Golf Ontario Proudly Announces New Course Rating Coordinator
Golf Ontario
Today, Golf Ontario is proud to announce an important new hire that has joined our staff. JJ Alexander began as Course Rating Coordinator on May 24th. JJ joins Golf Ontario in this important service role to our member clubs and facilities and brings well over twenty years of experience to the role as a PGA of Canada Class A Golf Professional. Most recently serving as the Head Golf Professional at Lookout Point Country Club, JJ brings comprehensive experience and knowledge working the course rating system and was instrumental in the introduction of hybrid tees at the club.
“We are extremely excited to have JJ join the Golf Ontario member services team, his industry experience and knowledge of the course rating system will be a tremendous asset for not only Golf Ontario but also for all the clubs that he works,” said Kyle McFarlane, Senior Director, Golf Operations.
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.
Uxbridge, ON – Under sunny skies, the final round of the shortened Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic Championship came down to a nail-biting finish.
Ben MacLean (Cherry Hill Club) and Nathaniel Gray-Lamont (Cutten Fields) battled it out head-to-head to take the top spot in this year’s Boys Spring Classic. MacLean was masterful with his putter today, making the majority of putts on his round, including an impressive eagle on the 4th hole. He would birdie four times on the back nine and shoot ten-under (134) for the tournament. Gray-Lamont would come up just one stroke behind at nine-under (135). Tied in third place were Matthew Javier (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) and day one leader Ellis Kinnaird (Mississippi Golf Club) at five-under (139).
Heading onto the 18th hole, MacLean carried a one-stroke advantage over fellow group member Gray-Lamont who would settle for par. MacLean’s approach was to 20 feet from the hole, leaving him a safe two-putt for both par and the win.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for their support of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic Championship. To Wooden Sticks Golf Club, and its staff, thank you for hosting this amazing event even after being faced with many issues over the past few days. A huge thank you to the volunteers, as you are extremely valuable and we appreciate the time you take out of your week in particular to assist. Lastly, a huge thank you to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, and Sport Travel. We are grateful for your continued support.
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 over 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.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season. Our complete 2022 Championship schedule can be found here.
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
Fenwick, ON – The Junior Girls (U19) Spring Classic at Sawmill Golf Course came down to the last hole of play today before a champion could be declared. Lindsay McGrath, a Team Ontario member, birdied eighteen dramatically and broke a three-way tie leading up to that hole to walk away with the hardware.
Sunny cool skies saw a tight leaderboard throughout the day as the girls battled back and forth to hang on to the lead. McGrath (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club) would fire a stellar tournament low four-under (68) that included six birdies. Mekenna Kehoe (West Haven Golf & Country Club) also recorded a 68 on her day to secure second place. Following one stroke behind in third was Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club) after a one-under (71). McGrath would also take the Juvenile (U17) award that is presented at this championship. Team Ontario had a strong showing with eight members finishing in the top 15.
To view the full leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for their support of the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Spring Classic Championship. To Sawmill Golf Club and the Julie Family, and all their hard-working staff, thank you for hosting at such a beautifully maintained course. A big thank you to the volunteers, as you are extremely valuable and we appreciate the time you take out of your week to assist. Lastly, a huge thank you to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, and Sport Travel. We are grateful for your continued support.
Uxbridge, ON – After heavy storms cancelled the original day one, the boys were eager to tee off in the Junior Boys Spring Classic Championship this long weekend. Competitors played 18 holes today and will play another 18 tomorrow to determine the winner of the WD Randolph Millage trophy.
The boys were excited to get onto the course and were quite lucky as the sun was out for most of the day. Golfers had to fight off some wind but that didn’t seem to be an issue for our day one leaders.
Going into tomorrow, we have a very tight leaderboard for the number one spot. Ellis Kinnaird (Mississippi Golf Club) leads all, sitting at five-under (67) on the day. Ben MacLean (Cherry Hill Club) and Nathaniel Gray-Lamont (Cutten Fields) are both right behind at four-under (68). Four competitors are also closely behind at three-under, including Team Ontario golfer Zachary Smith (Brampton Golf Club) who round was highlighted with a gorgeous eagle on the 4th.
The Final round will continue tomorrow (Tuesday) with tee times starting at 7:30 am. To view full tee times and follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
About the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships
The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship is contested annually usually over the Victoria Day long weekend and features many of Ontario’s best male and female junior golfers. The field of competitors gained entry to the competition through a qualifying process earlier in the season.
