Midland, ON – Marion Reid (The Links at Dover Coast) didn’t waste any time on the course today, quickly taking a four-stroke lead after round one. Reid finished the day 3-over (75) after shooting 39 on the front nine and a 36 on the back at Midland Golf and Country Club.
A couple of strokes behind our leader sit Kathie Houghton (Georgian Bay Club) and Debbie Court (The Toronto Golf Club). Houghton is currently in second place after finishing the round 7-over (79), while Court shot an 8-over (80) to find herself in third.
In the A-flight division, local golfers proved that they knew the course well. Shelly Gianetto (Midland Golf & Country Club) leads the A-flight division with a 3-stroke lead, with Susan Rooney (Midland Golf & Country Club), shortly behind, tied in second place.
Ladies will tee off beginning at 7:30 am again tomorrow morning. For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Senior Women’s 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 Senior Women’s Championship
The inaugural Ontario Senior Women’s Championship was conducted in 1962 and has been contested annually, featuring the province’s best female amateurs age 50 and over.
The event has had several notable past champions, including World Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, who captured the title six times. Also, the Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Gayle Borthwick picked up the trophy six times. Recent winners include Ivy Steinberg (2008 and 2009), Terrill Samuel (2011, 2020) as well as Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Mary Ann Hayward (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2019) and 2017 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Champion Judith Kyrinis (2016, 2017, 2018, 2021).
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, 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
2018 Ontario Senior Men’s champion Mark Brewer (Whitevale Golf Club) shares top spot on the leaderboard with Darin Dirk (West Haven Golf & Country Club) after they both posted impressive 70’s at the first round of the Senior Men’s Amateur Championship.
After a stretch of scorching warm weather, the players arrived at Sarnia Golf & Curling Club with a refreshing, pleasant day to begin round 1 of the Senior Men’s Championship. Players gave their best to the course all day, but Brewer and Dirk showed the best after day one.
Rob Cowan (Westmount Golf & Country Club), who recently qualified for the USGA Senior Men’s Amateur later in August, followed behind closely. Rob made an eagle on 13 but came up two strokes behind the leaders at even par shared amongst five other competitors after round 1.
Roger Perry of Cardinal Lakes Golf Club leads the 70+ division at +4 after day one. An impressive performance, nearly shooting his own age!
In the 65+ division, Dan Gagliardi leads the pack at even par. Dan will look to chase down the top spot of the overall leaderboard tomorrow in round 2.
Round 2 tee times begin at 8:00 am Tuesday and will see golfers give their last effort before the field is trimmed down to the top 60 players and ties for the final round. Keep up to date on the latest scores on our Golf Genius page here. Photos from round one can be found 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 most outstanding amateurs of the century, won the event 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.
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, 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
Tottenham, ON – An exceptional showing today at Woodington Lake Golf Club as the first round for the 2022 Ontario Disability Championship got underway. Golfers with various disabilities had a fantastic day displaying their talents on the course. After a windy day one, the leaders are Chris Willis (RedCrest Golf Club) in the men’s division and Natasha Stasiuk (Heron Point Golf Links) for the women.
Thanks to seven birdies and one eagle on the 18th hole, Willis was lights out in round one to finish the day 6-under (66) overall. Not far behind Willis, the three-time defending Ontario Disability Champion Kurtis Barkley (Cedar Glen Golf Course) finished his round with a score of 3-under (69). Barkley had an eagle of his own on the 7th hole and three birdies.
Stasiuk showed today why she is the three-time defending Ontario Disability Champion, completing the day with a birdie on the 13th hole and an eagle on the 14th hole to finish 9-over (81).
Final round action gets underway with tee times beginning at 8:30 am Tuesday. Winners will be recognized in Gross Stroke Play and Net Stableford. For media coverage of the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Pageto view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.
About the Ontario Disability Championship
Since 2019, Woodington Lake Golf Club has hosted the Ontario Disability Championship. Played over a 36-hole competition for Men and Women, the Ontario Disability Championship is an inclusive event in which athletes with disabilities compete in a provincial championship environment. The Championship promotes awareness and participation for golfers with disabilities and provides a platform for future talent identification. In addition, the Ontario Disability Championship is a counting event on the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD).
