Newton Fires a Stellar 16-Under to be Crowned 2021 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Champ
Peter MacKellar
Cambridge, ON – Weather delays seemed to be the theme of the 99th Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship, as Whistle Bear Golf Club experienced an early morning storm creating a delay in tee times. Delayed 70 minutes heading into the final round of the championship, players teed off at 8:40 a.m. with sunshine finally poking through.
In an absolutely stellar four rounds of championship play, the newly crowned Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Champion is James Newton (Royal Ottawa GC). Shooting 68, 67, 70, and 67 over the four rounds left Newton with a clean 16-under total (272). The Royal Ottawa Golf Club player fired 24 birdies to give him a 13-stroke lead over silver medalist Ben MacLean (Cherry Hill). MacLean completed the championship with a tough closing round of 79 (285). Taking home bronze medalist hardware in a four-way tie is Shawn Sehra (Kingsville G&CC), Isaiah Ibit (Greyhawk GC), Sam Hogan (Rattlesnake Point GC), and Graem Costigan (Galt CC).
During his post win interview, Newton said “I’ve been coming to this tournament a lot over the past couple of years. I’ve always seen that everyone who’s won has played exceptionally well and I thought I played well enough this week to win it, and I did. It feels great and it’s the quite accomplishment, so I’m happy for what the future holds.” When asked what was going through his head coming down the stretch on 18, Newton commented “I saw all of the video’s cameras first, but I stuck to what I had been doing all week. I just had to hit four good shots; the fairway and two putted on the green.” With the championship win, Newton secures an exemption into the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship. It takes place at Ambassador Golf Club from August 2-5.
The Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship also awards the top 28 competitors a quota spot for the Canadian Junior Boys’ Championship. This is quite the achievement and we wish you the best of luck in competition. This championship will be hosted at Vallee du Richelieu in Quebec from August 9-12.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, rules officials, staff, and members for their support of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship. To Whistle Bear Golf Club, Director of Golf Adam Tobin, Superintendent Tom Kinsman, and all their hard-working staff, thank you for being gracious hosts on such a spectacular course. A big thank you to the host club members and volunteers, as we couldn’t put on these championship events without your help. Lastly, a huge thank you to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, TaylorMade, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, Solo Golf, and Sport Travel. We are grateful for your continued support.
To view the leaderboards from the 2021 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship, visit our Golf Genius page. For media coverage, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page and view photo albums.
About the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship
First contested in 1923, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship is open to male golfers 18 years of age and under, who have earned entry through one of our qualifiers held across the province, or earned exemptions from prior achievements. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. Past winners of the event include: Gerry Kesselring, Gary Cowan, Stu Hamilton, Mike Weir, Jon Mills and Albin Choi.
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.
Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (as of July 21st, **subject to change)
At all times, and in all places, 2-metre physical distancing should be respected.
Coaches and spectators are permitted at Golf Ontario Championships and Qualifiers with capacity limits. Spectators must check-in at registration, complete a wellness check and pick up accreditation before being allowed on the course.
Peter MacKellar, Manager,
Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Brockville CC Excited to Welcome the 2021 Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Championship
Peter MacKellar
Brockville, ON – The best Junior Girls from across the province will be teeing it up August 2nd to 5th, as Brockville Country Club and Golf Ontario look forward to welcoming the 2021 Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Championship.
The Brockville Country Club membership is thrilled to be welcoming the elite field to test their course. Brockville CC’s General Manager, Jason Walmark, said “we’re really looking forward to it. With the committee and volunteers, we’ve had many meetings to prepare ourselves for this. We can’t state enough how excited we are to be selected to host this tournament. We had the opportunity to have a delayed opening to the season, which gave the greens crew, headed by lead Superintendent Ryan Sloan, a lot of time to get the course in tip-top shape. The fairways are in great shape, the greens are spectacular, and the course is definitely in mid-summer condition.” When asked to describe the course, Walmark commented, “when you look at it on a scorecard it doesn’t look like it’s an extremely long course, but we can stress that it is a very difficult golf course. You have to play the course smart because if you don’t there are a lot of penalty areas that will sneak up and grab you. You have to be very strategic off the tee, really play the golf course, and there are certain holes that you need to just accept a par. You have to respect the golf course that’s for sure.”
The championship will welcome a field of 90 players, including those exempt. After 36 holes, the low 48 scores and ties will move forward for an additional 36 holes of competition. Recent Golf Ontario champions to keep an eye on include 2021 Junior Girls’ Spring Classic champion, Lauren Zaretsky (Ladies GC of Toronto/ Maple Down G&CC), 2019 Juvenile Girls’ and 2020 Bantam Girls’ Champion, Kelly Zhao (Station Creek GC), and 2020 Super Camp champion, Alessandra Nagayo (Public Player).
Team Ontario players in attendance are Ella Weber (Rattlesnake Point GC), Rozlyn Rooke (Blue Springs GC), Alexis McMurray (Blue Springs GC), Alessandra Nagayo (Public Player), Jillian Friyia (Highland CC), and Bo Brown (Blue Springs GC). Additional athletes to follow along with will be Michelle Ding (Station Creek GC), Lauren Gervais (Rideau View GC), Ashley Lafontaine (Royal Ottawa GC), Emily McKee (Rattlesnake Point GC), and Myranda Quinton (Blue Springs GC), who have each qualified for USGA events and/or have placed first in various 2021 tournaments.
On Monday, August 2nd, round one of the Ontario Junior Girls Championship gets underway at 7:30 a.m.. For qualifying, tee assignments, tee times, and leaderboard information check out our Golf Genius webpage here.
About The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Championship
First contested in 1927, the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Championship features Ontario’s best amateur female golfers age 18 and under. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. The championship has a rich history of young Ontarians who have gone on to have successful golf careers, such as World Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit (1951, 1952). Other notable winners include, Sandra Post (1965, 1966), Sue Hilton (1962), Alena Sharp (1997, 1998), Jessica Shepley (2001), Jennifer Kirby (2008, 2009), and Brooke Henderson (2011, 2012).
Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (as of July 21st, **subject to change)
At all times, and in all places, 2-metre physical distancing should be respected.
Coaches and spectators are permitted at Golf Ontario Championships and Qualifiers with capacity limits. Spectators must check-in at registration, complete a wellness check and pick up accreditation before being allowed on the course.
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.
Peter MacKellar,
Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Newton Clings to One Stroke Lead at the Ontario Junior Boys Championship
Peter MacKellar
Cambridge, ON – Another weather delay greeted the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship as heavy fog covered the front nine early this morning. Following the 45-minute delay, play resumed at Whistle Bear Golf Club and players were lucky to have sunny conditions for the rest of the round.