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 over 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.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season. Our complete 2022 Championship schedule can be found here.
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
Fenwick, ON – Moving day of the Junior Girls (U19) Spring Classic (U19) at Sawmill Golf Course saw the weather and the play heat up. Thankfully after a wet and rainy start to the round, the sun came out and provided a beautiful Sunday backdrop that allowed the girls to shine.
A tight leaderboard heading into the day saw a major opportunity for players to make up ground. The back nine brought out eagles and a plethora of birdies as the girls jostled for the lead heading into tomorrow’s final round. Tied for the lead after round two are Team Ontario member Ashley Lafontaine (Royal Ottawa Golf Club) and Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club) at +3 overall after both shooting even par (72) today. Right behind them at +4 are Carlee Meilleur (Players Club – Ottawa) and fellow Team Ontario teammate Lindsay McGrath (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club). Eight more players sit within six strokes to shape things up for an exciting third day.
Final round action resumes tomorrow (Sunday) with the opening tee time at 11 am. To view full tee times and follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
Junior Boys Spring Classic Update: After the opening round was cancelled today, the Town of Uxbridge is still under a State of Emergency, due to yesterday’s severe storm. Crews are working hard throughout the town continuing cleanup efforts and getting power reconnected.
We are hoping that we see good news by later tonight or tomorrow morning regarding the power coming back on at Wooden Sticks Golf Course.
In order for the event to begin as previously communicated this morning, the power at the golf course must be restored. The facility cannot open to us if that does not happen.
Another update will be provided tomorrow morning as soon as possible and no later than 10:00 am.
About the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships
The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship is contested annually usually over the Victoria Day long weekend and features many of Ontario’s best male and female junior golfers. The field of competitors gained entry to the competition through a qualifying process earlier in the season.
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 over 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.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season. Our complete 2022 Championship schedule can be found here.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Fenwick, ON – The first round of the Junior Girls (U19) Spring Classic (U19) kicked off both the Victoria Day weekend and the 2022 Golf Ontario Championship Season. The Championship running from May 21-23 at Sawmill Golf Course, features many of Ontario’s best under 19 female golfers.
Players were greeted with a variety of playing conditions throughout the day, starting with sunny skies before quickly hit with harsh winds and humidity as the day went on. It was topped off with a 55-minute play delay as rain and dark skies made a late appearance.
The heat brought out some better scores on the back nine after the wind died down. Leading after round one is Nobelle Park (Hidden Lake GC) with a solid one-over (73). Right behind her in a four-way tie for second place at two-over are Sarah Gallagher (Trafalgar G&CC), Lindsay McGrath (Rattlesnake Point GC), Alessandra Nagayo (Ladies’ GC of Toronto) and Mekenna Kehoe (West Haven G&CC). Four more players sit another stroke back at three-over. Play resumes tomorrow (Sunday) with the second round starting tee time at 11 am.
To view full tee times and follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
About the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships
The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship is contested annually usually over the Victoria Day long weekend and features many of Ontario’s best male and female junior golfers. The field of competitors gained entry to the competition through a qualifying process earlier in the season.
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 over 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.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season. Our complete 2022 Championship schedule can be found here.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
The 2022 Golf Ontario Championship Season Kicks off Victoria Day Weekend with Junior Spring Classics
Golf Ontario
Girls play May 21-23 at Sawmill GC
Boys are May 22-24 from Wooden Sticks
Fenwick/Uxbridge, ON – The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships are back and ready to tee off this Victoria Day weekend and the 2022 Golf Ontario Championship Season! These Championships feature many of Ontario’s best under 19 male and female golfers who gained entry into the competition through one of our qualifiers earlier this Spring or by exemption based on past results. They will all be looking to take home the WD Randolph Millage Trophy.
Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Spring Classic Championship
From May 21-23, Sawmill Golf Course will welcome the Girls (U19) Junior Spring Classic Championship. The course, designed by Gord Witteveen and Nicol Thompson, opened for play in 1976 to humble beginnings. The layout took advantage of the existing natural features and planted many trees. For over forty-five years, they’ve continued to improve and now are considered one of Niagara’s most popular courses.
“Sawmill is honoured to host the Junior Girls Spring Classic and kick off the 2022 competitive golf season in Ontario. We are becoming known for hosting awesome junior events due to the support of our Membership, enthusiastic volunteers, special sponsors, and our unique extras,” said Manager Carrie Julie. “We are guaranteeing the best 60 girls in Ontario a tremendous experience. After a wet spring in Niagara, the course has come along beautifully. The players can expect premium conditions for this early in the season. Bring on the girls next weekend – we can’t wait to host Ontario’s best!”
Last year, Lauren Zaretsky of Ladies’ GC of Toronto/Maple Downs G&CC, took home the gold after a terrific -7 (209) performance. Her skillful play put her 10-strokes ahead of second place.
Team Ontario will be in full swing this year, with all ten Team Ontario girls competing for the Spring Classic title. In 2021, Team Ontario saw 3 team members finish in the top three. Ashley Lafontaine, Alissa Xu, and Alessandra Nagayo will try to improve upon their 2021 finish while fellow member Peyton Costabile, is coming off a win at the 2021 Ontario Junior Girls (U19) Championship.
Tee times for Round 1 on Saturday, May 21st, begin at 11:00 am. To view full tee times, tournament info and follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic Championship
While the girls compete out in Fenwick, the boys will be competing in their own Spring Classic Championship returning to Wooden Sticks Golf Course in Uxbridge, May 22-24. Wooden Sticks is more than simply a place to golf. It is a tribute to this great game’s rich history and grand traditions, with 12 of the 18 holes at Wooden Sticks inspired by different famous golf holes. During a round, you will envision yourself playing off the road in Scotland, across a famous creek in Georgia, onto an island in Florida, and through pine forests in New Jersey.
“We’re looking forward to once again being the host club for the U19 Boys Spring Championship! Our course is in superb condition, and it is always wonderful to see so many talented, promising players at this event,” exclaimed Steve Wilson, Head Professional at Wooden Sticks Golf Club. The Juniors we see are always so thrilled to have the opportunity to play a Championship-worthy course under these conditions. We’re extremely proud to contribute to their development in this manner. Looking forward to seeing you all soon!”
At last year’s Spring Classic, Owen Kim, a Team Ontario member, defeated his fellow teammates Ryan Somerville (Summit Golf and Country Club) and Andre Zhu (National Pines Golf Club). Kim sunk a great 20+ foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to claim the win. The three Team Ontario golfers all finished eight-under (205) on the weekend, while Justin Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club) finished closely behind at six-under.
This year, Owen Kim returns to the Spring Classic, looking to repeat his performance with all ten Team Ontario boys in the mix as well. The annual long weekend classic will be exciting between them and many other skilled players in the field as they all look to add their names to an impressive list of previous champions.
Tee times for Round 1 on Sunday, May 22st, will get underway at noon. To view tee times and the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
About the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships
The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship is contested annually usually over the Victoria Day long weekend and features many of Ontario’s best male and female junior golfers. The field of competitors gained entry to the competition through a qualifying process earlier in the season.
To read more about the boy’s and girls’ results from last year, click here.
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 over 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.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season. Our complete 2022 Championship schedule can be found here.
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
Golf Ontario welcomes two key members to our Staff
Golf Ontario
Today, Golf Ontario is proud to announce two new key hires that have joined our staff. Nick Taylor joins us as Senior Director, Marketing starting April 14, 2022, and Alexia Tam has just begun serving as our Manager, Diversity Equity Inclusion, HR & Safeguarding.
Nick Taylor (not the golfer:) joins Golf Ontario after building a diverse career across both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, with experience working in markets across Canada and worldwide.
Most recently, Nick served as the Director of Development for Athletics & Recreation at Ryerson University. His focus was on alumni & supporter engagement and managing a portfolio of donors and prospects from annual giving levels to significant and principal gift donors.
Before working in post-secondary education, Nick was part of a high-performing team at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (PMCF), serving as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Senior Director of Corporate & Community Partnerships. Over his seven years with PMCF, Nick designed and delivered Canada’s top-grossing single-day golf fundraiser for cancer research, known as Golf to Conquer Cancer, which raised $7 million. He also served the foundation as one of two executives driving the strategy behind the celebrated Princess Margaret Lottery.
In the eight years before joining PMCF, Nick was the Director of Marketing and Commercial Operations for Rugby Canada, a National Sport Organization and member of World Rugby. From 2005 to 2012, the organization experienced its most significant growth years on and off the field.
Nick’s professional experience includes ten years with globally recognized luxury retailer Tiffany & Co. (Canada). In addition, he worked in retail management and B2B corporate sales management with some of Canada’s best-managed companies and brands among his clients.
In joining the team at Golf Ontario, Nick hopes to complement the organization’s strengths and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve new heights of achievement for golf in Ontario.
