Six winners were crowned Tuesday at The Club at Bond Head for the 2024 Ontario Champion of Champions.
This championship featured a field of 247 players—the largest of the season—drawn from over 100 clubs throughout Ontario, with each participant a club champion from their respective home club.
The event took place on the north and south courses at The Club at Bond Head, with competitors vying for titles in various divisions including men’s, women’s, junior boys’, senior men’s, senior women’s, and junior girls’.
Winners
Ethan Frost of Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club won the Junior Boys’ division after a 2-under-par 69.
Julia Alexander-Carew of Credit Valley Golf and Country Club won the Junior Girls’ division after an even-par 72.
Kyle Gordon of Coppinwood Golf Club won the Men’s division after a 6-under-par 65.
Elizabeth Tong of The Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto won the Women’s division after an even-par 70.
Robert Gibson of Cedar Brae Golf Club won the Senior Men’s division after a 2-under-par 70
Lynn Lean of Spring Lakes Golf Club won the Senior Women’s division after a 12-over-par 84.
This championship features a field of 247 players—the largest of the season—drawn from over 100 clubs throughout Ontario. Each participant is a club champion from their respective home club.
The event will take place on the north and south courses at The Club at Bond Head, with competitors vying for titles in various divisions including men’s, women’s, junior boys’, senior men’s, senior women’s, and junior girls’.
“The Ontario Champion of Champions is set to be an exciting showcase of some of the best golfing talent from across the province,” says John Lawrence, Golf Ontario’s Director of Competitions and Performance. “This championship is particularly special as it celebrates the achievements of club champions from our incredible member facilities all over Ontario.”
For the full player roster and more championship details, CLICK HERE.
FAST FACTS:
Championship Venue: The North and South Courses at The Club at Bond Head.
The First: The first Ontario Champions of Champions took place in 1946.
Impressive List: Past champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Mary Ann Hayward, Bill Morland, Gerry Kesselring, Warren Sye, and Stu Hamilton.
Hall of Famer: Newly inducted Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood Golf Club) tees it up in the senior division.
Record Holder: Patrick Suraj won the senior men’s division championship a record six times.
The Next Wave:Next Wave Junior Development members in the field include Sierra Kowalyshyn (Sawmill Golf Course), Ava Gilbert (Summit Golf and Country Club) and Cole Thompson (Lookout Point Country Club).
The Club at Bond Head: When the South Course opened in 2005, it was named as one of the “Top New Courses” by Golf Digest. A year later when the North Course opened, The Toronto Star named it as the “Top Public Golf Course in the GTA.”
Golf Ontario held one of its most cherished events recently: the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame ceremony.
Two new inductees were welcomed into the Hall of Fame, while a longtime journalist was presented with a distinguished award at the ceremony that saw more than 150 in attendance at Wooden Sticks Golf Club.
Inducted in the Builder Category was the late Anne Edgar Dodds-Hebron, whose husband, Rick, accepted the award in her honour. Dodds-Hebron was a dedicated figure with decades of amazing achievements in the Ontario golf community. Her commitment and passion for sharing her knowledge of the game led her to teaching the rules of golf for the respective Golf Management programs at both Niagara Falls Community College and Toronto’s Humber College. She is also a certified rules referee for the Golf Association of Ontario, Golf Canada, and other members of the golf community.
Ashley Chinner was the inductee in the Player Category. Chinner had a phenomenal career as both an amateur and professional golfer, whilst giving back to the sport. He turned pro in 1989 when he joined the Canadian Tour and would go on to compete in tournaments in over 25 countries. During his playing days in the 1990s on the Korn Ferry Tour, Chinner won the PGA Championship of Canada in 1996 and finished tied for 13th at the PGA Tour’s RBC Canadian Open in 1998.
The recipient of the 2024 Lorne Rubenstein Media Award, presented by Lorne Rubenstein himself, was Robert Thompson, an award-winning reporter and an influential marketer and journalist for almost three decades. Thompson has won numerous Golf Journalism of Canada Awards (GJAC) for his work of covering the sport and is a three-time winner of the Kenneth R. Wilson award for magazine writing. His writing has appeared in well-known papers and magazines such as the National Post, the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, Listed magazine and so many more. Thompson is also the author of seven books and has interviewed a wide range of prime ministers, sports legends, pop stars and economists.
“On behalf of Golf Ontario, I would like to extend our congratulations to Anne, Ashley, and Robert. Their unwavering dedication and remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on the sport in our province,” says Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane. “This year’s induction ceremony was filled with emotion as we honoured their extraordinary achievements and celebrated their passion for the game alongside family, friends and industry colleagues.”
Of those 150 strong in attendance, 10 are current Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members. Marlene Stewart Streit, Stu Hamilton, Cathy Sherk, Mary Ann Hayward, Lorne Rubenstein, Sandra Post, Patty Howard, Judith Kyrinis, Bob Beauchemin and Gary McKay were all in attendance.
Esteemed Canadian sportscaster and presenter, Rod Black, guided the ceremony for a second straight year as Master of Ceremonies. The evening started with an emotional tribute to recently passed Ontario Golf Hall of Famers: Sam Young, Bob Panasik and Ken Tarling.
The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of extraordinary contributions and accomplishment in the game of golf in Ontario. Founded in 2000 by the Ontario Golf Association and the Ontario Ladies’ Golf Association, the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is housed at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge.
This year’s event will be hosted at Granite Golf Club on Monday September 9.
Please consider joining us for this highly anticipated event which features 18-holes of golf with carts, registration gifts, breakfast, three-course lunch meal, prizes, and a silent auction. All while raising important funds for Golf Ontario’s Junior Golf programs, such as: The Junior Golf Pathway, Next Wave Program and Team Ontario.
Supporting Junior Golf not only creates future golf champions for Ontario and Canada, but provides all the young athletes in our programs a springboard to future success outside of golf and allowing them to reach their fullest potential.
We thank you for supporting Golf Ontario and we hope to see you on September 9at Granite Golf Club!
Natasha Stasiuk: A Champion of Both Golf and Autism
Golf Ontario
Natasha Stasiuk lives a very active life: she attends Toronto’s Humber College and studies in their Developmental Services Worker program; she works at her local Golf Town in Mississauga, Ont.; she walks dogs; and she’s an accomplished competitive golfer as a member at Heron Point Golf Links.
However, it is how she does it all with autism, and an auditory processing condition that defines who she is.
“It’s like a superpower as I call it,” she said, “and it’s what people with autism call it too.”
Stasiuk, 25, was born in Russia where she was left as an orphan in a run-down hospital. Sick and often unattended, she was slow to develop learning and language skills.
Peter and Sandra Stasiuk adopted Natasha at 13 months and brought her home to Canada, where she displayed above-average hand-eye coordination as a toddler.
Stasiuk has played golf ever since PGA of Canada member Nick Starchuk was brought into her gym class in fifth grade to introduce children to the game.
“Nick came and he saw a lot of potential in me and suggested I started golf, and that’s how my passion for it came about,” she said.
Starchuk invited Stasiuk to an introductory lesson at the former home of the RBC Canadian Open, Glen Abbey Golf Club. Stasiuk was handed a putter and took to the course’s practice green, where Starchuk instructed her to putt a ball towards a hole that was 30 feet away from her; a putt in which she drained on her first try.
For many years after, Stasiuk was part of a large junior girl’s golf group led by PGA of Canada member, Carrie Vaughan.
Carrie helped Natasha with all aspects of her game, introduced her to competition and provided constant encouragement whenever she felt “out of place” or discouraged because she learned differently and didn’t always understand what was being taught.
Besides golf, Stasiuk played up to seven other sports when she was younger. Though swimming, soccer, gymnastics, softball and ballet were in the mix, hockey and golf were her two favorites.
“My sister played, I played, my dad played, some of his brothers played,” she said. “So, we were always a big hockey family.”