With a one-stroke lead heading into the final round, James Newton (Royal Ottawa GC) held a two-under round to finish with a total of 205. Ben MacLean (Cherry Hill Club) shot a strong round of 68, to give him a five-stroke lead over third place. The biggest mover of the day, Tyler May (Cutten Fields), fired his best round yet with a low 67. Following closely behind is Owen Kim (Blue Springs GC) in fourth and Graem Costigan (Galt CC) in fifth.
In a post round interview, Newton said that “he feels pretty good. I had a solid day today, as I got to -11 for the tournament. I started off pretty strong making a couple of good putts on the front. I had a couple of bad putts on the back, but recovered near the end.” Newton’s game plan for tomorrow remains the same, commenting he’s “going to keep to it. Same game plan I’ve been doing the whole week so hopefully it goes as planned.”
Catch the final round at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow morning and make sure to check out our social media channels at @TheGolfOntario to follow live updates from the final round. Live scoring will be taking place for the leader groups, so make sure to visit our Golf Genius page. For media coverage of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page and view photo albums.
About the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship
First contested in 1923, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship is open to male golfers 18 years of age and under, who have earned entry through one of our qualifiers held across the province, or earned exemptions from prior achievements. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. Past winners of the event include: Gerry Kesselring, Gary Cowan, Stu Hamilton, Mike Weir, Jon Mills and Albin Choi.
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.
Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (as of July 21st, **subject to change)
At all times, and in all places, 2-metre physical distancing should be respected.
Coaches and spectators are permitted at Golf Ontario Championships and Qualifiers with capacity limits. Spectators must check in at registration, complete a wellness check and pick up accreditation before being allowed on the course.
Peter MacKellar,
Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Storms Greeted Round 2 of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship
Peter MacKellar
Cambridge, ON – The Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship was greeted by morning showers at Whistle Bear Golf Club, with a chance of thunderstorms heading into the afternoon. As the storm passed through Cambridge, competitors experienced a 45-minute weather delay. Resuming play at 11:05 a.m.., players were welcomed by sunny skies in the afternoon.
Round two was critical for competitors looking to make a run at the title, as cuts to the low 48 plus ties will take place tonight. Holding his position at the top of the leaderboard after a competitive second round is James Newton (Royal Ottawa Golf Club) with a flawless five-under round (135). Tailing just three strokes behind is Team Ontario squad member, Ben MacLean (Cherry Hill Club), with teammate Owen Kim (Blue Springs GC) one stroke off (139).
With moving day taking place tomorrow, T4 players Matthew Rastogi (Meadowbrook GC), Oscar Feschuk (Scarboro G&CC), Domenic De Luca (Public Player), and Sam Hogan (Rattlesnake Point GC) will be looking to take advantage of their two-stroke back positions. Competitors Graem Costigan (Galt CC) and Jeffrey Fang (Station Creek GC) hold in top ten heading into round three as well.
Tune into our social media channels to follow live updates from round three, which tees off at 7:30a.m. Wednesday morning. Leaderboard information, pairings, and tee times can be found on our Golf Genius page. For media coverage of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page and view photo albums.
About the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship
First contested in 1923, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship is open to male golfers 18 years of age and under, who have earned entry through one of our qualifiers held across the province, or earned exemptions from prior achievements. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. Past winners of the event include: Gerry Kesselring, Gary Cowan, Stu Hamilton, Mike Weir, Jon Mills and Albin Choi.
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.
Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (as of July 21st, **subject to change)
At all times, and in all places, 2-metre physical distancing should be respected.
Coaches and spectators are permitted at Golf Ontario Championships and Qualifiers with capacity limits. Spectators must check in at registration, complete a wellness check and pick up accreditation before being allowed on the course.
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Junior Boys Take On Whistle Bear – Round 1 Recap
Peter MacKellar
Cambridge, ON – Round one of the 2021 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship kicked off today at the stunning Whistle Bear Golf Club. With the course in spectacular condition, competitors battled winds sweeping through the old farm property and warm temperatures as humidity remain high.
Leading the pack after round one is Cherry Hills Club’s, Ben MacLean, and Royal Ottawa Golf Club’s, James Newton, in a tie at 4-under (68). The 2022 grads have a one-stroke lead on Matthew Rastogi (Meadowbrook GC), Oscar Feschuk (Scarboro G&CC), Domenic De Luca (Public Player), and Owen Kim (Blue Springs GC), all sitting at T3 with 69. Team Ontario players in the top 10 following the round are MacLean, Kim, and Michael Weber (Rattlesnake Point GC), with past squad member Jeffrey Fang (Station Creek GC) joining them at T7.
Round two will be vital for competitors as they look to make the cut of 48 plus ties heading into round three. In addition, Golf Canada has allotted 25 quota spots for the top Ontario Junior Boys to compete at the 2021 Canadian Junior Boys’ Championship. The Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship winner will receive an exemption into the 2021 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
Catch the action from Round 2 of the championship tomorrow at 7:30a.m… Leaderboard information, pairings, and tee times can be found on our Golf Genius page. For media coverage of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page and view photo albums.
About the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship
First contested in 1923, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship is open to male golfers 18 years of age and under, who have earned entry through one of our qualifiers held across the province, or earned exemptions from prior achievements. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. Past winners of the event include: Gerry Kesselring, Gary Cowan, Stu Hamilton, Mike Weir, Jon Mills and Albin Choi.
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.
Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (as of July 21st, **subject to change)
At all times, and in all places, 2-metre physical distancing should be respected.
Coaches and spectators are permitted at Golf Ontario Championships and Qualifiers with capacity limits. Spectators must check-in at registration, complete a wellness check and pick up accreditation before being allowed on the course.
Click here for the full version of the Championship protocols. **These protocols are subject to change as new guidance is received from the government.
Uxbridge, ON – In continued coverage of the 2021 Championship season, Golf Ontario and Whistle Bear Golf Club are proud to present the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship from July 26 to 29th.
Historically, Golf Ontario has included the opportunity for participating amateur golfers to donate to a cause as part of the registration process. In partnership with Whistle Bear GC, along with the support of PGA Tour player Michael Gligic, donations from the registration of the 2021 Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship will go to the Waterloo Region Chapter of Autism Ontario. These proceeds will be used to develop and fund programming focused on healthy, active lifestyle opportunities for those with autism. For more information and to donate, click here. If any other parties are interested in donating as well, please email jlawrence@gao.ca.
