Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Welcomes One New Inductee and Three Media Award Winners
Golf Ontario
A night of sincere thanks and gratitude made up our second of two Ontario Golf Hall of Fame induction ceremonies this year, with tonight’s from Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge, Ontario, where the hall resides. Catching up on winners due to the pandemic, Golf Ontario proudly announced the four award recipients this evening: one Hall of Fame inductee and three Lorne Rubenstein Media Award winners.
Rod Black, an on-air sports analyst for decades, emceed the festivities, which included a chilly round of golf, the ‘Golf Ontario’s Partner Cup,’ food and beverages, and finally, the wonderful ceremony. He summed the proceedings up by explaining how thankful we are to play the game and enjoy it immensely, like the thanks after a round, thanks to our playing partners and to the very game itself. All award winners tonight expressed that same message of thanks, evident in their speeches and in describing what the game has given them through the years.
Dave Gourlay
Our lone Hall of Fame inductee this evening, a post-humous induction, was Dave Gourlay, born and raised in Scotland. He joined the RAF in 1940 and spent part of his training in Canada. He immigrated to Canada in 1948, became involved in the golf industry at the Kapuskasing Golf Club, became Head Superintendent of Summit Golf Club in 1960 and then moved to The Thornhill Club in 1963, where he was Head Superintendent until his retirement in 1992.
Dave devoted himself to improving his profession. He was President of the Ontario Golf Superintendents Association (OGSA) in 1968, a founding member of the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) and its President in 1973. He co-managed with Bob Heron the association’s magazine, GreenMaster, from 1973-1981. Together with Bob Heron, Jim Wyllie and Sid Puddicombe, they formed the Canadian TurfGrass Conference and Show. For his work, he received Distinguished Service Awards from the OGSA, CSGA and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
Dave was a much sought-after speaker at national and international conferences on turf management and golf course maintenance and a great mentor to many. His children accepted his award, who mentioned he loved chasing a little white ball until his final days.
Three esteemed members of the Ontario golf media were also honoured with the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award, Tim O’Connor, Ted McIntyre and Scott MacLeod.
The Lorne Rubenstein Award is presented annually to an individual associated with a recognized Ontario media organization for “major contributions to golf in Ontario.” Lorne Rubenstein, one of Canada’s best golf journalists and authors, is a member of the Ontario and Canadian Golf Halls of Fame and received the Canadian Sports Media Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. Each award recipient (not to be confused with an inductee) is presented with an award and is recognized on the Lorne Rubenstein Award plaque in the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame.
Tim O’Connor
Before Tim O’Connor began writing about our obsession with golf, he wrote about our fascination with music.
As a music fan, O’Connor wrote music reviews for the student newspapers at Catholic Central High School and Western University, both in London, Ontario. As music critic for The Canadian Press news agency, he interviewed icons such as David Bowie, Pink Floyd and U2. He also rediscovered his love for golf.
When former CP staffer John Gordon became editor-in-chief of SCOREGolf, he invited O’Connor to write for the magazine. Bolstered by some writing awards and encouraged by Gordon and Lorne Rubenstein, he plunged into life as a freelance golf writer in 1992.
He became a golf columnist for The Financial Post daily newspaper and editor of its Golf Update section, which provided opportunities for other freelance golf writers. He also wrote for magazines such as Golf Canada, Ontario Golf magazine, Golf Digest, GOLF, Golf World, LINKS, and Golfweek.
As a freelance golf reporter for CBC Radio, he covered tournaments such as the Masters, RBC Canadian Open, and the du Maurier Classic. In addition, he hosted a syndicated show for Telemedia Radio Network, and then a weekly show AM-Talk 640.
His fascination with Moe Norman culminated in the publication in late 1995 of his first book, The Feeling of Greatness: The Moe Norman Story. O’Connor also wrote a history of Devil’s Pulpit Golf Association and The Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto. He co-wrote an instructional book based on Norman’s swing and edited a book on Ben Hogan’s swing.
He transitioned from media consulting for the golf industry to coaching golfers in 2014. He writes a blog on www.oconnorgolf.ca that focuses on golf’s mental, physical and spiritual aspects.
In 2015, he launched the Swing Thoughts podcast with Howard Glassman. By late 2022, the podcast was in its seventh year, having produced more than 210 episodes.
Ted McIntyre
One of Canada’s best-travelled golf writers has edited most of the nation’s leading golf publications, from GolfStyle and Ontario Golf Magazine to National Post Golf, ScoreGolf and Canadian Open supplements for Golf Canada. Based in Oakville, ON, and bearing an honours degree in political science from McMaster University, Ted is a nine-time Golf Journalists Association of Canada award winner, including a 2019 win for his most recent entry, a profile of Corey Conners.
Ted’s love of golf journalism began in the mid-1980s as sports editor of the local Glen Abbey community newspaper. His coverage of the Canadian Open was the most extensive in the paper’s history. The quality of his first-year Canadian Open coverage with the town paper, The Oakville Beaver, earned Ted a recommendation to ScoreGolf’s Bob Weeks. They soon hired Ted as the national magazine’s Senior Editor.
In that role, Ted helped reshape the ranking mechanism of Score’s Top 100 golf courses. He subsequently fashioned arguably the most transparent and bulletproof golf course ranking in the world as editor of Ontario Golf.
As the first editor of the reinvented Ontario Golf Magazine, Ted generated acclaim for his numerous cover profiles with many of Canada’s most treasured personalities, from Kurt Browning, Peter Mansbridge, astronaut Chris Hadfield and the late actor/singer Michael Burgess, to Donovan Bailey, Tom Cochrane and The Tragically Hip, and from Red Green and poker legend Daniel Negreanu to billionaire Robert Herjavek. (Burgess would later cite his OG profile as the best anyone had ever done on him).
As executive editor of GolfStyle, the most upscale golf publication ever created in Canada, Ted continued his award-winning ways as a travel and profile writer, while helping arrange multiple golf fashion shoots and exclusive profiles of a few other notables, including Sean Connery.
His video-filled travels have included the world’s most stunning resort in Fiji; the Venice-like canals of Mayakoba in Mexico; the PGA Tour’s most rambunctious tournament in Scottsdale, Arizona; the Canadian Rockies; wine and whisky cellars from California to Northern Ireland; as well as countless more of the most sublime destinations known to man.
As a blogger in recent years on his golf/travel/wine website, TheLushLife.ca, Ted’s writings have ranged from the business and legal hurdles posed by alcohol being smuggled onto golf courses to a deep dive into memories of 9/11, to his five-part series “The Bogeyman Trail,” which explored ghost stories at golf facilities across Canada.
Today he continues freelance golf writing and is currently co-authoring a book celebrating the 100th anniversary of Burlington Golf & Country Club.
Through it all, he has yet to record a single hole-in-one. McIntyre commented, “I’ve never had that hole-in-one, but I have this, and this will look better on my scorecard.“
Scott MacLeod
Scott MacLeod is the Associate Publisher and Editorial Director for Ottawa-based Bauder Media Group
He began working with the company in 1996. He oversees and creates content for Flagstick Golf Magazine, Ontario Golf Digest and their associated digital and social media platforms.
At the age of 15, his first job in the golf industry was on a course maintenance crew in British Columbia. He has gone on to a career in golf spanning more than three decades and involvement in all areas of the game. It has included agronomy, pro shop operations, off-course retail, and a continuing role as a media member and golf teaching professional. He is a Class A member of the PGA of Canada and the Vice-President of Membership for the Golf Journalists Association of Canada. He has also served as a volunteer on various committees for Golf Ontario on a regional and provincial basis in the areas of player development and communications.
As a journalist, he has contributed thousands of stories and photography on all aspects of the golf industry for numerous outlets (magazines, newspapers, books, and websites) throughout Canada and North America, co-hosted two golf podcasts, and is a frequent expert guest for radio shows on CBC and TSN 1200. His work has spanned coverage of the game at many levels, from local and provincial events to the LPGA and PGA TOURs.
He is a graduate of programs at Loyalist College (Health & Recreation Studies), Wilfrid Laurier University (Certificate – Golf Operations) and the Golf Management Institute of Canada (Graduate Studies/Golf Operations Management).
Scott resides in Kingston, Ontario, with his wife, Michelle, and daughter, Ailsa, and is a long-time member of the Garrison Golf & Curling Club.
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 recognizing extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in the game of golf in Ontario. The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is housed at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge, founded in 2000 by the Ontario Golf Association and the Ontario Ladies’ Golf Association.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Windsor, ON – Emily McKee and Zach Smith decided nobody else would hold the lead in this week’s Junior Tour Championship from the 2022 Ontario Provincial Super Camp presented by Foresight Sports at Ambassador Golf Club. Both lead the third annual tournament wire-to-wire to win in convincing form, McKee on the girl’s side by three strokes and Smith by nine shots in the boy’s division. The severe winds gusting upwards of 40 km/h as the day went on couldn’t slow down either champion as they both claimed their respective titles.
Team Ontario member Zach Smith (Brampton Golf Club) was in control on the boy’s side again with a tidy even-par (71) round, including four birdies. Smith almost made an incredible eagle on 13 that would lip out from the fairway. Graydon Laughlin (Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club) fired a 2-over (73) to capture the silver medal. Avery Mahoney (Hamilton Golf & Country Club) and Marshall Bath (Oshawa Golf & Curling Club) would shoot identical rounds of 74 to tie for third and secure bronze medals. “The highlight of the week was my hole-in-one on Wednesday, I then made birdie from the fairway on the next hole, that just doesn’t happen often,” mentioned an ecstatic Smith after his round.
Emily McKee (St. George’s Golf & Country Club) fired her third straight, steady round, an even-par 71, to close things out on a charging Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club). Lui fired the girl’s low round of the week, a brilliant 2-under (69) that included back-to-back-to-back birdies on 6,7 and 8 to take home the silver medal. Kelly Zhao, also of Station Creek Golf Club, would secure the bronze medal after a final round of 3-over (74). McKee remarked, “it was very fun and a well-run tournament, I love Ambassador Golf Club, it was a great experience, and I had a lot of fun.”
Competitors of the annual Ontario Provincial Super Camp and Tour Championship will be looking to win the Dave Mills trophy tomorrow. The award, first handed out in 2021, was named in honour of Mills, a past Golf Ontario Executive Director and massive supporter and advocate for junior golf, who presented the first-ever Tour Championship trophy in 2020. The soapstone trophy was carved by Canada’s foremost Ojibway sculptor Kris Nahrgang, who was able to meet with Mills before he passed. He sent this message along to describe his work. “As we all try to gain success in a sport we love, some people ensure that we are recognized for the achievements we attain. Dave Mills was that man. His work in our sport was reliable and done with a maturity and class, which made one feel important the very moment you met him. In my Indigenous culture, we are presented with an Eagle feather when we obtain recognition. In this tribute piece, I have created a visual of an Eagle feather being presented by the hand of this great man. The Eagle is a messenger, and it flies between the real and the spiritual realm and converses with the Creator to ensure we as people, are doing well. This piece is to recognize the man and the Spirit of this honour you have received this day. His love for this sport, and the goal to offer support for your efforts will never be forgotten. He will now be here in Spirit to present you with this honour of your achievement. Congratulations today and into the future!”
The 54 top junior boys and girls invited to compete this week at the 2022 Ontario Provincial Super Camp presented by Foresight Sports Canada earned their spot in the Tour Championship based on the Junior Golf Pathway Rankings.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, rules officials, and staff for supporting the 2022 Ontario Super Camp and Tour Championship. To Ambassador Golf Club and your team, thank you for being such fantastic hosts through this week of difficult weather conditions. Special shout out to our Super Camp presenting sponsor, Foresight Sports Canada, for the support and technology they provided. Also, a massive thank you to Taylormade for their continued assistance during the training days and for sponsoring the chip-off competition.
Lastly, a huge thank you to all of our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, Solo Golf, and Sport Travel. We are grateful for your continued support.
For more information on the 2022 Ontario Provincial Super Camp Presented by Foresight Sports and Tour Championship, visit our Golf Genius page.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter and like us on Facebook. Visit our website for further information.
Championship Contact:
John Lawrence – Director, Competitions and Performance, Golf Ontario JLawrence@gao.ca
Media contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Windsor, ON – Tough conditions greeted players for round two action of the third annual Tour Championship from the 2022 Ontario Provincial Super Camp presented by Foresight Sports at Ambassador Golf Club. Cold weather mixed with severe winds gusting to 40 km/h made the golfers compete against each other as well as the elements and course on moving day.
Zach Smith (Brampton Golf Club) took charge on the boy’s side with a strong -3 (68), including an eagle on the third hole to take a four-shot lead into tomorrow’s final round. Matthew Rastogi (Meadowbrook Golf Club) is in second place after firing a solid even-par (71). Sitting in third is Dylan Weber (Galt Country Club), who shot a 2-over (73). Smith said after his round, “I just stayed calm all day, stayed patient… I knew it was going to be windy out there… just played the wind the best I could and took advantage of the par fives.” Smith recorded his first-ever competitive hole-in-one yesterday and mentioned, “a tournament one feels so much better.“
Emily McKee (St. George’s Golf & Country Club) secures her day one lead after another strong outing despite the conditions. McKee shot a 6-over (77) to take a three-shot lead into final-round play tomorrow. The low girl’s round went to Team Ontario Member Lindsay McGrath (RattleSnake Point Golf Club), who carded a brilliant 74 under the extreme wind and challenging greens to find herself in second. Players tied for third include Shauna Li (Station Creek Golf Club), Alexa Ouellet (Weston Golf & Country Club) and Kelly Zhao (Station Creek Golf Club) at +11. Mckee remarked, “the wind was crazy, you really have to focus on club choices and stuff… mistakes are going to happen, don’t get down on yourself.”
Competitors of the annual Ontario Provincial Super Camp and Tour Championship will be looking to win the Dave Mills trophy tomorrow. The award, first handed out in 2021, was named in honour of Mills, a past Golf Ontario Executive Director and massive supporter and advocate for junior golf, who presented the first-ever Tour Championship trophy in 2020. The 54 top junior boys and girls invited to compete at the 2022 Ontario Provincial Super Camp presented by Foresight Sports Canada have earned their spot in the Tour Championship based on the Junior Golf Pathway Rankings.
Tee times for round two start at 8:30 am Friday morning. For more information on the 2022 Ontario Provincial Super Camp Presented by Foresight Sports and Tour Championship, visit our Golf Genius page.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter and like us on Facebook. Visit our website for further information.
Championship Contact:
John Lawrence – Director, Competitions and Performance, Golf Ontario JLawrence@gao.ca
Media contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Windsor, ON – Opening round of the third annual Junior Tour Championship from the 2022 Ontario Provincial Super Camp presented by Foresight Sports at Ambassador Golf Club saw players battling high winds and scattered rain in an effort to top the leaderboard after 18 holes. The camp field, featuring the top 54 junior boys and girls in the province, battled cool and windy conditions all day on the always challenging course.
Today’s round followed two days of testing (Golf Canada’s National Testing Protocols), breakout sessions, games and a BBQ dinner at Ambassador. Super Camp Presenting Sponsor Foresight Sports ensured accurate stats with their tracking and analysis devices capturing the critical data for all participants during range activations.
Emily McKee (St. George’s Golf & Country Club) takes a three-shot lead after day one on the girl’s side thanks to four birdies and a stellar eagle on the 15th hole to shoot even par (71). Wendy Li (Summit Golf & Country Club and Aryn Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club) sit tied for second at 3-over after matching 74 rounds. Kelly Zhao (Station Creek Golf Club) finds herself fourth, shooting a 4-over (75), with five more players right behind Zhao at 5-over.
The boy’s side ended up with a packed house topping the leaderboard, with five players shooting a 1-over (72). Dylan Weber (Galt Country Club), Zach Smith (Brampton Golf Club, Andrew Lee (The Club at North Halton), Jax Sisson (Pointe West Club) and Marshall Bath (Oshawa Golf & Curling Club) all share the lead after day one with matching 1-over scores (72). Avery Mahoney (Hamilton Golf & Country Club) and Matthew Rastogi (Meadowbrook Golf Club) both site one stroke back at 2-over (73).
Shot of the day belongs to Zach Smith, currently tied for the lead, who dropped in an amazing hole-in-one on five (his 14th hole of the day as boys started on the back nine). The Team Ontario member promptly followed it up with back-to-back birdies.
ZACH SMITH WITH A HOLE-IN-ONE TODAY
Competitors of the annual Ontario Provincial Super Camp and Tour Championship are battling for the Dave Mills trophy. The trophy, first handed out in 2021, was named in honour of Mills, a past Golf Ontario Executive Director and huge supporter and advocate for junior golf, who presented the first-ever Tour Championship trophy in 2020.
The 54 top junior boys and girls invited to compete at the 2022 Ontario Provincial Super Camp presented by Foresight Sports Canada have earned their spot in the Tour Championship based on the Junior Golf Pathway Rankings. “This is the culmination of the Junior Golf Pathway Rankings and an opportunity for the best junior golfers in Ontario to battle it out to see who finishes on top and earn all the accolades that come with it.“, explained Reggie Millage, Head Provincial Coach of Team Ontario.
Tee times for round two start at 8:30 am Thursday morning. For more information on the 2022 Ontario Provincial Super Camp Presented by Foresight Sports and Tour Championship, visit our Golf Genius page.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter and like us on Facebook. Visit our website for further information.
Championship Contact:
John Lawrence – Director, Competitions and Performance, Golf Ontario JLawrence@gao.ca
Media contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Ambassador GC Hosts 3rd Annual Ontario Super Camp (Presented by Foresight Sports) & Tour Championship from Oct 10-14
Golf Ontario
Windsor, ON – Ambassador Golf Clubwelcomes the always anticipated Ontario Provincial Super Camp presented by Foresight Sports Canada after a successful launch in 2020. The third annual event will run from October 10th to 14th, featuring the province’s top 56 junior boys and girls for two days of testing (Golf Canada’s National Testing Protocols), breakout sessions, and three rounds of competition.
Competitors of the annual Ontario Provincial Super Camp and Tour Championship will be battling for the Dave Mills trophy. The trophy, first handed out in 2021, was named in honour of Mills, a past Golf Ontario Executive Director and huge supporter and advocate for junior golf, who presented the first-ever Tour Championship trophy in 2020.
Dave Mills Memorial Trophy
The two-day camp will allow athletes to train with like-minded athletes and coaches and generate valuable NTP data. Days 1 and 2 will have the boys and girls alternating activities, with one day dedicated to testing and other sessions and the other day used as their practice round. Three rounds of elite competition then follow these two days of testing.
The 2022 event will feature on-site activations integrating Golf Ontario Sponsors and event partners, promoting leading-edge products and delivering giveaways and contests. Super Camp Presenting Sponsor Foresight Sports will ensure their tracking and analysis devices capture important data on all participants during range activations. “At Foresight Sports Canada, we believe that creating opportunities for junior golfers is the best way we can help grow the game. We love to support, and promote our junior pathways and programs, partnering to provide the best possible technology for the best golfers our province has to offer”, said Steve McLeod, Marketing Manager at Foresight Sports Canada. “We look forward to continuing our journey with the future stars of tomorrow and helping them achieve their dreams.”
In addition, TaylorMade will once again be hosting a wedge station. Other stations include a Rules Workshop with Referee Dan Michaud, Morning Activations and Fitness Testing with Dr. Nick Martichenko and a Mindfulness and Mental Session with Coach Dr. Charles Fitzsimmons. Following the two days of testing, a BBQ dinner with a live DJ is planned on the course’s patio.
Following the testing days, athletes will compete over 54-holes of championship stroke play with a cut after 36 holes. The 56 top junior boys and girls (45 each) invited to compete at the 2022 Ontario Provincial Super Camp presented by Foresight Sports Canada have earned their spot in the Tour Championship based on the Junior Golf Pathway Rankings. “The Tour Championship is one of the year’s most exciting and anticipated events. This is the culmination of the Junior Golf Pathway Rankings and an opportunity for the best junior golfers in Ontario to battle it out to see who finishes on top and earn all the accolades that come with it.”, explained Reggie Millage, Head Provincial Coach of Team Ontario.
For more information on the 2022 Ontario Provincial Super Camp Presented by Foresight Sports and Tour Championship, visit our Golf Genius page. / Participants / 2021 Photos
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter and like us on Facebook. Visit our website for further information.
Championship Contact:
John Lawrence – Director, Competitions and Performance, Golf Ontario JLawrence@gao.ca
Media contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Nick Taylor, Senior Director, Marketing, Golf Ontario NTaylor@gao.ca
Angus Glen Golf Club Ready to Host the 7th World Junior Girls Championship, Presented by Sargent Farms
2015 PanAm Games golf announcement at Angus Glen
Golf Ontario
Two Canadian squads will headline a field of 54 competitors on 18 teams representing 17 countries competing Oct. 10-15 in the celebrated return of the prestigious global golf competition
From Golf Canada
MARKHAM, Ont. – Canada is set to host a global showcase of the world’s best junior golfers as the seventh edition of the World Junior Girls Championship, presented by Sargent Farms, will be contested October 10-15, 2022, at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont.
In total, 54 athletes on 18 teams representing 17 countries—including two teams from host nation Canada—will compete for the team and individual titles. The event marks the celebrated return of the prestigious global competition after two years of cancellation due to the pandemic.
“Together with our partners at Golf Ontario and Sargent Farms, Golf Canada is extremely proud to celebrate the return of the World Junior Girls Championship,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Golf Canada Director, Amateur Championships and Rules. “This championship has become a world-class showcase featuring some of the most promising young athletes from around the world. It is an honour to welcome these talented juniors—many whom we know will go on to great success in the professional game—back to Angus Glen and support these Canadian and international talents in their golf journey.”
“The World Junior Girls Championship has become a signature event on our championship calendar and there is a great excitement in welcoming this outstanding group of athletes from around the world to compete for an international title on Canadian soil,” said Golf Ontario CEO Mike Kelly. “Angus Glen has proven itself time and again to be a world-class host and a championship-worthy venue that will be ready to challenge the world’s best junior golfers.”
Canada’s lead coach will be Jennifer Ha of Calgary, Alta., who is currently the Assistant Coach of the Team Canada – NextGen Squad. The supporting coach will be PGA of Canada professional Emma de Groot, a native of New South Wales, Australia and resident of Hamilton, Ont. who is currently the director of women’s development with Modern Golf.
Canada 1 includes 18-year-old Angela Arora of Surrey, B.C., 17-year-old Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C., and 15-year-old Michelle Liu of Vancouver. Arora, who finished T20 at the 2019 World Junior Girls Championship, made it to match play of the 2022 US Women’s Amateur, finished runner-up at both the Pacific Northwest Women’s Amateur and NextGen Selection Camp, and also won the NextGen Pacific Championship. Kim, who finished T52 at the 2019 World Junior Girls Championship, had a 2022 season highlighted by a runner-up finish at the Canada Summer Games, a third-place finish at the Canadian Women’s Amateur and a T33 individual result at the World Amateur Team Championship. Liu, who qualified for her second CP Women’s Open in 2022, made it to match play at the US Junior Girls Championship, finished 7th at the Texas Women’s Open (pro), and was the winner of Golf Canada’s recent NextGen Selection Camp.
The Canada 2 squad is represented by 16-year-old Yeji Kwon of Port Coquitlam, B.C., 14-year-old Michelle Xing of Richmond Hill, Ont. and 13-year-old Anna Huang from Vancouver. Kwon earned a spot on the team by winning the 2022 Canadian Junior in a season that also included a ninth-place result at the Toyota Junior World Cup. Xing, who finished third at the NextGen Selection Camp, won the 2022 Ontario Junior Girls Match Play and finished runner-up at the Ontario Juvenile Girls Championship. Huang’s notable results include a T4 finish at the Canadian Junior, a T22 finish at the Canadian Amateur, a victory at the Toyota Tour Cup and a T3 finish a the NextGen Selection Camp.
This year’s field for the World Junior Girls Championship, presented by Sargent Farms, is highlighted by 11 competitors ranked inside the World Golf Amateur Rankings (WAGR) top 100, including the tournament’s top-ranked player, Germany’s Helen Briem (no. 13). Spain is the lone country with all three players ranked inside the WAGR top-100 with Sweden next at two top-100 players. A full list of competitors, including their WAGR position, is here.
With two victories (2015 & 2019) in the event’s six-year history, Korea has won the most team competition titles, followed by the USA (2014), the Philippines (2016), Spain (2017), and Italy (2018). A history of past winners is available here.
Canada’s best finish in the team competition was third in 2014 and fourth in 2018.
Several players who have competed in the World Junior Girls Championship have gone on great success on the LPGA Tour, led by Canadian Brooke Henderson, a 12-time LPGA winner and world no. 6 who finished fourth in the individual competition at the inaugural championship hosted in 2014.
Other notable competitors who became LPGA Tour winners include world no. 2 Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand, who won back-to-back World Junior titles in 2018 and 2019, and world no. 35 Yuka Saso of the Philippines who won the 2016 World Junior title. Other former World Junior competitors who have gone on to win on the LPGA Tour include Hannah Green of Australia and Maja Stark of Sweden.
In addition, 12 players who competed in the 2022 CP Women’s Open at Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club are alumni of the World Junior Girls Championship.
Angus Glen Golf Club, which will host the World Junior Girls Championship for the third time, is home to two 18-hole championship golf courses in Markham, Ontario. The North and South courses offer variety, beauty, and challenges. Angus Glen has been ranked as one of the top 80 golf courses in the world outside of the United States. It was home to the 2002 and 2007 Canadian Open and an official host of the 2015 Toronto Pan/Parapan American Games. The 2022 World Junior Championship will be contested on the South course.
The following is a list of competing countries in the seventh annual World Junior Girls Championship, presented by Sargent Farms:
Austria, Belgium, Canada (2), Chinese Taipei, Colombia. Denmark, England, Finland, France Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Wales
Practice rounds for the 72-hole competition will take place October 10-11, with the first round of play set for Wednesday, October 12. The tournament’s closing ceremony will immediately follow the conclusion of play on Saturday, October 15.
Admission to the competition is free. Additional information regarding the seventh annual World Junior Girls Championship can be found on the competition’s website.
ABOUT THE WORLD JUNIOR GIRLS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
The World Junior Girls Golf Championship, presented by Sargent Farms is an annual event conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario. The international competition features three-player teams of 18-and-under athletes. As host country, Canada will field two of the tournament’s 18 teams competing over 72 holes for both individual and team honours. The championship is conducted with support from Sargent Farms, the Golf Canada Foundation, Sport Canada, Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the International Golf Federation, the PGA of Canada, the R&A, and Levelwear. Admission and parking for the World Junior Girls Golf Championship is free. For more information, visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.
We welcome a very family-oriented course with casual atmosphere back to the GO family
Nestled on the outskirts of Keene, Ontario, on the north shore of Rice Lake, lays a hidden treasure of golf, Bellmere Winds Golf Resort. The course features breathtaking views of the Lake at almost every turn, large undulating greens and dramatic elevation changes, and all surrounded by a family-friendly resort.
A unique destination combining gorgeous golf scenery, six-month cottage life opportunities, boating, swimming, campfires and more, Bellmere has recently rejoined the Golf Ontario family of facilities. Today they kick off our Friday Facility Feature, spotlighting some of our amazing member courses.
With 400 cottages, 375 member-owned and the remaining 25 available for stay-and-play packages, Bellmere provides a unique experience in Ontario. Built in three stages after the course was initially built, the first cottage phase is situated down on the water, Phase Two is just above the golf course up the hill, and Phase Three sits more inland. As an added bonus, cottage ownership comes with 6 (yes, six!) family member golf memberships. Options to buy cottages start from just $99,900 with payment plans available.
A Jack Lally design, the course shows off beautiful lake views on nearly every hole at different elevations. The front nine is sometimes narrow with fescue-lined fairways, while the back nine is wider open, perhaps more forgivable. Most will find the front a greater yet approachable challenge. The back nine begins with perhaps their signature hole, a fabulous par-5 elevated 10th tee drive looking down to the water, followed by the 11th and 12th played along the lakeside resort (Phase One).
Bellmere has recently gone through some renovations, including the bunkers. Out of play for the last few years because of COVID, they’ve been rejuvenated back to life, and fescue has been taken away in spots allowing more errant shots to be salvageable and a quicker pace of play. In addition, the greens are in good shape, rolled a few days a week, thanks to Superintendent Eric Van Gerwen.
Although also in his first year at Bellmere, Van Gerwen has over ten years of experience as a Greenskeeper. He’s worked at various notable courses such as Peterborough Golf and Country Club, Conestoga Golf & Country Club and Beach Hall Golf Club. With this experience working on golf courses, he has learned the necessary requirements to maintain a golf course in pristine condition and the keys to exceeding golfer expectations.
Additional features at the course include detailed GPS in all carts, four different tee decks for various skill levels, a newly constructed single hitting bay to warm up on, large putting green, member events, and an outdoor grill featuring burgers and pizza with gorgeous views of the lake and the scenic 10th tee. Future plans for the course include additional irrigation and cart path upgrades.
Visit their website here to learn more about Bellmere Winds Golf Resort, including membership purchases, cottage ownership, and stay-and-play packages.
BELLMERE WINDS GOLF RESORT
1235 Villiers Line Keene, ON K0L 2G0 Phone: 705-295-3000 Website: bellmerewindsgolfresort.com Facebook / @BellmereWinds Instagram / @BellmereWindsResort
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information or to have us out to photo/drone/visit your course, please contact:
Peter MacKellar Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario PMacKellar@gao.ca
Hunke and Kings Emerge Victorious at Ontario Men’s Better-Ball from Oakdale G&CC
Golf Ontario
Toronto, ON – The 2022 Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship returned to Oakdale Golf and Country Club to conclude Golf Ontario’s provincial competitive season. After an hour frost delay, the 63rd running of the event played out under blue skies on a beautiful fall day composed of 60 teams looking to come out on top. The men took on the host site of the upcoming 2023 RBC Canadian Open, which featured quick greens and tough pins.
After 18 gorgeous holes, Josh Hunke and Ryan Kings of Deer Ridge Golf Club, with a strong five-under (67) on the strength of 4 birdies and an eagle on eight, led the pack and emerged victorious. The tournament always proves to be very competitive, with this year being no different, with only a three-shot difference separating the top sixteen duos.
Friends from playing at Deer Ridge Golf Club, both players were very complimentary of each other after the round. Hunke said, “his (Kings) sand shot on 17 that found the bottom of the cup for birdie was a huge moment on the day.” Kings added they had a classic ham-n-egger round and that Hunke also made some big putts for the team.
Following closely behind in second place was a trio of teams at 4-under, including Brett Geiser and Gordon Gibson (Cedar Brae GC), Harris Bundy and Craig Hosie (Scarboro G&CC, Granite GC) and Keegan Tyers and Adam Smalley (St. Georges GC). Behind them were four duos at 3-under and nine teams at 2-under, showcasing an incredibly talented field and proving what a competitive tournament this continues to be.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, starters, referees, scorers, and volunteers for their continued support of the 2022 season. Thank you, especially to Oakdale Golf and Country Club and your staff, volunteers, and members for being wonderful hosts and supporting this event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners; Baka, Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, StrackaLine, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Nikon, and Sport Travel.
About The Ontario Men’s Better-Ball
The Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship has been played since 1959. All but two of the championships have taken place at Oakdale G&CC. The tournament is open to teams whose members both have up-to-date Golf Canada Handicap Factor of 8.4 or less at the time of online registration through the completion of the Championship. Each team’s combined Handicap Factor must not exceed 12.8 at the time of online registration through the completion of the Championship. Previous event winners include: Gary Cowan, Bill Morland, Nick Weslock, Kelly Roberts, Warren Sye, Matthew Ion Young, Albin Choi, Garrett Rank and Simon McInnis.
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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Media contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Championship Contact:
Rob Watson, Manager Competitions, Golf Ontario RWatson@gao.ca
Ontario Men’s Better-Ball from Oakdale G&CC Rounds out 2022 Provincial Championships
Golf Ontario
Toronto, ON – On Monday, October 3rd, the 63rd Ontario Men’s Better Ball Championship returns to Oakdale Golf & Country Club, the site of the 2023 and 2026 RBC Canadian Open, as Ontario’s best teams square off in this long-standing event.
With its three nines, Oakdale is a magnificent course, rambling over rolling land, with the picturesque Black Creek running throughout the design. The players will take on the Thompson (front nine) and Homenuik (back nine). “Hosting this prestigious Championship is an absolute honour for our Club,” said Ian Crebbin, Director of Golf. “Oakdale has always provided a stern test for competitors and will surely provide some memorable moments. On behalf of the Club, we look forward to hosting all participants.”
Some notable names are the 2021 Champions, Jonn Drewery (Westmount G&CC) and Derek McGrath (Galt CC), who carded an amazing nine-under (63), and no doubt will try to repeat this year. Other big names in the mix include 2022 Ontario Men’s Match Play Champion Charles Fitzsimmons (and 2022 Canadian Men’s Mid-Am Champion), 2020 Ontario Men’s Mid-Am Champion Ryan Tsang, and recently crowned 2022 Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball winners Cam Hreljac and Chris Lee (also winners of this event in 2003). Meanwhile, Oakdale hopes a few members will win the Championship, a feat first accomplished by current members Howard Mandelbaum and Michael Katz in 1996.
Teams will attack the course with a shotgun round starting at 10 am. More information on the Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship can be found on our Golf Genius page here.
About The Ontario Men’s Better-Ball
The Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship has been played since 1959. All but two of the championships have taken place at Oakdale G&CC. The tournament is open to teams whose members both have up-to-date Golf Canada Handicap Factor of 8.4 or less at the time of online registration through the completion of the Championship. Each team’s combined Handicap Factor must not exceed 12.8 at the time of online registration through the completion of the Championship. Previous event winners include: Gary Cowan, Bill Morland, Nick Weslock, Kelly Roberts, Warren Sye, Matthew Ion Young, Albin Choi, Garrett Rank and Simon McInnis.
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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Media contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Championship Contact:
Rob Watson, Manager Competitions, Golf Ontario RWatson@gao.ca
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 2023.
