Fenwick, ON – As the Golf Ontario season rolls along, we welcome the 2023 Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys and Girls Championship to Sawmill Golf Course from August 21-22. Ontario’s best up-and-coming male and female talents will take to the course and compete in 36-holes of stroke play.
This year’s competition looks to be promising as 90 players (60 boys and 30 girls) battle it out for their respective titles. This week also features special milestones as the Ontario Bantam Boys Championship enters its 100th year running while the Ontario Bantam Girls Championship enters its 20th year.
Leading the way for the bantam girls is Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club), who has had a phenomenal season so far, winning all major junior girls’ titles, including the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship just two weeks ago. The field will also include Evelyn Ma, who recently won the Ontario Peewee (U13) Girls’ Championship. Ava Gilbart (Summit Golf & Country Club) and Andrea Lai (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club) are also players to watch on the girls’ side.
The bantam boys also have some interesting names to watch out for, such as Max Li (Station Creek Golf Club), Bo Dong, Brayden Card (Galt Country Club) and Vasili Gianakas (The National Golf Club of Canada).
Sawmill Golf Course brings a challenge to all competitors involved, with narrow fairways to drive to and fast and large greens to make putts off of. Sawmill also has a memorable history of hosting Golf Ontario events, such as last year’s Junior Girls’ Spring Classic.
“The Sawmill family, that represents the Julie’s, our staff, and our members, are absolutely thrilled to host the 2023 Bantam Championship,” said Co-Director of Golf, Carrie Julie. “To be chosen to host the tournament is an honor and something we take very seriously from the welcome signs, to having the best volunteers, to the food offerings, and most importantly, to the golf course conditions. Our team of staff and volunteers are ready to welcome Ontario’s best players and their families to Sawmill.”
The first round gets underway at Sawmill Golf Club on Monday, August 21st with the first tee-offs at 9:00 a.m. The boys tee-off from the first hole while the girls tee-off on the tenth. To view all round one start times, pairings and tournament results, visit the tournament website.
About The Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys’ Championship
The Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys’ Championship has a rich history of excellence. First contested in 1923, the championship features the province’s top male golfers, 15 and under, competing for the James H. Peacock Trophy. Past Champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Bob Panasiuk (1955) and Kelly Roberts (1966), as well as Team Canada National Amateur Squad member Johnny Travale (2015).
About The Ontario Bantam (U15) Girls’ Championship
The Ontario Bantam (U15) Girls’ Championship features the province’s top female golfers, 15 and under, competing for the Cathy Sherk Trophy. Many past champions have gone on to represent Team Ontario and Team Canada. Notable past champions include Jennifer Kirby, Augusta James, and Chloe Currie.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.
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For more information, please contact:
Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario
Alyssa Stoddart, Tournament Director
