Exciting Start to Ontario Junior U19 Girls Spring Classic: Day 1 Recap
Golf Ontario
Komoka, ON- The highly anticipated Ontario Junior U19 Girls Spring Classic kicked off with an exciting first day, showcasing the exceptional skills and intense competition that fans eagerly awaited. With clear skies and subtle gusts of wind throughout the day, Firerock Golf Club lived up to its name by challenging golfers whilst also rewarding their efforts. With a star-studded field of golfers vying for victory, the opening round provided a taste of the excitement that would unfold over the coming days. Here is a recap of the standout performances and notable moments from day one of the tournament.
Team Ontario member, Krystal Li started her tournament in style, carding an impressive 3-under-par 70 to grab the early lead. Li’s precision off the tee and superb putting displayed her mastery of the course, and she looks determined to maintain her momentum throughout the tournament.
Not far behind, Nobelle Park, showcased her exceptional skills, finishing the day with a solid 1-under-par 72. Park’s consistent ball-striking and accurate iron play positioned her as a strong contender, signalling her intent to claim the top spot in the rankings.
The course proved challenging, with swirling winds and tricky pin positions testing the players’ shot-making abilities. Several golfers struggled to find their rhythm on day one, however, with plenty of golf left to be played, they still have a chance to mount a comeback and contend for the title.
As the opening day concluded, anticipation grew for the thrilling battles that lay ahead. The leaderboard is stacked with talented golfers, promising an exciting and fiercely contested tournament. With predictable weather and intense competition, fans can expect further drama and surprises in the days to come. Day 2 promises additional highlights, as the field jostles for position and the pressure intensifies. As golf enthusiasts eagerly await the action, one thing is sure: this tournament is shaping up to be a memorable battle of skill, determination, and resilience.
Stay tuned for our comprehensive day 2 coverage on our various social media channels, where we’ll cover all the exciting developments and notable performances from the second day of this thrilling golf tournament.
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 most significant 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.
Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Spring Classic: Building Excitement for an Unforgettable Tournament
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, ON- The 2023 Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Spring Classic is just around the corner, and anticipation is reaching its peak as young golfers from across the province gear up for this prestigious event. Taking place at FireRock Golf Club from May 21-23, it is one of the most highly regarded tournaments in junior girls’ golf.
The Spring Classic promises fierce competition, exceptional talent, and a celebration of the sport. In this pre-tournament article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes this event so special and highlight some of the promising participants set to grace the fairways.
Established as a benchmark for junior girls golf in the province, the event has a rich history, and has witnessed the rise of numerous talented golfers who have gone on to achieve great success at both the amateur and professional levels. As we approach this year’s edition, the legacy of excellence continues, providing a platform for young golfers to showcase their skills and make a mark in the game.
The Spring Classic brings together a remarkable field of talented golfers, ensuring intense competition throughout the tournament. With players representing various clubs and regions, each bringing their unique playing style and strengths to the course, spectators can expect an exhilarating battle for the top honors. From long drives to precise putting, every aspect of the game will be put to the test, adding to the drama and excitement surrounding the event.
Among the participants, a group of rising stars has emerged, showcasing exceptional talent and determination. Unfortunately, defending champion Lindsay McGrath from Lake Nona Golf & Country Club and Rattlesnake Point Golf Club, has withdrawn from the tournament. This late change opens up the opportunity for a new champion to emerge from the field that includes other notable players. Keep an eye out for Michelle Xing from Station Creek Golf Club, who won the 2022 Ontario Junior U19 Girls Match Play Championship and 2022 Ontario Bantam U15 Championship. Xing’s recent performance and form has elevated her to be part of Team Canada. Another player expected to be atop the leaderboard is Emily Mckee. A current Team Ontario member, Mckee from St. George’s G&CC won the 2022 Ontario Junior Tour Championship and also won the inaugural Ontario Junior Players Invitational that took place in Myrtle Beach earlier this Spring. It is this combination of experienced contenders and emerging talent that sets the stage for an electrifying tournament filled with memorable moments and incredible displays of skill.
