Thompson Leads After Round 1 of the 31st Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship
Golf Ontario
June 20, 2023
Burlington, ON – High winds, quick greens, and thick rough made challenging conditions for the field of 144 players competing in round one of the 31st Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, at the scenic Burlington Golf & Country Club. While blue skies shone overhead all day, the competitors faced 40km+ winds and took to the course in hopes of an early hot start.
Holding the leader position after round one with an impressive score of five-under-par (65) is Ben Thompson (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) who made seven birdies and two bogeys to finish with the low score of the day. Sitting alone in second place shooting a three-under (67) for the day including five birdies and two bogeys is Phil Arci (The Pulpit Club). Four shots back in third place are; Eric Ross (Burlington Golf & Country Club), Kyle Rank (Elmira Golf Club), and Russell Bowie (Brampton Golf Club Ltd) each shooting a score of 69.
After round two, the field will be cut to the low 60 scores plus ties to continue to play into the third and final round. The second round of the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship will begin at 8:00 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.
Since 1993, the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur championship has proven to be one of Ontario’s most sought-after and important Championship titles. The 54-hole competition caters to Ontario’s best golfers age 25 and older that have gained entry into the event through qualifying tournaments or an exemption. Despite its young history, the championship has developed a notable list of past champions including Garrett Rank (2015, 2018) and Golf Hall of Fame members Stu Hamilton (1993, 1998), Kelly Roberts (1997), and Dave Bunker (2007, 2011, 2014, 2021).
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 Women’s Match Play Championship Day 3 Recap
Golf Ontario
June 19, 2023
A picture-perfect day greeted the final day of the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship from Cataraqui Golf & Country Club. The beautiful Monday morning showed us four great golfers battling to earn their spot in the final.
The morning semi-final matches saw Myranda Quinton (Blue Springs Golf Club) defeat Judith Kyrinis (Granite Golf Club) in a hard-fought battle 4 & 3. The second semi-final match saw Nyah Kelly (Kawartha Golf Club) take down the defending champion Raesa Sheikh (Golf Canada Club – Ontario) after 19 holes. Nyah was down 2 holes heading into 16 but fought back strong and won hole 16 and made a clutch par putt on 18 to force a playoff. Nyah then went on to hit a great wedge shot to 3 feet on the first playoff hole to clinch her spot in the finals.
The finals saw Myranda Quinton take on Nyah Kelly, who both came off impressive semi-final wins looking to claim the prestigious trophy. It was a very intense match which featured Myranda and Nyah going back and forth the entire way, sharing the lead multiple times throughout the match. Nyah eventually came out victorious with a clutch putt on 18 to secure the victory 1 up over Myranda.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for their support of the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship. Thank you to Cataraqui G&CC and their staff for yet again hosting this wonderful competition.
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.
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.
2023 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship Kicks off in Burlington June 20-22
Golf Ontario
June 19, 2023
Burlington, ON – Burlington Golf & Country Club welcomes all to the 2023 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship June 20-22.
Built-in 1922, this beautiful waterfront golf course features 18 holes in a picturesque setting. In 2020 Burlington Golf & Country Club went through extensive renovations to the clubhouse’s interior. Renovations included new lounges, patios, and a dining room. Award-winning Canadian golf course architect, Doug Carrick, reconstructed holes 5, 6, 17, and 18.
Tournament Director John Lawrence had this to say regarding the upcoming event “We’re happy to be coming back to Burlington to one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the Greater Toronto Area, great field of competitors this year.”
Over 500 golfers attempted to qualify for this championship across the province and it will be a fierce competition with several champions in the ranks such as last year’s champion David Lang of Donalda Club defending his title again as well as returning champion Dave Bunker who won in 2007, 2011, 2014. John Monture, the 2022 Indigenous Ontario Championship winner will be competing and one to watch. Round one gets underway Tuesday the 20th, with tee times beginning at 8:00 am, with the afternoon group starting at 1:00 pm.
Since 1993, the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur championship has proven to be one of Ontario’s most sought-after and important Championship titles. The 54-hole competition caters to Ontario’s best golfers age 25 and older that have gained entry into the event through qualifying tournaments or an exemption. Despite its young history, the championship has developed a notable list of past champions including Garrett Rank (2015, 2018) and Golf Hall of Fame members Stu Hamilton (1993, 1998), Kelly Roberts (1997), and Dave Bunker (2007, 2011, 2014).
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 Women’s Match Play Championship Day 2 Recap
Golf Ontario
June 18, 2023
Kingston, ON – The Round of 16 kicked off Day 2 of the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship in what was a beautiful day at Cataraqui Golf and Country Club The day featured dominant victories, clutch putts and multiple playoffs to decide matches. A day which began with 16 competitors ends with only four moving on to tomorrow’s Semi-Finals.