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, 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
Mijovic, McCann, Mills and Genovese Inducted Into Ontario Golf Hall of Fame
Golf Ontario
An emotional night of laughs, tears and sentimental stories was long overdue after a two-year hiatus thanks to the pandemic. With that hopefully behind us, Golf Ontario was extremely pleased to announce the newest members inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame.
JERMAIN FRANKLIN
The first of two induction ceremonies occurred tonight at Woodington Lake Golf Club in Tottenham, Ontario, as part of the Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Ontario Open week. Jermain Franklin, an on-air TSN analyst, emceed the festivities through the wonderful evening that included a fantastic meal, beverages, and music.
Danny Mijovic
Danny Mijovic enters the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in the Professional Golfer category after 35 plus years as a golf professional. Currently, the Director of Instruction at Kings Riding Golf Club and King Valley Golf Club since 2005, Danny Mijovic includes a number of milestones and accomplishments in his illustrious career from college through his amateur and professional playing years.
DANNY MIJOVIC
Mijovic is a four-time NAIA All-American and holds numerous course records worldwide. His tour travels and participation include the Canadian Tour and the Asian, Australian, European, South American and Great Lakes Tours.
Some of Danny’s Professional Touring Career Highlights include being named Mexican Open Champion in 1984, Labatt’s Blue-Light Champion (Canadian Tour) and qualifying for the US Open in 1985, Ontario PGA Champion in 1987 and Ontario Senior PGA Champion in 2012.
At the amateur level, Danny also amassed a number of accolades highlighted by being a 1982 Willingdon Cup team member, the Number 1 ranked Amateur in 1983 and Canadian Amateur Champion, a top 5 US amateur ranking in 1984 while winning the Porter Cup and Mid Atlantic Amateur Championships. Mijovic was a 2nd place finisher at the 1996 South American Masters with a course record 61 at Sao Paulo GC that broke a 40-year record held by Sam Snead. Danny was also Osprey Valley Classic Champion on the Great Lakes Tour in 2005 with another course record setting 61.
At the collegiate level, where he still holds the status of being the only player to ever win all four National Championships, his highlights playing for Texas Wesleyan University include winning 9 individual tournaments, being named All-American 4 times and being inducted into the Texas Wesleyan and NAIA Halls of Fame.
“It’s a tremendous honour, especially looking at the names that are on that list, many professionals, people in the industry that I look up to and people I have grown up with,” mentioned Mijovic after the ceremony. “I’m quite honoured, very humbled and grateful.”
Brian McCann
Brian has been one of the finest players in Canadian golf supported by his PGA of Canada Player of the Year Awards in 2011 and 2012 and PGA of Ontario Player of the Year awards in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
BRIAN MCCANN
He has won a total of 15 provincial championships as well as 5 national championships along with many others. Prior to his professional career, Brian was the number #1 ranked amateur in the Province of Ontario in 1996 and 1997.
He played professionally on the Canadian Tour 1999-2003 and on the Nationwide Tour (Korn Ferry Tour) 2004-2006. He is the all-Time money leader on the Great Lakes Tour and as of now he is also 3rd on the PGA of Ontario’s all-time money list.
Brian was a 1st Team Sun Belt Conference player three of the four years he attended Arkansas State University and was named to the 1st Team All Time Sun Belt Conference.
In 1993 he was named by the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) to the Rolex Junior Boys 3rd Team All-American. (Tiger Woods was on the 1st Team).
On the international stage, he represented Canada at the World Amateur Team Championship in 1996 in Manila, Philippines and at the Four Nations Cup in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997. He represented Ontario at the International Amateur Team Matches in Lima, Peru, in 1996 and 1997, where his 2-man team finished 2nd and 1st.
In Junior golf, he won the 1991 Canadian Juvenile Championship and lost the overall Championship in a playoff. He would have been the first player to win as a Juvenile golfer overall. Brian won his first junior tournament at age 11 and won over 30 junior tournaments in all.
Brian has become a great mentor to junior golfers and one of the country’s top coaches to golfers of all skill levels. His professionalism and personality are what make him such a great ambassador for the game of golf and particularly golf in Ontario.
“Lot of emotions, just reminiscing looking back and going wow that people recognized,” exclaimed McCann. Again I’m very honoured, very humbled to recognize how many great players that came before me that I had a chance of knowing and looking up to; being included with them is pretty cool.”
