Joseph Totino (Summit Golf & Country Club) – 2024 Ontario Bantam champion
Leadership from a Proven Coach
The 2025 team will be guided by head coach Reggie Millage, a PGA of Canada Class “A” professional entering his 12th season coaching Team Ontario.
“This team is one of the most accomplished we have ever had. Twelve athletes won major events in 2024 and all 17 have proven they can contend at the highest level of junior golf,” Millage says. “What sets them apart is their hunger for more—they’ve already created a hard-working and highly competitive environment.”
A Program Designed for Excellence
The Team Ontario program is dedicated to developing the province’s top junior golfers into world-class athletes, both on and off the course. This unique program provides identified athletes with access to premier coaching, cutting-edge training, competitive opportunities, and a supportive peer environment as they strive for excellence in golf and life.
With a focus on fostering lifelong success, the program emphasizes comprehensive development. Athletes receive expert guidance in critical areas, including time management, self-discipline, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, tactical strategies, and technical skill enhancement.
Team Ontario is more than a golf program—it’s a foundation for personal and athletic growth that equips young athletes for the challenges of the game and beyond.
World-Class Coaching and Support
In addition to Millage, the team is supported by an exceptional group of experts, including:
Dr. Charles Fitzsimmons: One of Ontario’s leading mental performance coaches and a two-time Canadian Mid-Am Champion, providing invaluable guidance in mental preparation and focus.
Dr. Nick Martichenko: A renowned physical performance coach whose expertise has benefitted elite athletes, including professional tennis star Denis Shapovalov.
Alexandra Taylor: Golf Ontario’s Manager of Junior Performance and the 2024 Women’s Mid-Amateur Champion. With NCAA competitive experience from Grand Valley State University, Alexandra brings a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to the team.
This world-class staff is dedicated to fostering growth, development, and excellence in every athlete.
Preparing for Competition
The 2025 season officially kicked off with the October Kick-Off Camp at Whistle Bear Golf. Later this month, the team will travel to the International Junior Golf Academy at Bishop’s Gate in Orlando, Fla., for intensive training, team-building activities, and preparation for the Can-Am Matches.
Winter training will include specialized sessions at the Humber College Golf Lab, followed by additional camps in Florida and Myrtle Beach. These efforts lead up to key events like the Ontario Junior Players Invitational and the Can-Am Matches.
The offseason will conclude with a final spring camp in Niagara, ensuring the team is well-prepared for a successful competitive season. Throughout the summer, athletes will receive continued support from the coaching staff during team training days, seamlessly integrated into their busy tournament schedules.
This comprehensive approach ensures every athlete is primed for peak performance both on and off the course.
For more information about Team Ontario, CLICK HERE.
Team Ontario alumni help Canada win bronze at The Spirit
Golf Ontario
Team Canada won the bronze medal in the combined men and women’s team competition along with another bronze in the women’s team competition at The Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship at Whispering Pines Golf Club in Trinity, Texas.
In the combined team championship, Canada finished T4 at 36-under (196 women’s and 200 men’s) with Denmark. England won the combined competition firing a 44-under to take the gold medal. The Republic of Korea (Korea) and Spain finished tied for second at 39-under. Due to the ties, Korea and Spain shared the silver medal, while Canada and Denmark shared bronze.
Borovilos and Kim combined to shoot 20-under (66-63-67-196) to earn the bronze medal in the women’s team competition. Denmark finished at 23-under to win with Spain taking the silver medal at 21-under. On Friday, Canada was led by Borovilos carding six birdies and an eagle. Kim was equally as strong in Thursday’s opening round with five birdies.
In the women’s individual competition, Carla Bernat Escuder of Spain finished first with 21 points, 2024 World Junior Girls team and individual champion, Soomin Oh of Korea finished second with 20 points and Marie Madsen of Denmark finished third with 17 points. Borovilos finished T5 with 14 points and Kim finished T11 with 12 points.
McCulloch and Matthews combined to shoot 16-under (66-66-68-200) to finish 10th in the men’s team competition. Mexico and England finished tied for first at 28-under with Australia finishing third at 25-under.
