Grey Silo will certainly be an excellent test for the players as the course features many risk-reward opportunities and will lead to many excellent matches and moments for the players this week.”
Bunker entered the final round on top of the leaderboard and finished on top after shooting 2-under-par-70 to finish three strokes ahead of fellow Cherry Hill Club competitor, Adam Creighton, who shot even-par-72 in the third round.
Overall, Bunker shot 209-7-under-par during an amazing week. The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member can now add a second Ontario Senior Men’s Championship title to his legendary cabinet as part of an incredible Ontario golf career.
The top 156 province golfers aged 55 and over are set to compete for a provincial title.
On July 22, a qualifier will take place with tee times between 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. to determine the final 24 players who will advance and compete in the 70 and over Championship.
Since its inaugural play in 1936, the Ontario Senior Men’s Championship has featured the best provincial senior golfers that either aim to or already have their names carved into the Ontario golfing legacy.
Notable past champions include Stu Hamilton (2001, 2006), Mike Jackson (2010, 2011 and 2013), Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Warren Sye (2012) and 11-time winner between 1968 and 1980, Canadian and Ontario Golf Ontario Hall of Famer, Nick Weslock.
The first two rounds will see morning start times at 7:30 a.m. and afternoon start times at 12:30 p.m. until the 36-hole-cut after the second round.
For first round pairings and start times, CLICK HERE.
Adam Miller, Head Club Pro – Brockville Country Club: “The Brockville Country Club and its members are extremely proud and excited to be hosting the 2024 Ontario Senior Men’s Championship. We are looking forward to showcasing the best that our great town has to offer and to set the stage on our beautiful and challenging golf course for a fantastic, competitive event featuring some of the best senior players in the province.”
FAST FACTS
Championship Venue: Brockville Country Club
Championship Dates: July 23 – 25
Field: 156 players (Overall: 132, 70 and over Championship: 24)
Format: 54-hole Stroke Play (Overall: 36-hole-cut – low 60 & ties – 70 and Over Championship: 36-hole-cut
Fun Fact: Cherry Hill Club will be represented by six players in this championship (Dave Bunker, Adam Creighton, Gord Henderson, Mark McBride, Joe Miszk, Mark Tomasello).
The Uxbridge, Ontario-based wealth management firm’s partnership with Golf Ontario promises to significantly enhance this year’s event, taking place on September 9 at Granite Golf Club.
The Junior Golf Drive is an unforgettable fundraiser dedicated to advancing Golf Ontario’s junior performance programming. The support from this event enables Golf Ontario to continue nurturing the next generation of high-performance golfers in the province.
Participants in this year’s Junior Golf Drive will enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience, featuring 18 holes of golf alongside Team Ontario and Next Wave athletes. The event includes registration gifts, breakfast, a three-course lunch, prizes, and a silent auction. Funds raised will support Golf Ontario’s Junior Golf programs, including The Junior Golf Pathway, Next Wave Program, and Team Ontario.
For more information about this year’s Junior Golf Drive, visit juniorgolfdrive.ca. Opportunities are still available for those looking to participate or partner in the event.
Nearly 50 of Ontario’s top golfers with a disability will compete for a provincial title.
Since its inaugural championship in 2019, the Ontario Adaptive Championship has allowed golfers with disabilities to showcase their skills as well as ensuring a proper pathway towards player development.
Chris Garner (ParaGolf Ontario), the 2022 ALD World Long Drive Champion in the Adaptive Division.
Team Ontario coach, and two-time winner of the Ontario Junior Boys Spring Classic, Reggie Millage.
QUOTES
Kyle McFarlane, Golf Ontario CEO: “We are excited to kick off the sixth playing of the Ontario Adaptive Championship next week at the amazing Weston Golf and Country Club. This championship consistently delivers memorable moments and exceptional play, underscoring the power of our sport and Golf Ontario’s commitment to Golf For All.”
Truong entered the final round leading the way with a score of -5. Her lead held after shooting a 71 to finish the round ahead of runner up Julia Alexander-Carew of Credit Valley Golf & Country Club, and Natasha Korman of Hamilton Golf & Country Club who both finished at -2 for the championship.
Throughout this championship the level of competition has reached new heights.
“It has been a week filled with incredible excitement and intense competition. Witnessing the high-calibre performances of these young athletes is truly inspiring and bodes well for the future of Junior Golf in Ontario. Thank you to our wonderful hosts here at Beverly Golf & Country Club for their role in making the 89th Junior Girls Championship a resounding success,” said Kyle McFarlane Chief Executive Officer at Golf Ontario.
The Ontario Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden who was in attendance to present the Championship trophy believes these junior golfers are inspiring the next generation.
“These young golfers especially deserve praise for their hard work, sportsmanship and commitment to the sport, and for inspiring the next generation of golfers to pursue excellence on the course,” he said.
On top of that, “Our government applauds all participants of these championships-athletes, coaches, officials, the Beverly Golf and Country Club, and all the dedicated volunteers for making this event a success.”
Mainella came into the final round six strokes back of the lead after shooting 1-under-par 71 in each of the first three rounds.
However, after shooting 3-under-par 69 in the final round, Mainella finished with a total of 282-6-under-par and two stokes ahead of runner-up, Jager Pain of Station Creek Golf Club.
Along with his Ontario Junior Players Invitational title earlier in the year, Mainella can now add the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Championship to his 2024 seasonal checklist.
With top three finishes in the 102nd Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Championship, Mainella, along with Pain and Isaiah Ibit (Camelot Golf & Country Club) have qualified to represent Ontario’s Interprovincial team at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship in Innisfail, AB.
A field of Ontario’s top 144 junior male golfers will put their skills to the test for the Junior Championship Trophy.
Since 1923, the Ontario Junior Boys Championship has seen plenty of talent put on display.
Notable past champions include Mike Weir (1988), Gary Cowan (1956), David Morland IV (1986), Gerry Kesselring (1945, 1946, 1948), Stan Baluik (1954), Jon Mills (1996), Ashton McCulloch (2019) and so many more.
Otter Creek Golf Club, which previously hosted the 2020 Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, features plenty of width off the tee, but also challenges players with angles into undulating greens.
The first two rounds will feature morning tee-offs starting at 8 a.m. and afternoon starts set for 1 p.m. from the first and 10th tees, followed by 7:30 a.m. tee-offs for rounds three and four after the 36-hole cut.
For first round pairings and start times, CLICK HERE.
Connor Doyle, Tournament Director: “The Ontario Junior Boys Championship has been one of the most highly anticipated events on the Golf Ontario calendar for more than 100 years now. Otter Creek will be an excellent test for our players and will provide us with another competitive and exciting championship.”
John Hall, Director of Golf – Otter Creek Golf Club:“Otter Creek Golf Club is a beautiful piece of property and a unique golf course for the players; we are excited to present it to them. The rolling slopes and angles on the greens mixed with the severity of the fescue will definitely test their accuracy, creativity and skill. The Ontario Junior Boys Championship is an event that has a prestigious history attached to it, and our staff is looking forward to welcoming all players, staff and volunteers for its 102nd edition.”
Fun Fact: Otter Creek Golf Course is one of four mid-western Ontario golf courses designed by renowned Canadian golf course architect, Dick Kirkpatrick.
Starting off with a field of the top 90 Junior Girls in Ontario, this is Beverly Golf & Country Club’s second time hosting, the first being in 1963 when Nancy Stoddart of (Uplands Golf & Country Club) took home the championship.
Of these players participating in this championship, seven are Team Ontario Members.
The first two rounds will see 7:30 a.m. start times until the 36-hole cut midway thru the championship.
For first round pairings and start times, CLICK HERE.
FIELD NOTES
Nobelle Park has claimed two wins so far in 2024: the Junior Girls Spring Classic and the Ontario Women’s Amateur. She is currently the top ranked player in the field according to the World Amateur Golf Rankings coming in at No. 193.
Nobelle Park (1), Julia Alexander-Carew (T3), Grace Anderson (5), Ella Zanatta (T6), Kaprice Park (T6), and Bridget Yu (T6) all finished in the top 10 at this year’s Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship.
QUOTES
“This tournament will showcase the exceptional talents of the top junior girls from across the province. Beverly Golf & Country Club has provided us with excellent conditions for our players to test their abilities against each other.”- Tournament Director Mason Cowan
Ontario’s Brooke Henderson and Alena Sharp to Compete for Canada at Paris Olympics
Golf Ontario
Golf Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee have announced Team Canada women’s golf athletes nominated to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The two athletes are:
The two athletes qualified for Team Canada based on their standing on the Official World Golf Rankings at the close of the Olympic qualification period following the completion of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship on Sunday, June 23, 2024. At the close of the Paris 2024 women’s qualification period, Henderson sits 14th on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Ranking and Sharp is 292nd.
The two-year Olympic qualification period for women’s golf saw the athletes earn their spot on Team Canada through their respective results on the LPGA Tour and other women’s global golf competitions. Paris 2024 will mark the third Olympic appearance for both Henderson and Sharp, who competed together at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
Henderson was Canada’s top golfer in the sport’s return to the Olympic Games after 112 years, finishing in a tie for seventh at Rio 2016. She then finished tied for 29th at Tokyo 2020. A 13-time winner on the LPGA Tour, including two major titles, Henderson is Canada’s winningest professional golfer of all time. She currently sits fifth on the LPGA Tour’s Race to the CME Globe Rankings, with five top-10 finishes in 14 LPGA Tour starts in 2024. A graduate of Golf Canada’s national team program, Henderson is the only Canadian female athlete to win Canada’s national Junior (2012), Amateur (2013) and National Open Championships (2018 CPKC Women’s Open).
“Any time you can go and represent your country it’s a very proud moment,” said Henderson. “To be able to wear the Maple Leaf and go to Paris is really exciting for me.”
Sharp, a long-time LPGA Tour member, is no stranger to international competition. She earned a bronze medal for Team Canada at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games in Chile. The 43-year old has 16 career top-10 finishes and has made the cut in three of four events played this year on the LPGA Tour. Sharp made 14 cuts in 14 starts on the Epson Tour in 2023 with five top-10 results, including a win at the Champions Fore Change Invitational. She also won the ORORO PGA of Canada Women’s Championship in 2023.
“Reaching the Olympics for a third time was a huge goal of mine coming into this year and I am extremely proud to have achieved it,” said Sharp. “Representing Canada is the highest honour I’ve had in my career.”
Henderson and Sharp will look to become the first Canadian women to win an Olympic golf medal. Canada’s best Olympic finish in women’s golf was Henderson’s tie for seventh at Rio 2016.
Golf Canada’s Director of High Performance Emily Phoenix believes the Olympic and international experience of the athletes will be an asset to the women’s team in Paris.
“Both Brooke and Alena are heading into their third Olympic golf competition and that experience and familiarity is sure to prove beneficial for the athletes,” said Phoenix, who will serve as the Stollery Family Olympic Women’s Team Lead in Paris. “Brooke is a fierce competitor who has proven capable of bringing her best performances to the biggest stage while Alena heads to Paris with a great momentum in returning to the form on the LPGA Tour and earning a bronze medal for Canada at last year’s Pan Am Games golf competition.”
The women’s golf tournament at Paris 2024 will take place August 7 – 10 (Days 12 – 15) at Le Golf National.
“Congratulations to the two Canadian golfers selected to represent Canada in Paris. They will be competing in their third Olympic Games, and their remarkable skills will be crucial assets on the prestigious Golf National course,” said Bruny Surin, Team Canada’s Paris 2024 Chef de Mission. “They are ready to chip away obstacles and represent our country with pride and excellence. Swing strong and play with all your heart!”
Team Canada’s women’s golf team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games also includes the following caddies and support staff:
Caddies & Support Staff Emily Phoenix (Calgary, Alta.) – Stollery Family Olympic Women’s Team Lead Brittany Henderson (Smiths Falls, Ont.) – Caddie for Brooke Henderson Sarah Bowman (Somerset, Penn., USA) – Caddie for Alena Sharp
Prior to being named to Team Canada, all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Team Selection Committee following its receipt of nominations by all National Sport Organizations.
The latest Team Canada Paris 2024 roster can be found here.
Javier entered the final round atop the leaderboard by one stroke and maintained that lead in dominating fashion, shooting a 6-under-par 65 to finish five strokes ahead of runner-up, Justin Matthews (TPC Toronto), who shot 5-under-par 66 in the final round.
Along with his 2022 & 2023 Ontario (U17) Juvenile Boys Championship wins and this year’s Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic victory, Javier can add an Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship to his spectacular resume.
For finishing top three in the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, Javier, along with Matthews and Michael Weber (Burlington Golf & Country Club), will represent Ontario at the 119th Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship August 5 – 8 at Riverside Country Club in Saskatoon, SK.
Matthews, a Team Ontarioalumni, shot 9-under-par 62 in the second round, which tied a St. Catharines Golf and Country Club record for the lowest scoring round in club history.
Park, who turned 14 earlier this year, led throughout the championship, eventually finishing the four-round event at nine-under-par, one shot clear of Shauna Liu of Golf Canada Champions Club. Celina Yeo and Julia Alexandra-Carew finished T3 at six-under for the championship.
The win is Park’s third Golf Ontario title of the season. Her first came in March at the Ontario Junior Players’ Invitational, while her second came at the Junior Girls Spring Classic in May at Wooden Sticks.
After battling Judith Kyrinis of The Thornhill Club all the way through to the last putt the true test came after, as Taylor gained momentum nearly holing out from her approach shot.
Heading into the final round, Taylor pulled ahead and defeated Kyrinis in a 1 hole playoff win.
Taylor has plenty of experience competing at high-level championships and competitions. In her journey as an NCAA golfer, Taylor achieved a 3-time All-Conference golfer at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. Her team participated in the NCAA DII National Championship in three out of her four years. In her Junior career, she competed at the Niagara Junior Tour, the Ontario Summer Games team and Golf Ontario and Canada Championships.
Taylor can now add winning the 2024 Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship to her list of accomplishments.
As for the Women’s Amateur status, it is currently still in play and will begin the final round on Thursday to see who will be crowned the 2024 Women’s Amateur Champion.
A field of the top 156 amateur golfers in the province will be put to the test and compete for the Gary Cowan Trophy.
As one of Golf Ontario’s biggest events in the calendar year for more than a century, the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship has been the springboard to many players’ journeys to impressive playing careers.
Notable past winners include Mike Weir (1990, 1992), Corey Conners (2010), Gerry Kesselring (1949, 1951-53) and Gary Cowan, who holds the Golf Ontario record for most wins in this championship with nine.
The first two rounds will see 7:30 a.m. start times until the 36-hole-cut midway through the championship.
For first round pairings and start times, CLICK HERE.
Charles Fitzsimmons (Summit Golf & Country Club), two-time winner of the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship (2021 & 2022) and winner of the 2019 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship.
Ontario Golf Hall of Famer, Dave Bunker (Cherry Hill Club), who is a four-time winner of the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship (2007, 2010, 2014, 2021). He also won the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship in 2008 and the 2020 Ontario Senior Men’s Championship.
QUOTES
Rob Watson, Tournament Director: “The Ontario Men’s Amateur is annually one of the most exciting championships on the Golf Ontario calendar because of the large and competitive field we see in this event. This year should be no different as the field is as strong as it has ever been with 156 of Ontario’s best male Amateur golfers.”
Ryan Finn, Chief Sport Officer: “Golf Ontario is thrilled to celebrate St. Catharines G&CC’s 125th anniversary by crowning Ontario’s top male amateur golfer. This year’s champion will have bested an elite field and will join an exclusive group of past champions. We look forward to a competitive and exciting championship.”
Cameron Thin, Head Golf Professional, St. Catharines Golf and Country Club: “As a part of our 125th anniversary, the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club is proud to be hosting this year’s Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship and our membership is looking forward to showcasing our wonderful golf course to the best players in the province, along with the spectators enjoying the golf. With a large and highly competitive field, I feel that this is a great opportunity for the competitors to experience the unique architecture of the course; the challenges it presents to players; and believe that it will identify a worthy champion.”
FAST FACTS
Championship Venue: St. Catharines Golf and Country Club
Championship Dates: June 24 – 27
Field: 156 players
Format: 72-hole Stroke Play (36-hole-cut – low 60 & ties)
Fun Fact: Gary Cowan holds the Golf Ontario record for the most Ontario Men’s Amateur Championships with nine (1964, 1968, 1971, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981 & 1984).
With nearly 100 players in the field, this is West Haven’s first time hosting a provincial championship.
Both the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship and the Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship are two of Ontario’s top provincial championships and have been the pinnacle of women’s golf in the province. Many players have kick-started their journey to professional golf through both of these championships
The first two rounds will see 8:30am start times until the 36-hole cut midway thru the championship.
For first round pairings and start times CLICK HERE.
John Lawrence, Tournament Director: “We are excited to have one of our flagship championships back in London. The support from West Haven and the local community has been tremendous. The experience for the players, facility and volunteers will be exceptional and we are looking forward to crowning a champion in this the 109th playing of Ontario oldest amateur championship.”
FAST FACTS
Championship Venue: West Haven Golf & Country Club
Fun Fact: Marlene Stewart Streit, who the trophy is named after, is an Ontario Golf Hall of Famer and has won this award a record of 11 times (1951, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, and 1977).
Golf Ontario’s EDI Journey Continues with Visit from Special Olympics Ontario
Golf Ontario
With the sixth annual Ontario Adaptive Championship is right around the corner, Golf Ontario welcomed members of Special Olympics Ontario to share their life experiences and lead a professional development session around adaptive golf.
Nine Special Olympics Ontario athletes visited Wyndance Golf Club in Uxbridge to present what Special Olympics Ontario does, how they support athletes with intellectual disabilities and showed our staff how to support athletes with intellectual disabilities to create a welcoming and inclusive sporting environment.
“This was a great opportunity for our team on our learning journey in an adaptive golf space and having Special (Olympics Ontario) here today was to help us learn and understand what the experience is for them on the golf course,” said Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane.
The day started with an opening presentation from Special Olympics Ontario’s Director of Sports, Johnny Byrne. He took Golf Ontario staff through Special Olympics Ontario’s competition structures and how Special Olympics Ontario uses sport to create opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
He also alluded to Special Olympics Ontario’s mission of building the lives Ontarians with intellectual disabilities through sport, vision of creating disability-inclusive environments across the province and values of empowerment, excellence, respect, diversity and inclusion.
“I think what we got out of today was seeing just the great connection and how both Golf Ontario and special Olympics Ontario have the same bigger picture goals,” Byrne said.
We were then introduced to the eight Special Olympics Ontario athletes in attendance, which included 2015 World Games Gold Medalist, Tess Trojan, accompanied by her caddie and father, Mike Trojan.
“Special Olympics has really changed my life,” she said. “I’ve learned that we’re all friends first and not just competing against one another.”
Along with Trojan, the remaining seven athletes of Special Olympics Ontario, along with their caddies and coaches, were:
Natasha Stasiuk; Mike DiRaddo; Luke Cooney; Catherine Partlow; Ryan Colpitts; JJ Scorcia; Krystian Pushka.
Later in the day, Golf Ontario staff got the chance to play an eight-hole round of golf accompanied by a different athlete on each hole. The day brought about many smiles, conversations and capped off a wonderful day of learning for all.
“Exciting for our team to get out there, have connections, build those relationships, but more importantly, to have conversations and use this as an opportunity to learn and understand what it means to be a Special Olympian and a Special Olympics golfer,” McFarlane said.
Getting outside, playing golf and making connections was beneficiary for both Golf Ontario and Special Olympics Ontario.
“The universal language that we always fall back to when we’re trying to explain Special Olympics to people is just get out and play, and that’s what today was about,” said Byrne.
Sticking to her game, Lafontaine set herself up for success to keep the ball rolling and finished the Women’s Match Play strong to capture the win in the final round 3&2.
Lafontaine noted this was her second time participating in the Women’s Match Play and was runner-up in her first appearance.
First two Canadian athletes named to Paris 2024 golf team
Golf Ontario
Golf Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee have announced Team Canada men’s golf athletes nominated to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The women’s golf athletes will be announced at a later date. The two male athletes are:
The two athletes qualified for Team Canada based on their standing on the Official World Golf Rankings at the close of the Olympic qualification period following the completion of the US Open on Sunday, June 16, 2024. At the close of the Paris 2024 men’s qualification period, Taylor sits 35th on the Official Golf World Ranking and Conners is 37th.
The two-year Olympic qualification period for men’s golf featured an exciting competition among Canada’s top-ranked male golfers, which ramped up in recent weeks and came down to the wire as the athletes worked to earn their spot on Team Canada through their respective results on the PGA TOUR and other global golf competitions.
Taylor will make his Olympic debut at Paris 2024. The 36-year-old is a four-time winner on the PGA TOUR, including a historic win at the 2023 RBC Canadian Open to become the first Canadian in nearly 70 years to capture Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship. With that win, he became the only Canadian male golfer to win the Canadian Junior (2006), Canadian Amateur (2007) and Canadian Open (2023) Championships. Taylor is a graduate of Golf Canada’s National Team Program, and has represented Canada at the World Amateur Team Championship (2008) and World Cup (2018). Taylor’s 2024 season includes three top-10 finishes, highlighted by a victory at the 2024 WM Phoenix Open to lock in his Olympic spot.
“The opportunity to represent my country at the Olympics has been a huge goal of mine for many years,” said Taylor. “To see the news become official today is quite humbling and surreal. I’m excited to get to Paris to compete, proudly wear the Maple Leaf, and soak in what I know will be an incredible experience.”
Conners will make his second Olympic appearance after finishing 13th at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. A T9 finish at the US Open this past weekend helped vault the 32-year-old up nine positions on the Official World Golf Ranking to secure his spot at Paris 2024. He is a two-time PGA TOUR winner (2019 and 2023 Valero Texas Open) who has earned nine top-25 results this season including a solo sixth place finish at the 2024 RBC Canadian Open. Also a graduate of Golf Canada’s National Team Program and past member of the Presidents Cup International Team (2022), Conners has represented Canada on numerous occasions, including the World Amateur Team Championship in 2012 and 2014.
“It is going to be a huge honour to represent Canada alongside all the other athletes,” said Conners. “It was a big goal of mine to make the team again this year and I can’t wait to get to Paris.”
Taylor and Conners will look to become the first Canadian to win an Olympic golf medal since George Lyon’s gold medal at St. Louis 1904. Canada’s best finishes in men’s golf since the sport returned to the Olympics in 2016 were a 13th place finish for Conners (Tokyo 2020) and a 20th place finish for Graham DeLaet (Rio 2016).
Golf Canada’s Director of High-Performance Emily Phoenix praised the athletes for their determination through the qualification period to see their Olympic dreams become a reality.
“Nick and Corey, along with all of the Canadian players have shown a great deal of perseverance throughout the qualification period which shows how much representing Canada at the Olympics means to the athletes. The depth of Canadian talent right now in the professional game is significant and we look forward to sending a strong team to represent Canada in Paris.”
The men’s golf tournament at Paris 2024 will take place August 1 – August 4 (Days 6 – 9) at Le Golf National.
‘’Congratulations to our two Team Canada golfers who are perfectly in the swing for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games! Thanks to their meticulous preparation, these athletes are attacking challenges with impressive drive. Their patience, technical mastery, and calm under pressure place them at the pinnacle of their performance. They demonstrate that hard work and passion lead to the realization of our dreams,‘’ said Bruny Surin, Team Canada’s Paris 2024 Chef de Mission.
Team Canada’s men’s golf team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games also includes the following caddies and support staff:
Caddies & Support Staff Emily Phoenix (Calgary, Alta.) – Team Leader David Markle (Shelburne, Ont.) – Caddie for Nick Taylor Danny Sahl (Sherwood, Alta.) – Caddie for Corey Conners
The qualification period for selecting Team Canada’s two female athletes for the Paris 2024 Olympic golf competition ends on Sunday, June 23.
Prior to being named to Team Canada, all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Team Selection Committee following its receipt of nominations by all National Sport Organizations.
The latest Team Canada Paris 2024 roster can be found here.
Golf Ontario Announces Exciting New Partnership with Vovex Golf Rangefinders
Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Vovex Golf Rangefinders, now the “Official Rangefinder of Golf Ontario.”
“This is a very exciting partnership for Golf Ontario,” says Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane. “Aligning Golf Ontario with a new brand of rangefinders, which is based right here in Ontario, is very cool not only for the association but also for our 150,000 members as well.”
As part of the partnership, Golf Ontario members will be able to purchase new Vovex Golf Rangefinders at a discounted price. With every new rangefinder purchased by a Golf Ontario member, Vovex will contribute to the Golf For All Fund.
Vovex Golf is a Canadian brand of golf rangefinders headquartered in Toronto. The company focuses on creating a new generation of golf rangefinders that are youthful, stylish, and technologically advanced.
“We are delighted to partner with Golf Ontario,” says Vovex Golf Rangefinder CEO Leo Li. “Our rangefinders are designed to enhance the game experience, and we are excited to support Golf Ontario’s mission to grow and elevate the sport in the region.”
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization dedicated to enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 125,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and preserving the integrity of the game to fostering growth at the grassroots level and hosting the premier amateur championships in Canada, Golf Ontario is committed to Shaping Lives ThroughGolf.
Vovex will also be present at many Golf Ontario provincial championships and other events throughout the season, showcasing their innovative rangefinders to golfers across the province.
The 1000 Ball Challenge is well underway and those involved are actively fundraising for the GOLF FOR ALL Fund!
We are excited to announce more fundraising incentives to help you boost your fundraising every month! At the end of every month, from now until October, we will be drawing winners for the prizes below.
So, continue to encourage your friends and family to contribute to your page and be entered to win.
There is still time to register and start your fundraising today!
INDIVIDUAL MONTHLY FUNDRAISING PRIZES
When you reach fundraising milestones you can win some amazing prizes! Details below:
CATEGORY
PRIZE
Raise $1,000 before July 15, 2024
Be entered in a draw to win a $200 Adidas gift card
Raise $125
Be entered in a draw to win a $25 Adidas gift card
Raise $250
Be entered in a draw to win a $50 Adidas gift card
Raise $500
Be entered in a draw to win a $100 Adidas gift card
Raise $750
Be entered in a draw to win a $150 Adidas gift card
Raise $1,000+
Be entered in a draw to win a foursome at Wooden Sticks Golf Club
This is in addition to the incentive program when you fundraise $1000 or more – see details here.
Rules:
Draw to happen at the end of every month.
Those who enter and do not win can be re-entered at the beginning of every month.
Each person can only win a category item once.
Category prizes are cumulative. Meaning, that if you raise $1,000 you will be entered once in every category draw.
Not registered for the 1000 Ball Challenge? There is still time to register and start your fundraising today! Register today at www.1000ball.ca/signup or contact Raph at rroot@gao.ca.
See Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane on Golf Talk Canada during the 2024 RBC Canadian Open speaking on the 1000 Ball Challenge and all the benefits and impact you can be a part of:
This was DiCarlo’s fifth time playing in the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship and his first appearance in the finals of this championship. He hadn’t advanced past the Quarterfinals in his first four appearances.
In his first experience in the finals of this championship, he got the job done and can now call himself winner of the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship.
As for Smith, he falls short in the Ontario Men’s Match Play Finals for a second straight year.
Shaw came in ranked 32nd and got into the championship as an alternate. He faced some of the toughest names in the field like defending champion Steve Fredericks,along with tough competitors Doug Brophy and Rob Cowan.
He was even down five strokes through the first six holes of his quarterfinals match with Brophy.
However, he was still able to prevail and become Ontario Senior Men’s Match Play Champion and cap off an amazing story.
Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship kicks off in Kingston
Golf Ontario
The Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship and 75th Cataraqui Women’s Field Day & Empire Life Eastern Provinces kicks off in Kingston this weekend.
The top 16 players from the Cataraqui Field Day Match Play Qualifier will advance to the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship. A playoff will break any ties for 16th place.
The players advancing to the Match Play portion of the Championship are awarded spots into the 109th Ontario Women’s Amateur & Mid-Amateur Championship at West Haven Golf and Country Club, June 24-27. Any Junior eligible players who advance will also earn an exemption to the Ontario Jr. Girls (U19) Match Play Championship.
Cataraqui hosted several provincial events in its heydays between the 1930s and 1970s, including the Ontario Amateur Championship (1939, 1952, 1963), the Ontario Ladies’ Amateur Championship (1937, 1965, 1973) and the Ontario Open (1955, 1958, 1966, 1973, 1979).
Nobelle Park– Recently qualified for the 2024 U.S. Junior Girls Amateur. She is a current member of the Team Ontario squad. With her recent results from play, she has shot up the rankings and is No. 182 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Her most recent accolades include winning the Junior Girls Spring Classic last month, the Ontario Junior Players Invitational in March, and a third-place finish at the Next Gen Ontario Championship. Nobelle is currently leading all U15, U17, and U19 rankings on the Junior Golf Pathway Rankings.
Kaprice Park– A current member of Team Ontario. After just missing the qualifier for the U.S. Junior Girls Amateur, she remains the first alternate.
QUOTES
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership running the Ontario Women’s Match Play at Cataraqui Golf and Country Club concurrently with the Empire Life Eastern Provinces Championship. Cataraqui’s dedication and support have played a crucial role in making this prestigious tournament a resounding success year after year.
Since we began this partnership in 2019, we have seen continued growth and once again have another strong field of competitors featuring many high-level juniors and college affiliated players.” – Rob Watson, Tournament Director.
FAST FACTS
Championship Venue: Cataraqui Golf and Country Club, Kingston, ON.
Fun Fact: The Name: “Cataraqui” is the original Mohawk name for Kingston, the “Limestone City,” where the Cataraqui Golf & Country Club course is located.
Charles Fitzsimmons (Summit Golf & Country Club), two-time winner of the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship (2021 & 2022), returns to match play action after missing last year’s championship due to injury.
Connor Doyle, Tournament Director: “The Ontario Men’s and Senior Men’s Match Play Championship is always a great way to kick off the men’s & senior amateur championship season. We have another very competitive field which we saw almost 400 players attempt to qualify across the province along with multiple past champions in the field. Tarandowah will certainly be an excellent test for the players with the fast, and firm conditions, it should create many excellent matches next week.”
Ted Pease, Tarandowah Golfers Club General Manager & PGA of Canada Executive Professional: “Tarandowah Golfers Club is honoured to host the top men’s and senior men’s golfers across Ontario as they go one-on-one in match play. Having this level of competition is a great venue for us to showcase the unique challenges our course presents.”
Fun Fact: Tarandowah Golfers Club only has two par fives (holes 9 and 14), yet the course still measures 7,067 yards due to nine of its 12 par four holes having a length of over 400 yards.
Top 100: Tarandowah Golfers Club was ranked the No. 75-best golf course in Canada according to SCOREGolf.
Orr Lake Golf Club Stepping Up to Make Impact on Youth, Under-Represented Communities
Golf Ontario
Since partnering with Golf Canada, First Tee – Ontario has been bringing the joy of golf to youth across the province through various in-school and after-school programs.
These initiatives have not only introduced young people to the sport but have also played a crucial role in building character, instilling values, and teaching the importance of integrity, perseverance, and respect, thereby enriching their lives both on and off the course.
“The whole purpose of First Tee is to help communities that are under-represented,” said Sue Westwood, PGA of Canada professional with more than 20-years of experience.
Orr Lake Golf Club in Elmvale was named an official First Tee – Ontario location by Golf Canada on April 26.
Jason Harris, general manager and facility owner, was a heavy influence in having his course host. Why? His passion for growing the game of golf in Ontario.
“We’ve been doing these things (to grow the game) within the community for 10 years now,” he says.
While running the First Tee program from Orr Lake Golf Club, Harris and Westwood have already worked together to bring several programs to both youth and adults either new to the game or in under-represented communities.
The most notable program is Golf in Schools, which teaches elementary school students the game of golf, whether they are first-timers or have heard bits of the game, and helps them build character and confidence to play.
“When I see a child go out there and hit a ball for the first time, their expression on their face is priceless,” says Westwood. “They have a big smile on their face, that’s what the big payoff is for me.”
When teaching children who are just picking up a golf club, Westwood might teach the basics of hitting a ball, but the ways she does it are centred around team building and passion for the game.
“I get little sayings that are helpful for the kids to remember, like hot dog and a bun when they go to grip the clubs, so they make sure to keep their hands together,” she explains. “From there, I say ‘in golf, do you want to have your hands apart or together,’ then they’ll all say ‘together.’”
Other lessons Westwood would give to children are the “triangle” position (feet lined up with ball) and lining up the club face to the target on swings.
“Now they all want to come back to class because they all had so much fun,” she said.
Orr Lake Golf Club currently sponsors five schools: Hillsdale Elementary School (Hillsdale); Our Lady of Lourdes School (Toronto); Wyevale Central Public School (Tiny); Huronia Centennial Elementary School (Elmvale) and St Antoine Daniel Catholic School (Toronto).
Recruiting schools and children into the Golf in Schools program is a lengthy process for both Harris and Westwood, who started reaching out to them early in the year before the golf season even starts.
“I’d go into the schools, and I’d introduce the sport to grades one thru five, and I just set up little putting station, chipping and a full swing station,” Westwood says.
Then, once Orr Lake opens for playing around mid-April, Harris and Westwood arrange for the children of each school at a time to be bussed to the course.
“We pay for the buses to come here (Orr Lake), and expenses allow buses to go back and forth to the schools, pick up any grade, they come here, then we take them around our three-hole, Par-3 golf course,” explains Westwood.
For purposes of having fun, the children are paired into groups and go out on to the Orr Lake’s three-hole course and not just hit off a driving range or putt on a practice green.
“We basically invested in that as part of our ‘Growing the Game’ initiative,” explains Harris. “We needed a spot where beginners and where Sue (and Paul Jennings – previous pro – before her) had a location where they can go and teach.”
The most recent school to join the Golf in Schools program was Christian Island Elementary School, located on an island in Georgian Bay that is an Ojibwa reserve and home of the Beausoleil First Nation.
Despite the location, Harris and Westwood went to even greater lengths to get more children into the game, going to them by ferry and setting up their own mini course.
“We ended up setting it up in their baseball field, and we set up five small holes,” Westwood said. “They all had a really good experience once they started playing.”
Westwood taught four separate classes, which showcased both the basics of the game, team-building exercises and the spirit of playing golf.
“Some of them had never heard of golf before, some had and it was a really good experience,” she said.
In total, Harris and Westwood expect to see around 600 students come to the course this year.
“Paying for the buses, paying for Sue’s time to go into the schools, paying for the kids to come out here with Sue and one of our inspectors to organize everything, so we’re investing quite a bit with the focus of introducing more people to the game of golf,” Harris says.
The club doesn’t just host the Golf in Schools program, but some of their other programs include Ladies Learn to Golf, which has 180 members, Kids Play Free and other programs for more under-represented communities that both Harris and Westwood believe don’t get a lot of opportunities.
“We’re not in a big, populated area, we’re sort of in the middle of nowhere, we’re a small community-based golf course, and that’s where we decided to put all our energy and our focus (into growing golf),” he said.
Each program, particularly Golf in Schools, was at risk of being shut down when the COVID-19 Pandemic was in full swing.
“We missed a bunch of COVID years, but we started back up again last year, so our second year back at it again since COVID,” says Harris.
For getting people in his community into golf, Harris expresses gratitude for having staff that understand and have the same feelings of growing the game as he does.
“We’ve been very fortunate to have started off with Paul Jennings (former CPGA Professional), we’re very fortunate we ended up with Sue Westwood, and both of those golf pros had the same philosophy and really wanted to focus on growing the game of golf,” he said.
Harris believes the latest recruitment of Christian Lake Elementary School, and the upcoming recruitments of Tay Shores Public School (Harbour) and Mundy’s Bay Elementary School (Midland), can lead to future expansion and bring more schools into the fold.
“Teaming up with Golf Canada and the First Tee program is basically giving us access to funds to expand this (Golf in Schools) program further than what would just benefit our golf course,” Harris explained.
By raising enough funds from running First Tee – Ontario out of Orr Lake Golf Club, Harris hopes to take a “big lead” to sponsor more schools further away from the course in order to further grow the program and bring more children into the sport.
“Ultimately, we are in the golf industry, it’s not just about my golf course, and the bigger we can make this and the more we can expand this, the better it’s going to be for everybody around,” he says.
Golf Ontario is proud to announce a renewed and expanded partnership with BioSteel Sports.
The partnership sees BioSteel become the “Official Hydration Partner” of Golf Ontario and the title sponsor of the “BioSteel Golf Ontario Amateur Order of Merit Rankings.”
“This is a very exciting partnership for Golf Ontario,” says Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane. “Having BioSteel products on hand at all our provincial championships will greatly elevate the experience for all participants,” he says, adding, “additionally, all the 125,000 Golf Ontario members from all across the province will have the opportunity to purchase discounted BioSteel products through an online program.”
“We are thrilled to deepen our relationship with Golf Ontario as the Official Hydration Partner and the title sponsor of the Golf Ontario Amateur Order of Merit Rankings,” said a representative for BioSteel Sports Inc. “This partnership underscores our commitment to supporting athletes at all levels with top-quality, reliable hydration solutions. By being present at every provincial championship and providing our trusted products, we are excited to enhance the competitive experience for all participants and further engrave our brand into the grassroots of sports.”
Located in Ontario, BioSteel is a complete sports nutrition solution for the active consumer. All the company’s products contain only the highest quality ingredient sand are certified by the world’s leading regulatory agencies. BioSteel products are trusted in the daily routines of professional and elite amateur athletes across the world.
Another element of the partnership will allow Golf Ontario members to purchase BioSteel products at a discounted rate through an online web portal.
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With more than 125,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant 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 championships in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Fourteen Ontario Golfers Set to Compete in RBC Canadian Open
Golf Ontario
The PGA TOUR returns to Ontario for the RBC Canadian Open from May 30 – June 2.
The national championship will be hosted by Hamilton Golf and Country Club, which has hosted numerous Golf Ontario championships in the past.
FIELD NOTES
The field features 28 Canadian-born players, 14 of which will represent Ontario.
Of the 14 Ontario golfers, eight of them either received or qualified for exemptions. Some of the most recent players to receive exemptions or play their way into the championship, include Richard T. Lee of Toronto, Cam Kellett of London, Michael Blair of Ancaster and Ben Silverman of Thornhill.
Team Ontariowill see four of its former members compete this weekend: Matthew Anderson of Mississauga; Ashton McCulloch of Kingston; Justin Matthews of Little Brittain and Max Sear of Markham.
The field will also see former Golf Ontario athletes and PGA TOUR winners, Corey Conners of Listowel, Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill and Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas.
Corey Conners is a former Ontario Men’s Amateur Champion (2010).
Michael Gligic of Burlington competes in his seventh RBC Canadian Open. He has appeared in two PGA TOUR events this season.
PGA TOUR veteran and former Ontario Men’s Match Play Champion (1998) David Hearn of Brantford will make his 20th appearance at the RBC Canadian Open.
Canadian Golf Hall of Famer, two-time winner of the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship (1990 and 1992) and Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Champion (1988) Mike Weir of Bright’s Grove will make his 31st appearance in the RBC Canadian Open. He is one appearance shy of George Cummings’ record of 32 starts.
FAST FACTS
Championship Venue: Hamilton Golf and Country Club
Championship Dates: May 30 – June 2
Field: 28 Canadian players (14 Ontarian players)
Format: 72-hole, stroke play, 36 Hole Cut
Fun Fact: Ten of the 14 Ontario competed in at least one Golf Ontario championship.
Tickets for the 2024 RBC Canadian Open are available here. Children aged 12-and-under get free admission with a ticketed adult.
Keeping Scores While Enjoying Golf: Pierre Choquette
Golf Ontario
While Pierre Choquette might play the game of golf, his passion and personality of enjoying every round is something to behold.
The 81-year-old has so much fun with the sport, he has kept track of every single round he has shot his age (or lower) in his lifetime. Choquette has done so 402 times to date.
“I thought to myself ‘that’s crazy.’ I thought that was pretty incredible,” Choquette says.
Choquette is a member of Rocky Crest Golf Club in MacTier, Ont. He plays there three times a week and buys everyone drinks whenever he hits a significant milestone.
“When I got to 400, I had to buy everybody a drink,” he said with a chuckle.
It all started for Choquette when he caddied his father when he was eight-years-old.
“I remember beating him (his dad, in golf) for this first time when I was 10,” Choquette says. “He was left-handed, so initially, I had to play left-handed, we didn’t have any right-handed clubs.”
He slowly learned the ins-and-outs of the game while caddying at a private course in Montreal between the ages of 13 and 16-years-old. He also started playing golf himself from local courses throughout Quebec.
“When I went to the University of Laval, I was on the golf team there,” Choquette says. “It was kind of neat, but we didn’t do very well (chuckles).”
Choquette first started keeping track of how many times he shot his age or lower when he read an article from the Georgia State Golf Association about another golfer doing the same thing.
“A couple of months ago, there was an article in there about an individual who was 85-years-old, who plays almost every day, and he’s holding the Guiness World Record for the number of rounds he’s shot his age or better,” he says.
Choquette believes the exact number of times this individual shot his age or lower was more than 1,100 times. He then started wondering how many times he had shot his age or lower.
“I remember that if I went back to 2012, I could then look at all the statistics and look at by year how many times I shot 70 or below,” he explains.
By going back all the way to look at what he shot when he turned 70, Choquette found that he shot 70 on his 70th birthday.
“I don’t think I ever shot my age until I was 70-years-old,” he said. “But I was still playing from around 6000-6500 yards.”
Out of the 402 rounds he shot his age or lower, Choquette recalls his most memorable one being at a course in Georgia at age 76.
“I had 13 pars, five birdies and shot 67,” he says. “I think I only missed one green.”
In fact, Choquette has played numerous courses across Ontario, Quebec, the U.S. and various parts of the world for either competitive fun or business trips.
“We had customers in China, Asia, they all had great courses there,” he said. “I lived in Europe for about five years, Belgium, Switzerland, I played a few courses there.”
It was only a few years ago that Choquette began posting his scores in the Golf Canada score centre. His current handicap is 7.2, and he once had a handicap of +1 in 1977.
Not only does Choquette keep track of each round he shoots his age or lower, but he also tracks how many rounds he plays by age.
“I think in the past, 40 per cent of my 402 games came when I was 78,” he says. “When I was 79, I had 83 games. When I was 80, I had 112 games below my age. Since my 81st birthday, which was last September, I had 71 games.”
He even keeps all scorecards from each time he shoots below par to remember his rounds by.
Of course, where would the passion for keeping track of such a stat be without passion for the game of golf itself?
“I cannot think of any sport where you can still be physically competitive and have such a good time and good exercise,” Choquette says.
Exercise is key for Choquette whenever he plays the game. He prefers walking Rocky Crest because it is a physical activity.
“I don’t carry my bag anymore, but to me, the best experience of all my years of playing golf is four guys walking down the fairway either carrying their bag or playing with a caddy,” he said.
Not only does Choquette live and play the game for fun and health, but he still shares his connection to Laval University’s golf team with the Choquette Family Foundation.
“We put $50,000 a year from the foundation into scholarships and the funds for them to go practice in Florida,” he says.
From giving back to former schools to playing all sorts of different courses to keeping track of fascinating stats, Choquette does it all for the bottom line: his passion for golf.
“It’s such a fantastic sport,” he said. “It’s so nice to be out there on courses that are well designed, with people you enjoy playing with.”
National Golf Day Highlights Golf’s Positive Impact on Canadians
Golf Ontario
After a four-year pause due to COVID-19, the National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA) are on Parliament Hill leading National Golf Day and discussing with Parliamentarians the many positive benefits of golf for Canadians.
The golf industry representatives are also releasing the results of a new Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study highlighting golf’s financial contributions and incredible popularity as the number one participation sport in Canada.
National Golf Day also celebrates golf’s physical and mental health benefits, its safe sport attributes, social merits, environmental stewardship, diversity, life skills for youth, and economic value to the business community. National data indicates that hundreds of thousands of Canadians have entered the sport since Covid-19, totaling six million Canadian golfers and further strengthening golf’s status as the number one participation sport in the country.
“Canadians played 74 million rounds of golf in 2023, a considerable 24% increase from the last Study in 2019,” stated Jeff Calderwood, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada, and Chair of NAGA.
“Existing golfers have been playing more often and new golfers have been taking up the game at impressive levels,” said Calderwood. “The broad appeal of golf as a safe, healthy, outdoor recreation that can be enjoyed by all ages, genders, abilities, and budgets, anywhere in Canada, generates continued growth in the game. The impressive economic impacts that are then generated reflect that popularity.”
NAGA conducts an economic impact study every five years to measure such financial contributions as employment, charitable support, tourism, and gross domestic product. The sport and business of golf are thriving post-pandemic and continue to be an important economic engine for Canadians and their communities across Canada. Some of the highlights from the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study include:
Golf contributes a massive amount to Canada’s GDP at $23.2 billion, an increase of $4 billion since the previous Study.