However, Stasiuk’s auditory processing condition prevented her from thinking and processing what she saw or heard when she was younger, and still affects her to this day.
“When people start talking to her and they’re talking normal, she can’t process everything that they tell her,” said her father, Peter. “They’ll be on their third sentence when she’s just processed the first sentence they’ve said to her, and by the time she goes back to the conversation, she’s completely lost.”
Peter has always been there to help her in speaking and believes his daughter’s disability has always impacted her because it is an “invisible” one.
“From a lot of people, you can tell what their disability is because it’s a physical disability,” he said. “Looking at her (Natasha), you wouldn’t think she has a disability, but she does.”
Stasiuk originally didn’t know she had autism until a psychologist advised her to test for it almost three years ago. Her auditory processing condition has been with her almost her entire life, which affected her ability to process what people were saying to her or keep count of her own score when she was younger.
“In the beginning, when she joined the junior circuits, the other girls caught on to that (disability), Peter said. “They would always tell her she scored more than what she got, and they scored less than what she thought they scored.”
Peter believed this was always a “disadvantage” for her simply because she took what other golfers said for granted because she couldn’t remember what she actually scored. He always followed Stasiuk around and kept score as a spectator; the scores were sometimes “completely different” from the scores that were reported.
However, thanks to the help of her father and family in adapting to living with her disabilities, Stasiuk has been better at keeping her scores as well as processing what people are saying.
Now, Stasiuk has made herself known as a role model to golfers with disabilities both on and off the course. Off it, she always advises anyone with any disability who is unsure of playing golf full-time to “go for it.”
“You never know what will happen,” she said. “Go watch these people with disabilities play golf, it’s amazing and pretty inspiring too.”
Stasiuk believes anyone with a disability who is new to the sport can quickly make connections and lifetime friends. Just like she did.
“I think she enjoys expanding the game to others that may not look at golf as a possibility because they have a disability,” said Peter. “It’s still a small segment that actually plays with disabilities, but it’s growing.”
On the course, Stasiuk has built quite the résumé in the past few years. She is currently world ranked No. 1-female golfer with intellectual disabilities as per the WR4GD Rankings.
Since 2019, she has been Golf Ontario’s Women’s Adaptive Champion, and plans on competing in this year’s Adaptive Championship at Weston Golf and Country Club in July. She has also been Golf Canada’s Women’s All Abilities Champion for the last three years.
Stasiuk has also finished top five in the USGA Adaptive Open in the past two years and finished first in the intellectual category of that same championship last year. She also finished third in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin in 2023 and first in the Special Olympics North America competition later that fall.
Although the year has just begun, Stasiuk was one of 12 in the world chosen to train at the first EDGA Development Camp in Portugal, and she recently finished third overall and first for her disability category at the USDGA Championship at the PGA Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Traveling to different places away from her home to compete in each of these championships, as well as making friends along the way, have led to Stasiuk having more confidence in her game than ever before. She feels like she finally belongs.
“It’s good to experience different places in the world,” she said. “I know some of them are back in Ontario, but it’s still nice to play courses I’ve never played before.”
As April marked the observance of Celebrate Diversity Month, it presented Golf Ontario with a wonderful opportunity to share inspiring stories and honour the diverse backgrounds and contributions of our members, volunteers, players, and colleagues. We plan on sharing these inspiring stories–like Natasha’s–throughout the season.
Golf Ontario Announces Alexandra Taylor as New Manager of Junior Performance
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, Ontario – Golf Ontario is delighted to announce the appointment of Alexandra Taylor as the Manager of Junior Performance. In this pivotal role, Alexandra will be responsible for managing the strategy for Golf Ontario’s Junior Performance program.
Taylor has been an integral member of the Golf Ontario team since 2021, supporting and implementing GO’s Regional Support Strategy as Regional Coordinator as well as assisting Team Ontario as a coach and mentor.
As the Manager of Junior Performance, Alexandra will manage all of our junior golf initiatives, including the delivery of the Junior Golf Pathway, Junior Tour relations, Player ID, Next Wave athlete development, and the coordination for Team Ontario. With a commitment to nurturing a positive and encouraging environment, Taylor will play a key role in shaping lives through golf.