Jon Mills
Jon Mills hails from Belleville, Ontario, where his home club affiliation was the Bay of Quinte Golf and Country Club from 1985-1997.
JON MILLS
Jon enters the Golf Ontario Hall of Fame after an outstanding amateur and professional career with many achievements at the Provincial, National and International levels.
While competing within Ontario, Jon’s winning ways started when he won the Junior Boys Championship in 1996, Junior Boys Champion of Champions that same year, and was also a member of the Ontario Junior Interprovincial Team. Five years later, in 2001, Jon’s accomplishments included winning the 2001 Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship as the #1 ranked amateur golfer in Ontario and being a member of the Willingdon Cup team.
A Three-time member of Golf Canada’s National Team in 1999, 2000 and 2001, Jon also had success on the International Stage, competing at the 1999 World Amateur Preview Championship, the Eisenhower Trophy in Berlin in 2000 and was a member of the Canadian 4 Nations Cup team which they won In 2001. Jon held the #1 ranking in Golf Canada in 2000 and won the Golf Canada National Order of Merit in 2001.
At the collegiate level, Jon was a Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year in 1998, All Mid-American Conference team member from 1998-2001, 1st team All-American in 2000 and 3rd team All-American in 2001. In 2002, Jon was a medalist at the NCAA Division 1 Central Regional. Jon’s accomplishments as a player saw him inducted into the Kent State Hall of Fame in 2007, the same year he was named Score Canadian Male Golfer of the year.
On the professional stage, Jon won the Manitoba MTS Classic in 2002 and the Canadian Tour Order of Merit. While competing in Independent Professional Tournaments, Jon won the Toledo Open and Western Pennsylvania Open. While on the Nationwide Tour, he won the 2005 CPGA Championship and the Boise Open in 2007. Jon’s PGA career included 70 PGA Tour Events with career winnings of over $576,000 and on the Web.com Tour and additional 184 events amassing winnings of over $1.2 Million. During this time, Jon qualified for three US Opens at Oakmont in 2007, Torrey Pines in 2008 (where he tied at 36), and Congressional in 2011.
Mills now uses his skills and expertise to shape the next generation of golfers. Currently the Head Coach of the Golf Team at Kent State University since 2019 after serving as Assistant Coach since 2016, he helped lead the team to 5 Collegiate Championships and the Mid-American Conference Title in 2016-2017 and in 2019, advanced to the NCAA Championship.
What does it feel like to be inducted into the golf Ontario Hall of Fame?
“It’s obviously special to go in there and know my dad is in the Hall of Fame and that I’m in there now,” said Mills. “There’s a lot of great people who meant a lot to golf in Ontario and Canada; to be recognized in that group, I think it’s incredible.”
Nick Genovese
Born August 22, 1928, in Dundas, Ontario, Nick Genovese’s accomplishments as a golfer are numerous and span over fifty years, including an incredible thirty championship titles in Ontario, Western Canada and Nationally. On the International stage, his accomplishments included an incredible six Consolation finals Championships between 1950 and 1965.
Nick’s son John Accepting the award
Genovese was named the Ontario Blind Golfer’s Champion an incredible twelve times from 1950 to 1974, Western Canadian Blind Golfer’s Champion in 1959 and 1964, and Canadian Blind Golfer’s Champion six times from 1952 to 1967 in his early years of competition.
Later in his playing career, he added to these twenty championship titles with Ontario Visually Impaired Golf (OVIG) being declared the Totally Blind Division Champion seven times between 1991 and 1998 as well as OVIG Totally Blind Senior Men’s Champion three times between 2001 and 2004.
In 2004, at the age of 75, Nick Genovese was named the Oldest Totally Blind Golfer in North America.
Beyond the aforementioned provincial, national and international accolades, not to be forgotten is the May 31st, 1952 celebration on National Golf Day where Nick was awarded a medal for “I beat Ben Hogan” at the Burlington Ontario Golf and Country Club.
Perhaps no surprise given his golfing prowess, Nick Genovese was a multi-sport athlete recruited by the Brooklyn Dodgers in early 1946.
Mr. Genovese lost his sight due to a welding accident on Friday, April 13th, 1946. He took up golf in 1950 and was devoted to encouraging other sightless individuals to pursue their dreams in sport, business and life.
Although well known for his accomplishments in golf, Nick was even more well known for his singing prowess, having won several Kiwanis, CBC and CNE competitions. A winner in “The Voices of Tomorrow” Contest sponsored by a Buffalo, N.Y., T.V. station, Nick represented Upper-New York State at the Chicagoland Music Festival at Soldiers Field, Chicago, accompanied by a 100-piece symphony orchestra, before 80,000 people.
Nick was a mentor and an inspiration to many, as well as a staple to the sport of golf for the visually impaired.
“The first thing I did was cry because I was so proud of him,” mentioned his son John who accepted on his behalf. “I wished that he could have been here himself to tell his stories because he had a lot of them and played for a long time. As a family, we worked hard to put this together because we had to find proof that dad won as many championships as we thought he won.”
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 recognizing extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in the game of golf in Ontario. The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is housed at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge, founded in 2000 by the Ontario Golf Association and the Ontario Ladies’ Golf Association.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
60th Ontario Senior Women’s Championship Plays out at Midland G&CC from July 26-28
Golf Ontario
Midland, ON – The Ontario Senior Women’s Championship will host its 60th championship at Midland Golf & Country Club from July 26-28. The tournament, first conducted in 1962, will feature Ontario’s best female golfers 50 and over competing in 54-holes of stroke play.
“Midland Golf and Country Club is a 103-year-old historical and traditional golf course designed by Nicol Thompson,” explains Ian Kirkpatrick, General Manager at Midland Golf and Country Club. “Lined with mature trees, narrow fairways, small greens and natural topography. It is certainly a target golf style that plays longer than the yardage indicates. It is an enjoyable walk in a beautiful park setting.”
Marion Reid (Islington Golf Club Ltd.) is one golfer to watch this week. After a Bronze Medal finish in last year’s event, Reid will be back, looking to claim that top spot. Helene Chartrand (Summerlea Golf Club) is another competitor to look out for in this year’s championship. Chartrand was only three strokes behind Reid in the 2021 championship and will fight for that number one position in this year’s event. The field also includes the 2008 and 2009 winner, Ivy Steinburg.
Awards for the 2021 Ontario Senior Women’s Championship will be presented through a Championship flight and an “A” flight. The Championship flight will see recognition for the Overall Champion and a champion aged 60 years and older. In the “A” flight, there will be both a gross and net champion and a champion aged 70 and older.
Competitors will tee off at 7:30 am on Tuesday, July 26, for round one of the tournament. Check out our Golf Genius Page for qualifying, tee assignments, tee times, and leaderboard information.
About The Ontario Senior Women’s Championship
The inaugural Ontario Senior Women’s Championship was conducted in 1962 and has been contested annually, featuring the province’s best female amateurs age 50 and over.
The event has had several notable past champions, including World Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, who captured the title six times. Also, the Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Gayle Borthwick picked up the trophy six times. Recent winners include Ivy Steinberg (2008 and 2009), Terrill Samuel (2011, 2020) as well as Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Mary Ann Hayward (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2019) and 2017 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Champion Judith Kyrinis (2016, 2017, 2018, 2021).
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, 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
Competitors gave Braeben Golf Course their best effort for three days at the Ontario Summer Games in Mississauga in the hopes of topping the leaderboard.
Hamilton Halton Junior Golf Tour claimed the gold medal for the boy’s team event over three fun yet gruelling days of competition. Ethan Irvine led the team to a narrow victory after battling with the competition all weekend.
In the girl’s team event, Jamieson Junior Golf tour took a comfortable lead on the final day to ensure their place at the top of the podium. Emily Young of Kingsville Golf and Country Club paved the way to a gold medal for her team.
On the boys’ side, Hamilton Halton Junior Golf Tour saw a fantastic performance from Ethan Irvine, shooting a 65 (-7) on the final day to claim the team’s spot on the podium for his team.
Irvine shot well enough to secure him the gold medal in the individual boy’s competition. Irvine was followed by Ben Sheridan of Ottawa Valley Golf Association in the silver medal position and Christian Morneau of the Jamieson Junior Golf Tour for third.
The girls had a tight race all weekend, but Emily Young topped the rest of the playing field and won the gold medal in the girls’ individual stroke play after a great weekend shooting 81-79-79. Avery Nordman of Ottawa Valley Golf Association followed behind to claim the silver medal. Vanessa Ardovini from Jamieson Junior Golf Tour took the bronze medal.