“Having stepped away from the amateur sport sector ten years ago to serve one of the country’s largest healthcare foundations, the timing is right to return to amateur sport and all the wonderful values inherent with Golf Ontario,” said Taylor. “I am excited to be joining a team that has delivered significant results against their last strategic plan, as the shift towards the next four years starts to take shape.”
Alexia Tam is a Safe Sport and Athlete Welfare Expert who has demonstrated her commitment and passion for safe, inclusive and healthy sport for the last ten years. She has received several awards and scholarships for her academic contributions to the field of Safe Sport and her interest in the area has been augmented by collaboration with several sports organizations on the development of education, training, and policy implementation. In addition, she has shared her research and recommendations for best practices at several national and international conferences. Through her rich exposure to sport, as an academic, sports practitioner, a coach and an athlete, Alexia is committed to continuing to be an advocate for sport.
Alexia has collaborated with several sport organizations throughout her career with program development, stakeholder education, and program evaluation, including the Coaching Association of Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Coaches Association of Ontario. Alexia is also on the Board of Directors with Football Ontario and is joining us from Alpine Canada.
After spending nearly two decades as an athlete before turning her attention to coaching, Alexia knows what truly drives success in sport – both on and off the field of play. Her football career started over 15 years ago – when opportunities for women were far and few in between. Since her first day on the field, she’s been committed to bettering herself as an athlete, a coach, and now as a professional in the field. Alexia always says that sport has played an integral role in her identity formation and is excited to create spaces for athletes to make their own positive memories of sport.
Alexia holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology and a Master’s of Science from the University of Toronto and is currently completing her doctorate degree at Canterbury Christ Church University in the United Kingdom.
“I am thrilled to be joining Golf Ontario to support their Safe Sport and DEI portfolio. Safe, inclusive and accessible sport is fundamental for all participants,” said Tam. “I am excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to engaging with the golf community in Ontario.”
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.
MURRELS INLET, S.C.— Despite a valiant effort on a beautiful day two, Team Ontario couldn’t catch Team South Carolina, falling 44 ½ -27 ½ at the 2022 Can-Am Matches.
The Matches, held at the Wachesaw Plantation Club in Murrels Inlet, South Carolina, capped off two weeks of training for Team Ontario. Perfect temperatures greeted players on both days and set up some exceptional play despite some gusty periods.
Arriving March 4th, the Team had a great couple of weeks with plenty of practice and team-building, experiencing some of the best courses in Myrtle Beach. Team Ontario was fortunate to play Barefoot Golf Resort, Aero Club Short Course, The True Blue Golf Club, The Reserve Golf Club and Wachesaw Plantation Club. During that time, the Team worked on physical, mental, and technical training while also going through specific testing measures using tracking technology. Other activities during this trip included attending the General Hackler College Invitational from March 12th to 13th to watch NCAA Division 1 schools in action.
The Can-Am Junior Team festivities teed off Friday with the Junior Am event, dinner, and opening ceremonies welcoming the athletes to Wachesaw Plantation Club. The juniors played a round with members and event sponsors in a pro-am style. Following this, March 19th and 20th saw two days of competitive and challenging golf between the two sides in a quest to claim the historic and prestigious title.
Saturday, the Juniors competed in Four-Ball Match Play with a significant change to the format that made the event even more exciting and unique. The Four-Ball Matches were mixed partners meaning Girl/Boy from Ontario versus Girl/Boy from South Carolina. Sunday brought the return of the classic single matches.
Day one produced some rusty play at times, and although the juniors fought hard throughout the round, saw Team Ontario drop in overall points 17-7.
“Playing in these Matches’ format, things can change drastically very fast,” noted Head Coach Reggie Millage. “I thought our play was decent. It shows we are getting closer and how strong our athletes are. It is a big boost to play well coming out of our winter when you consider South Carolina is in the middle of their season and playing year round.”
The deficit proved too big a hill to climb by the end of day two despite some stellar efforts. Justin Mathews took all 3 points while Emma Hansen, Payton Constible, Ashley Lafontaine, Zach Smith and Ryan Somerville secured 2 ½ points each.
Millage was happy to be back at the event despite the loss. “It was great to be back at Wachesaw after the hiatus to a great venue as always. The kids got to see some great golf and get into a competition they don’t any other time in junior golf.”
Golf Ontario would like to thank all of the courses and their staff and members for hosting the Team. Thanks also to their SCJGA for their continued support of the matches.
