Indigenous Ontario Championship Celebrations Gets Underway from Monthill G&CC
Golf Ontario
A new pathway to championship golf was officially launched tonight while the sun was slowly setting outside the beautiful Monthill Clubhouse in Caledonia, Ontario. Over 175 guests were immersed in Haudenosaunee culture and joined together to celebrate the inaugural Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship.
A collaboration only eight months in the making between Golf Ontario, Monthill Golf & Country Club and the people of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, the event held to formally launch this first of its kind championship did not disappoint.
Master of Ceremony Delby Powless, the Chair of the Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation and friend to the community, welcomed all in attendance and, throughout the evening, acted as a gracious host on behalf of the local organizing committee. His first order of business was to introduce Cam Hill & Eddie Thomas, who set the stage for a traditional welcome prayer which was quickly followed by three ceremonial dances to the delight of the crowd.
Chief Mark Hill of Six Nations of the Grand was the first speaker to address dinner guests following the lively cultural dances. Chief Hill spoke passionately about the proud culture of the people of the Six Nations, one of the largest communities in Canada. He remarked how fitting it was that everyone was gathered together tonight due to Golf Ontario’s leadership and collaborative efforts, working hand in hand with the Co-Chairs of the Championship Organizing Committee, Jesse Smith and Stephen Tooshkenig, as well as a wider team at Monthill.
Following Chief Hill’s remarks, Golf Ontario CEO Mike Kelly shared his enthusiasm for the inaugural championship. Kelly expressed how the event represented yet another step toward an environment where Golf For All is not just a statement in a strategic planning document but a North Star that the organization will continue to work towards every day. As well, having been the first Provincial Sport Organization within Canadian Golf to launch a similar championship for differently-abled golfers, the Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship has already inspired at least one other Provincial association to follow suit in the coming months.
Sharing best wishes from the Premier of Ontario, Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, acknowledged the tremendous spirit of collaboration between Golf Ontario, Monthill and the local community. Tibollo went on to say that he would take the news back to his colleagues at the legislature about how much had been accomplished through the partnership. In concluding his remarks, he further recognized that his previous experience with Golf Ontario, when in the portfolio of Tourism, Culture and Sport, was a sign of great things for this new championship and years of great advancements in this space to come.
After a delicious meal prepared by Monthill’s Head Chef, featuring locally sourced ingredients such as; buffalo mozzarella, “The New Farm” organic greens, grass-fed local beef and “Barrie Hill Farm” green beans, Smith, Monthill’s Head Pro and Director of Instruction, a Co-Chair of the organizing committee, led three local professional athletes through a Q&A about their journey from the local community to the heights of NCAA Championships and National League titles in the sport of lacrosse. While each of the three panellists is incredibly accomplished in their professional sports pursuits, they took several opportunities to share how golf has also been an important part of shaping who they are or in allowing them to find clarity of mind away from the demands of their team training, travel and competition.
It was the words shared by the panellists that, while echoing words from previous speaker Chief Hill and MC Powless, seemed to resonate most with the audience as they spoke. They spoke of gratitude for the land they live and play on, the opportunities to compete in sports, and the people who supported them in their journeys. When asked how they prepared for the rigours of competition, they all spoke about finding peace and clarity of mind, which was instilled in them from a young age. One of the players, having signed what will likely be his final professional contract, when asked what he thought life might hold for him when he does retire from professional competition, was quick to say he would be playing more golf. Here at Monthill. In the community that supports him and where he plans to instill the same shared values of his community in his two young sons, the next generation of potential leaders from within this proud Haudenosaunee community.
Competition begins Monday, September 19th, in the two-day, 36-hole championship that will crown the first-ever Indigenous Ontario Golf Champion.
The Indigenous Ontario Championship will be played and hosted at MontHill Golf & Country Club, located in Six Nations, Ontario. This Championship, open to men and women of all ages, is a 36-hole competition featuring a Gross division and a Net Stableford division and recognizes the top junior and senior players: Golf Ontario has worked closely with Indigenous leaders to ensure this event provides players and spectators with a memorable provincial championship experience. The championship will bring awareness to the growth of the game of golf and the impact it could have on the communities.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
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. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information, please contact:
John Lawrence, Director, Competitions and Performance, Golf Ontario JLawrence@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Inaugural Indigenous Ontario Championship launches Sept 18-20 at Monthill G&CC
Golf Ontario
Six Nations, ON – Monthill Golf & Country Club welcomes all to the Inaugural Indigenous Ontario Championship September 18-20 in the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. This event marks the first Open Provincial Championship in Canada for Indigenous golfers and will feature participants from across North America representing 41 Indigenous communities.
