Uxbridge, ON – An impressive 2022 Team Ontario squad was announced today, featuring the top young golfers in the province. Consisting of 20 members, Team Ontario will feature a strong line-up of talent heading into the 2022 competitive season. Seven members return from the 2021 team and will be eagerly joined by 13 new faces.
The seven returning athletes include Thomas Latter (Credit Valley G&CC), Sarah Gallagher (Blue Springs Golf Club ), Alissa Xu (Station Creek Golf Club), Alessandra Nagayo (Don Valley Golf Club), Michael Weber (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club), Ryan Somerville (Summit G&CC) and Andreas Diogenous (Whistle Bear Golf Club). These Team Ontario veterans had some great achievements in 2021, including a Junior Girls Match Play Championship for Alissa Xu
Joining the team on the female’s side are seven notable players, who all had a top-level 2021 championship season. The 2021 Ontario Junior Girls Champions Peyton Costabile (Whistle Bear Golf Club), and 2021 Ontario Bantam Girls Champion, Lindsay McGrath (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club) will be joining the team alongside, Nyah Kelly (Lindsay G&CC), Krystal Li (Summit G&CC), Ashley Lafontaine (Royal Ottawa Golf Club), Tara O’ Connor (Victoria Park East Golf Club) and Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club).
Fresh faces on the male’s side include six players with some strong achievements throughout this past season. Perhaps the most impressive being a win at the Golf Canada NextGen Fall Series East Championship by new team member Cameron Pero (Picton G&CC). Also joining the team are Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club), who was a runner up at the Ontario Bantam Boys Championship and Zach Smith (Brampton G&CC), who took home bronze at the Ontario Juvenile Boys Championship. The boy’s side also has a few more strong additions to the squad in Justin Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club), Isaiah Ellis (Lookout Point Country Club) and Isaiah Ibit (Greyhawk Golf Club).
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Team Ontario’s season will be led by Head Provincial Coach, PGA of Canada Class “A” professional Reggie Millage. With a focus on the team’s vision, mission, and values aimed at inspiring lifelong excellence. This is coach Millage’s 9th season as Coach of Team Ontario and mentioned his excitement about the new squad. “Every person who has had a sneak-peak at this roster has unanimously said ‘Wow what a great team’. Each athlete has earned this opportunity through hard work and strong performances at big events. The New Junior Golf Pathway and Ranking system have really set the table for this group. Millage added “This is the biggest team we have had since I took over as Head Coach and they all deserve it and every single one of them is trending in the right direction and is looking to utilize this program to get better. I know Dr. Nick, Dr. Charles and I are pumped to get going with this fine group of athletes.”
Millage will work to help team members grow as golfers while also instilling habits that will lead to success throughout life. Additional support from the Integrated Support Team is comprised of Dr. Nick Martichenko; Strength & Conditioning Coach, and Dr. Charles Fitzsimmons; Sport Psychologist, who will help enhance the athletes’ skills through fitness, nutrition, and development of the mental side of the game.
With a heavy focus on training and athlete development, the Team Ontario program has been built to maximize the success of these athletes. Burloak Indoor Golf and Peak Performance Golf and Athletics will be Team Ontario’s primary indoor off-season training facilities. Added to the training schedule this year, Team Ontario will be taking on a new off-season schedule. Along with a Kick-Off Camp in November and a Spring Training Session before the competitive season, the program is extending the Myrtle Beach Training Camp to two weeks ahead of the Can-Am Junior Team Matches which will be making a return in 2022.
Congratulations to all of the 2021 – 2022 Team Ontario members. Golf Ontario, along with our members, volunteers, and partners, looks forward to cheering the team on throughout the 2022 competitive season.
About Team Ontario
The Team Ontario program is a unique opportunity for identified athletes in Ontario. These athletes can expect to receive the very best in coaching services, training/competitive opportunities, and peer support as they continue their journey towards excellence in golf and life. Being selected to be part of the Team Ontario program is a tremendous accomplishment but the hard work and dedication don’t end at the selection. The Team Ontario program places considerable emphasis on developing lifelong excellence in all facets. As such, athletes in the program will receive guidance on themes like time and self-management, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, tactical strategies, and technical feedback.
Instagram/Twitter: @TeamOntarioGolf
Vision: Team Ontario will inspire lifelong excellence on and off the golf course
Mission: Leading the development of junior golfers to succeed in golf and in life
Values: Commitment, Respect, Good Humor, Competitiveness and Positivity
Team Ontario would like to thank partners TaylorMade and adidas, as official equipment and clothing providers.
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 groups and facilities, 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. 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