The Board currently consists of 11 directors serving staggered 3 – year terms, with an option to extend for a second 3 – year term. Based upon the tenure of the existing directors, the Board anticipates requiring a minimum of 3 new directors in 2023, 2 new directors in 2024, and 1 new director in 2025.
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 leading, creating, and promoting positive golf experiences. The Board is responsible for determining Golf Ontario policy; for protecting the long-term growth and health of the organization; for developing, monitoring and evaluating the strategic goals; for approving the annual budget; and for authorizing and taking responsibility for the funding of the organization. Golf Ontario’s key priorities for the next strategic plan period include:
Formalizing our DEI strategic action plan
Growing our Public Player membership category and value for the recreational golfer
Building stronger relationships with our facilities through our Regional Support Strategy If you have a strong passion for and understanding of the sport of Golf, we would like to hear from you. We are searching for strategic thinkers with particular experience in the following areas: Government Relations, Technology, and Fundraising. We are committed to making golf more accessible and welcoming to diverse populations and would encourage like-minded individuals to apply.
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. In-person Board meetings are hosted quarterly (travel reimbursement provided), and quarterly committee and work group meetings are held virtually. Board members establish and actively support the vision of golf for all, a mission to shape lives through golf, and strategic directions of the organization and exercise financial oversight and fiduciary responsibility for the organization on behalf of its members, among other responsibilities.
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 submission deadline for positions for the coming year is November 11, 2022.
Golf Ontario is an equal opportunity organization committed to providing accessible practices. We will make all reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities in order 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.
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.
Brampton, ON – As the weather flicked a switch on fall golf, the Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship took to the prestigious course at Brampton Golf Club for a 1:15 p.m. shotgun start this afternoon. With just 18-holes of competitive stroke play to determine the 2022 champions, Cam Hreljac and Chris Lee battled high winds to emerge victorious.
Taking home the championship title with a stellar round of 4-under (67), Cam and Lee, who also won the 2003 Ontario Men’s Better-Ball, battled the field to win by two strokes ahead of a tight leaderboard. Right behind the leaders at 2-under were a pack of four duos claiming silver medals. Greg Hotham and David Greenaway (Barrie Country Club), John Francis and Richard Turner (Rosedale Golf Club), Gawain Robertson and Adnan Moussaoui (Cataraqui Golf & Country Club), and lastly, Regan O’Halloran and Jerome Chinner (Coppinwood Golf Club), all came up just short with scores of 69.
In the post-win interview, the winning pair said with big smiles, “we’ve been playing together for over 30 years and are notorious ham n eggers. We hit the ball far and in play all day and gave ourselves many chances at birdies.” They added the wind played a significant factor, “16 was crazy, anything into the wind was a 3-4 club difference. It was tough staying warm out there.”
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, rules officials, staff and members for supporting the 2022 Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship. To Brampton Golf Club and your team, thank you for being such excellent hosts and welcoming us once again. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners; Baka, Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, StrackaLine, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Nikon, and Sport Travel.
To view the 2022 Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship leaderboards, visit our Golf Genius page.
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 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.
Media contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Successful Inaugural Indigenous Ontario Championship Finishes in Dramatic Playoff
Golf Ontario
With large crowds lining the fairway and encircling the green, John Monture (Lower Mohawk Six Nations) captured the Men’s portion of the Inaugural Indigenous Ontario Championship in dramatic fashion on the fourth playoff hole. Playing the 18th for the fourth time in just over an hour, Monture would prevail, much to the delight of his local community and home course, Monthill Golf & Country Club.
As exciting as the finish turned out to be, the entire Indigenous event proved to be an extremely memorable championship that will flourish and grow in the future. It was clear to everyone involved and on hand how much this tournament meant to the Indigenous people and the opportunity to rally around a sport, a community and their heritage.
Entry into the 36-hole tournament was open to Indigenous community members (First Nations, Métis & Inuit). Two days of stroke play contained various divisions, including Men’s and Women’s Gross, Men’s and Women’s Net Stableford, while also recognizing the top junior and senior players. This event marked the first Open Provincial Championship in Canada for Indigenous golfers and featured participants from across North America representing 41 Indigenous communities.
Cheryl Mitchell (Walpole Island First Nation), who also won the Golf Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship in 2003, held off a mid-round charge by Melanie Burgess (Matachewan First Nation), to cinch the Women’s Overall division after two matching 4-over (76) scores. Burgess took home the silver while Kathryn Corbiere (Moravian of the Thames First Nation) claimed the bronze with a strong 77. Savana Smith (Delaware Nation) took home the Women’s Net Overall title, racking up 64 Stableford points and capturing the Junior Girl’s division. Kathy Jamieson (Upper Cayuga Six Nations) won the Senior Women’s division.
With Monture (Lower Mohawk Six Nations) winning gold in the Men’s overall division, Ian Ford (Lac Suel First Nation) secured silver and Conrad Naponse (Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation) and Ky Horn (Mohawks of Kahnawake) tied for the bronze. Monture remarked, “I’ve always been a member here the last 10-11 years, they’ve always me treated well, and for this to happen on Six Nations and to be from Six Nations, and on my home course, it means a lot to me.” Monture’s father, John Monture Sr (Upper Mohawk Six Nations), took home the Men’s Net and the Senior Men’s division to make the day even sweeter for the community. Lucas Rogers (Kettle Point First Nation) secured the Junior Boy’s category.
The day wrapped up with closing ceremonies, thankful speeches and plenty of smiles and applause from the hundreds viewing from around the beautiful clubhouse. Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the inaugural 2022 Indigenous Ontario Championship. Many thanks to Monthill and their incredible team for hosting this memorable event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners; Baka, Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, StrackaLine, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Nikon, and Sport Travel.
The Indigenous Ontario Championship will be played and hosted at MontHill Golf & Country Club, located in Six Nations, Ontario. This Championship, open to men and women of all ages, is a 36-hole competition featuring a Gross division and a Net Stableford division and recognizes the top junior and senior players. Golf Ontario has worked closely with Indigenous leaders to ensure this event provides players and spectators with a memorable provincial championship experience. In addition, the Championship will bring awareness to the growth of the game of golf and the impact it could have on the communities.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter and like us on Facebook. Also, make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information, please contact:
John Lawrence, Director, Competitions and Performance, Golf Ontario JLawrence@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Brampton GC Welcomes Back the 40th Senior Men’s Better-Ball September 22nd
Golf Ontario
Brampton, ON – The last stop on September’s championship schedule play is the Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship, returning again from Brampton Golf Club. Happening this Thursday, September 22nd, 128 players will take to the beautiful course in hopes of ending the golf season with some strong play.
With a large field, it’s difficult to say which pairing will have the upper hand heading into the 40th playing of this event. With twosomes like home course favourites Jeff Watson 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’s 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 our golf genius page here for more information about the championship.
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 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.
Media contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Tournament contact:
Rob Watson, Manager Competitions, Golf Ontario rwatson@gao.ca
Memorable Opening Round at Inaugural Indigenous Ontario Championship from Monthill G&CC
Championship Co-chair Jesse Smith drove a beautiful ceremonial opening shot off the 10th tee early this morning and officially began play for the inaugural Indigenous Ontario Championship from Monthill Golf & Country Club. Smiles, laughter and applause, would outweigh the variable weather conditions, including two storm delays, to produce a successful and fun day one.
Entry into the 36-hole tournament is open to Indigenous community members (First Nations, Métis & Inuit). Two days of stroke play will contain various divisions, including Men’s and Women’s Gross, Men’s and Women’s Net Stableford, while also recognizing the top junior and senior players. This event marks the first Open Provincial Championship in Canada for Indigenous golfers and features participants from across North America representing 41 Indigenous communities.
John Monture (Lower Mohawk Six Nations) leads the way in the Men’s overall division after a blazing 7-under (65) opening round, including eight birdies. Close behind sits Ian Ford (Lac Suel First Nation) with a strong 4-under (68). Ford said, “getting to have an event that’s Indigenous focused is great for Native golf and Canadian golf as a whole, to hopefully have that ripple effect for years to come. You kind of hold it closer to your heart and it means a little bit more playing for your community.” Della Bomberry (Lower Cayuga Six Nations) holds a one-stroke lead in the Senior Men’s category over John Monture Sr (Upper Mohawk Six Nations) after his first round 4-over (76).
Cheryl Mitchell (Walpole Island First Nation) and Melanie Burgess (Matachewan First Nation) sit tied in the Women’s Overall division after matching opening 4-over (76) scores. Kathy Jamieson (Upper Cayuga Six Nations) holds a seven-stroke lead in the Senior Women’s division heading into round two.
Lucas Rogers (Kettle Point First Nation) currently has the lead in the Junior Boy’s category after an opening 6-over (78), while the top Junior Girl is Savana Smith (Delaware Nation). 14 year old Smith remarked after her round, “I think it’s actually really cool, being one of the first people to play this tournament… it’s really meaningful, knowing that we get an opportunity to just play.” As the youngest female player at the tournament, she added, “it’s kinda exciting actually, getting to compare myself to girls and women that are older than me.”
Also playing in the Championship is Regional Deputy Grand Council Travis Boissoneau (Ojibways of Garden River), who travelled from Thunder Bay, ON. to partake in this memorable occasion. He remarked, “it’s a world-class event… and as for young people getting into the game, I think golf is a perfect example of how you can approach your life, you’re playing independently, no one to blame but yourself, and you have to take responsibility. Boissoneau added, “I think for Indigenous youth to have access to events like this and to be working with Golf Ontario, it’s truly a privilege, and it’s something for us to look forward to… I can see this growing and seeing more people golfing and getting into the game.”
Sunday’s opening ceremonies from Monthill featured a kid’s golf clinic and dinner for participants of the event, as well as key representatives from the Host Association Golf Ontario, members of the local Indigenous community, and distinguished guests representing the Provincial Government.
Round two gets underway Tuesday, with tee times beginning at 8:30 am off the first and tenth tees. Please visit our Golf genius page here for more information on the tournament.
About the Indigenous Ontario Championship:
The Indigenous Ontario Championship will be played and hosted at MontHill Golf & Country Club, located in Six Nations, Ontario. This Championship, open to men and women of all ages, is a 36-hole competition featuring a Gross division and a Net Stableford division and recognizes the top junior and senior players. Golf Ontario has worked closely with Indigenous leaders to ensure this event provides players and spectators with a memorable provincial championship experience. In addition, the Championship will bring awareness to the growth of the game of golf and the impact it could have on the communities.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter and like us on Facebook. Also, make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information, please contact:
John Lawrence, Director, Competitions and Performance, Golf Ontario JLawrence@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Borovilos & Ouellet Capture the 40th Annual Ontario Women’s Four-Ball at Settlers’ Ghost GC
Barrie, ON – In the 2022 Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship hunt, fifty-eight women battled gusting winds in Golf Ontario’s first shotgun start of the 2022 season. Shooting a cool 66 at the scenic Settlers’ Ghost Golf Club, young amateurs Vanessa Borovilos and Alexa Ouellet emerged victorious to win the 40th annual title.
Both members of the Weston Golf and Country Club, Borovilos and Ouellet, have been competing against and playing together for roughly six years. “After every round, we would go and get ice cream sundaes. There’s a Chelsea Chocolates that we’ll be celebrating at tonight if it’s still open,” explained Borovilos. Ouellet added, “the conditions were very windy today, but it was supposed to rain, so I’m happy it held off.” Together, the duo pulled off six birdies to finish the championship with a total of six-under.
Trailing just three strokes behind the leaders, Kristy Henry (Mad River GC) and Joanne Noble (Weston G&CC) shot a 69 to claim silver, while defending champion Aryn Matthews (Bigwin Island GC) and partner Emma Hansen (Blue Springs GC) recorded one-under to take home bronze.
Claiming the Low Net portion of the championship, the team of Emma Benoit and Ally Ruston (Brooklea G&CC) shot seven-under for a crisp finish of 65. The duo of Helen Williams (Station Creek GC) and Meredith Stanford (Coppinwood GC) finished with a 68 for silver, followed by Kathie Houghton (Georgian Bay Club) and Julie Green (The Club at North Halton) for bronze.
Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2022 Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship. A big thank you to Settlers’ Ghost Golf Club for hosting this fantastic event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners; Baka, Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, StrackaLine, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Nikon, and Sport Travel.
For media coverage of the championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To view the full leaderboards, visit our Golf Genius Page.
About the 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. In total, 34 teams and 68 players participated in the 2021 event.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Indigenous Ontario Championship Celebrations Gets Underway from Monthill G&CC
Golf Ontario
A new pathway to championship golf was officially launched tonight while the sun was slowly setting outside the beautiful Monthill Clubhouse in Caledonia, Ontario. Over 175 guests were immersed in Haudenosaunee culture and joined together to celebrate the inaugural Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship.
A collaboration only eight months in the making between Golf Ontario, Monthill Golf & Country Club and the people of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, the event held to formally launch this first of its kind championship did not disappoint.
Master of Ceremony Delby Powless, the Chair of the Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation and friend to the community, welcomed all in attendance and, throughout the evening, acted as a gracious host on behalf of the local organizing committee. His first order of business was to introduce Cam Hill & Eddie Thomas, who set the stage for a traditional welcome prayer which was quickly followed by three ceremonial dances to the delight of the crowd.
Chief Mark Hill of Six Nations of the Grand was the first speaker to address dinner guests following the lively cultural dances. Chief Hill spoke passionately about the proud culture of the people of the Six Nations, one of the largest communities in Canada. He remarked how fitting it was that everyone was gathered together tonight due to Golf Ontario’s leadership and collaborative efforts, working hand in hand with the Co-Chairs of the Championship Organizing Committee, Jesse Smith and Stephen Tooshkenig, as well as a wider team at Monthill.
Following Chief Hill’s remarks, Golf Ontario CEO Mike Kelly shared his enthusiasm for the inaugural championship. Kelly expressed how the event represented yet another step toward an environment where Golf For All is not just a statement in a strategic planning document but a North Star that the organization will continue to work towards every day. As well, having been the first Provincial Sport Organization within Canadian Golf to launch a similar championship for differently-abled golfers, the Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship has already inspired at least one other Provincial association to follow suit in the coming months.
Sharing best wishes from the Premier of Ontario, Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, acknowledged the tremendous spirit of collaboration between Golf Ontario, Monthill and the local community. Tibollo went on to say that he would take the news back to his colleagues at the legislature about how much had been accomplished through the partnership. In concluding his remarks, he further recognized that his previous experience with Golf Ontario, when in the portfolio of Tourism, Culture and Sport, was a sign of great things for this new championship and years of great advancements in this space to come.
After a delicious meal prepared by Monthill’s Head Chef, featuring locally sourced ingredients such as; buffalo mozzarella, “The New Farm” organic greens, grass-fed local beef and “Barrie Hill Farm” green beans, Smith, Monthill’s Head Pro and Director of Instruction, a Co-Chair of the organizing committee, led three local professional athletes through a Q&A about their journey from the local community to the heights of NCAA Championships and National League titles in the sport of lacrosse. While each of the three panellists is incredibly accomplished in their professional sports pursuits, they took several opportunities to share how golf has also been an important part of shaping who they are or in allowing them to find clarity of mind away from the demands of their team training, travel and competition.
It was the words shared by the panellists that, while echoing words from previous speaker Chief Hill and MC Powless, seemed to resonate most with the audience as they spoke. They spoke of gratitude for the land they live and play on, the opportunities to compete in sports, and the people who supported them in their journeys. When asked how they prepared for the rigours of competition, they all spoke about finding peace and clarity of mind, which was instilled in them from a young age. One of the players, having signed what will likely be his final professional contract, when asked what he thought life might hold for him when he does retire from professional competition, was quick to say he would be playing more golf. Here at Monthill. In the community that supports him and where he plans to instill the same shared values of his community in his two young sons, the next generation of potential leaders from within this proud Haudenosaunee community.
Competition begins Monday, September 19th, in the two-day, 36-hole championship that will crown the first-ever Indigenous Ontario Golf Champion.
The Indigenous Ontario Championship will be played and hosted at MontHill Golf & Country Club, located in Six Nations, Ontario. This Championship, open to men and women of all ages, is a 36-hole competition featuring a Gross division and a Net Stableford division and recognizes the top junior and senior players: Golf Ontario has worked closely with Indigenous leaders to ensure this event provides players and spectators with a memorable provincial championship experience. The championship will bring awareness to the growth of the game of golf and the impact it could have on the communities.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information, please contact:
John Lawrence, Director, Competitions and Performance, Golf Ontario JLawrence@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Inaugural Indigenous Ontario Championship launches Sept 18-20 at Monthill G&CC
Golf Ontario
Six Nations, ON – Monthill Golf & Country Club welcomes all to the Inaugural Indigenous Ontario Championship September 18-20 in the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. This event marks the first Open Provincial Championship in Canada for Indigenous golfers and will feature participants from across North America representing 41 Indigenous communities.
Located at 4925 Hwy 6 in Caledonia, Ontario, Monthill Golf & Country Club was selected as the host site of this important new Championship event due to its strong ties to the community via original owners Jerry Montour and the late Ken Hill. The pair of Six Nations business tycoons acquired the original Sundrim Golf Course in 2014 and renamed it Monthill. Following considerable investment in the facility, in 2021, Monthill transitioned to a fully private golf club, now regarded as one of the premier golf destinations in Southern Ontario.
“Having this event at MontHill Golf & Country Club is very special to us being 100% Indigenous owned. It was our late owner’s goal to host events of this nature, and I feel he will be smiling down at the 41 different nations coming from all over gathering to play for a provincial championship at MontHill,” mentioned Brendan Painter, Director of Golf Operations at Monthill. “The support our community has shown in helping fundraise and put on a first-class event for all competitors is amazing, and I can’t thank them all enough. We look forward to making this an annual event.”
Entry into the 36-hole tournament is open to Indigenous community members (First Nations, Métis & Inuit). Two days of stroke play will contain various divisions, including Men’s and Women’s Gross, Men’s and Women’s Net Stableford, and also recognizing the top junior and senior players.
“For too long, Onkwehonwe have been underrepresented and lacked opportunity in the golf world. This event will showcase and identify great Indigenous golfers, but more importantly, our hope is that it leads to opportunity, access, and growth of the game in our First Nation communities,” added Jesse Smith, Championship Co-Chair.
Sunday the 18th features a kid’s golf clinic, opening ceremonies and dinner for participants of the event, as well as key representatives from the Host Association Golf Ontario, members of the local Indigenous community, and distinguished guests representing the Provincial Government.
“With our strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion that is embedded throughout our strategic plan that will lead us through the next four years, the significance of this important championship is not lost on any of us.,” expressed Mike Kelly, CEO of Golf Ontario. “From our Board of Directors through our leadership team and across all of our staff, we are grateful that our friends from the Indigenous community have welcomed this partnership and the opportunity to host the inaugural Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship together.”
Round one gets underway Monday the 19th, with tee times beginning at 8:30 am off the first and tenth tees. Please visit our Golf genius page here for more information on the tournament.
The Indigenous Ontario Championship will be played and hosted at MontHill Golf & Country Club, located in Six Nations, Ontario. This Championship, open to men and women of all ages, is a 36-hole competition featuring a Gross division and a Net Stableford division and recognizes the top junior and senior players: Golf Ontario has worked closely with Indigenous leaders to ensure this event provides players and spectators with a memorable provincial championship experience. The championship will bring awareness to the growth of the game of golf and the impact it could have on the communities.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information, please contact:
John Lawrence, Director, Competitions and Performance, Golf Ontario JLawrence@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Settlers’ Ghost GC Welcomes 2022 Ontario Women’s Four-Ball September 19
Golf Ontario
Barrie, ON – On September 19th, Settlers’ Ghost Golf Club will host the 2022 Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship. Fifty-eight talented players of various ages will compete in a shotgun format to claim the hardware.
Settlers’ Ghost Golf Club is a par-72, 18-hole links-style course designed by John Robinson and has spectacular views across the Georgian Bay area. “We are thrilled to host the GO Women’s Four-Ball event on September 19th. It’s very exciting to have the top amateur players in Ontario challenging our course,” said Director of Golf Settlers’ Ghost Golf Club, Mary-Pat Quilty. “Superstar Greenskeeper Ray Richards and staff have the course in beautiful shape. The greens are receptive, true and running at a good speed. We look forward to watching some great golf in September.”
Some notable names coming into this tournament are Angela Penfound and Gail Bishop (Midland G&CC), who won the low net portion in 2021. Also, half of the winning duo from last year, Aryn Matthews and Nyah Kelly, returns, with Matthews teaming up with Team Ontario member Emma Hansen to try and repeat at this year’s championship. Additional players to keep an eye on include the twosome of Alexa Oullet and Vanessa Borovilos, both past Ontario title champions, and three-time champion Ivy Steinburg, who is always a threat.
The ladies will take to the course at 1:00 pm in a shotgun start, followed by dinner and the awards ceremony. Please visit our Golf genius page here for more information on the tournament.
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. In total, 34 teams and 68 players participated in the 2021 event.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Springfield, ON – The second and final round of the Baka Mobile 2022 Ontario Public Amateur Championship, presented by Triple Bogey Brewing from Tarandowah Golfers Club, proved to be a tight race in all divisions. Gorgeous weather with lesser winds than day one still forced golfers to play a challenging course with tough pins to walk away a champion.
The tournament contains three flights of championship titles for the men while women golfers competed in Gross and Net Competition. A flight competes in a gross competition, while the B and C flights will play in a net competition. Golfers in the B flight had an opportunity to compete in the overall A flight. A women’s division is back for the first time since 2009, when it had run since 2002.
Michael Naus of nearby London, ON., took the A flight and low gross overall after a playoff hole against Jason Rabinowitz and day one leader Jason Wellings. Naus said this was his greatest golf accomplishment so far. “After taking a long break from the game, I decided to get back into high-end amateur golf and see where my game was at.” Naus added, “my putter was ridiculously hot yesterday, and the driver kept me safe today.”
The B flight also went to a playoff between three golfers, Derek Baird, Tyler Allen and Robert Sterling. Sterling would emerge victorious to claim the gold medal. Ryan Dukelow claimed the C flight title with a net 2-under. The silver medal went to Steve Stone, and the bronze to Dalton Maclcolm.
On the women’s side, Nobelle Park held off a second-round attack by her sister Kaprice to claim the Women’s title with a gross score of +8. Kaprice finished second, and Lindsey Hummel took third.
Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the Baka Mobile 2022 Ontario Public Amateur Championship presented by Triple Bogey. Thank you to Tarandowah Golfers Club for hosting this fantastic event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners; Baka, Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, StrackaLine, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Nikon, and Sport Travel.
For media coverage of the championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To view the full leaderboards, visit our Golf Genius Page.
About The Public Amateur Championship
The Public Amateur Championship was first played in 1958 at Don Valley Golf Club. Past winners include: Robert Mclean (2021), Arnold Johnson (2015, 2011), and Peter Willis (2014). Mill Run Golf and Country Club (Uxbridge, ON) has hosted the tournament a record nine times. The women’s division has returned after a hiatus since 2009.
The Public Amateur Championship provides the perfect opportunity for those interested in trying a competitive tournament while providing gross and net flights. This allows higher handicap players to play against players in their handicap grouping.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter and like us on Facebook. Also, make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
Springfield, ON – Tough conditions welcomed the opening round of the Baka Mobile 2022 Ontario Public Amateur Championship, presented by Triple Bogey Brewing at Tarandowah Golfers Club. After an early beautiful sky, fog rolled in, causing an hour delay in tee times. Once the fog lifted, the sun would come out along with high winds making the beautiful course, which includes 108 pot bunkers, even more challenging. The tournament contains three flights of championship titles for the men and women golfers are competing in Gross and Net Competition.
A flight competes in a gross competition, while the B and C flights will play in a net competition. Golfers in the b flight will also have an opportunity to compete in the overall A flight. A women’s division has been brought back to this championship for the first time since 2009, when it had run for eight years.
Jason Wellings leads the overall low net and A flight after 18 holes, firing a solid even-par (70), including three birdies. Right behind Wellings is Michael Naus, who shot a one-over (71). Tyler Allen leads the B flight with a net -2. Steve Stone leads the C flight with a net +5.
On the women’s side, Nobelle Park holds the first-round lead after shooting a +9 (79) that included two birdies. Her sister Kaprice sits tied for second with Lindsey Hummel, three back at +12.
Final round tee times begin at 8 am Thursday off the 1st tee. Please view our Golf Genius page here for more information, tee times, and leaderboard links.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
There is a reason the term superintendent includes the word “super.” Golf course superintendents often work behind the scenes, which usually results in them not getting enough credit for their work. On September 13th, it is “Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day,” where we recognize the hard work it takes to keep golf
courses enjoyable, sustainable, and in peak condition. Thanks to days like today, the work of superintendents across the nation can be celebrated and appreciated by all.
Don Blatchley is the superintendent of Sawmill Golf Course and has worked there for 42 years. He started working there in 1979. I interviewed him on his role as a superintendent and how it has changed and developed over the years.
How did you get into this line of work? Don: My family golfed at Sawmill, and I asked George for a job when I was out of high school.
#ThankASuper
Which part of being a superintendent do you find most satisfying? Don: That moment when people approach you and comment on the condition and quality of the golf course. When you change something, no matter how small or large, and people notice. That’s the best part.
Which part of being a superintendent do you find most challenging? Don: Making sure the greens, tees and bunkers are in the best shape possible. Especially the greens because they are the heart of the entire course. If the greens are not in perfect condition, people will know. New challenges exist now that didn’t exist a few years ago. You have to keep adapting as the environment and conditions change.
What was it like working as a superintendent in the 1970s, compared to the 1990s and present time in 2022? How has it changed? Don: The main difference I can think of is the technology available. In the 1970s and early 1980s, all your fertilizer and fungicide were granular. Now, it is all spray based. The only sprayer we had back then was tractor-mounted. Technology has advanced through the years to the point where the current sprayers are computerized and regulate and control the amount of spray they put out. The equipment used now at golf courses drastically reduces the time required to perform tasks. Back in the day, top dressing the greens would take us around a week to do, and now we can do it in less than a day. All of the equipment has changed from when I started. Fairway mowers, rough mowers, and greens mowers are all more advanced and designed for maximum efficiency. The only downside to better technology is that when something goes wrong, it takes longer to fix it, or you may need to call in a specialist because of the electronics involved. Irrigation used to be done manually as well. I would spend hours at night watering, whereas now everything is automated and all I have to do is click a few keys on the computer. The course itself looks very different too. Bunkers have been added and removed, and I’m pretty sure there isn’t a single bunker in its original location. The same applies to the tee decks. As for the trees, let’s just say that I used to be able to see the clubhouse from the shop, and now I can’t. In the 1970s, they were just twigs sticking out of the ground.
What was the most difficult on-course situation you’ve ever faced at Sawmill? Don: Snow mould on the fourth green. This was a long time ago, the winter was long, and we could not get snow mould protection down early enough because the golf season ended so abruptly, and the snow stayed on the ground. We did not have the equipment available to aerate; all we could do was put new plugs into the affected areas. I’m not talking about a few patches here and there. What I’m talking about is hundreds of plugs. I don’t even remember exactly where we got the plugs from because it was so long ago. But that was one of the most difficult situations I remember having to handle.
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone wanting to get into golf course work, what would you say? Don: Make sure you’re passionate about it. A lot of times, the work will seem like it is twenty-four seven. Issues have a way of suddenly appearing at the worst time possible. Usually at the beginning or end of the week and never in the middle. Sometimes you’ll have to drop everything to deal with a golf course situation, which is how it is. There could be a broken irrigation line during a drought, disease on the greens or a pump that breaks down, leading to you hand watering for a week straight. Some things just can’t wait until the following day. It’s challenging but rewarding work; if you love what you do, it’s worth it.
What is your passion or favourite hobby? Don: Golf.
What’s your favourite sports team or individual? Don: Toronto Maple Leafs
What do you like to watch on TV? Don: Nascar. I used to watch it a lot more than I do now because all the good drivers are retired.
What is your favourite thing about working at Sawmill? Don: The people and the owners. The owners have always treated me like family; some of the members have been there as long as I’ve been working there, so it’s a real family environment.
Remember to use the hashtag #ThankASuper today on social media and show your appreciation for our golf course superintendents.
Baka Wireless Ontario Public Amateur Championship Returns to Tarandowah GC
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, ON – Golfers return to Tarandowah Golfers Club for the Baka Wireless 2022 Ontario Public Amateur Championship from September 14th to 15th, presented by Triple Bogey Brewing. Ninety golfers will compete over 36-holes of championship stroke play, male players will be in the hunt for three flights of championship titles and women golfers playing in Gross and Net Competition.
Tarandowah, the 2021 host as well, is a well-known course in not only Ontario but Canada as well. “Tarandowah has just been nominated 75th in Canada by SCOREGolf magazine and 40th best public course in Canada,” said Andy Shaw, Director of Operations. “Tarandowah is excited to host the Golf Ontario championship again and provide the players with a true representation of a links-style course. The course architect Martin Hawtree just finished working on changes to the Old Course at St. Andrews, so the players will see very similar holes and shots that are required. In addition, 108 pot bunkers and firm and fast fairways await the players with greens that have plenty of break and require precise shot making.”
COURTESY OF TARANDOWAH GC – DUDEK PHOTOGRAPHY
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 A flight. A women’s division has been brought back to this championship for the first time since 2009, when it had run for eight years.
Tee times begin at 8 am Wednesday and Thursday off the 1st tee. Please view our Golf Genius page here for more information, tee times, and leaderboard links.
About The Baka Wireless Public Amateur Championship
The Baka Wireless Public Amateur Championship was first played in 1958 at Don Valley Golf Club. Past winners include Robert Mclean (2021), Arnold Johnson (2015, 2011), and Peter Willis (2014). Mill Run Golf and Country Club (Uxbridge, ON) has hosted the tournament a record nine times.
The Public Amateur Championship provides the perfect opportunity for those interested in trying a competitive tournament while providing gross and net flights. This allows higher handicap players to play against players in their handicap grouping.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Uxbridge, ON – The Golf Ontario Scholarship program exists with the support of our corporate partners and sponsors, providing financial assistance to deserving student golfers since 1994. This support allows Golf Ontario to award multiple scholarships annually to support student golfers pursuing post-secondary education. Golf Ontario is proud to announce the 2022 scholarship recipients.
In 2016, Golf Ontario celebrated a milestone as the association surpassed $500,000 in scholarship funds awarded since the program’s establishment. Six years later, in 2022, $679,500 in total has now been awarded to hundreds of 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.
Mimi Braiter, a recipient of the Helena Harbridge award, exemplifies what the recognition stands for. A star on the course and future Bachelor of Arts Law student, she is also highly engaged in the local community. Braiter runs A Ripple Effect, an organization that pairs volunteer youth with children having difficulty in their lives due to personal or family illness. In recognition of her work, she was invited to have a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau, who recognized her leadership, collaboration, and innovation and her impact on the community.
For Braiter, her interest in helping others guided her decision to choose Carleton and her program. “I hope to become later a family lawyer to help families and kids have the best possible outcome from a difficult situation.” Braiter added, “A Golf Ontario Scholarship will assist me with the costs associated with my academic studies and will allow me to continue to grow my love of golf as I move forward in my golf career.”
Peter Blazevic of Mississauga has been awarded the Craig Revell scholarship for 2022. This annual Scholarship in Craig’s name represents that Peter achieved significant success on the golf course and in all areas of his life. Blazevic makes for a perfect recipient of Revell’s scholarship, as he describes golf as “…more than just a game. It embodies character and life lessons.” Blazevic added, “Golf has a way of reminding us that not everything will go as planned. It will always challenge us mentally and physically. And it will often offer opportunities to better oneself both on and off the course. I have gained so many life lessons and experiences while playing the game. I am so thankful for this. It has taught me the value of hard work and the appreciation to accept mistakes and imperfections along the journey.”
Blazevic, a three-time Team Ontario member, will attend the University of Wisconsin-Parkside this fall to study Sports Management. This young, ambitious golfer hopes to “continue to develop my game in my post-secondary journey, and I look forward to achieving my academic and athletic goals.”
Our Full List of 2022 Award Recipients:
Abigail Barker / Christine Fisher Award Galt Country Club University of Waterloo / Architectural Engineering
Ashley Noh / Ken Mackenzie Award Emerald Hills Golf Club University of Toronto / Rotman Commerce (BCom)
Miriam (Mimi) Braiter / Helena Harbidge Award Greensmere Golf and Country Club Carleton University / Bachelor of Arts in Law
Peter Blazevic / Craig Revell Award Markland Wood Golf Club University of Wisconsin-Parkside / Sports Management
Connor Di Salle / Golf Ontario Award Idylwylde Golf and Country Club Laurentian University / Sports Administration
Madeline Alderman / Golf Ontario Award Beach Grove Golf and Country Club St Clair College / Nursing BScN
Myranda Quinton / Golf Ontario Award Blue Springs Golf Club Penn State University / Mechanical Engineering
Oscar Feschuk / Golf Ontario Award Weston Golf Club Texas A&M / International Business
Congratulations to our 2022 recipients, and we wish them all the best in their post-secondary studies.
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, are 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.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing, Design and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Growing Golf in Ontario: A Discussion with Kevin McShan
Golf Ontario
Our Senior Director of Marketing Nick Taylor, recently sat down to speak with Kevin McShan, a motivational speaker and journalist living with Cerebral Palsy, to discuss growing the game of golf in Ontario.
As the host of Let’s Have This Conversation, McShan strives to place all voices at the table of inclusion. He is a Motivational Speaker and Sports Journalist with Cerebral Palsy who wakes up every morning energized and excited to have authentic and meaningful conversations. He loves sports and motivating people.
In his words, “Our legacy is built by how many times we are willing to make a difference in the lives of others while no one else is watching. I’ve lived my entire life with cerebral palsy. However, rather than dwell on my personal restrictions, the greater gift I could ever give to the world is to celebrate my life and all of the life lessons I’ve been put on earth to teach and all of the wisdom I’ve been charged to share with others who simply can`t view the world through the same prism as I. Some people claim I’m an inspirational person. I simply view myself as persistently consistent.“
McShan is a St. Clair College Journalism Print and New Media Program graduate. His passion lies in telling the stories of people who can’t otherwise tell their own individual stories themselves.
One of his many accomplishments was receiving the 2012 Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal for my reporting on disability issues.
Javier and Xu Win the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship
Golf Ontario
Lansdowne, ON – Matthew Javier (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) and Alissa Xu (Station Creek Golf Club) claim the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship after three rounds of fantastic play at Smugglers Glen Golf Course.
Javier was 3-under on his day and 5-under overall as he approached the 18th hole. Sitting one stroke behind leader Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club), Javier would sink a long birdie putt and give himself a share of the lead. However, after an unsuccessful attempt to reach the green in two on the par 5 hole, Smith, a Team Ontario member, would find himself with a 15-foot putt to send it to a playoff. Smith would narrowly miss the edge of the hole, securing the victory for Javier. Smith takes home the Silver Medal after a spectacular showing this week, shooting 5-under overall (211) and putting up two rounds of 69. Jax Sisson (Pointe West Golf Club)secured third place, shooting 4-under for the tournament.
Xu held the lead for the entire day, maintaining a minimum 2-strokes ahead of the field at all times. Xu finished the tournament even par (216) with a low score of 69 in round one. Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club) finished in second place, receiving the Silver Medal after a fantastic outing in today’s final round (71). Bronze Medalist Aryn Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club) also had a spectacular performance in today’s round, finishing 1-under (71).
Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2022 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys & Girls Championship. Thank you to Smugglers Glen 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 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius Page.
About the Ontario 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 Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Tight Race After Day 2 of the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship
Golf Ontario
Team Ontario members lead the way in both boy’s and girl’s leaderboards
Lansdowne, ON – A tight race atop the leaderboard through two rounds of the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship at Smugglers Glen Golf Course.
Team Ontario member and recently crowned 2022 Junior Match Play Champion Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club) leaped into first place today after shooting his second 69 of the tournament. Smith currently sits at 6-under (138) and will be looking to claim his second championship victory of the week. Jax Sisson (Pointe West Golf Club) holds the second place spot at 4-under (140), while day one leader Rylan Hall (Whistle Bear Golf Club) stays within striking distance at 3-under (141).
Another Team Ontario member leads the pack in the girl’s division, as Alissa Xu (Station Creek Golf Club) holds a 2-stroke lead going into the final round. Closely behind her in second place sits Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club), who is 1-over (145), followed by Team O member Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club) at 3-over (147).
Congratulations to Michelle Ding (Station Creek Golf Club) on today’s particular highlight on the course. She made a hole-in-one on the second hole, a 148-yard par 3.
With the race for the number one spot coming down to the wire, competitors will have one more chance to prove that they deserve the trophy in tomorrow’s final round. Tee times will begin at 7:30 am Thursday off of the first hole.
For additional media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius Page.
About the Ontario 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 Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Strong Early Scores in Round 1 of the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship
Golf Ontario
Lansdowne, ON – Fantastic showings from our competitors on day one of the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship at Smugglers Glen Golf Course.
In the boy’s division, day one leader Rylan Hall (Whistle Bear Golf Club) put on a clinic at the course, shooting a 6-under (66) for his round. Hall cruised through the front nine today, sinking three birdies and an eagle. His strong round would set the pace for the rest of the day as he currently holds a 3-stroke lead heading into day two. Tied in second at 3-under (69) sit Jax Sisson (Pointe West Golf Club) and Team Ontario member Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club). Sisson and Smith ended their round with some momentum as they each fired a birdie on the 18th.
Team Ontario member Alissa Xu (Station Creek Golf Club) leads the girl’s division at the end of round one. Xu carded seven birdies on route to a (69) in round one. Xu is followed by familiar faces on the leaderboard, as Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club) and fellow Team Ontario teammate Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club) finished round one tied in second after shooting even pars (72) on the day.
Competitors will be ready to go at it again early tomorrow for round two. Tee times will begin at 7:30 am Wednesday off of the first hole. For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius Page.
About the Ontario 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 Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Juvenile (U17) Championship Heads to Smugglers Glen GC August 23-25
Golf Ontario
Lansdowne, ON – From August 23 – 25, Golf Ontario presents the 2022 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys & Girls Championship at Smugglers Glen Golf Course.
“Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course is excited to host the 2022 Ontario Juvenile U17 Boys and Girls Championship. We appreciate this is not only the future of golf for Ontario but Canada as well,” said Jason Boyce, Director of Golf Operations at Smuggler’s Glen. “We are thrilled to see that all of Ontario’s young talent will be at Smuggler’s Glen August 22nd to the 25th.” The course is an inspiring blend of nature and design. The generous fairways and gently contoured greens set in a pristine forest environment are inviting and enjoyable. Brilliant white sand bunkers, refreshing river breezes and dramatic elevation changes will add excitement to each round.
The tournament will feature 30 girls and 60 boys, who will all compete to claim the 2022 Juvenile Championship title. Golfers will participate in 54 holes of stroke play competition, with a cut after the first 36 holes.
In the girl’s field, some key players to keep an eye on include past Golf Ontario Champions Lindsay McGrath (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club), Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club), Carlee Meilleur (Loyalist Golf & Country Club) and Swetha Sathish (Hidden Lake Golf Club). Also participating in this year’s event are Team Ontario members Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club), Alissa Xu (Station Creek Golf Club) and Tara O’Connor (Victoria Park Golf Club).
Key players to look out for the boys include many past Golf Ontario Champions, including last week’s Junior Match Play Champion Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club), as well as Matthew Javier (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) and Jager Pain (Golf Canada Club – Ontario). In addition, Team Ontario member Isaiah Ibit (Greyhawk Golf Club) will compete on the boy’s side.
Opening round action begins on August 23rd at 7:30 am. Check out our Golf Genius webpage for tee times and leaderboard information.
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 Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Smith and Xing Win the 2022 Ontario Junior Boys & Girls Match Play
Golf Ontario
Port Hope, ON – Tight and exciting competition played out on the final day of the 2022 Ontario Junior Boys & Girls Match Play Championship from Port Hope Golf and Country Club.
The final four boys featured matchups between Adam Brenton (Galt Country Club) and Domenic De Luca (The National Golf Club of Canada), and Team Ontario Member Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club) versus Gregor Lawson (Shelburne Golf & Country Club). Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club) and Rozlyn Rooke (Blue Springs Golf Club), and Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club) against Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club), formed the girl’s matches.
De Luca would win his semi-final matchup 2UP, after battling back and forth for the lead with Brenton. Smith would go on to win his semi-final matchup on a playoff hole after being down early to his opponent Lawson.
Liu and Rooke also settled their match in a playoff. Liu would sink the putt on the 3rd hole to secure the victory and a spot in the final. Michelle Xing would move onto the finals following an exhilarating ending to her match with Hansen.
De Luca got off to a great start in the boys’ final matchup. He would take an early two hole lead before Smith began to crawl his way back and take a lead of his own. The lead changes would continue until the boys found themselves even after 17 holes of play. On the 18th, Smith played a perfect tee shot and approach, followed by a two-putt for the win.
The girl’s final match was just as exciting as Xing and Liu bounced back and forth with the lead, unable to settle the match in regulation. On the first playoff hole, Xing stuck her approach close to the pin and would go on to secure her second Golf Ontario Provincial Championship in less than a month.
For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Junior Boys and Girls Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. For Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Match Play Championship results, visit this Golf Genius Page. Results for the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship can be found on this Golf Genius Page.
Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2022 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys & Girls Match Play Championship. Thanks to Port Hope Golf & Country Club for hosting this incredible 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.
About the Ontario Junior Boys & Girls (U19) Championship
The Junior Boys’ Match Play Championship has been contested since 1998, featuring Ontario’s top amateur male golfers age 18 and under. Results from four qualifiers determine the field. Notable past champions include Matt McQuillan, Justin Shin, Stephane Dubois, and Jon Boncoddo.
The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship is contested annually and features Ontario’s top 32 amateur female golfers aged 18 and under. Players can earn their way into the championship through the Jr. Girls Spring Classic and the Ontario Jr. Girls Championship. Notable past champions include Alena Sharp, Stefi Markovich, Christina Yoon, Elizabeth Tong and Grace St-Germain.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Semi-Finals are Set at the 2022 Ontario Junior Boys & Girls Match Play Championship
Golf Ontario
Port Hope, ON – Golfers fought through their rounds of 16 and 8 today, on day 2 of the 2022 Ontario Junior Boys and Girls Match Play Championship at Port Hope Golf and Country Club.
Team Ontario member Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club) cruised through his matches today, finishing the round of sixteen 6 & 5 and later the round of eight 3 & 2. Facing Smith in the final four tomorrow is Gregor Lawson (Shelburne Golf & Country Club). With his round of 8 match all square after 18 holes, Lawson would win on the first playoff hole and secure his spot in the semi-finals. The other semi-final matchup tomorrow features Domenic De Luca (The National Golf Club of Canada) and Adam Brenton (Galt Country Club). De Luca would win his quarter-final matchup 2UP, while Brenton secured his win with a putt on the 18th hole.
In the girl’s division, Team Ontario’s Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club) finished 1UP after a tight finish on 18. She will face 2022 Bantam Champion Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club), who played some fantastic golf today, finishing her quarter-final round 5 & 4. The other match will feature Rozlyn Rooke (Blue Springs Golf Club) and Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club) after strong performances in their quarter-final matchups.
The semi-finals and finals will be played tomorrow, with tee times beginning at 8:00 am. For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Junior Boys and Girls Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. For Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Match Play Championship information, visit this Golf Genius Page. Information for the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship can be found on this Golf Genius Page.
About the Ontario Junior Boys & Girls (U19) Championship
The Junior Boys’ Match Play Championship has been contested since 1998, featuring Ontario’s top amateur male golfers age 18 and under. Results from four qualifiers determine the field. Notable past champions include Matt McQuillan, Justin Shin, Stephane Dubois, and Jon Boncoddo.
The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship is contested annually and features Ontario’s top 32 amateur female golfers aged 18 and under. Players can earn their way into the championship through the Jr. Girls Spring Classic and the Ontario Jr. Girls Championship. Notable past champions include Alena Sharp, Stefi Markovich, Christina Yoon, Elizabeth Tong and Grace St-Germain.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Major Competition on Day 1 of the 2022 Ontario Junior Boys & Girls Match Play Championship
Golf Ontario
Port Hope, ON – There wasthrilling competition on day one of the 2022 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys & Girls Match Play Championship from Port Hope Golf & Country Club.
The boys participated in two rounds of golf today, concluding the rounds of 64 and 32. Both rounds consisted of some fantastic play, with many tightly contested results. Number one seed Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club) cruised through his matches, finishing the first match 5 & 4 and the second 6 & 5. On the other side of the bracket, 42nd seed Dylan Weber (Galt Country Club) and 27th seed Marshall Bath (Oshawa Golf & Country Club) completed their upsets and made their way through to the round of 16.
In the girl’s division, Team Ontario members Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club) and Tara O’Connor (Whistle Bear Golf Club) coasted through their competition, ensuring a spot in the round of 16. Avery Nordman (Canadian Golf & Country Club) claimed her place in the round of 16 in dominating fashion, finishing her match 8 & 6.
A very special congratulations to Andrew Rouble (Players Club – Kitchener), making his first ever hole-in-one on the par 3 sixth. Rouble would go on to win both of his matchups today, claiming his round of 64 win in playoff holes.
In tomorrow’s round, both the boys and girls will participate in the round of 16 and the quarterfinals. Tee times begin at 8:00 am on Wednesday, off the first hole. For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Junior Boys and Girls Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums.
For Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Match Play Championship information, visit this Golf Genius Page. Information for the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship can be found on this Golf Genius Page.
About the Ontario Junior Boys & Girls (U19) Championship
The Junior Boys’ Match Play Championship has been contested since 1998, featuring Ontario’s top amateur male golfers age 18 and under. Results from four qualifiers determine the field. Notable past champions include Matt McQuillan, Justin Shin, Stephane Dubois, and Jon Boncoddo.
The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship is contested annually and features Ontario’s top 32 amateur female golfers aged 18 and under. Players can earn their way into the championship through the Jr. Girls Spring Classic and the Ontario Jr. Girls Championship. Notable past champions include Alena Sharp, Stefi Markovich, Christina Yoon, Elizabeth Tong and Grace St-Germain.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Canada Summer Games set to tee off in Niagara Falls
Golf Ontario
From Golf Canada
NIAGARA FALLS, ONT. – 42 players across ten provinces and one territory will compete for gold at the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games this week at The Niagara Park’s Commission’s Legends-on-the-Niagara (Battlefield Course) in Niagara Falls, Ont.
The Canada Summer Games, returning for the first time since 2017, opened on August 6. The golf portion will run from August 17-20, with gold, silver and bronze medals being presented at the awards ceremony following Saturday’s final round.
“We’re very excited to be involved in the Canada Summer Games and to be here in the beautiful city of Niagara Falls,” said Tournament Director Josée Matte. “The opportunity to be part of a multi-sport games is such a valuable experience for young athletes, and we know that on and off the golf course, the Games deliver a first-class experience for athletes to create memories that will last a lifetime.”
Québec comes to Niagara as the defending champions across the board. In 2017, Céleste Dao and Christopher Vandette – now both members of Team Canada – won their respective divisions in the individual competition, while also contributing to Quebec’s gold medal in the male and female team events. Anne-Léa Lavoie (Québec, Qué), Malik Dao (Notre-Dame-Île-Perrot, Qué), Léonie Tavares (St-Jérôme, Qué) and Guillaume Paquette (La Minerve, Qué) will look to defend for La Belle Province.
This year, the male and female team divisions will be replaced by a mixed gender division, where two males and two females from each of Canada’s ten provinces will team up in their bid for the gold medal. In each of the four rounds, the low male and the low female scores will count toward that province’s score for the day. The team with the lowest total score after four rounds will be awarded the gold medal.
Prior to Québec’s sweep in 2017, British Columbia owned the top step on the podium. At the inaugural golf tournament in 2009, B.C. won all four gold medals in golf and did it again with a repeat performance in 2013 in Sherbrooke, Qué. The squad from the west coast will once again be sending a strong contingent to the Games, headlined by Lauren Kim (Surrey, B.C.), who played in the U.S. Women’s Open earlier this summer, and Cooper Humphreys (Vernon, B.C.), who won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2022 Toyota Junior Golf World Cup.
Yukon will be the lone territory represented at Legends-on-the-Niagara at this year’s Games. 15-year-old’s Drake Cooper and Jase Johnstone, both out of Whitehorse, will tee it up tomorrow.
Notable alumni include this year’s Canadian Women’s Amateur champion and recent U.S. Women’s Amateur runner-up Monet Chun; 2018 and 2019 Canadian Junior Boys champion Christopher Vandette; 2017 Canadian Junior Girls champion Céleste Dao; 2016 Canadian Men’s Amateur champion and NCAA DII Individual National Champion Hugo Bernard; 2011 Canadian Women’s Amateur champion and former LPGA Tour member Rebecca Lee-Bentham; and 2010 Canadian Junior Boys champion and 6-time RBC Canadian Open participant Albin Choi.
Doug Carrick was responsible for the design of Legends’ Battlefield Course, which is situated next to the historic site of the War of 1812’s Battle of Chippawa. It includes four signature holes, all wrapped around a beautiful 7 hectares (19 acre) man-made lake. The centrepiece of the facility, which links everything together, is a spectacular clubhouse designed by Canadian Architect Peter Berton. This building truly captures the spirit of the Niagara area, and it embodies NPC’s vision of a world-class golfing venue that exists in concert with Niagara’s natural and historic setting.
In July of 2004, the Battlefield Course played host to the best women golfers in the world when the Canadian Women’s Open was held at Legends. The course continues to host prestigious golf championships, including the Canadian Women’s Tour Ontario stop in both 2012 and 2014 and the Canadian Junior Boys Championship in 2014.
Niagara 2022 marks the 28th edition of the Canada Summer Games and only the third time in its history that it’s been hosted in Ontario. The last running of the national event was in 2019 in Red Deer, Alta., while the most recent summer edition was held in Winnipeg, Man.
For tee times and results click here. For other information on the 2022 Niagara Games click here.
CHAMPIONSHIP FAST FACTS
B.C. has won eight gold medals since golf became part of the Canada Summer Games in 2009 and has the most medals overall with 14 (eight gold, five silver, one bronze).
In 2013, British Columbia dominated the team competitions in Sherbrooke, Que., winning the girls’ event by 17 strokes and the boys by 12.
Maple Ridge, B.C.’s Kevin Kwon won the 2013 men’s individual event finishing 13 strokes clear of silver medalist Etienne Papineau (Bromont, Qué.) en route to establishing a new Canada Games record with a four-round score of 279 (-13).
In 2017, Kade Johnson set the low single-round score at the Canada Summer Games on the 66; that same year Sarah-Eve Rhéaume set the low single-round score on the female side with a 68.
Only four provinces have medaled in golf at the Canada Summer Game: British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Ontario.
The lowest single day team score is 138 for male and 140 for female, both set by Québec at the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg, Man.
ABOUT THE CANADA GAMES
Held every two years, alternating between winter and summer, the Canada Games are the country’s marquee event for amateur sport representing the highest level of national competition for thousands of up-and-coming Canadian athletes. As the best in their age group, these young competitors come to the Games having trained long and hard to be among those chosen to represent their respective province or territory. From August 6 to 21, the Niagara Region will welcome more than 5,000 participants (including athletes, coaches and support staff) to compete in the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games. The competition will feature 18 different sports, including an inaugural rugby sevens competition (women’s only) and the return of lacrosse after a 37-year absence from the Games (1985). The 28th edition of the Canada Games will also mark the third time in history the event has taken place in the province of Ontario and the first time in 21 years.
ABOUT GOLF CANADA
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada, representing more than 300,000 golfers and 1,435 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
Media Contacts:
Evan Milner Intern, Media & Public Relations Golf Canada C: 514-710-7731 E: emilner@golfcanada.ca
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Picturesque Port Hope G&CC hosts Ontario Junior (U19) Boys & Girls Match Play Championships
Golf Ontario
Port Hope, ON – The 2022 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ and Girls’ Match Play Championship at Port Hope Golf & Country Club is next up on the championship schedule from August 16-18. A field of 64 boys and 32 girls (96 players total) will seek out to conquer the 1 on 1 challenge of match play.
“Match play has a long history and tradition of providing an exciting way to compete in the game of golf. The newly remodelled Port Hope G&CC is ideal for this competition,” says Jason Miller, the Golf Course Architect. “As there is a great variety of risk/reward shots required at this course, the green’s complexities will provide yet another level of excitement. Set against Lake Ontario, the golf course layout will test the golfer and their gamesmanship and bring back some of that same competitive spirit of golf that started in 1894. It will be a superb facility for these very competitive junior golfers.”
The match play format for the boys will consist of a split tee start for the first matches and then the round of 32 will occur in the afternoon, following the girl’s round of 32. The round of 16 will take place on Wednesday morning, with quarter-final matches that afternoon. Action from the semi-final matches will begin on Thursday, followed by the final matches of the championship.
The junior girls will start with the round of 32 on Tuesday afternoon, with the round of 16 and quarter-final matches taking place on Wednesday. Semi-final matches will begin on Thursday morning, with the final round of the two remaining competitors playing in the afternoon for the match play title. Team Ontario girls to watch include Emma Hansen and Tara O’Connor.
Players to watch on the boy’s side include our 2022 Bantam Boys Champion Jager Pain and Team Ontario members Andreas Diogenous, Isaiah Ellis, Isaiah Ibit and Luke Smith. The girl’s side will also feature our current 2022 Bantam Girls champion Michelle Xing. She will look to keep up her hot play against the strong field, including Emma Hansen and Tara O’Connor from Team Ontario and 2022 Women’s Match Play runner-up Aryn Matthews.
Match play action will get underway at 8 am on Tuesday, August 16, with the Boys teeing it up first. The Girls will start their first round matches at 12:32 pm. For Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Match Play Championship information, visit this Golf Genius Page. Information for the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship can be found on this Golf Genius Page.
About the Ontario Junior Boys & Girls (U19) Championship
The Junior Boys’ Match Play Championship has been contested since 1998, featuring Ontario’s top amateur male golfers age 18 and under. Results from four qualifiers determine the field. Notable past champions include Matt McQuillan, Justin Shin, Stephane Dubois, and Jon Boncoddo.
The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship is contested annually and features Ontario’s top 32 amateur female golfers aged 18 and under. Players can earn their way into the championship through the Jr. Girls Spring Classic and the Ontario Jr. Girls Championship. Notable past champions include Alena Sharp, Stefi Markovich, Christina Yoon, Elizabeth Tong and Grace St-Germain.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Brampton Golf Club Celebrates Their 100th Anniversary
Golf Ontario
Brampton, ON – A spectacular day was had as Brampton Golf Club joined a list of honourable golf clubs able to celebrate 100 years of operation. Their 100th anniversary was in 2021, but unfortunately, they couldn’t celebrate together in person due to the pandemic. Thankfully everyone was able to come together today as guests enjoyed food, drinks and live music.
There were 200 people in attendance to witness this memorable event for the club and community. Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, was on hand to speak about this great accomplishment. “When I think of the Brampton Golf Club, I think of the great community events we have had here. There’s so many fundraising and charitable events in this facility,” Brown said. “This isn’t just a place for golf, it’s a place for the community to gather and rally behind great causes.”
“It’s so wonderful to have all of our current and past members coming back, past board members and captains to be able to introduce our hall of fame and induct our first inductees,” said Greg Allworth, President of Brampton Golf Club. Pauline Kelly, Stu Hamilton and Bob Little were the first three inductees into the newly established hall.
“There were many people involved in putting this event together, from the board of directors to our heritage committee, to our staff. Every department head was involved in some way or another,” said Boris Uvakov, General Manager of Brampton Golf Club. “Our food and beverage came through with this beautiful spread of food, and we had great entertainment.”
To finish the day, participants played a shotgun start round of golf. On all the par threes, golfers used clubs from the 1920s to the 1960s.
On behalf of Golf Ontario and our partners at Golf Canada, we congratulate Brampton Golf Club on this milestone and look forward to continued partnership and support for years to come.
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.
Media contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Bracebridge, ON – Andy Dai (Station Creek Golf Club) and Andrea Lai (St. Thomas Country Club) take home the hardware after two fantastic performances at South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club for the 2022 Ontario Peewee Boys & Girls Championship.
Dai started the round three strokes back of the lead and would find himself four strokes behind early on. However, Dai demonstrated confidence and poise in his game as he would slowly claw back and start knocking strokes off the lead. As a result, the 2021 (and now 2022) Ontario Peewee Boys Champion finished the tournament even par (144) and rightfully earned himself back-to-back championship titles. Max Li (Station Creek Golf Club) would take home the Silver Medal after finishing yesterday’s round with the tournament’s lowest round (68). Terrence Deng (Angus Glen Golf Club) claims third place, finishing today’s round 3-over (76).
In the girl’s division, Lai began her day with a 3-stroke lead and played consistent golf, holding the lead for the rest of the day. Lai posted a 75 and a 76 in rounds one and two, the lowest two scores she has ever recorded. In her very first Golf Ontario tournament, Lai deservingly claims the Peewee Girls Championship title after a terrific showing on the course. In second place, Nobelle Park (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club) put up the lowest score of the day in either division (72). Today’s performance launched Park up the leaderboard resulting in a strong Silver Medal finish. Elliana Buhagiar (Deer Creek Golf Club) would finish with back-to-back 78s for the week and claim the Bronze Medal.
Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2022 Ontario Peewee (U13) Boys & Girls Championship. Thanks to South Muskoka Curling & Golf Club for hosting this incredible 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 2022 Ontario Peewee Boys and Girls Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To view the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius Page.
About the Ontario Peewee Championship
The Ontario Peewee (U13) Championship made its debut in 2015. The tournament is open to boys and girls who are 12 and under on August 1st.
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.
Media contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Li & Lai Lead After First Round of 2022 Ontario Peewee Boys & Girls
Golf Ontario
Bracebridge, ON – Max Li (Station Creek Golf Club) and Andrea Lai (St. Thomas Country Club Ltd) lead the way in their respective divisions after round one of the 2022 Ontario Peewee (U13) Boys & Girls Championship at South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club.
Heavy rain came down throughout the day, but the wet conditions did not seem to impact the play of our competitors as the low scores poured in.
Max Li holds the lead in the boy’s division after shooting an impressive 4-under (68) on the day. Li was on fire with his putter, sinking five birdie putts and giving himself a 3-stroke lead going into the final round. In second place sits 2021 Peewee Champion Andy Dai (Station Creek Golf Club), who is in the red numbers today, shooting a 1-under (71).
In the girl’s division, Andrea Lai holds a 3-stroke lead heading into the final round after shooting a 3-over (75) today. Elliana Buhagiar (Deer Creek Golf Club) and Sophia Liu (Station Creek Golf Club) are tied for second place after the first round. Both girls shot 6-over (78) for the day and will be gunning for that top spot tomorrow.
Tee-offs for the final round will begin at 7:30 am Tuesday. For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Peewee Boys and Girls Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius Page.
About the Ontario Peewee Championship
The Ontario Peewee (U13) Championship made its debut in 2015. The tournament is open to boys and girls who are 12 and under on August 1st.
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.
Media contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Hollinger GC Celebrates 100 Years
Golf Ontario
Timmins, Ontario – With well over 24 centenary celebrations across the country this year and at least a dozen throughout Ontario, the latest anniversary was celebrated on Sunday, August 7th, at Hollinger Golf Club in Timmins, Ontario.
One of three clubs in Timmins and part of the network within the Northern Golf Association, the club owned by Dr. Tony Kos put on a fantastic community-focused event to recognize this important milestone in their history.
Relative newcomer Taylor Dupuis, the Manager of Golf Operations, presided over the ceremony held under a marquis tent between the first and second shotgun groups that enjoyed fantastic conditions thanks to Superintendent Cory Hefferd and team.
The format for the day brought together well over 175 loyal members of the club to not only kick off a week of special events and celebrate the long service of key staff and significant contributions by many to the steady growth of the club and their programming.
Two significant highlights of the club’s growth in recent years are the transformational growth in junior members and the consistent commitment by female members, who regularly number over one hundred participants in Ladies Night play.
A particularly touching moment came as Dupuis shared accolades regarding the club’s Director of Finance, otherwise known as “a mum to all,” JoLee Morrisette. She is some of the glue in this family-oriented club that has kept things moving positively for many years.
In his remarks on behalf of Golf Ontario, CEO Mike Kelly said, “The club represents all that is good about community. It is a testament to this family-oriented culture. So it is no surprise that the club plays a significant role in the game’s growth in the region and making meaningful contributions to the local community.“
In addition to Sunday’s main event, the rest of the week will feature a 100th Anniversary Ladies Night with over 100 players signed up, Men’s Night Wednesday with more than 60 participants, Mixed Night Friday with another 100 players committed and a visit from Golf Canada.
On behalf of Golf Ontario and our partners at Golf Canada, we congratulate Hollinger on this milestone and look forward to continued partnership and support for years to come.
South Muskoka C&GC to Host Ontario Peewee Championship Aug 8-9
Golf Ontario
Bracebridge, ON – From August 8th to 9th, South Muskoka Curling & Golf Club will host the 2022 Ontario Peewee (U13) Boys & Girls Championship. Golf Ontario’s youngest aspiring golfers will participate in 36 holes of stroke play competition as they try to conquer the Peewee provincial title.
“Junior golf has long been a pillar of South Muskoka C&GC. Having the opportunity to play host to the U13 provincial championship is an absolute honour for our club,” said Adam Frederick, General Manager at South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club. “South’s Robbie Robinson design offers a true test of Muskoka golf, and we look forward to seeing the camaraderie and competition from participants.”
Andy Dai (Station Creek GC) will attempt to go back-to-back in this event after taking home the Peewee Boys title last year. Dai played phenomenal golf in the previous year’s event and is hoping to do so against some new faces this year.
In the girl’s division, 2021 Silver Medalist Alexis Card (Galt Country Club) will be looking to jump up a spot on the leaderboard in this year’s event. Card finished only two strokes behind the winner in 2021 and is eyeing that top spot this time.
Action from South Muskoka will get underway at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, August 8th. Check out our Golf Genius Webpage for championship information, tee times, and results.
About the Ontario Peewee Championship
The Ontario Peewee (U13) Championship made its debut in 2015. The tournament is open to boys and girls who are 12 and under on August 1st.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Milton, ON – The final round of the 2022 Ontario Bantam Boys and Girls Championship at Trafalgar Golf & Country Club finished in riveting fashion. A winner for both the boys and girls was not decided in 18-holes, requiring playoffs in both divisions.
Jager Pain (Golf Canada Club – Ontario) was a stroke behind in the boy’s division behind the leader Dawson Lew (Players Club – Markham) heading to the 18th hole. Lew would bogey the hole, and Pain would sink his 8-foot par putt to stay alive and force a playoff. On the first playoff hole, Pain would stick his approach shot tight to the pin and nail the short putt to secure himself the victory. After two fantastic days of golf, Lew would take home the Silver Medal, shooting 1-over (143) for the tournament. Lucas Chi (Station Creek Golf Club) would claim the Bronze Medal, shooting 3-over (145).
Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club) played flawless golf in the girl’s division, scoring the lowest tournament score (66) during the final round. Starting the day in third place at 2-over (73), Xing would sink six birdies and put herself at the top of the leaderboard. Day one leader, Swetha Sathish (Hidden Lake Golf Club), shot 1-under (70) on the day and would find herself tied with Xing after 18-holes. With the first playoff hole not settling anything, the ladies played a second playoff hole. On the approach, Sathish would place here ball slightly past the green; Xing would end up right in the middle. Xing attempted a putt for the win and would find the bottom of the cup to secure the victory. Sathish would claim the Silver Medal after back-to-back days in the red numbers (139 overall), and Reese Allyson Ng (Players Club – Ottawa) would finish in third at 2-over (144).
Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2022 Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys & Girls Championship. Thanks to Trafalgar Golf & Country Club for hosting this 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 2022 Ontario Bantam Boys and Girls Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius Page.
About The Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys’ Championship
First contested in 1929, the Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys’ Championship is a 36-hole competition featuring the top Bantam (U15) male golfers from across the province competing for the James H. Peacock trophy. Past Champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Bob Panasiuk (1955) and Kelly Roberts (1966), as well as Team Canada National Amateur Squad member Johnny Travale (2015).
About The Ontario Bantam (U15) Girls’ Championship
Since 2003, the Ontario Bantam (U15) Girls’ Championship has featured the top Bantam (U15) female golfers from across the province competing for the Cathy Sherk Trophy. Notable past champions include Jennifer Kirby, Augusta James, and Chloe Currie.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Milton, ON – Swetha Sathish (Hidden Lake Golf Club) and Jager Pain (Golf Canada Club – Ontario) both got off to hot starts at Trafalgar Golf & Country Club in round one of the 2022 Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys & Girls Championship.
In the Girls Division, Sathish leads the field after a low score of 69 in round one. Sathish demonstrated minor struggles on the front nine; however, she would redeem herself by making four birdies on the back. Sitting in second is Reese Allyson Ng (Players Club – Ottawa), who sits only 3-strokes back at 1-over (72). She’s followed by Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club), Angela Cai (Heron Point Golf Links) and Bridget Yu (Golf Canada Club – Ontario), who are all tied in third at 2-over (73).
In the Boys Division, Pain started the round scorching hot, nailing two birdies through 5 holes. Pain would maintain his lead, finishing 1-under (70) for the round. Just behind in second place sits Matthew Gray (Sawmill Golf Course), who finished even par (71) on the day, followed by Dawson Lew (Players Club – Markham), ending up 1-over (72).
As round one comes to a close, it’s shaping up to be a tight race for the coveted hardware in tomorrow’s final round. Both the Boys and Girls will tee off at 8:00 am Wednesday, off of holes one and ten. For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Bantam Boys and Girls Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius Page.
About The Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys’ Championship
First contested in 1929, the Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys’ Championship is a 36-hole competition featuring the top Bantam (U15) male golfers from across the province competing for the James H. Peacock trophy. Past Champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Bob Panasiuk (1955) and Kelly Roberts (1966), as well as Team Canada National Amateur Squad member Johnny Travale (2015).
About The Ontario Bantam (U15) Girls’ Championship
Since 2003, the Ontario Bantam (U15) Girls’ Championship has featured the top Bantam (U15) female golfers from across the province competing for the Cathy Sherk Trophy. Notable past champions include Jennifer Kirby, Augusta James, and Chloe Currie.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Bantam Boys & Girls Invade Trafalgar G&CC August 2-3
Golf Ontario
Milton, ON – Beautiful Trafalgar Golf & Country Club will be home to the 2022 Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys & Girls Championship from August 2nd-3rd. Our up-and-coming Ontario youth will participate in 36 holes of stroke play competition and battle it out for their respective titles.
“Trafalgar is a place with great history and atmosphere; the course is fair but challenging and sets up wonderful for the bantam championship,” explained Jim Duggan, Head Professional at Trafalgar Golf & Country Club. “We look forward to hosting such a skilled group of young golfers.”
At this year’s event, all eyes will be on 2021 runner-up Carlee Meilleur (Loyalist G&CC). Meilleur has had a fantastic 2022 season, taking home the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship in dominating fashion at only 14 years of age. Meilleur will look to keep the ball rolling as she faces off against other strong golfers such as the 2020 Peewee (U13) Girls’ Champion, Michelle Xing (Public Player) and 2022 Ontario Junior Girls Champion, Swetha Sathish (Hidden Lake Golf Club).
Golfers to watch on the boy’s side include Lucas Chi (Station Creek Golf Club) and Lucas Gilbart (Summit Golf & Country Club).
Action from the championship will tee off at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 2nd. Check out our Golf Genius Page for qualifying, pin locations, tee times, and leaderboard information.
About The Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys’ Championship
First contested in 1929, the Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys’ Championship is a 36-hole competition featuring the top Bantam (U15) male golfers from across the province competing for the James H. Peacock trophy. Past Champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Bob Panasiuk (1955) and Kelly Roberts (1966), as well as Team Canada National Amateur Squad member Johnny Travale (2015).
About The Ontario Bantam (U15) Girls’ Championship
Since 2003, the Ontario Bantam (U15) Girls’ Championship has featured the top Bantam (U15) female golfers from across the province competing for the Cathy Sherk Trophy. Notable past champions include Jennifer Kirby, Augusta James, and Chloe Currie.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Contact: Jay Fawler, PGA TOUR Canada Communications, (519) 817-7336, jayfawler@pgatourintl.ca
Sara Wright, PGA TOUR Communications, 719-310-2606, sarawright@pgatourhq.com
Pos.
Player
Scores
Fortinet Cup Pos.
1
Noah Goodwin (U.S.)
64-68-68-67—267 (17-under)
4
T2
Lee Detmer (U.S.)
71-67-68-68—274 (10-under)
14
T2
Cameron Sisk (U.S.)
71-68-65-70—274 (10-under)
12
T2
Thomas Walsh (U.S.)
70-70-67-67—274 (10-under)
23
T5
Ian Holt (U.S.)
73-69-69-64—275 (9-under)
13
T5
Trent Phillips (U.S.)
72-71-64-68—275 (9-under)
10
T5
Danny Walker (U.S.)
67-72-69-67—204 (9-under)
1
T8
Blake Hathcoat (U.S.)
71-66-69-70—276 (8-under)
37
T8
Dylan Meyer (U.S.)
67-70-68-71—276 (8-under)
53
T8
Easton Paxton (U.S.)
70-71-67-68—276 (8-under)
47
TOTTENHAM, Ontario—Noah Goodwin stood tall Sunday at the Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Ontario Open. Actually, he towered above the competition in all four rounds of the PGA TOUR Canada event to capture his first professional victory. The rookie did so in impressive fashion, finishing 17-under and winning by seven shots. He also jumped into the top five in the Fortinet Cup standings, improving 89 positions, into the No. 4 slot.
“It’s still sinking in right now. It was just kind of one of those days everything fell into place. I wouldn’t change anything about it,” Goodwin said. “The stars aligned for me this week.”
Goodwin’s margin of victory was the largest on the Canadian circuit since current PGA TOUR player Taylor Pendrith rolled to an eight-shot triumph over Kyle Mueller at the 2019 Quebec Open.
“I was just able to stay patient and give myself chances,” Goodwin said. “I wasn’t trying to force anything or get too fancy—just played some consistent golf.”
Diagnosed with a growth-hormone deficiency as a child, doctors told Goodwin he wouldn’t grow to be very big. That led to his focus on golf. The 22-year-old, 5-foot-9 155-pounder was more than big enough to post the wire-to-wire tournament title. The Texan topped the leaderboard all four days at the Woodington Lake Golf Club, becoming the first to do so on PGA TOUR Canada since Robby Shelton won the GolfBC Championship in 2017.
Goodwin’s final round featured highs and lows. Armed with a three-stroke lead when the day began, he birdied the first hole. Trouble, however, came shortly thereafter with bogeys on Nos. 5 and 6.
The response was swift and decisive. Goodwin turned things around with birdies on the next two holes and an eagle on No. 9. He moved to 17-under with a birdie on the 11th hole, extending his lead to seven.
“I was able to regroup. I came to terms with everything,” Goodwin said of his stumble midway through his opening nine. “I knew I had a game plan that was going to work, and it had been working. I just needed to kind of re-center myself with that.”
It more than sealed the deal. No serious challenges followed as he claimed the 500 Fortinet Cup points and the $36,000 paycheck. Goodwin moved to No. 4 in the Fortinet Cup standings.
Goodwin said it “was just a beautiful day out there.” Made even more memorable with his father carrying the bag.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without him,” noted Goodwin.
Lee Detmer, Cameron Sisk and Thomas Walsh tied for second, at 10-under.
“Overall it was a solid week. I have a lot to build off. Knowing I had a lot left in the tank is a really good sign,” Sisk said. “I struck it well, not as well as I can. I just didn’t make too many momentum putts that you need to make to put yourself in contention.”
Ian Holt, Trent Phillips and Danny Walker shared fifth place, at 9-under. Another group—Blake Hathcoat, Dylan Meyer and Easton Paxton—tied for eighth, at 8-under.
PGA TOUR Canada heads to Blainville, Quebec, next week. The Quebec Open begins Thursday and concludes Sunday at the Club de Golf Le Blainville.
Did you know tournament champion Noah Goodwin just turned pro in June? The former Southern Methodist standout was 12th in the final PGA TOUR University Global Velocity Ranking to earn his playing privileges. As a hedge to that ranking, he played in the Qualifying Tournament in mid-April at The Wigwam in suburban Phoenix. There, he earned his playing privileges by tying for fifth and was also the low amateur that week.
Key information
How the Canadians fared
Brendan MacDougall of Hamilton, Ontario, topped nine others for the best finish for Canada among the 10 golfers who made the cut and played Saturday and Sunday. MacDougall tied for 11th.
Pos.
Player
Score
T11
Brendan MacDougall
71-67-69-70—277 (7-under)
T18
Jared du Toit
67-71-67-73—278 (6-under)
T23
Etienne Papineau
72-69-68–70—279 (5-under)
T28
Myles Creighton
71-71-69-69—280 (4-under)
T36
Drew Nesbitt
71-72-71-67—281 (3-under)
T46
Blair Hamilton
72-71-72-68—283 (1-under)
T55
Wil Bateman
72-71-73-68—284 (Even)
T58
Branson Ferrier
69-67-73-76—285 (1-over)
T60
Peyton Callens (a)
70-67-76-73—286 (2-over)
T60
Jimmy Jones
71-71-72-72—286 (2-over)
Fortinet Cup Standings
Danny Walker’s tie for fifth was good enough to keep him atop the Fortinet Cup standings for a second consecutive week. The top five spots are held by this season’s tournament winners.
Rank
Player
Points
This Week’s Finish
1
Danny Walker (U.S.)
720
T5
2
Brian Carlson (U.S.)
620
T11
3
Wil Bateman (Canada)
597
T55
4
Noah Goodwin (U.S.)
520
Won
5
Scott Stevens (U.S.)
519
Missed Cut
6
Cooper Musselman (U.S.)
418
Missed Cut
7
Joe Highsmith (U.S.)
404
T28
8
Cooper Dossey (U.S.)
377
71
9
Jake Knapp (U.S.)
369
T60
10
Trent Phillips (U.S.)
338
T5
The last wire-to-wire PGA TOUR Canada winner was Robby Shelton at the 2017 GolfBC Championship in Kelowna, British Columbia. Shelton, a current Korn Ferry Tour member, opened with an 8-under 63 and followed with scores of 68-65-69 to lead after every round on his way to a one-stroke victory over Cody Blick, Johnny Ruiz and Adam Webb.
Along with winner NoahGoodwin, two other PGA TOUR University alums finished in the top 10. CameronSisk (Arizona State) tied for second, while TrentPhillips (Georgia) tied for fourth.
This week, MikeVanSickle made his first PGA TOUR Canada start since 2016’s Niagara Championship, where he tied for 46th down the road in Fort Erie, Ontario. Van Sickle, a Monday qualifier, rebounded from an opening, 4-over 75 with scores of 67-70-66 over his final 54 holes. Van Sickle tied for 18th, a finish that earned him an invite to next week’s Quebec Open.
Sunday’s top climber was Ian Holt. He shot a 64 to move up 29 positions and into a tie for fifth at 9-under. Thomas Hutchison fired a 66 to rise 25 spots up the board. He finished 5-under and tied for 25th.
Noah Goodwin is the fifth PGA TOUR Canada winner in five tournaments played this season. The previous four champs all played in the Ontario Open. Danny Walker (Osprey Valley Open winner), Brian Carlson (Prince Edward Island Open winner) and Wil Bateman (ATB Classic winner) made the cut, while Scott Stevens (Royal Beach Victoria Open winner) did not. Walker finished at 9-under. Carlson and Bateman wound up 7-under and even-par, respectively.
Mike Van Sickle (6-under) and Branson Ferrier (1-over) were the only Monday qualifiers to make the cut. Thus far, nine of 40 qualifiers have made it to the weekend this season.
Peyton Callens, the lone amateur to make the cut, finished at 2-over. The University of Nevada star, who is from Langton, Ontario, earned All-Mountain West Conference honors as a senior and still has a year of eligibility remaining.
Quotable
“I finally just let myself kind of relax and trust in my game.” — Noah Goodwin
“Every shot coming down the stretch when you’re in contention is huge. Especially when it comes to money and the points.” — Cameron Sisk
“SMU. I’m so thankful for them. All my teammates and everybody who pushed me to be better and helped me along the way. They’re my closest friends or my brothers. I wouldn’t be here without them pretty much.” — Noah Goodwin on what his college experience meant to his career development
“That’s kind of what Sundays do to people. It’s a lot of pressure. Every stroke counts.” — Cameron Sisk
“Golf is hard. We’ve picked a crazy sport to play that isn’t the most rewarding most of the time.” — Noah Goodwin
Final-Round Weather Report: Mostly sunny and warm. High of 28. Wind variable at 6-9 kph.
Contact: Jay Fowler, PGA TOUR Canada Communications, (519) 817-7336, jayfawler@pgatourintl.ca
Laury Livsey, PGA TOUR Communications, 904-525-5538, laurylivsey@pgatourhq.com
Pos.
Player
Scores
Fortinet Cup Pos.
1
Noah Goodwin (U.S.)
64-68-68—200 (13-under)
T93
2
Luke Schniederjans (U.S.)
68-72-63—203 (10-under)
34
3
Cameron Sisk (U.S.)
71-68-65—204 (9-under)
51
T4
Justin Doeden (U.S.)
70-66-69—205 (8-under)
54
T4
Jared du Toit (Canada)
67-71-67—205 (8-under)
T66
T4
Blake Dyer (U.S.)
69-68-68—205 (8-under)
87
T4
Dylan Meyer (U.S.)
67-70-68—205 (8-under)
—
T4
Jacob Solomon (U.S.)
71-71-63—205 (8-under)
18
T9
Patrick Cover (U.S.)
70-67-69—206 (7-under)
—
T9
Lee Detmer (U.S.)
71-67-68—206 (7-under)
T60
T9
Alex Fitzpatrick (England)
66-69-71—206 (7-under)
126
T9
Blake Hathcoat (U.S.)
71-66-69—206 (7-under)
73
T9
Samuel Saunders (U.S.)
69-69-68—206 (7-under)
95
TOTTENHAM, Ontario—Just when it looked like things were tightening up at the Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Ontario Open, Noah Goodwin made an eagle to regain some separation. He leads Luke Schniederjans by three shots.
After having his lead cut to a single stroke, the 22-year-old Texan drained a 13-foot putt for a 3 on the par-5 17th hole to garner some breathing room in his bid to win the PGA TOUR Canada event at the Woodington Lake Golf Club. Should he do so, Goodwin would also become the season’s first tournament champion to hold leads after all four rounds. The PGA TOUR University alum out of Southern Methodist opened with a 64 and followed with two 68s.
Goodwin said he just kept giving himself opportunities in a round that included three birdies on the front nine and a double bogey on No. 10. He rectified the latter with his third eagle of the tournament.
“I just kept giving myself opportunities. Kept rolling it really well, kept giving myself looks,” Goodwin said. “Then I was able to get the eagle back on No. 17, which was huge for the momentum and everything.”
Entering the day with a three-stroke lead, Goodwin was confident he knew what needed to be done.
“I played my game and kept it smart out there,” he explained. “(I) was just trying to stay patient.”
It’s all part of the game plan Goodwin has had this week. On Sunday, Goodwin can claim his first PGA TOUR Canada title.
As the closest contender, Schniederjans, a Georgia native, got off to a special start. He sunk a 70-footer for birdie on the first hole to set the tone for an 8-under 63 that lifted him into second place.
“It was a good round, and I’ll try to put up another good round [Sunday],” said Schniederjans, who had six birdies and an eagle in his bogey-free day.
Cameron Sisk (9-under) is all alone in third place. He’s one shot ahead of a fourth-place group that includes Canadian Jared du Toit and Americans Justin Doeden, Blake Dyer, Dylan Meyer and Jacob Solomon, all at 8-under.
“It was just a fantastic day. I was super dialed on ball striking,” said Solomon, who moved up 36 spots on the leaderboard Saturday with a 63 of his own. “I mean, this had to be one of the best ball-striking rounds I’ve ever played—just hitting fairways, hitting greens.”
Did you know Noah Goodwin has played on only one weekend prior to this one on PGA TOUR Canada? He tied for 34th at the Prince Edward Island Open after missing the cut in his other three starts.
Key Information
How the Canadians fared
Jared du Toit (Calgary) leads the 10 Canadians who made the cut. Du Toit is 8-under after shooting a 67 Saturday and tied for fourth, five shots off the lead entering the final round.
Pos.
Player
Score
T4
Jared du Toit
67-71-67—205 (8-under)
T14
Brendan MacDougall
71-67-69—207 (6-under)
T22
Etienne Papineau
72-69-68—209 (4-under)
T22
Branson Ferrier
69-67-73—209 (4-under)
T34
Myles Creighton
71-71-69—211 (2-under)
T48
a-Peyton Callens
70-67-76—213 (Even)
T57
Jimmy Jones
71-71-72—214 (1-over)
T57
Drew Nesbitt
71-72-71—214 (1-over)
T63
Blair Hamilton
72-71-71—215 (2-over)
T67
Wil Bateman
72-71-73—216 (3-over)
Fortinet Cup Standings
(Through Osprey Valley Open presented by Votorantim Cimentos – CBM Aggregates)
Rank
Player
Points
Tournament Pos. through 54 Holes
1
Danny Walker (U.S.)
620
T20
2
Wil Bateman (Canada)
591
T67
3
Brian Carlson (U.S.)
562
T14
4
Scott Stevens (U.S.)
519
Cut
5
Cooper Musselman (U.S.)
418
Cut
6
Joe Highsmith (U.S.)
379
T41
7
Cooper Dossey (U.S.)
374
T70
8
Jake Knapp (U.S.)
364
T41
9
Chris R. Wilson (Canada)
336
Cut
10
Jorge Villar (Mexico)
258
Cut
Sunday, NoahGoodwin will attempt to become the first PGA TOUR University alum coming off the 2022 Global Velocity Rankings to win this season. He enters the final round with a three-stroke lead. Four times this season, PGA TOUR U. players have posted top-fives, led by JoeHighsmith and TrentPhillips. Highsmith lost in a playoff at the ATB Classic presented by Volvo Edmonton and added a tie for fourth at the Prince Edward Island Open presented by IMP Solutions. Phillips has a pair of ties for fourth, coming at the same tournaments—the ATB Classic and the Prince Edward Island Open. Here are the results of top-15 finishes by PGA TOUR U. players this season.
PGA TOUR University Global Velocity Rankings
Top PGA TOUR Canada Finishes
Player
Finish
Tournament
Global Velocity Rankings Finish
Joe Highsmith
2
ATB Classic
10
Trent Phillips
T4
ATB Classic
8
Trent Phillips
T4
Prince Edward Island Open
8
Joe Highsmith
T4
Prince Edward Island Open
10
Cameron Sisk
T15
ATB Classic
14
Parker Coody
T15
ATB Classic
13
To show what a difficult-scoring day it was in Thursday’s first round, there were only 27 rounds in the 60s from the 152 players who completed 18 holes. Saturday, with the wind down and only 72 players remaining after the cut, 33 posted sub-70 scores.
Monday qualifiers Branson Ferrier (4-under, tied for 22nd) and Mike Van Sickle (1-under, tied for 41st) fired third-round scores of 73 and 70, respectively. Peyton Callens, the lone amateur left in the tournament, shot a 76 and is now even par and tied for 48th.
The biggest mover on the day was Trent Phillips (6-under). He improved 42 positions into a tie for 14th with a 7-under 64.
Charles Wang and Luke Schniederjans both made holes-in-one on No. 16 Saturday. There have now been six aces on the Tour this season. The other four came at the ATB Classic. John Duthie, J.T. Griffin, Josh Hart and Noah Woolsey all had holes-in-one on No. 13 at the Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club.
Windy weather doesn’t seem to bother Alex Fitzpatrick of England. He’s used to it. “I don’t mind the wind at all,” he said while noting it suits his game well. “The more it blows, probably the more I enjoy it.” Fitzpatrick is 7-under and tied for ninth.
An impressive streak ended Saturday when Cooper Dossey shot a 4-over 75. The former Baylor Bear had a run of 18 consecutive rounds of par or better. Dossey was under par 15 times during the stretch.
Quotable
“I’m hitting the ball well. I’m trusting my game. So just play smart out there.” — Noah Goodwin
“I love playing on the weekend. I love playing the twosomes. It’s just good vibes. Now that you’ve made the cut, it’s kind of stress-free. Let’s go try to win the golf tournament.” — Jacob Solomon
“The course is kind of interesting because it’s a lot of irons and 5-woods off the tee. But it challenges your iron play, and you’ve got to hit your irons good out here, which is fun.” — Luke Schniederjans
“I’m excited for a chance. Any time you put yourself in contention after three days you did a good job. You kind of get rewarded with some pressure [Sunday].” — Jared du Toit
“The lack of wind definitely allowed me to go at more pins, especially on the par-4s. But, really, it was just such a nice groove. I mean, ball-striking with my shorter and mid-irons is really good right now. So that’s where you have to be really good at to score around this place. So, if I keep doing that, and I’ll be in a good spot.” — Cameron Sisk
“I had an awful ball-striking week last week from the fairway. So I did some work when I got here, just some practice and found a drill that worked for me pretty well. So going into the week, I felt really confident, and it’s paid off.” — Cameron Sisk
“I think the most weird part is going from college to professional golf. In college, you have 54 guaranteed holes. You get out here and we’re sitting around the cut line and things get to be a little bit intense. I’m trying to be a little bit more comfortable when it comes to that and then being able to be aggressive and play free on the weekend. That’s definitely important.” — Cameron Sisk
“This is definitely a step in the right direction. There are a lot of good players out here. I can take this as a positive, and more weeks like this will help me.” — Cameron Sisk
Third-Round Weather: Mostly cloudy in the morning becoming sunny in the afternoon. High of 24. Wind W at 9-15 kph.
TOTTENHAM, Ontario, Canada — Noah Goodwin continues to lead the Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Ontario Open. The 22-year-old from Corinth, Texas, is 10-under after two rounds and carries a three-shot lead into the weekend at the Fortinet Cup PGA TOUR Canada event.
Goodwin shot a 68 in the windy conditions at Woodington Lake Golf Club’s Legends Course to keep Alex Fitzpatrick (7-under), Justin Doeden (6-under) and Monday qualifier Branson Ferrier (6-under) at a distance Friday.
“It was playing tough out there today. If you were above the hole at all it was really difficult,” Goodwin said. “Even just a two-putt was difficult at times. But now you just have to pick and choose your spots out there.”
Goodwin added that players also have to get lucky with some bounces. Unlike last week at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, where the greens were firm, this week’s tournament requires more finesse on shots. Goodwin said it may mean taking a club or two more than normal. Then again, noted the former SMU star, it’s still hard to land the ball where he wants it.
“Again, you’ve got to get a little bit lucky with getting the right spin and everything— getting the ball to do what you want it to,” Goodwin said.
Goodwin finished his round with four birdies and two bogeys. At the end of the day, he emphasized the importance of just staying patient.
As such, his game plan for Saturday and Sunday isn’t changing. He’s determined to keep up his par-5 scoring.
“I’ve been hitting the ball great. I’ve just been giving myself some pretty easy birdie looks on [the par-5s],” Goodwin said. “And then putting has been really good this week.”
It’s also been a good time to be a guy named Blake, as well. Americans Blake Dyer and Blake Hathcoat are both 5-under after 36 holes. Hathcoat, who played collegiately at St. Mary’s, shot a 66 to move into contention. He moved up 46 positions, bouncing back from an even-par 71 in the opening round.
Dyer, meanwhile, is enjoying success on PGA TOUR Canada after playing earlier this season on the Korn Ferry Tour. The former University of Florida star has rounds of 69 and 68 thus far. He played in 10 Korn Ferry Tour events and made two cuts.
“All year, having conditional status, and not having guaranteed starts, felt like every tournament was the last one. It was a lot of added pressure,” Dyer said. “I didn’t play that bad. I just couldn’t get anything going. It’s nice coming into this knowing I can have the whole season. I’m coming in with a fresh start and going from there. I hope to play some good golf.”
The 25-year-old started strong on the front nine. He birdied four of the first seven holes. Despite a pair of bogeys on the back nine, Dyer said he didn’t feel too badly. Much of his success has come with the putter. It wasn’t that way on the Korn Ferry Tour, where Dyer acknowledged he was streaky with it.
“I was always good on the short ones but wasn’t making anything. I switched putters last week and found something. It’s been going great,” Dyer said. “It’s a blade. I used a blade my whole life until last October and switched to a mallet. I went back to a blade.”
Hathcoat and Dyer are tied fifth with amateur Peyton Callens, Patrick Cover, Parker Gillam, Brayden Garrison and Dylan Meyer. Callens was the only one of the four amateurs in the field to make it to the weekend.
Did you know tournament leader Noah Goodwin was the 2021 America Athletic Conference Player of the Year and a first-team All-American for Southern Methodist? He won the NCAA’s Stillwater (Oklahoma) regional.
Key information
The cut was at 1-over 143, reducing the field for Saturday and Sunday to 72 competitors.
Canadians making the cut
Of the 41 Canadians still playing in Friday’s second, only 10 made the cut. Leading the way is local PGA professional Branson Ferrier, the assistant pro at nearby Vespra Golf Club in Barie. He’s tied for third.
Pos.
Player
Score
T3
Branson Ferrier
69-67—136 (6-under)
T5
a-Peyton Callens
70-67—137 (5-under)
T12
Jared du Toit
67-71—138 (4-under)
T12
Brendan MacDougall
71-67—138 (4-under)
T31
Étienne Papineau
72-69—141 (1-under)
T40
Myles Creighton
71-71—142 (Even)
T40
Jimmy Jones
71-71—142 (Even)
T56
Wil Bateman
72-71—143 (1-over)
T56
Blair Hamilton
72-71—143 (1-over)
T56
Drew Nesbitt
71-72—143 (1-over)
Fortinet Cup Standings
(Through Osprey Valley Open presented by Votorantim Cimentos – CBM Aggregates)
Rank
Player
Points
Tournament Pos. through 36 Holes
1
Danny Walker (U.S.)
620
T18
2
Wil Bateman (Canada)
591
T56
3
Brian Carlson (U.S.)
562
T31
4
Scott Stevens (U.S.)
519
Cut
5
Cooper Musselman (U.S.)
418
Cut
6
Joe Highsmith (U.S.)
379
T18
7
Cooper Dossey (U.S.)
374
T40
8
Jake Knapp (U.S.)
364
T18
9
Chris R. Wilson (Canada)
336
Cut
10
Jorge Villar (Mexico)
258
Cut
England’s Alex Fitzpatrick has made himself right at home on PGA TOUR Canada in only his second tournament. After a tie for 63rd in his Tour debut last week at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, the Englishman has opened 66-69 and is alone in second, three shots behind leader Noah Goodwin.
There were some huge climbs and massive falls on the leaderboard Friday. On the positive side, Brian Carlson shot a 66 to move up 81 positions and is 1-under.
Round Weather: Mostly sunny and mild, with a high 27. Wind variable at 4-7 kph, with gusts to 10 kph.
TOTTENHAM, Ontario—Noah Goodwin holds a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Ontario Open. Goodwin shot a 7-under 64 that included two eagles on the back nine to pull ahead of the pack Thursday at the PGA TOUR Canada event. The sixth stop on the 2022 Tour is taking place at the Woodington Lake Golf Club’s Legends Course.
“I played great all the way around. I didn’t really make any big, glaring mistakes. And if I did, I was able to save par on most of them and then started rolling the putter really, really well,” said Goodwin, who added that the latter is something his game has been lacking. “So that was really nice to see, and I got a few really long ones for eagle to drop.”
The 22-year-old Texan, who played for Southern Methodist, had eagles on Nos. 12 and 17. He birdied four holes on the front nine and wound up with just one bogey on his round.
“It was just one of those days where everything went really, really well,” Goodwin said.
Germany’s Alexander Herrmann has sole possession of second place. He had nine birdies en route to a 6-under 65.
“There’s still room for improvement always,” Hermann said. “But then again, there were so many putts that went in that usually don’t drop. So, I’ll take it. I’m not complaining.”
Herrmann has had a quiet rookie PGA TOUR Canada season since capturing medalist honors at the first Qualifying Tournament in Weston, Florida, last February. Herrmann has made two cuts in four official starts, but his top performance is only a tie for 40th at the Prince Edward Island Open presented by IMP Solutions. Thursday, Herrmann, who still maintains a home in the Atlanta area after playing collegiately at Georgia State University, posted the 65, which is his low 18-hole score of the season. Herrmann’s previous-low round was a 3-under 67 (Royal Beach Victoria Open) and a 4-under 68 (Prince Edward Island Open).
Alex Fitzpatrick of England is tied with Canada’s Michael Blair for third, two shots off the lead at 5-under. Fitzpatrick’s round featured five birdies and an eagle. Blair recorded seven birdies. That included four in five holes early on.
“I just kept hitting it in makeable spots,” Blair said of his approach shots. “And that was the stretch where they went in.”
No one, however, got off to a stronger start than Parker Gillam. He had eagles on two of his first four holes. Gillam is coming off back-to-back top-10s, his most recent a tie for fifth last week at the Osprey Valley Open presented by Votorantim Cimentos – CBM Aggregates
“I’m pretty happy,” Gillam said. “That was a good start, good score. I can’t complain.”
Gillam finished the round at 4-under. He double-bogeyed the par-3 16th but bounced back with consecutive birdies to finish his day. He’s tied for fifth with Jared du Toit, Joseph Harrison, Jake Knapp, Dylan Meyer.
Greyson Porter, Brad Reeves and Fortinet Cup leader Danny Walker, winner of last week’s Osprey Valley Open.
Play continues Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the champion receiving $36,000 and 500 Fortinet Cop points.
Did you know first-roundleaderNoah Goodwin has missed the cut at three PGA TOUR Canada stops this season (Victoria, Edmonton and Osprey Valley)? His only weekend of play resulted in a tie for 34th at the Prince Edward Island Open.
Key Information How the top Canadians fared
There are 42 Canadians in this week’s field. Michael Blair, of Hamilton, and Jared du Toit, of Calgary, are in the top five after the first round. Here’s a look at the 11 players who finished at even-par or better after the first 18 holes.
Pos.
Player
Score
T3
Michael Blair
33-33—66 (5-under)
T5
Jared du Toit
32-35—67 (4-under)
T13
Cougar Collins
34-34—68 (3-under)
T19
Branson Ferrier
32-37—69 (2-under)
T28
a-Peyton Callens
36-34—70 (1-under)
T28
Freddy D’Angelo
33-37—70 (1-under)
T49
Myles Creighton
34-37—71 (Even)
T49
Jimmy Jones
36-35—71 (Even)
T49
Brendan MacDougall
35-36—71 (Even)
T49
Drew Nesbitt
35-36—71 (Even)
T49
Noah Steele
35-36—71 (Even)
Fortinet Cup Standings
(Through Osprey Valley Open presented by Votorantim Cimentos – CBM Aggregates)
Rank
Player
Points
1
Danny Walker (U.S.)
620
2
Wil Bateman (Canada)
591
3
Brian Carlson (U.S.)
562
4
Scott Stevens (U.S.)
519
5
Cooper Musselman (U.S.)
418
6
Joe Highsmith (U.S.)
379
7
Cooper Dossey (U.S.)
374
8
Jake Knapp (U.S.)
364
9
Chris R. Wilson (Canada)
336
10
Jorge Villar (Mexico)
258
NoahGoodwin finished the 2022 college season ranked No. 12 in PGA TOUR University’s Velocity Global Rankings, earning him one of the 10 PGA TOUR Canada cards available to those finishing Nos. 6 through 15. The former SMU Mustang product leads the Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Ontario Open and is two shots ahead of AlexFitzpatrick, who is tied for third. The Englishman finished sixth on the Velocity Global Rankings while playing for Wake Forest.
So far, not-so-good for first-round leaders on PGA TOUR Canada this season. Not one has gone on to win any of the four tournaments played thus far. Danny Walker is the only second-round leader to end up winning. He ultimately needed a playoff over Cooper Musselman to prevail in last week’s Osprey Valley Open. It was the Tour’s third playoff of the year.
Of this year’s winners, WilBateman has the lowest opening-round. Bateman fired a 6-under 65 in winning the ATB Classic. No player has shot an opening-round score in the 70s and won this year.
Homework, make that coursework, is paying off for Alexander Herrmann of Germany. After missing the cut last week, the former Georgia State standout is in second place following the first round. “It’s a good golf course. I mean, there are some challenging tee shots, and also the green complexes are tricky. So, scouting, that was definitely important. We went out there twice, which we usually don’t do,” Herrmann said. “We usually play one, maybe one-and-a-half practice rounds. But that definitely helped. Just overall it reminded me a lot of golf back home like in Germany. Some of the courses are fairly similar to what I see here. So maybe that was an advantage as well.”
It was a tale of two nines for Parker Coody. He started on Woodington Lake Golf Club’s back nine, beginning his day with a triple bogey on No. 10. He added two more bogeys and turned in 40. He fired a 30 on the front nine, racking up six birdies along the way. He parred the first, third and sixth holes. Coody finished with a 1under 70 for the round.
A look at how Monday’s tournament qualifiers fared in the first round: Etienne Brault (3-over), Riley Elmes (6over), Branson Ferrier (2-under), Kevin Gordon (3-over), James Hervol (6-over), Ryan Linton (8-over), Calvin Ross (10-over) and Mike Van Sickle (4-over). Peyton Callens, one of four amateurs in the tournament, was 1under. He’s the low amateur through 18 holes.
Canadian Cougar Collins had a couple of subpar rounds last weekend, at TPC Toronto, his home course in Caledon, a week ago. Collins bounced back this week, however, with a 68 Thursday—matching the success of his first two days at the Osprey Valley Open.
Tony Gil (Canada) and Motin Yeung (Hong Kong) withdrew from the tournament due to injury.
Quotable
“I saw some putts roll in early and then was able to keep that momentum going. I love this course and everything about it.” — Noah Goodwin
“We’ll just regroup [Friday]. It’s going to be a different day, a different set of pins. And I’ll just go in with the same strategy that I used today, and we’ll go from there.” — Alex Herrmann
“The greens are pretty tough. They pinned it pretty hard, and there are a lot of weird slopes on them. You’ve got to be real careful.” — Parker Gillam
“The greens are really severe, and you have to be really precise to give yourself good putts. Hitting the green isn’t good enough out here. You’ve got to put it in the right spots.” — Jake Knapp
“I made some good putts and hit a lot of good shots, but it’s just the silly ones you kind of focus on after playing. If I can clean that up, then we’ll see.” — Joseph Harrison
“I can’t wait to get back at it and hopefully continue my play on [Friday].” — Michael Blair
First-Round Weather: Partly cloudy and warm. High of 23. Wind variable at 4-7 kph.
Midland, ON – Marion Reid (The Links at Dover Coast) wins the 2022 Ontario Senior Women’s Championship after three days of fantastic golf from Midland Golf and Country Club. Reid led the field after each round and finished the tournament in dominating fashion with an enormous 12-stroke lead.
“I really enjoyed being out there on the course with the ladies. Senior golf is all about encouraging others to play better, and that’s what the ladies did for me this week,” said Reid when asked about winning the Senior Women’s title.
Kathie Houghton (Georgian Bay Club) also played great golf this week as she would take home the Silver Medal, while Sandy Byckowski (Brampton Golf Club Ltd) would claim the Bronze Medal in the Stroke Play Gross Championship.
Some excitement for the host club today, as Kim Dubeau (Midland Golf & Country Club) rightfully earned herself the A-Flight Championship title due to her consistent play throughout the week. Dubeau finished the week 7-strokes ahead of the rest of the A-Flight field, including the week’s low score (79) for the division.
Congratulations to some of our other winners; Kathie Houghton (Georgian Bay Club) Stroke Play Gross – 60 and Above, Janelle Fairgrieve (The Links at Dover Coast) Stroke Play Gross – 70 and Above, and Ann Sullivan (Vespra Hills Golf Club) Stroke Play Net – A-Flight.
Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2022 Ontario Senior Women’s Championship. Thanks to Midland Golf & Country 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 2022 Ontario Senior Women’s Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To view tournament results, visit our Golf Genius Page.
About The Ontario Senior Women’s Championship
The inaugural Ontario Senior Women’s Championship was conducted in 1962 and has been contested annually, featuring the province’s best female amateurs age 50 and over.
The event has had several notable past champions, including World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, who captured the title six times. Also, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Gayle Borthwick, also picked up the trophy six times. Recent winners include Ivy Steinberg (2008 and 2009), Terrill Samuel (2011) as well as Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Mary Ann Hayward (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2019) and 2017 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Champion Judith Kyrinis (2016, 2017, 2018).
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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Midland, ON – Overall leader Marion Reid (The Links at Dover Coast) extends her lead after two rounds shooting a 6-over on the day (78). For the week, Reid is 9-over (153) and holds a 10-stroke lead going into the final round.
Joanne Noble (Weston Golf & Country Club Ltd) jumped up into second place today after placing just outside the top three in round one. Noble shot 10-over on the day (82) and is 19-over (163) for the tournament. Tied for the third place position at 21-over (165) are Kathie Houghton (Georgian Bay Club) and Sandy Byckowski (Brampton Golf Club Ltd).
Reid has established quite a lead for the championship and will be looking to close it out in the final round tomorrow.
The ladies’ final round will tee off at 7:30 am Thursday. For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Senior Women’s Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius Page.
About The Ontario Senior Women’s Championship
The inaugural Ontario Senior Women’s Championship was conducted in 1962 and has been contested annually, featuring the province’s best female amateurs age 50 and over.
The event has had several notable past champions, including World Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, who captured the title six times. Also, the Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Gayle Borthwick picked up the trophy six times. Recent winners include Ivy Steinberg (2008 and 2009), Terrill Samuel (2011, 2020) as well as Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Mary Ann Hayward (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2019) and 2017 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Champion Judith Kyrinis (2016, 2017, 2018, 2021).