Congratulations to all players on a great weekend and thank you to the games and Braeben Golf Course for your hospitality. For final standings and scores, check out the leaderboard here.
About the Ontario Summer Games
The Ontario Summer Games were first delivered in 1973 by the City of Oshawa. Since then, the Games have grown to host over 3500 participants competing in 19 sports. The Mississauga 2022 Ontario Summer Games will be the 26th edition.
Sarnia, ON – Our province’s best Senior Men’s golfers prepare to face off in the 2022 Ontario Senior Men’s Championship from July 25-27 at Sarnia Golf & Curling Club. This championship, presented by Sarnia Lambton Tourism, includes competitors aged 55 and older, who face off in 54-holes of stroke play to determine the 2022 provincial champion. Sarnia Golf & Curling Club last hosted this tournament in 2008, when Brian Jeffrey would take home the victory.
“The Sarnia Golf & Curling Club and the Sarnia-Lambton area are extremely excited to host the upcoming Ontario Senior Men’s Golf Championship,” said Jamie Parkinson, Head Golf Professional at Sarnia Golf & Curling Club. “Our golf course is in excellent shape, and from hosting past championship events, we know it will be a true test to all the participants in this year’s field. We look forward to welcoming the players, our sponsors, the Golf Ontario Team and all the spectators July 24th through July 27th.”
The championship includes not only a Senior Men’s Champion crowned but also a champion for ages 65 and over and ages 70 and over divisions.
2021 Champion Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood GC) has gotten off to a hot start to the 2022 season after winning the Men’s Mid-Master division at the Men’s Mid-Am Championship earlier this summer. Chinner will be trying to win this event in back-to-back years, although he will have to face off against some tough competition. Ten-time Golf Ontario Champion Dave Bunker (Cherry Hill Club) will be looking to reclaim his throne after finishing second place behind Chinner last year. Also, watch for the 2019 Champion and 2022 Ontario Senior Men’s Match Play Champion, Dave Greenaway (Barrie CC). Other past winners include Mark Brewer (Whitevale GC), John Murphy (Heritage Hills GC), Christopher Kertsos (Public Player), and Larry Cooper (Mississauga G&CC). Rob Cowan is fresh off qualifying for the 2022 USGA Senior Men’s Amateur.
Action from the championship will tee off at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 25th. Check out our Golf Genius Page here for qualifying, tee times, and leaderboard information.
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 most outstanding 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.
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
Ontario Disability Championship Part of an Exciting Week at Woodington Lake GC
Golf Ontario
Tottenham, ON – Woodington Lake Golf Club once again welcomes the Ontario Disability Championship from July 25th to 26th. The fourth year of this unique Championship showcases some of the top athletes with disabilities. This helps ensure an inclusive pathway and better competition opportunities for the highest performing athletes with disabilities.
This year is a special week at Woodington Lake, which also includes the first 2022 Ontario Hall of Fame ceremony on Sunday, July 24th, followed by the Disabilities Championship, and then leads into the PGA Tour Canada event, the Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Ontario Open July 27thto 31st.
For Mike Kelly, CEO of Golf Ontario, this event is an important pillar of Golf Ontario’s strategic plan. “Golf For All is a very important theme that is central to our strategic plan. This Ontario Disability Championship is a critical way for us to raise awareness about golfers with disabilities and to showcase some of the amazing talent at this Championship. “It is particularly exciting that this event allows participants to play for fun in a net division or the gold medal and accumulate World Ranking Points,” added Kelly.
The Championship consists of 36-holes of stroke play, as both the Men and Women will battle for their respective titles across four divisions: Men’s Gross Champion, Women’s Gross Champion, Men’s Net Champion, and Women’s Net Champion.
Returning to try and win their fourth consecutive Ontario Disability title is Natasha Stasiuk (Heron Point Golf Links) and Kurtis Barkley (Cedar Glen GC), respectively.
The action begins July 25th at 8:30 am. For tee times and leaderboard information, check out our Golf Genius webpage.
About the Ontario Disability Championship
Since 2019, Woodington Lake Golf Club has hosted the Ontario Disability Championship. Played over a 36-hole competition for Men and Women, the Ontario Disability Championship is an inclusive event in which athletes with disabilities compete in a provincial championship environment. The Championship promotes awareness and participation for golfers with disabilities and provides a platform for future talent identification. In addition, the Ontario Disability Championship is a counting event on the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD).
