The 2022 Golf Ontario Championship Season Kicks off Victoria Day Weekend with Junior Spring Classics
Golf Ontario
Girls play May 21-23 at Sawmill GC
Boys are May 22-24 from Wooden Sticks
Fenwick/Uxbridge, ON – The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships are back and ready to tee off this Victoria Day weekend and the 2022 Golf Ontario Championship Season! These Championships feature many of Ontario’s best under 19 male and female golfers who gained entry into the competition through one of our qualifiers earlier this Spring or by exemption based on past results. They will all be looking to take home the WD Randolph Millage Trophy.
Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Spring Classic Championship
From May 21-23, Sawmill Golf Course will welcome the Girls (U19) Junior Spring Classic Championship. The course, designed by Gord Witteveen and Nicol Thompson, opened for play in 1976 to humble beginnings. The layout took advantage of the existing natural features and planted many trees. For over forty-five years, they’ve continued to improve and now are considered one of Niagara’s most popular courses.
“Sawmill is honoured to host the Junior Girls Spring Classic and kick off the 2022 competitive golf season in Ontario. We are becoming known for hosting awesome junior events due to the support of our Membership, enthusiastic volunteers, special sponsors, and our unique extras,” said Manager Carrie Julie. “We are guaranteeing the best 60 girls in Ontario a tremendous experience. After a wet spring in Niagara, the course has come along beautifully. The players can expect premium conditions for this early in the season. Bring on the girls next weekend – we can’t wait to host Ontario’s best!”
Last year, Lauren Zaretsky of Ladies’ GC of Toronto/Maple Downs G&CC, took home the gold after a terrific -7 (209) performance. Her skillful play put her 10-strokes ahead of second place.
Team Ontario will be in full swing this year, with all ten Team Ontario girls competing for the Spring Classic title. In 2021, Team Ontario saw 3 team members finish in the top three. Ashley Lafontaine, Alissa Xu, and Alessandra Nagayo will try to improve upon their 2021 finish while fellow member Peyton Costabile, is coming off a win at the 2021 Ontario Junior Girls (U19) Championship.
Tee times for Round 1 on Saturday, May 21st, begin at 11:00 am. To view full tee times, tournament info and follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic Championship
While the girls compete out in Fenwick, the boys will be competing in their own Spring Classic Championship returning to Wooden Sticks Golf Course in Uxbridge, May 22-24. Wooden Sticks is more than simply a place to golf. It is a tribute to this great game’s rich history and grand traditions, with 12 of the 18 holes at Wooden Sticks inspired by different famous golf holes. During a round, you will envision yourself playing off the road in Scotland, across a famous creek in Georgia, onto an island in Florida, and through pine forests in New Jersey.
“We’re looking forward to once again being the host club for the U19 Boys Spring Championship! Our course is in superb condition, and it is always wonderful to see so many talented, promising players at this event,” exclaimed Steve Wilson, Head Professional at Wooden Sticks Golf Club. The Juniors we see are always so thrilled to have the opportunity to play a Championship-worthy course under these conditions. We’re extremely proud to contribute to their development in this manner. Looking forward to seeing you all soon!”
At last year’s Spring Classic, Owen Kim, a Team Ontario member, defeated his fellow teammates Ryan Somerville (Summit Golf and Country Club) and Andre Zhu (National Pines Golf Club). Kim sunk a great 20+ foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to claim the win. The three Team Ontario golfers all finished eight-under (205) on the weekend, while Justin Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club) finished closely behind at six-under.
This year, Owen Kim returns to the Spring Classic, looking to repeat his performance with all ten Team Ontario boys in the mix as well. The annual long weekend classic will be exciting between them and many other skilled players in the field as they all look to add their names to an impressive list of previous champions.
Tee times for Round 1 on Sunday, May 22st, will get underway at noon. To view tee times and the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.
About the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships
The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship is contested annually usually over the Victoria Day long weekend and features many of Ontario’s best male and female junior golfers. The field of competitors gained entry to the competition through a qualifying process earlier in the season.
To read more about the boy’s and girls’ results from last year, click here.
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 over 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.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season. Our complete 2022 Championship schedule can be found here.