About the Can-Am Junior Team Matches (SCJGF)
In the 20 plus years, the Can-Am Junior Team Matches have seen over 125 South Carolina junior golfers who participated in these matches play competitive golf at the collegiate level. A select few of these youngsters have followed up their Can-Am competitions with NCAA National Championships, a FedEx Cup Title, and President’s Cup Team Member! Read more on their website.
About Team Ontario
The Team Ontario program is a unique opportunity for identified athletes in Ontario. They can expect to receive the very best in coaching services, training/competitive opportunities, and peer support as they continue their journey towards excellence in golf and life. Being part of the Team O program is a tremendous accomplishment, but the hard work and dedication don’t end there. The Team Ontario program places considerable emphasis on developing lifelong excellence in all facets, including time and self-management, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, tactical strategies, and technical feedback.
Our gracious host, the South Carolina Junior Golf Association, welcomes Team Ontario back to Wachesaw Plantation Club for two days of competition this weekend to defend their 2019 title. Following two years of cancelled Can-Am Junior Team Matches, Team Ontario’s Head Coach, Reggie Millage, discussed the exciting opportunities these athletes have to gain from this experience. “The Can-Am Matches are always one of the most anticipated events on the calendar for the athletes, coaches and staff at Golf Ontario,” explained Millage. “The last two years have been very challenging, making this year’s Matches even more special. I believe we are even more grateful and appreciative to have these opportunities.”
The Can-Am Junior Team festivities will tee off today with the Junior Am event, dinner, and opening ceremonies to welcome the athletes to Wachesaw Plantation Club. Juniors will play a round with members and event sponsors in a pro-am style. Following this, March 19th and 20th will see two days of competitive and challenging fun between the two sides in a quest to claim the historic and prestigious title.
Saturday, the Juniors will compete in Four-Ball Match Play with a significant change this year to the format that will make the event even more exciting and unique. The Four-Ball Matches will be mixed partners meaning Girl/Boy from Ontario versus Girl/Boy from South Carolina. Sunday will bring the return of the classic 1v1 matches.
*Team Ontario in Green Bold Below
DAY 1 MATCHES (SATURDAY)
Match 1 – 11:00 a.m.
O’Connor / Ibit v. Messimer / Faulkner
Match 2 – 11:10 a.m.
Li / Ellis v. Paolucci / Walmet
Match 3 – 11:20 a.m.
Costabile / Diogenous v. Altman/Harrison
Match 4 – 11:30 a.m.
Gallagher / Weber v. Siehl / Price
Match 5 – 11:40 a.m.
Kelly / Matthews v. Franks / Lenning
Match 6 – 11:50 a.m.
Lafontaine / Pero v. Rawl / Adams
Match 7 – 12:00 p.m.
Nagayo / Latter v. Roberts / Gregory
Match 8 – 12:10 p.m.
Xu / Somerville v. Anderson / Sullivan
DAY 2 MATCHES (SUNDAY)
Match 9 – 8:30 a.m.
Lindsay McGrath v. Paige Paolucci
Match 10 – 8:38 a.m.
Emma Hansen v. Abby Franks
Match 11 – 8:46 a.m.
Payton Costabile v. Hannah Altman
Match 12 – 8:54 a.m.
Sarah Gallagher v. Alexia Siehl
Match 13 – 9:02 a.m.
Nyah Kelly v. Isabella Rawl
Match 14 – 9:10 a.m.
Alissa Xu v. Madison Messimer
Match 15 – 9:18 a.m.
Alessandra Nagayo v. Sydney Roberts
Match 16 – 9:26 a.m.
Ashley Lafontaine v. Adrian Anderson
Match 17 – 9:34 a.m.
Luke Smith v. Burch Harrison
Match 18 – 9:42 a.m.
Michael Weber v. Hugh Faulkner
Match 19 – 9:50 a.m.
Cameron Pero v. Tip Price
Match 20 – 9:58 a.m.
Zach Smith v. Luke Walmet
Match 21 – 10:06 a.m.
Thomas Latter v. Andrew Gregory
Match 22 – 10:14 a.m.
Justin Matthews v. Zach Adams
Match 23 – 10:22 a.m.
Andreas Diogenous v. Major Lenning
Match 24 – 10:30 a.m.
Ryan Somerville v. Rowan Sullivan
To follow along with the Team Ontario’s South Carolina experience and the Can-Am Junior Team Matches, check out the Team’s (@TeamGolfOntario) Twitter and Instagram accounts for live updates and coverage.
