Gormley, ON — On Wednesday, September 4th, the Ontario Public Amateur Championship returns for it’s 61st running of the tournament. 84 players will arrive at Meadowbrook G&CC in hopes of leaving a victor, and joining an elite group of champions.
In last years championship, it was Shyamal Nagindas (Aurora, ON) who was able to come out on top after two stellar rounds to cap off his amateur career. Finishing four strokes ahead of the second place finisher Jeremy Wilson (Waubaushene), Nagindas finished the tournament +2 after back to back rounds of +1 finishes.
However, the 26-year-old Nagindas will not be returning this year as he turned pro after his championship win in 2018. With Nagindas not returning, this leaves the top spot vacant, with many hungry players looking for success of their own.
Last years runner-up Wilson will especially be returning with the top spot in his crosshairs. Finishing only four strokes behind Nagindas, the race was as tight as ever, but he was unable to catch up after shooting +5 on the first day, even with his +1 on the second. Now understanding the importance of a solid first round, Wilson will be looking for a title of his own.
But that being said, he is not the sure bet as the field is as competitive as ever. With players the likes of Craig Loughry (Courtice, ON), Jordan Epstein (Thornhill, ON), and many others, there’s no sure guess as to who will come out on top.
Players will arrive to Meadowbrook G&CC today to warm up on the course prior to the first round getting underway tomorrow. Meadowbrook is widely known for it’s tough elevation changes and tactically placed bunkers. The 153 acre property gently meanders through established stands of coniferous trees with a series of flowing brooks and tough positioned water hazards as well, making it no easy path to a strong score for the top spot.
The tournament gets underway tomorrow, September 4th, at 7:30 AM. For future results and information on the tournament, visit the official tournament page HERE
About the Ontario Public Amateur Championship
The Ontario Public Amateur Championship was first played in 1958 at Don Valley Golf Club. Past winners include: Ken Trowbridge (1970), 2018 Ontario Golf Hall of Fame inductee Dave Bunker (2009, 2010) and Craig Loughry who has won a record four times (1997, 2001, 2005, 2006). Play of the tournament was suspended from 1984-1995. Mill Run Golf and Country Club (Uxbridge, ON) has hosted the tournament a record 9 times.
The Ontario 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 450 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.
Ryan MacKenzie
Assistant, Marketing & Communications
rmackenzie@gao.ca