Located at 4925 Hwy 6 in Caledonia, Ontario, Monthill Golf & Country Club was selected as the host site of this important new Championship event due to its strong ties to the community via original owners Jerry Montour and the late Ken Hill. The pair of Six Nations business tycoons acquired the original Sundrim Golf Course in 2014 and renamed it Monthill. Following considerable investment in the facility, in 2021, Monthill transitioned to a fully private golf club, now regarded as one of the premier golf destinations in Southern Ontario.
“Having this event at MontHill Golf & Country Club is very special to us being 100% Indigenous owned. It was our late owner’s goal to host events of this nature, and I feel he will be smiling down at the 41 different nations coming from all over gathering to play for a provincial championship at MontHill,” mentioned Brendan Painter, Director of Golf Operations at Monthill. “The support our community has shown in helping fundraise and put on a first-class event for all competitors is amazing, and I can’t thank them all enough. We look forward to making this an annual event.”
Entry into the 36-hole tournament is open to Indigenous community members (First Nations, Métis & Inuit). Two days of stroke play will contain various divisions, including Men’s and Women’s Gross, Men’s and Women’s Net Stableford, and also recognizing the top junior and senior players.
“For too long, Onkwehonwe have been underrepresented and lacked opportunity in the golf world. This event will showcase and identify great Indigenous golfers, but more importantly, our hope is that it leads to opportunity, access, and growth of the game in our First Nation communities,” added Jesse Smith, Championship Co-Chair.
Sunday the 18th features a kid’s golf clinic, opening ceremonies and dinner for participants of the event, as well as key representatives from the Host Association Golf Ontario, members of the local Indigenous community, and distinguished guests representing the Provincial Government.
“With our strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion that is embedded throughout our strategic plan that will lead us through the next four years, the significance of this important championship is not lost on any of us.,” expressed Mike Kelly, CEO of Golf Ontario. “From our Board of Directors through our leadership team and across all of our staff, we are grateful that our friends from the Indigenous community have welcomed this partnership and the opportunity to host the inaugural Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship together.”
Round one gets underway Monday the 19th, with tee times beginning at 8:30 am off the first and tenth tees. Please visit our Golf genius page here for more information on the tournament.
The Indigenous Ontario Championship will be played and hosted at MontHill Golf & Country Club, located in Six Nations, Ontario. This Championship, open to men and women of all ages, is a 36-hole competition featuring a Gross division and a Net Stableford division and recognizes the top junior and senior players: Golf Ontario has worked closely with Indigenous leaders to ensure this event provides players and spectators with a memorable provincial championship experience. The championship will bring awareness to the growth of the game of golf and the impact it could have on the communities.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
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. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information, please contact:
John Lawrence, Director, Competitions and Performance, Golf Ontario JLawrence@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Settlers’ Ghost GC Welcomes 2022 Ontario Women’s Four-Ball September 19
Golf Ontario
Barrie, ON – On September 19th, Settlers’ Ghost Golf Club will host the 2022 Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship. Fifty-eight talented players of various ages will compete in a shotgun format to claim the hardware.
Settlers’ Ghost Golf Club is a par-72, 18-hole links-style course designed by John Robinson and has spectacular views across the Georgian Bay area. “We are thrilled to host the GO Women’s Four-Ball event on September 19th. It’s very exciting to have the top amateur players in Ontario challenging our course,” said Director of Golf Settlers’ Ghost Golf Club, Mary-Pat Quilty. “Superstar Greenskeeper Ray Richards and staff have the course in beautiful shape. The greens are receptive, true and running at a good speed. We look forward to watching some great golf in September.”
Some notable names coming into this tournament are Angela Penfound and Gail Bishop (Midland G&CC), who won the low net portion in 2021. Also, half of the winning duo from last year, Aryn Matthews and Nyah Kelly, returns, with Matthews teaming up with Team Ontario member Emma Hansen to try and repeat at this year’s championship. Additional players to keep an eye on include the twosome of Alexa Oullet and Vanessa Borovilos, both past Ontario title champions, and three-time champion Ivy Steinburg, who is always a threat.