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, 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
Golf Canada partners with Osprey Valley to build a new home for Canadian golf
Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario will join Golf Canada in relocating their corporate headquarters to Caledon, Ont. and supporting its vision to establish a home campus for Canadian golf
From Golf Canada
July 20, 2022 – Golf Canada and Osprey Valley have announced a major partnership and bold vision to build a new Home for Canadian Golf – a momentous project that will see the National Sport Federation relocate its corporate base of operations to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont.
In addition to Golf Canada’s national headquarters and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, the vision for the Canadian golf campus on the grounds of TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley will feature the national headquarters for First Tee – Canada, which will include a publicly accessible community putting green and an indoor training centre.
Golf Ontario and the Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC) have committed to relocating their corporate headquarters to Caledon, Ont., collaborating with Golf Canada to embrace the golf community and develop a dynamic home campus for Canadian golf. The PGA of Canada has also committed to a strategic partnership with Golf Canada to assist in executing grassroots components and coaching and training activities.
The invitation for Canadian golf industry partners as well as government stakeholders, and long-time global affiliates at the R&A, PGA TOUR, and LPGA Tour to plug into the Home for Canadian Golf, will be a signature moment in the advancement of the sport of golf in Canada.
“Our vision to be a world leader in golf contemplates more than just a physical building—culture, collaboration, and innovation are critical elements,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Establishing a new headquarters and a Canadian golf campus with our partners to meet, play, train, plan, celebrate and collaborate represents a transformative moment to advance the sport. The vision that the Humeniuk family and the leadership group at Osprey Valley have invited us to be a part of with this world-class property is progressive and incredibly exciting.”
TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley is a renowned 54-hole golf facility in Peel Region, located in the heart of Caledon, Ont. The property is currently undergoing a significant privately funded expansion and commercial development that includes the construction of a new clubhouse and conference amenities as well as improvements to the practice facility and guest experience with accommodations and hosting facilities onsite.
For Osprey Valley President Chris Humeniuk, partnering with Golf Canada and industry partners to bring a Canadian golf campus to life is part of the ongoing story of Osprey Valley becoming a signature destination for Canadian golf and an effort to uplift the game of golf in Canada.
“We’re thrilled by the vision presented by Laurence and the entire Golf Canada team and are elated to collaborate with partners who share our vision of elevating golf to new heights in this country,” said Humeniuk. “Our family has long dreamed of Osprey Valley as a great Canadian golf destination. We believe this announcement is a wonderful addition to the momentum we’ve been fortunate to experience in recent years.”
TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley has welcomed a number of signature events in Canadian golf, including the Osprey Valley Open on PGA TOUR Canada as well as Golf Canada’s Junior Skills Challenge National Event. The facility has also hosted qualifier events for both the RBC Canadian Open and the US Open and has committed to hosting the 2026 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO.
In 2021, the Humeniuk Family Foundation and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley made a major chapter-founding gift to Golf Canada Foundation that aligns with the property serving as the national headquarters for First Tee – Canada.
Phase one of the Home for Canadian Golf project—which will include the corporate headquarters, a reinvigoration of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, and a 30,000-square-foot community putting green inspired by the Himalayas Putting Course in St. Andrews – will break ground in 2023 with expected completion by 2025.
The vision for phase two includes the development of First Tee – Canada National Headquarters that will support coaching education and programming for First Tee chapters across Canada. The indoor short game complex will double as a national talent identification centre for the next generation of Canadian players, bolstering Golf Canada’s goal to advance 30 Canadians to the LPGA and PGA Tours by 2032.
For the leadership group at Golf Ontario and the Club Management Association of Canada, joining forces on the Canadian golf campus was an opportunity for deeper collaboration across the sport.
“We are thrilled to rally and support this tremendous project and a new home for Canadian golf, helping to unify and provide the golf community a true base which will no doubt create efficiencies, inspire collaboration, and help introduce more participants to our great sport,” said Golf Ontario CEO Mike Kelly.