Beyond the competition, the Spring Classic serves as a celebration of the sport and the growth of women’s golf in the province. The tournament not only offers an opportunity for young golfers to showcase their abilities but also provides a platform to foster camaraderie, friendship, and the development of lifelong skills. It reflects the dedication of organizers, coaches, and supporters in nurturing the next generation of female golfers and encouraging their love for the game.
Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane had this to say in preparation for the tournament; “We are excited to host an amazing field of junior athletes at FireRock for the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Spring Classic. This championship serves as a platform to highlight the incredible achievements and abilities of the top young female golfers from across the province. It also offers an opportunity early in the competitive golf season for these competitors to test their skills against their peers.”
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 most significant 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.
Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic Returns to Wooden Sticks for Victoria Day Long-Weekend
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, ON – Golf Ontario is pleased to welcome the next generation of male junior golfers at the 2023 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge between May 21-23.
The event takes place annually over the Victoria Day long weekend and features Ontario’s best male junior golfers from all across the province as they showcase their skills and passion for the game. With the tournament trophy named after Randy Millage, father of Golf Ontario Provincial Head Coach Reggie Millage, the inaugural champion and first defending champion many years ago, this tournament has seen many talented golfers compete and go on to achieve great success. Some notable names include Richard Jung, Daniel Kim, Richard Scott, Albin Choi and Peyton Callens who went on to win the Junior Boys Championship, Men’s Match Play Championship and the 2022 100th Men’s Amateur Championship.
Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane highlights the importance of this tournament for competitors. “We are thrilled to welcome a remarkable lineup of young athletes to Wooden Sticks for the Ontario Junior Boys (U19) Spring Classic,” he said. “This championship will showcase the exceptional talents of the top junior boys from across the province. It also presents an early-season opportunity for these participants to challenge themselves and test their abilities against their fellow competitors as they enter the competitive season in Ontario.”
Based on past results and achievements many players received exemptions into the tournament. The rest of the field was then determined through the five qualifying locations. The players who finish in the top ten will receive an exemption into the 2023 Junior (U19) Boys Championship at The Club at Bond Head in July. The top 10 juvenile (U17) boys from the tournament will receive an exemption into the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Championship at Elmira Golf Club in August.
The tournament will feature 60 male junior golfers, including Jameson Staab of Galt Country Club, who comes in leading all participants in scoring average with 69-par. The Kitchener native is tied for second among all Golf Ontario participants in that department and tied for fourth in all of Canada as well. Though Staab will definitely be a player to watch out for, it isn’t to say the playing field won’t be competitive as 59 other promising players will contest each other in what is expected to be a thrilling long-weekend with skill and precision all across the course.
Additional players to watch include Team Ontario’sLuke Smith who won the 2022 Junior Boys Match Play Championship last year and most recently earned a place in Final Qualifying for the 123rd U.S. Open. Zachary Smith, another Team Ontario player – won the 2022 Junior Tour Championship last fall and Andreas Diogenous a former champion at Peewee (U13), Bantam (U15), and Juvenile (U17), will be looking to finish his junior career strong and cap it off with a U19 event.
The weather is expected to be in favor of the players with sunshine all three days throughout the tournament, with highs of 22°C and lows of 16°C. Competitors will prepare for what is expected to be a challenging and promising experience ahead.
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 most significant 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.
Six Golfers Crowned Champion of Champions at Deer Creek Tournament
Golf Ontario
Ajax, ONT – The 2023 Ontario Champion of Champions Tournament presented by Durham Artificial Grass saw six golfers emerge as Champions on May 15 at Deer Creek Golf and Country Club in Ajax. A total of 258 golfers participated in this esteemed event as winners of their respective club championships, or equivalent event in the previous year.
