Inaugural Ontario Junior-Am Presented by Foresight Sports Canada a Great Success
Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario would like to thank all of the sponsors, partners and foursome participants for their support of the inaugural Ontario Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament – presented by Foresight Sports Canada and held at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka on Monday afternoon.
Despite some rain in the area on Sunday evening, skies cleared in plenty of time for guests to warm up on the range (sponsored by John Weber and Take 5 Productions) ahead of their scheduled tee times.
Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane greeted each foursome at the first tee to thank them for their support, and send them off with a junior boy or girl selected from across the almost seventy athletes assembled for Super Camp and the Tour Championship.
Playing under a scramble format, it was the foursome representing Golf Canada that emerged victorious with a low score of 56, followed closely by two groups tied at 57. Congratulations to Golf Canada Regional Director Mike Dinner, and his team who were joined by junior player Graydon Laughlin of Ottawa.
There were two proximity contests during play with a close to the pin and long drive contest for both men and women. Congratulations to Dan Larsen and Nancy Bertrand for winning the long drive contests and to Pete Willems and Jennifer Meek for winning the close to the pin contests. Contest winner received a Stealth Driver and sixty degree wedge respectively for the two contests, courtesy of Golf Ontario partner TaylorMade Canada.
Additional draw prize winners were selected randomly from the field and six golfers received a Step-Kick Caddy courtesy of Durham Artificial Grass.
Following the welcome address from McFarlane and Provincial Head Coach Reggie Millage, and the prize presentations, guests enjoyed a wonderful three course meal prepared by the team at FireRock and sponsored by Humber College PGM. Dinner was accompanied by a selection of wine from partner Noble Estates Wine & Spirits and a host bar supported by Hospitality Partner Golf Genius.
In conjunction with the fundraising tournament, an online auction took place in the days leading up to the event, which closed for bidding at 7:30 pm Monday evening. Congratulations to all the successful bidders, and thank you for your support. Winners will be contacted shortly to arrange delivery of their auction lot. A special thank you also goes out to all those that donated to the auction from member facilities, coaches engaged in the Super Camp and various participants and sponsors.
A survey will be shared with all participants in the coming days, so that we can gather feedback on how to continue to enhance the event experience next year as we grow this important fundraising event in support of junior performance pathways.
We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!
Team Ontario Ready for Challenge at Inaugural Indigenous Challenge Cup in BC
Golf Ontario
In the Fall of 2022 at Monthill Golf & Country Club, Golf Ontario in partnership with a local organizing committee from the Six Nations of the Grand River, held the first ever Open Indigenous Championship.
Each Provincial Association selected a team of eight men and eight women stemming from their respective events to compete in the Inaugural Indigenous Challenge Cup that got underway today with practice rounds at Bear Mountain.
To follow Team Ontario during the two day competition, visit the BC Golf event page here.
FireRock Golf Club Set to Host Ontario Super Camp Presented by Foresight Sports – followed by the Junior Tour Championship Sept. 24-28
Golf Ontario
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Golf Ontario is pleased to share details surrounding the 4th Annual Ontario Super Camp presented by Foresight Sports Canada and held in conjunction with the inaugural Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament and Tour Championship at FireRock Golf Club.
Team Ontario Provincial Head Coach Reggie Millage stated that “The Super Camp and Tour Championship was created to extend the golf season for Ontario’s best juniors with a major event to end the season. The Super Camp brings the top Junior Golf Pathway ranked golfers together in one place. It allows us to deliver our most comprehensive and educational combine experience of the year. The Tour Championship is the culmination of the JGP Rankings and the AJGA Exemptions that are earned over the course of the season.”
Thanks to the ongoing support of partners like Foresight Sports Canada – the presenting sponsor of the camp, participants will benefit from national testing protocols supported by industry leading technology.
Following an exciting season of combines and competition, there are a number of key competitors expected to shine at the camp and tournament. A full list of competitors can be found here, along with recent results for the following highlighted athletes.
Luke Smith- The 2023 Ontario Jr Boys Champion just committed to the University of Tennessee, is looking to maintain AJGA exempt status and also recently attended the Team Canada Selection Camp.
Manav Bharani- 2023 accomplishments include being the Ontario U15 Champion and T2nd at the U17 Championship. Manav comes in as one of the hottest juniors at the end of the season and also attended the Team Canada Selection Camp.
Jager Pain- In the Top 10 at the Canadian Junior Boys and U17 Championships, Jager earned an invite to the Team Canada Selection Camp. Pain will be the highest JGP ranked U17 competing in the Tour Championship.
Shauna Liu- Looking to add on to one of the best seasons ever by a U15 golfer, Shauna currently leads all JGP Rankings in U19, U17 and U15 divisions. Liu won the Ontario Junior Girls, Ontario Spring Classic, Ontario Jr Girls Match Play and Ontario U15 Championship.
Lindsay McGrath- Hot off a playoff victory at the U17 Championship, Lindsay finished T3 at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship.
Aryn Matthews- Currently stands in 3rd place on JGP U19 Rankings. Aryn is a current Team Ontario Member and has top finishes (2nd) in NextGen Ontario and (3rd) Ontario Jr Girls Championship play.
Nobelle Park- Currently chasing down Shauna Liu in both the U15 and U17 divisions, Nobelle narrowly lost a playoff at the U17 Championship this season. Park was 3rd at the U15 Championship and an amazing 10th at the Ontario Women’s Amateur.
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 NTaylor@gao.ca
Follow the progress of the Tour Championship here.
Foresight Sports Canada renews Multi-Year Agreement as an “Official Sponsor” of Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario
September 21st, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Uxbridge – Golf Ontario is pleased to announce a multi-year sponsorship renewal with Foresight Sports Canada. The commitment from Foresight has many layers, including being recognized as the “Official Launch Monitor and Golf Simulator Partner” of Golf Ontario, and continuing as a “Founding Partner of the Junior Golf Pathway”.
To celebrate the renewal of the agreement and demonstrate their commitment to the ongoing development of the Junior Golf Pathway, the company is also the “Presenting Sponsor” of the inaugural Golf Ontario Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament taking place at FireRock on September 25th in conjunction with the Ontario Super Camp and Junior (U19) Tour Championship also presented by Foresight Sports Canada.
Foresight is a global leader in the development of golf performance, entertainment, and game enhancement solutions and is known as one of “The Most Trusted Launch Monitors in the World”. Their products support golfers to Play Smart, Play Anytime, Play Anywhere and Play Healthy. Across North America, the company supports the ongoing development of junior golfers through their industry leading UpNext™ program, which is their new Junior Player Development Program specifically designed to connect today’s best and most passionate players with our game-changing technology.
Ryan Finn, Chief Sport Officer with Golf Ontario remarked that, “Golf Ontario is committed to developing the next wave of talented junior golfers from across the Junior Golf Pathway. To have the full support of Foresight Sports Canada, as a partner in providing best in class technology that has a direct impact on the coaching and development of so many young aspiring golfers is invaluable.”
In announcing the renewal, Aaron Hardy of Foresight Sports Canada said, “We are thrilled to partner with Golf Ontario and share access to our world-class products with their participants and members. We are particularly passionate about supporting the next wave of junior golfers as you can see by the many areas of Golf Ontario’s programming that we support.”
About Foresight Sports Canada
The exclusive distributor of industry leading sports measurement and analysis technologies for Entertainment and Coaching applications from leading global brands Foresight Sports, Swing Catalyst and PuttView.
Foresight products include launch monitors, simulators, performance/entertainment software, and smart mobility solutions for a variety of sports and games. Foresight Sports first golf launch monitor, the GC2 “Game Changer” Smart Camera System was introduced to the market in 2010 and within six years became the best-selling professional-grade launch monitor ever created.
In 2017, Foresight Sports unveiled its ground-breaking four-camera GCQuad launch monitor. Featuring complete ball, club head, and putting data in a compact and portable unit, the GCQuad set a whole new standard of accuracy for performance analytics, and has been awarded Golf Digest’s Editors’ Choice Award for Best Launch Monitor for four consecutive years. The GCQuad has also become the launch monitor of choice for more PGA Tour players, top golf retailers and manufactures, and coaches and fitters than any other technology.
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 Welcomes Community Events in Support of Funding Priorities Through Third Party Fundraising
Golf Ontario
ASIS Toronto Chapter Donates Proceeds from Annual Golf Tournament to Golf Ontario Legacy Fund
The Toronto chapter of ASIS (American Society of Industrial Security) held their annual golf event at Angus Glen – South course on Tuesday, August 15th 2023. The event was sold out early and the weather was perfect for golf. Plenty of prizes for on course contests were awarded and the “winning foursome” was selected from a random draw made up from the top 3 scores and the highest score. This year the group with the highest score won.
Each year the tournament selects a charity or worthwhile cause to donate their financial support to. Golf Ontario is grateful that ASIS has chosen to donate the proceeds from the tournament this year to the Golf Ontario Legacy Fund benefitting Youth On Course Ontario. A program that gives youth ages 18 and under access to affordable golf by providing opportunities to play a round for $5 or less. Golf is a sport that teaches important social, mental, physical and life skills. By removing more barriers to entry, more youth are able to reap the benefits golf offers.