In preparation for the championship, Whistle Bear’s Director of Golf, Adam Tobin told us that “the course is in fabulous condition. Our superintendent Tom Kinsman and his team have the golf course in excellent condition. The greens, fairways, and tees are all doing great, and the fescue is just starting to come up as well, so the golf course should be playing nicely for the competitors.” The long course with generous fairways and multiple tee boxes is built on old farm land, and as Tobin explains, “the unique thing here, is there’s a ton of stakes. We have 250 acres of golf course here, so it’s a rather large golf course with a lot of teeing options and distance to come along with it. The big thing that competitors will be tested with is the windier conditions. With Whistle Bear having very little trees on the golf course, the elements always cause some difficulties for the competitors. If the wind is up, the course is going to be playing pretty hard for everyone.”
Hosting a field of 108 players, including those exempt, cuts will be made after 36 holes with the low 48 scores and ties moving forward for an additional 36 holes of competition. Recent Golf Ontario champions to keep an eye on include 2018 and 2020 Junior Boys’ Champion, Nolan Piazza (Cherry Hill Club), 2020 Juvenile Boys’ Champion, Andreas Diogenous (Whistle Bear GC), and recent 2021 Junior Boys’ Spring Classic Champion, Owen Kim (Blue Springs GC).
Team Ontario players in attendance for this championship are Andreas Diogenous, Ben MacLean, Ellis Kinnaird, Matthew Martel, Michael Weber, Owen Kim, Peter Blazevic, Ryan Somerville, Ty Stansfield, and Thomas Latter. Additional athletes to follow along with will be Jeffrey Fang, Kavith Ranchagoda, Nicholas Tanovich, and Ryan Zhao, who have each had a strong start to their respective seasons.
First tee is set for 7:30 a.m. on Monday July 26th. For qualifying, pin locations, tee times, leaderboard information, check out our Golf Genius webpage here.
About the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship
First contested in 1923, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship is open to male golfers 18 years of age and under, who have earned entry through one of our qualifiers held across the province, or earned exemptions from prior achievements. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. Past winners of the event include: Gerry Kesselring, Gary Cowan, Stu Hamilton, Mike Weir, Jon Mills and Albin Choi.
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.
Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (as of July 21st, **subject to change)
At all times, and in all places, 2-metre physical distancing should be respected.
Coaches and spectators are permitted at Golf Ontario Championships and Qualifiers with capacity limits. Spectators must check-in at registration, complete a wellness check and pick up accreditation before being allowed on the course.
Click here for the full version of the Championship protocols. **These protocols are subject to change as new guidance is received from the government.
Peter MacKellar, Manager,
Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Golf Ontario COVID-19 Updates
Peter MacKellar
JULY 14, 2021 UPDATE
Revised Guidance for July 16 Move to Step 3
The new regulation (Ontario Regulation 364/20) that will provide guidance for Step 3 can be found here … Ontario Regulation 364/20.
Again, and to summarize, here are the high-level items that will have an impact beginning July 16…
Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 100 people with limited exceptions
Indoor social gatherings with up to 25 people
Indoor and outdoor weddings permitted with physical distancing
Indoor and outdoor dining allowed with no limits on number of patrons per table
Indoor meeting and event space to operate with physical distancing and capacity to not exceed 50 %
Outdoor meeting and event space to operate with 75% capacity
Non-essential retail (pro shop) with capacity limited to the number of people that can physically distance
Clubhouses may open at 50% capacity
Masks are now not required when riding a golf cart
Golf operations – much of the previous guidance around touchpoints has been removed
Based on Regulation 364/20, the We Are Golf Team has updated the Golf Facility Protocols document and this can be found here … We Are Golf Protocols.
May 20, 2021 UPDATE
It has been a long and frustrating few weeks for everyone involved. Thank you to everyone for your patience as we have dealt with the restrictions in the Stay-At-Home order. As you know, Golf Ontario and Ontario’s We Are Golf partners, along with everyone in the industry, have been working very hard to reopen golf courses. A ton of work has been done by everyone, and our clear and consistent messaging, along with significant pressure in social media has helped ensure our message was clear that golf needed to be open.
In case you have not heard, golf courses and driving ranges in Ontario are permitted to open on Saturday, May 22 at 12:01 am.
Protocols You MUST Adhere to Upon Reopening:
Now, more than ever, golf course operators AND GOLFERS must adhere to COVID-19 best practices and protocols. We have been very clear on our Golf Is Safe messaging, and we need to ensure golf continues to be the gold standard in providing a safe experience for our golfers and staff members. Please don’t be that type of ‘buddy’.
The protocols that will be in place will be very similar to the protocols from 2020 with one change that was in place in earlier 2021 when courses were open. The guidance is that 2 persons riding in the same cart shall wear a mask when in the cart. The alternative is single rider carts, although please know though that this is not always a feasible option at many courses.
The ask to you as golfers:
As mentioned, it is imperative we all do this right, particularly now as golf will be open during the stay-at-home order. Protocols are likely to evolve, so please take your direction from the facility. Each public health unit may have slightly different guidelines, so the protocols may vary course by course.
A couple of other things to note for you, the golfer …
Obey ALL protocols. Our courses have been closed for too long, and it is imperative we remain diligent with our protocols to avoid fines or closures.
Before and after rounds. Do not carpool to courses during the remaining stay-at-home order, and do not stay in the parking lot after for any gathering until regulations begin to allow this.
Be respectful at all times to staff. Please understand these changes are happening in real time, and the staff are doing their best to meet protocols while providing a great golfing experience. Please be mindful of this and be kind.
Course condition. Again, these closures have been extremely stressful on courses. While many may be in great shape, not all courses will be. Many courses will not have been able to have a full roster of maintenance staff and were able to do only basic maintenance. Again, be mindful and kind
Physical Distancing. Continue to follow health guidance and avoid close contact. Wear a mask if you cannot stay at least 2 metres apart
Golf finally being allowed to open is great news for Ontarians. We believe golf should never have closed and we recognize that this lengthy shutdown has created challenges for many. We do believe, though, that demand will be stronger than ever, and we hope golf can play a key role in helping kickstart the economic recovery in Ontario. It is very important that we get this right!
Final note …These continue to be tough times for everyone. While we are happy that golf courses will be open in Ontario, there continue to be many businesses and Ontarians very negatively impacted and we need to be mindful of this. We ask that in any external communications (social media, etc.) you are aware of your messaging and ensure you are being thankful that golf will be able to provide a SAFE outlet for the physical and mental well-being of Ontarians. We don’t want to be too celebratory in our tone in light of the challenges other businesses are facing. We need to put our heads down, and humbly focus on allowing everyone to enjoy playing golf again.
Thank you, Golf Ontario
May 18, 2021 UPDATE
Being outside is safe, and absolutely critical for mental and physical health.
We represent a coalition of sports and recreational organizations across Ontario. We understand the importance of reducing the strain on Ontario’s health care capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic and appreciate the significant burden you face when making decisions. In fact, we believe it is critical that all Ontarians continue to take this virus in a very serious manner and adhere to protocols aimed at protecting public health. That too is our goal.
At the same time, we cannot overstate the mental health crisis facing our children and youth, and the alarming studies and reports emerging about the mental and physical well-being of adults. Much of this is due to despair, lack of physical activity, and the inability for individuals to participate in normal, everyday life activities, particularly in the outdoors.
One year into this pandemic, we understand more about the risks of COVID-19 than at any time before, including the fact that cases of outdoor transmission are rare. A recent report in the New York Times has gone so far to state that, “the share of transmission that has occurred outdoors seems to be below 1 percent and may be below 0.1 percent.” There is also not a single documented COVID-19 infection anywhere in the world from casual outdoor interactions. Medical experts across Ontario, including the Ontario Medical Association, the Canadian Paediatric Society, and members of the government’s own health advisory tables have called for outdoor recreation to be safely opened.
As such, we are urging your government to follow the advice of your own health experts, and immediately re-open outdoor activities such as tennis, golf, basketball, pickleball, volleyball, soccer and others, in order to provide a much-needed outlet for the residents of Ontario; people living in urban, suburban, and rural parts of the province who have spent most of the spring and winter confined to their homes.
Please consider the facts before you, and the health and well-being of all Ontarians as we work through this pandemic together.
Respectfully,
APRIL 24, 2021 UPDATE
Subject: Update on Bridges at Tillsonburg Opening
We are obviously aware of the opening today of the Bridges at Tillsonburg golf course in contravention of government regulations. Please know we do not, in any way, condone this action.
As you know, Golf Ontario, along with the We Are Golf partners have been in regular communication with the government over the last fewdays, weeks and months, consistently reminding them how safe the sport of golf is. We believe our voices are being heard, and with this in mind, communications were issued to the government today to let them know we did not support this decision by the Bridges at Tillsonburg to open. This was issued to ensure that our efforts to get golf reopened were not compromised.
This activity with the Bridges at Tillsonburg is unfortunate, but our messaging remains the same. Golf is well-positioned to provide Ontarians with some much-needed outdoor exercise, mental stimulation and safe social time with family or friends.
Golf is safe.
Golf is naturally aligned to physical distancing.
Golf has a clear set of well established, very safe protocols.
Golf has important health benefits – the studies are clear about golf – it is good for your heart, it relieves stress, and it can improve your mental health.
And many recent articles from doctors across the province indicate that the science is clear … outdoor transmission is extremely rare.
We continue to work with the government, and we hope we will be golfing sooner than later. In the meantime we encourage everyone to continue to follow current government guidelines.
Thank you,
Golf Ontario
APRIL 19, 2021 UPDATE
APRIL 16, 2021 UPDATE
Golf Courses are Currently Ordered CLOSED Effective 12:01 am April 17
Dear Golf Industry Partners / Key Stakeholders,
Premier Ford and the ON government announced today further restrictions to multiple industries across the province as they deal with the COVID-19 pandemic effective at 12:01am on Saturday April 17th. Included in this announcement is the unfortunate news that outdoor golf courses and driving ranges must be closed as of 12:01 am on Satruday April 17th. This is in conjunction with the stay-at-home order that has been extended by a further 2 weeks to May 20.
Ontario’s We Are Golf partners have been actively engaged with the ON government throughout this process, right up to, and including, this morning. The key message has been that GOLF IS SAFE and that now, more than ever, safe outdoor recreational options will be critical to ensure the physical and mental well-being of Ontarians. We have reiterated our commitment as a golf industry to continue to be a LEADER in Ontario in providing one of these safe recreational activities that will be so important in the coming weeks.
We are disappointed that the ON government made the decision today to close golf courses and driving ranges as of April 17th. But it is clear that they made a broad decision with health and safety as the number 1 priority to eliminate any non-essential activities, including removing access to outdoor recreational amenities. Your We Are Golf team is committed to continue to communicate with the government in an appropriate manner to have them fully understand the benefits of having golf open as a recreational option. We believe that golf is an important outlet and will continue to make this case with the hope that we are able return to allowing courses to open as soon as possible.
We will keep you in the loop as we work through this process. If any of you have direct connections, please do not hesitate to reach out with similar messaging. In terms of key messages, we believe the focus should be on the following:
Golf is naturally aligned to physical distancing. It takes place in vast outdoor spaces and is played with 4 people or less. Perhaps no other sport is this well positioned against this terrible virus.
Our protocols are well established and safe. We proved in 2020 that with the right protocols golf had no COVID outbreaks. We are committed to these (and more) protocols in 2021. Here is a link to the NGCOA Canada’s Best Practices & Operational Resources that was created last season, updated for 2021.
Clear and consistent screening procedures – golfers must book a tee-time, can pre-pay, and are screened before entering facilities.
Golf has important health benefits – studies are clear about golf … it gets golfers outside, it is good for your heart, it relieves stress, and it can improve your mental health.
For now, and until this direction changes, you will need to close your facility to golfers according to the stay-at-home order.
Together, we will continue to push for the safe inclusion of golf courses and driving ranges as options that can be open in this stay-at-home order. We know how important this is to the well being of so many and we of course, will do so in a safe manner.
Yours in golf.
APRIL 7, 2021 UPDATE
Golf Courses to Remain OPEN During the New Stay at Home Order
Dear Golf Industry Partners / Key Stakeholders,
Premier Ford and the ON government announced today that the province is going into a province-wide declaration of emergency and a stay-at-home order effective at 12:01am on Thursday April 8th. Included in this announcement is confirmation that outdoor golf courses and driving ranges can remain open.
• Click here for official announcement on April 7th.
• Click here for current details on the Stay At Home Order details (and the underlying
Emergency Brake guidelines) on the ON government website updated on April 7th indicating golf courses and driving ranges allowed to be opened.
Ontario’s We Are Golf partners have been actively engaged with the ON government throughout this process, right up to, and including this morning. The key message has been that GOLF IS SAFE and that now, more than ever, safe outdoor recreational options will be critical to ensure the physical and mental well-being of Ontarians. We have reiterated our commitment as a golf industry to continue to be a LEADER in Ontario in providing one of these safe recreational activities that will be so important in the coming weeks.
We are happy that the ON government has recognized the need for safe outdoor activities like golf, but at the same time recognize that it is CRITICAL that we CONTINUE TO BE SAFE in 2021. Please ensure you are adhering to the following:
• NEW Masks on Cart Rule – If you are allowing 2 riders from different households on a
cart, they MUST wear a mask while in the cart. (click here for complete details and signage).
• Physical Distancing – All staff and players must stay at least 6 feet apart. If not able to do this, a mask must be worn.
• Clear and consistent screening protocols – Please ensure you have these in place.