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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Golfers set out on the course for the final round of the Ontario Senior Men’s Amateur this morning to give Sarnia Golf and Curling Club their last crack at topping the leaderboard. It was a tight contest all day between John Crowther and Joe Miszk (Cherry Hill Golf Club), but it was John who could hold on and come out on top.
A near bogey-free round for Crowther sent him to the top of the leaderboard, where Joe Miszk met him. Crowther started the back 9 with back-to-back birdies to build momentum coming down the final stretch of holes. Despite taking a bogey on the 17th, Crowther’s score of -3 on the day was enough to keep him at the top.
Not far behind Crowther and Miszk was 2021 champion Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood Golf Club). Chinner had a phenomenal day shooting -3 to bring him to even par after three rounds. His strong play secured him a third-place finish and a place at the National Championships in Red Deer, Alberta, alongside Crowther and Miszk.
Lars Melander (Oakville Golf Club) took home both the 65+ and 70+ division titles. Lars claimed the top of the podium by only one stroke after a stellar even par final round.
Sarnia Golf and Curling Club enjoyed three days of incredible golf and some exciting finishes on this final day. Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2022 Ontario Senior Men’s Championship. Lastly, thank you 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.
Conducted since 1936, the Ontario Senior Men’s Championship event features Ontario’s best male amateur golfers aged 55 and over, competing over 54 holes of stroke play competition.
Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Nick Weslock, one of Canada’s most outstanding amateurs of the century, won the event 11 times between 1968 and 1980. Other notable past champions include Stu Hamilton (2001, 2006), Mike Jackson (2010, 2011 and 2013) and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Warren Sye in 2012.
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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Tottenham, ON – An electrifying final day at Woodington Lake Golf Club as both Kurtis Barkley (Cedar Glen Golf Course) and Natasha Stasiuk (Heron Point Golf Links) win their fourth Ontario Disability Championship in a row.
Things heated up on the course as Barkley fought back from second place going into the round and fired a stellar 5-under (139) to win it. Stasiuk entered the day’s round on top and never let it go, finishing with a plus-33 score (177).
Barkley played the whole day consistently, shooting three birdies and an eagle on the 17th hole. Chris Willis (RedCrest Golf Club) came in second overall, finishing with a 2-under (142) score and Krystian Pushka (Beverly Golf & Country Club) in third, shooting a plus-9 (153). Willis, who started today’s round on top and still had a magnificent showing in this tournament. Pushka crawled up the leaderboard, shooting three birdies to lock into the third position.
“I am very fortunate to win my fourth Ontario Disability Championship. I want to thank Woodington Lakes Golf Course; it is a good test for my game. I had some great shots and some not-so-great shots but I am looking forward to working on my game, my mental game and working to defend my title again next year!” said Stasiuk when asked about winning her fourth straight title.
Congratulation to Willis and Dave Holman (ParaGolf Ontario) on finishing first in the Men’s Net Stableford division and Tess Trojan (Golf Canada Club – Ontario) in the Women’s Net Stableford.
Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2022 Ontario Disability Championship. Thanks to Woodington Lake Golf Club for hosting this terrific tournament. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, StrackaLine, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, and Sport Travel.
We’re incredibly grateful for all your continued support.
For media coverage of the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Pageto view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Disability Championship
Since 2019, Woodington Lake Golf Club has hosted the Ontario Disability Championship. Played over a 36-hole competition for Men and Women, the Ontario Disability Championship is an inclusive event in which athletes with disabilities compete in a provincial championship environment. The Championship promotes awareness and participation for golfers with disabilities and provides a platform for future talent identification. In addition, the Ontario Disability Championship is a counting event on the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD).
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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Joe Miszk of Cherry Hill Club was the biggest story from round two of the Ontario Senior Men’s Amateur. Miszk jumped 11 places up the leaderboard to put himself in the top spot heading into the final round tomorrow.
Sarnia Golf and Curling Club were treated to some fantastic golf this sunny Tuesday. However, the day’s top showing came from Cherry Hills Joe Miszk. Miszk ended his front 9 with a stunning 5-under putting him at -3 on the week. Miszk is trailed by Rob Cowan (Westmount Golf and Country Club, E) and John Crowther (+1).
Former champion Ashley Chinner also made an effort to put himself in championship contention, moving up 21 spots on the leaderboard into a tie for 8th (+3). Chinner will look to keep the momentum going in an attempt earn back to back Ontario Senior Men’s Amateur titles.
Brent Rebus of Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club made sure the competition didn’t run away without him as he made an impressive -4 on the day to put him in a tie for 5th place with Darin Dirk (West Haven Golf and Country Club) at even par.
In the 65+ division, Michael Mealia overtook the leaderboard, shooting 1-under on the day and +4 on the week. Michael carries a 4-stroke lead going into tomorrow’s round, where he will try to close out the championship.
Lars Melander tops the leaderboard of the 70+ with a score of 74 to take him to +7 for the week. As a result, Lars, the only 70+ competitor to make the cut (+13), will be our 70+ division champion.
Follow all the action on our live leaderboard tomorrow, as players will give their last effort to the course as they all chase down the title.
About The Ontario Senior Men’s Championship
Conducted since 1936, the Ontario Senior Men’s Championship event features Ontario’s best male amateur golfers aged 55 and over, competing over 54 holes of stroke play competition.
Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Nick Weslock, one of Canada’s most outstanding amateurs of the century, won the event 11 times between 1968 and 1980. Other notable past champions include Stu Hamilton (2001, 2006), Mike Jackson (2010, 2011 and 2013) and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Warren Sye in 2012.
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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Midland, ON – Marion Reid (The Links at Dover Coast) didn’t waste any time on the course today, quickly taking a four-stroke lead after round one. Reid finished the day 3-over (75) after shooting 39 on the front nine and a 36 on the back at Midland Golf and Country Club.
A couple of strokes behind our leader sit Kathie Houghton (Georgian Bay Club) and Debbie Court (The Toronto Golf Club). Houghton is currently in second place after finishing the round 7-over (79), while Court shot an 8-over (80) to find herself in third.
In the A-flight division, local golfers proved that they knew the course well. Shelly Gianetto (Midland Golf & Country Club) leads the A-flight division with a 3-stroke lead, with Susan Rooney (Midland Golf & Country Club), shortly behind, tied in second place.
Ladies will tee off beginning at 7:30 am again tomorrow morning. For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Senior Women’s Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius Page.
About The Ontario Senior Women’s Championship
The inaugural Ontario Senior Women’s Championship was conducted in 1962 and has been contested annually, featuring the province’s best female amateurs age 50 and over.
The event has had several notable past champions, including World Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, who captured the title six times. Also, the Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Gayle Borthwick picked up the trophy six times. Recent winners include Ivy Steinberg (2008 and 2009), Terrill Samuel (2011, 2020) as well as Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Mary Ann Hayward (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2019) and 2017 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Champion Judith Kyrinis (2016, 2017, 2018, 2021).
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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
2018 Ontario Senior Men’s champion Mark Brewer (Whitevale Golf Club) shares top spot on the leaderboard with Darin Dirk (West Haven Golf & Country Club) after they both posted impressive 70’s at the first round of the Senior Men’s Amateur Championship.
After a stretch of scorching warm weather, the players arrived at Sarnia Golf & Curling Club with a refreshing, pleasant day to begin round 1 of the Senior Men’s Championship. Players gave their best to the course all day, but Brewer and Dirk showed the best after day one.
Rob Cowan (Westmount Golf & Country Club), who recently qualified for the USGA Senior Men’s Amateur later in August, followed behind closely. Rob made an eagle on 13 but came up two strokes behind the leaders at even par shared amongst five other competitors after round 1.
Roger Perry of Cardinal Lakes Golf Club leads the 70+ division at +4 after day one. An impressive performance, nearly shooting his own age!
In the 65+ division, Dan Gagliardi leads the pack at even par. Dan will look to chase down the top spot of the overall leaderboard tomorrow in round 2.
Round 2 tee times begin at 8:00 am Tuesday and will see golfers give their last effort before the field is trimmed down to the top 60 players and ties for the final round. Keep up to date on the latest scores on our Golf Genius page here. Photos from round one can be found here.
About The Ontario Senior Men’s Championship
Conducted since 1936, the Ontario Senior Men’s Championship event features Ontario’s best male amateur golfers aged 55 and over, competing over 54 holes of stroke play competition.
Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Nick Weslock, one of Canada’s most outstanding amateurs of the century, won the event 11 times between 1968 and 1980. Other notable past champions include Stu Hamilton (2001, 2006), Mike Jackson (2010, 2011 and 2013) and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Warren Sye in 2012.
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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Tottenham, ON – An exceptional showing today at Woodington Lake Golf Club as the first round for the 2022 Ontario Disability Championship got underway. Golfers with various disabilities had a fantastic day displaying their talents on the course. After a windy day one, the leaders are Chris Willis (RedCrest Golf Club) in the men’s division and Natasha Stasiuk (Heron Point Golf Links) for the women.
Thanks to seven birdies and one eagle on the 18th hole, Willis was lights out in round one to finish the day 6-under (66) overall. Not far behind Willis, the three-time defending Ontario Disability Champion Kurtis Barkley (Cedar Glen Golf Course) finished his round with a score of 3-under (69). Barkley had an eagle of his own on the 7th hole and three birdies.
Stasiuk showed today why she is the three-time defending Ontario Disability Champion, completing the day with a birdie on the 13th hole and an eagle on the 14th hole to finish 9-over (81).
Final round action gets underway with tee times beginning at 8:30 am Tuesday. Winners will be recognized in Gross Stroke Play and Net Stableford. For media coverage of the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Pageto view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Disability Championship
Since 2019, Woodington Lake Golf Club has hosted the Ontario Disability Championship. Played over a 36-hole competition for Men and Women, the Ontario Disability Championship is an inclusive event in which athletes with disabilities compete in a provincial championship environment. The Championship promotes awareness and participation for golfers with disabilities and provides a platform for future talent identification. In addition, the Ontario Disability Championship is a counting event on the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD).
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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Mijovic, McCann, Mills and Genovese Inducted Into Ontario Golf Hall of Fame
Golf Ontario
An emotional night of laughs, tears and sentimental stories was long overdue after a two-year hiatus thanks to the pandemic. With that hopefully behind us, Golf Ontario was extremely pleased to announce the newest members inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame.
JERMAIN FRANKLIN
The first of two induction ceremonies occurred tonight at Woodington Lake Golf Club in Tottenham, Ontario, as part of the Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Ontario Open week. Jermain Franklin, an on-air TSN analyst, emceed the festivities through the wonderful evening that included a fantastic meal, beverages, and music.
Danny Mijovic
Danny Mijovic enters the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in the Professional Golfer category after 35 plus years as a golf professional. Currently, the Director of Instruction at Kings Riding Golf Club and King Valley Golf Club since 2005, Danny Mijovic includes a number of milestones and accomplishments in his illustrious career from college through his amateur and professional playing years.
DANNY MIJOVIC
Mijovic is a four-time NAIA All-American and holds numerous course records worldwide. His tour travels and participation include the Canadian Tour and the Asian, Australian, European, South American and Great Lakes Tours.
Some of Danny’s Professional Touring Career Highlights include being named Mexican Open Champion in 1984, Labatt’s Blue-Light Champion (Canadian Tour) and qualifying for the US Open in 1985, Ontario PGA Champion in 1987 and Ontario Senior PGA Champion in 2012.
At the amateur level, Danny also amassed a number of accolades highlighted by being a 1982 Willingdon Cup team member, the Number 1 ranked Amateur in 1983 and Canadian Amateur Champion, a top 5 US amateur ranking in 1984 while winning the Porter Cup and Mid Atlantic Amateur Championships. Mijovic was a 2nd place finisher at the 1996 South American Masters with a course record 61 at Sao Paulo GC that broke a 40-year record held by Sam Snead. Danny was also Osprey Valley Classic Champion on the Great Lakes Tour in 2005 with another course record setting 61.
At the collegiate level, where he still holds the status of being the only player to ever win all four National Championships, his highlights playing for Texas Wesleyan University include winning 9 individual tournaments, being named All-American 4 times and being inducted into the Texas Wesleyan and NAIA Halls of Fame.
“It’s a tremendous honour, especially looking at the names that are on that list, many professionals, people in the industry that I look up to and people I have grown up with,” mentioned Mijovic after the ceremony. “I’m quite honoured, very humbled and grateful.”
Brian McCann
Brian has been one of the finest players in Canadian golf supported by his PGA of Canada Player of the Year Awards in 2011 and 2012 and PGA of Ontario Player of the Year awards in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
BRIAN MCCANN
He has won a total of 15 provincial championships as well as 5 national championships along with many others. Prior to his professional career, Brian was the number #1 ranked amateur in the Province of Ontario in 1996 and 1997.
He played professionally on the Canadian Tour 1999-2003 and on the Nationwide Tour (Korn Ferry Tour) 2004-2006. He is the all-Time money leader on the Great Lakes Tour and as of now he is also 3rd on the PGA of Ontario’s all-time money list.
Brian was a 1st Team Sun Belt Conference player three of the four years he attended Arkansas State University and was named to the 1st Team All Time Sun Belt Conference.
In 1993 he was named by the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) to the Rolex Junior Boys 3rd Team All-American. (Tiger Woods was on the 1st Team).
On the international stage, he represented Canada at the World Amateur Team Championship in 1996 in Manila, Philippines and at the Four Nations Cup in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997. He represented Ontario at the International Amateur Team Matches in Lima, Peru, in 1996 and 1997, where his 2-man team finished 2nd and 1st.
In Junior golf, he won the 1991 Canadian Juvenile Championship and lost the overall Championship in a playoff. He would have been the first player to win as a Juvenile golfer overall. Brian won his first junior tournament at age 11 and won over 30 junior tournaments in all.
Brian has become a great mentor to junior golfers and one of the country’s top coaches to golfers of all skill levels. His professionalism and personality are what make him such a great ambassador for the game of golf and particularly golf in Ontario.
“Lot of emotions, just reminiscing looking back and going wow that people recognized,” exclaimed McCann. Again I’m very honoured, very humbled to recognize how many great players that came before me that I had a chance of knowing and looking up to; being included with them is pretty cool.”
Jon Mills
Jon Mills hails from Belleville, Ontario, where his home club affiliation was the Bay of Quinte Golf and Country Club from 1985-1997.
JON MILLS
Jon enters the Golf Ontario Hall of Fame after an outstanding amateur and professional career with many achievements at the Provincial, National and International levels.
While competing within Ontario, Jon’s winning ways started when he won the Junior Boys Championship in 1996, Junior Boys Champion of Champions that same year, and was also a member of the Ontario Junior Interprovincial Team. Five years later, in 2001, Jon’s accomplishments included winning the 2001 Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship as the #1 ranked amateur golfer in Ontario and being a member of the Willingdon Cup team.
A Three-time member of Golf Canada’s National Team in 1999, 2000 and 2001, Jon also had success on the International Stage, competing at the 1999 World Amateur Preview Championship, the Eisenhower Trophy in Berlin in 2000 and was a member of the Canadian 4 Nations Cup team which they won In 2001. Jon held the #1 ranking in Golf Canada in 2000 and won the Golf Canada National Order of Merit in 2001.
At the collegiate level, Jon was a Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year in 1998, All Mid-American Conference team member from 1998-2001, 1st team All-American in 2000 and 3rd team All-American in 2001. In 2002, Jon was a medalist at the NCAA Division 1 Central Regional. Jon’s accomplishments as a player saw him inducted into the Kent State Hall of Fame in 2007, the same year he was named Score Canadian Male Golfer of the year.
On the professional stage, Jon won the Manitoba MTS Classic in 2002 and the Canadian Tour Order of Merit. While competing in Independent Professional Tournaments, Jon won the Toledo Open and Western Pennsylvania Open. While on the Nationwide Tour, he won the 2005 CPGA Championship and the Boise Open in 2007. Jon’s PGA career included 70 PGA Tour Events with career winnings of over $576,000 and on the Web.com Tour and additional 184 events amassing winnings of over $1.2 Million. During this time, Jon qualified for three US Opens at Oakmont in 2007, Torrey Pines in 2008 (where he tied at 36), and Congressional in 2011.
Mills now uses his skills and expertise to shape the next generation of golfers. Currently the Head Coach of the Golf Team at Kent State University since 2019 after serving as Assistant Coach since 2016, he helped lead the team to 5 Collegiate Championships and the Mid-American Conference Title in 2016-2017 and in 2019, advanced to the NCAA Championship.
What does it feel like to be inducted into the golf Ontario Hall of Fame?
“It’s obviously special to go in there and know my dad is in the Hall of Fame and that I’m in there now,” said Mills. “There’s a lot of great people who meant a lot to golf in Ontario and Canada; to be recognized in that group, I think it’s incredible.”
Nick Genovese
Born August 22, 1928, in Dundas, Ontario, Nick Genovese’s accomplishments as a golfer are numerous and span over fifty years, including an incredible thirty championship titles in Ontario, Western Canada and Nationally. On the International stage, his accomplishments included an incredible six Consolation finals Championships between 1950 and 1965.
Nick’s son John Accepting the award
Genovese was named the Ontario Blind Golfer’s Champion an incredible twelve times from 1950 to 1974, Western Canadian Blind Golfer’s Champion in 1959 and 1964, and Canadian Blind Golfer’s Champion six times from 1952 to 1967 in his early years of competition.
Later in his playing career, he added to these twenty championship titles with Ontario Visually Impaired Golf (OVIG) being declared the Totally Blind Division Champion seven times between 1991 and 1998 as well as OVIG Totally Blind Senior Men’s Champion three times between 2001 and 2004.
In 2004, at the age of 75, Nick Genovese was named the Oldest Totally Blind Golfer in North America.
Beyond the aforementioned provincial, national and international accolades, not to be forgotten is the May 31st, 1952 celebration on National Golf Day where Nick was awarded a medal for “I beat Ben Hogan” at the Burlington Ontario Golf and Country Club.
Perhaps no surprise given his golfing prowess, Nick Genovese was a multi-sport athlete recruited by the Brooklyn Dodgers in early 1946.
Mr. Genovese lost his sight due to a welding accident on Friday, April 13th, 1946. He took up golf in 1950 and was devoted to encouraging other sightless individuals to pursue their dreams in sport, business and life.
Although well known for his accomplishments in golf, Nick was even more well known for his singing prowess, having won several Kiwanis, CBC and CNE competitions. A winner in “The Voices of Tomorrow” Contest sponsored by a Buffalo, N.Y., T.V. station, Nick represented Upper-New York State at the Chicagoland Music Festival at Soldiers Field, Chicago, accompanied by a 100-piece symphony orchestra, before 80,000 people.
Nick was a mentor and an inspiration to many, as well as a staple to the sport of golf for the visually impaired.
“The first thing I did was cry because I was so proud of him,” mentioned his son John who accepted on his behalf. “I wished that he could have been here himself to tell his stories because he had a lot of them and played for a long time. As a family, we worked hard to put this together because we had to find proof that dad won as many championships as we thought he won.”
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 recognizing extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in the game of golf in Ontario. The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is housed at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge, founded in 2000 by the Ontario Golf Association and the Ontario Ladies’ Golf Association.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
60th Ontario Senior Women’s Championship Plays out at Midland G&CC from July 26-28
Golf Ontario
Midland, ON – The Ontario Senior Women’s Championship will host its 60th championship at Midland Golf & Country Club from July 26-28. The tournament, first conducted in 1962, will feature Ontario’s best female golfers 50 and over competing in 54-holes of stroke play.
“Midland Golf and Country Club is a 103-year-old historical and traditional golf course designed by Nicol Thompson,” explains Ian Kirkpatrick, General Manager at Midland Golf and Country Club. “Lined with mature trees, narrow fairways, small greens and natural topography. It is certainly a target golf style that plays longer than the yardage indicates. It is an enjoyable walk in a beautiful park setting.”
Marion Reid (Islington Golf Club Ltd.) is one golfer to watch this week. After a Bronze Medal finish in last year’s event, Reid will be back, looking to claim that top spot. Helene Chartrand (Summerlea Golf Club) is another competitor to look out for in this year’s championship. Chartrand was only three strokes behind Reid in the 2021 championship and will fight for that number one position in this year’s event. The field also includes the 2008 and 2009 winner, Ivy Steinburg.
Awards for the 2021 Ontario Senior Women’s Championship will be presented through a Championship flight and an “A” flight. The Championship flight will see recognition for the Overall Champion and a champion aged 60 years and older. In the “A” flight, there will be both a gross and net champion and a champion aged 70 and older.
Competitors will tee off at 7:30 am on Tuesday, July 26, for round one of the tournament. Check out our Golf Genius Page for qualifying, tee assignments, tee times, and leaderboard information.
About The Ontario Senior Women’s Championship
The inaugural Ontario Senior Women’s Championship was conducted in 1962 and has been contested annually, featuring the province’s best female amateurs age 50 and over.
The event has had several notable past champions, including World Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, who captured the title six times. Also, the Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Gayle Borthwick picked up the trophy six times. Recent winners include Ivy Steinberg (2008 and 2009), Terrill Samuel (2011, 2020) as well as Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Mary Ann Hayward (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2019) and 2017 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Champion Judith Kyrinis (2016, 2017, 2018, 2021).
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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Competitors gave Braeben Golf Course their best effort for three days at the Ontario Summer Games in Mississauga in the hopes of topping the leaderboard.
Hamilton Halton Junior Golf Tour claimed the gold medal for the boy’s team event over three fun yet gruelling days of competition. Ethan Irvine led the team to a narrow victory after battling with the competition all weekend.
In the girl’s team event, Jamieson Junior Golf tour took a comfortable lead on the final day to ensure their place at the top of the podium. Emily Young of Kingsville Golf and Country Club paved the way to a gold medal for her team.
On the boys’ side, Hamilton Halton Junior Golf Tour saw a fantastic performance from Ethan Irvine, shooting a 65 (-7) on the final day to claim the team’s spot on the podium for his team.
Irvine shot well enough to secure him the gold medal in the individual boy’s competition. Irvine was followed by Ben Sheridan of Ottawa Valley Golf Association in the silver medal position and Christian Morneau of the Jamieson Junior Golf Tour for third.
The girls had a tight race all weekend, but Emily Young topped the rest of the playing field and won the gold medal in the girls’ individual stroke play after a great weekend shooting 81-79-79. Avery Nordman of Ottawa Valley Golf Association followed behind to claim the silver medal. Vanessa Ardovini from Jamieson Junior Golf Tour took the bronze medal.
Congratulations to all players on a great weekend and thank you to the games and Braeben Golf Course for your hospitality. For final standings and scores, check out the leaderboard here.
About the Ontario Summer Games
The Ontario Summer Games were first delivered in 1973 by the City of Oshawa. Since then, the Games have grown to host over 3500 participants competing in 19 sports. The Mississauga 2022 Ontario Summer Games will be the 26th edition.
Sarnia, ON – Our province’s best Senior Men’s golfers prepare to face off in the 2022 Ontario Senior Men’s Championship from July 25-27 at Sarnia Golf & Curling Club. This championship, presented by Sarnia Lambton Tourism, includes competitors aged 55 and older, who face off in 54-holes of stroke play to determine the 2022 provincial champion. Sarnia Golf & Curling Club last hosted this tournament in 2008, when Brian Jeffrey would take home the victory.
“The Sarnia Golf & Curling Club and the Sarnia-Lambton area are extremely excited to host the upcoming Ontario Senior Men’s Golf Championship,” said Jamie Parkinson, Head Golf Professional at Sarnia Golf & Curling Club. “Our golf course is in excellent shape, and from hosting past championship events, we know it will be a true test to all the participants in this year’s field. We look forward to welcoming the players, our sponsors, the Golf Ontario Team and all the spectators July 24th through July 27th.”
The championship includes not only a Senior Men’s Champion crowned but also a champion for ages 65 and over and ages 70 and over divisions.
2021 Champion Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood GC) has gotten off to a hot start to the 2022 season after winning the Men’s Mid-Master division at the Men’s Mid-Am Championship earlier this summer. Chinner will be trying to win this event in back-to-back years, although he will have to face off against some tough competition. Ten-time Golf Ontario Champion Dave Bunker (Cherry Hill Club) will be looking to reclaim his throne after finishing second place behind Chinner last year. Also, watch for the 2019 Champion and 2022 Ontario Senior Men’s Match Play Champion, Dave Greenaway (Barrie CC). Other past winners include Mark Brewer (Whitevale GC), John Murphy (Heritage Hills GC), Christopher Kertsos (Public Player), and Larry Cooper (Mississauga G&CC). Rob Cowan is fresh off qualifying for the 2022 USGA Senior Men’s Amateur.
Action from the championship will tee off at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 25th. Check out our Golf Genius Page here for qualifying, tee times, and leaderboard information.
About The Ontario Senior Men’s Championship
Conducted since 1936, the Ontario Senior Men’s Championship event features Ontario’s best male amateur golfers aged 55 and over, competing over 54 holes of stroke play competition.
Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Nick Weslock, one of Canada’s most outstanding amateurs of the century, won the event a record 11 times between 1968 and 1980. Other notable past champions include Stu Hamilton (2001, 2006), Mike Jackson (2010, 2011 and 2013) and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Warren Sye in 2012.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Ontario Disability Championship Part of an Exciting Week at Woodington Lake GC
Golf Ontario
Tottenham, ON – Woodington Lake Golf Club once again welcomes the Ontario Disability Championship from July 25th to 26th. The fourth year of this unique Championship showcases some of the top athletes with disabilities. This helps ensure an inclusive pathway and better competition opportunities for the highest performing athletes with disabilities.
This year is a special week at Woodington Lake, which also includes the first 2022 Ontario Hall of Fame ceremony on Sunday, July 24th, followed by the Disabilities Championship, and then leads into the PGA Tour Canada event, the Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Ontario Open July 27thto 31st.
For Mike Kelly, CEO of Golf Ontario, this event is an important pillar of Golf Ontario’s strategic plan. “Golf For All is a very important theme that is central to our strategic plan. This Ontario Disability Championship is a critical way for us to raise awareness about golfers with disabilities and to showcase some of the amazing talent at this Championship. “It is particularly exciting that this event allows participants to play for fun in a net division or the gold medal and accumulate World Ranking Points,” added Kelly.
The Championship consists of 36-holes of stroke play, as both the Men and Women will battle for their respective titles across four divisions: Men’s Gross Champion, Women’s Gross Champion, Men’s Net Champion, and Women’s Net Champion.
Returning to try and win their fourth consecutive Ontario Disability title is Natasha Stasiuk (Heron Point Golf Links) and Kurtis Barkley (Cedar Glen GC), respectively.
The action begins July 25th at 8:30 am. For tee times and leaderboard information, check out our Golf Genius webpage.
About the Ontario Disability Championship
Since 2019, Woodington Lake Golf Club has hosted the Ontario Disability Championship. Played over a 36-hole competition for Men and Women, the Ontario Disability Championship is an inclusive event in which athletes with disabilities compete in a provincial championship environment. The Championship promotes awareness and participation for golfers with disabilities and provides a platform for future talent identification. In addition, the Ontario Disability Championship is a counting event on the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD).
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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Golf Canada partners with Osprey Valley to build a new home for Canadian golf
Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario will join Golf Canada in relocating their corporate headquarters to Caledon, Ont. and supporting its vision to establish a home campus for Canadian golf
From Golf Canada
July 20, 2022 – Golf Canada and Osprey Valley have announced a major partnership and bold vision to build a new Home for Canadian Golf – a momentous project that will see the National Sport Federation relocate its corporate base of operations to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont.
In addition to Golf Canada’s national headquarters and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, the vision for the Canadian golf campus on the grounds of TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley will feature the national headquarters for First Tee – Canada, which will include a publicly accessible community putting green and an indoor training centre.
Golf Ontario and the Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC) have committed to relocating their corporate headquarters to Caledon, Ont., collaborating with Golf Canada to embrace the golf community and develop a dynamic home campus for Canadian golf. The PGA of Canada has also committed to a strategic partnership with Golf Canada to assist in executing grassroots components and coaching and training activities.
The invitation for Canadian golf industry partners as well as government stakeholders, and long-time global affiliates at the R&A, PGA TOUR, and LPGA Tour to plug into the Home for Canadian Golf, will be a signature moment in the advancement of the sport of golf in Canada.
“Our vision to be a world leader in golf contemplates more than just a physical building—culture, collaboration, and innovation are critical elements,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Establishing a new headquarters and a Canadian golf campus with our partners to meet, play, train, plan, celebrate and collaborate represents a transformative moment to advance the sport. The vision that the Humeniuk family and the leadership group at Osprey Valley have invited us to be a part of with this world-class property is progressive and incredibly exciting.”
TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley is a renowned 54-hole golf facility in Peel Region, located in the heart of Caledon, Ont. The property is currently undergoing a significant privately funded expansion and commercial development that includes the construction of a new clubhouse and conference amenities as well as improvements to the practice facility and guest experience with accommodations and hosting facilities onsite.
For Osprey Valley President Chris Humeniuk, partnering with Golf Canada and industry partners to bring a Canadian golf campus to life is part of the ongoing story of Osprey Valley becoming a signature destination for Canadian golf and an effort to uplift the game of golf in Canada.
“We’re thrilled by the vision presented by Laurence and the entire Golf Canada team and are elated to collaborate with partners who share our vision of elevating golf to new heights in this country,” said Humeniuk. “Our family has long dreamed of Osprey Valley as a great Canadian golf destination. We believe this announcement is a wonderful addition to the momentum we’ve been fortunate to experience in recent years.”
TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley has welcomed a number of signature events in Canadian golf, including the Osprey Valley Open on PGA TOUR Canada as well as Golf Canada’s Junior Skills Challenge National Event. The facility has also hosted qualifier events for both the RBC Canadian Open and the US Open and has committed to hosting the 2026 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO.
In 2021, the Humeniuk Family Foundation and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley made a major chapter-founding gift to Golf Canada Foundation that aligns with the property serving as the national headquarters for First Tee – Canada.
Phase one of the Home for Canadian Golf project—which will include the corporate headquarters, a reinvigoration of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, and a 30,000-square-foot community putting green inspired by the Himalayas Putting Course in St. Andrews – will break ground in 2023 with expected completion by 2025.
The vision for phase two includes the development of First Tee – Canada National Headquarters that will support coaching education and programming for First Tee chapters across Canada. The indoor short game complex will double as a national talent identification centre for the next generation of Canadian players, bolstering Golf Canada’s goal to advance 30 Canadians to the LPGA and PGA Tours by 2032.
For the leadership group at Golf Ontario and the Club Management Association of Canada, joining forces on the Canadian golf campus was an opportunity for deeper collaboration across the sport.
“We are thrilled to rally and support this tremendous project and a new home for Canadian golf, helping to unify and provide the golf community a true base which will no doubt create efficiencies, inspire collaboration, and help introduce more participants to our great sport,” said Golf Ontario CEO Mike Kelly.
“Our purpose is to develop, promote and support the profession of club management by providing educational and networking opportunities for our members, including golf, city, multi-sport, yacht, faculty and social clubs,” said Suzanne Godbehere, CEO of the Club Management Association of Canada. “Integrating CMAC’s operation into the Canadian golf campus really is a special opportunity for thought sharing with our partners.”
The PGA of Canada and their members will plug into the Canadian golf campus with the delivery of grassroots programs as well as training, education, and coaching upon the completion of phase two.
“Having a destination for PGA of Canada professionals to come together for education and junior golf program development, including First Tee – Canada training, will be a huge boost for the growth of our sport,” said Kevin Thistle, CEO of the PGA of Canada. “Collaboration and innovation with partners have always been driving forces in Canadian golf, and there is no doubt that a campus environment will bolster these experiences.”
Cost for phase one of the Home for Canadian Golf project is estimated at approx. $20M and the financial funding model will be led by Golf Canada along with a donation from Osprey Valley. Phase two of development is expected to cost $10M and will only proceed upon successful fundraising campaigns supported by the Golf Canada Foundation and private donors as well as through naming rights, contributions from industry partners, and government support.
The Home for Canadian Golf project aligns with a multi-million-dollar Drive Campaign launched by the Golf Canada Foundation to fund First Tee – Canada headquarters, chapters, and programming, along with enhancements to Team Canada’s high-performance program. To date, $36.9M of the $70M fundraising goal has been secured through major gift donations.
“We’re excited to partner with the Humeniuk family, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, and Golf Canada on a new Home for Canadian Golf,” said Golf Canada Foundation CEO Martin Barnard. “Not only will this become home for the Foundation, but it will also anchor the Drive Campaign, unprecedented in Canadian sport. Our major donor Trustees have a long history of supporting up-and-coming Canadian players and have now also put substantial support behind launching First Tee in Canada, ensuring broad access for all young Canadians to the character-building life lessons the sport of golf can provide.”
The Town of Caledon has already extended its support towards becoming a hub community for Canadian golf with a recommendation to the Regional Municipality of Peel to approve a $2.5M investment towards bringing the project to life.
“I am thrilled that Caledon will be the new home of Golf Canada’s National Headquarters and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum,” said Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson. “In addition to the significant economic benefits to our community, the campus will also feature the youth development program, First Tee, an accessible program designed to empower and inspire youth through sport – This is GREAT news for Caledon.”
Hicks Design Studio has been selected by Golf Canada as the architect of record to bring the Canadian golf campus to life.
The announcement of the Home for Canadian Golf follows several years of due diligence by Golf Canada to explore a long-term solution and forward-looking vision for the relocation of its corporate headquarters as well as the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, which are currently located on the grounds of Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
Once complete, the Home for Canadian Golf will be a multifaceted, world-class tourist facility that will support community recreational benefits; drive inclusivity and community among equity-deserving youth; and become a foundational pillar that supports grassroots participation and high-performance golf.
About Golf Canada
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada, representing more than 304,000 golfers and 1,435 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
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.
Media Contacts:
Dan Pino Sr. Director, Communications, Golf Canada 416-434-5525 dpino@golfcanada.ca
Brian Decker Director, Marketing & Communications, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley 905-220-9590 bdecker@ospreyvalley.com
Peter MacKellar Manager, Marketing, Design & Communications, Golf Ontario pmackellar@gao.ca
Scarborough – A thrilling late victory highlighted the 100th playing of the 2022 Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship from Scarboro Golf & Country Club. Sunshine beamed down on the course, heating up play, especially for the new champ, Peyton Callens, who fired a scorching 7-under (64).
Callens would make a solid late push late in the round, including a hat-trick of birdies on the final three holes to claim the title, highlighted by a chip-in birdie on the 17th. Owen Kim (Hamilton Golf & Country Club) and Aidan Gavey (Golf Canada Club – Ontario) tied for second place. Kim also had a wonderful day firing a -5 (66) on his round. In total, twelve players would shoot under par on a tough final day.
I hit the same as the first few days, today the flat stick just got hot. It just started to peak, which made the difference,” said Callens after the round. He added, “I think the confidence I found yesterday carried over to today.”
Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the centennial Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship. As well, a huge thank you to Scarboro Golf & Country Club for hosting this terrific week. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, StrackaLine, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, and Sport Travel. We’re extremely grateful for all your continued support.
For media coverage of the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship
The Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship was first played in 1923 at Lakeview Golf and Country Club. Featuring the best amateur golfers in the province, it is arguably the most prestigious event in the country. Many players have kick-started their journey to professional golf through the event.
Since the inaugural event, the Ontario Amateur has enjoyed an illustrious history of great champions, including highly decorated amateur golfer and NHL referee Garrett Rank (2018), 2003 Masters Champion Mike Weir (1990 & 1992), Gerry Kesselring (1949, 1951, 1952, 1953), professional players Jon Mills (2001), Corey Conners (2010), Albin Choi (2012), Chris Hemmerich (2014) and Gary Cowan. Cowan holds the record for the most Ontario Amateur Championships with nine (1964, 1968, 1971, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981 & 1984).
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Kingsville, ON – Spectators were in for a treat at Kingsville Golf & Country Club today for the final round of the 2022 Ontario Junior Girls Championship.
Clinching her very first Ontario tournament win, Swetha Sathish (Hidden Lake Golf Club) deservedly claims the 2022 Junior Girls Champion title after four fantastic rounds of golf this week.
Sathish demonstrated her strong composure today as she would comfortably hold her lead throughout the entire final round. With two bogeys to begin the day, Sathish did not seem bothered and would bounce back with two late birdies to finish even par (72) on the day and for the tournament (288). One of her birdies came on the 18th hole, where she would drop her tee shot within a foot of the hole to nearly hole-out to end the tournament. Players, parents, volunteers and other audience members at the 18th green erupted as the ball rolled towards the pin. Sathish tapped in the easy putt for her second birdie of the day and would welcome a massive ovation from what seemed like every individual on the course.
Team Ontario member Sarah Gallagher (Trafalgar Golf & Country Club) also had a terrific week. Gallagher finished 6-over (294) for the tournament and took home the Silver Medal after finishing even par (72) in rounds three and four. Kelly Zhao (Station Creek Golf Course) took home the Bronze Medal, finishing 8-over (296) for the week.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the Ontario Junior Girls Championship. A huge thank you to Kingsville Golf & Country Club for hosting this incredible event. Lastly, a huge thanks to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, StrackaLine, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, and Sport Travel. We’re always grateful for all your continued support.
For media coverage of the Ontario Junior Girls (U19) Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Pageto view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page .
About The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Championship
First contested in 1927, the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Championship features Ontario’s best amateur female golfers aged 18 and under. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. The championship has a rich history of young Ontarians who have had successful golf careers, such as World Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit (1951, 1952). Other notable winners include, Sandra Post (1965, 1966), Sue Hilton (1962), Alena Sharp (1997, 1998), Jessica Shepley (2001), Jennifer Kirby (2008, 2009), and Brooke Henderson (2011, 2012).
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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; Aabraham@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Scarborough – With second-round cuts out of the way, players were ready put on a show at Scarboro Golf & Country Club for round three of the 2022 Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship. Golfers shifted up and down the leaderboard all day, helping shape up an exciting final round set for tomorrow.
Aidan Gavey (Golf Canada Club – Ontario) finished the round today with a remarkable 4-under (67), including five birdies. This strong performance has pushed Gavey into the top spot with a total score of minus-6 (207), a one-stroke lead over second-round leader Ryan Tsang (Cedar Brae Golf Club), who now sits in second with a score of minus-5 (208). Peyton Callens (Golf Canada Club – Ontario), Sam Hogan (RattleSnake Point Golf Club) and Justin Allen (Weston Golf & Country Club Ltd) are behind in third with an even-par (213).
The final round is right about the corner, with the first tee time being at 7:30 am Friday morning. For media coverage of the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship
The Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship was first played in 1923 at Lakeview Golf and Country Club. Featuring the best amateur golfers in the province, it is arguably the most prestigious event in the country. Many players have kick-started their journey to professional golf through the event.
Since the inaugural event, the Ontario Amateur has enjoyed an illustrious history of great champions including highly decorated amateur golfer and NHL referee Garrett Rank (2018), 2003 Masters Champion Mike Weir (1990 & 1992), Gerry Kesselring (1949, 1951, 1952, 1953), professional players Jon Mills (2001), Corey Conners (2010), Albin Choi (2012), Chris Hemmerich (2014) and Gary Cowan. Cowan holds the record for the most Ontario Amateur Championships with nine (1964, 1968, 1971, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981 & 1984).
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Scarborough – Second-round action at Scarboro Golf & Country Club for the 2022 Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship brought changes to the leaderboard as players jockeyed to make the cut. After two rounds, a handful of players sit under par, setting up for an interesting moving day on Thursday.
Ryan Tsang (Cedar Brae Golf Club) fired a stellar 5-under (66) on the strength of five back-nine birdies to take a one-stroke lead into the third round. Jeff Fang (Players Club – Markham) followed up his strong opening round 68 with a 1-under (70) today to sit in second place at 4-under. Just behind the leaders are three golfers tied at 2-under, including Aidan Gavey (Golf Canada Club – Ontario), Justin Allen (Weston Golf & Country Club) and Jeremy Kirk (Fort William Country Club). Local favourite Matthew Javier of Scarboro Golf & Country Club sits tied in sixth place.
The cut line fell at +9 and leaves third-round tee times beginning tomorrow, starting at 7:30 am. For media coverage of the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship
The Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship was first played in 1923 at Lakeview Golf and Country Club. Featuring the best amateur golfers in the province, it is arguably the most prestigious event in the country. Many players have kick-started their journey to professional golf through the event.
Since the inaugural event, the Ontario Amateur has enjoyed an illustrious history of great champions including highly decorated amateur golfer and NHL referee Garrett Rank (2018), 2003 Masters Champion Mike Weir (1990 & 1992), Gerry Kesselring (1949, 1951, 1952, 1953), professional players Jon Mills (2001), Corey Conners (2010), Albin Choi (2012), Chris Hemmerich (2014) and Gary Cowan. Cowan holds the record for the most Ontario Amateur Championships with nine (1964, 1968, 1971, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981 & 1984).
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Kingsville, ON – A mix of rain and sun at Kingsville Golf & Country Club provided the backdrop for the third round of the 2022 Ontario Junior Girls Championship.
The varying weather, however, didn’t seem to faze our leader, Swetha Sathish (Hidden Lake Golf Club). Sathish faired well on the course today, finishing 2-over on the day and even par (216) for the tournament. As a result, she remains on top of the leaderboard sitting four strokes ahead of the field heading into the final round.
Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club) and Julia Alexander-Carew (Credit Valley Golf & Country Club) share second place, sitting at 4-over (220) through the first three days. Alexander-Carew recorded the round’s low score, shooting 2-under on the day after early birdies on holes 1 and 2.
The girls will be ready to tee off at 7:30 am off holes one and ten, for the final round beginning Thursday morning. For media coverage of the Ontario Junior Girls (U19) Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Championship
First contested in 1927, the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Championship features Ontario’s best amateur female golfers aged 18 and under. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. The championship has a rich history of young Ontarians who have had successful golf careers, such as World Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit (1951, 1952). Other notable winners include, Sandra Post (1965, 1966), Sue Hilton (1962), Alena Sharp (1997, 1998), Jessica Shepley (2001), Jennifer Kirby (2008, 2009), and Brooke Henderson (2011, 2012).
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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; Aabraham@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Scarborough – What started as a warm, windy and beautiful day at the Scarboro Golf & Country Club saw a brief rain delay before completing day one of the 2022 Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship.
The rain delay only lasted 30 minutes, allowing the golfers to get back on the course and wrap up the first round of play. To end round one, Jeff Fang (Players Club – Markham) finished top of the table with a 3-under (68). Behind Fang, with a score of minus-two (69), Aidan Gavey (Beverly Golf & Country Club) holds the second overall spot. Bennett Ruby (Westmount Golf & Country Club), Jeffrey Clarke (Glencairn Golf Club), Zachary Smith (Brampton Golf Club Ltd), and Justin Allen (Weston Golf & Country Club Ltd) all sit tied in third with a score of minus-one (70).
The men will start round two tomorrow morning at 8 am and will tee off on holes one and eight. For media coverage of the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship
The Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship was first played in 1923 at Lakeview Golf and Country Club. Featuring the best amateur golfers in the province, it is arguably the most prestigious event in the country. Many players have kick-started their journey to professional golf through the event.
Since the inaugural event, the Ontario Amateur has enjoyed an illustrious history of great champions including highly decorated amateur golfer and NHL referee Garrett Rank (2018), 2003 Masters Champion Mike Weir (1990 & 1992), Gerry Kesselring (1949, 1951, 1952, 1953), professional players Jon Mills (2001), Corey Conners (2010), Albin Choi (2012), Chris Hemmerich (2014) and Gary Cowan. Cowan holds the record for the most Ontario Amateur Championships with nine (1964, 1968, 1971, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981 & 1984).
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Kingsville, ON – It was a gorgeous day for golf today all-around at Kingsville Golf & Country Club for the second round of the 2022 Ontario Junior Girls (U19) Championship.
Day one leader Swetha Sathish (Hidden Lake Golf Club) stays comfortably in the lead after finishing today’s round with a 2-under (70). Sathish now sits three strokes ahead of the rest of the field, heading into round three.
One golfer to watch on Wednesday is Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club’s, Lucy Lin. Lin put on a clinic at the course today, shooting a fantastic 6-under (66), the tournament’s lowest score so far. After an incredible day today, Lin will look to have a similar day tomorrow as she and the rest of the field attempt to dethrone Sathish from her first place position.
Third round tee times begin at 7:30 am tomorrow, off of holes one and ten. For media coverage of the Ontario Junior Girls (U19) Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Championship
First contested in 1927, the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Championship features Ontario’s best amateur female golfers aged 18 and under. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. The championship has a rich history of young Ontarians who have had successful golf careers, such as World Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit (1951, 1952). Other notable winners include, Sandra Post (1965, 1966), Sue Hilton (1962), Alena Sharp (1997, 1998), Jessica Shepley (2001), Jennifer Kirby (2008, 2009), and Brooke Henderson (2011, 2012).
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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; Aabraham@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Tight Race on Day 1 of 2022 Ontario Junior Girls Championship from Kingsville G&CC
Golf Ontario
Kingsville, ON – Kingsville Golf & Country Club was in gorgeous condition for round one of the 2022 Ontario Junior Girls (U19) Championship. Competitors played strong golf today, battling against the swirling wind and sunny skies.
At the end of day one, Swetha Sathish (Hidden Lake Golf Club) and Jillian Friyia (Highland Country Club) lead the field, finishing even par (72). Trailing the leaders at 1-over are Kelly Zhao (Station Creek Golf Club) and Sonya Weerasinghe (Meadowbrook Golf Club). Another competitor to keep an eye out for this week is Team Ontario member Tara O’Connor (Whistle Bear Golf Club). O’Connor finished in the top-10 at last year’s event and is tied in eighth after round one, sitting just three strokes behind our leaders.
Special congratulations to Vanessa Ardovini (Roseland Golf & Curling Club), with an incredible moment on the course today, making a hole-in-one on 16.
The girls will tee off round two at 7:30 am tomorrow, using holes one and ten. For media coverage of the Ontario Junior Girls (U19) Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Championship
First contested in 1927, the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Championship features Ontario’s best amateur female golfers aged 18 and under. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. The championship has a rich history of young Ontarians who have had successful golf careers, such as World Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit (1951, 1952). Other notable winners include, Sandra Post (1965, 1966), Sue Hilton (1962), Alena Sharp (1997, 1998), Jessica Shepley (2001), Jennifer Kirby (2008, 2009), and Brooke Henderson (2011, 2012).
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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; Aabraham@gao.ca
Scarboro G&CC Ready to Host Centennial Men’s Amateur
Golf Ontario
Scarborough, ON – Scarboro Golf and Country Club’s distinguished hosting resume has seen four Canadian Opens, the Canadian Tour Championship and several amateur championships. With prestigious championships being nothing new at Scarboro, the 100th playing of the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship is set to get underway from July 12th – 15th. This year, a field of 156 competitors is ready to play to their strengths to determine who’ll take home the prestigious Men’s Amateur Crown.
“Scarboro Golf & Country Club is a Tillinghast design that’s challenging for all skill levels. Even though the course specs out at 6500 yards, it plays much longer and has undulating greens that defend it against today’s long hitters,” said Chris Piedimonte, Head Professional at Scarboro Golf & Country Club.
As 2021 Champion Thomas Giroux is not set to return, we will have a new champion lifting the trophy after four rounds. Some past Golf Ontario Champions to keep an eye out for include: Dave Bunker (Cherry Hill Club), Ben MacLean (Cherry Hill Club), Dave Greenaway (Barrie Country Club), and Charles Fitzsimmons (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club). MacLean, Greenaway and Fitzsimmons have already secured championship hardware in 2022 and are looking to keep their hot play going for the Men’s Amateur Championship this week.
The championship sees round one underway at 8:00 am on Tuesday, July 12th. For qualifying, pin locations, tee times, and leaderboard information check out our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship
The Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship was first played in 1923 at Lakeview Golf and Country Club. Featuring the best amateur golfers in the province, it is arguably the most prestigious event in the country. Many players have kick-started their journey to professional golf through the event.
Since the inaugural event, the Ontario Amateur has enjoyed an illustrious history of great champions including highly decorated amateur golfer and NHL referee Garrett Rank (2018), 2003 Masters Champion Mike Weir (1990 & 1992), Gerry Kesselring (1949, 1951, 1952, 1953), professional players Jon Mills (2001), Corey Conners (2010), Albin Choi (2012), Chris Hemmerich (2014) and Gary Cowan. Cowan holds the record for the most Ontario Amateur Championships with nine (1964, 1968, 1971, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981 & 1984).
Quick Shots
Scarboro Golf and Country Club last hosted the Men’s Amateur in 1968. Philip Farley was their last member to win the Men’s Am in 1948.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Junior Girls Tee off From Kingsville G&CC July 11-14
Golf Ontario
Kingsville, ON – The Junior Girls will be participating in their second championship of the season. Hosted at the beautiful Kingsville Golf & Country Club, the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Championship will take place July 11-14.
“Kingsville Golf is excited to host the 2022 Ontario Junior Girls Championship. Our Club has always supported provincial tournaments that enhance competitive player development, especially for young golfers,” said General Manager Doug Quick. “Needless to say, there is a lot of young talent in the field, and we look forward to seeing the players test their skills on our Gold and Red courses. The Gold nine, particularly with our hills, valleys, meandering creeks, and mature trees, will provide a challenging but fair test for the players. It’s going to be a wonderful golfing week, and we’re delighted to be a part of the 2022 Junior Girls Championship!”
Some recent Golf Ontario Champions to keep an eye on in this tournament include 2020 Super Camp Champion and Team Ontario Member Alessandra Nagayo (Don Valley Golf Club), 2019 Juvenile Girls’ and 2020 Bantam Girls’ Champion, Kelly Zhao (Station Creek GC), 2021 Junior Girls’ Spring Classic Champion, Lauren Zaretsky (Ladies GC of Toronto/ Maple Down G&CC) and most recent Champion of the 2022 Junior Girls Spring Classic and Team Ontario member, Lindsay McGrath (Rattlesnake Point GC).
Round one of the Ontario Junior (19) Girls Championship gets underway Monday, July 11, with tee-offs beginning at 7:30 am. For qualifying, tee assignments, tee times, and leaderboard information check out our Golf Genius webpage here.
About The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Championship
First contested in 1927, the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Championship features Ontario’s best amateur female golfers age 18 and under. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. The championship has a rich history of young Ontarians who have had successful golf careers, such as World Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit (1951, 1952). Other notable winners include, Sandra Post (1965, 1966), Sue Hilton (1962), Alena Sharp (1997, 1998), Jessica Shepley (2001), Jennifer Kirby (2008, 2009), and Brooke Henderson (2011, 2012).
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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; Aabraham@gao.ca
Feschuk wins the 100th Ontario Junior Boys (U19) Championship
Golf Ontario
Sudbury, ON – Oscar Feschuk (Weston Golf & Country Club Ltd.) rightfully wins the 2022 Ontario Junior Boys Championship after shooting 3-under (69) in the final round from Timberwolf Golf Club. Feschuk began the day three strokes back from his groupmate Cameron Pero (Picton Golf & Country Club). However, Feschuk quickly addressed the three-stroke deficit, as he would sink two birdie putts on the first two holes. Feschuk would gain even more momentum after another birdie on the 9th, giving him a single-stroke lead over Pero heading onto the back nine. Feschuk would continue to build off this momentum for the rest of the round, gaining four more strokes and securing his first tournament win.
In addition, another notable player in today’s round is Bronze Medal winner Matthew Javier (Scarboro Golf & Country Club). Javier finished today’s round 3-under (69) and continues his hot streak with his second, third-place finish in two championship tournaments.
Pero, a Team Ontario member, had a fantastic tournament and put up three consecutive 68’s in rounds one, two and three. This week, he was a delight to watch and couldn’t have been more supportive of his friend Oscar as he received his championship trophy.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the Ontario Junior Boys Championship. As well, a huge thank you to Timberwolf Golf Club for hosting this incredible centennial event. Lastly, a huge thanks to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, StrackaLine, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, and Sport Travel. We’re extremely grateful for your continued support.
For media coverage of the Ontario Junior Boys (U19) Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page
About the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship
First contested in 1923, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship is open to male golfers 18 years of age and under, who have earned entry through one of our qualifiers held across the province, or earned exemptions from prior achievements. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. Past winners of the event include: Gerry Kesselring, Gary Cowan, Stu Hamilton, Mike Weir, Jon Mills and Albin Choi.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Loyalist G&CC’s Carlee Meilleur Wins 2022 Women’s Am Convincingly
Golf Ontario
Bath, ON – An extra hot day at Loyalist Golf & Country Club added both to the golfer’s play and intensity for the final round of the 2022 Ontario Women’s Am.
The leaderboard saw a few changes over the day except for our leader, local favourite Carlee Meilleur (Loyalist Country Club), who captured the 2022 Women’s Am Championship spectacularly. Meilleur started the round today with an already impressive -6 (210), with Swetha Sathish (Hidden Lake Golf Club) in second with a -2 (214), and both Lucy Lin (Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club) and Madison Barber (Landings Golf Course & Teaching Centre) tied in third.
“I had to play boring golf today,” Meilleur said when asked about her strategy to keep her first overall position. Amazingly, spectators were even more impressed by the fact that Meilleur is only 14 years old. “It’s nice to have that accomplishment being so young, knowing that I have many more years to play,” added Meilleur when asked about her winning at such a young age.
Meilleur finished the day with a fantastic 3-under (69) score and 9-under (279) on her tournament. Finishing in second was Lucy Lin (Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club) with a 4-under total (284), and Erin Kim (Station Creek Golf Club) just behind in third with an even-score overall on the week (288).
Additionally, three women participating in the 2022 Ontario Women’s Am Championship will represent Ontario in The Interprovincial Competition at The Canadian Women’s Am. Kim, who placed third at the Ontario Women’s Am, Swetha Sathish (Hidden Lake Golf Club), who placed fourth and Emily McKee (RattleSnake Point Golf Club), who finished tied for fifth.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for their support of the Ontario Women’s Am & Mid-Am Championship. Thank you immensely to Loyalist Golf & Country Club for hosting this wonderful competition. Lastly, a huge thanks to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, StrackaLine, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, and Sport Travel. We’re always grateful for all your continued support.
For media coverage of the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To view all the results, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Women’s Am & Mid Am
First played in 1904, the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship is Ontario’s oldest provincial championship and is the pinnacle of women’s golf in the province. The event features the best female golfers from across Ontario in a 72-hole stroke play format.
The Women’s Amateur has produced a rich history of champions throughout the tournament’s long and cherished existence. Past winners include 1968 LPGA Tour players Sandra Post (1964), Alena Sharp (1989), Jennifer Kirby (2009, 2010), Augusta James (2011), Brittany Marchand (2012), Brooke Henderson (2014), Maddie Szeryk and Team Canada standout Brigitte Thibault (2019). World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member, Marlene Stewart Streit, holds the record for the most titles with 11 (’51, ’56, ’57, ’58, ’68, ’69, ’70, ’72, ’74, ’76, and ’77).
First played in 1989, the Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is open to female golfers aged 25 and over. In honour of her outstanding accomplishments at the Mid-Amateur level in Ontario, the trophy is rightfully named after 14-time champion Mary Ann Hayward. The event is contested annually in a 54-hole competition. Other notable past champions of the event include 2012 Canadian Senior Women’s Champion Terrill Samuel (1991, 2000 and 2010), Casey Ward (2015) and Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Gayle Borthwick Hitchens (1992, 1993), and Judith Kyrinis (2017).
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.
Pero Maintains Lead at Ontario Junior Boys Championship
Golf Ontario
Sudbury, ON – The back nine at Timberwolf Golf Course was the story of round three at the Ontario Junior Boys Championship. Many golfers this week have stumbled through holes 15, 16, and 17, impacting their finish to the rounds. However, the two golfers at the top of our leaderboard proved that difficulty doesn’t always deteriorate success.
Playing alongside each other today, Cameron Pero (Picton Golf & Country Club) and Oscar Feschuk (Weston Golf & Country Club) started the day 1-under through the front nine. On the back nine, Feschuk would go on to birdie the first three holes and top it off with an eagle on 18, ending the day at 5-under (67). Feschuk jumps to second place with a strong day today, shooting 9-under for the tournament (207). Pero’s putter, however, would also get hot, as he would sink three birdies on his last three holes to end his day. The Team Ontario member put up his third 68 in three days, maintaining a comfortable three-stroke lead going into the final round.
Also, a member of the leader group, Matthew Martel (Lookout Point Country Club Ltd), had quite a day of his own. Martel finished his day 3-under (69) and sits five strokes back from Pero’s lead.
Tee-offs for the final round will begin at 8:00 am tomorrow (Friday), off holes 1 and 10. For media coverage of the Ontario Junior Boys (U19) Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship
First contested in 1923, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship is open to male golfers 18 years of age and under, who have earned entry through one of our qualifiers held across the province, or earned exemptions from prior achievements. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. Past winners of the event include: Gerry Kesselring, Gary Cowan, Stu Hamilton, Mike Weir, Jon Mills and Albin Choi.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Team Ontario on Top after Second Round of the Ontario Junior Boys Championship
Golf Ontario
Sudbury, ON – A familiar face is positioned at the top of the leaderboard after round two of the 2022 Ontario Junior Boys Championship. Team Ontario member, Cameron Pero (Picton Golf & Country Club), sits comfortably in the number one spot after posting another 68 on day two. After 4 birdies on the front nine yesterday, Pero found more success on the back nine today, sinking birdie putts on 10, 15 and 18.
Tied in second are groupmates, Matthew Martel (Lookout Point Country Club Ltd) and Oscar Feschuk (Weston Golf & Country Club). Martel and Feschuk thrived off of each other’s ball-striking, both shooting 3-under (69) on the day and 4-under (140) overall.
Another Team Ontario member, Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club), also threw himself into contention on day two. Smith would finish 2-under on the day (70) and will join his Team Ontario teammate in the top 10, as he sits just 1-over (145) overall.
The top 60 golfers (plus ties) will tee off at 8:00 am tomorrow for round 3 of the Ontario Junior Boys Championship. For media coverage of the Ontario Junior Boys (U19) Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship
First contested in 1923, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship is open to male golfers 18 years of age and under, who have earned entry through one of our qualifiers held across the province, or earned exemptions from prior achievements. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. Past winners of the event include: Gerry Kesselring, Gary Cowan, Stu Hamilton, Mike Weir, Jon Mills and Albin Choi.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
James Wins 2022 Ontario Women’s Mid-Am in Dramatic Style / Women’s Am Finishes Tomorrow
Golf Ontario
Bath, ON – With cuts taking place yesterday, the weather improved for round three, allowing the players to enjoy warm sunny skies and even better scoring.
There was a back-and-forth battle today at Loyalist Golf & Country Club today to see who was going to bring home the Women’s Mid-Am Trophy. At the start of the day Hayley McCallum (Glencairn Golf Club) was leading by an impressive five strokes, with a plus-four (148) and Augusta James (Briar Fox Golf & Country Club), Jessie Mercer (Cataraqui Golf & Country Club) and Laura McIntosh (Westmount Golf & Country Club) all tied for second with a plus-nine (153). Today’s round was close up until the very end with McCallum holding a 2-stroke lead coming into the 18th hole. However, with a spectacular drive, chip onto the green and an out-of-this-world putt dropping into the hole, James sealed the victory with a dramatic eagle. James gave a heartfelt speech after receiving her award and was able to celebrate with the many people on hand that she loves.
With the Women’s Am going into the final day tomorrow, many golfers have been working extraordinarily hard to be named the 2022 Ontario Women’s Amateur Champion. With round three in the books, Carlee Meilleur (Loyalist Country Club) will start the final round leading with at 6-under (247) with Swetha Sathish (Hidden Lake Golf Club) in second at 2-under (214) and both Lucy Lin (Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club) and Madison Barber (Landings Golf Course & Teaching Centre) tied for third with a 1-under (215).
For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Women’s Amateur & Mid-Amateur Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Women’s Am & Mid Am
First played in 1904, the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship is Ontario’s oldest provincial championship and is the pinnacle of women’s golf in the province. The event features the best female golfers from across Ontario in a 72-hole stroke play format.
The Women’s Amateur has produced a rich history of champions throughout the tournament’s long and cherished existence. Past winners include 1968 LPGA Tour players Sandra Post (1964), Alena Sharp (1989), Jennifer Kirby (2009, 2010), Augusta James (2011), Brittany Marchand (2012), Brooke Henderson (2014), Maddie Szeryk and Team Canada standout Brigitte Thibault (2019). World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member, Marlene Stewart Streit, holds the record for the most titles with 11 (’51, ’56, ’57, ’58, ’68, ’69, ’70, ’72, ’74, ’76, and ’77).
First played in 1989, the Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is open to female golfers aged 25 and over. In honour of her outstanding accomplishments at the Mid-Amateur level in Ontario, the trophy is rightfully named after 14-time champion Mary Ann Hayward. The event is contested annually in a 54-hole competition. Other notable past champions of the event include 2012 Canadian Senior Women’s Champion Terrill Samuel (1991, 2000 and 2010), Casey Ward (2015) and Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Gayle Borthwick Hitchens (1992, 1993), and Judith Kyrinis (2017).
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.
Low Scores Pour in at the Rainy 100th Ontario Junior Boys (U19) Championship
Golf Ontario
Sudbury, ON – Golfers came out firing at Timberwolf Golf Course for round 1 of the 100th annual Ontario Junior Boys (U19) Championship. Four golfers put up scores in the 60s, showing us that not even poor weather could impact their game. While the conditions were quite tough, our competitors were tougher on day one of this centennial event.
2022 Junior Boys Spring Classic Champion, Ben MacLean (Cherry Hill Club), had a stellar round one. MacLean finished tied for the lowest score of the day (68) and has parked himself at the very top of the leaderboard. Tied at the top with MacLean stands Team Ontario member, Cameron Pero (Picton Golf & Country Club), after posting 4 birdies on the front 9. Shortly behind on the leaderboard are David Lafreniere (Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club) and Ryan Zhao (Bayview Golf & Country Club) at 3 under (69). Competitors played great today and are looking to make a run for the top before the cut after tomorrow’s second round.
We are back early tomorrow for round 2, as the boys are set to tee off at 8:00 am off of holes 1 and 10. For media coverage of the Ontario Junior Boys (U19) Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship
First contested in 1923, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship is open to male golfers 18 years of age and under, who have earned entry through one of our qualifiers held across the province, or earned exemptions from prior achievements. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. Past winners of the event include: Gerry Kesselring, Gary Cowan, Stu Hamilton, Mike Weir, Jon Mills and Albin Choi.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Rain Hampers Round 2 Of The Ontario Women’s Am & Mid-Am
Golf Ontario
Bath, ON -The competition intensified with the heavy rainfall being a factor in round 2 during the Ontario Women’s Amateur & Mid-Amateur Championship from Loyalist Golf & Country Club.
Isabella Portokalis (Sunningdale Golf & Country Club) rocketed up the leaderboard today, as now sits at 3-under going into round three. Portokalis finished even (72) in round one and had an amazing showing today, shooting 3-under (69). In the Women’s Mid-Amateur, not much fluctuation in the standings as Hayley McCallum (Glencairn Golf Club) still sits comfortably in first place after finishing even (72) in round one and four over (76) in round two today.
In addition, there was an exceptionally special moment on the course today. Team Ontario member, Alessandra Nagayo (Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto), hit a hole-in-one halfway through her round. This was her very first hole-in-one, as you could only imagine the excitement at the 11th hole this afternoon. Nagayo made it past the cut and will be looking to jump up the leaderboard during round three tomorrow.
After the cut today there will be approximately 54 golfers (plus ties) remaining for the Women’s Amateur and the top 15 (plus ties) will be competing in Mid-Amateur. Competitors will be teeing off at 7:30 am tomorrow (Wednesday) at hole one. For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Women’s Amateur & Mid-Amateur Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Women’s Am & Mid Am
First played in 1904, the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship is Ontario’s oldest provincial championship and is the pinnacle of women’s golf in the province. The event features the best female golfers from across Ontario in a 72-hole stroke play format.
The Women’s Amateur has produced a rich history of champions throughout the tournament’s long and cherished existence. Past winners include 1968 LPGA Tour players Sandra Post (1964), Alena Sharp (1989), Jennifer Kirby (2009, 2010), Augusta James (2011), Brittany Marchand (2012), Brooke Henderson (2014), Maddie Szeryk and Team Canada standout Brigitte Thibault (2019). World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member, Marlene Stewart Streit, holds the record for the most titles with 11 (’51, ’56, ’57, ’58, ’68, ’69, ’70, ’72, ’74, ’76, and ’77).
First played in 1989, the Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is open to female golfers aged 25 and over. In honour of her outstanding accomplishments at the Mid-Amateur level in Ontario, the trophy is rightfully named after 14-time champion Mary Ann Hayward. The event is contested annually in a 54-hole competition. Other notable past champions of the event include 2012 Canadian Senior Women’s Champion Terrill Samuel (1991, 2000 and 2010), Casey Ward (2015) and Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Gayle Borthwick Hitchens (1992, 1993), and Judith Kyrinis (2017).
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.
Great start to Round 1 of 2022 Ontario Women’s Am & Mid-Am Championship
Golf Ontario
Bath, ON – A lovely day at Loyalist Golf & Country Club greeted the first round of the 2022 Ontario Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championship. All 90 competitors put on a fantastic showing in over the first 18 holes of play.
Finishing round one with the lead is Swetha Sathish (Hidden Lake Golf Club) who fired a stellar three-under (69). Seven other players also sit under play after strong finishes in their opening rounds.
The ladies will be teeing off at 7:30 am tomorrow (Tuesday) for round two action. For media coverage of the Ontario Women’s Am & Mid-Am Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Women’s Am & Mid Am
First played in 1904, the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship is Ontario’s oldest provincial championship and is the pinnacle of women’s golf in the province. The event features the best female golfers from across Ontario in a 72-hole stroke play format.
The Women’s Amateur has produced a rich history of champions throughout the tournament’s long and cherished existence. Past winners include 1968 LPGA Tour players Sandra Post (1964), Alena Sharp (1989), Jennifer Kirby (2009, 2010), Augusta James (2011), Brittany Marchand (2012), Brooke Henderson (2014), Maddie Szeryk and Team Canada standout Brigitte Thibault (2019). World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member, Marlene Stewart Streit, holds the record for the most titles with 11 (’51, ’56, ’57, ’58, ’68, ’69, ’70, ’72, ’74, ’76, and ’77).
First played in 1989, the Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is open to female golfers aged 25 and over. In honour of her outstanding accomplishments at the Mid-Amateur level in Ontario, the trophy is rightfully named after 14-time champion Mary Ann Hayward. The event is contested annually in a 54-hole competition. Other notable past champions of the event include 2012 Canadian Senior Women’s Champion Terrill Samuel (1991, 2000 and 2010), Casey Ward (2015) and Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Gayle Borthwick Hitchens (1992, 1993), and Judith Kyrinis (2017).
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.
Centennial Junior Boys Championship from Timberwolf GC July 5-8
Golf Ontario
Sudbury, ON – As we continue the 2022 Championship season, we are excited to welcome the 100th running of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Championship presented by Palladino Auto Group. Timberwolf Golf Club will host this year’s centennial tournament from July 5th-8th.
Timberwolf’s vast layout gives golfers an almost overwhelming sense of solitude as each hole provides spacious seclusion from the others. The oversized greens range from 5,500 square feet on the reachable par-five first hole to a mammoth 9,000 square feet on the par-three fifteenth hole.
“We’ve hosted several provincial and national competitions now, and every time they’ve proven to be tremendous competitions with great talent,” said Sam Yawney, Managing Partner at Timberwolf Golf Club/ Golf Sudbury. “We expect the 100th anniversary of the Ontario Junior Boys Golf Championship to be no different, so we’re looking forward to it.”
Yawney also expressed appreciation for the tournament sponsor by stating, “It’s also very exciting that the Palladino Auto Group has come aboard as title sponsor for this event. Their support will allow us to make this event even greater for the players and help us showcase our golf course and community to a new audience.”