Golf supports 237,000 person-years of employment, illustrating its importance as a vital source of livelihood for countless Canadians. Nearly 135,000 Canadians work directly in golf, with 45,000 being student employment.
Golf-related activities generated over $14.2 billion in labour income, sustaining families and generating significant economic spin-off spending.
$382 million was raised through golf activities for charities across Canada, a return to the pre-Covid-19 range and tops among all participation sports.
Approximately 6 million Canadians played golf in 2023, an all-time high for the number one participation sport in the country, generating 74 million rounds played.
Golfer spending totalled $14.2 billion in 2023.
Golf course operations contributed $8.1 billion to Canada’s GDP.
Capital expenditure by golf course operations in 2023 was $907 million.
Taxes paid to governments by the Canadian golf industry were $4.7 billion in 2023.
“Golf is a sport that brings so many benefits to Canadians – not just the economic contributions. It is also a holistic solution to many of life’s necessities and an activity that can enjoyed for a lifetime,” said Laurence Applebaum, CEO, Golf Canada.
“Golf is a healthy, safe activity, promoting environmental stewardship, providing exceptional social value, and is great for business. And importantly, we’re seeing tremendous diversity in our growth with incredible levels of engagement,” said Applebaum. “In addition, the recent success of our Canadian LPGA and PGA Tour Pros has further propelled the enthusiasm for the sport, with such stars on the world stage as Brooke Henderson and Nick Taylor.”
Other attributes of Canadian golf include:
18 holes of golf burns up to 2000 calories, a very healthy 15 km walk and active exercise in nature.
95% of golfers in Canada feel that golf is very good for their mental health, which has also been clinically proven.
83% of Canadian golfers state that the social aspects of golf are important to them and improve their lives.
Spectator interest in professional golf is at an all-time high. The RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open are setting records for attendance and commercial success.
Golf is a trusted Safe Sport environment for both recreational and competitive play.
Canadian golf has been experiencing great diversity, including a 6% increase in active women golfers and 33% growth in BIPOC golfers in 2023.
Off-course golf including simulator play and virtual golf experiences have bolstered the growth in participation.
Sustainable golf has become a leading environmental stewardship movement in Canadian golf, with golf courses throughout the country embracing sustainability pledges and best practices.
Golf flourished during the pandemic as the nature of the sport easily allowed for social distancing while delivering a social recreation experience that could not be found elsewhere.
With golf now better recognized as an important part of the solution, and all of the health, social and economic benefits, the positive spotlight on golf and its impact on Canadian communities has since sustained most of that increased demand.
In summary, the study clearly shows that golf is good for Canada and Canadians.
After posting a career low (66) in round one, Park set herself up for success for the rest of the championship.
In the final round, she secured the victory after a thrilling two-hole playoff win over Team Canada’s Michelle Xing (NextGen) and Team Ontario’s Wendy Li.
Javier shot a final round 7-under-par 65 to clinch the win, finishing three shots clear of his nearest competitor. With the 54-hole total of 202—14-under-par, Javier sets a new low scoring championship mark.
Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club) won the U17 division for the second straight year, after finishing the championship at 9-under-par.
The top five players in this tournament have qualified to the Canadian Junior Boys Championship in Innisfail, AB. They are: Matthew Javier, Aidan Talent, Rylan Hall, Luke Smith & Rowan MacDonald (Royal Ottawa Golf Club).
In his four-year playing career, Javier has won the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Championship twice in 2022 and 2023, and now, he adds the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic to his resume.
The 60-player championship showcases the province’s rising junior girls’ golf talent, with seven featured players from Team Ontario and two featured players from Next Wave. As the young athletes take the course, they each seek to take home the Randolf Jay Millage Ttrophy at the end of the weekend.
Taking place over 54-hole, FireRock Golf Golf Club hosts the Ontario Junior Girls Spring Classic Championship for the second year.
FIELD NOTES
Among the 60-players in the 2024 Ontario Junior Girls Spring Classic, seven are Team Ontario members, while two are Next Wave players.
Team Ontario Players: There are seven members of Team Ontario taking part. They are: Aryn Matthews (Big Win Island Golf Club); Nobelle Park (Rattlesnake Golf Club); Kaprice Park (Rattlesnake Golf Club); Shelby Hardwick (The Summit Golf & Country Club) ; Angela Cai (Heron Point Golf Links); Wendy Li (Cedar Brae Golf Club) and Bridget Yu (Golf Canada Club).
NextWave: Two athletes who are part of Golf Ontario’s Nexgt Wave development prrogram will be participating: Sierra Kowalyshyn (Sawmill Golf Course) and Kirsten Lee (Brampton Golf Club)
Youngest Player: Riviera Lindholm (St. Georges Golf & Country Club) 11-years-old
PLAYER NOTES
Michelle Xing, a standout on Team Canada, has claimed titles such as the 2024 NextGen Ontario Champions (which was played last week at FireRock), the 2022 Ontario Junior Girls Match Play Championship and the 2022 Ontario Bantam U15 Championship.
Nobelle Park, an exceptional Team Ontario member, clinched victory at the 2024 Ontario Junior Players Invitational.
Aryn Matthews, another Team Ontario member, has made her mark with a runner-up finish at this year’s Ontario Junior Players Invitational and a third-place finish at the 2024 NextGen Ontario Championship.
QUOTES
Connor Doyle, Tournament Director: “The Ontario Junior Girls Spring Classic will be one to watch this weekend. The highly competitive field will feature many of the top junior girls in Ontario including members of Team Ontario and Team Canada. FireRock Golf Club will serve as a great test for the players this weekend and we should be in for an excellent three days of golf.”
Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club) and Andrew Aquino (The National Golf Club of Canada) both finished tied for third in last year’s Junior Boys Spring Classic. Smith also won last year’s Junior Boys Championship.
Gabriel Mainella (Summit Golf & Country Club) recently won the 2024 Ontario Junior Players Invitational.
Jager Pain (Golf Canada Club – Ontario) comes in fresh off his win at the 2024 Ontario NextGen Championship.
The winner of the last two Ontario Juvenile Championships, Matthew Javier (Scarboro Golf & Country Club).
Last year’s Ontario Bantam) Champion, Manav Bharani (Brampton Golf Club) is also in the field.
QUOTES
Rob Watson, Tournament Director: “This event is annually one of the strongest playing fields for junior boys in the country. This year, we have a very strong field, which only reinforces why this event is so competitive.”
Reggie Millage, Head Provincial Coach: “The Junior Spring Classic was started by my father in a time when opportunities for the best juniors to play against each other were very limited early in the season. Initially it was a stand-alone event, which became one of the strongest and most anticipated ones of the new Ontario golf season. That anticipation only elevated once it became a Golf Ontario Championship in 1995. It is truly an honour to have my name etched in the first two slots on the trophy named in honour of my dad and something I continue to cherish year after year.”
The Ontario Senior Women’s Ada Mackenzie Matches Team was victorious with a 12-8 win over the squad from Upper New York. The matches are an annual two-day event and were hosted this year at the Heron Point Golf Links in Ancaster, Ont.
Ontario’s championship team consisted of: Debbie Court, Carolyn Gallinger, Shelley Lothian, Mei Wang, Sandy Byckowski, Denise Schaefer, Kim Legge, Jayne Chalmers, Judith Kyrinis and Meredith Standford.
The Ada Mackenzie Matches have been conducted since 1960 and are an annual team event with Upper New York State. The format for the competition consists of two match-play rounds. The first day consists of Chapman-format team matches. Chapman format is where both players drive, then hit each other’s tee shot for the second shot, before the best ball is selected and players play alternately on the selected ball for the remainder of the hole. The second day features Better-Ball matches.
Six winners were crowned Tuesday at The Club at Bond Head for the 2024 Ontario Champion of Champions.
This championship featured a field of 247 players—the largest of the season—drawn from over 100 clubs throughout Ontario, with each participant a club champion from their respective home club.
The event took place on the north and south courses at The Club at Bond Head, with competitors vying for titles in various divisions including men’s, women’s, junior boys’, senior men’s, senior women’s, and junior girls’.
Winners
Ethan Frost of Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club won the Junior Boys’ division after a 2-under-par 69.
Julia Alexander-Carew of Credit Valley Golf and Country Club won the Junior Girls’ division after an even-par 72.
Kyle Gordon of Coppinwood Golf Club won the Men’s division after a 6-under-par 65.
Elizabeth Tong of The Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto won the Women’s division after an even-par 70.
Robert Gibson of Cedar Brae Golf Club won the Senior Men’s division after a 2-under-par 70
Lynn Lean of Spring Lakes Golf Club won the Senior Women’s division after a 12-over-par 84.
This championship features a field of 247 players—the largest of the season—drawn from over 100 clubs throughout Ontario. Each participant is a club champion from their respective home club.
The event will take place on the north and south courses at The Club at Bond Head, with competitors vying for titles in various divisions including men’s, women’s, junior boys’, senior men’s, senior women’s, and junior girls’.
“The Ontario Champion of Champions is set to be an exciting showcase of some of the best golfing talent from across the province,” says John Lawrence, Golf Ontario’s Director of Competitions and Performance. “This championship is particularly special as it celebrates the achievements of club champions from our incredible member facilities all over Ontario.”
For the full player roster and more championship details, CLICK HERE.
FAST FACTS:
Championship Venue: The North and South Courses at The Club at Bond Head.
The First: The first Ontario Champions of Champions took place in 1946.
Impressive List: Past champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Mary Ann Hayward, Bill Morland, Gerry Kesselring, Warren Sye, and Stu Hamilton.
Hall of Famer: Newly inducted Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood Golf Club) tees it up in the senior division.
Record Holder: Patrick Suraj won the senior men’s division championship a record six times.
The Next Wave:Next Wave Junior Development members in the field include Sierra Kowalyshyn (Sawmill Golf Course), Ava Gilbert (Summit Golf and Country Club) and Cole Thompson (Lookout Point Country Club).
The Club at Bond Head: When the South Course opened in 2005, it was named as one of the “Top New Courses” by Golf Digest. A year later when the North Course opened, The Toronto Star named it as the “Top Public Golf Course in the GTA.”
Golf Ontario held one of its most cherished events recently: the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame ceremony.
Two new inductees were welcomed into the Hall of Fame, while a longtime journalist was presented with a distinguished award at the ceremony that saw more than 150 in attendance at Wooden Sticks Golf Club.
Inducted in the Builder Category was the late Anne Edgar Dodds-Hebron, whose husband, Rick, accepted the award in her honour. Dodds-Hebron was a dedicated figure with decades of amazing achievements in the Ontario golf community. Her commitment and passion for sharing her knowledge of the game led her to teaching the rules of golf for the respective Golf Management programs at both Niagara Falls Community College and Toronto’s Humber College. She is also a certified rules referee for the Golf Association of Ontario, Golf Canada, and other members of the golf community.
Ashley Chinner was the inductee in the Player Category. Chinner had a phenomenal career as both an amateur and professional golfer, whilst giving back to the sport. He turned pro in 1989 when he joined the Canadian Tour and would go on to compete in tournaments in over 25 countries. During his playing days in the 1990s on the Korn Ferry Tour, Chinner won the PGA Championship of Canada in 1996 and finished tied for 13th at the PGA Tour’s RBC Canadian Open in 1998.
The recipient of the 2024 Lorne Rubenstein Media Award, presented by Lorne Rubenstein himself, was Robert Thompson, an award-winning reporter and an influential marketer and journalist for almost three decades. Thompson has won numerous Golf Journalism of Canada Awards (GJAC) for his work of covering the sport and is a three-time winner of the Kenneth R. Wilson award for magazine writing. His writing has appeared in well-known papers and magazines such as the National Post, the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, Listed magazine and so many more. Thompson is also the author of seven books and has interviewed a wide range of prime ministers, sports legends, pop stars and economists.
“On behalf of Golf Ontario, I would like to extend our congratulations to Anne, Ashley, and Robert. Their unwavering dedication and remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on the sport in our province,” says Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane. “This year’s induction ceremony was filled with emotion as we honoured their extraordinary achievements and celebrated their passion for the game alongside family, friends and industry colleagues.”
Of those 150 strong in attendance, 10 are current Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members. Marlene Stewart Streit, Stu Hamilton, Cathy Sherk, Mary Ann Hayward, Lorne Rubenstein, Sandra Post, Patty Howard, Judith Kyrinis, Bob Beauchemin and Gary McKay were all in attendance.
Esteemed Canadian sportscaster and presenter, Rod Black, guided the ceremony for a second straight year as Master of Ceremonies. The evening started with an emotional tribute to recently passed Ontario Golf Hall of Famers: Sam Young, Bob Panasik and Ken Tarling.
The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of extraordinary contributions and accomplishment in the game of golf in Ontario. Founded in 2000 by the Ontario Golf Association and the Ontario Ladies’ Golf Association, the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is housed at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge.
This year’s event will be hosted at Granite Golf Club on Monday September 9.
Please consider joining us for this highly anticipated event which features 18-holes of golf with carts, registration gifts, breakfast, three-course lunch meal, prizes, and a silent auction. All while raising important funds for Golf Ontario’s Junior Golf programs, such as: The Junior Golf Pathway, Next Wave Program and Team Ontario.
Supporting Junior Golf not only creates future golf champions for Ontario and Canada, but provides all the young athletes in our programs a springboard to future success outside of golf and allowing them to reach their fullest potential.
We thank you for supporting Golf Ontario and we hope to see you on September 9at Granite Golf Club!
Natasha Stasiuk: A Champion of Both Golf and Autism
Golf Ontario
Natasha Stasiuk lives a very active life: she attends Toronto’s Humber College and studies in their Developmental Services Worker program; she works at her local Golf Town in Mississauga, Ont.; she walks dogs; and she’s an accomplished competitive golfer as a member at Heron Point Golf Links.
However, it is how she does it all with autism, and an auditory processing condition that defines who she is.
“It’s like a superpower as I call it,” she said, “and it’s what people with autism call it too.”
Stasiuk, 25, was born in Russia where she was left as an orphan in a run-down hospital. Sick and often unattended, she was slow to develop learning and language skills.
Peter and Sandra Stasiuk adopted Natasha at 13 months and brought her home to Canada, where she displayed above-average hand-eye coordination as a toddler.
Stasiuk has played golf ever since PGA of Canada member Nick Starchuk was brought into her gym class in fifth grade to introduce children to the game.
“Nick came and he saw a lot of potential in me and suggested I started golf, and that’s how my passion for it came about,” she said.
Starchuk invited Stasiuk to an introductory lesson at the former home of the RBC Canadian Open, Glen Abbey Golf Club. Stasiuk was handed a putter and took to the course’s practice green, where Starchuk instructed her to putt a ball towards a hole that was 30 feet away from her; a putt in which she drained on her first try.
For many years after, Stasiuk was part of a large junior girl’s golf group led by PGA of Canada member, Carrie Vaughan.
Carrie helped Natasha with all aspects of her game, introduced her to competition and provided constant encouragement whenever she felt “out of place” or discouraged because she learned differently and didn’t always understand what was being taught.
Besides golf, Stasiuk played up to seven other sports when she was younger. Though swimming, soccer, gymnastics, softball and ballet were in the mix, hockey and golf were her two favorites.
“My sister played, I played, my dad played, some of his brothers played,” she said. “So, we were always a big hockey family.”
However, Stasiuk’s auditory processing condition prevented her from thinking and processing what she saw or heard when she was younger, and still affects her to this day.
“When people start talking to her and they’re talking normal, she can’t process everything that they tell her,” said her father, Peter. “They’ll be on their third sentence when she’s just processed the first sentence they’ve said to her, and by the time she goes back to the conversation, she’s completely lost.”
Peter has always been there to help her in speaking and believes his daughter’s disability has always impacted her because it is an “invisible” one.
“From a lot of people, you can tell what their disability is because it’s a physical disability,” he said. “Looking at her (Natasha), you wouldn’t think she has a disability, but she does.”
Stasiuk originally didn’t know she had autism until a psychologist advised her to test for it almost three years ago. Her auditory processing condition has been with her almost her entire life, which affected her ability to process what people were saying to her or keep count of her own score when she was younger.
“In the beginning, when she joined the junior circuits, the other girls caught on to that (disability), Peter said. “They would always tell her she scored more than what she got, and they scored less than what she thought they scored.”
Peter believed this was always a “disadvantage” for her simply because she took what other golfers said for granted because she couldn’t remember what she actually scored. He always followed Stasiuk around and kept score as a spectator; the scores were sometimes “completely different” from the scores that were reported.
However, thanks to the help of her father and family in adapting to living with her disabilities, Stasiuk has been better at keeping her scores as well as processing what people are saying.
Now, Stasiuk has made herself known as a role model to golfers with disabilities both on and off the course. Off it, she always advises anyone with any disability who is unsure of playing golf full-time to “go for it.”
“You never know what will happen,” she said. “Go watch these people with disabilities play golf, it’s amazing and pretty inspiring too.”
Stasiuk believes anyone with a disability who is new to the sport can quickly make connections and lifetime friends. Just like she did.
“I think she enjoys expanding the game to others that may not look at golf as a possibility because they have a disability,” said Peter. “It’s still a small segment that actually plays with disabilities, but it’s growing.”
On the course, Stasiuk has built quite the résumé in the past few years. She is currently world ranked No. 1-female golfer with intellectual disabilities as per the WR4GD Rankings.
Since 2019, she has been Golf Ontario’s Women’s Adaptive Champion, and plans on competing in this year’s Adaptive Championship at Weston Golf and Country Club in July. She has also been Golf Canada’s Women’s All Abilities Champion for the last three years.
Stasiuk has also finished top five in the USGA Adaptive Open in the past two years and finished first in the intellectual category of that same championship last year. She also finished third in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin in 2023 and first in the Special Olympics North America competition later that fall.
Although the year has just begun, Stasiuk was one of 12 in the world chosen to train at the first EDGA Development Camp in Portugal, and she recently finished third overall and first for her disability category at the USDGA Championship at the PGA Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Traveling to different places away from her home to compete in each of these championships, as well as making friends along the way, have led to Stasiuk having more confidence in her game than ever before. She feels like she finally belongs.
“It’s good to experience different places in the world,” she said. “I know some of them are back in Ontario, but it’s still nice to play courses I’ve never played before.”
As April marked the observance of Celebrate Diversity Month, it presented Golf Ontario with a wonderful opportunity to share inspiring stories and honour the diverse backgrounds and contributions of our members, volunteers, players, and colleagues. We plan on sharing these inspiring stories–like Natasha’s–throughout the season.
Get Into The Swing! Register For Women’s Golf Events
Golf Ontario
We’re excited to invite you to this season’s Women’s Try Golf events! Whether you’re picking up a golf club for the first time or looking to refresh your skills, this series is perfect for you.
Registration is now open, and we’re constantly adding new events.
Complimentary Golf Clubs: No clubs? No problem! We provide everything you need.
Pre-Event Tips: Receive video tips before the event to start off on the right foot.
Celebrate with Us: Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine after your round.
Fun and Relaxed Atmosphere: Play a casual 9-hole round with no scorekeeping—just fun!
Our Try Golf events are all about making golf accessible and enjoyable. They offer a wonderful opportunity to meet other women who are also new to the sport. Bring your friends, make new ones, and enjoy a delightful day on the green.
The growth of women’s golf is inspiring, and we’re passionate about inviting even more women to experience the sport. We’re always exploring ways to facilitate continued engagement through the Women’s Participation Pathway, with the help of our partners and local facilities.
If you’ve been playing more often or have attended multiple Women’s Try events before, why not explore ‘next step’ opportunities with our partners Iron Lady Golf and LPGA Amateurs? They offer a diverse range of fantastic ways for you to TRY, LEARN, and PLAY even more frequently!
Are you ready to make this your best summer of golf yet? Join an Iron Lady Golf Summer League for weekly play with guaranteed tee times, league captains providing support, monthly tip sessions, and so much more. These leagues aren’t just about golf; they’re about forming meaningful connections, enjoying the sport in a supportive atmosphere, and, most importantly, having a great time!
Iron Lady Golf Leagues welcome players of all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting out or have a wealth of experience, whether you’re playing a leisurely round or keeping score, you’ll find your place here.
The LPGA Amateur Golf Association is the ultimate golf community for women, bringing together players from all walks of life, of all ages and abilities, in a friendly and inclusive setting. You’ll expand your network, forge new friendships, and share in the love of golf. With over 300 events across Ontario, we offer organized, social golf experiences along with educational opportunities to enhance your gameplay.
Our pay-as-you-play green fees ensure golf is accessible to all. Find out what’s happening at a local chapter near you at LPGA Amateurs Ontario.
Golf Ontario’s Official Days Highlights Power of Volunteer Spirit
Golf Ontario
Last week, more than 125 dedicated volunteers joined forces for the Golf Ontario Official Days, which were held across the province.
These days marked the beginning of the 2024 championship season, uniting Golf Ontario staff and volunteers in celebration of the year’s start.
“Our volunteers are essential to our team; they’re the foundation of our mission. Their unwavering dedication allows us to continue shaping lives and offering enriching experiences through golf,” says Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane. “We’re honoured to acknowledge the significant influence our volunteers wield within the Golf Ontario community.”
Tournament Officials: These key volunteers oversee more than 100 qualifiers and championships annually. Their responsibilities include managing registration, overseeing starts, scoring, and maintaining the pace of play.
Referee: Referees at provincial events must have completed at least Level 2 of the Golf Canada rules of golf education program. They should possess a deep understanding of the Rules of Golf and demonstrate the capacity to make decisions collaboratively under pressure.
Course Rater: Upon affiliation with Golf Ontario, clubs receive an initial rating, which is re-evaluated as courses mature or undergo design modifications. Up to 70 courses annually may be appraised by a specialized Course Rating Team. Course raters need to be adaptable, methodical, and have a penchant for math or statistics. Comprehensive training is provided, encompassing both classroom and on-course instruction.
Interested in becoming a part of the Golf Ontario volunteer community? Discover the various opportunities and their benefits on our Volunteering Resource page HERE. To join our volunteer team, please complete the application form.
The Team Ontario program, established in 2009, is dedicated to fostering excellence across all aspects of life for its athletes. Participants benefit from comprehensive guidance on time and self-management, physical strength and conditioning, mental sports psychology, nutrition, as well as tactical and technical strategy.
In addition to Chun and Anderson, notable players to come through the program include Ashton McCulloch, Max Sear, Johnny Travale, Nicole Gal, Hailey McLaughlin and Katie Cranston.
Entitled the “Spring Tune-Up,” the webinar will look four main areas of interest:
What is Body-Swing Connection?
The importance of having a good warm up routine.
How to warm up properly & fire your muscles to create a consistent movement pattern.
What can you do in preparation for the upcoming golf season?
In addition to the live webinar, Swing Lab has also created supplementary PDF, which offers deeper insights into the webinar topic. The webinar will also be recorded so Golf Ontario can re-watch in the future.
Located in Richmond Hill, Ont., Swing Lab’s primary goal is to assist golfers in developing a consistent and efficient swing.
The National Facility Awards for Junior Golf is a program designed to acknowledge the crucial contribution of golf facilities and academies to the growth of young golfers throughout Canada. These awards celebrate the facilities that have notably influenced the progression of junior golf within their local communities throughout the 2023 season.
Sawmill was recognized with the “Junior Golf Opportunity Award,” which is awarded to the facility that provides exceptional access and membership opportunities for junior golfers.
The “Grassroots Junior Program of the Year,” which is awarded for excelling at creating new junior golfers through local programming, was given to Deep River.
South Muskoka was awarded with the “Tournament Host of the Year” for giving back to youth golf by embracing the opportunity to host junior competitions.
From September 1 to October 31, 2023, all individual members and facility members of Golf Canada were able to nominate facilities for each award category.
All nominations were reviewed and feedback about nominees was provided by members of the Golf Industry Advisory Council, Sport Committee, and Amateur Championships Committee. Final award selections were made by Golf Canada staff.
Nominations for the 2024 National Facility Awards for Junior Golf are expected to open in September 2024.
This National Volunteer Week, we at Golf Ontario are honoured to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of over 250 volunteers from across the province.
At the heart of Golf Ontario, our volunteers are the lifeblood in a variety of critical areas, including championships, rules, course rating, and governance on committees and our board of directors. They are the sport’s ambassadors and an essential part of our team, enabling us to deliver exceptional programming and experiences to golfers, partners, and industry stakeholders.
Throughout the week, join us on social media as we showcase our remarkable volunteers. We’ll be sharing their inspirational stories and the fulfillment they derive from being an integral part of our community.
During National Volunteer Week, we’re excited to present a series of “Officials Days,” celebrating the dedicated volunteer officials who are instrumental in orchestrating our tournaments and competitions. This is a special time when they come together to inaugurate the 2024 season.
Interested in becoming part of the Golf Ontario volunteer family? Find out more about the opportunities and rewards on our Volunteering Resource page HERE.
With spring upon us, we’re thrilled about the upcoming golf season. We’re in the final stages of preparing our Women’s Try Golf schedule and can’t wait to share the exciting details with you.
This year marks the fourth season of our Women’s Try programs, and we’re delighted to introduce monthly Learn opportunities to the summer schedule. Our TRY events are all about welcoming the beginner golfer, while our LEARN events will offer the chance to build fundamental skills and deepen your understanding of the game.
The growth of women’s golf is inspiring, and we’re passionate about inviting even more women to experience the sport. We’re always exploring ways to facilitate continued engagement through the Women’s Participation Pathway, with the help of our partners and local facilities.
If you’ve been playing more often or have attended multiple Women’s Try events before, why not explore ‘next step’ opportunities with our partners Iron Lady Golf and LPGA Amateurs? They offer a diverse range of fantastic ways for you to TRY, LEARN, and PLAY even more frequently!
Are you ready to make this your best summer of golf yet? Join an Iron Lady Golf Summer League for weekly play with guaranteed tee times, league captains providing support, monthly tip sessions, and so much more. These leagues aren’t just about golf; they’re about forming meaningful connections, enjoying the sport in a supportive atmosphere, and, most importantly, having a great time!
Iron Lady Golf Leagues welcome players of all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting out or have a wealth of experience, whether you’re playing a leisurely round or keeping score, you’ll find your place here.
The LPGA Amateur Golf Association is the ultimate golf community for women, bringing together players from all walks of life, of all ages and abilities, in a friendly and inclusive setting. You’ll expand your network, forge new friendships, and share in the love of golf. With over 300 events across Ontario, we offer organized, social golf experiences along with educational opportunities to enhance your gameplay.
Golf offers a fantastic chance to bring friends and family into the game, whether they’re newcomers or interested in learning. It’s the perfect mix of fun, laughter, and sunshine.
We’re excited to see the joy golf will bring you this season! #inviteher to Try golf!
From Lone Player to Community Leader: Chief Ted Williams’ Golf Journey
Golf Ontario
Chief Ted Williams is a complex individual, yet his reason for taking up golf nearly 40 years ago—and why he continues to play today—is quite straightforward.
“Golf is enjoyable,” Williams concedes. “Now, what I find most rewarding about the sport is the opportunity to meet new people and cultivate relationships on the course.”
In his youth, Williams was an avid hockey and softball player. He ventured into golf at the age of 28 with a solo round at Lake St. George Golf Club in Washago, Ontario. For the initial six or seven years, Williams exclusively played alone.
“I used to have this pronounced left-to-right shot that I was somewhat self-conscious about, so I’d play alone, early in the morning,” Williams recalls. “I also had a young family and that meant if I wanted to play, I had to be out at dawn and back by breakfast time.”
Eventually, Williams grew increasingly fond of golf and, in 1993, was invited to participate in the club championship at Lake St. George. He had never played competitively, but without any preconceived notions or competitive history, he entered the championship—and won, igniting a remarkable streak of victories and notable finishes that continues to this day.
“The triumph at that first club championship in ’93 spurred my interest in competitive golf,” Williams reflects. “I dedicated myself to improving, to mastering the diverse shots and learning how to score even on off days.”
Williams reclaimed the Lake St. George club championship in 1999. He dominated the Hawk Ridge Golf Club championship for eight consecutive years and won the Horseshoe Valley club championship in 2011. He’s competed in numerous Ontario and Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur tournaments and even attempted to qualify for the PGA TOUR Champions Tour at age 50. While he didn’t qualify, he was the leading amateur finisher that week.
He has also competed in the Indigenous Ontario Championship and is an enthusiastic supporter, planning to participate again this year.
“The Indigenous Ontario Championship is a magnificent event for many reasons,” Williams states. “It celebrates the remarkable talent of Indigenous golfers throughout the province.”
Williams has been a steadfast supporter of Indigenous communities nationwide for many years. He was elected Chief of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation at the age of 27. Now, approaching 70 and with extensive corporate experience, he has returned as Chief of Rama First Nation, serving his community in various capacities.
Once predominantly a softball community, Rama First Nation has embraced golf.
“Just a decade ago, you could count on two hands the number of golfers in our community,” Williams acknowledges. “Today, we have over a hundred people of all ages enjoying the game.”
Williams credits the pandemic with introducing many in his community to golf, but believes there are additional factors that have sustained their interest.
“The pandemic certainly boosted golf’s popularity province-wide, and that’s reflected in our community,” he says. “Yet, our people have kept at it because the game is enjoyable and the golf course feels like a welcoming place, where they can connect with familiar faces from the community.”
As he reflects on a lifetime of achievements, both on the course and within his community, Williams looks forward to nurturing the next generation of golfers, ensuring that the legacy of unity and enjoyment he helped to establish continues to flourish for years to come.
As April marks the observance of Celebrate Diversity Month, it presents Golf Ontario with a wonderful opportunity to share inspiring stories and honour the diverse backgrounds and contributions of our members, volunteers, players, and colleagues.
Golf Ontario is thrilled to invite you to the heart of our community spirit and dedication – the 1000 Ball Challenge!
This year, we aim not just to meet but to exceed our collective potential in supporting the wonderful game of golf across our province. Inspired by our shared passion for golf and commitment to making it accessible to everyone, the 1000 Ball Challenge stands as a testament to what we can achieve together.
Why Your Participation Matters
All funds raised will directly fuel the GOLF FOR ALL FUND, supporting critical areas like:
Women and Girls Golf Youth Development Adaptive Golf Indigenous Golf
How It Works
Reach your fundraising goal of $5,000, then showcase your endurance by hitting 1000 golf balls at your chosen location. Whether individually or as a team, your effort will ripple across our community, inspiring and making a significant impact.
A new, full-time job opportunity is available at Golf Ontario.
To learn more about the Coordintator, Handicap and Course Rating role CLICK HERE.
The role summary is as follows:
Responsible for coordinating and implementing Golf Ontario’s member service strategy, including effectively onboarding new member facilities and delivering core services to facilities, including course rating and handicapping.
The ideal candidate is a dynamic, team-oriented individual who has a genuine passion and sound understanding of the game of golf with a keen attention to detail and excellent communication skills. With experience and an understanding of handicapping and course rating, the candidate is motivated to promote and build our member facility service program at Golf Ontario, including delivering high quality customer service to all partners and member facilities while collaborating with a diverse Team of colleagues and volunteers.
Golf Ontario is a Provincial Sports Organization and the governing body for golf in Ontario. With more than 80 years of history and tradition, serving 125,000 members, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. We strive to partner with a connected golf community to inspire the game of golf for all Ontarians, including youth, women and underserved communities.
With our vision of Golf for All, Golf Ontario is committed to creating a diverse and safe environment within our organization and across the sport of golf.
Golf Canada is highlighting the physical, mental, and social benefits that the sport can provide on Canadians through its brand-new Golf and Health campaign.
The campaign – Golf, It’s Good for You – launches this weekend leading into World Health Day April 7. All of the World Health Organization’s key criteria for health enhancing physical activity can be achieved through the sport of golf and Golf Canada is prioritizing communicating health as part of its strategic plan.
“We are proud to launch this campaign ahead of World Health Day to showcase the breadth and depth of mental, physical and social health benefits that the game of golf can provide for all participants,” said Tim McLaughlin, chief marketing officer with Golf Canada. “The campaign brings awareness to what Canadians think they know about golf with the many known health benefits they might not be aware of. We launched a website resource with the latest clinical research focused on golf and health. We are also working with golf clubs across the country to share this impact with golfers who are enjoying the game in record numbers. We have also made it easier for Canadians to track their health progress through new health tracking features and enhancements to our Golf Canada Mobile App.”
The Golf and Health campaign focuses on three key pillars: mental, physical, and social.
The mental benefits of golf include enhanced overall well-being, improved brain health, and helping to reduce the risk of dementia. Golf can also assist to boost confidence, promote increased focus and concentration, and help to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. Being out on the golf course can also help to slow down stress response and induces a feeling of calm.
As published in The R&A Golf and Health Report, and in addition to the mental benefits, the physical benefits of golf are undeniable. Research has shown that playing golf regularly can add five years to your life highlighted by the physical exercise, mental stimulation, and time spent outdoors while playing. As a physical activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime, golf can also help to prevent or lessen the impact of over 40 different chronic illnesses including diabetes, cancer, along with heart attacks and stroke.
Golf is viewed as a moderately demanding form of exercise and is a great way to contribute to daily step goals. The average golfer walks 5,000 steps in a 9-hole round which is the equivalent of three to five kilometres. With nearly 2,300 golf courses in Canada including both public and private facilities, the sport is highly accessible and significant strides have been made in accessible technology to make the game more inclusive for the differently abled people of all ages.
The inherent social nature of the game is also an important factor in helping increase social well-being and is a great way to bond with old friends and meet new ones. It is a sport that welcomes families and partners to be active together and is also an effective way to network and build business relationships.
Operating as small businesses in communities across Canada, golf courses provide players of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to enjoy the game. Golf Canada is collaborating with the Provincial Associations to provide information and assets on the Golf and Health campaign to club operators across the country.
Golf Canada has launched a new website that highlights the benefits of the game including helpful resource information and articles – please visit health.golfcanada.ca to find out more.
The Golf Canada Mobile App continues to be the all-in-one place to track progress and connect with colleagues and friends. In support of the Golf and Health campaign, the app is providing significant health tracking enhancements to the golfer experience. In addition to tracking scores and stats, users can now gain valuable personal insights into how each round positively affects their health. New health stat features include number of steps, distance walked, stand time, calories burned, elevation gained and heart rate. Users will also be able to view health statistics over different periods of time all of which is private and secure within their profile. For more information on the Golf Canada Mobile App, please click here. To download on Apple devices click here, to download on Google Play devices, click here.
“Golf brings people together and has an incredible impact on our personal heath and well being,” added McLaughlin. “Whether through physical activity over a lifetime, mental health improvements or the wonderful social experience shared by family and friends, now is a great moment for the Golf and Health campaign to inspire golfers and new enthusiasts to consider the incredible impact that our sport is having on Canadians.”
The Golf, It’s Good for You campaign will run season long and be featured at Golf Canada championships and events including Canada’s National Open Championships – the RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Ancaster, Ont. and the CPKC Women’s Open at Earl Grey Golf Club Calgary, Alta.
Golf Ontario is excited to announce a new partnership with Swing Lab Theory.
This collaboration introduces a three-part Health and Wellness Webinar Series exclusively for Golf Ontario members. Swing Lab Theory, renowned for its expertise in golf performance and therapy, steps in as a key partner in this initiative.
“We’re excited to partner with a leader in golf movement performance and therapy centre, Swing Lab Theory,” says Golf Ontario’s CEO Kyle McFarlane. “The webinar series and additional content Swing Lab Theory is developing will be greatly beneficial to members, allowing them to enjoy the game of golf more through improving the connection between their body and their golf swing.”
The webinar series, accessible to all Golf Ontario members, focuses on three crucial areas:
Spring Tune-Up
In-Season Performance
Off-Season Training
Beyond the live webinars, Swing Lab Theory will also create supplementary materials, including a detailed PDF and video for each session, offering deeper insights into the webinar topics.
“Here at the Swing Lab, we have been helping golfers for the last several years and we are pleased to officially partner with Golf Ontario to help golfers all across Ontario improve their body-swing connection and ultimately play better golf,” says Michele Liew, Swing Lab Theory Founder and Owner.
Located in Richmond Hill, Ont., Swing Lab Theory operates as an independent facility committed to providing a positive and inclusive environment. Thanks to its team of dedicated golf therapists and performance specialists, the center caters to a wide range of golfers—from seasoned players and juniors to those recovering from injuries. The primary goal at Swing Lab Theory is to assist golfers in developing a consistent and efficient swing.
The inaugural webinar, titled “Spring Tune-Up,” is scheduled for April. Golf Ontario members are encouraged to stay tuned for further details via email and social media.
As April marks the observance of Celebrate Diversity Month, it presents Golf Ontario with a wonderful opportunity to share inspiring stories and honour the diverse backgrounds and contributions of our members, volunteers, players, and colleagues.
Throughout the month, we aim to highlight stories showcasing diversity, focusing on our four Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) buckets of: Women, Youth, Indigenous, and Adaptive.
If any members of our community wish to share their own stories of diversity during the month of April, or to share personal experiences in and around the game of golf where diversity has played a positive role in that experience, feel free to tag us on social media @thegolfontario and use the hash tag #GolfForAll in the post.
Celebrate Diversity Month was first initiated in 2004 recognizing and honouring the diversity surrounding us all.
In alignment with Golf Ontario’s Strategic Plan, we are committed to intentionally developing and implementing initiatives to bring awareness and programming of EDI to our sport. The commitment to our EDI strategy is at the forefront of our ability to achieve our vision. We embrace the important role we play as one of the largest Amateur Golf Associations in the world in inspiring our sport and achieving our vision of Golf For All.
The stars of the LPGA Tour are headed back to southern Ontario as Golf Canada and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) have announced that the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open will be contested at the historic Mississaugua Golf and Country Club from August 18-24, 2025.
The 2025 CPKC Women’s Open will mark the 21st time that the province of Ontario has hosted Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship and the first since 2022. The 2025 event will be the 51st playing of Canada’s National Open Championship and the first time that Mississaugua Golf and Country Club will challenge the stars of the LPGA Tour.
In hosting the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open, Mississaugua Golf and Country Club will become only the eighth club to host Golf Canada’s four premier events: CPKC Women’s Open, RBC Canadian Open, Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, and Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
“Together, with our partners at CPKC and the LPGA Tour, we are very proud to bring the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open to the world-class city of Mississauga and the prestigious Mississaugua Golf and Country Club,” said CPKC Women’s Open Tournament Director Ryan Paul. “Mississaugua Golf and Country Club has been an incredible partner to Golf Canada, hosting countless Golf Canada Championships at both the professional and amateur level. We are excited to add our National Women’s Open to this impressive list in 2025.”
Through its CPKC Has Heart campaign, CPKC once again will be making a significant charitable contribution to the host community. Since 2014, the CPKC Women’s Open has helped raise over $19 million in support of children’s heart health in North America.
“CPKC is thrilled to bring the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open to the city of Mississauga and back to the province of Ontario, which is an integral part of our North American network,” said Keith Creel, CPKC President and CEO. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact the tournament will have in helping young hearts across Ontario.”
A host community beneficiary of the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open will be named by CPKC and Golf Canada at a later date.
Originally founded in 1906, Mississaugua has overlooked the Credit River in Mississauga for more than a century. The Club, which features an 18-hole championship golf course, has a storied history of hosting not only provincial championships but national championships as well, including the RBC Canadian Open, Men’s Canadian Amateur, and Canadian Women’s Amateur along with the World Junior Girls Golf Championship. Mississaugua is a full-service club offering along with golf: a four clay-court tennis facility, a six-sheet curling rink, state of the art fitness centre, and year-round dining options.
“The Members of Mississaugua are thrilled to welcome the very best LPGA Tour players to the Club for the 2025 CPKC Women’s Open,” said Rodger Leslie, Mississaugua Golf and Country Club President. “Hosting this wonderful tournament at our historic club gives us the opportunity to not only showcase our championship golf course but proudly share Mississaugua with the rest of Canada and the world. We are looking forward to partnering with Golf Canada and the surrounding community of Mississauga as we prepare for this world-class tournament in 2025. A highlight of the event for Mississaugua is the philanthropic dollars that will be generated for local charities through the CPKC Women’s Open, a cause near and dear to the heart our members.”
The Tournament Partners of the LPGA awarded the CPKC Women’s Open with Tournament of the Year honours in the previous two years (2022 and 2023). Golf Canada and CPKC also received Gold Driver Awards for Best Volunteer Engagement in 2023, Best Sponsor Activation in 2019, 2022, and 2023 as well as Best Community and Charity Engagement in three of the last five full season campaigns.
“Being selected to host the prestigious CPKC Women’s Open in 2025 is a huge honour and allows us another opportunity to highlight the sport of golf in the mix of events we are bringing to our vibrant city,” said Victoria Clarke, CEO of Visit Mississauga. “We look forward to welcoming the world’s best female golfers and witnessing their incredible talent here in Mississauga, and to showcase the “cultural canvas” that is our city on the world stage.”
Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship has traditionally featured one of the strongest fields on the LPGA Tour vying for a total purse of $2.6 million USD. The 2024 CPKC Women’s Open – the 50th playing of the event – is being held at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary from July 23-28, 2024.
First conducted in 1973, Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship has allowed the brightest stars of the LPGA Tour to shine on Canadian soil to inspire the nation’s next generation of female golfers. Brooke Henderson’s historic victory in 2018 was the first time a Canadian had won the National Open since golf legend Jocelyne Bourassa 45 years earlier.
In a gripping finale at the 24th Can-Am Matches in South Carolina, Team Ontario faced a narrow defeat.
The host team, comprising 16 juniors from South Carolina, emerged victorious at Wachesaw Plantation Club in Murrells Inlet, S.C., with a final score of 37 to 35 over the visiting Ontario squad.
“Sixteen individual matches and it ultimately came down to earning one more point,” says Team Ontario’s head coach Reggie Millage.
During Sunday’s Singles Matches, Team South Carolina clinched a total of 26.5 points, surpassing Team Ontario’s 21.5 points. This outcome was a significant turnaround from Saturday’s mixed Four-Ball Matches, where Ontario had taken the lead with 13.5 to 10.5, setting the stage for an intense showdown in Sunday’s 16 Singles Matches. With 48 points available on the final day, each match offered three points—one each for the front nine, the back nine, and the overall match.
“This is the youngest team I have taken to the Can-Am Matches and they showed their skill, resilience and character,” Millage says. “Although there is some sadness and disappointment, I am very proud of this group and excited for the season ahead.”
The Can-Am Junior Team event kicked off on Friday with the Junior Am event, dinner, and opening ceremonies at Wachesaw Plantation Club, marking a warm welcome for the athletes. The juniors paired with members and event sponsors for a round of golf in a pro-am style.
Team Ontario, the 2019 champions of the Can-Am Matches, showcased a formidable lineup this year, including Alexa Ouellet; Angela Cai; Aryn Matthews; Bridget Yu; Kaprice Park; Nobelle Park; Shelby Hardwick; Wendy Li; Ben Sheridan; Bode Stephen; Chase Jerome; Dawson Lew; Graydon Laughlin; Jordan Hwang; Nathaniel Yoo; Luke Smith, and Rylan Hall.
Notably, past participants in the Can-Am Matches include prominent figures such as Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, Brittany Marchand, Augusta James, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, Bill Haas, Kevin Kisner, Lauren Stephenson, and Jensen Castle.
To follow Team Ontario’s progress in Sunday’s singles matches on social media, check out their profiles on Instagram, Facebook and X.
Team Ontario holds a lead over South Carolina with a score of 13.5 to 10.5 after the first day of the 24th Can-Am Matches.
The opening day’s eight mixed four-ball matches at Wachesaw Plantation Club in Murrells Inlet, S.C., showcased Team Ontario facing off against their South Carolinian counterparts. The visiting juniors from Ontario seized an early advantage, securing 13.5 out of the available 24 points.
“Today’s matches were incredibly close, yet our cohesive teamwork allowed us to take the lead for the first time in years,” says Team Ontario’s Head Coach, Reggie Millage. “I’m immensely proud of our collective achievement today and look forward to the opportunities tomorrow’s matches will bring.”
Team Ontario’s early lead was bolstered by outstanding mixed-team performances from Angela Cai and Dawson Lew; Alexa Ouellet and Bode Stephen; and Bridget Yu and Rylan Hall.
The Ontario team, comprising the entire Team Ontario roster, will each participate in one of the 16 singles matches at the Wachesaw Plantation Club. A total of 48 points will be at stake during Sunday’s singles matches, with three points available per match (one point for the front nine, one for the back nine, and one for the overall match). The first team to reach at least 36.5 points will claim victory.
Team Ontario last clinched the Can-Am Matches in 2019.
The roster for Team Ontario includes Alexa Ouellet; Angela Cai; Aryn Matthews; Bridget Yu; Kaprice Park; Nobelle Park; Shelby Hardwick; Wendy Li; Ben Sheridan; Bode Stephen; Chase Jerome; Dawson Lew; Graydon Laughlin; Jordan Hwang; Nathaniel Yoo; Luke Smith, and Rylan Hall.