About the Can-Am Junior Team Matches (SCJGF)
In the 20 plus years, the Can-Am Junior Team Matches have seen over 125 South Carolina junior golfers who had participated in these matches go on to play competitive golf at the collegiate level. A select few of these youngsters have followed up their Can-Am competitions with NCAA National Championships, a FedEx Cup Title, and President’s Cup Team Member! Read more on their website.
About Team Ontario
The Team Ontario program is a unique opportunity for identified athletes in Ontario. They can expect to receive the very best in coaching services, training/competitive opportunities, and peer support as they continue their journey towards excellence in golf and life. Being selected to be part of the Team O program is a tremendous accomplishment but the hard work and dedication don’t end there. The Team Ontario program places considerable emphasis on developing life long excellence in all facets including time and self-management, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, tactical strategies, and technical feedback.
Team Ontario Returns to South Carolina to Defend Junior Can-Am Matches Title
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, ON – March has arrived, which means it’s time to let the madness begin… Golf madness, that is! As the 2019 defending champions of the Can-Am Junior Team Matches, Team Ontario will start their journey down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on March 4th for just over two weeks of training camp and competition.
Our gracious host, the South Carolina Golf Association, will welcome Team Ontario back to Wachesaw Plantation Club for three days of competition to defend their 2019 title. Following two years of cancelled Can-Am Junior Team Matches, Team Ontario’s Head Coach, Reggie Millage, is excited for the athletes to gain this golf experience. They’ll put their skills to the test against the top eight junior boys and girls from South Carolina. “The Can-Am Matches are always one of the most anticipated events on the calendar for the athletes, coaches and staff at Golf Ontario,” explained Millage. “The last two years have been very challenging, making this year’s Matches even more special. I believe we are even more grateful and appreciative to have these opportunities. I can’t wait to get back to one of my favourite places at Wachesaw Plantation and reconnect with all the wonderful people that make this event happen.”
“The last two years have been very challenging, making this year’s Matches even more special. I believe we are even more grateful and appreciative to have these opportunities.”
Reggie Millage, Team Ontario Head Coach
Starting March 5th, our partner Play Golf Myrtle Beach and the stunning Barefoot Golf Resort will host Team Ontario for thirteen days of training camp. During this time, the Team will work on physical, mental, and technical training, while also going through specific testing measures using tracking technology. Other activities during this trip include attending the General Hackler College Invitational from March 12th to 13th to watch NCAA Division 1 schools in action.
All twenty Team Ontario athletes will attend the training camp and Can-Am Matches. From the girls’ side is, Alessandra Nagayo, Alissa Xu, Ashley Lafontaine, Emma Hansen, Krystal Li, Lindsay McGrath, Nyah Kelly, Peyton Costabile, Sarah Gallagher, and Tara O’Connor. Andreas Diogenous, Cameron Pero, Isaiah Ellis, Isaiah Ibit, Justin Matthews, Luke Smith, Michael Weber, Ryan Somerville, Thomas Latter, and Zach Smith will all be present on the boys’ side.
Head Coach Reggie Millage will join these athletes along with Sports Psychologist Charles Fitzsimmons, Dr. Bradley Murray, Director of Competitions and Performance John Lawrence, Junior Performance Coordinator Evan Arsenault, Regional Coordinator Alexandra Taylor, and Manager of Marketing and Communications Peter MacKellar. In addition, Ontario Golf Academy’s (Whistle Bear Golf Club) Development Coach and former Team Ontario athlete Alyssa Getty, PGA, will also be making the journey to Myrtle Beach.
The Can-Am Junior Team Matches will tee off on March 18th with the Junior Am event, dinner, and opening ceremonies to welcome the athletes to Wachesaw Plantation Club. Juniors will play a round with members and event sponsors in a pro-am style for the Junior Am event. Following this, March 19th and 20th will be best-ball matches and single matches. More details and coverage will be published as training camp and competition gets underway.
To follow along with the Team Ontario’s South Carolina experience and the Can-Am Junior Team Matches, check out the Team’s (@TeamGolfOntario) Twitter and Instagram accounts for live updates and coverage.
About the Can-Am Junior Team Matches (SCJGF)
In the 20 plus years, the Can-Am Junior Team Matches have seen over 125 South Carolina junior golfers who had participated in these matches go on to play competitive golf at the collegiate level. A select few of these youngsters have followed up their Can-Am competitions with NCAA National Championships, a FedEx Cup Title, and President’s Cup Team Member! Read more on their website.
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 further information, visit our website.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing Communications – Golf Ontario pmackellar@gao.ca