Individually, Josiah Gilbert of Australia won the men’s gold medal finishing with 21 points. Omar Morales of Mexico finished second with 19 points and Gerardo Gomez (Mexico) and Dominic Clemons (England) finished tied for third with 18 points. Both McCulloch and Matthews finished T18 with 11 points.
The 11th playing of The Spirit was contested over 54-holes of stroke-play competition that brought together 20 countries. In addition to the combined team component, competitors battled in individual championships as well as men’s and women’s team competitions. In the individual competition, players were awarded points based solely on birdies and eagles during their round with one point for a birdie and two for an eagle.
For the final leaderboards from The Spirit, please click here.
A version of this content was originally posted on golfcanada.ca
Golf season is winding down for most recreational players across the country. For high-performance athletes, however, the grind never stops.
That is the case for members of Team Ontario, who recently wrapped up their first camp of the so-called “off-season.”
Team Ontario athletes engage with the provincial high-performance coaches year-round. During the summer months, athletes compete in tournaments across the province and participate in Team Ontario training days. Throughout the fall and winter, the program hosts camps in the United States, primarily in Florida. The team has camps scheduled in the Sunshine State next February and March. The final session south of the border takes place in Myrtle Beach and culminates with the Can-Am Matches against South Carolina.
“Our camps allow our coaching team to really dive into the four pillars of performance,” said Team Ontario’s head coach, Reggie Millage. “We focus on mental performance, physical strength and conditioning, injury prevention and technical and tactical approach.”
The camps are among the many draws of being part of a provincial program. Ahead of the Junior Golf Drive, a fundraising tournament held at Stouffville, Ont.’s Granite Golf Club in September, Team Ontario athletes said the extra sessions help them improve on and off the course.
“It’s really fun, the camps are obviously great,” said Angela Cai, who hails from Oakville, Ont., and plays out of RattleSnake Point Golf Club in nearby Milton. “We get to go to really cool places like Florida and Myrtle Beach. I have definitely improved, mentally especially. I have become aware of my mental state on the course. My swing has also improved, which is a bonus.”
Golf Ontario athletes participate in offseason camps in the United States during the offseason. (Golf Ontario)
“All the coaches have provided me with different information and different ways to look at the game, ways I have not thought of before,” added Bode Stephen, who plays out of Cataraqui Golf & Country Club in Kingston, Ont. “It has really helped to improve my game all around.”
One key aspect of the provincial program is allowing golfers to thrive in a team environment. Golf’s individual nature leaves few opportunities to practise and socialize with other players, something high-performance programs aim to fix.
“Having that team environment has been really fun,” said Stephen. “The team aspect of it is cool because of the individual aspect of golf; you don’t get that team environment very much, so it’s a cool experience.
“Bringing them together allows them the opportunity to push each other and learn from one another,” explained Millage. “Golf is hard and can be a lonely game at the top level, so the support network of having teammates there with you not just now but bonded together for years to come as they continue their journey in the sport.”
There is always a question of when the best time is for athletes to specialize in a certain sport. And while provincial and national coaches hope athletes prioritize golf, there are major benefits to participating in other activities that can help players down the line.
“Having other experiences as an athlete in other sports is such an asset to be an elite golfer,” said Millage. “The physical literacy, being in a team environment and dealing with adversity will help them now and into the future.”
After making the winning putt, Luke Smith was crowned the champion, scoring 69 for a total of 213. Hall finished the round with a score of 70.
Close behind in third place was Jager Pain who was two-under-par with scores of 73, 74, and 67 for a total of 214.
Girls’ Division
Team Ontario had two players winning Gold and Silver. Angela Cai of Heron Point Golf Links was the champion of the girl’s division after a strong performance with scores of 74, 71, 72 for a total of 217. Nobelle Park of Rattle Snake Point took home silver with scores of 74, 75, 73 for a total of 222.
Finishing in third place was Kayla Black of Markland Wood Golf Club. Black had scores of 74, 73, and 76 for a total of 223, only one point behind Park.
BREAKING NEWS: An Epic Addition to Our Junior Golf Drive Auction!
Golf Ontario
Golf fans, brace yourselves—we’ve got one final auction item, and it’s nothing short of superhero-level cool.
Thanks to our incredible partners at TaylorMade Canada, we’re thrilled to offer a dozen limited-edition, comic book-inspired TP5 PIX golf balls. These collector’s items sold out faster than you can say “Smash! Boom! Pow!”—and now’s your chance to get your hands on them.