Former Can-Am Matches participants include notable figures such as Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, Brittany Marchand, Augusta James, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, Bill Haas, Kevin Kisner, Lauren Stephenson, and Jensen Castle.
To follow Team Ontario’s progress in Sunday’s singles matches on social media, check out their profiles on Instagram, Facebook and X.
The 24th Can-Am Matches, an annual face-off featuring junior golfers from Ontario against their counterparts from South Carolina, will commence this Saturday at the Wachesaw Plantation Club in Murrells Inlet, S.C.
The Ontario team, composed of 17 players, encompasses the entire Team Ontario Squad. Over the course of two days, they will participate in 24 matches: 8 mixed four-ball matches on Saturday followed by 16 singles matches on Sunday. To claim victory, the winning team needs to secure 36.5 points.
“All our athletes, coaches and staff are excited about this year’s Can-Am Matches versus South Carolina at the beautiful Wachesaw Plantation,” says Team Ontario’s Head Coach Reggie Millage. “This event is truly special because our Team Ontario athletes get to experience competing together as a team,” he says, adding, “the unique format, the special golf course and the unbelievable support from the members and staff at Wachesaw make this one of the most memorable events not only of the season, but in many cases, of these athletes’ entire junior careers.”
Team Ontario’s roster includes Alexa Ouellet; Angela Cai; Aryn Matthews; Bridget Yu; Kaprice Park; Nobelle Park; Shelby Hardwick; Wendy Li; Ben Sheridan; Bode Stephen; Chase Jerome; Dawson Lew; Graydon Laughlin; Jordan Hwang; Nathaniel Yoo; Luke Smith and Rylan Hall.
A Junior-Am event will precede the official start of the matches, allowing Can-Am Matches participants to play alongside event sponsors and members. This will be followed by a dinner and opening ceremonies at the Wachesaw Plantation Club.
For updates and standings, please visit the Can-Am Matches leaderboard by CLICKING HERE.
Teams: Eight junior boys and eight junior girls from Team Ontario versus eight junior boys and girls from South Carolina
Format: Eight four-ball matches on Day 1 and 16 singles matches on Day 2. One full point is awarded for each victory, while a half-point is earned for matches that are all square after 18 holes. The first team to 36.5 points is the winner.
Golf Ontario is excitedly looking forward to the upcoming golf season and would like to remind everyone the Handicap Season is set to commence on April 15th. This signifies the start of a thrilling period for golfers throughout Ontario as we gear up for a new season on the greens.
To enhance our golf community’s experience, we’re reaching out for your cooperation by asking you to complete an important survey.
Opening Date Survey
Your insights into the local golf scene are invaluable. If you’re aware of any opening dates for golf courses in your area, we encourage you to share this information with Golf Ontario through THIS LINK.
While we already have knowledge of many opening dates, we recognize that these are prone to change due to weather conditions. Rest assured, all submitted opening dates will be shared with our community via Golf Ontario’s social media platforms and website.
Nobelle Park and Gabriel Mainella Winners at Ontario Junior Players Invitational
Golf Ontario
A perfect day for golf in Myrtle Beach, S.C., was underscored by the thrilling final round of the Ontario Junior Players Invitational at the scenic Moorland Course of Legends Golf Resorts.
In the girls’ competition, Nobelle Park of RattleSnake Point Golf Club, leading after the first round, proved unbeatable. The Team Ontario athlete sailed through her even-par final round to clinch the title. Her Team Ontario teammate, Aryn Matthews of Bigwin Island Golf Club, closely followed throughout the round but couldn’t narrow the gap despite posting a strong 72 on her scorecard. Alexa Ouellet of Weston Golf & Country Club, another Team Ontario member, finished in third place.
Park’s performance on the back nine, featuring birdies on the 15th and 16th, secured her victory at one-over par for the tournament.
On the boys side, Gabriel Mainella of Summit Golf & Country Club emerged victorious after a day-long battle with Bode Stephen from Cataraqui Golf & Country Club, claiming the boys division title. Jordan Hwang of Emerald Hills Golf & Country Club took third place, achieving the tournament’s lowest score of 69 in his final round.
Mainella’s win was highlighted by five birdies, including a two-under par on the back nine, enabling him to win by a single stroke over Stephen, with both players scoring 69 on the final day. Mainella shared his excitement about the victory, saying, “obviously a big tournament and my first win… it’s a tough stretch of holes down the back and I kind of got nervous…but excited I got the win.
Tournament Director, Connor Doyle, highlighted the excellent start to the season, noting the excitement of the tournament’s conclusion.
Golf Ontario expressed gratitude towards Legends Golf Resort and its staff for their outstanding hospitality during the past week.
The 77-player field featured many of Ontario’s top junior golfers, all of whom were looking to take home the championship title from the challenging and beautiful Moorland Course at the Legends Golf Resorts.
This year’s event saw an extension to 54 holes, an increase from last year’s 36 holes. Furthermore, participants have the opportunity to earn points towards the World Amateur Golf Ranking and Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings.
For the full leaderboard and final round tee times, CLICK HERE.
FAST FACTS
Seven of the Top 10 girls are Team Ontario members.
The lowest girls’ score was 69, achieved by Alexa Ouellet (Team Ontario).
Six of the Top 10 boys are Team Ontario members.
The lowest boys’ score was 69, achieved by Jordan Hwang (Team Ontario).
The 12th hole was the toughest, with an average score of 4.88.
The 7th hole was the second toughest, averaging 3.65.
The easiest hole was the 16th, with an average score of 3.94.
The course’s scoring average was 78.27.
The Moorland Course was once ranked as the 37th toughest golf course in America by Golf Digest.
Ontario’s Top-Ranked Juniors Tee Off in Myrtle Beach
Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario kicked off its 2024 championship schedule with the Ontario Junior Players Invitational Monday in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Team Ontario’s Nobelle Park of Rattlesnake Golf Club and last year’s second-place finisher, leads in the girls’ division thru 36 holes. Park delivered commendable scores of 74 and 73, securing a two-stroke advantage over her Team Ontario teammate Aryn Matthews of Bigwin Island Golf Club, who posted scores of 72 and 77, finishing at 3-over par.
In the boys’ division, Next Wave athlete Gabriel Mainella of the Summit Golf & Country Club, climbed to the top of the leaderboard with solid rounds of 74 and 73, bolstered by eight birdies on the first day. He enters the final round with a one-stroke lead over Team Ontario’s Bode Stephen of Cataraqui Golf & Country Club, who carded rounds of 72 and 75 to stand at 5-over.
The 77-player field features many of Ontario’s top junior golfers, all of whom are looking to take home the championship title from the challenging and beautiful Moorland Course at the Legends Golf Resorts.
The competitions biggest change this year is the extension to 54 holes, an increase from last year’s 36 holes. Furthermore, participants have the opportunity to earn points towards the World Amateur Golf Ranking and Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings.
“It was great to see how well the players handled the 36 holes today, we should be in for an exciting finish,” Ontario Players Invitational Tournament Director Connor Doyle says.
The tournament concludes on Tuesday with the final 18 holes, starting at 8 a.m. from both the 1st and 10th tees.
For the full leaderboard and final round tee times, CLICK HERE.
QUOTABLES
“I’m nervous for tomorrow … but I hope play wel l… it’s tough competition.” — Nobelle Park, Team Ontario Athlete,
“Today was definitely fun. I started off the day really well with an even par… but quickly kind of on the back stretch … lost a little bit in the second round.” — Aryn Matthews, Team Ontario Athlete
“The conditions were tough, it was windy and cold in the the start of the morning. Feel like I did really good at the start. Pushed through the windy conditions.” — Gabriel Mainella, Next Wave Athlete
FAST FACTS
Seven of the Top 10 Girls are Team Ontario Athlete
Lowest Girls Score of the day: Team Ontario’s Alexa Ouellet, 69
Six of the Top 10 Boys are Team Ontario
Lowest Boys score was 72: By 5 players
Course scoring average was 81.6
Team Ontario athlete and third-place finisher at last year’s Junior Players Invitational, Jordan Hwang of Emerald Hills Golf & Country Club, currently sits third again.
The 77-player field features many of Ontario’s top junior golfers, all of whom are looking to take home the championship title which will be contested March 11-12 at impressive Moorland Course at the Legends Golf Resorts.
This year marks the event’s second installment, featuring significant updates. Notably, the competition will extend over 54 holes, an increase from last year’s 36 holes. Furthermore, participants will now have the opportunity to earn points towards the World Amateur Golf Ranking and Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings.
John Lawrence, Golf Ontario’s Director of Competitions and Performance, expressed enthusiasm about this year’s enhancements to the events. “Launching our championship season with the Ontario Junior Players Invitational is thrilling,” Lawrence says. “Expanding the championship to 54 holes and including ranking points elevates the players’ experience, mirroring the collegiate competition atmosphere.”
The invitational will see players take on 36-holes on Monday, with the final 18-holes coming on Tuesday.
This year’s field includes all 16 Team Ontario members as well as 10 Next Wave athletes. The field is rounded out by an impressive group of players who were offered invites based on their 2023 performance.
Among the 78-players in the 2024 Ontario Junior Players Invitational, there are:
Team Ontario: All 16 members of Team Ontario are in the invitational’s field. They are: Alexa Oueullet; Angela Cai; Aryn Matthews; Bridget Yu; Kaprice Park; Nobelle Park; Shelby Hardwick; Wendy Li; Ben Sheridan; Bode Stephen; Chase Jerome; Dawson Lew; Graydon Laughlin; Jordan Hwang; Nathaniel Yoo; Rylan Hall.
Brampton Golf Club’s Manav Bharani, winner of the 2023 Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys Championship makes his Players Invitational debut.
2023 Ontario Super Camp and Junior Tour Champion, and Team Ontario athlete Alexa Ouellet of Weston Golf and Country Club.
Last year’s runner up, the No. 2-ranked player on the 2023 Junior Golf Pathway Rankings and Team Ontario athlete Nobelle Park of Rattlesnake Golf Club.
Team Ontario athlete and third-place finisher at last year’s Junior Players Invitational, Jordan Hwang of Emerald Hills Golf & Country Club.
FAST FACTS
Championship Venue: The Moorland Course at The Legends Resort
Golf Ontario Announces Next Wave Junior Development Program
Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario proudly introduces the 2024 Next Wave Junior Development Program, designed to nurture and elevate the skills of Ontario’s young golfers.
This thoughtful initiative aims to blend specialized training with ongoing support, providing a solid foundation for the province’s future stars to shine in the competitive golf landscape.
“We’re so proud and excited to introduce the Next Wave Junior Development Program and all the 15 young athletes who will be part of the program in 2024,” says Golf Ontario’s Chief Sport Officer, Ryan Finn. “We truly believe this program aligns with everything we’re already doing with the Junior Golf Pathway, but also adds another layer of development that is directly aimed at junior golf athletes who are looking to advance in their competitive journey.”
The 2024 Next Wave Junior Development Program includes members (with their personal coaches in parentheses):
Sierra Kowlayshyn, Sawmill Golf Course (Travis Glass, PGA of Canada)
Ava Gilbert, Summit Golf & Country Club (Sean Burke, PGA of Canada)
Kirsten Lee, Brampton Golf Club (Sean Casey, PGA of Canada)
Cole Thompson, Lookout Point Country Club (Adam Steinschifter, PGA of Canada)
Ben Julie, Sawmill Golf Course (Doug Lawrie, PGA of Canada)
Matthew Simpson, Lambton Golf & Country Club (Sean Casey, PGA of Canada)
John Yang, Summit Golf & Country Club (Trevor Wallman, PGA of Canada)
Tristan Zhang, Summit Golf & Country Club (Trevor Wallman, PGA of Canada)
Josh Ye, Summit Golf & Country Club (Trevor Wallman, PGA of Canada)
Aiden Pavey, Hidden Lake Golf Club(David Banks, PGA of Canada)
Bo Dong, Angus Glen Golf Club (Dong Hee Lee)
Sadie Wu, Station Creek Golf Club (Dong Hee Lee)
Gabriel Mainella, Summit Golf & Country Club (Tyler Marchand, PGA of Canada)
Landon Van Loon, Upper Canada Golf Course (Tristan Mullally, PGA of Canada)
Michael Vivone, Royal Ottawa Golf Club (Derek MacDonald, PGA of Canada)
Targeted towards junior-aged athletes competing in local, regional, and provincial championships, the program is dedicated to helping them fulfill their aspirations of becoming members of Team Ontario, Team Canada, and earning spots on collegiate golf teams. The program is centered around the mental, physical, technical, and tactical facets of golf, the program offers early access to specialized team training; setting the stage for their future achievements.
Next Wave athletes will enjoy exclusive benefits, such as: Coaching support from Team Ontario Head Coach, Reggie Millage; sessions with Team Ontario Mental Performance Coach, Dr. Charles Fitzsimmons, strength and conditioning coaching by Dr. Nick Martichenko; Next Wave athlete clothing from adidas Golf Canada; and access to the TaylorMade Performance Lab.
Additionally, Next Wave athletes can sign up for exclusive Team Ontario programs like Training Days, March Break Training Camp, and the Spring Training Camp.
Selection for the program is based on the athletes’ competitive performances and rankings in the U13, U15, and U17 divisions of the Junior Golf Pathway from the last season.
Golf Ontario looks forward to the prospects the Next Wave Junior Development Program offers to Ontario’s emerging golf stars and the association extends gratitude to TaylorMade Golf Canada, Adidas Golf Canada, and Humber College for their support of this transformative initiative.
Accessing the Official R&A Rules of Golf has become easier as Golf Canada has integrated them into its popular Golf Canada Mobile App.
This inclusion allows golfers of all levels and abilities to quickly reference the Official Rules of Golf and find answers to common situations that emerge on the course through the Player’s Rule Finder.
With nearly 30 diagrams and over 50 how-to videos, golfers will reduce confusion and uncertainty by learning the ins-and-outs of the game directly from the R&A. Along with the USGA, the R&A has been golf’s leading governing body responsible for the rules of the game.
“The integration into the Golf Canada Mobile App allows more straightforward access to the rules of golf,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Director, Amateur Championships and Rules, Golf Canada.
“Golfers will be able to determine the specific rule-related situations they encounter on the course more easily through the Player’s Rules Finder interface. In addition to the rules of golf, there are resources on committee procedures and the Rules of Amateur Status, amongst other helpful tools. To provide access to even more Canadian golfers, the app is available in both English and French,” added McKenna.
With more than 300,000 Canadian golfers using the Golf Canada Mobile App on an annual basis to post scores, find courses from coast-to-coast, build scorecards, discover course maps, and specific GPS distances, the inclusion of the Rules of Golf will allow Canadian golfers to access first-hand situational knowledge by applying golf’s official rules during their round.
To view the Rules of Golf on the Golf Canada Mobile App, select “More” then scroll down and click on “Rules of golf”.
Also included in the latest version of the Golf Canada Mobile App is an enhanced scorecard graphic. This feature builds on the August 2023 app feature release aimed to help golfers stay connected off the course, highlighted by the ability for golfers to post images and videos to document their rounds.
Increase the fun, shoot lower scores, impress your group by flashing your newfound golf knowledge and share your scorecards.
Join Canada’s largest golf community by downloading the Golf Canada App today. It’s free and available in the App Store and Google Play.
Did you know that the Golf Canada App is just one of the many benefits of being a Golf Ontario Member? If you’re not already a member and looking to become one, CLICK HERE to learn more about all the amazing benefits.
In the wake of the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) hosted by Golf Ontario, we are thrilled to unveil our 2023 Yearbook. This edition is a testament to our enduring commitment to the “Golf for All” vision, offering an in-depth exploration of the core pillars our strategic framework emphasizes: Participation, Performance, Membership, and Organizational Strength.
Kyle McFarlane, the CEO of Golf Ontario, elaborates in the yearbook, “These pillars form the foundation, guiding us toward our mission of Shaping Lives Through Golf and shared commitment to elevated golfing experiences in our province.”
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.
Golf Ontario Announces Hall of Fame Inductees for 2024
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge – Golf Ontario is pleased to announce the 2024 inductees to the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame. Two incredibly deserving nominees; one in the Builder category and one in the Player category and one recipient of the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award, which is presented annually to an individual who has been associated with a recognized Ontario media organization for major contributions to golf in Ontario.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Anne, Ashley and Robert, and to share the occasion with members of our community. Their contributions and accomplishments to the sport of golf here in Ontario are each extraordinary in their own way. I look forward to celebrating Hall of Fame members, past and present, and the history and tradition of our great sport.” Said Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane.
2024 INDUCTEES
Builder Category
Anne Edgar Dodds-Hebron
Anne Edgar Dodds-Hebron, a steadfast figure in the Ontario golf community, will be inducted into the hall in the builder category; a testament to her decades of selfless service. Her impressive achievements span numerous facets of the golfing world.
An enthusiastic and avid golfer, Anne was a treasured and invaluable member of the golfing community. She belonged to four distinguished golf clubs — the Brampton Golf Club; the Mississauga Golf and Country Club; the Pinehurst Country Club; and Cherry Hill Club. Her love for the sport resonated deeply within these communities.
Anne’s passion for sharing knowledge led her to teach accounting and the rules of golf for the Golf Management Programs at both Humber and Niagara Falls Community Colleges. Her commitment to education and volunteer golf culminated in an active role as a certified rules referee for the Golf Association of Ontario, Golf Canada, and other members of the golf community. Her invaluable contributions to rules education have empowered countless individuals, while her role as a National and provincial Rules Referee for three decades has ensured the smooth operation of local, provincial, and national professional and amateur competitions.
An illustrious career encompassing an array of accomplishments. As a competitive golfer, she clinched numerous championships, establishing herself as a formidable force on the fairways. Beyond her prowess on the course, Anne held director-level positions at both the provincial and national levels of amateur golf.
Even in the face of health challenges and up until her passing, Anne remained unwavering in her support of golf in Ontario, serving as a mentor and embodying her passion for the sport.
Player Category
Ashley Chinner
Ashley Chinner enters the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in the Player Category. Chinner found success in both amateur and professional golf while also giving back to the sport.
Chinner was a strong enough athlete in his junior years to earn his way to Baker University in Kansas in 1984 where he earned a degree in Business Administration and competed on both the golf and soccer teams.
After graduating in 1987, Chinner turned professional by joining the PGA of Canada/Canadian Tour (PGA Tour Canada) in 1989. It was also the beginning of a playing journey that would take him to tournaments in over 25 countries over the next fourteen years. That included playing on the Canadian Tour (where he won the 1996 PGA Championship of Canada) and having status in 1993, 1996, 97 and 1999 on what is now the Korn Ferry Tour. A peak of his professional career came in 1998 at the PGA TOUR’s RBC Canadian Open where he tied for 13th and earned the coveted Rivermead Challenge Cup as the Low Canadian. In 2000, he would go on to win the PGA Assistants’ Championship of Canada, along with the Ontario Assistants Championship and finished in the Top 5 at the PGA of America Assistants Championship.
A founding member of the Coppinwood Golf Club, Ashley regained his amateur status and has been the Club Champion there a total of eight times, as well as winning three Senior Club Championship titles.
Seemingly a contender in every tournament in which he plays, Chinner has had success in tournaments across the province, winning the 2017 Ontario Champion of Champions, the 2021 Ontario Senior Men’s Amateur Championship, and the 2022 Ontario Men’s Mid-Master Championship.
Chinner is Senior Vice-President and Director of Golf for Signature Risk Partners, Inc. – which specializes in insurance program management for the golf industry. He also serves on the Golf Canada Governors Council and is considered by many to be a valuable golf industry resource.
He lives in Brooklin, Ontario with his wife Stephanie. They have three children: Trinity, Payton, and Breeana and is blessed with a 1 year old grandson: Grayson.
Lorne Rubenstein Media Award
Robert Thompson
A bestselling author, award-winning reporter, and much sought after communications consultant, Robert Thompson has been an influential journalist and marketer for nearly three decades. You might feel it is worth nothing that Robert is a fan of the Oxford comma, great longform journalism, fiction of John Irving, golf writer Michael Bamberger, and the collected works of David Bowie.
For more than a decade, Robert has worked as Managing Partner of Matchplay, a golf communications and marketing company, alongside business co-founder David Cowx. Matchplay’s team has clients all over the world, including Bandon Dunes, Cabot Links, Wynn Las Vegas, La Gorce, Chambers Bay, Pulpit Club, Tree Farm, and many more. In 2022, he worked with St. George’s on the RBC Canadian Open, advised Oakdale on its involvement with the tournament last year, as well as the upcoming event in 2026.
In 2017, Robert had the opportunity to take the role of President of the Golf Journalism Association of Canada, with a focus on the organization’s philanthropic work. He’s appeared on television a lot for a former print reporter (and much to the chagrin of his children), worked as a TV producer for multiple tournaments, and travelled the world with a bag of sticks on his back, chasing a little white ball. Robert has also won a number of awards for his journalism—including the Kenneth R. Wilson award for magazine writing (three times), as well as numerous Golf Journalism of Canada Awards. The author of seven books, all of which, in his estimation, are worth investigating, Robert has interviewed prime ministers and pop stars, sports legends, and economists. An unusual interview with Bill Gates in Toronto and playing golf in Barbados with pharma king and Ottawa Senators owner, the late Eugene Melnyk, stand apart.
His writing has appeared in the kinds of old-world media people used to pay attention to: the National Post, the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, Listed magazine, Canadian Business, Golf Digest, Golf World, and others too numerous to list. He was the golf columnist at the National Post for seven years, Senior Writer at SCOREGolf, and a columnist for more than a decade with Global Golf Post.
Robert lives in London, Ont., with his wife, the writer and editor Jennifer Hale, and his daughter, Sydney, and son, Liam. In his spare time, he coaches baseball and writes and records music with a longtime friend under the band name, Black Heart Machine.
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.
About the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame
The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in the game of golf in Ontario. Founded in 2000 by the Ontario Golf Association and the Ontario Ladies’ Golf Association, the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is housed at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge. Click Here for the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame
Golf Ontario thrilled to recruit accomplished and innovative golf marketer
Golf Ontario
Chris Fry appointed as the association’s new Director of Marketing and Communications, officially starts February 12, the beginning of an exciting new chapter!
Uxbridge, ON – In a strategic move signaling a new era of innovation, growth, and storytelling, Golf Ontario is delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Fry as the new Director of Marketing and Communications. A progressive thinker in the golf world, Fry is poised to infuse the association with his creative ideas and extensive industry experience.