“Selecting this cause allows more youth the opportunity to experience golf and all of the great life lessons it instills in us. With increasing economic pressures the money donated can go towards increasing access for many new players.” says Tim Grose, Golf Committee Member, ASIS Toronto Chapter.
If you or your company are passionate about growing GOLF FOR ALL and supporting the next generation of great Canadian golfers, having your next fundraising event benefit the Golf Ontario Legacy Fund is the best way to make an impact.
There are no fundraising minimums, no registration fees, and you can allocate 100% of the funds to the area you wish to support. This includes, increasing participation for women and girls, youth development, contributing to scholarships and junior golf pathways and advancing the game for adaptive and Indigenous communities.
Our sincerest appreciation to ASIS Toronto Chapter for leading the way and helping us Shape Lives Through Golf!
If you would like your next fundraising event to benefit the Golf Ontario Legacy Fund please contact Raphael Root at rroot@gao.ca or learn more about our areas of support at www.gao.ca/donate .
2023 Indigenous Ontario Championship Recognizes Multiple Champions
Golf Ontario
With sunny skies and pristine fairways, the 2023 Indigenous Ontario Championship concluded today at Monthill G&CC. After 54 holes it was ultimately Ky Horn (Mohawks of Kahnawake) who captured the men’s overall championship and Cheryl Mitchell (Walpole Island First Nation) in the women’s overall division.
The entire event turned out to be a memorable experience for everyone involved. From rain delays to mid tournament ceremonies, the 2nd annual Indigenous Ontario Championship featured over 41 first nations groups from across the country as well as participants from the USA.
Ky Horn (Mowhawks of Kahnawake) showed off some spectacular golf through the 3 day bout. He shot a great 218 and on the final day was able to secure the win shooting 75. In second was Ian Ford (Lac Seul First Nations) who ended his final day shooting 77.
Women’s winner and two-time champion Cheryl Mitchell (Walpole Island First Nation) ended the tournament shooting a total of 236 with scores of 78, 79 and 79. In second place was Melanie Burgess (Matachewan First Nation) just five strokes back over three days at 241.
Huge thanks to the DreamCatcher Charitable Foundation for teaming up with Monthill Golf Club to raise awareness. As a collective they were able to raise twenty-two thousand dollars for the foundation. Thanks to everyone who supported this effort. We’re incredibly grateful for your partnership in driving positive change.
The day wrapped up with closing ceremonies, including 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 2023 Indigenous Ontario Championship. Many thanks to Monthill and their incredible team for hosting this memorable event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners for investing in the growth of the game and our vision of Golf For All.
The Indigenous Ontario Championship is a 54 hole competition open to men and women of all ages. The championship features a Gross division and a Net Stableford division and also 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. The championship will bring awareness to the growth of the game of golf and the impact it has 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.
Stay Connected on 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.
For more information, please contact:
John Lawrence, Director, Competitions and Performance, Golf Ontario JLawrence@gao.ca
Pickering, ON – The 88th Senior Men’s Championship at Whitevale Golf Club sizzled with intensity as seasoned contenders battled fiercely in the hot and steamy conditions. The competition came down to the wire on the final day, making for an exhilarating few days of golf. After 54 holes Adam Creighton takes home the Trophy.
First time champion Adam Creighton (Cherry Hill Club) played an impressive final round as he completed the 18 holes shooting (69). He finished off with a fantastic ending on the 18th sinking a spectacular putt for birdie.
Dave Speir (Sunningdale Golf & Country Club) came in second place after shooting 67, 76, 75 totaling (218) after leading the competition for the first 2 days. In a three way tie for third is Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood Golf Club) with a total score of (221). Brian Humphrys (The Pulpit Club) shot (72) on the final day which moved him up 7 spots securing him that 3rd position. Doug Brophy (Glencairn Golf Club) is the final player tied for third, following an impressive (70) on the final day which helped him climb 14 spots.
Creighton thanked Golf Ontario for orchestrating this event, and Whitevale Golf Club for hosting, and shared “It was my first event and I had a lot of fun, it was great meeting so many other great golfers”. Creighton wishes to compete at another Golf Ontario event in the future.
Bruce McEwen (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) claimed both the over 65 and over 70 age category trophies respectively. McEwen shot (225) over the 3 day event. He is taking home hardware for the first time.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 88th Ontario Senior Men’s Championship. A huge thank you to Whitevale Golf Club for hosting this incredible event. Lastly, a huge thanks to our sponsors and partners of the association for their continued sponsorship. We’re always grateful for all your support.