“With a true passion for the game and a proven drive to support young athletes in reaching their highest potential, we are thrilled to have Alex take on this role,” said Golf Ontario’s Director of Competitions and Performance, John Lawrence.
Taylor expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating, “I am honoured and thrilled to take on the role of Manager of Junior Performance at Golf Ontario. Junior golfers represent the future of the sport, and I am committed to providing them with the best possible support and guidance to help them achieve their full potential. I am honoured to be appointed to this position and I am eager to contribute my skills and dedication to the success of junior golfers in Ontario. I believe through collaboration and innovation, we can elevate our program to new heights.”
Alexandra’s passion began as a junior where she competed in the Drive, Chip and Putt National Championships with her two older brothers. She then continued to develop as an athlete by competing on the Niagara Junior Tour, Ontario Summer Games team as well as Golf Ontario and Golf Canada Championships. After her junior golf journey, Alexandra was an NCAA golfer achieving 3 time All-Conference Golfer at Grand Valley State University in Michigan where her team participated in the NCAA DII National Championship three out of her four years. Alex continues to enjoy playing at a high level, competing in Provincial and National Amateur Championships.
Taylor is set to begin her new role, effective November 20th, 2023.
For more information about Golf Ontario’s junior golf initiatives and upcoming events, please visit https://juniorgolfpathway.ca/
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Golf Talk Canada’s Generous Donation Advances Youth Development in Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, ON – Golf Ontario is thrilled to announce a generous $20,000 donation from Mark Zecchino and Golf Talk Canada. This substantial contribution will be used to support Youth Development programs throughout Ontario, bringing us one step closer to our vision of Golf for All.
Golf Talk Canada, the most widely followed Canadian golf program, stands as a proud partner of Golf Ontario. We are delighted that this trusted voice in the Canadian golf community has chosen to back initiatives like Youth on Course Ontario, First Tee, and Mobile Try Golf clinics. These programs all share a common goal: to provide access to golf and introduce the sport to a wider audience, regardless of background, financial circumstances, or abilities. The commitment from Mark Zecchino and his team underlines our collective belief that golf is a sport for everyone.
Mark Zecchino expresses his enthusiasm for this collaboration by saying, “It’s our pleasure to give back and support the work of Golf Ontario in advancing the game for future generations.”
For Kyle McFarlane, Chief Executive Officer of Golf Ontario, this generous donation highlights the potential for more partners in the golf community to make a substantial impact on growing the sport we all cherish.
“We are immensely grateful for Golf Talk Canada’s partnership,” stated McFarlane. “This investment will help us to continue delivering brilliant programs that have the power to positively shape the lives of young people throughout the province. It also provides us with the flexibility to innovate and create new golf programs.”
To learn more about how Golf Ontario is shaping lives through golf and to support our mission, please visit www.gao.ca/donate or contact Raph at rroot@gao.ca. Your support will help us make golf accessible to everyone and inspire the next generation of golfers.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Uxbridge, ON – The Golf Ontario Scholarship program has been made possible through the generous backing of our corporate partners and sponsors since 1994, shaping the Lives of more young people each year. This donor-led support enables Golf Ontario to grant numerous scholarships each year, aiding students in their pursuit of higher education. We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2023 scholarships, congratulations to all outstanding 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. It is evident by the accomplishments and dedication of our young awardees that the future of this sport is as bright as ever. It starts at GO!
Kira Turner of London, the recipient of the Christine Fisher Memorial Student Award will be attending The University of Western Ontario to study Media Information and Technoculture. An affiliate of the London Hunt and Country Club and six-time first-place finisher of the Club’s Junior Girls Championship, Turner describes what being selected for this award means to her; “There are so many wonderful, young, female golfers out there; all so well rounded and accomplished – and so I knew it might be a long shot. So, when I heard the news that I was this year’s recipient of the Christine Fisher Award, I was absolutely shocked and honoured beyond belief. I will remember this experience for the rest of my life. I am so proud and grateful to hold this significant award with such high esteem”.