Fry will step into this role following an impressive tenure as Founder and Creative Director at Albatross Images, where he advanced golf marketing ideas with his inventive prowess. His appointment marks a significant milestone for Golf Ontario, aligning perfectly with their forward-thinking goals and mission to make golf accessible to all.
Celebrated for his original approaches to marketing and storytelling at Albatross Images, Fry’s vision is set to amplify Golf Ontario’s brand narrative, supercharge its digital marketing, and strengthen partnerships—key elements in propelling the association’s strategic ambitions.
Prior to his entrepreneurial venture, Fry played pivotal roles at TaylorMade Golf Canada and the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of Canada. His expertise in sports marketing and strategic communications involved spearheading comprehensive marketing campaigns, nurturing pivotal partnerships, and leading diverse teams towards unified objectives.
Over the years, Fry’s creative work has been featured in various national and international publications, including SCOREGolf, The Globe & Mail, The Golfer’s Journal, and numerous online platforms. He has also received multiple awards from the Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC).
“Joining Golf Ontario represents a dream convergence of my professional expertise and my personal passion for golf,” says Fry. “I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to lead Golf Ontario’s marketing and communication strategies, ensuring they resonate with golfers of all levels and backgrounds.”
Fry is recognized for his hands-on approach to team leadership, with a demonstrated ability to attract, retain, and develop high-performing teams. His background in fostering strong relationships with colleagues, donors, corporate partners, and industry stakeholders will be invaluable in enhancing Golf Ontario’s partner and industry relations.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris to the Golf Ontario team,” says Kyle McFarlane, CEO of Golf Ontario. “His extensive experience and passion for the game make him the ideal successor to head our marketing and communications efforts, helping us embark on the next chapter for the association.”
Fry will officially take the helm as Director of Marketing and Communications at Golf Ontario on Monday, February 12, heralding an exciting new chapter for the association.
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.
Golf Ontario is Excited to Release the 2024 Championship Schedule
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, ON – The 2024 golf season is just around the corner, andGolf Ontario is proud to release its 2024 Championship Schedule, featuring the best provincial championships in the country hosted at some of Ontario’s finest golf courses.
In what will be another brilliant year for championship golf in Ontario, the schedule will feature a number of prominent courses and new locations that extend far and wide to host the best players across the province.
The 2024 Championship Schedule and registration timeline updates can be accessed by clicking the link below:
“We are once again honoured and excited to release one of the most diverse and inclusive championship schedules in amateur golf, working with many of Ontario’s most renowned golf clubs,” said Golf Ontario Director of Competitions and Performance John Lawrence. “Our 2024 venues are set to showcase an exciting season in communities across the province, and we can’t thank those member clubs enough for hosting our events.”
Golf Ontario will announce outstanding championship dates/locations as they are confirmed. The full schedule of qualifying sites will be available in the next update on January 22nd, 2024.
Registrations for the 2024 Golf Ontario championship season will begin on Friday, February 17th at 9:00am, each championships-specific registration opening date will be made available in the January 22 update.
Highlights and Important Notes for the 2024 Championship schedule:
As previously announced, the 2024 Championship season will kick off with the return of the Ontario Junior Players Invitational. The 2024 tournament is scheduled to take place March 11-12 at Legends Golf Resort – Moorland Course in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, exclusively for 78 of the top Junior (U19) boys & girls from Ontario.
The City of London and area will be a hot bed for Golf Ontario championships in 2024. Beginning in May, the annual Junior Girls Spring Classic will return to FireRock Golf Club, May 21-23. In June, the Men’s and Senior Men’s Match Play Championship will take on the challenging links-style Tarandowah Golfers Club, June 10-13, and two weeks later the 109th Ontario Women’s Amateur & Mid-Amateur Championship will be hosted by West Haven Golf & Country Club, June 24-27. The City of London and FireRock Golf Club will also host the Ontario Summer Games golf competition from August 2-4.
West Haven Golf & Country Club, host of the 109th Ontario Women’s Amateur & Mid-Amateur Championship, June 24-27, 2024.
As part of their 125th anniversary celebrations, St. Catharines Golf & Country Club will host the 102nd Ontario Men’s Amateur, June 24-27. This will be the second time hosting the Men’s Amateur, St. Catharines, previously hosted in 1999.
The Ontario Junior Boys & Girls (U19) Championships will be conducted the week of July 8-11. After completing a full bunker renovation this past season, Otter Creek Golf Club, which hosted the Ontario Men’s Amateur in 2020, returns to the schedule as host of the 102nd Ontario Junior Boys Championship. Meanwhile, Beverly Golf & Country Club, the home of LPGA veteran and two-time Junior Girls Champion Alena Sharp, will host the 89th Ontario Junior Girls Championship.
The Ontario Senior Men’s Championship will travel to one of Eastern Ontario’s most prominent venues, the Brockville Country Club, July 23-25. NEW for 2024, the 70 and over division will have 24 spots made available to register for. The 70 and over competition will be awarded after 36 holes and played from a separate yardage setup. The overall Senior Men’s champion and 65 and over champion will be awarded after 54 holes.
The most significant shift in the schedule will see the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship move to the end of July in 2024 from its usual June dates. After hosting a very successful Canadian Junior Boys Championship in 2023, North Bay Golf & Country Club will host the province’s best male amateur players over 25 on July 29-31.
NEW for 2024, the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship will feature a separate Senior Women’s Four-Ball competition in which players aged 50 and over can choose to play in their own division. The Senior Women’s competition will play from a shorter yardage setup. This year’s event will return to the historic Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto on September 16th.
Golf Ontario would like to thank all member clubs who have committed to hosting championships and qualifiers for their continued support heading into the 2024 championship season. Updates regarding the remaining championship dates/locations will be made immediately as they are confirmed.
Uxbridge – Golf Ontario proudly announces the 2024 Team Ontario Roster which features 16 of the provinces top performing U19 golfers. The selected athletes have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and results, earning them their place on the 2024 Team. Four members will return from the 2023 team, and will be eagerly joined by twelve new athletes.
The 2024 Team has four returning athletes that include Aryn Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club), Alexa Ouellet (Weston Golf & Country Club Ltd.), Jordan Hwang (Emerald Hills Golf & Country Club), and Graydon Laughlin (Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club). These Team Ontario veterans had some great achievements in 2023, two wins for Alexa at the Ontario Women’s Four Ball and Super Camp & Junior Tour Championship, Jordan advancing to Match Play at the U.S Junior Amateur Championship, a breakthrough season for Aryn with four top 10 finishes all while making the cut at Canadian Women’s Am and Canadian Junior Girls and 3 top 10 finishes from Graydon including the NextGen Atlantic Championship.
Team Ontario has six new additions joining on the female side, who all had top-rated success in the 2023 Championship season. For the first time in Team Ontario history there will be twin sisters, Nobelle and Kaprice Park (RattleSnake Point Golf Club) who finished 2nd (Nobelle) and 4th (Kaprice) in the U17 Junior Golf Pathway Rankings. Joining the Park sisters Bridget Yu (Golf Canada Club) with a second-place finish at the NextGen Atlantic Championship. Alongside them is Shelby Hardwick (Summit Golf & Country Club) with 7 top 10 finishes, Wendy Li (Summit Golf & Country Club with a T11th at the Ontario Junior Girls’ Championship and 7th place finish at Super Camp and rounding off the team is Angela Cai (National Pines Golf Club) who finished T2nd at the Ontario Juvenile Championship and is the top ranked AJGA player on the team.
The new additions to the boy’s Team includes six players with some strong achievements over the course of this past season including being the top-ranked players on the Junior Golf Pathway. Starting off the boy’s lineup is Ben Sheridan (Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club) with 5 top-10 finishes this season. Joining him is Nathaniel Yoo (Meadowbrook Golf Club), who has had a great return to junior golf and finishing his season off with a 4th place finish at the Ontario Super Camp Championship. Alongside them, Dawson Lew (Players Club – Markham) with a victory under his belt at the National Team Challenge and a T15 at the Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship, and Rylan Hall (Whistle Bear Golf Club) with 4 top 10’s this season. Finishing off the team on the boys side is Chase Jerome (Royal Ottawa Golf Club) with a 1st place finish at the NextGen Fall Series East Championship and Bode Stephen (Cataraqui Golf & Country Club) with a second place finish in the NextGen Atlantic.
The team will be led by Head Coach Reggie Millage, PGA of Canada Class “A” professional as he heads into his 11th season as Coach of Team Ontario. Millage is excited to share, “The anticipation of every new season of Team Ontario is energizing and exciting. There is something unique this year though as we have assembled one of the youngest teams I can remember. With so many new great young athletes it’s really going push the ceiling higher of what this group can accomplish in junior golf and beyond.” Supporting Millage is Mental Performance Coach Dr. Charles Fitzsimmons, Physical Performance Coach Dr. Nick Martichenko, who will help enhance the athlete’s skill through fitness, nutrition, and mental performance. Dr. Charles Fitzsimmons is not only one of the top Mental Performance Coaches in Ontario, he is also a 2 time Canadian Mid-Am Champion. Alongside Charles is Dr. Nick Martichenko who helped Professional Tennis Player Denis Shapovalov get to the #10 player in the world. It is no doubt that the team is in great hands.
The team started off their off season training this past weekend in Oakville at the Burloak Indoor Golf facility. Next week the Team will be heading down to Orlando, Florida, for the first opportunity to play on green grass together at International Junior Golf Academy, Bishop’s Gate. The team will spend the week focusing on training, team development and competing in their first tournament together. Following Florida Camp, the team will begin indoor training sessions at Humber College Golf Lab, followed by their second Florida camp in February. In March, Team Ontario will be heading to Myrtle Beach for another camp, and to compete in the Ontario Junior Players Invitational and Can-Am Matches. The team will conclude the off-season training with the final Spring camp as a team in Niagara. The athletes will receive continued support from coaching staff throughout the season.
Congratulations to all of the 2024 Team Ontario members. Golf Ontario, along with our members, volunteers, and partners, look forward to cheering the team on throughout the 2024 competitive season.
About Team Ontario
The Team Ontario program is a unique opportunity for identified athletes in Ontario. These athletes can expect to receive the very best in coaching services, training/competitive opportunities, and peer support as they continue their journey toward excellence in golf and life. Being selected to be part of the Team Ontario program is a tremendous accomplishment but the hard work and dedication doesn’t end at selection. The Team Ontario program places considerable emphasis on developing lifelong excellence in all facets. As such, athletes in the program will receive guidance on themes like time and self-management, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, tactical strategies, and technical feedback.
Mission: To develop Ontario’s best junior golfers into world-class players on and off the course
2024 Team Ontario Values: Hard Working, United, and Resilient
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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.
Team Ontario would like to thank partner Adidas, as their official clothing provider.
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.
Golf Ontario partners with 11:11 Foundation to launch Golf for All Fund
Golf Ontario
UXBRIDGE – Golf Ontario is thrilled to launch its Golf for All Fund with a $225,000 investment from founding partner 11:11 Foundation. The fund is a new initiative designed to financially support the association’s work of enhancing golf participation across the province.
“We are incredibly grateful to 11:11 Foundation for their commitment,” said Kyle McFarlane, CEO of Golf Ontario. “This generous investment serves as a catalyst for the Golf for All Fund – marking a pivotal moment in pursuing our vision to build a more inclusive and diverse golfing community in Ontario.”
Through initiatives that promote increased golf course access, affordable equipment and specially tailored programs for new golfers, Golf Ontario is facilitating the growth of golf as a unifying and community-building sport. With a steadfast commitment to breaking down barriers, the Golf for All Fund aims to expand the sport in underrepresented groups, including;
1. Youth Golf Programs: Recognizing that the future of golf lies in the hands of our youth, we support programs that introduce and nurture young golf talent.
2. Women and Girls in Golf: We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment to increase participation among women and girls.
3. Adaptive Golf Programming: We support programs that make golf accessible and enjoyable for individuals with unique abilities.
4. Indigenous Golf Initiatives: Working alongside key partners, we help establish pathways for Indigenous Peoples to enjoy the sport of golf.
“We are aligned with Golf Ontario’s belief that the opportunity to golf has long-lasting positive effects – and everyone of all abilities, ages and cultures deserves the chance to experience it,” says Kevin Cooper, President, Carriage House Wealth and Trustee of 11:11 Foundation.
The foundation’s commitment over three years marks a significant milestone for the sport of golf in Ontario. It launches endless possibilities for the Golf for All Fund to have a profound and lasting impact on shaping lives in the golfing community – where everyone has the opportunity to experience the benefits of the game.
Kevin Cooper (left) and Kyle McFarlane (right) joined by Golf Ontario Staff
Hitting 1000 balls for a good cause
Further fundraising efforts for the Golf for All Fund include Golf Ontario’s recently launched “1000 Ball Challenge” campaign, which has raised $30,000 since September.
This peer-to-peer fundraising initiative encourages individuals, teams and golf enthusiasts to support the Golf for All Fund by attempting to hit 1000 golf balls in one day.
Each event embodies the spirit of community, athleticism, and philanthropy, creating a win-win scenario where participants challenge themselves while contributing to the growth of golf in Ontario.
For further information about the Golf for All Fund please visit gao.ca/donate
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Registration Now Open for the 2024 Ontario Junior Players Invitational
Golf Ontario
UXBRIDGE – Golf Ontario is excited to announce the return of the Ontario Junior Players Invitational to the 2024 Golf Ontario Championship Schedule. The 2024 tournament is scheduled to take place March 11-12, 2024 at Legends Golf Resort – Moorland Course in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and is exclusively for 78 of the top Junior (U19) Boys & Girls from Ontario.
Legends Golf Resort offers five of the best championship golf courses available in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding states of South and North Carolina. On site, the resort features more than 70 on-site villas which will be highlighted as the host accommodations for the 2024 Ontario Junior Players Invitational. Players and families will receive preferred rates for the villas and by staying on-site, players will have unlimited access to the resort practice facilities. Legends Golf Resort is home to the largest driving range in the Myrtle Beach area. For more information about accommodations and practice facilities, please visit the Legends Golf Resort Website.
New for this year the tournament will feature a 3rd round to the tournament making it a 54-hole competition, seeing 36 holes on day 1 and 18 holes on day 2. The addition of the 3rd round will now make this event eligible for World Amateur Golf Rankings and Junior Golf Scoreboard ranking points.
The Ontario Junior Players Invitational provides Ontario junior players with an opportunity to participate in a competition to prepare them for the upcoming golf season. The purpose of adding the 3rd round is to give players a collegiate-type atmosphere with the 54 holes over 2 days.
“We’re proud to bring this important tournament back for its second year in 2024 and provide our junior players an impactful opportunity to compete against an elite field and prepare for the 2024 season. This tournament is a great talent identification and representation of all the hard work Ontario junior players are putting in the winter months. We should be in for another exciting year” said Chief Sport Officer Ryan Finn
Tournament invitations will be sent to all exempt junior players based on their 2023 performances. Players that are not exempt still have the opportunity to apply and compete in the tournament. Following December 31, 2023, the remaining spots in the championship will go to players on the pending list. These players will be accepted into the tournament field based on the player’s past performance as determined by the Tournament Selection Committee. The remaining players not yet accepted at that point will be tournament alternates and moved into the tournament if a spot becomes available.
In addition to the tournament on March 11-12, Golf Ontario will be offering an exclusive training experience with Team Ontario athletes and coaches during the 2023 March Break. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Golf Ontario Announces Alexandra Taylor as New Manager of Junior Performance
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, Ontario – Golf Ontario is delighted to announce the appointment of Alexandra Taylor as the Manager of Junior Performance. In this pivotal role, Alexandra will be responsible for managing the strategy for Golf Ontario’s Junior Performance program.
Taylor has been an integral member of the Golf Ontario team since 2021, supporting and implementing GO’s Regional Support Strategy as Regional Coordinator as well as assisting Team Ontario as a coach and mentor.
As the Manager of Junior Performance, Alexandra will manage all of our junior golf initiatives, including the delivery of the Junior Golf Pathway, Junior Tour relations, Player ID, Next Wave athlete development, and the coordination for Team Ontario. With a commitment to nurturing a positive and encouraging environment, Taylor will play a key role in shaping lives through golf.
“With a true passion for the game and a proven drive to support young athletes in reaching their highest potential, we are thrilled to have Alex take on this role,” said Golf Ontario’s Director of Competitions and Performance, John Lawrence.
Taylor expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating, “I am honoured and thrilled to take on the role of Manager of Junior Performance at Golf Ontario. Junior golfers represent the future of the sport, and I am committed to providing them with the best possible support and guidance to help them achieve their full potential. I am honoured to be appointed to this position and I am eager to contribute my skills and dedication to the success of junior golfers in Ontario. I believe through collaboration and innovation, we can elevate our program to new heights.”
Alexandra’s passion began as a junior where she competed in the Drive, Chip and Putt National Championships with her two older brothers. She then continued to develop as an athlete by competing on the Niagara Junior Tour, Ontario Summer Games team as well as Golf Ontario and Golf Canada Championships. After her junior golf journey, Alexandra was an NCAA golfer achieving 3 time All-Conference Golfer at Grand Valley State University in Michigan where her team participated in the NCAA DII National Championship three out of her four years. Alex continues to enjoy playing at a high level, competing in Provincial and National Amateur Championships.
Taylor is set to begin her new role, effective November 20th, 2023.
For more information about Golf Ontario’s junior golf initiatives and upcoming events, please visit https://juniorgolfpathway.ca/
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Golf Talk Canada’s Generous Donation Advances Youth Development in Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, ON – Golf Ontario is thrilled to announce a generous $20,000 donation from Mark Zecchino and Golf Talk Canada. This substantial contribution will be used to support Youth Development programs throughout Ontario, bringing us one step closer to our vision of Golf for All.
Golf Talk Canada, the most widely followed Canadian golf program, stands as a proud partner of Golf Ontario. We are delighted that this trusted voice in the Canadian golf community has chosen to back initiatives like Youth on Course Ontario, First Tee, and Mobile Try Golf clinics. These programs all share a common goal: to provide access to golf and introduce the sport to a wider audience, regardless of background, financial circumstances, or abilities. The commitment from Mark Zecchino and his team underlines our collective belief that golf is a sport for everyone.
Mark Zecchino expresses his enthusiasm for this collaboration by saying, “It’s our pleasure to give back and support the work of Golf Ontario in advancing the game for future generations.”
For Kyle McFarlane, Chief Executive Officer of Golf Ontario, this generous donation highlights the potential for more partners in the golf community to make a substantial impact on growing the sport we all cherish.
“We are immensely grateful for Golf Talk Canada’s partnership,” stated McFarlane. “This investment will help us to continue delivering brilliant programs that have the power to positively shape the lives of young people throughout the province. It also provides us with the flexibility to innovate and create new golf programs.”
To learn more about how Golf Ontario is shaping lives through golf and to support our mission, please visit www.gao.ca/donate or contact Raph at rroot@gao.ca. Your support will help us make golf accessible to everyone and inspire the next generation of golfers.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Uxbridge, ON – The Golf Ontario Scholarship program has been made possible through the generous backing of our corporate partners and sponsors since 1994, shaping the Lives of more young people each year. This donor-led support enables Golf Ontario to grant numerous scholarships each year, aiding students in their pursuit of higher education. We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2023 scholarships, congratulations to all outstanding recipients.
Golf Ontario has developed special scholarship awards to honour the memory of Ken McKenzie, Christine Fisher, Craig Revell, and Helena Harbridge, amazing people who have contributed a great deal to the game of golf in Ontario. In conjunction with the McKenzie, Fisher, Revell, and Harbridge families, Golf Ontario will present these special awards to deserving recipients who demonstrate the passion and dedication to the game that was ever so present in Ken, Christine, Craig, and Helena. Read more about these awards here. It is evident by the accomplishments and dedication of our young awardees that the future of this sport is as bright as ever. It starts at GO!
Kira Turner of London, the recipient of the Christine Fisher Memorial Student Award will be attending The University of Western Ontario to study Media Information and Technoculture. An affiliate of the London Hunt and Country Club and six-time first-place finisher of the Club’s Junior Girls Championship, Turner describes what being selected for this award means to her; “There are so many wonderful, young, female golfers out there; all so well rounded and accomplished – and so I knew it might be a long shot. So, when I heard the news that I was this year’s recipient of the Christine Fisher Award, I was absolutely shocked and honoured beyond belief. I will remember this experience for the rest of my life. I am so proud and grateful to hold this significant award with such high esteem”.
Isabella Ferguson of Ottawa, the recipient of the Ken McKenzie Award will be entering her second year at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia studying Biomedical Physiology. A member of the SFU golf team and a past participant in both National and Provincial golf events, Ferguson expresses that this award will help her reach her full potential; “I am so incredibly grateful to have been selected for the Ken McKenzie Award. This scholarship means so much to me and will allow me to continue to pursue my academic, athletic, and life goals, and will even help me to raise my goals and hold myself to a higher standard. Balancing all aspects of my life and continuing to perform at a high level is certainly a challenge, and this award will help to support me through this endeavour”.
Kacey Walker of Mississauga and the recipient of the Helena Harbridge Scholarship will be attending her final year of her Masters program in Public Administration at Florida Atlantic University. This multi-sport athlete is grateful for all the opportunities golf has provided for her, stating “I am honoured to be the recipient of the Helena Harbridge Scholarship Award. The completion of my master’s degree is something I am thrilled about, and I would not be in this position to do so if it were not for the game of golf, and the Golf Association of Ontario. To have a full-circle moment, such as this, where my academic and athletic endeavours have the opportunity to support one another is truly a blessing. Helena Harbridge was a courageous, and ambitious, individual and I feel so thankful to be considered as the recipient of this award dedicated to her name and spirit”.
Andreas Diogenous of Cambridge, the recipient of the Craig Revell Scholarship will be attending San Jose State University studying Business Finance.No stranger to Golf Ontario, Diogenous was the first-place finisher in the U13 Championship in 2017, U15 Championship in 2019 and U17 Championship in 2020. He credits his success to his parents, stating “Golf has allowed me to keep such a close bond with my parents. I am fortunate to be able to play golf with my dad, who has been my biggest fan and supporter, every step of the way in my career choices. Both my mom and dad have sacrificed so much to give me these opportunities”.