The Round of 16 saw reigning champion Raesa Sheikh (Golf Club Canada – Ontario) win her match convincingly at 6 & 5, while Judith Kyrinis (Granite Golf Club) put together a hall-of-fame performance and won her match 7 & 6. Isabella Portokalis (Sunningdale Golf & Country Club) defeated Lexi McKay (King Valley Golf Club) in a very close match in 21 holes. Alexandra Taylor (Cherry Hill Golf Club) and Myranda Quinton (Blue Springs Golf Club) went back and forth, each hitting many clutch shots during their match. Alexandra Taylor fell short in her playoff to Myranda Quinton who hit a fantastic putt on 19 to keep the playoff alive and went on to win their match on hole 20.
Going into the quarter-finals Raesa Sheikh (Golf Club Canada – Ontario) & Judith Kyrinis (Granite Golf Club) continued their dominance both claiming their spot in the semi-finals with a 5 & 3 victory. Nyah Kelly (Kawartha Golf Club) won in convincing fashion with a 5 & 3 victory of her own claiming her spot in the semi-finals. Myranda Quinton (Blue Springs Golf Club) started off slow in her match but battled back strong to win her match against Aryn Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club) 2 & 1.
The Semi-Finals start tomorrow at 8:00 am with Raesa Sheikh (Golf Canada Club – Ontario) taking on Nyah Kelly (Kawartha Golf Club) in what will be a very competitive match as they each look to punch their ticket in the Finals. Our 2nd Semi-Final match will see Judith Kyrinis (Granite Golf Club) taking on Myranda Quinton (Blue Springs Golf Club), both coming off strong performances today and looking to claim their finals spots as well. The finals are set to take place in the afternoon at 12:30 pm. For media coverage of the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius Page
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.
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 Women’s Match Play Championship Day 1 Recap
Golf Ontario
June 17, 2023
Kingston, ON – The opening day of the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship kicked off with an exciting first day, showcasing the exceptional skills and intense competition that fans eagerly awaited. Cataraqui Golf & Country Club lived up to its name by challenging golfers whilst also rewarding their efforts. With high winds and sunny skies, players from all over the province battled each other to earn a spot in the Round of 16 in the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship.
As we saw the day unfold the likes of Judith Kyrinis Ontario Golf Hall of Famer showed off her veteran skills and finished the day shooting 74 which landed her as the #2 seed heading into tomorrow. Judith said she got there by “old boring Judith golf, fairways greens”. Reigning Champ Raesa Sheikh qualified with an impressive score of 78 as she looks to retain her title. Our low qualifier for the day was Rozlyn Rooke of Blue Springs Golf Club with an impressive score of 72 and she will be the #1 seed for the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship.
Day 2 of the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship will begin at 7 a.m. with #1 seed Rozlyn Rooke taking on #16 seed Zhana Navato. Our spotlight Round of 16 matches will see Team Ontario Alumni and Kennesaw State University teammates Alessandra Nagayo and Nyah Kelly going head-to-head at 7:24 a.m. Alessandra shot 75 earning her the #5 seed, and teammate Nyah shot 78 earning her the #12 seed. We are in for another exciting day of golf tomorrow.
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.
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 Women’s Match Play Championship Pre-Release
Golf Ontario
June 16, 2023
Kingston, ON – Cataraqui Golf and Country Club is gearing up to host the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship from June 17 – 19. The field features 38 of the best female players across Ontario who are eagerly looking to claim victory in this prestigious event.
A Golfing Gem, nestled amidst the picturesque scenery of Kingston, Ontario, Cataraqui Golf and Country Club stands as a testament to golfing excellence. Ranked among the top 100 courses in Canada, this meticulously designed masterpiece by renowned architect Stanley Thompson offers a challenging yet harmonious golfing experience. Iain Reston (Head Golf Professional) said, “The green sites on this golf course are just spectacular, small greens that are tricky to read are one of the hallmarks of this golf course.” Its small, deceptive greens and intricate layout demand precision, strategic thinking, and careful course management from players of all skill levels.
June 17th marks the 18-hole qualifying day, where competitors will compete to claim their spot in the 16-player match play portion of the event. With only the top performers earning coveted positions, expect an intense battle as these skilled golfers showcase their abilities.
Defending champion Raesa Sheikh (Public Player Member), will return to defend her hard-earned title. After a sensational victory last year, Sheikh proved herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her precision, strategic prowess, and ability to perform under pressure make her a formidable opponent for any golfer in the field.
Joining Sheikh in the field are numerous competitors eager to dethrone the defending champion. Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Judith Kyrinis (Granite Golf Club), adds a touch of experience and class to the tournament. Known for her remarkable skill and unwavering focus, Kyrinis is sure to be a contender throughout the championship.