The Senior Men’s Championship ended in a thrilling playoff tiebreaker, which saw Rob Gibson of Cedar Brae Golf Club edge out Rob Cowan of Westmount Golf and Country Club. The playoff took place on the par 4, 9th hole of the North Course, where Gibson, the Toronto native, finished at 2-over par (73). Cowan also finished at 2-over par (73) for a second-place finish, while David Greenaway of Barrie Country Club finished third at three-over par (74).
Nancy Vamvakas of Beacon Hall Golf Club was the Senior Women’s Champion. The native of Keswick finished 9-over par (80), while Meredith Stanford of Coppinwood Golf Club finished one stroke behind her at 10-over par (81). Denise Schaefer of Rockway Golf Course was close behind at 11-over par (82).
In the Men’s Championship it was Bradley Greenside of Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club winning by one stroke. Greenside from Barrie finished the tournament 1-under par (70) after a back-and-forth outing, which included a triple bogey on the par 5 10th. However, Greenside was able to hold on to finish one stroke ahead of Donalda Club’s David Lang and Camden Braes Golf and Country Club’s Peter Beneteau, who both finished tied for second at even par (71).
Julia Champion of Cedar Brae Golf Club lived up to her name by winning the Women’s Championship, which also went to a playoff on the South Course. Champion finished 5-over par (76), which was the same score Aurora’s Shelby Hardwick had, but due to the playoff, she had to settle for a second-place finish. Kara Anthony of Rosedale Golf Club would finish three strokes (79) behind them to finish third.
Wellandport’s Nathan Freure playing out of Sawmill Golf Course held on to secure the Junior Boys’ Championship finishing 3-over par (74), while Peter Blazevic of Markland Wood Golf Club and Justin Repovs of Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club finished 4-over par (75) to tie each other for second place.
For more information on this tournament, including the final leaderboard and more information on each participant, visit the Champion of Champions website powered by Golf Genius.
This was the first time the Champion of Champions had been held after a three year gap due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Golf Ontario Tournament Director, Rob Watson, was pleased to see golfers take to the greens for this event again. “This was an amazing first year back,” he said. “We were honored to have the top golfers from their respective clubs here at this prestigious event, and we’re pleased that they were able to compete against and connect with one another.”
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 most significant 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.
This highly anticipated tournament features the largest field of competitors of all the Golf Ontario championships this season with competitors representing over 100 clubs from across the province. The respective club champions are some of the best amateur golfers from across Ontario, and will compete for the title of Champion of Champions. With a 12:00 NOON shotgun start time, the North Course at Deer Creek will be home to the men’s, women’s and junior boys, whereas the South Course will feature the senior men’s, senior women’s and junior girls’ divisions.
The Champion of Champions tournament has a long and storied history in Ontario, dating back to the mid-1900s. Over the years, it has become one of the most highly regarded amateur golf tournaments in the province, attracting top players from across Ontario. In addition to the thrill of competition, the tournament also provides a unique opportunity for golfers to meet and connect with others who share their passion for the game. Participants will have the chance to network with fellow golfers and industry professionals, while also enjoying the camaraderie and sportsmanship that is so often associated with the sport.
To qualify for the Champion of Champions tournament, golfers must have won their respective club championship or an equivalent event in the previous year. The tournament is open to male and female golfers of all ages and is played in a stroke play format. With the inaugural tournament dating back to 1946 many individuals have captured the title, some of which include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Bill Morland, Gerry Kesselring, Warren Sye, and Stu Hamilton, as well as Big Break Indian Wells champion David Byrne.
Returning after a three year hiatus, the importance of the Golf Ontario Champion of Champions presented by Durham Artificial Grass cannot be understated and CEO Kyle McFarlane had this to say in preparation for the event; “We are thrilled to host the upcoming Champion of Champions tournament, and thank Durham Artificial Grass for their partnership. The event promises to be an exciting showcase of golfing talent from across Ontario. This championship holds a special significance as it provides an opportunity to celebrate the club champions from our incredible member facilities. We are excited to bring together such a talented and passionate group of golfers, and we cannot wait to see who will emerge as the ultimate champions.”
