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.
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.
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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
