Golf Ontario proudly introduces the 2024 Next Wave Junior Development Program, designed to nurture and elevate the skills of Ontario’s young golfers.
This thoughtful initiative aims to blend specialized training with ongoing support, providing a solid foundation for the province’s future stars to shine in the competitive golf landscape.
“We’re so proud and excited to introduce the Next Wave Junior Development Program and all the 15 young athletes who will be part of the program in 2024,” says Golf Ontario’s Chief Sport Officer, Ryan Finn. “We truly believe this program aligns with everything we’re already doing with the Junior Golf Pathway, but also adds another layer of development that is directly aimed at junior golf athletes who are looking to advance in their competitive journey.”
The 2024 Next Wave Junior Development Program includes members (with their personal coaches in parentheses):
- Sierra Kowlayshyn, Sawmill Golf Course (Travis Glass, PGA of Canada)
- Ava Gilbert, Summit Golf & Country Club (Sean Burke, PGA of Canada)
- Kirsten Lee, Brampton Golf Club (Sean Casey, PGA of Canada)
- Cole Thompson, Lookout Point Country Club (Adam Steinschifter, PGA of Canada)
- Ben Julie, Sawmill Golf Course (Doug Lawrie, PGA of Canada)
- Matthew Simpson, Lambton Golf & Country Club (Sean Casey, PGA of Canada)
- John Yang, Summit Golf & Country Club (Trevor Wallman, PGA of Canada)
- Tristan Zhang, Summit Golf & Country Club (Trevor Wallman, PGA of Canada)
- Josh Ye, Summit Golf & Country Club (Trevor Wallman, PGA of Canada)
- Aiden Pavey, Hidden Lake Golf Club(David Banks, PGA of Canada)
- Bo Dong, Angus Glen Golf Club (Dong Hee Lee)
- Sadie Wu, Station Creek Golf Club (Dong Hee Lee)
- Gabriel Mainella, Summit Golf & Country Club (Tyler Marchand, PGA of Canada)
- Landon Van Loon, Upper Canada Golf Course (Tristan Mullally, PGA of Canada)
- Michael Vivone, Royal Ottawa Golf Club (Derek MacDonald, PGA of Canada)
Targeted towards junior-aged athletes competing in local, regional, and provincial championships, the program is dedicated to helping them fulfill their aspirations of becoming members of Team Ontario, Team Canada, and earning spots on collegiate golf teams. The program is centered around the mental, physical, technical, and tactical facets of golf, the program offers early access to specialized team training; setting the stage for their future achievements.
Next Wave athletes will enjoy exclusive benefits, such as: Coaching support from Team Ontario Head Coach, Reggie Millage; sessions with Team Ontario Mental Performance Coach, Dr. Charles Fitzsimmons, strength and conditioning coaching by Dr. Nick Martichenko; Next Wave athlete clothing from adidas Golf Canada; and access to the TaylorMade Performance Lab.
Additionally, Next Wave athletes can sign up for exclusive Team Ontario programs like Training Days, March Break Training Camp, and the Spring Training Camp.
Selection for the program is based on the athletes’ competitive performances and rankings in the U13, U15, and U17 divisions of the Junior Golf Pathway from the last season.
Golf Ontario looks forward to the prospects the Next Wave Junior Development Program offers to Ontario’s emerging golf stars and the association extends gratitude to TaylorMade Golf Canada, Adidas Golf Canada, and Humber College for their support of this transformative initiative.