With the Junior Boys back in action, we advise you to watch for some of our key young talents. Ben MacLean (Cherry Hill Club) is coming off back-to-back wins at the Junior Boys Spring Classic Championship and the NextGen Ontario Championship and is looking to add to his collection of hardware. Nathaniel Gray-Lamont (Cutten Fields), Ellis Kinnaird (Mississippi Golf Club) and Matthew Javier (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) also played some great golf at the Spring Classic and are hoping to keep up the hot start to the 2022 season. This tournament will be very tight and extremely exciting, with a large field of worthy competitors.
First-round tee-offs begin on Tuesday, July 5 at 8:00 am. For more information on the championship and follow the leaderboard, view our Golf Genius tournament page.
About the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship
First contested in 1923, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship is open to male golfers 18 years of age and under who have earned entry through one of our qualifiers held across the province or earned exemptions from prior achievements. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. Past event winners include: Gerry Kesselring, Gary Cowan, Stu Hamilton, Mike Weir, Jon Mills and Albin Choi.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Loyalist G&CC to host Ontario Women’s Am & Mid-Am Championship July 4-7
Golf Ontario
Bath, ON – From July 4-7, Golf Ontario will head to Loyalist Golf & Country Club, the 2022 Ontario Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championship host. All 90 competitors will be battling it out for the chance to be crowned the 107th champion in the distinguished history of this tournament.
Loyalist’s beautiful Ted Baker designed course offers challenging play to golfers with Bent grass greens, tees and fairways constructed to USGA specifications. Colourful natural watercourse, strategic bunkering and native grasses contrasting the fine turf make Loyalist Golf & Country Club the ideal course for a championship tournament.
“Loyalist Country Club is excited to host the Ladies again this year. The course is in great shape, and we are looking forward to watching great talent tackle a course that will be a good test for all,” mentioned Geoff James, Head Professional at Loyalist Golf & Country Club.
2021 Women’s Amateur Champion, Jasmine Ly, will not be returning this year to defend her title, but the tee sheet will be filled with many other key players to watch, including every female member of Team Ontario. Other stellar players include Hall of Fame legend Mary-Ann Hayward, former touring professional and 2014 Canadian Women’s Am champion Augusta James, and current 2022 Ontario Women’s Match Play champion Raesa Sheikh.
The action will begin at 7:30 am on July 4. Check out our Golf Genius webpage here for qualifying, pin locations, tee times, and leaderboard information.
About the Ontario Women’s Am & Mid Am
First played in 1904, the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship is Ontario’s oldest provincial championship and is the pinnacle of women’s golf in the province. The event features the best female golfers from across Ontario in a 72-hole stroke play format.
The Women’s Amateur has produced a rich history of champions throughout the tournament’s long and cherished existence. Past winners include 1968 LPGA Tour players Sandra Post (1964), Alena Sharp (1989), Jennifer Kirby (2009, 2010), Augusta James (2011), Brittany Marchand (2012), Brooke Henderson (2014), Maddie Szeryk and Team Canada standout Brigitte Thibault (2019). World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member, Marlene Stewart Streit, holds the record for the most titles with 11 (’51, ’56, ’57, ’58, ’68, ’69, ’70, ’72, ’74, ’76, and ’77).
First played in 1989, the Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is open to female golfers aged 25 and over. In honour of her outstanding accomplishments at the Mid-Amateur level in Ontario, the trophy is rightfully named after 14-time champion Mary Ann Hayward. The event is contested annually in a 54-hole competition. Other notable past champions of the event include 2012 Canadian Senior Women’s Champion Terrill Samuel (1991, 2000 and 2010), Casey Ward (2015) and Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Gayle Borthwick Hitchens (1992, 1993), and Judith Kyrinis (2017).
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.
Golf Ontario Announces Hall of Fame Inductees After Two Year Pause
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, ON – After a two year hiatus due to limitations on public gatherings associated with the pandemic, Golf Ontario is excited to announce the newest members headed to the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame. Given the lapse in events, there are a total of five inductees representing the 2020, 2021 and 2022 classes. Inductions will take place during two separate ceremonies, the first taking place on July 24 at Woodington Lake Golf Club in Tottenham, Ontario as part of the Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Ontario Open week and the second October 17, at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge, Ontario. Three media contributors will also be awarded 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.
Mike Kelly, Golf Ontario CEO exclaimed “On behalf of our Hall of Fame committee members and chair Stu Hamilton, we are thrilled to once again celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of players, builders and media in Ontario golf and we are so excited to bring together our new and current members of the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame for two special ceremonies.”
2020 INDUCTEES
Danny Mijovic
Danny Mijovic, enters the 2020 Ontario Golf Hall of Fame class in the Professional Golfer category after 35 plus years as a golf professional.
Mijovic attended Texas Wesleyan University where he was an individual medalist at nine collegiate tournaments and is the only player at any collegiate level to win an individual national championship in all four years. The four-time All-American won the 1983 Canadian Amateur Championship, the 1984 Mexican Open, the 1984 Porter Cup and the 1985 Labatt’s Blue-Light Championship.
Mijovic continues his career in golf as he currently works as ClubLink’s Director of Instruction at King’s Riding Golf Club and King Valley Golf Club.
Tim O’Connor
Receiving the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award for the 2020 class is writer and journalist, Tim O’Connor.
O’Connor has written for a wide variety of golf publications across North America including, The Financial Post, Golf Digest, GOLF, Golf World, LINKS, Golfweek, Golf Canada and Ontario Golf Magazine.
He covered huge events such as the Masters, U.S. Open, PGA Championship, duMaurier Classic, and the Canadian Open. Additionally, he also produced golf documentaries for the CBC Radio program The Inside Track and launched The Golf Show for the Telemedia Radio Network and AM-Talk640.
2021 INDUCTEES
Brian McCann
After a long and successful career in golf, Brian McCann will be inducted into the Golf Ontario Hall of Fame as a member of the 2021 class.
McCann was the PGA of Canada’s #1 ranked player in 2011 and 2012, as well as the PGA of Ontario’s player of the year in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Over the years, McCann has won 5 national championships and over 15 provincial championships.
McCann continues to stay active in the golf community as he is now the Head Professional at Centennial Park Golf Centre in Etobicoke, Ontario.
Jon Mills
Jon Mills also enters the 2021 Golf Ontario Hall of Fame class after an outstanding amateur and professional career.
Mills was ranked the #1 Men’s Amateur Golfer in Ontario in 2001 and was the Score Canadian Male Golfer of the Year in 2007. In his professional career, Mills won the Manitoba MTS Classic and the Canadian Tour Order of Merit in 2002. He also won the Toledo Open, the Western Pennsylvania Open, and the Canadian Professional Golfers Championship in 2005.
Mills now uses his skills and expertise to shape the next generation of golfers as head coach at Kent State University, a place where he once won 5 division 1 NCAA tournaments.
Ted McIntyre
For 2021, Ted McIntyre will receive the honour of accepting the Lorne Rubenstein Media award.
McIntyre is a long-time golf writer and editor. He has worked in the golf industry for over 26 years, writing for media outlets such as GolfStyle Magazine, Ontario Golf Magazine, and The Travelling Golfer.
We are delighted to present Ted with this award, as it is well deserving due to his contributions and involvement in the game of golf.
2022 INDUCTEES
David Stewart Menzies Gourlay
Dave Gourlay receives the honour of entering the Golf Ontario Hall of Fame posthumously due to his influence and contributions to the game of golf.
Gourlay was a founding member of the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) and the president of the association in 1973. He was named Superintendent of the year in 1982 and won the John B. Steele Award (CGSA’s highest honour) in 1997.
Gourlay was a great mentor to many and his impact spans many generations.
Nick Genovese
After a 54-year career in the golf industry, the late Nick Genovese will enter the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in 2022.
Genovese won the Canadian Blind Golf Championships in 1952, 1953, 1954, 1957, 1963, and 1967, along with 21 provincial championships. He was also named the oldest blind golfer in North America in 2004, at the age of 75.
Nick was a mentor and an inspiration to many, as well as a staple to the sport of golf for the visually impaired.
Scott MacLeod
The recipient of the Lorne Rubenstein Media award for the year 2022, is Associate Publisher of Flagstick Golf Magazine Scott MacLeod.
MacLeod has worked with Flagstick Golf Magazine and Ontario Golf News and has dedicated over 25 years of hard work to the game of golf. He has been a journalist/writer writing articles for Flagstick as far back as 1996. MacLeoad is a “Class A” Professional with the PGA of Canada and continues to demonstrate his love for the game through his work.
An active and respected member of the Golf Journalist Association of Canada, MacLeod is well deserving of this award.
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.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Lang Wins the 2022 Nicola Wealth Ontario Men’s Mid-Am Championship
Golf Ontario
Stouffville, ON – More favourable temperatures at Spring Lakes GC for the final round of the 2022 Nicola Wealth Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship brought out the lowest scores of the week.
In the last group of the day, both David Lang (Donalda Club) and Cameron Burke (Golf Canada Club) were tied for the lead heading onto 18. Both competitors fired beautiful approach shots and had great looks left for birdie. Burke, unfortunately, couldn’t capitalize on his birdie putt which provided Lang with a huge opening to take it all. Lang took advantage of this opportunity and sank his 12-foot putt to secure the win at the 2022 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Brett Walker (Burlington Golf & Country Club) had a dominating 10 birdies on his round, finishing his day at 7-under (65) and tied for third at 2-under (214).
In the Mid-Master Division, there was some fluctuation in the leaderboard over the final round. Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood Golf Club), who began the day as sole leader, would lag behind Mike Dinner (Glencairn Golf Club) on the front nine but would recover back and finish the round 1-under (216).
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for their support of the Nicola Wealth Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Thank you to Spring Lakes Golf Club and their staff for hosting this wonderful competition. Lastly, a huge thank you to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, StrackaLine, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, and Sport Travel. We’re always grateful for all your continued support.
For media coverage of the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To view all the results, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship
Since 1993, the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur championship has proven to be one of Ontario’s most sought-after and important Championship titles. The 54-hole competition caters to Ontario’s best golfers age 25 and older that have gained entry into the event through qualifying tournaments or an exemption.
Despite its young history, the championship has developed a notable list of past champions including Garrett Rank (2015, 2018) and Golf Hall of Fame members Stu Hamilton (1993, 1998), Kelly Roberts (1997), Dave Bunker (2007, 2011, 2014, 2021).
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 95,000 individual members and 400 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact, to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to shaping lives through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Ties at the Top of the Leaderboard for Ontario Men’s Mid-Am Championship
Golf Ontario
Stouffville, ON – Competition heated up even more on day two at Spring Lakes Golf Club for the 2022 Nicola Wealth Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship.
Paul Gortnar (Glencairn Golf Club) posted the low round of the tournament by shooting four-under par (68) on the day. Gortnar was an alternate for the championship this week and was only added to the field a week prior to the event. He is currently sitting at T3 in the tournament with a score of 3 under (141).
Tied in first place at four-under is Cameron Burke (Golf Canada Club – Ontario) and 2020 Mid-Amateur Champion, Ryan Tsang (Cedar Brae Golf Club). Both competitors have played an exceptional first two rounds of golf and will be looking to close it out tomorrow to take home the esteemed trophy.
After the cut today there will be approximately 60 golfers (plus ties) remaining for tomorrow’s final day. Competitors will be teeing off at 8:00 am tomorrow (Thursday) at hole one. For media coverage of the 2022 Nicola Wealth Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship
Since 1993, the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur championship has proven to be one of Ontario’s most sought-after and important Championship titles. The 54-hole competition caters to Ontario’s best golfers age 25 and older that have gained entry into the event through qualifying tournaments or an exemption.
Despite its young history, the championship has developed a notable list of past champions including Garrett Rank (2015, 2018) and Golf Hall of Fame members Stu Hamilton (1993, 1998), Kelly Roberts (1997), Dave Bunker (2007, 2011, 2014, 2021).
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 95,000 individual members and 400 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact, to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to shaping lives through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Stouffville, ON – A scorching high of31 degrees on Tuesday afternoon welcomed summer and the first round of the 2022 Nicola Wealth Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship to Spring Lakes Golf Club.
Finishing the day at three-under (69) were, Ryan Tsang (Cedar Brae Golf Club), Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood Golf Club) and Kyle Rank (Elmira Golf Club), carrying the lead after round one. Also to keep an eye out for this week would be past Golf Ontario Champions, Charles Fitzsimmons (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club), Dave Greenaway (Barrie Country Club), Dave Bunker (Cherry Hill Club) and Ryan Kings (Deer Ridge Golf Club).
In the Men’s Mid-Master division, Chinner finished his round three strokes ahead of the applicable field.
Golfers will be teeing off at 8:30 am tomorrow (Wednesday) off of holes one and ten. For media coverage of the 2022 Nicola Wealth Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship
Since 1993, the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur championship has proven to be one of Ontario’s most sought-after and important Championship titles. The 54-hole competition caters to Ontario’s best golfers age 25 and older that have gained entry into the event through qualifying tournaments or an exemption.
Despite its young history, the championship has developed a notable list of past champions including Garrett Rank (2015, 2018) and Golf Hall of Fame members Stu Hamilton (1993, 1998), Kelly Roberts (1997), Dave Bunker (2007, 2011, 2014, 2021).
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 95,000 individual members and 400 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact, to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to shaping lives through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON – The 2022 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship gets underway at the scenic Spring Lakes Golf Club from June 21-23.
With 54-holes available for play, competitors will be playing the East 18 at Spring Lakes. The East Golf Course is the longest and most demanding of Spring Lake’s three courses. Stretching over 7000 yards in length and riddled with several creeks and streams, golfers should not underestimate the difficulties they may encounter with this course. This challenging layout will test the Mid-Amateur field and make for an exciting championship event.
“Hosting the 2022 Ontario Mid-Amateur event in June will be a tremendous honor for the club, our members, volunteers and the players. Our team is gearing up for a wonderful golf week, and we look forward to hosting this special event. Spring Lakes is proud of our long-standing and supportive relationship with Golf Ontario over many years, and we look forward to the future“, mentioned Bob Lean, Owner & P.G.A. Professional.
2021 winner and 4-time champion of the Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, Dave Bunker (Cherry Hill Club), will be looking to repeat after an incredible playoff performance in last year’s tournament. Another player to keep an eye on would be 2021 and 2022 Men’s Match Play Champion Charles Fitzsimmons (Thornhill Club). Ryan Tsang (Cedar Brae Golf Club), the 2020 Champion, also returns looking to reclaim the title he once held.
Tee-off for round one is set for Tuesday, June 21 at 8:30 am, featuring Tsang, 2021 Ontario Senior Men’s Champion Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood Golf Club) and Fitzsimmons. For more information on the championship and follow the leaderboard, check out our Golf Genius tournament page.
About the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship
Since 1993, the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur championship has proven to be one of Ontario’s most sought after and important Championship titles. The 54-hole competition caters to Ontario’s best golfers age 25 and older that have gained entry into the event through qualifying tournaments or an exemption.
Despite its young history, the championship has developed a notable list of past champions including Garrett Rank (2015, 2018) and Golf Hall of Fame members Stu Hamilton (1993, 1998), Kelly Roberts (1997), Dave Bunker (2007, 2011, 2014, 2021).
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 95,000 individual members and 400 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact, to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to shaping lives through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
A picture-perfect day greeted the final day of the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship from Cataraqui Golf & Country Club. The beautiful Monday morning saw two tough semi-finals ending before the 18th hole, followed up by a see-saw battle in the afternoon finals.
In the midday match, Raesa Sheikh (Public Player Member) jumped out to an early lead over Aryn Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club), watched herself drop back two holes, and then never look back cruising to a 4&3 victory and claiming the hardware.
The morning semi-finals saw Sheikh defeat Lexie MacKay (King Valley Golf Club) 4&2, while Matthews took down Team Ontario member Nyah Kelly (Lindsay Golf & Country Club) 4&3.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for their support of the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship. Thank you to Cataraqui G&CC and their staff for yet again hosting this wonderful competition. Lastly, a huge thank you to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, StrackaLine, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, and Sport Travel. We are extremely grateful for all your continued support.
For media coverage of the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To view all the results, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship
The Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship was first played in 1975 and has several notable past champions including World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, six-time champion Mary Ann Hayward, Terrill Samuel, and Heather Kuzmich.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Sotheby’s International Realty Canada to partner with official PGA TOUR Canada event
Now in its 27th year, Woodington Lake Golf Club is poised to host PGA TOUR Canada’s Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Ontario Open. (Courtesy Woodington Lake Golf Club)
TOTTENHAM, Ontario—The historic Ontario Open, a fixture in Canadian golf from 1923 to the 1990s and recently restored as an important component of the Golf Ontario schedule, announced Monday that the official PGA TOUR Canada tournament will be known as Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Ontario Open. PGA TOUR Canada Executive Director Scott Pritchard, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada President and CEO Don Kottick and Golf Ontario CEO Mike Kelly made the announcement about the tournament set for July 25-31 at Woodington Lake Golf Club.
“This is an important day not only in the history of PGA TOUR Canada but also for golf in Ontario,” Pritchard said. “The Ontario Open is a historic and important part of the golf landscape in this part of the country, and it’s important that it returns to its previous stature. To have a company like Sotheby’s International Realty Canada partnering with the Ontario Open ensures that this will take place.”
The Ontario Open was an annual event, starting from its inception in 1923, not even taking time off during the Second World War when numerous tournaments did shut down. Winners during the tournament’s first iteration included Canadian legends George Knudson (five victories), Moe Norman (three victories) and World Golf Hall of Fame member Sam Snead, who captured the 1940 tournament. The Ontario Open began again in 1989, with former PGA TOUR player Michael Bradley winning the event. Various clubs in Ontario hosted the tournament between 1992 and 1996 before the tournament took a 21-year hiatus, beginning in 1997.
“As one of the oldest and most storied golf championships in the world, the Ontario Open has a reputation for attracting the best golfers nationally and internationally. Our sponsorship of this tournament is not only a reflection of our company’s commitment to contributing to the communities in which our clients live, work and play, it is a reflection of our commitment to celebrating and aligning with professional excellence, whether in sport or in business,” Kottick said.
Woodington Lake Golf Club opened in 1995 and is celebrating its 27th season offering championship golf to Southern Ontario. The Legends Course first hosted the tournament in 2019—its first playing in 40 years—when it was not affiliated with PGA TOUR Canada. England’s Greg Eason, a PGA TOUR Canada veteran, won the tournament. Woodington Lake and the Legends Course will again host the 72-hole, medal-play event that is the sixth tournament on the 11-event PGA TOUR Canada schedule. It will offer full Fortinet Cup points to all players who make the cut and will help assist in which players move on to the 2023 Korn Ferry Tour.
“From our ownership group and all of our dedicated staff, we are thrilled to be hosting the Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Ontario Open at our beautiful facility here at Woodington Lake. Marrying together a partner with the legacy of Sotheby’s and such a historic golf tournament on our Legends course is a privilege, and we look forward to growing the event together for years to come. We’re also excited to host once again The Ontario Disabilities Championship early in the week,” said John Chetti, Partner in Woodington Lake Golf Club.
The Ontario Disabilities Championship promotes awareness and participation for golfers with disabilities and provides a platform for future-talent identification. Up to 60 participants will contest this 36-hole stroke-play championship July 25-26.
Golf Ontario CEO Mike Kelly said, “We are thrilled to see the Ontario Open return as a regular event on the summer golf schedule, and Sotheby’s International Realty Canada’s involvement puts this tournament on strong footing.”
The Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Ontario Open is the sixth stop in the race for the Fortinet Cup, the points-based competition that mirrors the competitive structure on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions and PGA TOUR Latinoamerica. The Fortinet Cup will offer a $100,000 player bonus pool—with $25,000 to the winner—to the top Fortinet Cup points-winners will earn membership on the 2023 Korn Ferry Tour. The No. 1-ranked player at the end of the season earns Player of the Year honors and is eligible to play in every open Korn Ferry Tour tournament the following season.
For more information about the Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Ontario Open visit here.
Gorgeous skies and swirling winds provided a spectacular backdrop for day one of the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship from Cataraqui Golf & Country Club. A day which began with 16 competitors ends with only four moving onto tomorrow’s Semi-Finals.
Team Ontario’s own Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club) and Nyah Kelly (Lindsay Golf & Country Club) won their sweet 16 matchups 5 & 3. In the quarter-finals, Hansen faced off against Aryn Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club). Hansen and Matthews battled back and forth until the 17th hole, where Hansen could not sink the par putt to send the match to the 18th. Nyah Kelly had a tough quarter-final matchup against Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Judith Kyrinis (The Thornhill Club). However, Kelly showed that the moment was not too big for her, as she would defeat Kyrinis 2 & 1.
In the other quarter-final matchups, Raesa Sheikh (Public Player Member) would win her matchup against Isabella Ferguson (Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club) 3 & 2. At the same time, Lexie MacKay (King Valley Golf Club) would win her matchup against Vanessa Chychrun (Beacon Hall Golf Club) 1 up after a stellar finish on 18.
Tomorrow morning the Women are set to tee off for semi-final action at 8:00 am. The finals follow in the afternoon. For media coverage of the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship
The Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship was first played in 1975 and has several notable past champions including World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, six-time champion Mary Ann Hayward, Terrill Samuel, and Heather Kuzmich.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Women’s Match Play Returns to Cataraqui G&CC June 18-20
Golf Ontario
Kingston, ON – Cataraqui Golf and Country Club is gearing up to host the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship from June 18 – 20. The 102-year-old Cataraqui Golf & Country Club was designed by Canadian architect Stanley Thompson and retained the classic golf course design and features Thompson is known for. The course blends perfectly in its natural surroundings and is a proven challenge to players of all levels.
“We are excited to showcase our classic Stanley Thompson designed course. Small greens that can be tricky to read are its hallmark. Players need to think their way around and be careful where they miss tee to green, strategy will be essential,” said Iain Reston, Head Professional at Cataraqui Golf and Country Club.
In 2021, Hailey Katona captured gold, taking down past legendary champions Judith Kyrinis and Terrill Samuel on her path to victory. However, a new winner will be crowned with Katona not participating in this year’s Match Play. Instead, Team Ontario teammates Nyah Kelly and Emma Hansen will be showcasing some of the youth in this competition. At the same time, Judith Kyrinis, always a favourite to win, will be another key player to watch.
Saturday sees 34 golfers qualifying for the sweet 16 spots available in Sunday’s opening matches. With that qualifying field of 16 competitors on day one (June 19th), the women will tee off at 8:00 am for the first round and 12:30 pm for the quarter-finals. The semi-finals and finals are scheduled for Monday, June 20th. You can keep up to date with the tournament info on our golf genius page here.
About the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship
The Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship was first played in 1975 and has several notable past champions including: World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, six-time champion Mary Ann Hayward, Terrill Samuel, and Heather Kuzmich.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
StrackaLine of San Diego, California is announced as the “Official Yardage Book Partner” of Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge – Golf Ontario announced today that they are welcoming StrackaLine to their partnership portfolio as the ‘Official Yardage Book Partner’ of Golf Ontario.
In announcing the new partnership, Nick Taylor, Senior Director of Marketing for the association said, “With over fifteen years of experience in the sector, StrackaLine is considered a preeminent resource for yardage books and greens guides in North America. We are thrilled that the company sees the same partnership opportunities in Golf Ontario as they have experienced south of the border with touring professionals, collegiate teams, and all levels of amateur golfers.”
StrackaLine Yardage Books are available for all courses, and while StrackaLine Greens Guides & Combination Books are available for select courses at this point, Golf Ontario will be supporting the expansion of this resource to further enhance the playing experience for members across Ontario.
The company also offers StrackaLine Combination books (Greens Guides and Yardage in one book) which includes the following features:
Compliant Greens Guides with:
3 different green depictions:
Slope % view.
Slope heat map view.
Elevation View.
Stats and notes page.
Yardage book portion includes complete tee to green measurements for every hole along with:
Elevation changes tee to green.
Cover distance to bunkers and penalty areas.
Distance Rings.
Compass off tee shot and to greens.
Fairway arrows (when available).
Width of Key areas such as penalty to penalty areas.
The best players in the world are using StrackaLine books and you can too!
At the recent RBC Canadian Open, where the agreement was executed, company founder Jim Stracka said, “We are thrilled to partner with Golf Ontario”. “The association has strong leadership and a growing and passionate membership base whom we wish to support as they pursue their passion for the game. We look forward to working with our partners at Golf Ontario in delivering great value to the over 100,000 members across the province, starting with a 20% discount off the price of yardage books”, continued Stracka.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Nick Taylor, Sr. Director of Marketing, Golf Ontario NTaylor@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Gravenhurst, ON – The week of excellent Match Play competition came down to our final four competitors in the Ontario Men’s & Senior Men’s Match Play Championship. Today, rain drizzled down to open Friday matches at Taboo before giving way to warm blue skies as the finals intensified.
After a strong week of play, defending champion and number one seed, Charles Fitzsimmons (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club), would prevail on the second playoff hole to achieve Men’s Match Play back-to-back champ status. A see-saw battle between Fitzsimmons and Taylor Hull (Granite Golf Club) resulted in a birdie on 17 and 18 respectively to force extra holes.
As for the Senior Match Play, Dave Greenaway (Barrie Country Club) came out strong going 3UP on the front nine and cruising to a 5&4 win over Allen Champman (Lindsay Golf & Country Club).
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for their support of the Ontario Men’s and Senior Men’s Match Play Championship. To Taboo Muskoka Golf Resort, and all their hard-working staff, thank you for hosting at such an exceptionally maintained course, especially with all the rain. Also a big thank you to the volunteers, as you are extremely valuable and we appreciate the time you take out of your week to assist. Lastly, a huge thank you to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, and Sport Travel. We are always grateful for your continued support.
For full media coverage of the Ontario Men’s & Senior Men’s Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums and our Instagram page for Story updates. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship
Established in 1986, The Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship is contested annually. It features 64 of Ontario’s best amateur golfers who have qualified earlier this season or gained an exemption into the event. Former champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Ian Leggatt, David Hearn, David Byrne and Dave Bunker.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Gravenhurst, ON – Mother nature redeemed herself on day two of the Ontario Men’s & Senior Men’s Match Play Championship. Today, the sun was beaming down at Taboo Muskoka Golf course, making for great weather and intense competition. The Men played 36 holes (Round of 32 and 16), setting them up to compete in their quarter-final matchups on Thursday morning. The Senior Men played 18 holes (Round of 16) in the morning after finishing their round of 32 yesterday. Their quarter-final matchups are also set for early tomorrow morning.
With a tournament full of upsets, past champion and number one seed, Charles Fitzsimmons (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club), earned his ticket to the quarter-finals after draining a birdie putt on the first playoff hole. Additional key players to keep an eye on in the quarter-finals are Team Ontario members Ryan Somerville (Summit Golf & Country Club) and Cameron Pero (Picton Golf & Country Club). After winning his round of 32 matchup 7 & 6, Somerville took down his opponent Nolan Wilson (Galt Country Club) in a much closer battle, finishing 2 & 1. In the round of 16, Pero was down 1 to his opponent Josh Dicarlo (Pointe West Golf Club) after the front nine but recovered down the stretch, winning the match 3 & 2 after a great back nine.
For the round of 8, the Men will tee off at 7:30 am, and the Senior Men will tee off right after starting at 8:02 am on Thursday. For media coverage of the Ontario Men’s & Senior Men’s Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship
Established in 1986, The Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship is contested annually. It features 64 of Ontario’s best amateur golfers who have qualified earlier this season or gained an exemption into the event. Former champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Ian Leggatt, David Hearn, David Byrne and Dave Bunker.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Gravenhurst, ON – Mother nature was not on our side today at the Ontario Men’s & Senior Men’s Match Play Championship from the beautiful Taboo Muskoka Golf Course. Competitors fought off heavy rain throughout their entire round, and while the wet conditions were difficult for some, they proved helpful for others. Both the Men and Senior Men completed 18 holes today, with the Men (64 bracket) teeing off at 7:30 am and the Senior Men (32 bracket) teeing off just past 12:30 pm.
Even with the tough conditions, it was an exciting round today, with many golfers proving that seeding is just a number. The lower seeded underdog won over a quarter of all matches, making for some exhilarating play.
In the Men’s grouping, some competitors to keep an eye on heading into the round of 32 include Charles Fitzsimmons (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club), Bavake Sihota (Golf Canada Club – Ontario), Dave Bunker (Cherry Hill Club), Nolan Piazza (Cherry Hill Club) and Team Ontario members Isaiah Ellis, Ryan Somerville, Cameron Pero and Justin Matthews. With the Senior Men’s, competitors to take note of include Joe Miszk (Cherry Hill Club), Dave Greenaway (Barrie Country Club), and Perry Freda (Madawaska Golf Course).
Rainy AND TOUGH DAY 1 CONDITIONS, BUT STILL SMILING
Tomorrow, the Men will play 36 holes, whereas the Senior Men will play 18 again. Tee times for the Men’s round of 32 will begin at 7:30 am, and the Senior Men’s round of 16 will tee off at 8:34 am. Please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page for media coverage of the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship
Established in 1986, The Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship is contested annually and features 64 of Ontario’s best amateur golfers that have qualified earlier this season, or who have gained an exemption into the event. Notable former champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Ian Leggatt, David Hearn, David Byrne and Dave Bunker.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Taboo Hosts the Men’s & Senior Men’s Match Play June 7-10
Golf Ontario
Gravenhurst, ON – Taboo Golf Course & Resort once again welcomes the Men’s & Senior Men’s Match Play Championship from June 7-10. The Men’s features a 64-player bracket while the Senior Men’s will showcase 32 players all competing to come out on top.
Taboo will offer competitors a challenging layout carved into the dramatic Canadian Shield landscape. Consistently voted among Canada’s Top 100 courses and renowned for its panoramic beauty, the Taboo golf course is a captivating gateway to Muskoka, one of Canada’s truly outstanding golf destinations. Managing Director of Taboo Muskoka Resort and Golf, Nigel Hollidge, shared that “the course is in the best condition it’s been in in years. We wintered really well, the spring has offered very good growing conditions, and we hired a new Superintendent this year, Owen Leewith, who has been wonderful. All around, we are very happy with the condition of the golf course.” When asked about the challenge competitors may experience, Hollidge let on that the turf team plans to quicken the greens. “If we are able to get the green speed up, which I think we will be able to, I do see the greens being a challenge for the players. The rough will be challenging, but Taboo is not an easy golf course that’s for sure. I think the players will find it challenging, but fair.”
TABOO GOLF COURSE & RESORT
Tee times for the round of 64 begin at 7:30 am on June 7th with a split start off one and ten. For more information and to follow along with the leaderboard, visit the Championship Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship
Established in 1986, The Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship is contested annually and features 64 of Ontario’s best amateur golfers that have qualified earlier this season, or who have gained an exemption into the event. Notable former champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Ian Leggatt, David Hearn, David Byrne and Dave Bunker.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Golf Ontario Staff Grows to Expand Regional Support for Ottawa Region
Golf Ontario
As the Regional Support Strategy expands to Eastern Ontario Golf Ontario is proud to announce Carol Ann Baxter as Regional Manager for the Greater Ottawa Region. Carol Ann joins Golf Ontario on June 6, 2022, as we expand our reach across the province in the delivery of our Regional Support Strategy. A facility owner (Archie’s Family Golf Centre) in the region, Carol Ann understands the challenges and needs of operators intimately. She will be able to leverage the many relationships she has built over the years in the Greater Ottawa Region to ensure the successful introduction of the RSS with facilities and stakeholders in the region.
“We are thrilled to welcome Carol Ann to the team. I look forward to the launch of the Regional Support Strategy in the Greater Ottawa Region under her leadership,” exclaimed Kyle McFarlane, Senior Director, Golf Operations. “The RSS is about building relationships between facilities, associations and stakeholders and I’m extremely confident that Carol Ann brings the experience and skillset to make that happen.”
As a PGA and LPGA golf professional Carol Ann brings a wealth of industry experience. She formally served as the Regional Director for Eastern Ontario-Outaouais Chapter with the National Golf Course Owners Association and currently holds the role of Executive Director of the PGA of Canada – Ottawa Zone.
“To have the opportunity to facilitate the development and delivery of Golf Ontario’s Regional Support Strategy is an honour,” added Baxter. “My life and life’s work have revolved around golf on so many different levels and I am truly passionate about the game and the business. This platform will allow me to advance Golf Ontario programs and initiatives designed to support the growth and sustainability of golf in the Region and those responsible for delivering them.”
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 Proudly Announces New Course Rating Coordinator
Golf Ontario
Today, Golf Ontario is proud to announce an important new hire that has joined our staff. JJ Alexander began as Course Rating Coordinator on May 24th. JJ joins Golf Ontario in this important service role to our member clubs and facilities and brings well over twenty years of experience to the role as a PGA of Canada Class A Golf Professional. Most recently serving as the Head Golf Professional at Lookout Point Country Club, JJ brings comprehensive experience and knowledge working the course rating system and was instrumental in the introduction of hybrid tees at the club.
“We are extremely excited to have JJ join the Golf Ontario member services team, his industry experience and knowledge of the course rating system will be a tremendous asset for not only Golf Ontario but also for all the clubs that he works,” said Kyle McFarlane, Senior Director, Golf Operations.
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.
Uxbridge, ON – Under sunny skies, the final round of the shortened Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic Championship came down to a nail-biting finish.
Ben MacLean (Cherry Hill Club) and Nathaniel Gray-Lamont (Cutten Fields) battled it out head-to-head to take the top spot in this year’s Boys Spring Classic. MacLean was masterful with his putter today, making the majority of putts on his round, including an impressive eagle on the 4th hole. He would birdie four times on the back nine and shoot ten-under (134) for the tournament. Gray-Lamont would come up just one stroke behind at nine-under (135). Tied in third place were Matthew Javier (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) and day one leader Ellis Kinnaird (Mississippi Golf Club) at five-under (139).
Heading onto the 18th hole, MacLean carried a one-stroke advantage over fellow group member Gray-Lamont who would settle for par. MacLean’s approach was to 20 feet from the hole, leaving him a safe two-putt for both par and the win.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for their support of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic Championship. To Wooden Sticks Golf Club, and its staff, thank you for hosting this amazing event even after being faced with many issues over the past few days. A huge thank you to the volunteers, as you are extremely valuable and we appreciate the time you take out of your week in particular to assist. Lastly, a huge thank you to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, and Sport Travel. We are grateful for your continued support.