Full List of 2023 Award Recipients:
Kira Turner / Christine Fisher Memorial Student Award London Hunt and Country Club / University of Western Ontario / Media Information and Technoculture
Isabella Ferguson / Ken McKenzie Award / Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club / Simon Fraser University / Biomedical Physiology
Kacey Walker / Helena Harbridge Scholarship / Florida Atlantic University / Masters of Public Administration
Andreas Diogenous / Craig Revell Scholarship / Whistle Bear Golf Club / San Jose State University / Business Finance
Julia Alexander – Carew / Golf Ontario Award / Credit Valley Golf and Country Club / University of British Columbia – Okanagan / Business Management
Mia Sung / Golf Ontario Award / Summit Golf and Country Club / University of Toronto / Life Sciences
Ben Herbert / Golf Ontario Award / Lookout Point Country Club / Niagara University / Finance
Madison Barber / Golf Ontario Award / The Landings Golf Course / Towson University / Professional Studies (Graduate Degree)
Matteo Rocco / Golf Ontario Award / Weston Golf Club / Oakland University / Business Communications
Congratulations to our 2023 recipients, we wish them all the best, in their post-secondary studies!
About Golf Ontario Scholarship Program
To be eligible for one of the Golf Ontario awards or scholarships, recipients must have maintained at least a 75% academic average, enrolled in a post-secondary institution, be members of Golf Ontario, and are actively involved in golf. If you are interested in applying for next year’s batch of scholarships, please visit here to learn more about the process and benefits of Golf Ontario Scholarships.
Support the Next Generation of Golf Leaders
The opportunity to award these deserving young people is fueled by generous scholarship donations to the Golf Ontario Legacy Fund. Golf Ontario scholarship funds provide financial support for talented and determined students, enabling them to use the great sport of golf as a vehicle to pursue their academic goals and become the leaders and changemakers of the next generation.
By donating, you are not only supporting their athletic potential but moreover, you are opening doors for young people to realize their full potential in both golf and life. We hope to make an impact in these young lives that lasts a lifetime. It starts at GO!
If you are considering making an even greater impact for the next generation, Golf Ontario welcomes the opportunity for the creation of newly named scholarships. If you or someone you know is passionate about leaving a legacy in perpetuity for Ontario Golf – this could be the right opportunity for you. To learn more please contact our Fund Development Manager, Raphael Root at rroot@gao.ca.
Join us in Shaping the Lives of more young people across Ontario. Please consider supporting these critical scholarships by giving to the Golf Ontario Legacy Fund today! To find out more about how you can make an impact visit gao.ca/donate
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
During our recent Annual Volunteer Appreciation Days across Ontario, Golf Ontario honoured the tireless efforts of our volunteers and proudly announced the recipients of our prestigious Volunteer of the Year and Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award for 2023. These awards recognize individuals whose unwavering dedication has left a meaningful mark on the sport in Ontario, showcasing their commitment to making a difference and enabling Golf Ontario to ‘Shape Lives Through Golf’.
Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award
Anne Edgar Dodds-Hebron: Rules Official Extraordinaire
Anne Edgar Dodds-Hebron, a steadfast figure in the Ontario golf community, has been awarded the Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award, a testament to her decades of selfless service. Her impressive achievements span numerous facets of the golfing world.
Anne’s illustrious career encompasses an array of accomplishments. As a competitive golfer, she clinched numerous championships, establishing herself as a formidable force on the fairways. Beyond her prowess on the course, Anne held director-level positions at both the provincial and national levels. Her invaluable contributions to rules education have empowered countless individuals, while her role as a National and provincial Rules Referee for three decades has ensured the smooth operation of local, provincial, and national professional and amateur competitions.
Even in the face of recent health challenges, Anne has remained unwavering in her support of golf in Ontario, serving as a mentor and embodying her passion for the sport. Her sustained dedication, engagement, and contributions to the game and the Rules of Golf make her a deserving recipient of the Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award.
Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award Background
Named after Richard H. Grimm, affectionately known as “Mr. Canadian Open” for his tireless service from 1965 to 1993, the Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award aims to recognize individuals who exemplify the principles of integrity, dignity, and commitment central to the volunteer experience in golf. This prestigious honour acknowledges those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and involvement in the growth of amateur golf in Ontario, upholding the values and mission of Golf Ontario.
Volunteer of the Year (2 Recipients)
Ian Nordheimer: The Rules Official Extraordinaire
Ian Nordheimer has been awarded the title of Volunteer of the Year for his remarkable dedication to Golf Ontario over the past five years. In this relatively short period, Ian has become a trusted authority on the rules of golf, earning the respect of his peers. His approachability, willingness to assist fellow volunteers and active participation in tournaments throughout the province exemplify his commitment to Golf Ontario’s vision and values.
Ian’s meticulous preparation and punctuality, combined with his welcoming demeanour, make him a standout ambassador for Golf and Golf Ontario. His dedication to educating others on the intricacies of the sport, along with his respectful and collaborative approach, set a shining example for all.
Rick Corin: The Course Rater Extraordinaire
Rick Corin, with a decade of dedicated service since 2012, has earned the title of Volunteer of the Year for his exceptional contributions as a Course Rater and Team Leader. Rick consistently goes above and beyond, willingly taking on additional courses and building strong relationships with Ontario facilities. His adaptability and willingness to accommodate facilities’ needs have not gone unnoticed.
As a Team Leader in London, Rick plays a crucial role in leading his team of volunteers, ensuring smooth collaboration and optimal results.
Volunteer of the Year Background
The Golf Ontario Provincial Volunteer of the Year Award, established in 2004, celebrates individuals who have made a significant impact on the growth and development of golf while preserving the sport’s traditions. To be eligible for this award, recipients must have volunteered for Golf Ontario for more than three consecutive years, made substantial contributions to promoting the organization, and not have received the award in the past three years.
In 2023, Golf Ontario proudly acknowledges these outstanding volunteers, whose unwavering commitment and contributions continue to enrich the sport of golf in Ontario. Their dedication and passion serve as an inspiration to all, reminding us of the power of volunteers in advancing the game we love.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Hall of Famers Tee Up to Support Important Initiatives to Grow Golf Across Ontario
Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario has launched a new “peer to peer” fundraising campaign to support strategic priorities of the organization as identified through the Golf Ontario Legacy Fund such as; growing the game for girls and women, youth development programs including First Tee and Youth on Course, as well as growing the game for golfers with a disability and the Indigenous golf community.
The 1000 Ball Challenge is a fun but challenging fundraiser providing individuals and teams (foursomes) a platform to raise important funds to support the game’s growth across Ontario. Challengers will commit to hitting 1000 golf balls in a day at a range or indoor simulator as an individual or collective team effort. Donors are invited to “buy a ball or balls” at $5.00 each. There is no limit on the number of balls a donor can buy or sponsor.
The organization is thrilled to include some very notable members of the Ontario golf community registered to participate and actively fundraising in this first year campaign. Thanks to our colleagues servicing the London Ontario region through our RSS program, three Hall of Famers were invited to join the cause, and have already raised some significant donations in support of their efforts. A short biography of the accomplishments of each individual is included below.
Warren Sye was the Ontario Amateur Champion in 1988, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996 and runner-up in 1989 and 1992.
Sye’s accomplishments include being named 2012 Ontario Senior Champion, 1983 and 1991 Ontario Champion of Champions and 1990 and 1994 Canadian Amateur Champion.
He, alongside three teammates, won the 1986 World Amateur Team Championship in Venezuela – Canada’s only win to date.
Warren Sye was inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 2016.
Rick was inducted into the Ontario Golf HOF in 2023 following a 40-year career as one of the country’s trusted voices on the game and matters relating to the golf industry’s equipment and business sectors.
Young is a six-time GJAC Writing Awards recipient and was recognized by Golf Ontario in 2009 for his contributions to the game. He has written two books – From Fifth to 59 to 2009: The 100 Year History of the Oxford Golf & Country Club and The 100 Year History of The Briars Golf Club
His work has appeared in numerous publications across Canada and the United States including SCOREGolf Magazine, MyGolfSpy, Toronto Star, Golf Business Canada, GreenMaster Magazine, Golf Canada Magazine, Pro Shop Magazine, Maclean’s, LINKS Magazine, Golf World, Golf Journal (USGA), Ontario Golf Magazine, GolfStyle, ClubLink Life, Fairways Magazine, London Free Press, the National Post and the Globe & Mail. He has also provided content for Golf Town, Matchplay Golf Marketing, RBC and the Province of New Brunswick.
Rick acted as the 2008-2011, 2021-2022 GJAC President, and he remains on the GJAC board as Immediate Past President and Vice-President of Outreach and Industry Relations.
Mary Ann was inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in 2006, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Quebec Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.
Mary Ann holds the Ontario record for most wins in a provincial championship and was the first Canadian to win the US Mid-Amateur title.
At the international level, Mary Ann has represented Canada eight times at the World Amateur Championship and 4 times at the Commonwealth Matches.
Her accomplishments include winning the 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2023 Canadian Women’s Senior Championship, the United States Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship 2005, Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship in 1993, 1996, 1999, 2004 and Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship in 1983, 1990, 1995, 1996 and 1997.
Inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in 2006, and a native of London, Kelly was the back-to-back Amateur Championship in the early 70’s. He won the 1969 Junior Championship, the 1971 Ontario School Boy Championship and the 1972 and 1973 Amateur Championships. Other highlights include the 1997 Mid-Am Championship and the 2003 Mixed Championship.
Roberts is a former member of Golf Ontario’s Board and former Golf Canada Associate Governor. He has made his presence known in the golf community for nearly fifty years.
After contributing so much to the game for so many years, you would understand perhaps if Warren, Rick and Mary Ann had declined the opportunity to participate in this unique challenge, but their passion for the game continues to burn bright, and they share a collective desire to grow the game and ensure a healthy and sustainable future for golf in Ontario for years to come. They are truly committed to Shaping Lives Through Golf, and ensuring that golf is a game for all.
Please join us in celebrating these Hall of Famers, and consider contributing to their campaign, or even registering to participate yourself or through the creation of your own team!
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Ouellet and Pain Go Wire to Wire to Claim 4th Annual Ontario Junior Tour Championship
Golf Ontario
The third and final round in the fifty four hole Ontario Junior Tour Championship at FireRock Golf Club is complete, with Alexa Ouellet of Weston Golf & Country Club and Jager Pain of Station Creek declared champions of the 4th annual event.
Despite the forecast calling for a mostly cloudy day with periods of light rain, the first wave of players were treated to stunning pink and red skies as they warmed up on the range prior to the first pairings heading out from the first tee at eight am. Throughout the day, players dealt with mist, warm sun, light rain and a swirling wind.
Ouellet, who was the clubhouse leader each day, finished an impressive nine under par over fifty four holes of golf with scores of 68, 71 and 71. In second place was youngster Shauna Liu from Station Creek with scores of 72, 73, 68 for minus six and in third overall was Nobelle Park of RattleSnake Point at minus four following rounds of 73, 73 and 69.
There was far more movement up and down the leaderboard with the boys field, but Jager Pain was consistent over all three days and held his round one lead all the way to the final hole of play. Pain finished at minus four following rounds of 70, 70 and 72. His final round playing partners of Luke Smith (Thornhill Club) and Brayden Card (Galt Country Club) finished second and third respectively. Smith shot 73, 73 and 68 for two under par and Card was plus one after shooting 73, 72 and 72.
Ontario Provincial Head Coach Reggie Millage commented after the final round that “The results on both sides were really impressive. There were competitors chasing leaders across the board and it was a shootout on course. FireRock was set up under true championship conditions with yardage to match at over 6000 and 7000 yards respectively.”
Tournament photos available on our Facebook page .
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer – Golf Ontario,
Ouellet Builds on Lead as Pain Holds On to Five Stroke Advantage at Ontario Junior Tour Championship
Golf Ontario
Round two of the Ontario Junior Tour Championship at Fire Rock GC was played under tough conditions yet again as the winds continued to pose challenges for competitors.
Weston Golf & Country Club and Team Ontario member Alexa Ouellet added to her day one lead after another solid round and now sits atop the leaderboard with a six stroke lead at minus seven after two days over Shauna Liu of Station Creek. Making moves throughout the day, RattleSnake Point’s Lindsay McGrath shares third place with her fellow club mates the Park sisters, Kaprice and Nobelle.
In boys action, Station Creek’s Jager Pain mirrored his efforts from day one going minus two for 70 once again. Several players made some moves behind Pain, most notably Aiden Pavey (Hidden Lake GC) and Kevin Teichroeb (Kingsville Golf & CC) who jumped fourteen spots each to sit T4 joined by Chase Jerome (Royal Ottawa GC) who dropped two strokes on day two. Between the aforementioned players is Brayden Card of Galt CC who picked up two strokes and holds second place followed by Luke Smith of The Thornhill Club in third who shot 73 for the second day in a row.
The final round starts at eight am Wednesday, with all to play for in both fields. The conditions on course here at FireRock Golf Club have been tough, particularly holding onto the fast greens while battling swirling winds around the course.
Commenting on play from day two, Provincial Head Coach Reggie Millage shared that he “…applauded the efforts of those who showed resilience in making positive moves up the leaderboard, and also noted the difficulty in shooting the low round two days in a row as Ouellet and Pain have both done.”
Follow the action through live scoring updates here.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer – Golf Ontario,
Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship Returns to Brampton Golf Club
Golf Ontario
The last stop on September’s championship schedule is the Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship, returning again to Brampton Golf Club this Thursday, September 28th as 64 teams will take to the beautiful course with hopes of ending the golf season on a high note with a victory.
With a large field, it’s difficult to say which pairing will have the upper hand heading into the 41st playing of this event. 2019 champions and home club favourites Bruno Ardito and Gary Parker (Brampton GC), 2021 champions David Wilson and Eamonn McConnell (Toronto GC), past Senior Men’s Amateur Champion David Greenaway and his partner Greg Hotham (Barrie CC), along with many more. There is incredible talent right across the tee sheet, however with just 18-holes of competitive stroke play, the winning duo will need consistent play and strong teamwork to walk away with the coveted hardware.
Head Golf Professional Mike Long said, “the club is very pleased to continue to host and support this championship. The golf course is in great shape. The greens are smooth, and the rough is fairly thick.” The meandering fairways into a river valley below will be a “fair but challenging test of golf that will challenge all competitors.”
Play gets underway with a shotgun start at 1:15 pm. Visit the Tournament Website for more information about the championship including pairings and results.
About the Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship
The Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship was first contested in 1982. It is open to players aged 55 and older as of the tournament date. The Oakdale Golf & Country Club graciously donated the championship trophy. Notable champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Famers Nick Westlock and Stu Hamilton.
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 520 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.
Media contact:
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing and Development Officer, Golf Ontario
Pain and Ouellet Lead After Round One of the Ontario Junior Tour Championship
Golf Ontario
The fourth annual Ontario Junior Tour Championship got underway Tuesday at FireRock Golf Club following two days of skills testing at the Super Camp presented by Foresight Sports Canada.
While the region received more rain in the overnight hours, strong winds blew any bad weather away as players set out on course just prior to eight in the morning. The first wave saw the boy’s field off through twelve groups followed by another ten groups of girls.
There was a tight race to the leaderboard in the boys division, with a number of players within two to three strokes of each other at the top. Ultimately it was Jager Pain from Station Creek Golf Club who signed the lowest scorecard of the day at minus two for 70 (par 72 for boys), closely followed by Chase Jerome of Royal Ottawa Golf Club at one under par 71. Nathaniel Yoo of Meadowbrook Golf & Country Club sits third and six more players share positions T4 and T6 at one and three over par respectively.
It was a different story on amongst the girls as Team Ontario member Alexa Ouellet of Weston Golf & Country Club finished her first round at minus five 68 (note par 73 for girls play), followed by Shelby Hardwick (Summit Golf & CC) and Shauna Liu (Station Creek GC) at minus 1 for 72 and three players T4 at 73 even par in Wendy Li (Summit Golf & CC) and sisters Kaprice & Nobelle Park (Rattlesnake Point GC).
Provincial Head Coach Reggie Millage shared “Anything under par today under those tough conditions was impressive, so I was very pleased with the final results of the day. We are only a third of the way through the tournament, so there is lots of golf still to play and anything can happen in round two and three.”
Round two action will commence Wednesday morning at 7:50 am with the girls going out in the first wave.
Follow the action through live scoring updates here.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer – Golf Ontario,
Inaugural Ontario Junior-Am Presented by Foresight Sports Canada a Great Success
Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario would like to thank all of the sponsors, partners and foursome participants for their support of the inaugural Ontario Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament – presented by Foresight Sports Canada and held at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka on Monday afternoon.
Despite some rain in the area on Sunday evening, skies cleared in plenty of time for guests to warm up on the range (sponsored by John Weber and Take 5 Productions) ahead of their scheduled tee times.
Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane greeted each foursome at the first tee to thank them for their support, and send them off with a junior boy or girl selected from across the almost seventy athletes assembled for Super Camp and the Tour Championship.
Playing under a scramble format, it was the foursome representing Golf Canada that emerged victorious with a low score of 56, followed closely by two groups tied at 57. Congratulations to Golf Canada Regional Director Mike Dinner, and his team who were joined by junior player Graydon Laughlin of Ottawa.
There were two proximity contests during play with a close to the pin and long drive contest for both men and women. Congratulations to Dan Larsen and Nancy Bertrand for winning the long drive contests and to Pete Willems and Jennifer Meek for winning the close to the pin contests. Contest winner received a Stealth Driver and sixty degree wedge respectively for the two contests, courtesy of Golf Ontario partner TaylorMade Canada.
Additional draw prize winners were selected randomly from the field and six golfers received a Step-Kick Caddy courtesy of Durham Artificial Grass.
Following the welcome address from McFarlane and Provincial Head Coach Reggie Millage, and the prize presentations, guests enjoyed a wonderful three course meal prepared by the team at FireRock and sponsored by Humber College PGM. Dinner was accompanied by a selection of wine from partner Noble Estates Wine & Spirits and a host bar supported by Hospitality Partner Golf Genius.
In conjunction with the fundraising tournament, an online auction took place in the days leading up to the event, which closed for bidding at 7:30 pm Monday evening. Congratulations to all the successful bidders, and thank you for your support. Winners will be contacted shortly to arrange delivery of their auction lot. A special thank you also goes out to all those that donated to the auction from member facilities, coaches engaged in the Super Camp and various participants and sponsors.
A survey will be shared with all participants in the coming days, so that we can gather feedback on how to continue to enhance the event experience next year as we grow this important fundraising event in support of junior performance pathways.
We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!
Team Ontario Ready for Challenge at Inaugural Indigenous Challenge Cup in BC
Golf Ontario
In the Fall of 2022 at Monthill Golf & Country Club, Golf Ontario in partnership with a local organizing committee from the Six Nations of the Grand River, held the first ever Open Indigenous Championship.
Each Provincial Association selected a team of eight men and eight women stemming from their respective events to compete in the Inaugural Indigenous Challenge Cup that got underway today with practice rounds at Bear Mountain.
To follow Team Ontario during the two day competition, visit the BC Golf event page here.
FireRock Golf Club Set to Host Ontario Super Camp Presented by Foresight Sports – followed by the Junior Tour Championship Sept. 24-28
Golf Ontario
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Golf Ontario is pleased to share details surrounding the 4th Annual Ontario Super Camp presented by Foresight Sports Canada and held in conjunction with the inaugural Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament and Tour Championship at FireRock Golf Club.
Team Ontario Provincial Head Coach Reggie Millage stated that “The Super Camp and Tour Championship was created to extend the golf season for Ontario’s best juniors with a major event to end the season. The Super Camp brings the top Junior Golf Pathway ranked golfers together in one place. It allows us to deliver our most comprehensive and educational combine experience of the year. The Tour Championship is the culmination of the JGP Rankings and the AJGA Exemptions that are earned over the course of the season.”
Thanks to the ongoing support of partners like Foresight Sports Canada – the presenting sponsor of the camp, participants will benefit from national testing protocols supported by industry leading technology.
Following an exciting season of combines and competition, there are a number of key competitors expected to shine at the camp and tournament. A full list of competitors can be found here, along with recent results for the following highlighted athletes.
Luke Smith- The 2023 Ontario Jr Boys Champion just committed to the University of Tennessee, is looking to maintain AJGA exempt status and also recently attended the Team Canada Selection Camp.
Manav Bharani- 2023 accomplishments include being the Ontario U15 Champion and T2nd at the U17 Championship. Manav comes in as one of the hottest juniors at the end of the season and also attended the Team Canada Selection Camp.
Jager Pain- In the Top 10 at the Canadian Junior Boys and U17 Championships, Jager earned an invite to the Team Canada Selection Camp. Pain will be the highest JGP ranked U17 competing in the Tour Championship.
Shauna Liu- Looking to add on to one of the best seasons ever by a U15 golfer, Shauna currently leads all JGP Rankings in U19, U17 and U15 divisions. Liu won the Ontario Junior Girls, Ontario Spring Classic, Ontario Jr Girls Match Play and Ontario U15 Championship.
Lindsay McGrath- Hot off a playoff victory at the U17 Championship, Lindsay finished T3 at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship.
Aryn Matthews- Currently stands in 3rd place on JGP U19 Rankings. Aryn is a current Team Ontario Member and has top finishes (2nd) in NextGen Ontario and (3rd) Ontario Jr Girls Championship play.
Nobelle Park- Currently chasing down Shauna Liu in both the U15 and U17 divisions, Nobelle narrowly lost a playoff at the U17 Championship this season. Park was 3rd at the U15 Championship and an amazing 10th at the Ontario Women’s Amateur.
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 most significant 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.
For more information, please contact:
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer, Golf Ontario NTaylor@gao.ca
Follow the progress of the Tour Championship here.
Foresight Sports Canada renews Multi-Year Agreement as an “Official Sponsor” of Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario
September 21st, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Uxbridge – Golf Ontario is pleased to announce a multi-year sponsorship renewal with Foresight Sports Canada. The commitment from Foresight has many layers, including being recognized as the “Official Launch Monitor and Golf Simulator Partner” of Golf Ontario, and continuing as a “Founding Partner of the Junior Golf Pathway”.
To celebrate the renewal of the agreement and demonstrate their commitment to the ongoing development of the Junior Golf Pathway, the company is also the “Presenting Sponsor” of the inaugural Golf Ontario Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament taking place at FireRock on September 25th in conjunction with the Ontario Super Camp and Junior (U19) Tour Championship also presented by Foresight Sports Canada.
Foresight is a global leader in the development of golf performance, entertainment, and game enhancement solutions and is known as one of “The Most Trusted Launch Monitors in the World”. Their products support golfers to Play Smart, Play Anytime, Play Anywhere and Play Healthy. Across North America, the company supports the ongoing development of junior golfers through their industry leading UpNext™ program, which is their new Junior Player Development Program specifically designed to connect today’s best and most passionate players with our game-changing technology.