“Our purpose is to develop, promote and support the profession of club management by providing educational and networking opportunities for our members, including golf, city, multi-sport, yacht, faculty and social clubs,” said Suzanne Godbehere, CEO of the Club Management Association of Canada. “Integrating CMAC’s operation into the Canadian golf campus really is a special opportunity for thought sharing with our partners.”
The PGA of Canada and their members will plug into the Canadian golf campus with the delivery of grassroots programs as well as training, education, and coaching upon the completion of phase two.
“Having a destination for PGA of Canada professionals to come together for education and junior golf program development, including First Tee – Canada training, will be a huge boost for the growth of our sport,” said Kevin Thistle, CEO of the PGA of Canada. “Collaboration and innovation with partners have always been driving forces in Canadian golf, and there is no doubt that a campus environment will bolster these experiences.”
Cost for phase one of the Home for Canadian Golf project is estimated at approx. $20M and the financial funding model will be led by Golf Canada along with a donation from Osprey Valley. Phase two of development is expected to cost $10M and will only proceed upon successful fundraising campaigns supported by the Golf Canada Foundation and private donors as well as through naming rights, contributions from industry partners, and government support.
The Home for Canadian Golf project aligns with a multi-million-dollar Drive Campaign launched by the Golf Canada Foundation to fund First Tee – Canada headquarters, chapters, and programming, along with enhancements to Team Canada’s high-performance program. To date, $36.9M of the $70M fundraising goal has been secured through major gift donations.
“We’re excited to partner with the Humeniuk family, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, and Golf Canada on a new Home for Canadian Golf,” said Golf Canada Foundation CEO Martin Barnard. “Not only will this become home for the Foundation, but it will also anchor the Drive Campaign, unprecedented in Canadian sport. Our major donor Trustees have a long history of supporting up-and-coming Canadian players and have now also put substantial support behind launching First Tee in Canada, ensuring broad access for all young Canadians to the character-building life lessons the sport of golf can provide.”
The Town of Caledon has already extended its support towards becoming a hub community for Canadian golf with a recommendation to the Regional Municipality of Peel to approve a $2.5M investment towards bringing the project to life.
“I am thrilled that Caledon will be the new home of Golf Canada’s National Headquarters and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum,” said Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson. “In addition to the significant economic benefits to our community, the campus will also feature the youth development program, First Tee, an accessible program designed to empower and inspire youth through sport – This is GREAT news for Caledon.”
Hicks Design Studio has been selected by Golf Canada as the architect of record to bring the Canadian golf campus to life.
The announcement of the Home for Canadian Golf follows several years of due diligence by Golf Canada to explore a long-term solution and forward-looking vision for the relocation of its corporate headquarters as well as the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, which are currently located on the grounds of Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
Once complete, the Home for Canadian Golf will be a multifaceted, world-class tourist facility that will support community recreational benefits; drive inclusivity and community among equity-deserving youth; and become a foundational pillar that supports grassroots participation and high-performance golf.
About Golf Canada
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada, representing more than 304,000 golfers and 1,435 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
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.
Media Contacts:
Dan Pino Sr. Director, Communications, Golf Canada 416-434-5525 dpino@golfcanada.ca
Brian Decker Director, Marketing & Communications, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley 905-220-9590 bdecker@ospreyvalley.com
Peter MacKellar Manager, Marketing, Design & Communications, Golf Ontario pmackellar@gao.ca
Scarborough – A thrilling late victory highlighted the 100th playing of the 2022 Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship from Scarboro Golf & Country Club. Sunshine beamed down on the course, heating up play, especially for the new champ, Peyton Callens, who fired a scorching 7-under (64).
Callens would make a solid late push late in the round, including a hat-trick of birdies on the final three holes to claim the title, highlighted by a chip-in birdie on the 17th. Owen Kim (Hamilton Golf & Country Club) and Aidan Gavey (Golf Canada Club – Ontario) tied for second place. Kim also had a wonderful day firing a -5 (66) on his round. In total, twelve players would shoot under par on a tough final day.
I hit the same as the first few days, today the flat stick just got hot. It just started to peak, which made the difference,” said Callens after the round. He added, “I think the confidence I found yesterday carried over to today.”
Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the centennial Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship. As well, a huge thank you to Scarboro Golf & Country Club for hosting this terrific week. 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. We’re extremely grateful for all your continued support.
For media coverage of the Ontario Men’s Amateur 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 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 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