Isabella Ferguson of Ottawa, the recipient of the Ken McKenzie Award will be entering her second year at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia studying Biomedical Physiology. A member of the SFU golf team and a past participant in both National and Provincial golf events, Ferguson expresses that this award will help her reach her full potential; “I am so incredibly grateful to have been selected for the Ken McKenzie Award. This scholarship means so much to me and will allow me to continue to pursue my academic, athletic, and life goals, and will even help me to raise my goals and hold myself to a higher standard. Balancing all aspects of my life and continuing to perform at a high level is certainly a challenge, and this award will help to support me through this endeavour”.
Kacey Walker of Mississauga and the recipient of the Helena Harbridge Scholarship will be attending her final year of her Masters program in Public Administration at Florida Atlantic University. This multi-sport athlete is grateful for all the opportunities golf has provided for her, stating “I am honoured to be the recipient of the Helena Harbridge Scholarship Award. The completion of my master’s degree is something I am thrilled about, and I would not be in this position to do so if it were not for the game of golf, and the Golf Association of Ontario. To have a full-circle moment, such as this, where my academic and athletic endeavours have the opportunity to support one another is truly a blessing. Helena Harbridge was a courageous, and ambitious, individual and I feel so thankful to be considered as the recipient of this award dedicated to her name and spirit”.
Andreas Diogenous of Cambridge, the recipient of the Craig Revell Scholarship will be attending San Jose State University studying Business Finance.No stranger to Golf Ontario, Diogenous was the first-place finisher in the U13 Championship in 2017, U15 Championship in 2019 and U17 Championship in 2020. He credits his success to his parents, stating “Golf has allowed me to keep such a close bond with my parents. I am fortunate to be able to play golf with my dad, who has been my biggest fan and supporter, every step of the way in my career choices. Both my mom and dad have sacrificed so much to give me these opportunities”.
Full List of 2023 Award Recipients:
Kira Turner / Christine Fisher Memorial Student Award London Hunt and Country Club / University of Western Ontario / Media Information and Technoculture
Isabella Ferguson / Ken McKenzie Award / Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club / Simon Fraser University / Biomedical Physiology
Kacey Walker / Helena Harbridge Scholarship / Florida Atlantic University / Masters of Public Administration
Andreas Diogenous / Craig Revell Scholarship / Whistle Bear Golf Club / San Jose State University / Business Finance
Julia Alexander – Carew / Golf Ontario Award / Credit Valley Golf and Country Club / University of British Columbia – Okanagan / Business Management
Mia Sung / Golf Ontario Award / Summit Golf and Country Club / University of Toronto / Life Sciences
Ben Herbert / Golf Ontario Award / Lookout Point Country Club / Niagara University / Finance
Madison Barber / Golf Ontario Award / The Landings Golf Course / Towson University / Professional Studies (Graduate Degree)
Matteo Rocco / Golf Ontario Award / Weston Golf Club / Oakland University / Business Communications
Congratulations to our 2023 recipients, we wish them all the best, in their post-secondary studies!
About Golf Ontario Scholarship Program
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, be 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.
Support the Next Generation of Golf Leaders
The opportunity to award these deserving young people is fueled by generous scholarship donations to the Golf Ontario Legacy Fund. Golf Ontario scholarship funds provide financial support for talented and determined students, enabling them to use the great sport of golf as a vehicle to pursue their academic goals and become the leaders and changemakers of the next generation.
By donating, you are not only supporting their athletic potential but moreover, you are opening doors for young people to realize their full potential in both golf and life. We hope to make an impact in these young lives that lasts a lifetime. It starts at GO!
If you are considering making an even greater impact for the next generation, Golf Ontario welcomes the opportunity for the creation of newly named scholarships. If you or someone you know is passionate about leaving a legacy in perpetuity for Ontario Golf – this could be the right opportunity for you. To learn more please contact our Fund Development Manager, Raphael Root at rroot@gao.ca.
Join us in Shaping the Lives of more young people across Ontario. Please consider supporting these critical scholarships by giving to the Golf Ontario Legacy Fund today! To find out more about how you can make an impact visit gao.ca/donate
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
During our recent Annual Volunteer Appreciation Days across Ontario, Golf Ontario honoured the tireless efforts of our volunteers and proudly announced the recipients of our prestigious Volunteer of the Year and Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award for 2023. These awards recognize individuals whose unwavering dedication has left a meaningful mark on the sport in Ontario, showcasing their commitment to making a difference and enabling Golf Ontario to ‘Shape Lives Through Golf’.
Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award
Anne Edgar Dodds-Hebron: Rules Official Extraordinaire
Anne Edgar Dodds-Hebron, a steadfast figure in the Ontario golf community, has been awarded the Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award, a testament to her decades of selfless service. Her impressive achievements span numerous facets of the golfing world.
Anne’s illustrious career encompasses an array of accomplishments. As a competitive golfer, she clinched numerous championships, establishing herself as a formidable force on the fairways. Beyond her prowess on the course, Anne held director-level positions at both the provincial and national levels. Her invaluable contributions to rules education have empowered countless individuals, while her role as a National and provincial Rules Referee for three decades has ensured the smooth operation of local, provincial, and national professional and amateur competitions.
Even in the face of recent health challenges, Anne has remained unwavering in her support of golf in Ontario, serving as a mentor and embodying her passion for the sport. Her sustained dedication, engagement, and contributions to the game and the Rules of Golf make her a deserving recipient of the Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award.
Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award Background
Named after Richard H. Grimm, affectionately known as “Mr. Canadian Open” for his tireless service from 1965 to 1993, the Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award aims to recognize individuals who exemplify the principles of integrity, dignity, and commitment central to the volunteer experience in golf. This prestigious honour acknowledges those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and involvement in the growth of amateur golf in Ontario, upholding the values and mission of Golf Ontario.
Volunteer of the Year (2 Recipients)
Ian Nordheimer: The Rules Official Extraordinaire
Ian Nordheimer has been awarded the title of Volunteer of the Year for his remarkable dedication to Golf Ontario over the past five years. In this relatively short period, Ian has become a trusted authority on the rules of golf, earning the respect of his peers. His approachability, willingness to assist fellow volunteers and active participation in tournaments throughout the province exemplify his commitment to Golf Ontario’s vision and values.
Ian’s meticulous preparation and punctuality, combined with his welcoming demeanour, make him a standout ambassador for Golf and Golf Ontario. His dedication to educating others on the intricacies of the sport, along with his respectful and collaborative approach, set a shining example for all.
Rick Corin: The Course Rater Extraordinaire
Rick Corin, with a decade of dedicated service since 2012, has earned the title of Volunteer of the Year for his exceptional contributions as a Course Rater and Team Leader. Rick consistently goes above and beyond, willingly taking on additional courses and building strong relationships with Ontario facilities. His adaptability and willingness to accommodate facilities’ needs have not gone unnoticed.
As a Team Leader in London, Rick plays a crucial role in leading his team of volunteers, ensuring smooth collaboration and optimal results.
Volunteer of the Year Background
The Golf Ontario Provincial Volunteer of the Year Award, established in 2004, celebrates individuals who have made a significant impact on the growth and development of golf while preserving the sport’s traditions. To be eligible for this award, recipients must have volunteered for Golf Ontario for more than three consecutive years, made substantial contributions to promoting the organization, and not have received the award in the past three years.
In 2023, Golf Ontario proudly acknowledges these outstanding volunteers, whose unwavering commitment and contributions continue to enrich the sport of golf in Ontario. Their dedication and passion serve as an inspiration to all, reminding us of the power of volunteers in advancing the game we love.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Hall of Famers Tee Up to Support Important Initiatives to Grow Golf Across Ontario
Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario has launched a new “peer to peer” fundraising campaign to support strategic priorities of the organization as identified through the Golf Ontario Legacy Fund such as; growing the game for girls and women, youth development programs including First Tee and Youth on Course, as well as growing the game for golfers with a disability and the Indigenous golf community.