• Gatherings – There is a maximum outdoor gathering limit of 5 people. Please do not allow for pre or post game gatherings at your facilities.
• Retail / Pro Shop – Limiting the majority of non-essential retailers to only operate for curbside pick-up and delivery, via appointment, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., with delivery of goods to patrons permitted between 6:00 am and 9:00 pm, and other restrictions.
• Food & Beverage Outlets – During the current Stay-At-Home Order there is NO indoor or outdoor (patio) food service allowed. Facilities are allowed to proceed with Pick Up, Take Out
and Delivery, and as such, that would indicate that your Halfway Hut can be open on the course for your golfers (with all seating removed) and beverage cart service would be allowed for golfers during their round.
We implore all facilities to be extremely diligent in following all key protocols. Golf facilities MUST demonstrate leadership in these areas if we want continue to be recognized as a safe, outdoor activity. Please continue to do your part. Thank you and stay safe!
Note: These continue to be tough times for everyone. While happy that golf courses will be open in Ontario, there will be many, many businesses very negatively impacted by this stay-at-home order and we need to be mindful of this. We ask that in any external communications (social media, etc.) you be very aware of your messaging and ensure you are being thankful that golf will be able to provide a SAFE outlet for the physical and mental well-being of Ontarians. We don’t want to be too celebratory in our tone in light of the significant challenges other businesses are facing.
APRIL 1, 2021 UPDATE
Dear Partners/Key Stakeholders:
Outdoor Golf Courses and Driving Ranges CAN REMAIN OPEN During Current “Emergency Brake”
In anticipation of today’s announcement from Premier Ford, and ahead of rumors of a potential move into Shutdown zone, yesterday your Ontario We Are Golf partners took the initiative with key industry stakeholders to send out hundreds of letters, emails and phone calls to key government officials urging them to rescind the change in the ON legislation that had revoked outdoor golf facilities and driving ranges from O. Reg. 82/20. This concerted effort was proactively done, not knowing the exact direction a potential change in restrictions would look like. Here is the copy from the letter to Premier Ford:
Prior to the January 2021 Shutdown, there was a change in the ON legislation that removed golf from the list of recreational amenities allowed to be open during a Shutdown. It is noted in O. Reg. 82/20: RULES FOR AREAS IN STAGE 1 – (Shutdown, Schedule 3, Recreational amenities, Section 4.2.9 – this previously included “outdoor golf facilities and driving ranges”, but now is REVOKED O. Reg. 10/21, s. 3 (3)).
We request that this change to Shutdown legislation is overturned immediately. Looking at this current list, it has been deemed safe for Ontarians to use baseball diamonds, batting cages, tennis courts, basketball courts, skate parks, BMX parks, frisbee golf locations, horse riding facilities, shooting ranges, recreational areas containing outdoor fitness equipment, and more! However, golf (one of the safest activities on this list) is not included … PLEASE RECTIFY THIS ERROR AND OMISSION IMMEDIATELY! Golf has numerous safety protocols now in place from the moment golfers arrive until departure which allows for social distancing in a safe outdoor environment while being monitored … many of these other alternatives do not!
We are happy to report that in today’s announcement from Premier Ford, it is primarily good news for golf facilities. The government has announced that all public health units will move to “Emergency Brake” zone for 28-days, and as such outdoor golf facilities and driving ranges will be able to be open during this period. The unfortunate news is that indoor golf facilities will be negatively impacted by this.
Click here for today’s official announcement. Complete details of the “Emergency Brake” are available here but the key elements are:
Outdoor golf courses and driving ranges are to remain open!
All indoor and outdoor food service must be closed
Only F&B services available include Take-out, Drive-thru, and Delivery
Retail outlets (Pro Shop) can be open at 25% capacity
We are happy that the ON government has recognized the importance of golf as a safe recreational outlet for physical and mental well-being. Having said that, it is more important than ever that golf facilities CONTINUE TO BE SAFE in 2021. As you open in 2021, it is important that you plan to continue to implement the successful protocols from 2020 that we know will make us successful again in 2021. Here is a link to the NGCOA Canada’s Best Practices &Operational Resourcesthat was created last season for Ontario golf courses.
Again, based on everything we know today, the directive for 2021 is for golf facilities to follow the same protocols on the course that you had in place in 2020, with one significant difference – concerning the required wearing of face masks while on carts (click here for complete details and signage). Please note that authority for interpretation of this falls with the local PHU so if you are uncertain in your region, please reach out to your local PHU inspector/official.
SPECIAL NOTE: These continue to be tough times for everyone. While happy that golf courses will be open, there will be many, many businesses very negatively impacted by this 28-day set of restrictions and we need to be mindful of this. We ask that in any external communications (social media etc.) you be very aware of your messaging so as not to put the golf industry in the spotlight right now. The messaging should very much focus on health and safety for golfers and being thankful that golf will be able to provide a safe outlet for the physical and mental well-being of Ontarians. We don’t want to be too celebratory in our tone in light of the significant challenges other businesses are facing.
We are excited that the government has listened and recognized the importance to Ontarians for all outdoor golf facilities to be allowed to remain open during this upcoming 28-day period (and beyond) and look forward to working together with all of you to build on the momentum from 2020 to have another strong year in 2021.
Yours in golf.
MARCH 26, 2021 UPDATE
Dear Partners/Key Stakeholders:
We hope you are all enjoying the onset of the beautiful spring weather and looking forward to the 2021 golf season. In our previous letter dated February 24, we referenced the fact that we were happy to have worked with the Ontario government to ensure that golf would be included as a recreational option upon the return to the provincial colour coded framework. We are sure you are all working hard to get your courses ready for the season.
One of the key messages is that we all need to work to CONTINUE TO BE SAFE in 2021. As an industry, we proved in 2020 that with the right protocols in place, golf was incredibly safe. As a result of the diligence of our golf courses with these protocols, as far as we know, not one person contracted COVID as a result of playing golf this past season. Looking ahead to 2021, it is important that you plan to continue to implement the successful protocols from 2020 that we know will make us successful again in 2021. Here is a link to the NGCOA Canada’s Best Practices &Operational Resourcesthat was created last season for Ontario golf courses.
Equally importantly, it is important to note that ultimately, it is the government with the local Public Health Unit (PHU) authorities that are setting the guidelines for businesses. Your We Are Golf partners are committed to continuing to stay in close contact with the government to ensure timely communications of any changes.
Here are a few key links for your reference that we encourage you to check back on regularly to ensure you are following proper guidance.
