June 23, 2023
Corbyville, ON– The anticipation is building as the prestigious 101st Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, one of the most significant events on the Golf Ontario calendar, is just around the corner. Set to take place at the esteemed Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort, a field of 156 competitors are ready to play to their strengths to determine who’ll take home the prestigious Ontario Men’s Amateur Crown.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship has a rich history, dating back over a century now, and has served as a launchpad for many aspiring golfers who eventually made their mark in the professional ranks. This championship has become synonymous with exceptional talent and a breeding ground for future champions.
The Venue: Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort
The picturesque Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort provides the perfect setting for this high-stakes tournament, having hosted the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship in 2019. Its meticulously designed fairways, challenging bunkers, and undulating greens offer a true test of golfing prowess. With its reputation for being a challenging course, Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience for players and spectators alike.
President of Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort, Cale Fair had this to say regarding the upcoming event; “We here at Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort are excited to be hosting the 101st Men’s Amateur Championship. Our team has been hard at work preparing the course for this prestigious event and we are eager to showcase what we have to offer. We are grateful to have been selected for this year’s tournament and look forward to our continued relationship with Golf Ontario”
Notable Contenders
As 2022 Champion Peyton Callens has since turned professional, we will have a new champion lifting the trophy after four rounds.. A notable contender to keep an eye out for is Justin Matthews of Bigwin Island Golf & Country Club, who looks to maintain his momentum fresh off winning the 2023 Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship. The field also features three Team Canada members; Ashton McCulloch, Ben Maclean (Men) and Owen Kim (Next Gen). Among their ranks is Isaiah Ibit who won the 2023 (U19) Junior Boys Spring Classic and the 2023 NextGen Ontario Championship, he looks to add to his impressive 2023 season with another victory. This year’s competition will also feature Dave Bunker who is well-known in the amateur golf world for his impressive career that includes victories stretching many decades. Bunker is an individual who has the skills to win any competition and is surely a contender worth noting. Having won multiple Mid-Amateur and Men’s Amateur tournaments, to name a few, he is always in contention. Another returning champion is Garrett Rank, the highly decorated amateur golfer and NHL referee, who won this competition in 2018 will look to add to his trophy cabinet with this year’s tournament around the corner.
The Thrills Await
The 101st Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship promises to be a riveting affair, featuring gripping battles, clutch putts, and displays of extraordinary talent. The top amateurs in the province are ready to showcase their skills and compete for the prestigious Gary Cowan Trophy. Rounds 1 & 2 will see the morning wave of tee times beginning at 8:00 am followed by the afternoon groups at 1 pm. This year’s tournament is sure to be exhilarating. So mark your calendars and get ready to witness the drama unfold as these amazing golfers battle it out for glory at Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort.
About the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship
The Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship was first played in 1923 at Lakeview Golf and Country Club. Featuring the best amateur golfers in the province, it is arguably the most prestigious event in the country. Many players have kick-started their journey to professional golf through the event.
Since the inaugural event, the Ontario Amateur has enjoyed an illustrious history of great champions including highly decorated amateur golfer and NHL referee Garrett Rank (2018), 2003 Masters Champion Mike Weir (1990 & 1992), Gerry Kesselring (1949, 1951, 1952, 1953), professional players Jon Mills (2001), Corey Conners (2010), Albin Choi (2012), Chris Hemmerich (2014) and Gary Cowan. Cowan holds the record for the most Ontario Amateur Championships with nine (1964, 1968, 1971, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981 & 1984).
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.
For more information, please contact:
Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario,
Rob Watson, Tournament Director
For tournament results, click here
