Gravenhurst, ON – After an uncertain spring, Golf Ontario is relieved and extremely pleased to usher in the 2021 Championship season. The 2021 schedule will see an increased number of championships from 2020, strategically squeezed into a smaller than normal operating timeframe. The efforts of the Golf Ontario tournament department have been huge, and have been instrumental in working with our host facilities, competitors and other stakeholders to deliver a tournament schedule that offers ample options for world-class competition.
Driving Golf Ontario into the 2021 season, we welcome to the tee the Ontario Men’s and Women’s Match Play Championships. Taboo Muskoka will be the host of the Men’s (June 22-25) and Women’s Match Plays (June 24-25). With a field of size of 64 for the Men’s Championship and 16 for the Women’s Championship, 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.”
Tee off will begin at 7:30 a.m. on June 22nd for the Men’s Match Play Championship. The field is scattered competitors across the age spectrum, including notable past Golf Ontario champions Dave Bunker, Nolan Piazza, Ashley Chinner, Andreas Diogenous, and Charles Fitzsimmons. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
The Women’s Match Play Championship gets underway on June 24th, with memorable past Golf Ontario champions Judith Kyrinis and Terrill Samuel in the field. You can follow the leaderboard, here.
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 through one of six qualifying tournaments held 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 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.
Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (as of May 31st, **subject to change)
- At all times, and in all places, 2-metre physical distancing must be respected.
- No Caddies permitted except for the Ontario Disability Championship.
- No spectators, including coaches, are permitted (**Exceptions: Players 18 & under may have one accompanying adult).
- Restricted field sizes (see individual championship websites)
Click here for the full version of the Championship protocols. **These protocols are subject to change as new guidance is received from the government.
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For more information please contact:
Brianna Christopher,
Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
BChristopher@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar,
Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca