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on the competitors as they prepare for what promises to be a challenging and rewarding experience at Deer Creek. With the level of talent and dedication on display, it’s sure to be a tournament to remember.
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 most significant 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.
Golf Ontario Announces Ryan Finn as Chief Sport Officer
Golf Ontario
Following a comprehensive recruitment process, Golf Ontario is pleased to announce the hiring of Ryan Finn as the association’s Chief Sport Officer.
Finn’s career in golf spans over twenty-five years, and while originally from Milton, Ontario, it was in the state of Texas where he grew to become one of the most respected leaders in the golf industry in the US. With experience as a Tournament Director across golf operations and ultimately as Managing Director of Championships, Ryan is positioned to leverage his deep skill set at an essential time for Golf Ontario.
His responsibilities as Chief Sport Officer will include overseeing, managing and strategically developing critical functional areas, including membership focusing on facility relationships; junior performance and amateur competitions; grassroots and participation programs; and core member services, including Handicapping and Course Rating.
“Ryan brings a depth of leadership and industry experience. We are thrilled to have him join our team to elevate our participation, performance and membership activities,” said Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane. “He is a seasoned leader and passionate advocate for golf who will bring tremendous energy and enthusiasm to improving the golfer, facility and athlete experience here in Ontario.”
The opportunity to join Golf Ontario and champion the growth of golf was an opportunity Finn could not resist.
“Golf has had a tremendous impact on every part of my life in a positive way, and I am truly elated to be joining such a passionate team that is committed to connecting people to positive and memorable golf experiences. It is an exciting time for golf, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to play a role in elevating Golf Ontario and golf in Ontario.”
Before embarking on his professional pathway, Ryan was an NCAA golfer achieving PSAC All-Conference honours while completing his BA in Sports Management at Slippery Rock University, PA. He holds several certificates and designations, including USGA/PGA Rules of Golf (highest level accreditation) and USGA/PGA Tournament Administration. He has acted as Rules Chairman at the Spirit International Amateur Championship and officiated at events, including the; U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Amateur, U.S. Mid-Amateur and more.
Finn is set to join Golf Ontario in his official capacity, effective May 10th
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 most significant 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.
For more information, please contact:
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer, Golf Ontario,
In alignment with Golf Ontario’s vision of Golf for All, we are committed to implementing structures, policies and procedures having the highest governance standards to yield organizational growth, safety of the sport and leading the adoption and implementation of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Ontario Golf.
The month of April is “Celebrate Diversity Month”, a month that was initiated nearly twenty years ago to recognize and honour the diversity around us every day. We welcome our community to join us and spend time this month reflecting on and celebrating differences and similarities surrounding us all.
Across our organization, our staff have been on a learning journey that has included the opportunity to acknowledge the different dimensions of diversity within our team and across our community.
The following image, available online through Korn Ferry is a tool that can be used to reflect on what may contribute to our diverse work force and extended community.
Our own Chief Executive Officer, Kyle McFarlane has chosen to share his personal dimensions of diversity, based on this tool, with the community in recognition of the month ahead.
Kyle McFarlane (he/him/his)
I am a 43 year, cisgender, Caucasian, heterosexual male.
I’m a member of Generation X, married and a father of 3. I enjoy sports and outdoor activities including golf, baseball and running.
I’m an extrovert, and visual learner. I aim to communicate directly and honestly while respecting others, and cooperating well with people.
I’m of Irish & Scottish descent, English-speaking, reside in Whitby and work in Uxbridge. I hold a Bachelor’s degree from Brock University and a Master’s degree from the University of Memphis.
I’ve worked in professional and amateur sports for 25 years, and am in my 19th year with Golf Ontario, I enjoy coaching, leadership opportunities and collaborating with others.