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 over 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.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season. Our complete 2022 Championship schedule can be found here.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Fenwick, ON – The Junior Girls (U19) Spring Classic at Sawmill Golf Course came down to the last hole of play today before a champion could be declared. Lindsay McGrath, a Team Ontario member, birdied eighteen dramatically and broke a three-way tie leading up to that hole to walk away with the hardware.
Sunny cool skies saw a tight leaderboard throughout the day as the girls battled back and forth to hang on to the lead. McGrath (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club) would fire a stellar tournament low four-under (68) that included six birdies. Mekenna Kehoe (West Haven Golf & Country Club) also recorded a 68 on her day to secure second place. Following one stroke behind in third was Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club) after a one-under (71). McGrath would also take the Juvenile (U17) award that is presented at this championship. Team Ontario had a strong showing with eight members finishing in the top 15.
To view the full leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for their support of the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Spring Classic Championship. To Sawmill Golf Club and the Julie Family, and all their hard-working staff, thank you for hosting at such a beautifully maintained course. A big thank you to the volunteers, as you are extremely valuable and we appreciate the time you take out of your week to assist. Lastly, a huge thank you to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, and Sport Travel. We are grateful for your continued support.
Uxbridge, ON – After heavy storms cancelled the original day one, the boys were eager to tee off in the Junior Boys Spring Classic Championship this long weekend. Competitors played 18 holes today and will play another 18 tomorrow to determine the winner of the WD Randolph Millage trophy.
The boys were excited to get onto the course and were quite lucky as the sun was out for most of the day. Golfers had to fight off some wind but that didn’t seem to be an issue for our day one leaders.
Going into tomorrow, we have a very tight leaderboard for the number one spot. Ellis Kinnaird (Mississippi Golf Club) leads all, sitting at five-under (67) on the day. Ben MacLean (Cherry Hill Club) and Nathaniel Gray-Lamont (Cutten Fields) are both right behind at four-under (68). Four competitors are also closely behind at three-under, including Team Ontario golfer Zachary Smith (Brampton Golf Club) who round was highlighted with a gorgeous eagle on the 4th.
The Final round will continue tomorrow (Tuesday) with tee times starting at 7:30 am. To view full tee times and follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
About the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships
The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship is contested annually usually over the Victoria Day long weekend and features many of Ontario’s best male and female junior golfers. The field of competitors gained entry to the competition through a qualifying process earlier in the season.
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 over 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.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season. Our complete 2022 Championship schedule can be found here.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Fenwick, ON – Moving day of the Junior Girls (U19) Spring Classic (U19) at Sawmill Golf Course saw the weather and the play heat up. Thankfully after a wet and rainy start to the round, the sun came out and provided a beautiful Sunday backdrop that allowed the girls to shine.
A tight leaderboard heading into the day saw a major opportunity for players to make up ground. The back nine brought out eagles and a plethora of birdies as the girls jostled for the lead heading into tomorrow’s final round. Tied for the lead after round two are Team Ontario member Ashley Lafontaine (Royal Ottawa Golf Club) and Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club) at +3 overall after both shooting even par (72) today. Right behind them at +4 are Carlee Meilleur (Players Club – Ottawa) and fellow Team Ontario teammate Lindsay McGrath (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club). Eight more players sit within six strokes to shape things up for an exciting third day.
Final round action resumes tomorrow (Sunday) with the opening tee time at 11 am. To view full tee times and follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
Junior Boys Spring Classic Update: After the opening round was cancelled today, the Town of Uxbridge is still under a State of Emergency, due to yesterday’s severe storm. Crews are working hard throughout the town continuing cleanup efforts and getting power reconnected.
We are hoping that we see good news by later tonight or tomorrow morning regarding the power coming back on at Wooden Sticks Golf Course.
In order for the event to begin as previously communicated this morning, the power at the golf course must be restored. The facility cannot open to us if that does not happen.
Another update will be provided tomorrow morning as soon as possible and no later than 10:00 am.
About the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships
The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship is contested annually usually over the Victoria Day long weekend and features many of Ontario’s best male and female junior golfers. The field of competitors gained entry to the competition through a qualifying process earlier in the season.
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 over 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.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season. Our complete 2022 Championship schedule can be found here.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Fenwick, ON – The first round of the Junior Girls (U19) Spring Classic (U19) kicked off both the Victoria Day weekend and the 2022 Golf Ontario Championship Season. The Championship running from May 21-23 at Sawmill Golf Course, features many of Ontario’s best under 19 female golfers.
Players were greeted with a variety of playing conditions throughout the day, starting with sunny skies before quickly hit with harsh winds and humidity as the day went on. It was topped off with a 55-minute play delay as rain and dark skies made a late appearance.
The heat brought out some better scores on the back nine after the wind died down. Leading after round one is Nobelle Park (Hidden Lake GC) with a solid one-over (73). Right behind her in a four-way tie for second place at two-over are Sarah Gallagher (Trafalgar G&CC), Lindsay McGrath (Rattlesnake Point GC), Alessandra Nagayo (Ladies’ GC of Toronto) and Mekenna Kehoe (West Haven G&CC). Four more players sit another stroke back at three-over. Play resumes tomorrow (Sunday) with the second round starting tee time at 11 am.
To view full tee times and follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
About the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships
The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship is contested annually usually over the Victoria Day long weekend and features many of Ontario’s best male and female junior golfers. The field of competitors gained entry to the competition through a qualifying process earlier in the season.
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 over 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.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season. Our complete 2022 Championship schedule can be found here.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
The 2022 Golf Ontario Championship Season Kicks off Victoria Day Weekend with Junior Spring Classics
Golf Ontario
Girls play May 21-23 at Sawmill GC
Boys are May 22-24 from Wooden Sticks
Fenwick/Uxbridge, ON – The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships are back and ready to tee off this Victoria Day weekend and the 2022 Golf Ontario Championship Season! These Championships feature many of Ontario’s best under 19 male and female golfers who gained entry into the competition through one of our qualifiers earlier this Spring or by exemption based on past results. They will all be looking to take home the WD Randolph Millage Trophy.
Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Spring Classic Championship
From May 21-23, Sawmill Golf Course will welcome the Girls (U19) Junior Spring Classic Championship. The course, designed by Gord Witteveen and Nicol Thompson, opened for play in 1976 to humble beginnings. The layout took advantage of the existing natural features and planted many trees. For over forty-five years, they’ve continued to improve and now are considered one of Niagara’s most popular courses.
“Sawmill is honoured to host the Junior Girls Spring Classic and kick off the 2022 competitive golf season in Ontario. We are becoming known for hosting awesome junior events due to the support of our Membership, enthusiastic volunteers, special sponsors, and our unique extras,” said Manager Carrie Julie. “We are guaranteeing the best 60 girls in Ontario a tremendous experience. After a wet spring in Niagara, the course has come along beautifully. The players can expect premium conditions for this early in the season. Bring on the girls next weekend – we can’t wait to host Ontario’s best!”
Last year, Lauren Zaretsky of Ladies’ GC of Toronto/Maple Downs G&CC, took home the gold after a terrific -7 (209) performance. Her skillful play put her 10-strokes ahead of second place.
Team Ontario will be in full swing this year, with all ten Team Ontario girls competing for the Spring Classic title. In 2021, Team Ontario saw 3 team members finish in the top three. Ashley Lafontaine, Alissa Xu, and Alessandra Nagayo will try to improve upon their 2021 finish while fellow member Peyton Costabile, is coming off a win at the 2021 Ontario Junior Girls (U19) Championship.
Tee times for Round 1 on Saturday, May 21st, begin at 11:00 am. To view full tee times, tournament info and follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic Championship
While the girls compete out in Fenwick, the boys will be competing in their own Spring Classic Championship returning to Wooden Sticks Golf Course in Uxbridge, May 22-24. Wooden Sticks is more than simply a place to golf. It is a tribute to this great game’s rich history and grand traditions, with 12 of the 18 holes at Wooden Sticks inspired by different famous golf holes. During a round, you will envision yourself playing off the road in Scotland, across a famous creek in Georgia, onto an island in Florida, and through pine forests in New Jersey.
“We’re looking forward to once again being the host club for the U19 Boys Spring Championship! Our course is in superb condition, and it is always wonderful to see so many talented, promising players at this event,” exclaimed Steve Wilson, Head Professional at Wooden Sticks Golf Club. The Juniors we see are always so thrilled to have the opportunity to play a Championship-worthy course under these conditions. We’re extremely proud to contribute to their development in this manner. Looking forward to seeing you all soon!”
At last year’s Spring Classic, Owen Kim, a Team Ontario member, defeated his fellow teammates Ryan Somerville (Summit Golf and Country Club) and Andre Zhu (National Pines Golf Club). Kim sunk a great 20+ foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to claim the win. The three Team Ontario golfers all finished eight-under (205) on the weekend, while Justin Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club) finished closely behind at six-under.
This year, Owen Kim returns to the Spring Classic, looking to repeat his performance with all ten Team Ontario boys in the mix as well. The annual long weekend classic will be exciting between them and many other skilled players in the field as they all look to add their names to an impressive list of previous champions.
Tee times for Round 1 on Sunday, May 22st, will get underway at noon. To view tee times and the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
About the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships
The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship is contested annually usually over the Victoria Day long weekend and features many of Ontario’s best male and female junior golfers. The field of competitors gained entry to the competition through a qualifying process earlier in the season.
To read more about the boy’s and girls’ results from last year, click here.
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 over 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.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season. Our complete 2022 Championship schedule can be found here.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
Golf Ontario welcomes two key members to our Staff
Golf Ontario
Today, Golf Ontario is proud to announce two new key hires that have joined our staff. Nick Taylor joins us as Senior Director, Marketing starting April 14, 2022, and Alexia Tam has just begun serving as our Manager, Diversity Equity Inclusion, HR & Safeguarding.
Nick Taylor (not the golfer:) joins Golf Ontario after building a diverse career across both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, with experience working in markets across Canada and worldwide.
Most recently, Nick served as the Director of Development for Athletics & Recreation at Ryerson University. His focus was on alumni & supporter engagement and managing a portfolio of donors and prospects from annual giving levels to significant and principal gift donors.
Before working in post-secondary education, Nick was part of a high-performing team at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (PMCF), serving as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Senior Director of Corporate & Community Partnerships. Over his seven years with PMCF, Nick designed and delivered Canada’s top-grossing single-day golf fundraiser for cancer research, known as Golf to Conquer Cancer, which raised $7 million. He also served the foundation as one of two executives driving the strategy behind the celebrated Princess Margaret Lottery.
In the eight years before joining PMCF, Nick was the Director of Marketing and Commercial Operations for Rugby Canada, a National Sport Organization and member of World Rugby. From 2005 to 2012, the organization experienced its most significant growth years on and off the field.
Nick’s professional experience includes ten years with globally recognized luxury retailer Tiffany & Co. (Canada). In addition, he worked in retail management and B2B corporate sales management with some of Canada’s best-managed companies and brands among his clients.
In joining the team at Golf Ontario, Nick hopes to complement the organization’s strengths and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve new heights of achievement for golf in Ontario.
“Having stepped away from the amateur sport sector ten years ago to serve one of the country’s largest healthcare foundations, the timing is right to return to amateur sport and all the wonderful values inherent with Golf Ontario,” said Taylor. “I am excited to be joining a team that has delivered significant results against their last strategic plan, as the shift towards the next four years starts to take shape.”
Alexia Tam is a Safe Sport and Athlete Welfare Expert who has demonstrated her commitment and passion for safe, inclusive and healthy sport for the last ten years. She has received several awards and scholarships for her academic contributions to the field of Safe Sport and her interest in the area has been augmented by collaboration with several sports organizations on the development of education, training, and policy implementation. In addition, she has shared her research and recommendations for best practices at several national and international conferences. Through her rich exposure to sport, as an academic, sports practitioner, a coach and an athlete, Alexia is committed to continuing to be an advocate for sport.
Alexia has collaborated with several sport organizations throughout her career with program development, stakeholder education, and program evaluation, including the Coaching Association of Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Coaches Association of Ontario. Alexia is also on the Board of Directors with Football Ontario and is joining us from Alpine Canada.
After spending nearly two decades as an athlete before turning her attention to coaching, Alexia knows what truly drives success in sport – both on and off the field of play. Her football career started over 15 years ago – when opportunities for women were far and few in between. Since her first day on the field, she’s been committed to bettering herself as an athlete, a coach, and now as a professional in the field. Alexia always says that sport has played an integral role in her identity formation and is excited to create spaces for athletes to make their own positive memories of sport.
Alexia holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology and a Master’s of Science from the University of Toronto and is currently completing her doctorate degree at Canterbury Christ Church University in the United Kingdom.
“I am thrilled to be joining Golf Ontario to support their Safe Sport and DEI portfolio. Safe, inclusive and accessible sport is fundamental for all participants,” said Tam. “I am excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to engaging with the golf community in Ontario.”
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.
MURRELS INLET, S.C.— Despite a valiant effort on a beautiful day two, Team Ontario couldn’t catch Team South Carolina, falling 44 ½ -27 ½ at the 2022 Can-Am Matches.
The Matches, held at the Wachesaw Plantation Club in Murrels Inlet, South Carolina, capped off two weeks of training for Team Ontario. Perfect temperatures greeted players on both days and set up some exceptional play despite some gusty periods.
Arriving March 4th, the Team had a great couple of weeks with plenty of practice and team-building, experiencing some of the best courses in Myrtle Beach. Team Ontario was fortunate to play Barefoot Golf Resort, Aero Club Short Course, The True Blue Golf Club, The Reserve Golf Club and Wachesaw Plantation Club. During that time, the Team worked on physical, mental, and technical training while also going through specific testing measures using tracking technology. Other activities during this trip included attending the General Hackler College Invitational from March 12th to 13th to watch NCAA Division 1 schools in action.
The Can-Am Junior Team festivities teed off Friday with the Junior Am event, dinner, and opening ceremonies welcoming the athletes to Wachesaw Plantation Club. The juniors played a round with members and event sponsors in a pro-am style. Following this, March 19th and 20th saw two days of competitive and challenging golf between the two sides in a quest to claim the historic and prestigious title.
Saturday, the Juniors competed in Four-Ball Match Play with a significant change to the format that made the event even more exciting and unique. The Four-Ball Matches were mixed partners meaning Girl/Boy from Ontario versus Girl/Boy from South Carolina. Sunday brought the return of the classic single matches.
Day one produced some rusty play at times, and although the juniors fought hard throughout the round, saw Team Ontario drop in overall points 17-7.
“Playing in these Matches’ format, things can change drastically very fast,” noted Head Coach Reggie Millage. “I thought our play was decent. It shows we are getting closer and how strong our athletes are. It is a big boost to play well coming out of our winter when you consider South Carolina is in the middle of their season and playing year round.”
The deficit proved too big a hill to climb by the end of day two despite some stellar efforts. Justin Mathews took all 3 points while Emma Hansen, Payton Constible, Ashley Lafontaine, Zach Smith and Ryan Somerville secured 2 ½ points each.
Millage was happy to be back at the event despite the loss. “It was great to be back at Wachesaw after the hiatus to a great venue as always. The kids got to see some great golf and get into a competition they don’t any other time in junior golf.”
Golf Ontario would like to thank all of the courses and their staff and members for hosting the Team. Thanks also to their SCJGA for their continued support of the matches.
About the Can-Am Junior Team Matches (SCJGF)
In the 20 plus years, the Can-Am Junior Team Matches have seen over 125 South Carolina junior golfers who participated in these matches play competitive golf at the collegiate level. A select few of these youngsters have followed up their Can-Am competitions with NCAA National Championships, a FedEx Cup Title, and President’s Cup Team Member! Read more on their website.
About Team Ontario
The Team Ontario program is a unique opportunity for identified athletes in Ontario. They can expect to receive the very best in coaching services, training/competitive opportunities, and peer support as they continue their journey towards excellence in golf and life. Being part of the Team O program is a tremendous accomplishment, but the hard work and dedication don’t end there. The Team Ontario program places considerable emphasis on developing lifelong excellence in all facets, including time and self-management, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, tactical strategies, and technical feedback.
Our gracious host, the South Carolina Junior Golf Association, welcomes Team Ontario back to Wachesaw Plantation Club for two days of competition this weekend to defend their 2019 title. Following two years of cancelled Can-Am Junior Team Matches, Team Ontario’s Head Coach, Reggie Millage, discussed the exciting opportunities these athletes have to gain from this experience. “The Can-Am Matches are always one of the most anticipated events on the calendar for the athletes, coaches and staff at Golf Ontario,” explained Millage. “The last two years have been very challenging, making this year’s Matches even more special. I believe we are even more grateful and appreciative to have these opportunities.”
The Can-Am Junior Team festivities will tee off today with the Junior Am event, dinner, and opening ceremonies to welcome the athletes to Wachesaw Plantation Club. Juniors will play a round with members and event sponsors in a pro-am style. Following this, March 19th and 20th will see two days of competitive and challenging fun between the two sides in a quest to claim the historic and prestigious title.
Saturday, the Juniors will compete in Four-Ball Match Play with a significant change this year to the format that will make the event even more exciting and unique. The Four-Ball Matches will be mixed partners meaning Girl/Boy from Ontario versus Girl/Boy from South Carolina. Sunday will bring the return of the classic 1v1 matches.
*Team Ontario in Green Bold Below
DAY 1 MATCHES (SATURDAY)
Match 1 – 11:00 a.m.
O’Connor / Ibit v. Messimer / Faulkner
Match 2 – 11:10 a.m.
Li / Ellis v. Paolucci / Walmet
Match 3 – 11:20 a.m.
Costabile / Diogenous v. Altman/Harrison
Match 4 – 11:30 a.m.
Gallagher / Weber v. Siehl / Price
Match 5 – 11:40 a.m.
Kelly / Matthews v. Franks / Lenning
Match 6 – 11:50 a.m.
Lafontaine / Pero v. Rawl / Adams
Match 7 – 12:00 p.m.
Nagayo / Latter v. Roberts / Gregory
Match 8 – 12:10 p.m.
Xu / Somerville v. Anderson / Sullivan
DAY 2 MATCHES (SUNDAY)
Match 9 – 8:30 a.m.
Lindsay McGrath v. Paige Paolucci
Match 10 – 8:38 a.m.
Emma Hansen v. Abby Franks
Match 11 – 8:46 a.m.
Payton Costabile v. Hannah Altman
Match 12 – 8:54 a.m.
Sarah Gallagher v. Alexia Siehl
Match 13 – 9:02 a.m.
Nyah Kelly v. Isabella Rawl
Match 14 – 9:10 a.m.
Alissa Xu v. Madison Messimer
Match 15 – 9:18 a.m.
Alessandra Nagayo v. Sydney Roberts
Match 16 – 9:26 a.m.
Ashley Lafontaine v. Adrian Anderson
Match 17 – 9:34 a.m.
Luke Smith v. Burch Harrison
Match 18 – 9:42 a.m.
Michael Weber v. Hugh Faulkner
Match 19 – 9:50 a.m.
Cameron Pero v. Tip Price
Match 20 – 9:58 a.m.
Zach Smith v. Luke Walmet
Match 21 – 10:06 a.m.
Thomas Latter v. Andrew Gregory
Match 22 – 10:14 a.m.
Justin Matthews v. Zach Adams
Match 23 – 10:22 a.m.
Andreas Diogenous v. Major Lenning
Match 24 – 10:30 a.m.
Ryan Somerville v. Rowan Sullivan
To follow along with the Team Ontario’s South Carolina experience and the Can-Am Junior Team Matches, check out the Team’s (@TeamGolfOntario) Twitter and Instagram accounts for live updates and coverage.
About the Can-Am Junior Team Matches (SCJGF)
In the 20 plus years, the Can-Am Junior Team Matches have seen over 125 South Carolina junior golfers who had participated in these matches go on to play competitive golf at the collegiate level. A select few of these youngsters have followed up their Can-Am competitions with NCAA National Championships, a FedEx Cup Title, and President’s Cup Team Member! Read more on their website.
About Team Ontario
The Team Ontario program is a unique opportunity for identified athletes in Ontario. They can expect to receive the very best in coaching services, training/competitive opportunities, and peer support as they continue their journey towards excellence in golf and life. Being selected to be part of the Team O program is a tremendous accomplishment but the hard work and dedication don’t end there. The Team Ontario program places considerable emphasis on developing life long excellence in all facets including time and self-management, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, tactical strategies, and technical feedback.
Team Ontario Returns to South Carolina to Defend Junior Can-Am Matches Title
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, ON – March has arrived, which means it’s time to let the madness begin… Golf madness, that is! As the 2019 defending champions of the Can-Am Junior Team Matches, Team Ontario will start their journey down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on March 4th for just over two weeks of training camp and competition.
Our gracious host, the South Carolina Golf Association, will welcome Team Ontario back to Wachesaw Plantation Club for three days of competition to defend their 2019 title. Following two years of cancelled Can-Am Junior Team Matches, Team Ontario’s Head Coach, Reggie Millage, is excited for the athletes to gain this golf experience. They’ll put their skills to the test against the top eight junior boys and girls from South Carolina. “The Can-Am Matches are always one of the most anticipated events on the calendar for the athletes, coaches and staff at Golf Ontario,” explained Millage. “The last two years have been very challenging, making this year’s Matches even more special. I believe we are even more grateful and appreciative to have these opportunities. I can’t wait to get back to one of my favourite places at Wachesaw Plantation and reconnect with all the wonderful people that make this event happen.”
“The last two years have been very challenging, making this year’s Matches even more special. I believe we are even more grateful and appreciative to have these opportunities.”
Reggie Millage, Team Ontario Head Coach
Starting March 5th, our partner Play Golf Myrtle Beach and the stunning Barefoot Golf Resort will host Team Ontario for thirteen days of training camp. During this time, the Team will work on physical, mental, and technical training, while also going through specific testing measures using tracking technology. Other activities during this trip include attending the General Hackler College Invitational from March 12th to 13th to watch NCAA Division 1 schools in action.
All twenty Team Ontario athletes will attend the training camp and Can-Am Matches. From the girls’ side is, Alessandra Nagayo, Alissa Xu, Ashley Lafontaine, Emma Hansen, Krystal Li, Lindsay McGrath, Nyah Kelly, Peyton Costabile, Sarah Gallagher, and Tara O’Connor. Andreas Diogenous, Cameron Pero, Isaiah Ellis, Isaiah Ibit, Justin Matthews, Luke Smith, Michael Weber, Ryan Somerville, Thomas Latter, and Zach Smith will all be present on the boys’ side.
Head Coach Reggie Millage will join these athletes along with Sports Psychologist Charles Fitzsimmons, Dr. Bradley Murray, Director of Competitions and Performance John Lawrence, Junior Performance Coordinator Evan Arsenault, Regional Coordinator Alexandra Taylor, and Manager of Marketing and Communications Peter MacKellar. In addition, Ontario Golf Academy’s (Whistle Bear Golf Club) Development Coach and former Team Ontario athlete Alyssa Getty, PGA, will also be making the journey to Myrtle Beach.
The Can-Am Junior Team Matches will tee off on March 18th with the Junior Am event, dinner, and opening ceremonies to welcome the athletes to Wachesaw Plantation Club. Juniors will play a round with members and event sponsors in a pro-am style for the Junior Am event. Following this, March 19th and 20th will be best-ball matches and single matches. More details and coverage will be published as training camp and competition gets underway.
To follow along with the Team Ontario’s South Carolina experience and the Can-Am Junior Team Matches, check out the Team’s (@TeamGolfOntario) Twitter and Instagram accounts for live updates and coverage.
About the Can-Am Junior Team Matches (SCJGF)
In the 20 plus years, the Can-Am Junior Team Matches have seen over 125 South Carolina junior golfers who had participated in these matches go on to play competitive golf at the collegiate level. A select few of these youngsters have followed up their Can-Am competitions with NCAA National Championships, a FedEx Cup Title, and President’s Cup Team Member! Read more on their website.
To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. For further information, visit our website.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing Communications – Golf Ontario pmackellar@gao.ca
Today, and with this commitment to DEI in mind, Golf Ontario is thrilled to announce the launch of the Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship, the first provincial golf championship for indigenous people in Canada. “It is our honour to play a role in this inaugural championship event,” said Susan Vail, President of Golf Ontario. Open to golfers of First Nations (North American Indian), Métis, or Inuk (Inuit) descent, the inaugural Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship will be held on September 19-20, 2022, at the MontHill Golf and Country Club, hosted by Chief Mark Hill and the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. “Step by step, we are transforming the face of golf,” added Vail.
The Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship will be a 36-hole competition, taking place over two days and will be open to Ontario residents who are of First Nations, Métis, or Inuk descent. There will be both a Gross Championship division, and a Net Stableford division, and will be open to men and women of all ages.
Following the successful launch of the Ontario Disability Championship in 2019, the Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship will be another example of new ways to engage more people as part of Golf Ontario’s Championship schedule. “We are very excited to be launching the inaugural Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship in 2022 at Monthill Golf & Country Club”, said Mike Kelly, CEO of Golf Ontario. “As an organization, we have made significant strides in championing the advancement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and this new Championship will be another great example of new opportunities for all golfers and platform to build relationships with Indigenous communities for years to come. MontHill Golf & Country Club is built on First Nations land and will be a fantastic host for the first year of the Championship”, continued Kelly.
Golf Ontario will continue working closely with Indigenous leaders across the province to ensure that the launch of this Championship will be met with significant interest and excitement.
“We want to thank Golf Ontario for their commitment to growing the game of golf, and for launching the new Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship” said Championship Co-Chair Steve Tooshkenig. “This new Championship represents an amazing opportunity for people of all indigenous backgrounds to play in a true provincial championship and test their games against some of the best indigenous golfers in the province. Having both a net and gross division, will ensure that this event will attract golfers from a wide range of playing abilities, making it truly an inclusive event”, said Tooshkenig.
MontHill Golf and Country Club will be an ideal host for the inaugural Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship. “MontHill G & CC is honoured to host the inaugural Indigenous Golf Championship. Our 27 holes and world class facilities will provide a great setting for this special tournament. We look forward to an event that not only showcases great golf, but also leads to introduction, access, and growth of the game in First Nation communities,” said Championship Co-Chair Jesse Smith.
Details on player eligibility and registration will be available in the coming weeks.
“We are very excited to be launching the inaugural Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship in 2022 at Monthill Golf & Country Club“
Mike Kelly, CEO, Golf Ontario
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 MONTHILL GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB:
MontHill is one of the premier golf destinations in Southern Ontario. Located in the heart of Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, built on Indigenous land, and just 15 minutes from Hamilton airport, MontHill Golf & Country Club is committed to providing its members with an exceptional experience, both on and off the course. The professionally designed 27-hole, well-maintained golf course has some of the finest manicured greens in the area and will provide a great test for the Championship golfers.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing Communications – Golf Ontario pmackellar@gao.ca
Golf industry celebrated at Golf IN Ontario Awards Night
Peter MacKellar
MILTON— Golf Ontario took a new approach to their Annual General Meeting this year, April 21-22 at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club in Milton, by creating an Ontario golf industry weekend. The goal was to bring together the various associations that are involved with the sport in the province and to strengthen relationships. Nothing showcased that more than the Golf IN Ontario Awards Night on April 21.
The evening was a chance for Golf Ontario, the PGA of Ontario, Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association (OGSA), and Golf Canada to recognize their award winners from the past year in front of the Ontario golf industry.
In all, 19 of the award winners were in attendance and recognized by the various associations for their achievements.
“It was an exciting night to celebrate together the many people who make the sport of golf in Ontario so great!” Said Golf Ontario Executive Director Mike Kelly. “It was an impressive group of volunteers, players, PGA professionals and course superintendents all of whom champion and serve the golf industry in communities across Ontario. Congratulations to all!”
The evening appeared to be a hit with the individual award winners as well. Many were excited to be sharing the spotlight with the other winners from across the province.
“This event is really fabulous,” said PGA of Ontario Golf Professional of the Year Dustin Kerr-Taylor. “To be here and celebrate with all of the award winners from 2016 is great. We are all trying to do one thing and that is grow the game. It was interesting to mingle with everyone and to hear the successes they are having in their associations. I am hoping to translate some of those successes into what I am doing as a golf professional.”
“This is pretty exciting,” added Christopher Kertsos, Golf Ontario Senior Men’s Order of Merit winner. “It is the first time for me to be ranked number one for the seniors. It is nice to see everyone here from all corners of the industry. It is great to see what Golf Ontario has done here tonight.”
Golf Ontario would like to congratulate all of the award winners from all of the golf associations in Ontario.
PGA of Ontario Winners
Adam Tobin – Retailer of the Year
Adam Steinschifter – Candidate for Membership of the Year
Sean Casey – Junior Leader of the Year
Henry Brunton – Teacher of the Year
Dustin Kerr-Taylor – Golf Professional of the Year
Reggie Millage crowned champion at Golfing Buddies PGA of Ontario Summer Championship
Peter MacKellar
VINELAND, ON – Milton’s Reggie Millage, weathered the storm and everything else Mother Nature blew at him July 7 to win his division at the PGA of Ontario Summer Championship presented by Golfing Buddies at Twenty Valley G&CC.
“It was so windy out there today it was hard to know if you hit a good shot until it landed,” said Millage, the Head Coach for the Golf Association of Ontario’s (GAO) U19 Team Ontario. “I have played a bit of golf with the kids, but I have not played particularly well yet this summer, so this is a nice boost heading into next week’s PGA of Ontario Championship at Deer Ridge.”
After a two-hour delay that saw close to an inch of rain fall on the golf course and make it nearly impossible to play, everyone finally got the green light to play. In the end, it was the howling winds that caused more grief than the damp fairways that dried out nicely throughout the day.
“When I drove into the parking lot this morning and took a look at the course I didn’t think there was any way we were going to play,” added Millage, who earned the one shot victory by carding three birdies and just two bogeys for a score of 1-under par, 71. “It was such difficult weather today. I just put my head down, played hard and didn’t think too much about my swing. I was really just trying to survive.”
There was a four-way tie for second place at even-par, 72 between Jeff Mills from Wildfire GC, Jonathan Anderson from Northern Greens Golf Center, Scott Cowx from Hamilton G&CC Teaching Academy and Brian McCann from Brampton GC.
The PGA of Ontario, will be heading to the always challenging Deer Ridge GC next week for their marquee event of the year. The Titleist FootJoy PGA of Ontario Championship is the most highly sought after trophy in the zone and the best PGA professionals in the zone will gather to duke it out for this prestigious title. The PGA of Ontario Championship is the longest running tournament in the history of the PGA of Ontario. First contested in 1939, the Titleist FootJoy PGA of Ontario Championship is synonymous with some of Canada’s most accomplished club and touring professionals. Those names include Moe Norman, George Knudson and Al Balding.
Mark Ahrens, PGA of Ontario Golf Professional of the Year 2013
Peter MacKellar
By Brent Long
From being Rookie of the Year at Ferris State College in 1985 to being honoured as PGA of Ontario Golf Professional of the Year for 2013, it’s been a memorable journey for Mark Ahrens.
As a kid from Toronto, Ahrens started playing junior golf with his brother Brian at the Donalda Club, where his parents Lyle and Heidi and Brian remain active members. It was during this time that Mark picked up a passion for the game that set him on a course to become recognized as one of the province`s premier golf professionals.
“It’s a true honour to be recognized by the PGA of Ontario as the Golf Professional of the Year,” says Ahrens who is looking forward to this 16th season as Head Professional at Kawartha Golf & Country Club in Peterborough. “This past year started off with a great win at the PGA of Ontario Tournament of Champions with our members Marc Savard and Marilyn Self. Then I had an opportunity to play in the PGA of Canada Wildfire Invitational, which was an awesome experience that I was able to share with my family and my two boys were able to play in the pro-am. To close out the year with this award is very gratifying, to me it’s for more than just one year, it’s being recognized for the hard work and dedication to the game over the years.”
After Ferris State, where Ahrens took the Professional Golf Management Program, only one of two offered in the United States at the time, he spent two years as an assistant at The Toronto Hunt under Head Professional Bill Morrison and then seven years as an assistant at York Downs G&CC under Bruce McCarrol.
He spent two years as the Head Professional at Tam O`Shanter GC in Toronto before applying for the position at Kawartha, to replace Al Hosick, who was the club’s Head Professional from 1968 to 1998 and was the PGA of Ontario Club Professional of the Year in 1987.
The move to Peterborough turned out to be perfect for Mark and his wife B.A. as they started to raise a young family. Truth be told, golf is a family affair in the Ahrens household. B.A. looks after the golf shop books, works in the shop on men’s night, plays with the ladies on ladies’ night, helps out with the merchandising and fills in where needed. Their two boys learned the game at an early age at Kawartha and it`s in their blood. Ryan, 16, is working with PGA of Canada Master Professional Henry Brunton and is hopeful of a golf scholarship, while Mitchell, 18 is currently in his first year of the PGM Program at Georgian College.
As for the secret behind his success at Kawartha, Ahrens says being there when needed, being part of the fabric of the club and providing a first-class member experience is essential to longevity at a club for a head professional. It`s also about connecting with the 630 members and their families on a personal level. Kawartha has consistently had one of the top junior programs in the province average in excess of 100 youngsters per year and 2013 was no different with 120 signed up for leagues, programs and clinics.
“Mark has transformed Kawartha into one of the best serviced clubs anywhere in the country, says Ian Webb, Executive Professional at Credit Valley G&CC. “Mark leads by example; he is an astute businessman as his golf shop consistently parallels big city clubs in sales and service. He represents the best of what the PGA has to offer in professionalism, integrity and enthusiasm for the game. Ahrens has also mentored close to 15 up-and-coming PGA of Ontario members who have passed through his shop over the years.
“Mark’s conduct and level of involvement at our Club and in the community is the envy of other area Clubs. He provides constructive input when asked and attends all Golf committee meetings; it’s important to him. He has instilled his qualities and approach to customer service in all of his staff from his assistant professionals to his back shop staff. Mark Ahrens is a person that doesn’t just wear the title Professional, he lives it,” says Tom Waudby, President, Kawartha G&CC.
