Bath, ON – Early heavy fog delayed a dramatic final round of the Ontario Senior Men’s Championship, from Loyalist Golf & Country Club. An hour delay exactly, saw the men start at 9:00 am before being able to tackle the challenging course on their quest for gold. That quest came down to a 10-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to decide our champion.
Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood) fought back from a four-stroke deficit, behind 2020 Champion Dave Bunker (Cherry Hill Club), to drain his birdie putt on 18 and claim the prestigious title. Chinner recorded a strong three-under (69) to catch and surpass Bunker, who along with third place finisher Robert Cowan (Westmount G&CC), shot a two-over (74). He gained momentum on the back nine with three birdies over his last seven holes.
Following a silver medalist finish in 2020, Chinner said it “feels really good” to win a championship. “It’s been a while since I’ve won anything, so this really means a lot. I’m very happy.” Chinner spoke about silver medallist Bunker, adding “I so enjoy playing with Dave. He’s such a great golfer and is never out of it. He has one of the best short games I’ve ever seen”. On his own game he explained “I tried to give myself birdie opportunities and they came at clutch moments. I started to hit the ball good on the last six holes after a nice three wood on 12.
As well as crowning the Ontario Senior Men’s Champion, we also saw hardware handed out for the age 65 and over category, and age 70+ divisions. Ronald James White (St. George’s &CC) captured the 65 and over division, while Kerry Short (Cherry Hill Club) won the 70 and over division.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, starters, referees, scorers, and volunteers for their support of the 2021 Ontario Senior Men’s Championship. Thank you as well to Loyalist G&CC and your staff, volunteers, and members for being such outstanding hosts and supporting this historic event.
Lastly, a huge thank you to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, TaylorMade, 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, Solo Golf, and Sport Travel. We are grateful for your continued support.
For more leaderboard information, check out our Golf Genius webpage here.
About The Ontario Senior Men’s Championship
Conducted since 1936, the Ontario Senior Men’s Championship event features Ontario’s best male amateur golfers aged 55 and over, competing over 54 holes of stroke play competition.
Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Nick Weslock, one of Canada’s greatest amateurs of the century, won the event a record 11 times between 1968 and 1980. Other notable past champions include Stu Hamilton (2001, 2006), Mike Jackson (2010, 2011 and 2013) and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Warren Sye in 2012.
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Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (as of July 21st, **subject to change)
At all times, and in all places, 2-metre physical distancing should be respected.
Coaches and spectators are permitted at Golf Ontario Championships and Qualifiers with capacity limits. Spectators must check in at registration, complete a wellness check and pick up accreditation before being allowed on the course.
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