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 Ontario welcomes two key members to our Staff
Golf Ontario
Today, Golf Ontario is proud to announce two new key hires that have joined our staff. Nick Taylor joins us as Senior Director, Marketing starting April 14, 2022, and Alexia Tam has just begun serving as our Manager, Diversity Equity Inclusion, HR & Safeguarding.
Nick Taylor (not the golfer:) joins Golf Ontario after building a diverse career across both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, with experience working in markets across Canada and worldwide.
Most recently, Nick served as the Director of Development for Athletics & Recreation at Ryerson University. His focus was on alumni & supporter engagement and managing a portfolio of donors and prospects from annual giving levels to significant and principal gift donors.
Before working in post-secondary education, Nick was part of a high-performing team at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (PMCF), serving as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Senior Director of Corporate & Community Partnerships. Over his seven years with PMCF, Nick designed and delivered Canada’s top-grossing single-day golf fundraiser for cancer research, known as Golf to Conquer Cancer, which raised $7 million. He also served the foundation as one of two executives driving the strategy behind the celebrated Princess Margaret Lottery.
In the eight years before joining PMCF, Nick was the Director of Marketing and Commercial Operations for Rugby Canada, a National Sport Organization and member of World Rugby. From 2005 to 2012, the organization experienced its most significant growth years on and off the field.
Nick’s professional experience includes ten years with globally recognized luxury retailer Tiffany & Co. (Canada). In addition, he worked in retail management and B2B corporate sales management with some of Canada’s best-managed companies and brands among his clients.
In joining the team at Golf Ontario, Nick hopes to complement the organization’s strengths and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve new heights of achievement for golf in Ontario.
“Having stepped away from the amateur sport sector ten years ago to serve one of the country’s largest healthcare foundations, the timing is right to return to amateur sport and all the wonderful values inherent with Golf Ontario,” said Taylor. “I am excited to be joining a team that has delivered significant results against their last strategic plan, as the shift towards the next four years starts to take shape.”
Alexia Tam is a Safe Sport and Athlete Welfare Expert who has demonstrated her commitment and passion for safe, inclusive and healthy sport for the last ten years. She has received several awards and scholarships for her academic contributions to the field of Safe Sport and her interest in the area has been augmented by collaboration with several sports organizations on the development of education, training, and policy implementation. In addition, she has shared her research and recommendations for best practices at several national and international conferences. Through her rich exposure to sport, as an academic, sports practitioner, a coach and an athlete, Alexia is committed to continuing to be an advocate for sport.
Alexia has collaborated with several sport organizations throughout her career with program development, stakeholder education, and program evaluation, including the Coaching Association of Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Coaches Association of Ontario. Alexia is also on the Board of Directors with Football Ontario and is joining us from Alpine Canada.
After spending nearly two decades as an athlete before turning her attention to coaching, Alexia knows what truly drives success in sport – both on and off the field of play. Her football career started over 15 years ago – when opportunities for women were far and few in between. Since her first day on the field, she’s been committed to bettering herself as an athlete, a coach, and now as a professional in the field. Alexia always says that sport has played an integral role in her identity formation and is excited to create spaces for athletes to make their own positive memories of sport.
Alexia holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology and a Master’s of Science from the University of Toronto and is currently completing her doctorate degree at Canterbury Christ Church University in the United Kingdom.
“I am thrilled to be joining Golf Ontario to support their Safe Sport and DEI portfolio. Safe, inclusive and accessible sport is fundamental for all participants,” said Tam. “I am excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to engaging with the golf community in Ontario.”
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.
MURRELS INLET, S.C.— Despite a valiant effort on a beautiful day two, Team Ontario couldn’t catch Team South Carolina, falling 44 ½ -27 ½ at the 2022 Can-Am Matches.
The Matches, held at the Wachesaw Plantation Club in Murrels Inlet, South Carolina, capped off two weeks of training for Team Ontario. Perfect temperatures greeted players on both days and set up some exceptional play despite some gusty periods.
Arriving March 4th, the Team had a great couple of weeks with plenty of practice and team-building, experiencing some of the best courses in Myrtle Beach. Team Ontario was fortunate to play Barefoot Golf Resort, Aero Club Short Course, The True Blue Golf Club, The Reserve Golf Club and Wachesaw Plantation Club. During that time, the Team worked on physical, mental, and technical training while also going through specific testing measures using tracking technology. Other activities during this trip included attending the General Hackler College Invitational from March 12th to 13th to watch NCAA Division 1 schools in action.