Conducted since 1936, the Ontario Senior Men’s Championship event features Ontario’s best male amateur golfers aged 55 and over, competing over 54 holes of stroke play competition. Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Nick Weslock, one of Canada’s greatest amateurs of the century, won the event a record 11 times between 1968 and 1980. Other notable past champions include Stu Hamilton (2001, 2006), Mike Jackson (2010, 2011 and 2013) and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Warren Sye in 2012.
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.
To deliver positive golf experiences that shape lives, Golf Ontario depends on so many passionate people, from our Board, Staff, Volunteers and including our wonderful team of Summer Intern Students.
Please join us today, National Intern Day, in celebrating the young people that work hand in hand with everyone across our organization to deliver on our vision of Golf For All.
Creighton and Speir Tie After Round 2 of the 88th Ontario Senior Men’s Championship
Golf Ontario
July 26, 2023
Pickering, ON – High winds and soaring temperatures presented formidable challenges during Round 2 of the 88th Ontario Senior Men’s Championship at Whitevale Golf Club. The demanding weather conditions tested the players, adding an element of complexity to the competition and setting the stage for a true test of skill and resilience on the course.
Adam Creighton (Cherry Hill Club) has claimed a share of the top spot, now tied for first alongside yesterday’s leader, Dave Speir (Sunningdale Golf & Country Club). Creighton’s impressive performance in round 2, marked by two timely birdies, allowed him to post a score of (76). On the other hand, Speir faced a formidable challenge today, shooting a four-over-par (76), relinquishing his sole lead. 2021 Champion Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood Golf Club) is close behind in third after getting two birdies with a score of (73).
Dominating the age categories after round 2 in both 65 and Over – 65+ and 70 and Over – 70+ is Bruce McEwen (Scarboro Golf & Country Club). McEwen completed round 2 with (76) and one birdie. As the leader in both divisions, McEwen’s command over the course has been evident, positioning him as a formidable contender.
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Cam Hreljac, a member of Whitevale Golf Club, delivered an impressive performance during round 2, propelling himself up the leaderboard by 59 spots. Hreljac’s outstanding play showcased his ability to navigate the challenges of the course with finesse, gaining him well-deserved recognition.
The field has been cut to the low 60 players plus ties to continue to play into the third and final round. The third round of the 88th Ontario Senior Men’s Championship will begin at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday morning) off the 1st tee. For more information on the championship and to follow the leaderboard, click here for the official tournament website.
Conducted since 1936, the Ontario Senior Men’s Championship event features Ontario’s best male amateur golfers aged 55 and over, competing over 54 holes of stroke play competition. Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Nick Weslock, one of Canada’s greatest amateurs of the century, won the event a record 11 times between 1968 and 1980. Other notable past champions include Stu Hamilton (2001, 2006), Mike Jackson (2010, 2011 and 2013) and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Warren Sye in 2012.
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.
Speir Leads After Round 1 of the 88th Ontario Senior Men’s Championship
Golf Ontario
July 25, 2023
Pickering, ON – After yesterday’s downpour player’s exhibited unwavering determination as they teed off for round 1 amidst hot and humidconditions at Whitevale Golf Club, vying for victory in the 88th Ontario Senior Men’s Championship.
Having made an impressive 7 birdies, Dave Speir (Sunningdale Golf & Country Club) is on top of the overall leaderboard after shooting a five-under-par (67) today. Adam Creighton (Cherry Hill Club) sits in second place after shooting a three-under-par (69) with four birdies. One stroke behind with a score of (70) is Graham Card (King Valley Golf Club) who got an eagle on hole 2, and two birdies sitting in third place.
Leading the age categories is Mark Bennett (Bayview Golf & Country Club) shooting a score of (71) with two birdies in the 65 and Over – 65+ category. Lars Melander (Oakville Golf Club) and Bruce McEwen (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) are tied for first, leading the 70 and Over – 70+ leaderboard after each shooting a (74).
Congratulations to Gerald Martin (Sunningdale Golf & Country Club) who got a hole-in-one today on hole 14. His extraordinary shot will undoubtedly be a memorable highlight of this gripping competition.
After round two, the field will be cut to the low 60 players plus ties to continue to play into the third and final round. The second round of the 88th Ontario Senior Men’s Championship will begin at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday morning) off both the 1st and 10th tees. For more information on the championship and to follow the leaderboard, click here for the official tournament website.
Conducted since 1936, the Ontario Senior Men’s Championship event features Ontario’s best male amateur golfers aged 55 and over, competing over 54 holes of stroke play competition. Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Nick Weslock, one of Canada’s greatest amateurs of the century, won the event a record 11 times between 1968 and 1980. Other notable past champions include Stu Hamilton (2001, 2006), Mike Jackson (2010, 2011 and 2013) and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Warren Sye in 2012.
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.