What makes these golf balls truly special?
Each ball features bold comic book language like “Smash!” “Boom!” and “Pow!” perfectly aligned to create pix’s ClearPath Alignment for improved visibility.
The outside of the collector’s box? Showcasing four of golf’s greatest superheroes—Rory McIlroy, Brooke Henderson, Collin Morikawa, and Tommy Fleetwood!
But that’s not all: the inside reveals more about their golf super-powers!
And now for the real plot twist… this exclusive box is signed by:
? Brooke Henderson? Collin Morikawa? Tommy Fleetwood? World No. 1, Scottie Scheffler
That’s right—you get signatures from some of the biggest legends in the game, making this item a once-in-a-lifetime collector’s dream!
But time is running out! ⏳
This online-only auction closes this Friday at 5 p.m.—so don’t wait! Place your bids on this super cool, one-of-a-kind treasure before it’s gone for good.
Every dollar raised from this auction directly supports junior golf programming across Ontario. Let’s keep building the future of the game—one superhero golf ball at a time!
Dramatic Final Round at the 2024 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys and Girls Championship
Golf Ontario
The 2024 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys and Girls Championship concluded in thrilling fashion at Hollinger Golf Club.
Boys’ Division
In an unforgettable comeback, Dawson Lew of Team Ontario and Wyndance Golf Clubclaimed the prestigious Mike Weir Trophy.
Entering the final round nine strokes behind the leader, Lew delivered a stunning performance, carding a 7-under-par 65 to tie the Hollinger Golf Club course record. His remarkable round allowed him to finish one stroke ahead of Station Creek Golf Club‘s Jager Pain.
Pain, who led going into the final round, finished with a total score of 216 (even-par), securing second place. Hawk Ridge Golf Club’s Spencer Shropshire rounded out the top three with a final score of 220.
Lew’s final tally of 1-under-par 215 included seven birdies, with four consecutive birdies between holes five and eight.
Both players entered the final round tied for the lead. Although Card appeared to be pulling away on the back nine, Nordman staged a fierce comeback to ultimately claim the Sandra Post Trophy. Nordman finished four strokes ahead of Card and six strokes ahead of Narisse Daye from Sarnia Golf & Country Club.
After a challenging start with rounds of 77 and 76, Nordman rebounded with an impressive 71 in the final round, bringing her total score to 224.
Just 21 days after finishing as a finalist in the Ontario Junior Girls Match Play Championship, Nordman can now proudly call herself the Ontario Juvenile Girls Champion.
The top 60 boys and 30 girls aged 17-and-under compete in 54-hole stroke play for the Mike Weir and Sandra Post trophies.
Notable past winners of the Ontario Juvenile Girls Championship include Alena Sharp (1996), Jessica Shepley (1998), Stephanie Sherlock (2003) and Rebecca Lee-Bentham (2006 & 2008).
Notable past Ontario Juvenile Boys Champions include Gary Cowan (1954), Bob Panasiuk (1956 & 1957), Brandon Ng (2007 & 2009) and current Team Canada NextGen member, Matthew Javier (2022 & 2023)
All three rounds will see morning tee-offs starting at 8 a.m. from the first and 10th tees.
For first round pairings and start times, CLICK HERE.
Dawson Lew (Team Ontario), who finished tied for second in the 2024 Ontario NextGen Championship and fourth in the 2024 Ontario Junior Boys Championship.
Spencer Shropshire (Hawk Ridge Golf Club), who comes in fresh off finishing third in the Canadian Junior Boys Championship.
Notable players in the Juvenile Girls division include:
Connor Doyle, Tournament Director: “The Ontario Juvenile U17 Championship has always had a very competitive field. The field for this year’s championships is no different as it features multiple Team Ontario, Next Waive athletes, and many top ranked players from the 2024 Junior Golf Pathway rankings. Hollinger Golf Club will be a great test for the players with its tight treelined holes and angulating greens. We look forward to another excellent championship in the north.”