The Can-Am Junior Team festivities teed off Friday with the Junior Am event, dinner, and opening ceremonies welcoming the athletes to Wachesaw Plantation Club. The juniors played a round with members and event sponsors in a pro-am style. Following this, March 19th and 20th saw two days of competitive and challenging golf between the two sides in a quest to claim the historic and prestigious title.
Saturday, the Juniors competed in Four-Ball Match Play with a significant change to the format that made the event even more exciting and unique. The Four-Ball Matches were mixed partners meaning Girl/Boy from Ontario versus Girl/Boy from South Carolina. Sunday brought the return of the classic single matches.
Day one produced some rusty play at times, and although the juniors fought hard throughout the round, saw Team Ontario drop in overall points 17-7.
“Playing in these Matches’ format, things can change drastically very fast,” noted Head Coach Reggie Millage. “I thought our play was decent. It shows we are getting closer and how strong our athletes are. It is a big boost to play well coming out of our winter when you consider South Carolina is in the middle of their season and playing year round.”
The deficit proved too big a hill to climb by the end of day two despite some stellar efforts. Justin Mathews took all 3 points while Emma Hansen, Payton Constible, Ashley Lafontaine, Zach Smith and Ryan Somerville secured 2 ½ points each.
Millage was happy to be back at the event despite the loss. “It was great to be back at Wachesaw after the hiatus to a great venue as always. The kids got to see some great golf and get into a competition they don’t any other time in junior golf.”
Golf Ontario would like to thank all of the courses and their staff and members for hosting the Team. Thanks also to their SCJGA for their continued support of the matches.
About the Can-Am Junior Team Matches (SCJGF)
In the 20 plus years, the Can-Am Junior Team Matches have seen over 125 South Carolina junior golfers who participated in these matches play competitive golf at the collegiate level. A select few of these youngsters have followed up their Can-Am competitions with NCAA National Championships, a FedEx Cup Title, and President’s Cup Team Member! Read more on their website.
About Team Ontario
The Team Ontario program is a unique opportunity for identified athletes in Ontario. They can expect to receive the very best in coaching services, training/competitive opportunities, and peer support as they continue their journey towards excellence in golf and life. Being part of the Team O program is a tremendous accomplishment, but the hard work and dedication don’t end there. The Team Ontario program places considerable emphasis on developing lifelong excellence in all facets, including time and self-management, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, tactical strategies, and technical feedback.
Our gracious host, the South Carolina Junior Golf Association, welcomes Team Ontario back to Wachesaw Plantation Club for two days of competition this weekend to defend their 2019 title. Following two years of cancelled Can-Am Junior Team Matches, Team Ontario’s Head Coach, Reggie Millage, discussed the exciting opportunities these athletes have to gain from this experience. “The Can-Am Matches are always one of the most anticipated events on the calendar for the athletes, coaches and staff at Golf Ontario,” explained Millage. “The last two years have been very challenging, making this year’s Matches even more special. I believe we are even more grateful and appreciative to have these opportunities.”
The Can-Am Junior Team festivities will tee off today with the Junior Am event, dinner, and opening ceremonies to welcome the athletes to Wachesaw Plantation Club. Juniors will play a round with members and event sponsors in a pro-am style. Following this, March 19th and 20th will see two days of competitive and challenging fun between the two sides in a quest to claim the historic and prestigious title.
Saturday, the Juniors will compete in Four-Ball Match Play with a significant change this year to the format that will make the event even more exciting and unique. The Four-Ball Matches will be mixed partners meaning Girl/Boy from Ontario versus Girl/Boy from South Carolina. Sunday will bring the return of the classic 1v1 matches.
*Team Ontario in Green Bold Below
DAY 1 MATCHES (SATURDAY)
Match 1 – 11:00 a.m.
O’Connor / Ibit v. Messimer / Faulkner
Match 2 – 11:10 a.m.
Li / Ellis v. Paolucci / Walmet
Match 3 – 11:20 a.m.
Costabile / Diogenous v. Altman/Harrison
Match 4 – 11:30 a.m.
Gallagher / Weber v. Siehl / Price
Match 5 – 11:40 a.m.
Kelly / Matthews v. Franks / Lenning
Match 6 – 11:50 a.m.
Lafontaine / Pero v. Rawl / Adams
Match 7 – 12:00 p.m.
Nagayo / Latter v. Roberts / Gregory
Match 8 – 12:10 p.m.
Xu / Somerville v. Anderson / Sullivan
DAY 2 MATCHES (SUNDAY)
Match 9 – 8:30 a.m.
Lindsay McGrath v. Paige Paolucci
Match 10 – 8:38 a.m.
Emma Hansen v. Abby Franks
Match 11 – 8:46 a.m.
Payton Costabile v. Hannah Altman
Match 12 – 8:54 a.m.
Sarah Gallagher v. Alexia Siehl
Match 13 – 9:02 a.m.
Nyah Kelly v. Isabella Rawl
Match 14 – 9:10 a.m.
Alissa Xu v. Madison Messimer
Match 15 – 9:18 a.m.
Alessandra Nagayo v. Sydney Roberts
Match 16 – 9:26 a.m.
Ashley Lafontaine v. Adrian Anderson
Match 17 – 9:34 a.m.
Luke Smith v. Burch Harrison
Match 18 – 9:42 a.m.
Michael Weber v. Hugh Faulkner
Match 19 – 9:50 a.m.
Cameron Pero v. Tip Price
Match 20 – 9:58 a.m.
Zach Smith v. Luke Walmet
Match 21 – 10:06 a.m.
Thomas Latter v. Andrew Gregory
Match 22 – 10:14 a.m.
Justin Matthews v. Zach Adams
Match 23 – 10:22 a.m.
Andreas Diogenous v. Major Lenning
Match 24 – 10:30 a.m.
Ryan Somerville v. Rowan Sullivan
To follow along with the Team Ontario’s South Carolina experience and the Can-Am Junior Team Matches, check out the Team’s (@TeamGolfOntario) Twitter and Instagram accounts for live updates and coverage.
About the Can-Am Junior Team Matches (SCJGF)
In the 20 plus years, the Can-Am Junior Team Matches have seen over 125 South Carolina junior golfers who had participated in these matches go on to play competitive golf at the collegiate level. A select few of these youngsters have followed up their Can-Am competitions with NCAA National Championships, a FedEx Cup Title, and President’s Cup Team Member! Read more on their website.
About Team Ontario
The Team Ontario program is a unique opportunity for identified athletes in Ontario. They can expect to receive the very best in coaching services, training/competitive opportunities, and peer support as they continue their journey towards excellence in golf and life. Being selected to be part of the Team O program is a tremendous accomplishment but the hard work and dedication don’t end there. The Team Ontario program places considerable emphasis on developing life long excellence in all facets including time and self-management, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, tactical strategies, and technical feedback.
Team Ontario Returns to South Carolina to Defend Junior Can-Am Matches Title
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, ON – March has arrived, which means it’s time to let the madness begin… Golf madness, that is! As the 2019 defending champions of the Can-Am Junior Team Matches, Team Ontario will start their journey down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on March 4th for just over two weeks of training camp and competition.
Our gracious host, the South Carolina Golf Association, will welcome Team Ontario back to Wachesaw Plantation Club for three days of competition to defend their 2019 title. Following two years of cancelled Can-Am Junior Team Matches, Team Ontario’s Head Coach, Reggie Millage, is excited for the athletes to gain this golf experience. They’ll put their skills to the test against the top eight junior boys and girls from South Carolina. “The Can-Am Matches are always one of the most anticipated events on the calendar for the athletes, coaches and staff at Golf Ontario,” explained Millage. “The last two years have been very challenging, making this year’s Matches even more special. I believe we are even more grateful and appreciative to have these opportunities. I can’t wait to get back to one of my favourite places at Wachesaw Plantation and reconnect with all the wonderful people that make this event happen.”
“The last two years have been very challenging, making this year’s Matches even more special. I believe we are even more grateful and appreciative to have these opportunities.”
Reggie Millage, Team Ontario Head Coach
Starting March 5th, our partner Play Golf Myrtle Beach and the stunning Barefoot Golf Resort will host Team Ontario for thirteen days of training camp. During this time, the Team will work on physical, mental, and technical training, while also going through specific testing measures using tracking technology. Other activities during this trip include attending the General Hackler College Invitational from March 12th to 13th to watch NCAA Division 1 schools in action.
All twenty Team Ontario athletes will attend the training camp and Can-Am Matches. From the girls’ side is, Alessandra Nagayo, Alissa Xu, Ashley Lafontaine, Emma Hansen, Krystal Li, Lindsay McGrath, Nyah Kelly, Peyton Costabile, Sarah Gallagher, and Tara O’Connor. Andreas Diogenous, Cameron Pero, Isaiah Ellis, Isaiah Ibit, Justin Matthews, Luke Smith, Michael Weber, Ryan Somerville, Thomas Latter, and Zach Smith will all be present on the boys’ side.
Head Coach Reggie Millage will join these athletes along with Sports Psychologist Charles Fitzsimmons, Dr. Bradley Murray, Director of Competitions and Performance John Lawrence, Junior Performance Coordinator Evan Arsenault, Regional Coordinator Alexandra Taylor, and Manager of Marketing and Communications Peter MacKellar. In addition, Ontario Golf Academy’s (Whistle Bear Golf Club) Development Coach and former Team Ontario athlete Alyssa Getty, PGA, will also be making the journey to Myrtle Beach.
The Can-Am Junior Team Matches will tee off on March 18th with the Junior Am event, dinner, and opening ceremonies to welcome the athletes to Wachesaw Plantation Club. Juniors will play a round with members and event sponsors in a pro-am style for the Junior Am event. Following this, March 19th and 20th will be best-ball matches and single matches. More details and coverage will be published as training camp and competition gets underway.
To follow along with the Team Ontario’s South Carolina experience and the Can-Am Junior Team Matches, check out the Team’s (@TeamGolfOntario) Twitter and Instagram accounts for live updates and coverage.
About the Can-Am Junior Team Matches (SCJGF)
In the 20 plus years, the Can-Am Junior Team Matches have seen over 125 South Carolina junior golfers who had participated in these matches go on to play competitive golf at the collegiate level. A select few of these youngsters have followed up their Can-Am competitions with NCAA National Championships, a FedEx Cup Title, and President’s Cup Team Member! Read more on their website.
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 further information, visit our website.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing Communications – Golf Ontario pmackellar@gao.ca
Golf Ontario Welcomes Two New Additions to the Board of Directors
Golf Ontario
As Golf Ontario’s valued stakeholders, staff, and Board of Directors welcome the 2022 season with open arms and a bright vision of Golf for All, we are delighted to announce the extension of President and Vice-President terms and the introduction of two new directors to the board.
Respectively, Susan Vail and Leslie Ferrari have served on the board since 2017 and 2018. Elected to President and Vice-President of the Board of Directors in 2021, the extension of their terms for another year will allow Golf Ontario to continue its forward momentum in growing the game of golf with the support of their dedicated leadership. With our focus on Golf for All,Vail wants to build on the framework created in 2021 with the help of Korn Ferry. “We have a plan, a policy and committed staff and board members ready to help create welcoming environments for underserved groups. These groups include youth, women, people of colour, people with disabilities, indigenous peoples, the 2SLGBTQ+ community… and many others who have not yet had the opportunity to experience what golf has to offer,” explained Vail. “The bar was raised in 2021. Let’s do even more in 2022 to shape lives through golf!”
Joining the Board of Directors in 2022, we welcome David Herrera and Julian Franklin.
Head of People and Organization Analytics for Korn Ferry, David Herrera joins the Golf Ontario Board of Directors with more than 15 years of consulting experience. A passionate DE&I practitioner and subject matter expert, David has advised several organizations globally to become more diverse and inclusive to their talent and customers/clients.
“As a visible minority, immigrant, member of the LGBTQ+ community, and management consultant, I hope that I can bring my experience and perspectives to make Golf more accessible to all and continue to have a positive impact in our communities,” explained Herrera.
While David is an amateur golfer, he has found passion in the game and supporting the development of communities and youth. He joins the board with ambitions to “develop an awareness of the benefits of golf and implement initiatives that will improve the accessibility of golf in Ontario.”
Following two challenging years, Herrera believes that “2022 should be a year of building bridges and stronger communities, and golf should be one of many enablers of this.”