The 1000 Ball Challenge is a fun but challenging fundraiser providing individuals and teams (foursomes) a platform to raise important funds to support the game’s growth across Ontario. Challengers will commit to hitting 1000 golf balls in a day at a range or indoor simulator as an individual or collective team effort. Donors are invited to “buy a ball or balls” at $5.00 each. There is no limit on the number of balls a donor can buy or sponsor.
The organization is thrilled to include some very notable members of the Ontario golf community registered to participate and actively fundraising in this first year campaign. Thanks to our colleagues servicing the London Ontario region through our RSS program, three Hall of Famers were invited to join the cause, and have already raised some significant donations in support of their efforts. A short biography of the accomplishments of each individual is included below.
Warren Sye was the Ontario Amateur Champion in 1988, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996 and runner-up in 1989 and 1992.
Sye’s accomplishments include being named 2012 Ontario Senior Champion, 1983 and 1991 Ontario Champion of Champions and 1990 and 1994 Canadian Amateur Champion.
He, alongside three teammates, won the 1986 World Amateur Team Championship in Venezuela – Canada’s only win to date.
Warren Sye was inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 2016.
Rick was inducted into the Ontario Golf HOF in 2023 following a 40-year career as one of the country’s trusted voices on the game and matters relating to the golf industry’s equipment and business sectors.
Young is a six-time GJAC Writing Awards recipient and was recognized by Golf Ontario in 2009 for his contributions to the game. He has written two books – From Fifth to 59 to 2009: The 100 Year History of the Oxford Golf & Country Club and The 100 Year History of The Briars Golf Club
His work has appeared in numerous publications across Canada and the United States including SCOREGolf Magazine, MyGolfSpy, Toronto Star, Golf Business Canada, GreenMaster Magazine, Golf Canada Magazine, Pro Shop Magazine, Maclean’s, LINKS Magazine, Golf World, Golf Journal (USGA), Ontario Golf Magazine, GolfStyle, ClubLink Life, Fairways Magazine, London Free Press, the National Post and the Globe & Mail. He has also provided content for Golf Town, Matchplay Golf Marketing, RBC and the Province of New Brunswick.
Rick acted as the 2008-2011, 2021-2022 GJAC President, and he remains on the GJAC board as Immediate Past President and Vice-President of Outreach and Industry Relations.
Mary Ann was inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in 2006, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Quebec Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.
Mary Ann holds the Ontario record for most wins in a provincial championship and was the first Canadian to win the US Mid-Amateur title.
At the international level, Mary Ann has represented Canada eight times at the World Amateur Championship and 4 times at the Commonwealth Matches.
Her accomplishments include winning the 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2023 Canadian Women’s Senior Championship, the United States Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship 2005, Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship in 1993, 1996, 1999, 2004 and Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship in 1983, 1990, 1995, 1996 and 1997.
Inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in 2006, and a native of London, Kelly was the back-to-back Amateur Championship in the early 70’s. He won the 1969 Junior Championship, the 1971 Ontario School Boy Championship and the 1972 and 1973 Amateur Championships. Other highlights include the 1997 Mid-Am Championship and the 2003 Mixed Championship.
Roberts is a former member of Golf Ontario’s Board and former Golf Canada Associate Governor. He has made his presence known in the golf community for nearly fifty years.
After contributing so much to the game for so many years, you would understand perhaps if Warren, Rick and Mary Ann had declined the opportunity to participate in this unique challenge, but their passion for the game continues to burn bright, and they share a collective desire to grow the game and ensure a healthy and sustainable future for golf in Ontario for years to come. They are truly committed to Shaping Lives Through Golf, and ensuring that golf is a game for all.
Please join us in celebrating these Hall of Famers, and consider contributing to their campaign, or even registering to participate yourself or through the creation of your own team!
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports 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
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