While we recognize the importance of our diverse community, Golf Ontario is celebrating Diversity Month, this month, and will remain focused on serving the diverse members of our community by delivering safe and welcoming positive golf experiences for all. We will soon be launching our ED&I and Safe Sport webpages as a continued and intentional step in this evolving process.
If any members of our community wish to share their own dimensions of diversity during the month ahead, or to share personal experiences in and around the game of golf where diversity has played a positive role in that experience, feel free to tag us on social media @thegolfontario and use the hash tag #GolfForAll in the post.
Golf Ontario Announces Hall of Fame Inductees for 2023
Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is pleased to announce the 2023 inductees to the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge, Ontario on May 2nd. There will be two inductees in the Builder category, one in the Player category, and one recipient of the Lorne Rubenstein Award, which is presented annually to an individual who has been associated with a recognized Ontario media organization for major contributions to golf in Ontario.
Newly appointed CEO Kyle McFarlane, no stranger to this important celebration shared his thoughts on the 2023 inductees saying, “The OGHF induction ceremony is such a special event to kick off the golf season in Ontario each year, and we are pleased to return to Wooden Sticks in early May to celebrate the occasion with members of our community. The contributions and accomplishments of Audrey, Bob, Garry and Rick to the sport of golf here in Ontario are each extraordinary in their own way. I look forward celebrating Hall of Fame members, past and present, and the history and tradition of our great sport.”
2023 INDUCTEES
Builder Category
Bob Beauchemin
Bob grew up in Victoria B.C. and enjoyed playing many sports including Baseball, Soccer, Hockey etc., but became “hooked on golf “at age 12. Within a few years he became a champion at the Junior, Amateur (at the Gorge Vale G.C.) and Collegiate (at the University of Oregon) levels, winning numerous events before turning Professional in 1975 to “follow the dream”.
Bob played numerous Tours around the world for the next 11 years, including the Canadian; Australian; NZ; Asian; South American Tours, as well as events in the US, winning The Windsor Charity Classic (Canadian Tour 1981) and The Vermont State Open (1984) as well as numerous other professional events. The culmination of his playing career came when he successfully qualified (earned his card) to become a member of the PGA TOUR in 1981.
In 1985 the members of The Canadian Tour’s Player Association elected Bob as President. After a year in this volunteer position, the Board of Directors asked him to become the first Executive Director and as the Tour developed he became the first commissioner after he incorporated The Canadian Tour in 1989. After 8 years of building the Canadian Tour to an internationally respected level, he then asked Dick Grimm to become his replacement in 1993.
Bob then pursued the educational side of golf by conducting clinics; exhibitions; golf schools; golf exercise programs; sport psychology programs, individual and group lessons. He wrote the “Educational Program” for the Canadian Tour and during his 25 years as a Professor and Director of Player Development for Humber College, he wrote the Professional Golf Management, Manual/Textbook for his classes.
Bob is enjoying his 24th year as The Director of Golf Instruction at the Oakdale G&CC. Apart from developing and executing the numerous teaching programs for the Juniors, Men and Women members, Bob, with the enthusiastic support of the Oakdale membership, also conducts a number of First Tee programs, designed as community outreach programs to help children learn life skills by learning to play golf.
Some major accomplishments are:
-Voted “Top 50 Canadian Golf Instructors” by The National post 2005
-Honoured as a “Life Member” by The Canadian Tour 2007
-Received the “Lori Kane, Community Leader Award” from Golf Canada 2022.
Builder Category
Garry McKay
Garry has been covering golf for The Hamilton Spectator since the mid 1970s and covered his first Canadian Open for Radio station CKOC in 1968.
He has also written articles for ScoreGolf, Golf Canada, Pro Shop, Ontario Golf, Hamilton Golf and for magazines in the United States and Germany.
He has served on the selection committee of the World Golf Hall of Fame, Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, PGA of Canada Hall of Fame, and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame.