Ryan Finn, Chief Sport Officer with Golf Ontario remarked that, “Golf Ontario is committed to developing the next wave of talented junior golfers from across the Junior Golf Pathway. To have the full support of Foresight Sports Canada, as a partner in providing best in class technology that has a direct impact on the coaching and development of so many young aspiring golfers is invaluable.”
In announcing the renewal, Aaron Hardy of Foresight Sports Canada said, “We are thrilled to partner with Golf Ontario and share access to our world-class products with their participants and members. We are particularly passionate about supporting the next wave of junior golfers as you can see by the many areas of Golf Ontario’s programming that we support.”
About Foresight Sports Canada
The exclusive distributor of industry leading sports measurement and analysis technologies for Entertainment and Coaching applications from leading global brands Foresight Sports, Swing Catalyst and PuttView.
Foresight products include launch monitors, simulators, performance/entertainment software, and smart mobility solutions for a variety of sports and games. Foresight Sports first golf launch monitor, the GC2 “Game Changer” Smart Camera System was introduced to the market in 2010 and within six years became the best-selling professional-grade launch monitor ever created.
In 2017, Foresight Sports unveiled its ground-breaking four-camera GCQuad launch monitor. Featuring complete ball, club head, and putting data in a compact and portable unit, the GCQuad set a whole new standard of accuracy for performance analytics, and has been awarded Golf Digest’s Editors’ Choice Award for Best Launch Monitor for four consecutive years. The GCQuad has also become the launch monitor of choice for more PGA Tour players, top golf retailers and manufactures, and coaches and fitters than any other technology.
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 most significant 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.
Borovilos And Ouellet Win The Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship At Rockway Vineyards
Golf Ontario
St. Catharines, ON — The 41st annual Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship saw 64 golfers battle it out through tough rainy conditions in the 18-hole competition at the scenic Rockway Vineyards Golf Course.
Vanessa Borovilos + Alexa Ouellet (Weston Golf & Country Club Ltd)took home first place and successfully defended their title after shooting a tournament record 12-under-par score of (60). Claiming second place is Meredith Fairbairn + Alexandra Taylor(Cutten Fields, Cherry Hill Club) who finished the second round with a score of (65). Close by in third place after a tight competition with a score of (66) is Michelle P. Ding + Sarah Yang(Station Creek Golf Club, Heron Point Golf Links).
First place in the Net division was captured by Cindy Wegg + Shelley Lothian1(Cardinal Lakes Golf Club, Rockway Vineyards) with an impressive score of (63). In second place 1 shot back were Candice Higgs + Leona Mitchell(Golf Ontario Members) who shot a score of (64). In third place, there was a tie between Ashley Lalonde + Wesley Janzen (Whistle Bear Golf Club) and Joanne Noble + Kristy Henry (Mad River Golf Club & Weston Golf & Country Club) who shot a (65)
Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2023 Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship. Thank you to Rockway Vineyards Golf Course for hosting this amazing event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners for supporting golf across Ontario.
For media coverage of the 2023 Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. For the full leaderboard, please visit our official tournament website here.
About the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship
First played in 1953, the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship is contested annually and features two-woman teams competing in a better-ball 18-hole format. The event awards teams in a gross and net team competition. Notable champions of the event include Susan Wickware (1993, 1994, 1998, 2009), Judith Allan-Kyrinis (1996, 2009), Mary-Ann Hayward (2002, 2005, 2006, 2007), Terrill Samuel (2001), Ivy Steinberg (2018) and Alexa Ouellet & Vanessa Borovilos (2022).
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Rockway Vineyards Hosts The Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, ON — On Monday, September 18th, the beautiful Rockway Vineyards Golf Course in St. Catharines welcomes the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship. First played in 1953, the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship is contested annually and features two-woman teams competing in an 18-hole four-ball competition. Awards will be presented to the top three teams in both gross & net competitions. The field of 64 players competing this year will take to the scenic course in hopes of leaving as champions.
Notables in the field include defending champions Alexa Ouellet (Team Ontario member) and Vanessa Borovilos (Team Canada Next Gen member). Vanessa Borovilos most recently secured a victory at the Golf Canada – Next Gen Selection Camp, further solidifying her status as a noteworthy contender deserving of close attention. Competing together from the Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is 2023 runner-up, Alex Taylor, and the third-place competitor, Meredith Fairbairn. Fairbairn also competed this past week at the U.S Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship where she advanced to the round of 64. Additional teams to watch out for are the Team Ontario pair of Emily McKee and Joline Truong, as well as the seasoned pair consisting of Ivy Steinberg, another past champion in the field who won the event in 2018, she’ll be competing alongside Jayne Chalmers fighting to win the event for a second time.
Nestled in the middle of Niagara’s Wine Country, overlooked by the Niagara Escarpment, Rockway Vineyards Golf Course stands as a testament to the beauty of Ontario and exceptional golfing experiences. This meticulously maintained 18-hole course offers golfers an opportunity to test their skills in a picturesque setting.
The field takes to the course for a 1:30 pm shotgun start. For more information on the tournament, please visit our official tournament website here.
About the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship
First played in 1953, the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship is contested annually and features two-woman teams competing in a better-ball 18-hole format. The event awards teams in a gross and net team competition. Notable champions of the event include Susan Wickware (1993, 1994, 1998, 2009), Judith Allan-Kyrinis (1996, 2009), Mary-Ann Hayward (2002, 2005, 2006, 2007), Terrill Samuel (2001), Ivy Steinberg (2018) and Alexa Ouellet & Vanessa Borovilos (2022).
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Sobottka and Perkins Win The 2023 Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile
Golf Ontario
Toronto, ON – Heavy rain greeted competitors this morning for the second round of the 2023 Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile at Don Valley Golf Course. The second round concluded with Nachcha Perkins claiming the ladies’ title by 17 strokes and Paul Sobottka(Toronto) winning the men’s side in a thrilling playoff against Ben Snaidero(Burlington).
In the Men’s Low Gross overall division, Paul Sobottka(Toronto) took home first place after a repeat score of (71) with one birdie. Claiming second place is Ben Snaidero(Burlington) who finished the second round with an even-par (72). There was a two-way tie for third place as Devin Bartlett(Cambridge), and Jacob Robitaille (Penetanguishene) both finished with a total two-day score of (143). First place in the B flight was captured by Ivan Wardman(Mississauga) who had a score of net two-under-par (70) and had five birdies. The C flight was won by Robert Fulton(East York) who finished the round with a repeat score of net 75 with four birdies.
Winning the Women’s Low Gross division with a score of 73 and four birdies is Nachcha Perkins(Oakville). Jenna Power(Georgetown) finished second place in the gross division after shooting a score of (80) with one birdie. Following behind in Third place after finishing the second round with a score of (93) is Lori Steenson(Newmarket). Jenna Power(Georgetown) won the net women’s division by 1 stroke as she was net +7 for the tournament.
Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2023 Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile. Thank you to Don Valley Golf Course for hosting this amazing event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners for their support of golf across Ontario.
For media coverage of the 2023 Ontario Public Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. For the full leaderboard, visit our tournament website.
About the Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile
The Ontario Public Amateur Championship was first played in 1954 at Don Valley Golf Course. Past winners include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Member Dave Bunker (2009, 2010), Robert Mclean (2021), Arnold Johnson (2015, 2011), Peter Willis (2014), Gail Pimm (2015) and Nobelle Park (2022). Mill Run Golf Club (Uxbridge, ON) has hosted the tournament a record nine times.
The Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile 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 sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Golf Ontario Welcomes Community Events in Support of Funding Priorities Through Third Party Fundraising
Golf Ontario
ASIS Toronto Chapter Donates Proceeds from Annual Golf Tournament to Golf Ontario Legacy Fund
The Toronto chapter of ASIS (American Society of Industrial Security) held their annual golf event at Angus Glen – South course on Tuesday, August 15th 2023. The event was sold out early and the weather was perfect for golf. Plenty of prizes for on course contests were awarded and the “winning foursome” was selected from a random draw made up from the top 3 scores and the highest score. This year the group with the highest score won.
Each year the tournament selects a charity or worthwhile cause to donate their financial support to. Golf Ontario is grateful that ASIS has chosen to donate the proceeds from the tournament this year to the Golf Ontario Legacy Fund benefitting Youth On Course Ontario. A program that gives youth ages 18 and under access to affordable golf by providing opportunities to play a round for $5 or less. Golf is a sport that teaches important social, mental, physical and life skills. By removing more barriers to entry, more youth are able to reap the benefits golf offers.
“Selecting this cause allows more youth the opportunity to experience golf and all of the great life lessons it instills in us. With increasing economic pressures the money donated can go towards increasing access for many new players.” says Tim Grose, Golf Committee Member, ASIS Toronto Chapter.
If you or your company are passionate about growing GOLF FOR ALL and supporting the next generation of great Canadian golfers, having your next fundraising event benefit the Golf Ontario Legacy Fund is the best way to make an impact.
There are no fundraising minimums, no registration fees, and you can allocate 100% of the funds to the area you wish to support. This includes, increasing participation for women and girls, youth development, contributing to scholarships and junior golf pathways and advancing the game for adaptive and Indigenous communities.
Our sincerest appreciation to ASIS Toronto Chapter for leading the way and helping us Shape Lives Through Golf!
If you would like your next fundraising event to benefit the Golf Ontario Legacy Fund please contact Raphael Root at rroot@gao.ca or learn more about our areas of support at www.gao.ca/donate .
Sunny Start To The 2023 Baka Mobile Ontario Public Amateur Championship.
Golf Ontario
Toronto, ON- Sunny skies and beautiful conditions made for a great start to the 2023 Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile at Don Valley Golf Course. The first round concluded as Jager Pain (Woodbridge) and Nachcha Perkins(Oakville) lead their overall divisions.
In the Men’s Low Gross overall division, Jager Pain (Woodbridge) leads after shooting an impressive 6-under par (66) which included eight birdies. Following close behind is Ben Snaidero(Burlington) who finished at 2-under par with a score of (70). There is a three-way tie for third place as Devin Bartlett(Cambridge), Connor Parker(Toronto), and Paul Sobottka(Toronto) all finished with 1-under par (71). The B flight has two competitors tied for First; Ivan Wardman(Mississauga) and Robert Love(Toronto), both with a score of two-over-par (74). The C flight is led by Nick Moskun(Georgetown) who finished the round with a score of (73) with five birdies.
Leading the Women’s Low Gross division with four-over-par and two birdies is Nachcha Perkins(Oakville). Lori Steenson(Newmarket) finished round one in second place in the gross division with a score of (83) with two birdies. Following closely behind in Third place is Jenna Power(Georgetown) who finished the round with a score of (87). Power had the shot of the day as she holed out for an impressive eagle from the fairway on hole #4 from 167 yards out. Lori Steenson currently leads the net division by an impressive 8 strokes as she was net -1 on the day.
The second and final round will begin at 8 am September 12th off the 1st tee. For more information on the championship and to follow the leaderboard, click here for the official tournament website.
About the Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile
The Ontario Public Amateur Championship was first played in 1958 at Don Valley Golf Course. Past winners include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Member Dave Bunker (2009, 2010), Robert Mclean (2021), Arnold Johnson (2015, 2011), Peter Willis (2014), Gail Pimm (2015) and Nobelle Park (2022). Mill Run Golf Club (Uxbridge, ON) has hosted the tournament a record nine times.
The Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile 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 sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Don Valley Golf Course Welcomes Back The 2023 Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile.
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, ON – Golfers return to Don Valley Golf Course for the 8th time to compete in the 2023 Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile from September 11th to 12th. Ninety-nine golfers will compete over 36 holes of championship stroke play, male players will be in competition for three flights of championship titles and women golfers will play in Gross and Net Competition.
Don Valley, the seven-time host, located in the heart of Toronto offers a variety of holes with a reputation for its exciting natural setting. With its highly sought-after tee times and year-round beauty, Don Valley Golf Course sets the stage for another year of fierce competition. Last year’s overall men’s champion Michael Naus, will be returning to defend his title.
This tournament is open to players of the Golf Ontario Public Player Program and members of a semi-public golf course. Golfers will compete in three separate flights of competition, with the A flight competing 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 competition.
Tee times begin at 8 am September 11th off the 1st tee. For more information on the championship and to follow the leaderboard, click here for the official tournament website.
About the Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile
The Ontario Public Amateur Championship was first played in 1958 at Don Valley Golf Course. Past winners include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Member Dave Bunker (2009, 2010), Robert Mclean (2021), Arnold Johnson (2015, 2011), Peter Willis (2014), Gail Pimm (2015) and Nobelle Park (2022). Mill Run Golf Club (Uxbridge, ON) has hosted the tournament a record nine times.
The Ontario Public Amateur Championship Presented by Baka Mobile 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 sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Call for Expressions of Interest: Board of Directors
Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario, the Provincial Sport Organization for Golf, is currently seeking interested individuals to serve on the Board of Directors for a three-year term commencing February 2024.
If you have a strong passion for the sport of Golf and believe that it can contribute to building healthy communities, we would like to hear from you. We are searching for strategic thinkers with demonstrated expertise and experience in Community Development through Sport and/or Government Relations. Knowledge of the amateur sport system in Ontario, including the infrastructure of golf, would be highly valued. We are committed to making golf more accessible and welcoming to diverse populations and would encourage like-minded individuals to apply.
Our Vision is a simple but powerful statement: Golf for All. This Vision is brought to life in our Strategic Plan, through unique participation initiatives such as the Regional Support Strategy. We are committed to building trusting relationships with our facilities and our golf partners so that together we can expand participation opportunities not only for current players but also for those who have never had the opportunity to play the game.
The role of a Golf Ontario Board member is to act as a trustee, always serving the best interests of the organization with integrity and an open mind. The Board is responsible for upholding our by-laws, determining policy, developing and evaluating strategic priorities, and approving annual budgets.
The Board currently consists of 11 directors serving staggered three-year terms, with an option to extend for a second three-year term. We will welcome 3 new directors in 2024. In-person Board meetings are hosted quarterly (travel and accommodation reimbursement provided), while quarterly Board committee and work group meetings are held virtually.
Expressions of Interest must include the following:
• Online application form and
• Current CV (Instructions for uploading your documents are included on the application form).
The application deadline for the coming year is October 31, 2023.
With over 80 years of history and tradition, serving 100,000 members, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. We strive to align with all golf stakeholders through a connected golf community while encouraging both youth and adults to play more golf, more often. Our Mission is to shape lives through golf by connecting people to positive golf experiences.
Golf Ontario is an equal-opportunity organization committed to providing accessible practices. We will make all reasonable accommodations for applicants with varying abilities to support their full participation in this process. We thank all individuals for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All Expressions of Interest will be kept in confidence.
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.
McGrath, Javier Win the 2023 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Championship
Golf Ontario
Elmira, ON- Matthew Javier (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) and Lindsay McGrath (RattleSnake Point Golf Club) have won the 2023 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Championship after three rounds of outstanding play at Elmira Golf Club.
Heading into the final round, Javier was in third place at 1-under par, however, after making four birdies and only one bogey the entire day, he found himself in the lead by one shot heading into the 18th hole. Javier demonstrated composure as he made par on 18 after getting up & down from a difficult spot. After battling much adversity, Javier was able to defend his title. Coming in second was two-day leader Manav Bharani of (Brampton Golf Club), Bharani made a bogey on hole 16 and found himself in trouble on 17 as he missed a close putt which resulted in a double bogey. Although he demonstrated a valiant effort, Bharani took second place in an impressive all-around performance. Team Ontario’s Luke Smith finished in a tie with Bharani for second place after he birdied hole 18 in a valiant effort. Smith demonstrated consistency as he shot a 1-under par 69 on all three days of the tournament.
In the girl’s division, Team Canada’s Lindsay McGrath (RattleSnake Point Golf Club) emerged victorious as she sunk a 15-foot putt on the first playoff hole to the cheers of an entire gallery watching along. McGrath fought valiantly throughout the tournament and demonstrated resilience as she shot 1-under par in the final round to force a playoff hole. McGrath ended up making a birdie to emerge victorious. Nobelle Park (RattleSnake Point Golf Club) and Angela Cai (Heron Point Golf Links) came into the final round tied for the lead. It was a back-and-forth battle that saw Cai bogey the 18th hole as Park made par securing her spot in the playoff hole. After Park and Cai made Par it was ultimately McGrath who was able to edge them for the victory.
Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2023 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys & Girls Championship. Thank you to Elmira Golf Club for hosting this amazing event. 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.
For media coverage of the 2023 Ontario Juvenile Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. For the full leaderboard, visit our tournament website.
About the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ and Girls’ Championships
The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ Championship is a 54-hole competition featuring the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Mike Weir trophy. Notable past champions include Josh Whalen, Brandon Ng, Tim McCutcheon, Peter R. Knechtel, Bob Panasiuk, and Gary Cowan. The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Girls’ Championship features the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Sandra Post trophy. Past event champions include Sandra Post, Jessica Shepley, Alena Sharp, Stephanie Sherlock, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, current Team Canada member Katie Cranston, and Grace St. Germain.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Excitement builds heading into the final day of the 2023 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Championship
Golf Ontario
Elmira, ON- The second round of the 2023 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Championship saw scattered rain and cold temperatures as the competitors fought to make the cut at Elmira Golf Club. Upon the conclusion of round two, the top 40 and ties players on the boy’s side moved on to the final round. On the girl’s side, the top 20 and ties advanced to the final round. The boy’s division saw Brampton Golf Club’s Manav Bharani maintain his lead, on the other side, the girl’s division saw a three-way tie for the lead heading into the final day.
In the boy’s division, Brampton Golf Club’s Manav Bharani continued to display his consistent form as he shot even par (70) to maintain his spot on top of the leaderboard heading into the final day. Team Ontario’s Luke Smith finished his second round with a 1-under par (69) once again to take sole spot in second place. He looks to maintain consistency in his game in an attempt to stake his claim at the title tomorrow. Defending champion Matthew Javier moved down to third place after shooting a 3-over par (73) in his second round.
In the girl’s division, there is currently a three-way tie for first place upon the completion of the second round as Kaprice and Nobelle Park (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club) and Angela Cai (Heron Points Golf Links) are all currently 2-over par heading into the final day. Not too far behind is Team Canada’s Lindsay McGrath who is currently three shots back of the lead in fourth place.
Competitors will be ready to go at it again early tomorrow for the final round. Tee times will begin at 8:00 a.m. Thursday from hole 1. For media coverage of the 2023 Ontario Juvenile Championship, please visit the Golf OntarioFacebook Page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit ourtournament website.
About the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ and Girls’ Championships
The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ Championship is a 54-hole competition featuring the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Mike Weir trophy. Notable past champions include Josh Whalen, Brandon Ng, Tim McCutcheon, Peter R. Knechtel, Bob Panasiuk, and Gary Cowan. The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Girls’ Championship features the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Sandra Post trophy. Past event champions include Sandra Post, Jessica Shepley, Alena Sharp, Stephanie Sherlock, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, current Team Canada member Katie Cranston, and Grace St. Germain.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Exciting start to the 2023 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Championship
Golf Ontario
Elmira, ON- With sunny skies and pristine fairways, the first round of the 2023 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Championship atElmira Golf Club concluded as Manav Bharani (Brampton Golf Club) & Sarah Yang (Heron Point Golf Links) & Kaprice Park (RattleSnake Point Golf Club) lead their respective divisions upon the completion of the opening round.
In the boy’s division, Brampton Golf Club’s Manav Bharani took the outright lead after shooting an impressive 5-under par (65) which included seven birdies. Followed closely behind is defending champion Matthew Javier (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) who finished at 4-under par (66). There is a six-way tie for third place as Luke Smith, Connor Kanellis, Aidan Talent, Charlie Vokins, and Spencer Shropshire all finished at 1-under par (69)
In the girl’s division, there is currently a tie for first place upon the completion of the first round as Kaprice Park (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club) and Sarah Yang (Heron Point Golf Links) both see themselves at even par (70) for the round. Kayla Black (Markland Wood Golf Club) and Nobelle Park (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club) are also tied for third place as they both shot 1-over par (71).
Competitors will be ready to go at it again early tomorrow for round two. Tee times will begin at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday. For media coverage of the 2023 Ontario Juvenile Championship, please visit the Golf OntarioFacebook Page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit ourtournament website.
About the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ and Girls’ Championships
The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ Championship is a 54-hole competition featuring the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Mike Weir trophy. Notable past champions include Josh Whalen, Brandon Ng, Tim McCutcheon, Peter R. Knechtel, Bob Panasiuk, and Gary Cowan. The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Girls’ Championship features the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Sandra Post trophy. Past event champions include Sandra Post, Jessica Shepley, Alena Sharp, Stephanie Sherlock, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, current Team Canada member Katie Cranston, and Grace St. Germain.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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.
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Elmira Golf Club to Host the 2023 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Championship
Golf Ontario
Elmira, ON- The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys and Girls Championship heads to Elmira Golf Club August 29-31. The tournament will feature 60 boys and 33 girls who are competing in a 54-hole stroke play competition all looking to claim the prestigious Mike Weir (boys) and Sandra Post (girls) trophies.
Elmira Golf Club Head Professional Adam Ferraro had this to say regarding the upcoming tournament; ‘We here at Elmira Golf Club are extremely excited to be hosting the (U17) Boys and Girls Championship. We welcome some of the top young golfers in the province to our course, Our team has been hard at work getting it ready and we are looking forward to August 29. Elmira Golf Club looks forward to growing the game of golf alongside Golf Ontario”.
In the girl’s field, some key players to keep an eye on includes Shauna Liu (Station Creek G&CC) who has been playing exceptionally well this year having already claimed the 2023 Ontario Junior U19 Girls Spring Classic, Ontario Junior U19 Girls Championship, Ontario Junior U19 Girls Match Play Championship, and most recently the Ontario Girls (U15) Bantam Championship. Liu looks to add to her already impressive season with another trophy come August 31st. Joining Liu in the field is Team Canada Member and 2022 Ontario Junior U19 Girls Spring Classic Champion Lindsay McGrath (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club) who finished T3 at the 2023 Canadian Junior U19 Girls Championship. Also in the field is Team Ontario member Alexa Ouellet (Weston G&CC) and Shelby Hardwick (Summit G&CC).
Key players to look out for in the boy’s field include 2022 Ontario Juvenile U17 Champion Matthew Javier who will look to continue his strong play in 2023 and defend his title. Joining Javier in the field includes Team Ontario member and 2023 Ontario Junior U19 Boys Champion Luke Smith