The ladies will take to the course at 1:00 pm in a shotgun start, followed by dinner and the awards ceremony. Please visit our Golf genius page here for more information on the tournament.
About the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship
First played in 1953, the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship is contested annually and features two-woman teams competing in a better-ball 18-hole format. In total, 34 teams and 68 players participated in the 2021 event.
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. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Springfield, ON – The second and final round of the Baka Mobile 2022 Ontario Public Amateur Championship, presented by Triple Bogey Brewing from Tarandowah Golfers Club, proved to be a tight race in all divisions. Gorgeous weather with lesser winds than day one still forced golfers to play a challenging course with tough pins to walk away a champion.
The tournament contains three flights of championship titles for the men while women golfers competed in Gross and Net Competition. A flight competes in a gross competition, while the B and C flights will play in a net competition. Golfers in the B flight had an opportunity to compete in the overall A flight. A women’s division is back for the first time since 2009, when it had run since 2002.
Michael Naus of nearby London, ON., took the A flight and low gross overall after a playoff hole against Jason Rabinowitz and day one leader Jason Wellings. Naus said this was his greatest golf accomplishment so far. “After taking a long break from the game, I decided to get back into high-end amateur golf and see where my game was at.” Naus added, “my putter was ridiculously hot yesterday, and the driver kept me safe today.”
The B flight also went to a playoff between three golfers, Derek Baird, Tyler Allen and Robert Sterling. Sterling would emerge victorious to claim the gold medal. Ryan Dukelow claimed the C flight title with a net 2-under. The silver medal went to Steve Stone, and the bronze to Dalton Maclcolm.
On the women’s side, Nobelle Park held off a second-round attack by her sister Kaprice to claim the Women’s title with a gross score of +8. Kaprice finished second, and Lindsey Hummel took third.
Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the Baka Mobile 2022 Ontario Public Amateur Championship presented by Triple Bogey. Thank you to Tarandowah Golfers Club for hosting this fantastic event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners; Baka, Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, StrackaLine, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Nikon, and Sport Travel.
For media coverage of the championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To view the full leaderboards, visit our Golf Genius Page.
About The Public Amateur Championship
The Public Amateur Championship was first played in 1958 at Don Valley Golf Club. Past winners include: Robert Mclean (2021), Arnold Johnson (2015, 2011), and Peter Willis (2014). Mill Run Golf and Country Club (Uxbridge, ON) has hosted the tournament a record nine times. The women’s division has returned after a hiatus since 2009.
The Public Amateur Championship provides the perfect opportunity for those interested in trying a competitive tournament while providing gross and net flights. This allows higher handicap players to play against players in their handicap grouping.
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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter and like us on Facebook. Also, make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
Springfield, ON – Tough conditions welcomed the opening round of the Baka Mobile 2022 Ontario Public Amateur Championship, presented by Triple Bogey Brewing at Tarandowah Golfers Club. After an early beautiful sky, fog rolled in, causing an hour delay in tee times. Once the fog lifted, the sun would come out along with high winds making the beautiful course, which includes 108 pot bunkers, even more challenging. The tournament contains three flights of championship titles for the men and women golfers are competing in Gross and Net Competition.
A flight competes in a gross competition, while the B and C flights will play in a net competition. Golfers in the b flight will also have an opportunity to compete in the overall A flight. A women’s division has been brought back to this championship for the first time since 2009, when it had run for eight years.
Jason Wellings leads the overall low net and A flight after 18 holes, firing a solid even-par (70), including three birdies. Right behind Wellings is Michael Naus, who shot a one-over (71). Tyler Allen leads the B flight with a net -2. Steve Stone leads the C flight with a net +5.
On the women’s side, Nobelle Park holds the first-round lead after shooting a +9 (79) that included two birdies. Her sister Kaprice sits tied for second with Lindsey Hummel, three back at +12.
Final round tee times begin at 8 am Thursday off the 1st tee. Please view our Golf Genius page here for more information, tee times, and leaderboard links.
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. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
There is a reason the term superintendent includes the word “super.” Golf course superintendents often work behind the scenes, which usually results in them not getting enough credit for their work. On September 13th, it is “Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day,” where we recognize the hard work it takes to keep golf
courses enjoyable, sustainable, and in peak condition. Thanks to days like today, the work of superintendents across the nation can be celebrated and appreciated by all.