Team Ontario Member Aryn Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club), last year’s runner-up, returns full of motivation looking to claim the title that narrowly eluded her. With a strong performance and an intimate understanding of Cataraqui, Matthews will look to emerge victorious.
The Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship boasts a rich heritage, dating back to 1975. Throughout the tournament’s storied history, remarkable champions such as Marlene Stewart Streit, Mary Ann Hayward, and Heather Kuzmich have emerged. It serves as a platform for showcasing the remarkable talent within women’s golf while paying tribute to those who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Cataraqui Golf and Country Club for their unwavering commitment to hosting the annual Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship. Their dedication and support have played a crucial role in making this prestigious tournament a resounding success year after year. And if you would like to follow along with scores you can click to follow along!
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.
Historic RBC Canadian Open Full of Surprise & Delight – Set to Inspire a New Generation
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge – If golfers and golf supporters across Ontario are feeling a little bewildered today, it is understandable given the way the final stages of the 2023 RBC Canadian Open unfolded under grey and rainy skies at Oakdale Golf & Country Club Sunday evening.
Despite the start to the week with news from the PGA coming completely out of left field, and potentially impacting Canada’s National Open Championship in many ways, once the first ball dropped in the cup on Thursday morning, the field of 21 Canadians (including 11 Ontario natives) went to work chasing an elusive title that had evaded Canadian’s for 69 years prior. We now know the outcome of that effort, and congratulate Nick Taylor, the Winnipeg born resident of Abbotsford BC who won the title following a four hole playoff with Tommy Fleetwood in dramatic fashion by holing out a 72 foot eagle putt in front of a raucous local crowd on 18.
Looking back on the week including the Pro-Am day Wednesday, there was so much on offer for fans of the game from across Ontario to enjoy and celebrate. It was wonderful to see so many children and families from local schools and communities that were welcomed onsite Wednesday to get up close to the stars of the game in a less formal environment. Kudos to our partners at the Golf Canada Foundation and First Tee Ontario for taking the opportunity to both engage with the community, and raise significant funds to support the growth of the game at the community level at this year’s Open. We loved seeing the grandstand overlooking the 18th green full of fans who generously donated each day to experience the best seat in the house! It certainly paid dividends on Sunday!
While inspiring a generation of newcomers to take up the game could certainly be an outcome of the First Tee programming at the event, the incredible play of so many Ontario natives competing in the field would certainly have fueled the passion amongst the nearly 2000 competitive golfers that are part of the Junior Golf Pathway, including fourteen members of Team Ontario. It was not so many years ago that Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes wore the green of Golf Ontario as members of the program. Clearly they have demonstrated that a pathway not only exists to the top tier of the game on the international stage, but that holding court as the leader in a field of this size is achievable in the coming years for them. This tournament, and the results of the 2023 PGA season clearly show that, with four wins on the tour in the bag for Canadians (including Conners and Hughes).
Listowel Ontario’s Corey Conners signing autographs for fans
The atmosphere was electric all week, particularly at the 14th hole dubbed “The Rink Hole”. After Hughes put his shot under five feet from the cup on Friday, he motioned to the crowd to make some noise while his caddy quickly put on a Leaf’s jersey to energize the crowd. Another moment was even more wild when Adam Hadwin actually asked the crowd to make noise while he hit his tee shot up the 172 yard par three hole.
Regardless of what brought you to Oakdale and the Open, no matter if you followed a particular player or group, or if you spent your time in the Fan Fare zone or in a hospitality suite, you were treated to one moment of surprise and delight after another thanks to the competitors, and of course to our partners at Golf Canada, who raised the bar yet again in delivering a memorable and successful event to officially kick off the summer of golf here in Ontario. We extend our tremendous appreciation and congratulations to Golf Canada and their staff across the entire organization for all that they do during Open week to grow the game, entertain us, and fuel our passion for the game.
For us at Golf Ontario, if you share our sense of community coming out of this historic event, we welcome you to engage with us in many different ways. We invite you to become a member of Golf Ontario/Golf Canada and leverage the many exclusive rewards and benefits available to you as a Public Player member. We ask you to consider investing in the next generation of players to follow Corey Conners and Brooke Henderson by making a donation to the Golf Ontario Legacy Fund. Most of all, we encourage you to enjoy this great game. If you are more motivated than ever to get out on course and work on your game, visit one of the over five hundred member facilities across Ontario, and be part of our great community this summer and beyond.
View the RBC Canadian Open leaderboard online here.
Corey Conners of Listowel Ontario Looks to Replicate Opening Round Play on Day Two
Corey Conners (Getty Images)
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge – Finishing round one action yesterday at the RBC Canadian Open tied for 1st after a blistering 67, Team Ontario alumni Corey Conners started his second round in the 1:10 PM group off the first tee, looking to replicate his play and make up ground on the morning groups, as he slid down to a tie for 6th given the increased scoring across the field this morning under rainy conditions.