What colour zone is your business located in … today? This is constantly changing and updated for all regions across the province, quickly view the map at: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/zones-and-restrictions
Use this guideline to quickly see the specific government rules and regulations for ALL colour zones and how this will impact all departments of your golf facility, specifically your Food & Beverage operations (indoor and outdoor), Pro Shop rules, Meeting Room overview, Locker Room access, Fitness / Health Club rules, etc.: https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-response-framework-keeping-ontario-safe-and-open
Please refer to the sector-specific public health and workplace safety measures outlined in the legislation directly from the ON government (as this may change at any point) for all colour zones, including:
Again, based on everything we know today, the directive for 2021 is for golf facilities to follow the same protocols on the course that you had in place in 2020, with one significant difference:
Face Masks Required in Carts
The one new regulation that has been written concerns carts and masks. This clause is in the regulation links above for all five colour coded regions. Specifically, it states:
Any person, including a person who performs work at the amenity, while driving or riding on an open-air vehicle within the amenity, must wear a mask or face covering in a manner that covers their mouth, nose and chin, unless,
i. the person driving or riding on the vehicle is entitled to any of the {following exceptions]:
i. is a child who is younger than two years of age,
ii. has a medical condition that inhibits their ability to wear a mask or face covering,
iii. is unable to put on or remove their mask or face covering without the assistance of another person,
iv. needs to temporarily remove their mask or face covering as may be necessary for the purposes of health and safety,
v. is being accommodated in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005,
vi. is being reasonably accommodated in accordance with the Human Rights Code.
ii. all persons driving or riding on the vehicle are members of a single household.
We have been speaking with high-ranking ON government officials, and they are unable to provide written confirmation of the exact interpretation of this regulation. As well, one of our facilities in the Windsor Essex region was in contact with their local PHU officials. While we do not have firm written guidance, it is our understanding that the cart rules for the 2021 golf season should be as follows:
All persons driving or riding on the vehicle who are members of same household, are not required to wear masks.
Further to this, a solo rider is therefore also not required to wear a mask.
Two people driving or riding together on the vehicle who are not from the same household are required to wear a mask.
This direction on masks supersedes any previous direction on cart dividers. You are certainly free to continue to use cart dividers if your facility would prefer, but use of divider is not required, and does not negate the need for masks for two or more riders in the same cart from different households.
Here is a link to the NGCOA Canada’s Signage Templates which now includes the Face Masks Required in Carts sign.
It was also indicated that authority for interpretation of this falls with the local PHU so if you are uncertain in your region, please reach out to your local PHU inspector/official.
Recent Significant Changes in Orange, Red & Grey Zones Impacting your F&B Operation
As of March 20th, the ON government has adjusted dining capacity limits at restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments, for regions in the Grey-Lockdown, Red-Control and Orange-Restrict levels of the Framework.
For regions in the Orange-Restrict and Red-Control levels, capacity limits for indoor dining will be adjusted and based on a standard, scalable calculation that will allow for up to approximately 50 per cent of the indoor dining area to be accessible to the public, subject to physical distancing rules. The total occupancy cannot exceed 50 patrons in Red-Control and 100 patrons in Orange-Restrict.
In addition, while indoor dining continues to be prohibited for areas in the Grey-Lockdown level of the Framework, outdoor dining is now permitted for regions in Grey-Lockdown, subject to physical distancing rules and a number of other public health and workplace safety measures.
To ensure the continued safety of patrons and workers, public health and safety measures in indoor and outdoor settings have also been strengthened in the Orange, Red and Grey levels in the Framework. These measures include, but are not limited to: (note – click on colour zones above for full details)
Limiting tables for indoor dining to members of the same household with exemptions for patrons who live alone and caregivers; (NOTE – this does NOT apply to golfers dining outdoors on your patio).
Limiting tables for outdoor dining in Grey-Lockdown to members of the same household with exemptions for patrons who live alone and caregivers; and
A sign posted by the establishment in a location visible to the public that states the maximum capacity (number of patrons) they are permitted to operate under.
COVID-19 continues to be a challenging virus, resulting in ever-changing direction and guidance for us all. We encourage you to check back on these links regularly and if you have questions, reach out to your local PHU for clarity immediately.
We are extremely excited that all outdoor golf facilities will be allowed to be open in all five colours of the framework and look forward to working together with all of you to build on the momentum from 2020 to have another fantastic year in 2021.
Yours in golf.
May 29, 2020 UPDATE
Golf Ontario announced today that it has released the NEW 2020 Golf Ontario Championship schedule. With additional time needed to ensure that Golf Ontario Championships are staged in the most safe and responsible manner possible given the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Golf Ontario has had to make significant revisions to the 2020 schedule of championships, while able to maintain a strong slate of the most important championships. Read full article here >>
May 29, 2020 UPDATE
On this date an email went out to Championship players with an update on our 2020 scheduling. At that point, we had postponed all qualifiers and championship events through to the end of June.
May 14, 2020 DOCUMENTATION UPDATE
Here are links to some of the key guidelines and resources around today’s re-opening of golf courses announcement
Ontario Government Permitting Golf to Open Saturday, May 16th!
Thank you to everyone for your patience and commitment to your facilities as we all have worked through these challenging times. Ontario’s We Are Golf partners have been working very hard to create a path to safe golf and we are thrilled that this work has resulted in the Ontario Government allowing golf courses to re-open. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this process and the collaboration across groups has been wonderful to see.
As you just heard, golf in Ontario is permitted to open on Saturday May 16th. However clubhouses may only open for washrooms access and restaurants may only open for take-out.
Golf course operators must adhere to social distancing and personal hygiene rules as well as to understand and follow the Provincial Government’s Guidance for Golf Operators recommended protocols and the Health and Safety Association Guidance Documents for Workplaces During the COVID-19 Outbreak. Please click on the links below to download these documents:
With respect to tee-times, it is suggested that you follow protocol GO-006 in the Golf Operations section of Ontario’s We Are Golf Protocol document. Please click below to download the protocols.
Although golf has been allowed to open, you are not required to do so at this point in time. However, if you are opening, please make sure you have appropriate signage and are able to follow all of the provincial guidelines as well as those outlined above in Ontario’s We Are Golf protocols to ensure a safe environment for your staff, golfers, and the general public from the spread of COVID-19.
Golf being allowed to open is great news for Ontarians who have been looking for a safe way to physical distance while getting outside. It will be a big boost to our collective mental health as well and will help kickstart the economic recovery in Ontario. Having said that, it is very important that we get this right! We must all commit to adhering to these guidelines to ensure that we provide a safe environment.
We will continue to send you updates if more information becomes available. Thank you and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Respectfully,
Mike Kelly
Executive DirectorGolf Ontariomkelly@gao.ca
Melanie van der Hoop
Executive DirectorProfessional Golfers’ Association of Ontario (PGA of Ontario)
melanie@pgaofontario.com
Cory Janzen
Director
Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association (OGSA)
cjanzen@WestmountGolf.com
Chris Serré
Ontario Branch President
Canadian Society of Club Managers (CSCM)
cserre@rosedalegolf.org
May 1, 2020 UPDATE
Ontario Government Tells Golf Courses to Prepare to Open
In light of the recent announcements by Premier Ford, we wanted to give you a quick update on what we have been doing to continue to push for the re-opening of golf courses.
Further to the announcement by Premier Ford of the ‘Framework for Reopening Our Province’, an announcement came out today allowing select seasonal businesses and some essential construction projects to open on May 4. Golf courses, although not yet able to open, were included with the following statement … “Golf courses may prepare their courses for the upcoming season, but not open to the public”. This is encouraging and we hope is an indication that the ability to open is coming soon.
Ontario’s We Are Golf partners (Golf Ontario, the NGCOA, PGA of Ontario, OGSA, and CSCM-ON) have continued to work very closely together to communicate a clear plan for golf’s return within a safe and healthy environment. Golf is naturally aligned to the principles of safe social distancing, and this is why, along with today’s announcement, we remain very hopeful that the opening of golf courses is coming very soon.
Two weeks ago, Ontario’s We Are Golf partners submitted a letter to Premier Doug Ford, and each member of the Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee. A follow up letter went out today, and both letters outlined what a clear path to safe golf could look like for Ontario, and that we strongly recommend that golf courses be one of the first industries to open for business.
We are excited about the announcement from the government asking courses to prepare to get ready. Please be assured that Ontario’s We Are Golf partners are working in a unified fashion to help get golf courses open on behalf of the entire golf industry.
April 21, 2020
Ontario’s We Are Golf Partners Working on your Behalf
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a time of unprecedented uncertainty and change in recent weeks and we hope you are managing well through these challenging times.
Further to the announcement by Premier Ford that the State of Emergency for Ontario would be extended through to May 12th, you may be wondering what the Ontario golf industry is doing on your behalf.
With the recent creation of the Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee, the Government of Ontario has clearly indicated a focus on developing an action plan for economic recovery. At the same time, Ontario’s We Are Golf partners (Golf Ontario, the NGCOA, PGA of Ontario, OGSA, and CSCM-ON) have been working very closely together to develop a clear plan for golf’s return within a safe and healthy environment. Golf is naturally aligned to the principles of safe social distancing, and with some key precautions, can provide Ontarians with some much-needed exercise, mental stimulation, and safe social time with family or friends. We believe these principles align well with the role of the Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee.
Last week, Ontario’s We Are Golf partners submitted a letter to Premier Doug Ford, and each member of the Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee. This letter outlined what a clear path to safe golf could look like for Ontario, and also highlighted key economic factors which help to illustrate the importance of the golf industry for the province.
The clear goal is to ensure that golf courses are among the first allowable activities to open for business when economic recovery strategies are put in place and stay at home guidelines start to be lifted in Ontario.
Rest assured that Ontario’s We Are Golf partners are working in a unified fashion to deliver the appropriate messaging to our government bodies on behalf of the entire golf industry
April 6, 2020
A message from PGA Champion Corey Conners
UPDATE: COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
March 27, 2020
We are all in this together
I wanted to take the opportunity to talk directly, and authentically, to each and every one of you to share my thoughts on Golf Ontario’s decisions in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
Hopefully my message was helpful in sharing our stance on many of our upcoming activities. If you are not able to watch it or need more context, the rest of this note will provide that.
The COVID-19 challenge continues to evolve extremely rapidly. Since our last update on March 13, there have been many significant developments in the fight against this virus, including:
Postponement of the Tokyo Olympics, virtual closing of the Canada-US border, and the CDC advising against gatherings of 50 or more people for the next 8 weeks
The announcement yesterday by the government of Ontario that they have mandated the closure of all non-essential workplaces
We continue to closely monitor the rapidly changing developments and to try and make the right decisions for the health and safety of not only our organization but also for all of our stakeholders as well.
With this in mind, since our last update of March 16, we have taken the following actions:
We have postponed the Jr. Boys and Jr. Girls Spring Classic events
We have postponed the Ada McKenzie and the Ontario-Michigan Senior Matches
We have postponed the Men’s Better-Ball Championship
We have postponed the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Induction ceremony
We have also temporarily suspended the process for registrations for any qualifiers.
We also know that things can change daily, if not hourly. Our teams have been working tirelessly to re-work our Championship schedule as new information comes available, and we will continue to closely evaluate our other upcoming Championships to determine the appropriate course of action. Golf Ontario is committed to continuing to communicate these changes in a timely and transparent manner.
We are all in this together and believe golf is well positioned to emerge and thrive when the time is right for Canadians to return to recreational normalcy.
Mike Kelly, PGA
Executive Director, Golf Ontario
UPDATE: COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
March 25, 2020
Golf Ontario stands together with the other NAGA and provincial WE ARE GOLF partners in supporting the following statement
UPDATE: COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
March 16, 2020
This is an update on the actions Golf Ontario has taken with respect to concerns over the COVID-19 and to assure you that Golf Ontario is doing everything we can to support our stakeholders through this difficult time. Emails have gone out with much of this information already to many of our key stakeholder groups.
As an organization, we want to play our part in flattening our communities curve of exposure to the virus and put in place new precautionary measures while we make decision informed by the latest science-based information.
There are new developments and information coming forward daily, and some in cases hourly (i.e. school closures, LPGA/PGA TOUR postponement of events, US-Europe travel restrictions and NBA/NHL/MLB postponement of its season along with regular updates and mitigating precautions from health and government officials, etc.). We
continue to update our policies and evaluate our operational activities.
Update on Activities
Golf Ontario has an internal team meeting regularly to discuss this evolving situation and to make wise decisions.
The development of contingency plans, both for operational and for risk mitigation purposes.
Regular consult with Golf Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee Chief Medical Officer and the Ontario Ministry of Sport.
Monitoring updates and identified precautions from national and local health organizations including Health Canada and Toronto Public Health.
Encouraging all staff and volunteers to practice precautions, especially identified travel precautions which include continuing to monitor one’s own health, practice social distancing and hand washing, and to contact a health professional should they develop any symptoms
Taking the lead from Golf Canada, we have cancelled all business travel until at least April 6
Any personal travel outside of Canada by any staff to be reported to Golf Ontario HR including over the upcoming March break.
Work from home precautions for staff. We have mandated that all staff work from home between March 16 and April 5th.
We will also be mandating that all staff in-person meetings that have been scheduled be transitioned to conference calls or postponed if necessary
Can-Am Matches:
In consultation with the South Carolina Golf Association and the Canadian Olympic Committee Chief Medical Officer, we have made the decision to cancel the Can-Am matches scheduled for next week in Myrtle Beach.
