Written by: Taylor Blatchley

There is a reason the term superintendent includes the word “super.” Golf course
superintendents often work behind the scenes, which usually results in them not getting enough credit for their work. On September 13th, it is “Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day,” where we recognize the hard work it takes to keep golf

Don Blatchley is the superintendent of Sawmill Golf Course and has worked there for 42
years. He started working there in 1979. I interviewed him on his role as a
superintendent and how it has changed and developed over the years.

How did you get into this line of work?
Don: My family golfed at Sawmill, and I asked George for a job when I was out of high
school.

#ThankASuper

Which part of being a superintendent do you find most satisfying?
Don: That moment when people approach you and comment on the condition and
quality of the golf course. When you change something, no matter how small or large,
and people notice. That’s the best part.

Which part of being a superintendent do you find most challenging?
Don: Making sure the greens, tees and bunkers are in the best shape possible.
Especially the greens because they are the heart of the entire course. If the greens are
not in perfect condition, people will know. New challenges exist now that didn’t exist a
few years ago. You have to keep adapting as the environment and conditions change.

What was it like working as a superintendent in the 1970s, compared to the 1990s
and present time in 2022? How has it changed?
Don: The main difference I can think of is the technology available. In the 1970s and
early 1980s, all your fertilizer and fungicide were granular. Now, it is all spray based. The
only sprayer we had back then was tractor-mounted. Technology has advanced through
the years to the point where the current sprayers are computerized and regulate
and control the amount of spray they put out. The equipment used now at golf courses
drastically reduces the time required to perform tasks. Back in the day, top
dressing the greens would take us around a week to do, and now we can do it in less
than a day. All of the equipment has changed from when I started. Fairway mowers,
rough mowers, and greens mowers are all more advanced and designed for maximum
efficiency. The only downside to better technology is that when something goes wrong,
it takes longer to fix it, or you may need to call in a specialist because of the electronics
involved. Irrigation used to be done manually as well. I would spend hours at night
watering, whereas now everything is automated and all I have to do is click a few keys
on the computer. The course itself looks very different too. Bunkers have been added
and removed, and I’m pretty sure there isn’t a single bunker in its original location. The
same applies to the tee decks. As for the trees, let’s just say that I used to be able to
see the clubhouse from the shop, and now I can’t. In the 1970s, they were just twigs
sticking out of the ground.

What was the most difficult on-course situation you’ve ever faced at Sawmill?
Don: Snow mould on the fourth green. This was a long time ago, the winter was long,
and we could not get snow mould protection down early enough because the golf
season ended so abruptly, and the snow stayed on the ground. We did not have the
equipment available to aerate; all we could do was put new plugs into the affected
areas. I’m not talking about a few patches here and there. What I’m talking about is
hundreds of plugs. I don’t even remember exactly where we got the plugs from because
it was so long ago. But that was one of the most difficult situations I remember having to
handle.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone wanting to get into golf course
work, what would you say?
Don: Make sure you’re passionate about it. A lot of times, the work will seem like it is
twenty-four seven. Issues have a way of suddenly appearing at the worst time possible.
Usually at the beginning or end of the week and never in the middle. Sometimes you’ll
have to drop everything to deal with a golf course situation, which is how it is.
There could be a broken irrigation line during a drought, disease on the greens or a
pump that breaks down, leading to you hand watering for a week straight. Some things
just can’t wait until the following day. It’s challenging but rewarding work; if you love
what you do, it’s worth it.

What is your passion or favourite hobby?
Don: Golf.

What’s your favourite sports team or individual?
Don: Toronto Maple Leafs

What do you like to watch on TV?
Don: Nascar. I used to watch it a lot more than I do now because all the good drivers
are retired.

What is your favourite thing about working at Sawmill?
Don: The people and the owners. The owners have always treated me like family; some of the members have been there as long as I’ve been working there, so it’s a real
family environment.

Remember to use the hashtag #ThankASuper today on social media and show your
appreciation for our golf course superintendents.

Uxbridge, ON – Golfers return to Tarandowah Golfers Club for the Baka Wireless 2022 Ontario Public Amateur Championship from September 14th to 15th, presented by Triple Bogey Brewing. Ninety golfers will compete over 36-holes of championship stroke play, male players will be in the hunt for three flights of championship titles and women golfers playing in Gross and Net Competition. 

Tarandowah, the 2021 host as well, is a well-known course in not only Ontario but Canada as well. “Tarandowah has just been nominated 75th in Canada by SCOREGolf magazine and 40th best public course in Canada,” said Andy Shaw, Director of Operations. “Tarandowah is excited to host the Golf Ontario championship again and provide the players with a true representation of a links-style course. The course architect Martin Hawtree just finished working on changes to the Old Course at St. Andrews, so the players will see very similar holes and shots that are required. In addition, 108 pot bunkers and firm and fast fairways await the players with greens that have plenty of break and require precise shot making.”

This tournament is open to players of the Golf Ontario Public Player Program and members of a semi-public golf course. Golfers will compete in three separate flights of competition, with the A flight competing in a gross competition, while the B and C flights will play in a net competition. Golfers in the b flight will also have an opportunity to compete in the overall A flight. A women’s division has been brought back to this championship for the first time since 2009, when it had run for eight years.

Tee times begin at 8 am Wednesday and Thursday off the 1st tee. Please view our Golf Genius page here for more information, tee times, and leaderboard links.

Tee Times / Leaderboard

About The Baka Wireless Public Amateur Championship

The Baka Wireless Public Amateur Championship was first played in 1958 at Don Valley Golf Club. Past winners include Robert Mclean (2021), Arnold Johnson (2015, 2011), and Peter Willis (2014). Mill Run Golf and Country Club (Uxbridge, ON) has hosted the tournament a record nine times.

The Public Amateur Championship provides the perfect opportunity for those interested in trying a competitive tournament while providing gross and net flights. This allows higher handicap players to play against players in their handicap grouping.

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.

Stay Connected on 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:

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Uxbridge, ON – The Golf Ontario Scholarship program exists with the support of our corporate partners and sponsors, providing financial assistance to deserving student golfers since 1994. This support allows Golf Ontario to award multiple scholarships annually to support student golfers pursuing post-secondary education. Golf Ontario is proud to announce the 2022 scholarship recipients.
 
In 2016, Golf Ontario celebrated a milestone as the association surpassed $500,000 in scholarship funds awarded since the program’s establishment. Six years later, in 2022, $679,500 in total has now been awarded to hundreds of recipients.
 
Golf Ontario has developed special scholarship awards to honour the memory of Ken McKenzie, Christine Fisher, Craig Revell, and Helena Harbridge, amazing people who have contributed a great deal to the game of golf in Ontario. In conjunction with the McKenzie, Fisher, Revell, and Harbridge families, Golf Ontario will present these special awards to deserving recipients who demonstrate the passion and dedication to the game that was ever so present in Ken, Christine, Craig, and Helena. Read more about these awards here.

Mimi Braiter, a recipient of the Helena Harbridge award, exemplifies what the recognition stands for. A star on the course and future Bachelor of Arts Law student, she is also highly engaged in the local community. Braiter runs A Ripple Effect, an organization that pairs volunteer youth with children having difficulty in their lives due to personal or family illness. In recognition of her work, she was invited to have a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau, who recognized her leadership, collaboration, and innovation and her impact on the community.

For Braiter, her interest in helping others guided her decision to choose Carleton and her program. “I hope to become later a family lawyer to help families and kids have the best possible outcome from a difficult situation.” Braiter added, “A Golf Ontario Scholarship will assist me with the costs associated with my academic studies and will allow me to continue to grow my love of golf as I move forward in my golf career.”
 
Peter Blazevic of Mississauga has been awarded the Craig Revell scholarship for 2022. This annual Scholarship in Craig’s name represents that Peter achieved significant success on the golf course and in all areas of his life. Blazevic makes for a perfect recipient of Revell’s scholarship, as he describes golf as “…more than just a game.  It embodies character and life lessons.” Blazevic added, “Golf has a way of reminding us that not everything will go as planned.  It will always challenge us mentally and physically.  And it will often offer opportunities to better oneself both on and off the course.  I have gained so many life lessons and experiences while playing the game. I am so thankful for this.  It has taught me the value of hard work and the appreciation to accept mistakes and imperfections along the journey.”

Blazevic, a three-time Team Ontario member, will attend the University of Wisconsin-Parkside this fall to study Sports Management. This young, ambitious golfer hopes to “continue to develop my game in my post-secondary journey, and I look forward to achieving my academic and athletic goals.”

Our Full List of 2022 Award Recipients:

Congratulations to our 2022 recipients, and we wish them all the best in their post-secondary studies.
 
To be eligible for one of the Golf Ontario awards or scholarships, recipients must have maintained at least a 75% academic average, enrolled in a post-secondary institution, are members of Golf Ontario, and are actively involved in golf. If you are interested in applying for next year’s batch of scholarships, please visit here to learn more about the process and benefits of Golf Ontario Scholarships.