Don Blatchley is the superintendent of Sawmill Golf Course and has worked there for 42 years. He started working there in 1979. I interviewed him on his role as a superintendent and how it has changed and developed over the years.
How did you get into this line of work? Don: My family golfed at Sawmill, and I asked George for a job when I was out of high school.
#ThankASuper
Which part of being a superintendent do you find most satisfying? Don: That moment when people approach you and comment on the condition and quality of the golf course. When you change something, no matter how small or large, and people notice. That’s the best part.
Which part of being a superintendent do you find most challenging? Don: Making sure the greens, tees and bunkers are in the best shape possible. Especially the greens because they are the heart of the entire course. If the greens are not in perfect condition, people will know. New challenges exist now that didn’t exist a few years ago. You have to keep adapting as the environment and conditions change.
What was it like working as a superintendent in the 1970s, compared to the 1990s and present time in 2022? How has it changed? Don: The main difference I can think of is the technology available. In the 1970s and early 1980s, all your fertilizer and fungicide were granular. Now, it is all spray based. The only sprayer we had back then was tractor-mounted. Technology has advanced through the years to the point where the current sprayers are computerized and regulate and control the amount of spray they put out. The equipment used now at golf courses drastically reduces the time required to perform tasks. Back in the day, top dressing the greens would take us around a week to do, and now we can do it in less than a day. All of the equipment has changed from when I started. Fairway mowers, rough mowers, and greens mowers are all more advanced and designed for maximum efficiency. The only downside to better technology is that when something goes wrong, it takes longer to fix it, or you may need to call in a specialist because of the electronics involved. Irrigation used to be done manually as well. I would spend hours at night watering, whereas now everything is automated and all I have to do is click a few keys on the computer. The course itself looks very different too. Bunkers have been added and removed, and I’m pretty sure there isn’t a single bunker in its original location. The same applies to the tee decks. As for the trees, let’s just say that I used to be able to see the clubhouse from the shop, and now I can’t. In the 1970s, they were just twigs sticking out of the ground.
What was the most difficult on-course situation you’ve ever faced at Sawmill? Don: Snow mould on the fourth green. This was a long time ago, the winter was long, and we could not get snow mould protection down early enough because the golf season ended so abruptly, and the snow stayed on the ground. We did not have the equipment available to aerate; all we could do was put new plugs into the affected areas. I’m not talking about a few patches here and there. What I’m talking about is hundreds of plugs. I don’t even remember exactly where we got the plugs from because it was so long ago. But that was one of the most difficult situations I remember having to handle.
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone wanting to get into golf course work, what would you say? Don: Make sure you’re passionate about it. A lot of times, the work will seem like it is twenty-four seven. Issues have a way of suddenly appearing at the worst time possible. Usually at the beginning or end of the week and never in the middle. Sometimes you’ll have to drop everything to deal with a golf course situation, which is how it is. There could be a broken irrigation line during a drought, disease on the greens or a pump that breaks down, leading to you hand watering for a week straight. Some things just can’t wait until the following day. It’s challenging but rewarding work; if you love what you do, it’s worth it.
What is your passion or favourite hobby? Don: Golf.
What’s your favourite sports team or individual? Don: Toronto Maple Leafs
What do you like to watch on TV? Don: Nascar. I used to watch it a lot more than I do now because all the good drivers are retired.
What is your favourite thing about working at Sawmill? Don: The people and the owners. The owners have always treated me like family; some of the members have been there as long as I’ve been working there, so it’s a real family environment.
Remember to use the hashtag #ThankASuper today on social media and show your appreciation for our golf course superintendents.
Baka Wireless Ontario Public Amateur Championship Returns to Tarandowah GC
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, ON – Golfers return to Tarandowah Golfers Club for the Baka Wireless 2022 Ontario Public Amateur Championship from September 14th to 15th, presented by Triple Bogey Brewing. Ninety golfers will compete over 36-holes of championship stroke play, male players will be in the hunt for three flights of championship titles and women golfers playing in Gross and Net Competition.
Tarandowah, the 2021 host as well, is a well-known course in not only Ontario but Canada as well. “Tarandowah has just been nominated 75th in Canada by SCOREGolf magazine and 40th best public course in Canada,” said Andy Shaw, Director of Operations. “Tarandowah is excited to host the Golf Ontario championship again and provide the players with a true representation of a links-style course. The course architect Martin Hawtree just finished working on changes to the Old Course at St. Andrews, so the players will see very similar holes and shots that are required. In addition, 108 pot bunkers and firm and fast fairways await the players with greens that have plenty of break and require precise shot making.”
COURTESY OF TARANDOWAH GC – DUDEK PHOTOGRAPHY
This tournament is open to players of the Golf Ontario Public Player Program and members of a semi-public golf course. Golfers will compete in three separate flights of competition, with the A flight competing in a gross competition, while the B and C flights will play in a net competition. Golfers in the b flight will also have an opportunity to compete in the overall A flight. A women’s division has been brought back to this championship for the first time since 2009, when it had run for eight years.
Tee times begin at 8 am Wednesday and Thursday off the 1st tee. Please view our Golf Genius page here for more information, tee times, and leaderboard links.
About The Baka Wireless Public Amateur Championship
The Baka Wireless Public Amateur Championship was first played in 1958 at Don Valley Golf Club. Past winners include Robert Mclean (2021), Arnold Johnson (2015, 2011), and Peter Willis (2014). Mill Run Golf and Country Club (Uxbridge, ON) has hosted the tournament a record nine times.
The Public Amateur Championship provides the perfect opportunity for those interested in trying a competitive tournament while providing gross and net flights. This allows higher handicap players to play against players in their handicap grouping.
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. Make sure to visit our website for further information.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Uxbridge, ON – The Golf Ontario Scholarship program exists with the support of our corporate partners and sponsors, providing financial assistance to deserving student golfers since 1994. This support allows Golf Ontario to award multiple scholarships annually to support student golfers pursuing post-secondary education. Golf Ontario is proud to announce the 2022 scholarship recipients.
In 2016, Golf Ontario celebrated a milestone as the association surpassed $500,000 in scholarship funds awarded since the program’s establishment. Six years later, in 2022, $679,500 in total has now been awarded to hundreds of recipients.
Golf Ontario has developed special scholarship awards to honour the memory of Ken McKenzie, Christine Fisher, Craig Revell, and Helena Harbridge, amazing people who have contributed a great deal to the game of golf in Ontario. In conjunction with the McKenzie, Fisher, Revell, and Harbridge families, Golf Ontario will present these special awards to deserving recipients who demonstrate the passion and dedication to the game that was ever so present in Ken, Christine, Craig, and Helena. Read more about these awards here.
Mimi Braiter, a recipient of the Helena Harbridge award, exemplifies what the recognition stands for. A star on the course and future Bachelor of Arts Law student, she is also highly engaged in the local community. Braiter runs A Ripple Effect, an organization that pairs volunteer youth with children having difficulty in their lives due to personal or family illness. In recognition of her work, she was invited to have a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau, who recognized her leadership, collaboration, and innovation and her impact on the community.
For Braiter, her interest in helping others guided her decision to choose Carleton and her program. “I hope to become later a family lawyer to help families and kids have the best possible outcome from a difficult situation.” Braiter added, “A Golf Ontario Scholarship will assist me with the costs associated with my academic studies and will allow me to continue to grow my love of golf as I move forward in my golf career.”
Peter Blazevic of Mississauga has been awarded the Craig Revell scholarship for 2022. This annual Scholarship in Craig’s name represents that Peter achieved significant success on the golf course and in all areas of his life. Blazevic makes for a perfect recipient of Revell’s scholarship, as he describes golf as “…more than just a game. It embodies character and life lessons.” Blazevic added, “Golf has a way of reminding us that not everything will go as planned. It will always challenge us mentally and physically. And it will often offer opportunities to better oneself both on and off the course. I have gained so many life lessons and experiences while playing the game. I am so thankful for this. It has taught me the value of hard work and the appreciation to accept mistakes and imperfections along the journey.”
Blazevic, a three-time Team Ontario member, will attend the University of Wisconsin-Parkside this fall to study Sports Management. This young, ambitious golfer hopes to “continue to develop my game in my post-secondary journey, and I look forward to achieving my academic and athletic goals.”