He was a founding director of the Hamilton Halton Junior Golf Tour which began in 1984. He is currently on the board and works events doing, registration, scoring, spotting and even rules.
He was a founding director and currently sits on the board and is treasurer of the Golden Horseshoe Athlete of the Year award which choses the Athlete of the Year for the Hamilton-Halton area.
He was a founding director and is currently the chair of the Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame.
He was a past director of the Stanley Thompson Society and previously sat on Golf Canada’s Heritage Committee.
Garry was a founding director, a past president and past secretary/treasurer of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada and is currently on the board as an advisor.
In 2015 Garry was honoured with the Lorne Rubenstein Award by the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame.
He won the American Hockey League’s James H. Ellery Memorial Award for media coverage of the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2001-2002.
He won a Score award for golf coverage in 1981.
Garry is also a three-time winner of Gymnastics Ontario’s media award for coverage of gymnastics.
The Golf Journalists Association of Canada gave him their 2021 Dick Grimm Award for ‘significant lifetime achievements to Canadian Golf.’
Garry was also a recipient of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award in 2022.
And his golf game has never improved.
Player Category
Audrey Bendick-Akins
The late Audrey Bendick-Akins (1967- 2022) of Windsor enters the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in the Player Category. She captured many titles provincially, nationally and internationally throughout her career and is truly the definition of not only a champion, but a hall of famer.
Audrey Bendick-Akins began her competitive career at the age of 8 under the mentorship of her father, John Bendick, and coach Nick Panasiuk of the formerly known Hydeaway Golf Course. She won her first tournament, the Little People’s Golf Championships, at age 8 and many others followed. A few years later she was awarded the Marlene Stewart Streit Golf Award (age 12), and the Burnett award (age 13). In 1980 she won the Canadian Junior Golf Championship as the youngest player to ever do so at age 13, followed by another victory in 1985 at age 18.
Bendick-Akins represented Ontario at the Canadian Junior Championships where she claimed victories from 1980-1982, received the Ontario Achievement Award for Sports three times, and was awarded Windsor’s Kinsman trophy which is presented to the Athlete of the Year (1983). Throughout her time as a junior she steadily ranked in the top ten within the country. Internationally, she won the Michigan Junior Girls Championship (1981 & 1982) and competed in the World Junior Golf Championships in San Diego, CA finishing second in the international division and 10th overall.
In 1986 and 1988 she claimed the Ontario Amateur title where her talent led her to representing Canada on the global scale. In 1986 she was a member of team Canada at the British Amateur Championships, in 1987 she went on to win gold at the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand as a member of team Canada, and in 1988 she played in the World Amateur Golf Team Championship in Stockholm, Sweden where she was Canada’s lowest scorer.
From 1984-1989 Audrey accepted a full ride scholarship to the University of Oklahoma where she majored in education. She served as captain of the golf team and had a standout career at OU where she remains the 4th ranked overall golfer in school history. She had multiple top ten finishes in the Big 8 conference, played herself into the top 40 of the NCAA individual rankings and was a medalist at many tournaments throughout her time as a Sooner. She excelled in school as she did in golf, being named a two time Academic All-American while at OU. After obtaining her Bachelor of Education degree she returned home to further her credentials with a Master’s in Education at the University of Windsor. Following her studies she became a golf professional teaching out of Tecumseh Golf Centre. She went on to compete in a few Futures Tour tournaments between 1990-1992. She retired a couple years later as she became a beloved mother and secondary school teacher. During her time in education she acted as the golf coach for both the girls and boys teams for over 13 years and volunteered at numerous local and provincial tournaments.
As a Windsor-Essex pioneer of golf, Audrey Bendick-Akins was inducted into the Windsor-Essex County Hall of Fame in 2001. Years later she made her return into the golf world, placing third in the Ontario Ladies Amateur while shooting the lowest gross score, and finishing fifth in the Canadian mid-am in 2015. She won multiple Michigan Mid-Amateur Championships (2016 and 2019), and she was nominated for the prestigious Windsor- Essex WESPY award in 2016 and 2017.
In February of 2020 Audrey was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer by the name of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML). She battled into remission on multiple occasions, however she continually relapsed; another form of the cancer, Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia (AML) ultimately claimed her life on November 24th, 2022. During her battle she used the mental fortitude, resiliency and patience that she learned through the game of golf. In her sickness she wrote and published two books, Drive: How to Become an Elite Junior Golfer and Thrive – A Guide for Parents: How to Raise Elite Athletes, to encourage more youth to join and excel in the sport. She was incredibly honoured and appreciative of her induction into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame.
Lorne Rubenstein Award
Rick Young
A founding member of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC) Rick Young is one of the country’s trusted voices on the game and matters relating to the golf industry’s equipment and business sectors.
Young’s 40 year career as a golf writer began in his hometown of Woodstock, Ontario on May 5, 1983 with his first column for the Daily Sentinel-Review. One of the newspaper’s longest tenured contributors his weekly column ran for 26 years.
An affiliation with Golf Ontario began in 1987 when Ken Mackenzie acquired Ontario Golf News and retained Young as a freelance writer to provide profiles and features. Since then his work has appeared in numerous publications across Canada and the United States including SCOREGolf Magazine, MyGolfSpy, Toronto Star, Golf Business Canada, GreenMaster Magazine, Golf Canada Magazine, Pro Shop Magazine, Maclean’s, LINKS Magazine, Golf World, Golf Journal (USGA), Ontario Golf Magazine, GolfStyle, ClubLink Life, Fairways Magazine, London Free Press, the National Post and the Globe & Mail. He has also provided content for Golf Town, Matchplay Golf Marketing, RBC and the Province of New Brunswick.
Young has covered the Ryder Cup, U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Presidents Cup, U.S. Amateur, RBC Canadian Open, CP Women’s Open as well as multiple Canadian and provincial amateur events. This year marked his 24th PGA Merchandise Show.
Recognizing his passion for golf equipment, Bob Weeks hired Young in 1999 to provide industry coverage as SCOREGolf’s equipment and business analyst. He continues in that role for the national publication and has been a panelist for SCOREGolf’s Top 100 and Top 59 public course rankings since inception.
A past member of the Golf Writers Association of America, Young’s belief in a national association of golf media helped form the foundation for the first incarnation of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada (1995-2000). Resurrected in 2006 Young assumed duties on the GJAC Board of Directors as President (2008-2011) followed by a third term in 2021-2022. He remains on the GJAC board as Immediate Past President and Vice-President of Outreach and Industry Relations.
Young is a six-time GJAC Writing Awards recipient and was recognized by Golf Ontario in 2009 for his contributions to the game. He has written two books – From Fifth to 59 to 2009: The 100 Year History of the Oxford Golf & Country Club and the 100 Year History of The Briars Golf Club – and is a frequent guest on golf talk radio shows and podcasts.
An advocate and supporter of municipal and public golf he was introduced to the game by his dad at the former Woodstock Golf Club when he was nine years old. He spent 41-years as a member of Craigowan Golf Club and now plays regularly at Tarandowah Golfers Club.
A graduate of the Business program at Fanshawe College in London Ontario Young, his wife Carol, and their daughters, Kirsten and Madisen continue to live in Woodstock, Ontario while frequenting Miramichi, New Brunswick during the summer.
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.
About the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame
The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in the game of golf in Ontario. Founded in 2000 by the Ontario Golf Association and the Ontario Ladies’ Golf Association, the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is housed at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge.
For more information please contact:
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer, Golf Ontario;
Golf Ontario Announces 2023 Ontario Adaptive Championship at Weston G&CC
Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is pleased to share that on the occasion of the 5th Anniversary of the event, the 2023 Ontario Adaptive Championship will be held at the prestigious Weston Golf & Country Club on July 17-18, 2023.