A Canadian Marketing Hall of Fame member, Julian Franklin is a business leader with 20+ years of client and agency experience in consumer goods and the sporting industry. Julian’s expertise includes strategic planning, communications, and marketing. His career is distinguished by marketing leadership roles in Canada and the United States, where he has worked for industry-leading organizations.
“I am hoping to bring a perspective of someone whose affinity and passion for the game has grown as an adult,” expressed Franklin. “This perspective brings an understanding of how important a sport like golf can be to help shape our personal and professional outlooks.”
Julian’s corporate governance experience is extensive. He is also a Founding Member of POCAM (People of Colour in Advertising & Marketing). This association advocates the inclusion and advancement of Black, Indigenous, & People of Colour (BIPOC) within Marketing.
In joining the board, he aims to help “increase the participation and positive impact of golf at the youth and adult levels, for racialized and marginalized communities across Ontario.”
Please click here to learn more about Golf Ontario’s Board of Directors.
“The bar was raised in 2021. Let’s do even more in 2022 to shape lives through golf!”
Susan Vail, President, Golf Ontario
ABOUT GOLF ONTARIO:
The Golf Association of Ontario, operating as “Golf Ontario”, is the 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:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing Communications – Golf Ontario pmackellar@gao.ca
Today, and with this commitment to DEI in mind, Golf Ontario is thrilled to announce the launch of the Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship, the first provincial golf championship for indigenous people in Canada. “It is our honour to play a role in this inaugural championship event,” said Susan Vail, President of Golf Ontario. Open to golfers of First Nations (North American Indian), Métis, or Inuk (Inuit) descent, the inaugural Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship will be held on September 19-20, 2022, at the MontHill Golf and Country Club, hosted by Chief Mark Hill and the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. “Step by step, we are transforming the face of golf,” added Vail.
The Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship will be a 36-hole competition, taking place over two days and will be open to Ontario residents who are of First Nations, Métis, or Inuk descent. There will be both a Gross Championship division, and a Net Stableford division, and will be open to men and women of all ages.
Following the successful launch of the Ontario Disability Championship in 2019, the Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship will be another example of new ways to engage more people as part of Golf Ontario’s Championship schedule. “We are very excited to be launching the inaugural Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship in 2022 at Monthill Golf & Country Club”, said Mike Kelly, CEO of Golf Ontario. “As an organization, we have made significant strides in championing the advancement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and this new Championship will be another great example of new opportunities for all golfers and platform to build relationships with Indigenous communities for years to come. MontHill Golf & Country Club is built on First Nations land and will be a fantastic host for the first year of the Championship”, continued Kelly.
Golf Ontario will continue working closely with Indigenous leaders across the province to ensure that the launch of this Championship will be met with significant interest and excitement.
“We want to thank Golf Ontario for their commitment to growing the game of golf, and for launching the new Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship” said Championship Co-Chair Steve Tooshkenig. “This new Championship represents an amazing opportunity for people of all indigenous backgrounds to play in a true provincial championship and test their games against some of the best indigenous golfers in the province. Having both a net and gross division, will ensure that this event will attract golfers from a wide range of playing abilities, making it truly an inclusive event”, said Tooshkenig.
MontHill Golf and Country Club will be an ideal host for the inaugural Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship. “MontHill G & CC is honoured to host the inaugural Indigenous Golf Championship. Our 27 holes and world class facilities will provide a great setting for this special tournament. We look forward to an event that not only showcases great golf, but also leads to introduction, access, and growth of the game in First Nation communities,” said Championship Co-Chair Jesse Smith.
Details on player eligibility and registration will be available in the coming weeks.
“We are very excited to be launching the inaugural Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship in 2022 at Monthill Golf & Country Club“
Mike Kelly, CEO, Golf Ontario
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 MONTHILL GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB:
MontHill is one of the premier golf destinations in Southern Ontario. Located in the heart of Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, built on Indigenous land, and just 15 minutes from Hamilton airport, MontHill Golf & Country Club is committed to providing its members with an exceptional experience, both on and off the course. The professionally designed 27-hole, well-maintained golf course has some of the finest manicured greens in the area and will provide a great test for the Championship golfers.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing Communications – Golf Ontario pmackellar@gao.ca
Heartfelt condolences on the passing of Bill Duffield
Golf Ontario
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Duffield. A long-time volunteer and rules official and the 2007 President of the Golf Association of Ontario, Bill’s commitment to golf was unmatched.
Bill was the recipient of the Syl Apps Special Achievement Award in 2008.
Golf Ontario Championship Schedule is back in Full Swing in 2022
Golf Ontario
Uxbridge, ON – The Golf Ontario Championship Schedule returns to a full slate of events in 2022, showcasing our elite competitions across all championship categories. This is exciting news, and Golf Ontario is pleased to present the qualifiers, championships, and gracious host clubs for the entire 2022 Golf Ontario championship season.
With scheduling challenges related to COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021, Golf Ontario is bringing back many key events in 2022, and adding some exciting new ones. The Ontario Senior Men’s Match Play and separate Bantam (U15) and Juvenile (U17) Championships return for the 2022 season. Also, for the first time since 2009, a women’s division will be offered in the Ontario Public Amateur Championship. Any female players with a Golf Canada Public Player membership or a member of a Type 1 Golf Club (with property) that is not private or member of a Type 2 Golf Club (without property) are eligible to register for the event.
To View The Full 2022 Championship Schedule And Registration Opening Dates, CLICK HERE.
The 2022 schedule will feature 23 provincial championships hosted by member clubs across Ontario. “We are thrilled to be returning to a full lineup of events in 2022. I am proud of the work our team has done to deliver strong championship schedules in 2020 and 2021, in the face of significant scheduling challenges. We know the popularity of golf continues to skyrocket, and we look forward to some amazing events and world class facilities in 2022”, said John Lawrence, Director of Competitions and Performance.
In addition, we continue to ensure that the health and safety of all involved will continue to be our top priority as we adjust COVID-19 protocols accordingly over the upcoming months. “We’re looking forward to the return of warmer weather and getting back on the course to play the sport so many Ontarians have found a passion for,” expressed Golf Ontario Executive Director, Mike Kelly. “We’ve proven over the last two years that golf is safe and we will continue to promote a positive golf experience for our member facilities, players, volunteers, and staff.”
Registration for the 2022 Golf Ontario championship season will begin on Friday, February 18th, with staggered opening dates across the championships. We will continue to make announcements of any additional dates and venues or changes moving forward.
Highlights of the 2022 championship schedule:
The 2022 Championship season will tee off with the annual Junior Spring Classics, hosted over Victoria Day weekend
The 100th running of the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship takes to the prestigious Scarboro Golf and Country Club
Timberwolf Golf Club will host the 100th running of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship, the first Ontario Junior Championship held at Timberwolf GC since 2014
The Ontario Summer Games return in 2022 (more information to follow on qualifying)
Loyalist Golf and Country Club will welcome the 107th Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship just after Canada Day
South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club, a large supporter of junior golf with high NCAA success, will host their second ever Golf Ontario Championship
The Ontario Junior (U19) Boys and Girls Match Play Championship will be held by Port Hope Golf and Country Club, which was nominated for the 2021 Golf Digest remodel of the Year Award
Woodington Lake Golf Club welcomes back the Ontario Disabilities Championship for its fourth annual running (as well as hosting the Ontario Open, a PGA Tour Canada event)
Golf Ontario would like to thank those who have committed thus far to hosting tournaments, and for their continued support heading into the 2022 Championship season. For more information, visit our Provincial Championships page.
If you have any questions, you can email us at tournaments@gao.ca or contact one of our Competitions team members listed below:
Connor Doyle – Coordinator of Competition (905) 852-1101 ext. 229
Rob Watson – Manager of Competitions (905) 852-1101 ext. 223
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 450-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.
The Junior Golf Pathway Webinar Series is an informative web series providing Junior Golfers with access to industry professionals to help them learn and develop this off-season. The 2022 Webinar Series will have a variety of speakers and topics that will be useful to Junior Golfers at each level of the developmental pathway.
Please see below for more details on speakers, dates, times and other important information.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to reach the College golf level? On Friday, February 11th at 6:00 p.m., tune in with JGP & Coach Herb Page
Page served as the Head Men’s Golf Coach at Kent State University for decades and knows what it takes to succeed in college golf. He has also coached big names like Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, and Taylor Pendrith at Kent State.