Our Full List of 2022 Award Recipients:
Abigail Barker / Christine Fisher Award Galt Country Club University of Waterloo / Architectural Engineering
Ashley Noh / Ken Mackenzie Award Emerald Hills Golf Club University of Toronto / Rotman Commerce (BCom)
Miriam (Mimi) Braiter / Helena Harbidge Award Greensmere Golf and Country Club Carleton University / Bachelor of Arts in Law
Peter Blazevic / Craig Revell Award Markland Wood Golf Club University of Wisconsin-Parkside / Sports Management
Connor Di Salle / Golf Ontario Award Idylwylde Golf and Country Club Laurentian University / Sports Administration
Madeline Alderman / Golf Ontario Award Beach Grove Golf and Country Club St Clair College / Nursing BScN
Myranda Quinton / Golf Ontario Award Blue Springs Golf Club Penn State University / Mechanical Engineering
Oscar Feschuk / Golf Ontario Award Weston Golf Club Texas A&M / International Business
Congratulations to our 2022 recipients, and we wish them all the best in their post-secondary studies.
To be eligible for one of the Golf Ontario awards or scholarships, recipients must have maintained at least a 75% academic average, enrolled in a post-secondary institution, are members of Golf Ontario, and are actively involved in golf. If you are interested in applying for next year’s batch of scholarships, please visit here to learn more about the process and benefits of Golf Ontario Scholarships.
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.
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:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing, Design and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Growing Golf in Ontario: A Discussion with Kevin McShan
Golf Ontario
Our Senior Director of Marketing Nick Taylor, recently sat down to speak with Kevin McShan, a motivational speaker and journalist living with Cerebral Palsy, to discuss growing the game of golf in Ontario.
As the host of Let’s Have This Conversation, McShan strives to place all voices at the table of inclusion. He is a Motivational Speaker and Sports Journalist with Cerebral Palsy who wakes up every morning energized and excited to have authentic and meaningful conversations. He loves sports and motivating people.
In his words, “Our legacy is built by how many times we are willing to make a difference in the lives of others while no one else is watching. I’ve lived my entire life with cerebral palsy. However, rather than dwell on my personal restrictions, the greater gift I could ever give to the world is to celebrate my life and all of the life lessons I’ve been put on earth to teach and all of the wisdom I’ve been charged to share with others who simply can`t view the world through the same prism as I. Some people claim I’m an inspirational person. I simply view myself as persistently consistent.“
McShan is a St. Clair College Journalism Print and New Media Program graduate. His passion lies in telling the stories of people who can’t otherwise tell their own individual stories themselves.
One of his many accomplishments was receiving the 2012 Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal for my reporting on disability issues.
Javier and Xu Win the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship
Golf Ontario
Lansdowne, ON – Matthew Javier (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) and Alissa Xu (Station Creek Golf Club) claim the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship after three rounds of fantastic play at Smugglers Glen Golf Course.
Javier was 3-under on his day and 5-under overall as he approached the 18th hole. Sitting one stroke behind leader Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club), Javier would sink a long birdie putt and give himself a share of the lead. However, after an unsuccessful attempt to reach the green in two on the par 5 hole, Smith, a Team Ontario member, would find himself with a 15-foot putt to send it to a playoff. Smith would narrowly miss the edge of the hole, securing the victory for Javier. Smith takes home the Silver Medal after a spectacular showing this week, shooting 5-under overall (211) and putting up two rounds of 69. Jax Sisson (Pointe West Golf Club)secured third place, shooting 4-under for the tournament.
Xu held the lead for the entire day, maintaining a minimum 2-strokes ahead of the field at all times. Xu finished the tournament even par (216) with a low score of 69 in round one. Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club) finished in second place, receiving the Silver Medal after a fantastic outing in today’s final round (71). Bronze Medalist Aryn Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club) also had a spectacular performance in today’s round, finishing 1-under (71).
Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2022 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys & Girls Championship. Thank you to Smugglers Glen Golf Club for hosting this amazing event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, StrackaLine, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, and Sport Travel.
For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Juvenile 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 Juvenile (U17) Boys’ and Girls’ Championships
The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ Championship is a 54-hole competition featuring the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Mike Weir trophy. Notable past champions include Josh Whalen, Brandon Ng, Tim McCutcheon, Peter R. Knechtel, Bob Panasiuk, and Gary Cowan.
The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Girls’ Championship features the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Sandra Post trophy. Past event champions include Sandra Post, Jessica Shepley, Alena Sharp, Stephanie Sherlock, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, current Team Canada member Katie Cranston, and Grace St. Germain.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
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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:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario; AAbraham@gao.ca