The Ontario Adaptive Championship was originally launched in 2019 as a provincial competition to showcase Ontario’s best golfers with a disability, and will be held for the fifth time this season. Focusing on player development, the event will ensure a proper pathway for high preforming athletes. The world ranked event will see men and women compete in low gross and net categories.
Annually ranked in the top 100 courses in Canada, Weston Golf & Country Club is no stranger to hosting major events including Arnold Palmer’s first PGA Tour win at the 1955 Canadian Open. More recently they hosted the Ontario Junior Girls Spring Classic in 2010 & 2011.
“Weston’s membership couldn’t be prouder to host this year’s Ontario Adaptive Championship,” said Alan Crossley, President Weston G&CC. “We are looking forward to sharing our course, which is steeped in history and heritage, while being able to cheer on and watch the inspiring play of these dedicated athletes. We are pleased to be able to continue our tradition of giving back to the community of golf through our on-going efforts to promote and enhance the game for all.”
Immediate past champions of the event, Natasha Stasiuk and Kurtis Barkley will surely be looking to repeat as Champions for the 5th time, having also won the event each year since inception. With a growing field of competitors each year and 2023 being a special anniversary held at such a prestigious facility, the 2023 Championship is a highly anticipated event on the calendar.
Regarding the evolution of the event, Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane said, “In alignment with Golf Ontario’s vision of Golf for All, we are motivated to increase opportunities for individuals of all abilities. With a focus on promoting inclusive environments, the term ‘Adaptive’ will now be used in place of ‘Disability’ for all related Golf Ontario programming, including new adaptive participation opportunities to connect more people to positive golf experiences.”
One of the key factors considered in moving forward with the new term of ‘Adaptive’ is that, “…it focuses on the modification of sport rather than on disability of the athlete…”1 and “…it provides an opportunity for the pursuit of excellence in sport through a full spectrum of settings for participation.”2
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.
Golf Ontario Proudly Announces New Manager of Fund Development
Golf Ontario
Today, Golf Ontario is proud to announce a critical new hire that will join our staff on Monday, March 20th to support our 2023-2026 Strategic PlanGolf For All.
Raphael Root joins Golf Ontario in this important revenue generating role to support the immediate investment in, and long term sustainability of our strategic pillars across Participation, Performance, Membership and Organizational Strength. He will prioritize the establishment of this new department and related operational strategies and best practices within the portfolio if work.
Raphael is a fundraising and sport professional with over 7 years of robust experience in sports and non-profit industries. He comes to Golf Ontario from The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation where he supported the Donor Experience and Stewardship Impact team as well as the Corporate & Community Partnerships team. During his time with the Foundation, he helped manage fundraising for the Journey to Conquer Cancer which is a family-friendly run/walk event that raised over $965,000 for cancer research. Then after, he moved to the Donor Experience team where he helped deliver impact by stewarding and recognizing countless major giving donors.
Raphael is also a veteran on the operational side of sports entertainment with more than 7 years of experience with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE). Bringing fans to their feet by creating unforgettable experiences for various properties including the Toronto Marlies, Toronto Raptors and Raptors 905.
Raphael holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto and a Post-Graduate degree in Sport & Event Marketing from George Brown College. The energy of being around competition and sports at a world-class level is what drives Raphael. He is looking forward to the opportunity to help advance the sport of Golf in Ontario.
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer shared that, “Raphael is joining our team at the perfect time. With our Strategic Plan launched this winter, and new leadership at the Executive and Board levels, he will have a tremendous opportunity to leverage that leadership expertise, and share the story around our vision and mission with prospective donors and existing supporters as we put the pieces in place to support immediate impact on our programming and long term sustainability and growth of the organization.”
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.
For more information please contact:
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer, Golf Ontario,
