This highly anticipated tournament features the largest field of competitors of all the Golf Ontario championships this season with competitors representing over 100 clubs from across the province. The respective club champions are some of the best amateur golfers from across Ontario, and will compete for the title of Champion of Champions. With a 12:00 NOON shotgun start time, the North Course at Deer Creek will be home to the men’s, women’s and junior boys, whereas the South Course will feature the senior men’s, senior women’s and junior girls’ divisions.
The Champion of Champions tournament has a long and storied history in Ontario, dating back to the mid-1900s. Over the years, it has become one of the most highly regarded amateur golf tournaments in the province, attracting top players from across Ontario. In addition to the thrill of competition, the tournament also provides a unique opportunity for golfers to meet and connect with others who share their passion for the game. Participants will have the chance to network with fellow golfers and industry professionals, while also enjoying the camaraderie and sportsmanship that is so often associated with the sport.
To qualify for the Champion of Champions tournament, golfers must have won their respective club championship or an equivalent event in the previous year. The tournament is open to male and female golfers of all ages and is played in a stroke play format. With the inaugural tournament dating back to 1946 many individuals have captured the title, some of which include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Bill Morland, Gerry Kesselring, Warren Sye, and Stu Hamilton, as well as Big Break Indian Wells champion David Byrne.
Returning after a three year hiatus, the importance of the Golf Ontario Champion of Champions presented by Durham Artificial Grass cannot be understated and CEO Kyle McFarlane had this to say in preparation for the event; “We are thrilled to host the upcoming Champion of Champions tournament, and thank Durham Artificial Grass for their partnership. The event promises to be an exciting showcase of golfing talent from across Ontario. This championship holds a special significance as it provides an opportunity to celebrate the club champions from our incredible member facilities. We are excited to bring together such a talented and passionate group of golfers, and we cannot wait to see who will emerge as the ultimate champions.”
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on the competitors as they prepare for what promises to be a challenging and rewarding experience at Deer Creek. With the level of talent and dedication on display, it’s sure to be a tournament to remember.
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.
Noble Estates has been a leading mid-size wine and spirits agency in the province of Ontario since 1990. Representing some of the best wine and spirits producers around the world, the company offers full-service sales and marketing with a team of sommeliers and wine experts. Their curated portfolio includes many exclusive wines that they deliver directly to the consumer’s home, office, or cottage. Noble Estates strives to exceed client expectations by continually adjusting to their needs and bringing the world of wine and spirits to your glass.
“With such a diverse portfolio of wine and spirits from across Canada and around the world, we are thrilled to partner with Craig and his team at Noble Estates Wine & Spirits. As our Women’s Try Golf Series continues to grow in popularity, and we continue to host important tournaments and championships across the province, we look forward to sharing all that this partnership can offer to our participants and members alike.” said Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer with Golf Ontario.
In announcing the new partnership, Craig De Blois of Noble Estates said, “We are excited to partner with Golf Ontario and share our world-class wines with their participants and members. Golf and wine both celebrate passion and enjoying life, so we are looking forward to adding to the fun of the game with our fine wines.”
About Noble Estates Wine & Spirits
Noble Estates was founded in 1990 by Philip and Debra Mirabelli. In December 2013, the company was purchased by Craig de Blois, who together with his team, is building on the very successful first 25 years. Noble is recognized as having a dynamic sales force, and is proud to represent many of the top wine and spirits producers from around the world, offering full service sales and marketing.
With a sole focus on the Ontario market and the LCBO, we promise to deliver world class Sales and Brand Management to both our suppliers and the LCBO. We pride ourselves on building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with all of our suppliers and customers. Noble strives to exceed client expectations by continually adjusting to their needs.
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:
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer, Golf Ontario NTaylor@gao.ca
2023 Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Class Inducted at Wooden Sticks Ceremony
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, Ontario- With the 2023 Golf Ontario season getting underway, the association returned to a familiar location and time in the calendar, to play host to one of the most celebrated events of the season, the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame ceremony. Held last night at Wooden Sticks Golf Club, following the annual Partner Golf Day, three new members were welcomed into the Hall of Fame, and the prestigious Lorne Rubenstein Media Award was presented in front of friends, family, industry partners and media numbering well over 120 strong.
The event was presided over by acclaimed Canadian sports presenter and commentator, Rod Black who returned to the celebration as the MC. While the evening was to be a celebration of the many accomplishments by each of the inductees and award winner, Black started the evening in a somewhat somber way by recognizing the loss within the community of 2017 Lorne Rubenstein recipient Ian Hutchinson, who passed away over the previous weekend. Ian’s contributions to the game for many years were well known, and in many ways he was also known to be connected to past inductees by way of his many nominations of colleagues across the sector.
The 2023 Hall Of Fame featured two individuals who were recipients of the Builder Category award which recognized their achievements in growing the sport. Bob Beauchemin and Garry McKay. Beauchemin, an individual who had an illustrious playing career himself, competing in various tours across North America, was recognized for his achievements in progressing the sport. His notable accomplishments were gaining his PGA Tour card in 1981, and his development and execution in numerous teaching programs for golfers of all ages. Garry McKay who was a former recipient of the Lorne Rubenstein Award in 2015, has been immersed within the Golf Ontario community for many years. His commitment to providing extensive coverage of the sport through journalism and various other forms of media was recognized and praised by all.
The late Audrey Bendick-Akins (1967- 2022) was inducted in the Players category for her numerous accomplishments throughout her career as a competitive golfer. An icon within the Windsor-Essex community, Bendick-Akins was a member of the Canadian National Women’s team (1986-88) and won gold at the 1987 Commonwealth games, a feat that has not been matched by another female Canadian golfer since.
The 2023 Lorne Rubenstein Media Award was presented to the founding member of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC), Rick Young. Young is regarded as one of the pioneers of journalism within the sport as his career began in the early 1980s and is still prominent to this day. His notable pieces of work have been featured in the Globe and Mail, the National Post, Toronto Star and other notable sports media newspapers.
After the event had concluded, Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane shared his thoughts regarding the 2023 Hall Of Fame induction ceremony saying; “On behalf of Golf Ontario, I extend our warmest congratulations to Audrey’s family, Bob, Garry and Rick on this momentous occasion. Each has made a significant contribution to the sport of golf in Ontario, and we are thrilled to honor their achievements and impact on the game. The induction ceremony has been a wonderful celebration of their dedication, skill and passion for golf. Their extraordinary contributions will forever be a part of the rich history of golf in our province”.
About The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame
The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in the game of golf in Ontario. To be considered for election to the Hall of Fame, the nominee must have made an EXTRAORDINARY provincial, national or international contribution to the game of golf in Ontario. These achievements may be in the form of golfing accomplishments, an illustrious golf related career or some other exceptional contribution to the sport. Nominees may be amateur golfers, playing/club professionals, course designers/managers, administrators and others.
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.
Golf Ontario Announces Ryan Finn as Chief Sport Officer
Golf Ontario
Following a comprehensive recruitment process, Golf Ontario is pleased to announce the hiring of Ryan Finn as the association’s Chief Sport Officer.
Finn’s career in golf spans over twenty-five years, and while originally from Milton, Ontario, it was in the state of Texas where he grew to become one of the most respected leaders in the golf industry in the US. With experience as a Tournament Director across golf operations and ultimately as Managing Director of Championships, Ryan is positioned to leverage his deep skill set at an essential time for Golf Ontario.
His responsibilities as Chief Sport Officer will include overseeing, managing and strategically developing critical functional areas, including membership focusing on facility relationships; junior performance and amateur competitions; grassroots and participation programs; and core member services, including Handicapping and Course Rating.
“Ryan brings a depth of leadership and industry experience. We are thrilled to have him join our team to elevate our participation, performance and membership activities,” said Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane. “He is a seasoned leader and passionate advocate for golf who will bring tremendous energy and enthusiasm to improving the golfer, facility and athlete experience here in Ontario.”
The opportunity to join Golf Ontario and champion the growth of golf was an opportunity Finn could not resist.
“Golf has had a tremendous impact on every part of my life in a positive way, and I am truly elated to be joining such a passionate team that is committed to connecting people to positive and memorable golf experiences. It is an exciting time for golf, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to play a role in elevating Golf Ontario and golf in Ontario.”
Before embarking on his professional pathway, Ryan was an NCAA golfer achieving PSAC All-Conference honours while completing his BA in Sports Management at Slippery Rock University, PA. He holds several certificates and designations, including USGA/PGA Rules of Golf (highest level accreditation) and USGA/PGA Tournament Administration. He has acted as Rules Chairman at the Spirit International Amateur Championship and officiated at events, including the; U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Amateur, U.S. Mid-Amateur and more.
Finn is set to join Golf Ontario in his official capacity, effective May 10th
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:
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer, Golf Ontario,
2022 Volunteer Awards presented during National Volunteer Week
Golf Ontario
During National Volunteer Week, April 16th-22nd, Golf Ontario hosted a series of Officials Days where the many volunteer officials that help deliver our tournaments and competitions gathered to kick off the 2023 season. It was during this week, and in front of their peers, that Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane presented the Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award and the 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award to Jim Davidson and Dennis McEntee respectively.
The Dick Grim Distinguished Service Award – Jim Davidson
The Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award is considered the highest honor recognizing individual service to the game of golf in Ontario. The award is named after Richard H. Grimm, who was affectionately known as “Mr. Canadian Open” for his service to the event from 1965 to 1993.
Golf Ontario’s Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual’s meritorious service as a volunteer. Recipients of this award embody the principles of integrity, dignity and commitment, which are central to the volunteer experience and to Mr. Grimm’s persona. This honor recognizes individuals who over a significant period of time have demonstrated outstanding leadership and involvement in the growth of Amateur Golf in Ontario. The recipient will also demonstrate a commitment to the vision and mission of Golf Ontario by promoting and upholding the values of the association and the game.
Jim is a deserving recipient having spent huge number of hours over the last half dozen years with Golf Ontario, Golf Canada and Golf Quebec. He is very involved with the junior program and player development. He set up a junior team to compete in OVGA events and both Ontario and Quebec summer games, he is a huge support for those athletes both in preparation and at events. He is also heavily involved in the changeover to Golf Genius and has been the main support. A dedicated referee with Golf Ontario, Golf Quebec and Golf Canada, working both amateur and professional events. He was responsible for getting two interns to support the OVGA over the last three years, writing and reporting the related government grants. He launched a junior girl’s golf league hosted at the Marshes Golf Club that includes instruction and golf for girls 12-18. He is an active OVGA board member for at least 6 years.
Volunteer of the Year – Dennis McEntee
The Golf Ontario Volunteer of the Year Award has been designed to recognize and honour a GO volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding performance and contributions. The GO volunteer of the year will be someone who has played an instrumental role in promoting the growth and development of golf while preserving the integrity and traditions of the game.
Dennis began volunteering with Golf Ontario in 2019 when he helped out at the Ontario Open. From that moment on, he immediately joined our volunteer team with Golf Ontario as a tournament official. For the past couple years Dennis has gotten involved anywhere he can and always brings a positive, and welcoming attitude to any position he is asked to do.
This past season Dennis has continued that and has worked more tournament days than any other tournament volunteer this season. He has done qualifiers and multiple championships. Many where he travelled to those events, staying overnight. And when doing so he would always do full days for us, whether it would begin at registration, moving to starting as well as scoring. On top of all the events Dennis has been at this year, he also offered to start and score at the PGA Championship of Canada at Beacon Hall in June.
Dennis has also helped the tournament team “off the course” as well this season. An avid wood worker. While at home in between events he worked, Dennis made us 4 sandwich board signs for our clocks to sit on at our events. And Dennis made us 6 wood boxes to transport our tee markers in.
Dennis has been a pleasure to work with this year. He is a delight to the players. They enjoy the friendly interactions with him at the 1st tee, and he follows that up seeing them again at scoring.
Golf Ontario appreciates the contributions of so many passionate volunteers that are an extension of our professional staff, and work together with us as we strive to deliver world class competitions.
For information on how you can volunteer with Golf Ontario and play a role in shaping lives through positive golf experiences, visit our Volunteer information page here.
In alignment with Golf Ontario’s vision of Golf for All, we are committed to implementing structures, policies and procedures having the highest governance standards to yield organizational growth, safety of the sport and leading the adoption and implementation of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Ontario Golf.
The month of April is “Celebrate Diversity Month”, a month that was initiated nearly twenty years ago to recognize and honour the diversity around us every day. We welcome our community to join us and spend time this month reflecting on and celebrating differences and similarities surrounding us all.
Across our organization, our staff have been on a learning journey that has included the opportunity to acknowledge the different dimensions of diversity within our team and across our community.
The following image, available online through Korn Ferry is a tool that can be used to reflect on what may contribute to our diverse work force and extended community.
Our own Chief Executive Officer, Kyle McFarlane has chosen to share his personal dimensions of diversity, based on this tool, with the community in recognition of the month ahead.
Kyle McFarlane (he/him/his)
I am a 43 year, cisgender, Caucasian, heterosexual male.
I’m a member of Generation X, married and a father of 3. I enjoy sports and outdoor activities including golf, baseball and running.
I’m an extrovert, and visual learner. I aim to communicate directly and honestly while respecting others, and cooperating well with people.
I’m of Irish & Scottish descent, English-speaking, reside in Whitby and work in Uxbridge. I hold a Bachelor’s degree from Brock University and a Master’s degree from the University of Memphis.
I’ve worked in professional and amateur sports for 25 years, and am in my 19th year with Golf Ontario, I enjoy coaching, leadership opportunities and collaborating with others.
While we recognize the importance of our diverse community, Golf Ontario is celebrating Diversity Month, this month, and will remain focused on serving the diverse members of our community by delivering safe and welcoming positive golf experiences for all. We will soon be launching our ED&I and Safe Sport webpages as a continued and intentional step in this evolving process.
If any members of our community wish to share their own dimensions of diversity during the month ahead, or to share personal experiences in and around the game of golf where diversity has played a positive role in that experience, feel free to tag us on social media @thegolfontario and use the hash tag #GolfForAll in the post.
Golf Ontario Announces Hall of Fame Inductees for 2023
Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is pleased to announce the 2023 inductees to the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge, Ontario on May 2nd. There will be two inductees in the Builder category, one in the Player category, and one recipient of the Lorne Rubenstein Award, which is presented annually to an individual who has been associated with a recognized Ontario media organization for major contributions to golf in Ontario.
Newly appointed CEO Kyle McFarlane, no stranger to this important celebration shared his thoughts on the 2023 inductees saying, “The OGHF induction ceremony is such a special event to kick off the golf season in Ontario each year, and we are pleased to return to Wooden Sticks in early May to celebrate the occasion with members of our community. The contributions and accomplishments of Audrey, Bob, Garry and Rick to the sport of golf here in Ontario are each extraordinary in their own way. I look forward celebrating Hall of Fame members, past and present, and the history and tradition of our great sport.”
2023 INDUCTEES
Builder Category
Bob Beauchemin
Bob grew up in Victoria B.C. and enjoyed playing many sports including Baseball, Soccer, Hockey etc., but became “hooked on golf “at age 12. Within a few years he became a champion at the Junior, Amateur (at the Gorge Vale G.C.) and Collegiate (at the University of Oregon) levels, winning numerous events before turning Professional in 1975 to “follow the dream”.
Bob played numerous Tours around the world for the next 11 years, including the Canadian; Australian; NZ; Asian; South American Tours, as well as events in the US, winning The Windsor Charity Classic (Canadian Tour 1981) and The Vermont State Open (1984) as well as numerous other professional events. The culmination of his playing career came when he successfully qualified (earned his card) to become a member of the PGA TOUR in 1981.
In 1985 the members of The Canadian Tour’s Player Association elected Bob as President. After a year in this volunteer position, the Board of Directors asked him to become the first Executive Director and as the Tour developed he became the first commissioner after he incorporated The Canadian Tour in 1989. After 8 years of building the Canadian Tour to an internationally respected level, he then asked Dick Grimm to become his replacement in 1993.
Bob then pursued the educational side of golf by conducting clinics; exhibitions; golf schools; golf exercise programs; sport psychology programs, individual and group lessons. He wrote the “Educational Program” for the Canadian Tour and during his 25 years as a Professor and Director of Player Development for Humber College, he wrote the Professional Golf Management, Manual/Textbook for his classes.
Bob is enjoying his 24th year as The Director of Golf Instruction at the Oakdale G&CC. Apart from developing and executing the numerous teaching programs for the Juniors, Men and Women members, Bob, with the enthusiastic support of the Oakdale membership, also conducts a number of First Tee programs, designed as community outreach programs to help children learn life skills by learning to play golf.
Some major accomplishments are:
-Voted “Top 50 Canadian Golf Instructors” by The National post 2005
-Honoured as a “Life Member” by The Canadian Tour 2007
-Received the “Lori Kane, Community Leader Award” from Golf Canada 2022.
Builder Category
Garry McKay
Garry has been covering golf for The Hamilton Spectator since the mid 1970s and covered his first Canadian Open for Radio station CKOC in 1968.
He has also written articles for ScoreGolf, Golf Canada, Pro Shop, Ontario Golf, Hamilton Golf and for magazines in the United States and Germany.
He has served on the selection committee of the World Golf Hall of Fame, Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, PGA of Canada Hall of Fame, and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame.
He was a founding director of the Hamilton Halton Junior Golf Tour which began in 1984. He is currently on the board and works events doing, registration, scoring, spotting and even rules.
He was a founding director and currently sits on the board and is treasurer of the Golden Horseshoe Athlete of the Year award which choses the Athlete of the Year for the Hamilton-Halton area.
He was a founding director and is currently the chair of the Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame.
He was a past director of the Stanley Thompson Society and previously sat on Golf Canada’s Heritage Committee.
Garry was a founding director, a past president and past secretary/treasurer of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada and is currently on the board as an advisor.
In 2015 Garry was honoured with the Lorne Rubenstein Award by the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame.
He won the American Hockey League’s James H. Ellery Memorial Award for media coverage of the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2001-2002.
He won a Score award for golf coverage in 1981.
Garry is also a three-time winner of Gymnastics Ontario’s media award for coverage of gymnastics.
The Golf Journalists Association of Canada gave him their 2021 Dick Grimm Award for ‘significant lifetime achievements to Canadian Golf.’
Garry was also a recipient of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award in 2022.
And his golf game has never improved.
Player Category
Audrey Bendick-Akins
The late Audrey Bendick-Akins (1967- 2022) of Windsor enters the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in the Player Category. She captured many titles provincially, nationally and internationally throughout her career and is truly the definition of not only a champion, but a hall of famer.
Audrey Bendick-Akins began her competitive career at the age of 8 under the mentorship of her father, John Bendick, and coach Nick Panasiuk of the formerly known Hydeaway Golf Course. She won her first tournament, the Little People’s Golf Championships, at age 8 and many others followed. A few years later she was awarded the Marlene Stewart Streit Golf Award (age 12), and the Burnett award (age 13). In 1980 she won the Canadian Junior Golf Championship as the youngest player to ever do so at age 13, followed by another victory in 1985 at age 18.
Bendick-Akins represented Ontario at the Canadian Junior Championships where she claimed victories from 1980-1982, received the Ontario Achievement Award for Sports three times, and was awarded Windsor’s Kinsman trophy which is presented to the Athlete of the Year (1983). Throughout her time as a junior she steadily ranked in the top ten within the country. Internationally, she won the Michigan Junior Girls Championship (1981 & 1982) and competed in the World Junior Golf Championships in San Diego, CA finishing second in the international division and 10th overall.
In 1986 and 1988 she claimed the Ontario Amateur title where her talent led her to representing Canada on the global scale. In 1986 she was a member of team Canada at the British Amateur Championships, in 1987 she went on to win gold at the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand as a member of team Canada, and in 1988 she played in the World Amateur Golf Team Championship in Stockholm, Sweden where she was Canada’s lowest scorer.
From 1984-1989 Audrey accepted a full ride scholarship to the University of Oklahoma where she majored in education. She served as captain of the golf team and had a standout career at OU where she remains the 4th ranked overall golfer in school history. She had multiple top ten finishes in the Big 8 conference, played herself into the top 40 of the NCAA individual rankings and was a medalist at many tournaments throughout her time as a Sooner. She excelled in school as she did in golf, being named a two time Academic All-American while at OU. After obtaining her Bachelor of Education degree she returned home to further her credentials with a Master’s in Education at the University of Windsor. Following her studies she became a golf professional teaching out of Tecumseh Golf Centre. She went on to compete in a few Futures Tour tournaments between 1990-1992. She retired a couple years later as she became a beloved mother and secondary school teacher. During her time in education she acted as the golf coach for both the girls and boys teams for over 13 years and volunteered at numerous local and provincial tournaments.
As a Windsor-Essex pioneer of golf, Audrey Bendick-Akins was inducted into the Windsor-Essex County Hall of Fame in 2001. Years later she made her return into the golf world, placing third in the Ontario Ladies Amateur while shooting the lowest gross score, and finishing fifth in the Canadian mid-am in 2015. She won multiple Michigan Mid-Amateur Championships (2016 and 2019), and she was nominated for the prestigious Windsor- Essex WESPY award in 2016 and 2017.
In February of 2020 Audrey was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer by the name of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML). She battled into remission on multiple occasions, however she continually relapsed; another form of the cancer, Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia (AML) ultimately claimed her life on November 24th, 2022. During her battle she used the mental fortitude, resiliency and patience that she learned through the game of golf. In her sickness she wrote and published two books, Drive: How to Become an Elite Junior Golfer and Thrive – A Guide for Parents: How to Raise Elite Athletes, to encourage more youth to join and excel in the sport. She was incredibly honoured and appreciative of her induction into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame.
Lorne Rubenstein Award
Rick Young
A founding member of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC) Rick Young is one of the country’s trusted voices on the game and matters relating to the golf industry’s equipment and business sectors.
Young’s 40 year career as a golf writer began in his hometown of Woodstock, Ontario on May 5, 1983 with his first column for the Daily Sentinel-Review. One of the newspaper’s longest tenured contributors his weekly column ran for 26 years.
An affiliation with Golf Ontario began in 1987 when Ken Mackenzie acquired Ontario Golf News and retained Young as a freelance writer to provide profiles and features. Since then his work has appeared in numerous publications across Canada and the United States including SCOREGolf Magazine, MyGolfSpy, Toronto Star, Golf Business Canada, GreenMaster Magazine, Golf Canada Magazine, Pro Shop Magazine, Maclean’s, LINKS Magazine, Golf World, Golf Journal (USGA), Ontario Golf Magazine, GolfStyle, ClubLink Life, Fairways Magazine, London Free Press, the National Post and the Globe & Mail. He has also provided content for Golf Town, Matchplay Golf Marketing, RBC and the Province of New Brunswick.
Young has covered the Ryder Cup, U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Presidents Cup, U.S. Amateur, RBC Canadian Open, CP Women’s Open as well as multiple Canadian and provincial amateur events. This year marked his 24th PGA Merchandise Show.
Recognizing his passion for golf equipment, Bob Weeks hired Young in 1999 to provide industry coverage as SCOREGolf’s equipment and business analyst. He continues in that role for the national publication and has been a panelist for SCOREGolf’s Top 100 and Top 59 public course rankings since inception.
A past member of the Golf Writers Association of America, Young’s belief in a national association of golf media helped form the foundation for the first incarnation of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada (1995-2000). Resurrected in 2006 Young assumed duties on the GJAC Board of Directors as President (2008-2011) followed by a third term in 2021-2022. He remains on the GJAC board as Immediate Past President and Vice-President of Outreach and Industry Relations.
Young is a six-time GJAC Writing Awards recipient and was recognized by Golf Ontario in 2009 for his contributions to the game. He has written two books – From Fifth to 59 to 2009: The 100 Year History of the Oxford Golf & Country Club and the 100 Year History of The Briars Golf Club – and is a frequent guest on golf talk radio shows and podcasts.
An advocate and supporter of municipal and public golf he was introduced to the game by his dad at the former Woodstock Golf Club when he was nine years old. He spent 41-years as a member of Craigowan Golf Club and now plays regularly at Tarandowah Golfers Club.
A graduate of the Business program at Fanshawe College in London Ontario Young, his wife Carol, and their daughters, Kirsten and Madisen continue to live in Woodstock, Ontario while frequenting Miramichi, New Brunswick during the summer.
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 largest 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.
About the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame
The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in the game of golf in Ontario. Founded in 2000 by the Ontario Golf Association and the Ontario Ladies’ Golf Association, the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is housed at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge.
For more information please contact:
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer, Golf Ontario;
Golf Ontario Announces 2023 Ontario Adaptive Championship at Weston G&CC
Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is pleased to share that on the occasion of the 5th Anniversary of the event, the 2023 Ontario Adaptive Championship will be held at the prestigious Weston Golf & Country Club on July 17-18, 2023.
The Ontario Adaptive Championship was originally launched in 2019 as a provincial competition to showcase Ontario’s best golfers with a disability, and will be held for the fifth time this season. Focusing on player development, the event will ensure a proper pathway for high preforming athletes. The world ranked event will see men and women compete in low gross and net categories.
Annually ranked in the top 100 courses in Canada, Weston Golf & Country Club is no stranger to hosting major events including Arnold Palmer’s first PGA Tour win at the 1955 Canadian Open. More recently they hosted the Ontario Junior Girls Spring Classic in 2010 & 2011.
“Weston’s membership couldn’t be prouder to host this year’s Ontario Adaptive Championship,” said Alan Crossley, President Weston G&CC. “We are looking forward to sharing our course, which is steeped in history and heritage, while being able to cheer on and watch the inspiring play of these dedicated athletes. We are pleased to be able to continue our tradition of giving back to the community of golf through our on-going efforts to promote and enhance the game for all.”
Immediate past champions of the event, Natasha Stasiuk and Kurtis Barkley will surely be looking to repeat as Champions for the 5th time, having also won the event each year since inception. With a growing field of competitors each year and 2023 being a special anniversary held at such a prestigious facility, the 2023 Championship is a highly anticipated event on the calendar.
Regarding the evolution of the event, Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane said, “In alignment with Golf Ontario’s vision of Golf for All, we are motivated to increase opportunities for individuals of all abilities. With a focus on promoting inclusive environments, the term ‘Adaptive’ will now be used in place of ‘Disability’ for all related Golf Ontario programming, including new adaptive participation opportunities to connect more people to positive golf experiences.”
One of the key factors considered in moving forward with the new term of ‘Adaptive’ is that, “…it focuses on the modification of sport rather than on disability of the athlete…”1 and “…it provides an opportunity for the pursuit of excellence in sport through a full spectrum of settings for participation.”2
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 largest 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.
Golf Ontario Proudly Announces New Manager of Fund Development
Golf Ontario
Today, Golf Ontario is proud to announce a critical new hire that will join our staff on Monday, March 20th to support our 2023-2026 Strategic PlanGolf For All.
Raphael Root joins Golf Ontario in this important revenue generating role to support the immediate investment in, and long term sustainability of our strategic pillars across Participation, Performance, Membership and Organizational Strength. He will prioritize the establishment of this new department and related operational strategies and best practices within the portfolio if work.
Raphael is a fundraising and sport professional with over 7 years of robust experience in sports and non-profit industries. He comes to Golf Ontario from The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation where he supported the Donor Experience and Stewardship Impact team as well as the Corporate & Community Partnerships team. During his time with the Foundation, he helped manage fundraising for the Journey to Conquer Cancer which is a family-friendly run/walk event that raised over $965,000 for cancer research. Then after, he moved to the Donor Experience team where he helped deliver impact by stewarding and recognizing countless major giving donors.
Raphael is also a veteran on the operational side of sports entertainment with more than 7 years of experience with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE). Bringing fans to their feet by creating unforgettable experiences for various properties including the Toronto Marlies, Toronto Raptors and Raptors 905.
Raphael holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto and a Post-Graduate degree in Sport & Event Marketing from George Brown College. The energy of being around competition and sports at a world-class level is what drives Raphael. He is looking forward to the opportunity to help advance the sport of Golf in Ontario.
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer shared that, “Raphael is joining our team at the perfect time. With our Strategic Plan launched this winter, and new leadership at the Executive and Board levels, he will have a tremendous opportunity to leverage that leadership expertise, and share the story around our vision and mission with prospective donors and existing supporters as we put the pieces in place to support immediate impact on our programming and long term sustainability and growth of the organization.”
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 largest 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:
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer, Golf Ontario,
Emily McKee & Isaiah Ibit Crowned Champions at the Inaugural Ontario Junior Players Invitational Presented by Play Golf Myrtle Beach
Golf Ontario
The inaugural Ontario Junior Players Invitational Championship presented by Play Golf Myrtle Beach at River Hills Golf & Country Club sees Emily McKee of St. George’s G&CC and Isaiah Ibit of Camelot G&CC emerge as Champions in the Girls and Boys U19 Overall divisions respectively.
Additional divisions recognized were the U15 Girls won by Nobelle Park and U17 Girls won by overall champion Emily McKee. The U15 Boys low score was attained by Dawson Lew (Wyndance GC) and U17 low score went to Luke Smith.
Despite the risk of frost earlier in the morning, competitors were on the range as much as two hours prior to the start of the final round under bright blue skies and temperatures of six degrees. The day’s pairings went off on split tees in the early afternoon, experiencing slightly warmer conditions up to nine degrees as play commenced.
With ten boys starting the day within five shots of Smith, and three girls chasing McKee and Zhao just four shots back, there was great anticipation around which players could challenge for the title of Inaugural Tournament Champion.
As the first few holes were completed, it looked like it was Luke Smith maintaining form from the first round, but it wasn’t long before Ibit started to make his move up the leaderboard, ultimately recording five birdies and only one bogey in the round. After a first round 77 (+5) on Monday, he finished day two with a 68 (-4) and total two day score of 145 cementing a two shot margin over Luke Smith at 147 followed by Zachary Smith (Brampton GC) and Jordan Hwang (Emerald Hills G&CC) at 150.
The in-form player in the U19 Girls Overall division was McKee, as she started the day where she left off Monday evening and never let up. With scores of 72 (E) Monday and 74 (+2) today, she finished at 146 and a two stroke margin over Nobelle Park (RattleSnake Point GC) who made an impressive move up the leaderboard in the final round, and four strokes ahead of Alexa Ouellet (Weston G&CC) at 150.
At the conclusion of play, Tournament Director Connor Doyle remarked on the movement across both divisions on day two. “What an exciting finish to a successful inaugural tournament. Thank you to Play Golf Myrtle Beach for helping make this tournament possible. Every player played their heart out this week and they should be proud of their results.”
During the awards presentation officiated by newly minted CEO Kyle McFarlane, Scott Tomasello of Play Golf Myrtle Beach thanked all competitors for venturing down to Myrtle Beach and later, offered his congratulations to the champions saying, “We’re thrilled to have showcased Myrtle Beach golf to these talented juniors. Congratulations to Emily & Isaiah on their respective victories.”
For more information on the 2023 Ontario Junior Players Invitational presented by Play Golf Myrtle Beach, including the final results, visit our Golf Genius page.