Taylor Dupuis, General Manager – Hollinger Golf Club: “Hollinger Golf Club is excited to not only welcome the top Juvenile players in the province, but to also showcase our beautiful Northern Ontario landscape, hospitality and championship calibre course. This is the first time a provincial championship has made its way to Timmins, and we look forward to setting a standard for years to come. This is a great opportunity for junior golfers and parents of our area to come by and experience an environment and of course golf of this calibre and we couldn’t be more thrilled.”
Fun Fact: Hollinger Golf Club is named after its previous owners, the Hollinger Mine of Timmins. The course was renamed from Timmins Golf Club after the Hollinger Mine closed and sold the club in 1974.
The respective events will feature 30 players on the girls’ side and 64 players in the boys’ division. Both divisions will be competing in epic battles against one another in match play format.
While the Ontario Junior Girls Match Play Championship first commenced in 1982, and the Ontario Junior Boys Match Play Championship in 1998, both have seen talented players go head-to-head in tremendous matchups over the years.
The Junior Boys begin their first round matches Monday starting at 7:30 a.m., while the Junior Girls kick off their first round with tee times set for 12:30 p.m. Both the boys and girls events will tee-off from the first and 10th tees.
CLICK HERE to view all matchups and start times for the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship.
CLICK HERE to view all matchups and start times for the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Match Play Championship.
Ava Gilbart (Summit Golf & Country Club) recently finished tied for 2nd at the Golf Canada NextGen Atlantic Championship.
QUOTES
Connor Doyle, Tournament Director: “The Ontario Junior U19 Boys & Girls Match Play Championship is a tremendous event on the Golf Ontario Championship Calendar that generates lots of excitement year in and year out. Grey Silo will certainly be an excellent test for the players as the course features many risk-reward opportunities and will lead to many excellent matches and moments for the players this week.”
The Uxbridge, Ontario-based wealth management firm’s partnership with Golf Ontario promises to significantly enhance this year’s event, taking place on September 9 at Granite Golf Club.
The Junior Golf Drive is an unforgettable fundraiser dedicated to advancing Golf Ontario’s junior performance programming. The support from this event enables Golf Ontario to continue nurturing the next generation of high-performance golfers in the province.
Participants in this year’s Junior Golf Drive will enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience, featuring 18 holes of golf alongside Team Ontario and Next Wave athletes. The event includes registration gifts, breakfast, a three-course lunch, prizes, and a silent auction. Funds raised will support Golf Ontario’s Junior Golf programs, including The Junior Golf Pathway, Next Wave Program, and Team Ontario.
For more information about this year’s Junior Golf Drive, visit juniorgolfdrive.ca. Opportunities are still available for those looking to participate or partner in the event.
A field of Ontario’s top 144 junior male golfers will put their skills to the test for the Junior Championship Trophy.
Since 1923, the Ontario Junior Boys Championship has seen plenty of talent put on display.
Notable past champions include Mike Weir (1988), Gary Cowan (1956), David Morland IV (1986), Gerry Kesselring (1945, 1946, 1948), Stan Baluik (1954), Jon Mills (1996), Ashton McCulloch (2019) and so many more.
Otter Creek Golf Club, which previously hosted the 2020 Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, features plenty of width off the tee, but also challenges players with angles into undulating greens.
The first two rounds will feature morning tee-offs starting at 8 a.m. and afternoon starts set for 1 p.m. from the first and 10th tees, followed by 7:30 a.m. tee-offs for rounds three and four after the 36-hole cut.
For first round pairings and start times, CLICK HERE.
Connor Doyle, Tournament Director: “The Ontario Junior Boys Championship has been one of the most highly anticipated events on the Golf Ontario calendar for more than 100 years now. Otter Creek will be an excellent test for our players and will provide us with another competitive and exciting championship.”
John Hall, Director of Golf – Otter Creek Golf Club:“Otter Creek Golf Club is a beautiful piece of property and a unique golf course for the players; we are excited to present it to them. The rolling slopes and angles on the greens mixed with the severity of the fescue will definitely test their accuracy, creativity and skill. The Ontario Junior Boys Championship is an event that has a prestigious history attached to it, and our staff is looking forward to welcoming all players, staff and volunteers for its 102nd edition.”
Fun Fact: Otter Creek Golf Course is one of four mid-western Ontario golf courses designed by renowned Canadian golf course architect, Dick Kirkpatrick.