With so much local flavor in the afternoon pairings, and the first RBCx concert on tap for the evening after play is completed, fans are in for a great afternoon and evening with the clearing weather.
Spectators are reminded to plan ahead and be aware of parking and shuttle locations to gain access to the grounds.
Matthews and Fredericks prevail at the Ontario Men’s & Senior Men’s Match Play Championship
Golf Ontario
“Intense competition and strategic battles shape the gripping climax”
June 9, 2023
The highly anticipated Ontario Men’s & Senior Men’s Match Play Tournament came to a captivating conclusion Friday morning, leaving spectators in awe of the exceptional skill and nerve displayed by some of the province’s top male amateur golfers. The tournament, held at the prestigious Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club, provided an exciting showcase of head-to-head battles, ultimately crowning a deserving champion.
As the tournament progressed, several marquee players showcased their prowess on the course, pitting their skills against each other in strategic duels. Defending champion, David Greenaway fought valiantly but was eliminated in the quarterfinals, by Rob Gibson of Cedar Brae Golf & Country Club. The early exit of the reigning champion added an extra layer of unpredictability to the tournament. Gibson, who is the 2023 Ontario Champion of Champions Senior division winner, took on Kawartha Golf & Country Club’s Steve Fredericks in the finals. In a back-and-forth battle that came down to the 18th hole, it was Steve Fredericks who was able to save Par and capture his first provincial championship.
The Men’s finals witnessed a captivating clash between Team Ontario member Zach Smith of Brampton Golf Club and former team member Justin Matthews of Bigwin Island Golf Club. Both golfers came into the final carrying the momentum they gained from their semi-final victories. It was an intense battle through the front 9 which saw the players go neck and neck. However, it was Matthews who was able to spark a string of excellent play which resulted in him going 3 up as the match went into the 15th hole. It was at the 15th hole where Matthews was able to capture the title as he made par and ended up going 4 up with 3 to play to close things out.
Tournament director Rob Watson shared his thoughts after the event; “I would like to start off by thanking Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club for their hospitality and support, the course was in excellent shape throughout the tournament. Golf Ontario looks forward to its continued relationship with Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club for many years to come. Congratulations to the winners and all of the competitors who participated in the Mens & Senior Men’s Match Play Tournament. A special thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make this tournament run smoothly”.
Beyond the individual performances, the Ontario Mens & Senior Mens Match Play Tournament showcased camaraderie and respect among the golfing community. Players demonstrated unwavering sportsmanship, applauding exceptional shots and offering words of encouragement to their opponents. The tournament was a testament to the spirit of fair play and the enduring appeal of this elegant and challenging sport.
Looking ahead, the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship is set to kick off from June 17-19 at Cataraqui Golf & Country Club which promises to be an exciting event.
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 Men’s & Senior Men’s Match Play Tournament Day 3 Recap
Golf Ontario
“Thrilling Matches Bring Surprises and Shakeup in the Tournament Bracket”
June 8, 2023
Day 3 of the anticipated Ontario Men’s & Senior Men’s Match Play Tournament saw some of the most captivating and intense battles at Tangle Creek Golf & Country Club. With strong winds and cold temperatures playing an important part in the performance of the golfers, contenders from both divisions made their way through the quarter and semi-final matches.
Featured Matches:
Ontario Senior Men’s Champion of Champions winner Rob Gibson won his quarter-final match and faced Cam Hreljac in the semi-finals. In a hard-fought contest, it was Gibson who eventually came out on top, advancing to the finals. Rob Cowan won his quarter-final matchup against Steve Houle, advancing him to the semi-finals where he faced Steve Fredericks. Fredericks experience and composure allowed him to come out on top and will now face Rob Gibson in the finals.
Switching over to the Men’s division, Justin Matthews emerged victorious in his quarter-final matchup, advancing to the semi-finals where he faced Jacob Robitaille. After a thrilling contest, resulting in the match extending to 20 holes, it was Matthews who came out on top and clinched his spot in the finals. On the other side of the bracket, Derek Dalziel defeated Josh DiCarlo in his quarter-final, advancing to the semi’s where he played Zach Smith. The match was a back-and-forth contest throughout, which resulted in Smith capturing the victory. The current Team Ontario member will now face Justin Matthews, another former Team Ontario team member in the finals of the Men’s Match Play.
Looking Ahead: Tournament Reaches Its Climax.
As the remaining contenders vie for the coveted title, anticipation is at an all-time high, making the Ontario Men’s & Senior Men’s Match Play Tournament one of the most thrilling events of the year. Tee times will start at 7:30 am & 7:40 am for the Men’s and Senior Men’s finals respectively. Stay tuned for more exhilarating golfing action tomorrow.
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.