Upcoming workshops/Meetings/Events:
There are a number of Rules Exams and World Handicap Seminars as well as Officials Days on the calendar. In the short term, we will not be delivering those in person and are working with our various partners to determine the best method of delivering these sessions. Options may include: a) delivering some of the sessions by way of webinars or videos; or b) postponing some or all of the sessions. We will keep you informed of any changes to delivery methods or dates as we make these decisions. Many of these meetings may involve our facilities directly. We trust that you understand the need to adjust these meeting plans during this challenging time.
Upcoming Championship Season
Golf Ontario is proactively monitoring the situation and will gauge potential future decisions regarding our 2020 Championship season on confirmed information as the situation evolves in the weeks to come.
Announcing the 2021 First Tee – Ontario vTour
Peter MacKellar
We are very happy to announce the inaugural First Tee – Ontario vTour. Every dollar raised from this fun virtual tour will support First Tee – Ontario. This incredible program will provide life-changing opportunities and skills for youngsters across the province and “Build Game Changers”.
With your help, we hope to raise $10,000 this year which will enable us to start three new program locations and give over 1,000 kids the opportunity to be part of First Tee – Ontario. Register now and encourage your friends and family to participate or donate.
What Is First Tee – Ontario
First Tee – Ontario is a youth development program that introduces the game of golf and its inherent values to young people through after-school and in-school programs. First Tee programming helps to shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect, and perseverance through the game of golf. Together we can Build Game Changers.
How It Works
Your $25 registration in the 2021 vTour will enter you into all the available tournaments (based on your registration date). The earlier you register the more tournament events you can participate in. *You must have a handicap index and be a member of Golf Canada to compete. If you are not a member of Golf Canada you can purchase one HERE.
Each virtual event runs approximately 10 days and all scores you post during that period will count, with your best score being listed on the leaderboard.
Scoring is tracked through the Golf Canada Score Centre app or online, post your score and leave the rest to us.
The Score Centre will populate the leaderboard and allows golfers to play anywhere in Ontario.
Following each tournament, Division winners and a random draw prize for both Men’s and Women’s categories will be announced.
At the close of the season, we will conduct Grand Prize draws offering some fantastic prizes including equipment from TaylorMade, apparel from adidas, Dormie head covers, prize packs from Lakeview Wine Co and Georgian Bay Spirit Co. and many more item
Most importantly, you are helping to build kids’ confidence and character through the First Tee – Ontario program.
Owen Kim Wins Ontario Junior Boys’ Spring Classic on First Playoff Hole
Peter MacKellar
Shelburne, ON – Over the three-day tournament, Golf Ontario and competitors have been lucky to avoid forecasted rain at Shelburne Golf and Country Club. With a light drizzle starting this morning in Shelburne, the competition heated up for a nail-biting final round of Junior Boys’ Spring Classic action. Going down to the wire with a playoff, the champion of the 25th Annual Junior Boys’ Spring Classic is Owen Kim (Blue Springs GC).
The Team Ontario athlete drained a 20+ foot birdie on the first playoff hole to defeat fellow Team Ontario teammate, Ryan Somerville (Summit Golf and Country Club), and Andre Zhu (National Pines Golf Club). The trio finished the tournament all eight-under (205) after three days. Following close behind at six-under was Austin Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club). Another trio of competitors finished at -5 (208) including Andreas Diogenous (Whistle Bear Golf Club), also of Team Ontario, Liam Mosher (Hamilton Golf & Country Club) and Tyler Hurtubise (Pointe West Golf Club).
Kim said “it felt so good. I haven’t won in a few years, felt so good to come back and have a great victory!” When asked about his winning putt Kim exclaimed, “it felt like it was going in, I knew it walking up to it. I putted so well today.”
*Kim and Zhu, both will share the Juvenile Champion title, which is awarded every year for the top (U17) player. The top 5 from this tournament earn a spot in the 2021 Canadian Junior Championship, from Club de golf de la Valee du Richelieu, August 9-12. In addition, Kim lands a spot in the 2021 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship at Ambassador Golf Club, August 1-5.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for their support of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Spring Classic Championship. To Shelburne Golf and Country Club and the Young’s Family, and all their hard-working staff, thank you for hosting at such a beautifully maintained course. A big thank you to the volunteers, as you are extremely valuable and we appreciate the time you take out of your week to assist. Lastly, a huge thank you to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, Solo Golf, and Sport Travel. We are grateful for your continued support.
To view the leaderboards from the 2021 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Spring Classic Championship, visit our Golf Genius page. For media coverage, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums.
About the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships
The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship is contested annually 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.
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 more information.
Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (as of June 30th, **subject to change)
At all times, and in all places, 2-metre physical distancing must be respected.
No Caddies permitted except for the Ontario Disability Championship.
Spectators permitted with check in protocols, physical distancing, and capacity limits applied
Restricted field sizes (see individual championship websites)
Click here for the full version of the Championship protocols. **These protocols are subject to change as new guidance is received from the government.
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Team Ontario Players Grab Lead After Round 2 at Ontario Junior Boys’ Spring Classic
Peter MacKellar
Shelburne, ON – Round 2 of the Ontario Junior Boys Spring Classic from Shelburne Golf and Country Club luckily escaped any bad weather that was originally forecasted. Under hot, muggy and at time windy conditions, many players posted great scores to climb the leaderboard and give themselves a shot for tomorrow’s final round. Fifteen players shot under par as they jockeyed for position into the top 10.
With cuts being made to forty-two plus ties, your leader heading into the final round is once again Team Ontario member Ben MacLean (Cherry Hill Club). His -1 (70) was enough to escape the day with a one-stroke lead at seven-under, on fellow Team Ontario teammate Ellis Kinnaird (Mississippi Golf Club), who shot a brilliant 5-under (66) to climb into sole possession of second place. Two strokes back of the lead is Andre Zhu (National Pines Golf Club) and Justin Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club). Zhu also leads the (U17) Juvenile division race, with that champion being recognized after the final action is complete.
Ten more players find themselves under par heading into what should be an exciting final round, that tees off at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. Leaderboard information, pairings, and tee times can be found on our Golf Genius page. For media coverage of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Spring Classic, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums.
About the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships
The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship is contested annually 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.
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 more information.
Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (as of May 31st, **subject to change)
At all times, and in all places, 2-metre physical distancing must be respected.
No Caddies permitted except for the Ontario Disability Championship.
No spectators, including coaches, are permitted (**Exceptions: Players 18 & under may have one accompanying adult).
Restricted field sizes (see individual championship websites)
Click here for the full version of the Championship protocols. **These protocols are subject to change as new guidance is received from the government.
