Gravenhurst, ON – The first round of the 2021 championship season is in the books, after an exciting Round of 64 at the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship. High winds, cloud coverage, and cool temperatures made for a brisk summer day at Taboo Muskoka Resort and Golf. The conditions of the course, however, were as wonderful as we could have hoped for. Managing Director of Taboo Muskoka Resort and Golf, Nigel Hollidge, revealed pre-championship that the course is in the best condition it’s been in years.
With 64 competitors battling head-to-head for a position in the Round of 32, we saw some incredible talent from a field of players across a wide spectrum of age and experience. Veteran Golf Ontario champions played with ease on the challenging Canadian Shield landscape. Collegiate players freshly home from a packed schedule of competitive play impressed, as they skillfully closed out the match with holes remaining.
Competitors to take note of heading into the Round of 32, are past multi champions Dave Bunker, Charles Fitzsimmons, Nolan Piazza, and Andreas Diogenous. Team Ontario Golf competed well today, with six athletes playing their way into tomorrow. This includes Peter Blazevic, Ty Stansfield, Thomas Latter, Ryan Somerville, Owen Kim, and Andreas Diogenous. Former Team Ontario athlete, Jeffrey Fang, has also claimed a spot. The competition, like the course, will be extremely challenging.
Tee time for the Round of 32 on Wednesday, June 23rd is set for 7:30 a.m. For media coverage of the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
About the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship
Established in 1986, The Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship is contested annually and features 64 of Ontario’s best amateur golfers that have qualified through one of six qualifying tournaments held earlier this season, or who have gained an exemption into the event. Notable former champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Ian Leggatt, David Hearn, David Byrne and Dave Bunker.
Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions
(as of May 31st, **subject to change)
- At all times, and in all places, 2-metre physical distancing must be respected.
- No Caddies permitted except for the Ontario Disability Championship.
- No spectators, including coaches, are permitted (**Exceptions: Players 18 & under may have one accompanying adult).
- Restricted field sizes (see individual championship websites)
Click here for the full version of the Championship protocols. **These protocols are subject to change as new guidance is received from the government.
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:
Brianna Christopher,
Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
BChristopher@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar,
Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca