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.

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.

For more information, please contact:

Peter MacKellar, 
Manager, Marketing, Design and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Our Senior Director of Marketing Nick Taylor, recently sat down to speak with Kevin McShan, a motivational speaker and journalist living with Cerebral Palsy, to discuss growing the game of golf in Ontario.

As the host of Let’s Have This Conversation, McShan strives to place all voices at the table of inclusion. He is a Motivational Speaker and Sports Journalist with Cerebral Palsy who wakes up every morning energized and excited to have authentic and meaningful conversations. He loves sports and motivating people.

In his words, “Our legacy is built by how many times we are willing to make a difference in the lives of others while no one else is watching. I’ve lived my entire life with cerebral palsy. However, rather than dwell on my personal restrictions, the greater gift I could ever give to the world is to celebrate my life and all of the life lessons I’ve been put on earth to teach and all of the wisdom I’ve been charged to share with others who simply can`t view the world through the same prism as I. Some people claim I’m an inspirational person. I simply view myself as persistently consistent.“

McShan is a St. Clair College Journalism Print and New Media Program graduate. His passion lies in telling the stories of people who can’t otherwise tell their own individual stories themselves.

One of his many accomplishments was receiving the 2012 Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal for my reporting on disability issues.

Follow him on Twitter here and his Youtube here

Lansdowne, ON – Matthew Javier (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) and Alissa Xu (Station Creek Golf Club) claim the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship after three rounds of fantastic play at Smugglers Glen Golf Course.

Javier was 3-under on his day and 5-under overall as he approached the 18th hole. Sitting one stroke behind leader Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club), Javier would sink a long birdie putt and give himself a share of the lead. However, after an unsuccessful attempt to reach the green in two on the par 5 hole, Smith, a Team Ontario member, would find himself with a 15-foot putt to send it to a playoff. Smith would narrowly miss the edge of the hole, securing the victory for Javier. Smith takes home the Silver Medal after a spectacular showing this week, shooting 5-under overall (211) and putting up two rounds of 69. Jax Sisson (Pointe West Golf Club)secured third place, shooting 4-under for the tournament.

Xu held the lead for the entire day, maintaining a minimum 2-strokes ahead of the field at all times. Xu finished the tournament even par (216) with a low score of 69 in round one. Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club) finished in second place, receiving the Silver Medal after a fantastic outing in today’s final round (71). Bronze Medalist Aryn Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club) also had a spectacular performance in today’s round, finishing 1-under (71).

Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2022 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys & Girls Championship. Thank you to Smugglers Glen Golf Club for hosting this amazing event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, StrackaLine, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, and Sport Travel.

For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius Page.

About the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ and Girls’ Championships

The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ Championship is a 54-hole competition featuring the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Mike Weir trophy. Notable past champions include Josh Whalen, Brandon Ng, Tim McCutcheon, Peter R. Knechtel, Bob Panasiuk, and Gary Cowan.

The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Girls’ Championship features the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Sandra Post trophy. Past event champions include Sandra Post, Jessica Shepley, Alena Sharp, Stephanie Sherlock, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, current Team Canada member Katie Cranston, and Grace St. Germain.

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.

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.

For more information, please contact:

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
AAbraham@gao.ca

Team Ontario members lead the way in both boy’s and girl’s leaderboards

Lansdowne, ON – A tight race atop the leaderboard through two rounds of the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship at Smugglers Glen Golf Course.

Team Ontario member and recently crowned 2022 Junior Match Play Champion Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club) leaped into first place today after shooting his second 69 of the tournament. Smith currently sits at 6-under (138) and will be looking to claim his second championship victory of the week. Jax Sisson (Pointe West Golf Club) holds the second place spot at 4-under (140), while day one leader Rylan Hall (Whistle Bear Golf Club) stays within striking distance at 3-under (141).

Another Team Ontario member leads the pack in the girl’s division, as Alissa Xu (Station Creek Golf Club) holds a 2-stroke lead going into the final round. Closely behind her in second place sits Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club), who is 1-over (145), followed by Team O member Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club) at 3-over (147).

Congratulations to Michelle Ding (Station Creek Golf Club) on today’s particular highlight on the course. She made a hole-in-one on the second hole, a 148-yard par 3.

With the race for the number one spot coming down to the wire, competitors will have one more chance to prove that they deserve the trophy in tomorrow’s final round. Tee times will begin at 7:30 am Thursday off of the first hole. 

For additional media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius Page.

About the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ and Girls’ Championships

The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ Championship is a 54-hole competition featuring the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Mike Weir trophy. Notable past champions include Josh Whalen, Brandon Ng, Tim McCutcheon, Peter R. Knechtel, Bob Panasiuk, and Gary Cowan.

The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Girls’ Championship features the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Sandra Post trophy. Past event champions include Sandra Post, Jessica Shepley, Alena Sharp, Stephanie Sherlock, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, current Team Canada member Katie Cranston, and Grace St. Germain.

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.

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.

For more information, please contact:

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
AAbraham@gao.ca

Lansdowne, ON – Fantastic showings from our competitors on day one of the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship at Smugglers Glen Golf Course.

In the boy’s division, day one leader Rylan Hall (Whistle Bear Golf Club) put on a clinic at the course, shooting a 6-under (66) for his round. Hall cruised through the front nine today, sinking three birdies and an eagle. His strong round would set the pace for the rest of the day as he currently holds a 3-stroke lead heading into day two. Tied in second at 3-under (69) sit Jax Sisson (Pointe West Golf Club) and Team Ontario member Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club). Sisson and Smith ended their round with some momentum as they each fired a birdie on the 18th.

Team Ontario member Alissa Xu (Station Creek Golf Club) leads the girl’s division at the end of round one. Xu carded seven birdies on route to a (69) in round one. Xu is followed by familiar faces on the leaderboard, as Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club) and fellow Team Ontario teammate Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club) finished round one tied in second after shooting even pars (72) on the day.

Competitors will be ready to go at it again early tomorrow for round two. Tee times will begin at 7:30 am Wednesday off of the first hole. For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius Page.

About the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ and Girls’ Championships

The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ Championship is a 54-hole competition featuring the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Mike Weir trophy. Notable past champions include Josh Whalen, Brandon Ng, Tim McCutcheon, Peter R. Knechtel, Bob Panasiuk, and Gary Cowan.

The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Girls’ Championship features the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Sandra Post trophy. Past event champions include Sandra Post, Jessica Shepley, Alena Sharp, Stephanie Sherlock, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, current Team Canada member Katie Cranston, and Grace St. Germain.

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.

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.

For more information, please contact:

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
AAbraham@gao.ca

Lansdowne, ON – From August 23 – 25, Golf Ontario presents the 2022 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys & Girls Championship at Smugglers Glen Golf Course.

“Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course is excited to host the 2022 Ontario Juvenile U17 Boys and Girls Championship. We appreciate this is not only the future of golf for Ontario but Canada as well,” said Jason Boyce, Director of Golf Operations at Smuggler’s Glen. “We are thrilled to see that all of Ontario’s young talent will be at Smuggler’s Glen August 22nd to the 25th.” The course is an inspiring blend of nature and design. The generous fairways and gently contoured greens set in a pristine forest environment are inviting and enjoyable. Brilliant white sand bunkers, refreshing river breezes and dramatic elevation changes will add excitement to each round.

The tournament will feature 30 girls and 60 boys, who will all compete to claim the 2022 Juvenile Championship title. Golfers will participate in 54 holes of stroke play competition, with a cut after the first 36 holes.

In the girl’s field, some key players to keep an eye on include past Golf Ontario Champions Lindsay McGrath (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club), Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club), Carlee Meilleur (Loyalist Golf & Country Club) and Swetha Sathish (Hidden Lake Golf Club). Also participating in this year’s event are Team Ontario members Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club), Alissa Xu (Station Creek Golf Club) and Tara O’Connor (Victoria Park Golf Club).

Key players to look out for the boys include many past Golf Ontario Champions, including last week’s Junior Match Play Champion Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club), as well as Matthew Javier (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) and Jager Pain (Golf Canada Club – Ontario). In addition, Team Ontario member Isaiah Ibit (Greyhawk Golf Club) will compete on the boy’s side.

Opening round action begins on August 23rd at 7:30 am. Check out our Golf Genius webpage for tee times and leaderboard information.
 

About the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ and Girls’ Championships

The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ Championship is a 54-hole competition featuring the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Mike Weir trophy. Notable past champions include Josh Whalen, Brandon Ng, Tim McCutcheon, Peter R. Knechtel, Bob Panasiuk, and Gary Cowan.

The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Girls’ Championship features the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Sandra Post trophy. Past event champions include Sandra Post, Jessica Shepley, Alena Sharp, Stephanie Sherlock, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, current Team Canada member Katie Cranston, and Grace St. Germain.

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.

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.

For more information, please contact:

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
AAbraham@gao.ca

Port Hope, ON – Tight and exciting competition played out on the final day of the 2022 Ontario Junior Boys & Girls Match Play Championship from Port Hope Golf and Country Club.

The final four boys featured matchups between Adam Brenton (Galt Country Club) and Domenic De Luca (The National Golf Club of Canada), and Team Ontario Member Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club) versus Gregor Lawson (Shelburne Golf & Country Club). Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club) and Rozlyn Rooke (Blue Springs Golf Club), and Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club) against Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club), formed the girl’s matches.

De Luca would win his semi-final matchup 2UP, after battling back and forth for the lead with Brenton. Smith would go on to win his semi-final matchup on a playoff hole after being down early to his opponent Lawson.

Liu and Rooke also settled their match in a playoff. Liu would sink the putt on the 3rd hole to secure the victory and a spot in the final. Michelle Xing would move onto the finals following an exhilarating ending to her match with Hansen. 

De Luca got off to a great start in the boys’ final matchup. He would take an early two hole lead before Smith began to crawl his way back and take a lead of his own. The lead changes would continue until the boys found themselves even after 17 holes of play. On the 18th, Smith played a perfect tee shot and approach, followed by a two-putt for the win.

The girl’s final match was just as exciting as Xing and Liu bounced back and forth with the lead, unable to settle the match in regulation. On the first playoff hole, Xing stuck her approach close to the pin and would go on to secure her second Golf Ontario Provincial Championship in less than a month.

For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Junior Boys and Girls Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. For Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Match Play Championship results, visit this Golf Genius Page. Results for the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship can be found on this Golf Genius Page.

Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2022 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys & Girls Match Play Championship. Thanks to Port Hope Golf & Country Club for hosting this incredible event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, StrackaLine, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, and Sport Travel.

About the Ontario Junior Boys & Girls (U19) Championship

The Junior Boys’ Match Play Championship has been contested since 1998, featuring Ontario’s top amateur male golfers age 18 and under. Results from four qualifiers determine the field. Notable past champions include Matt McQuillan, Justin Shin, Stephane Dubois, and Jon Boncoddo.

The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship is contested annually and features Ontario’s top 32 amateur female golfers aged 18 and under. Players can earn their way into the championship through the Jr. Girls Spring Classic and the Ontario Jr. Girls Championship. Notable past champions include Alena Sharp, Stefi Markovich, Christina Yoon, Elizabeth Tong and Grace St-Germain.

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.

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.

For more information, please contact:

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
AAbraham@gao.ca

Port Hope, ON – Golfers fought through their rounds of 16 and 8 today, on day 2 of the 2022 Ontario Junior Boys and Girls Match Play Championship at Port Hope Golf and Country Club.

Team Ontario member Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club) cruised through his matches today, finishing the round of sixteen 6 & 5 and later the round of eight 3 & 2. Facing Smith in the final four tomorrow is Gregor Lawson (Shelburne Golf & Country Club). With his round of 8 match all square after 18 holes, Lawson would win on the first playoff hole and secure his spot in the semi-finals. The other semi-final matchup tomorrow features Domenic De Luca (The National Golf Club of Canada) and Adam Brenton (Galt Country Club). De Luca would win his quarter-final matchup 2UP, while Brenton secured his win with a putt on the 18th hole.

In the girl’s division, Team Ontario’s Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club) finished 1UP after a tight finish on 18. She will face 2022 Bantam Champion Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club), who played some fantastic golf today, finishing her quarter-final round 5 & 4. The other match will feature Rozlyn Rooke (Blue Springs Golf Club) and Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club) after strong performances in their quarter-final matchups.

The semi-finals and finals will be played tomorrow, with tee times beginning at 8:00 am. For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Junior Boys and Girls Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. For Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Match Play Championship information, visit this Golf Genius Page. Information for the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship can be found on this Golf Genius Page.

About the Ontario Junior Boys & Girls (U19) Championship

The Junior Boys’ Match Play Championship has been contested since 1998, featuring Ontario’s top amateur male golfers age 18 and under. Results from four qualifiers determine the field. Notable past champions include Matt McQuillan, Justin Shin, Stephane Dubois, and Jon Boncoddo.

The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship is contested annually and features Ontario’s top 32 amateur female golfers aged 18 and under. Players can earn their way into the championship through the Jr. Girls Spring Classic and the Ontario Jr. Girls Championship. Notable past champions include Alena Sharp, Stefi Markovich, Christina Yoon, Elizabeth Tong and Grace St-Germain.

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.

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.

For more information, please contact:

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
AAbraham@gao.ca