Brantford, ON – While the rain held off for the final round of competition at the Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course, players endured 18-holes of humidity and excessive heat in the battle for their name on the W.D. Randolph Millage Trophy. In the early 90s, Randy Millage started the Junior Spring Classic events to showcase the best players in Ontario. Initially, an invitation-only event taking the top 40 boys and top 20 girls in the previous year’s Order of Merit, the Spring Classic gave them an opportunity to get a jump on the competition south of the border.

Maintaining the lead through afternoon temperatures near 31 degrees and a humidex of 40, the low round score of the day and champion of the 2021 Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Spring Classic is Lauren Zaretsky (Ladies’ GC of Toronto/ Maple Downs G&CC). With a final score of 7-under (209), Zaretsky played skillfully to put her 10-strokes ahead of silver finalist, Alessandra Nagayo (Public Player). Climbing twelve positions in round two, Nagayo had another good showing of 72 to push her ahead of Ashley Lafontaine (Royal Ottawa GC). In round one, Lafontaine teed off in less than 24-hours following her runner-up win of the 2021 Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship, and was able to climb the leaderboard to capture bronze.

During her award speech, Zaretsky respectfully dedicated the win to her grandparents. “I’d like to dedicate this win to my grandparents, especially my grandfather who is fighting cancer. He is my biggest supporter and motivator to keep working hard and to never give up without a fight.” After three rounds of competition, Zaretsky felt that “the course was in great shape. It was a little windy the second day, but overall, loved the course. My game was in good shape, as I was driving the ball well and putting good besides a few short game errors. I wasn’t really paying attention to the lead, I was just really in the moment to finish well.”  

With the modified championship schedule, an Ontario Juvenile (U17) Girls’ Champion was awarded in addition. Michelle Xing finished the tournament with a score of 222, to land her the 2021 Ontario Juvenile Girls’ Champion title. Low rounds of the three qualifier events, Shaunna Liu (Station Creek GC), Zhana Navato-Brethour (Weston G&CC), and Joline Truong (Trafalgar G&CC), were also recognized.

Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for their support of the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Spring Classic Championship. To Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course, City of Brantford, Jeff Moore (Business Manager of Golf Operations), and all their hard-working staff, thank you for being gracious hosts on such a well-conditioned 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) Girls’ Spring Classic Championship, visit our Golf Genius page. For media coverage, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. 

Coverage Continues at Shelburne Golf & Country Club

Round 1 of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Spring Classic

Shelburne, ON – Warm winds welcomed players to the opening round of the Junior Boys Spring Classic at the historic Shelburne Golf & Country Club. Spirits were high as both the temperature and competition heated up quickly on day one, where nine players shot under par.

Taking the early lead is Team Ontario member Ben MacLean (Cherry Hill Club), with a stellar bogey free 6-under (65). Following closely in second with a strong five-under is Justin Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club) after two eagles for a round of 66. Tied for third at four-under apiece is Andre Zhu (National Pines Golf Club) and Team Ontario athlete, Ryan Somerville (Summit Golf & Country Club), both firing impressive 4-under (67) rounds.

 

Players to keep an eye on heading into round two of the Junior Boys Spring Classic include: Isaiah Ellis (Lookout Point Country Club), Isaiah Ibit (Greyhawk Golf Club) and Team Ontario member Owen Kim (Blue Springs Golf Club), who are only a few behind the leaders. Also sitting under par is Zachary Smith (Brampton Golf Club) and Team Ontario player Ellis Kinnaird (Mississippi Golf Club)

 

Tee times start for Round 2 on Tuesday, June 29th at 7:30 a.m. 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 further 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.

For more information please contact:

Brianna Christopher, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
BChristopher@gao.ca

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;

PMacKellar@gao.ca

Brantford, ON – High winds made for a challenging second round at the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Spring Classic, due to weather and course conditions changing overnight. The greens at Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course were rolling a lot faster today, with the course having a chance to cut the greens following two days of heavy downpour.

 

With cuts being made to forty-two plus ties, your leader heading into the final round is Lauren Zaretsky (Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto). Zaretsky played the low round of the day at two-under, to give her a three-stroke lead over Nyah Kelly (Lindsay G&CC). Team Ontario athlete, Alessandra Nagayo (Public Player), had a strong round to advance her twelve positions. Her third-place position sits her five-strokes behind the leader. Additional players climbing the leaderboard is Michelle Xing and Swetha Sathish (Hidden Lake GC) in a two-way tie for fourth. 2027 graduate Elliana Buhagiar, advanced to T6 today with a total of 149 heading into the third round.

 

The final round of the Junior Girls Spring Classic is set for 11:30 a.m.. Leaderboard information, pairings, and tee times can be found on our Golf Genius page. For media coverage of the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Spring Classic, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums.

 

Tomorrow morning at Shelburne Golf and Country Club, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Spring Classic gets underway at 7:30 a.m.. To follow along with the field of 60, check out our Golf Genius website here. Competitors will battle in the first two rounds to make the cutline of 42+ ties, with the final round taking place June 30^th.  To read more about the Junior Boys Spring Classic Championship, click here.

 

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 further information.

 

Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (as of May 31^st, **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.

 

For more information please contact:

Brianna Christopher,
Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
BChristopher@gao.ca

 

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

 

Brantford, ON – With torrential downpour through the evening into the early morning, the Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course was luckily in good condition. Despite the rain, the course drained well and was very playable for round one of the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Spring Classic.

 

Taking the early lead is Nyah Kelly (Lindsay G&CC) with a smooth four-under round (68). Following closely in second with three-under is Lauren Zaretsky (Ladies Golf Club of Toronto) after six birdies for a round of 69. The third-place leader, Mia Wong, from Granite Golf Club went two-under in today’s round.

 

Players to keep an eye on heading into round two of the Junior Girls Spring Classic is Ashley Lafontaine (Royal Ottawa GC), who is fresh off a USGA Junior Amateur qualifier, runner-up of the 2021 Women’s Match Play Championship, and tied at even-par for fourth with Emma Hansen (Blue Springs GC). The 2020 Ontario Peewee Girls’ Champion, Michelle Xing (Public Player), is another player to watch for as she holds in sixth with a four-way tie. Team Ontario athletes off to a good start are Alissa Xu (Station Creek GC) with one over-par, and T15 players Alessandra Nagayo (Public Player) and Bo Brown (Blue Springs GC) with a round of 75.

 

Tee time for Round 2 on Sunday, June 27th is set for 12:00 p.m.. Leaderboard information, pairings, and tee times can be found on our Golf Genius page. For media coverage of the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ 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.

 

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.

 

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

 

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.

 

For more information please contact:

Brianna Christopher, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
BChristopher@gao.ca

 

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

Gravenhurst, ON – The final day of the Men’s and Women’s Match Play Championship was a soggy one, with the rain beginning just before the semifinals teed off and getting increasingly heavier throughout the final round. With the rain cooling down the competition, we watched fierce players battle for a spot in the final championship round.

 

Taking home hardware at the 2021 Ontario Men’s and Women’s Match Play Championship are your victors, Charles Fitzsimmons (St. Thomas G&CC) and Hailey Katona (Tilbury GC). The two winning competitors took down legendary Golf Ontario champions, collegiate athletes, and Team Ontario athletes to claim their titles. 

 

Fitzsimmons, the Team Ontario Mental Coach and 2019 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Champion, commented that days one through three were a lot of fun. “I got to play against some great competitors and people I knew from University, as well as some of the kids from Team Ontario. I had some really good matches with a couple going down right to the wire so that was just an absolute blast, and just any chance I have to compete with the kids I coach is a lot of fun. I had some great competition all the way through, including Bavake (Sihota) yesterday, and then of course this morning which is always a tough match against the legend Dave Bunker.” Competing in his first Golf Ontario Match Play Championship, Fitzsimmons commented that “Taboo is a great course for Match Play. It really puts a premium on hitting good shots and keeping the ball in play, and that suits my game well. We were lucky that we could today in with the rain.” Fitzsimmons next championship tournament will be the Canadian Amateur. 

 

On the Women’s side, Katona had a chance to put her skills to the test against well-known champions Judith Kyrinis and Terrill Samuel, commenting that “they are amazing people and unbelievable players, so kind and just amazing Women overall. I’m so honored that I was able to play with them and meet them.” Heading into the semifinal round “I knew that I had to play well this morning if I wanted to get into the final match, and I did just that. I didn’t get too far ahead of myself, I just stayed in the moment. Sadie (Dewinton-Davies) is a great player and I knew that I needed to make birdies. In the final round, Ashley (Lafontaine) was amazing as well and during the last few holes, the rain started coming down harder on us, so that made it a little bit tougher.” Never having played Taboo Muskoka, Katona loved the course and commented on how great the conditions were. You can follow along with Katona during her next competition at the Alberta Ladies in two weeks, with the Canadian Amateur and Ontario Amateur to follow.

 

Congratulations to runner-up’s Jeffrey Fang (Station Creek GC) and Ashley Lafontaine (Royal Ottawa GC), who both competed against experienced opponents. To close out the championship, Fitzsimmons shared how great it is to be playing competitive golf again and that “obviously COVID has been a tough year and a half on everyone, so it’s awesome that we can make this happen. A huge thanks to Golf Ontario for all they do and it’s great to see everyone again.” We’re thrilled to welcome Golf Ontario competitors back to the tee and are looking forward to a packed summer of competitive play.

 

To view the leaderboards from the 2021 Ontario Men’s and Women’s Match Play Championships, visit our Golf Genius page. For media coverage, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. 

 

About the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship

Established in 1986, The Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship is contested annually and features 64 of Ontario’s best amateur golfers that have qualified through one of six qualifying tournaments held earlier this season, or who have gained an exemption into the event. Notable former champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Ian Leggatt, David Hearn, David Byrne and Dave Bunker.

 

About the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship

The Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship was first played in 1975 and has several notable past champions including: World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Marlene Stewart Streit, six-time champion Mary Ann Hayward, Terrill Samuel, and Heather Kuzmich.

 

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.

 

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.

 

For more information please contact:

Brianna Christopher, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
BChristopher@gao.ca

 

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

Gravenhurst, ON – The Round of 16 kicked off this morning at Taboo Muskoka Resort and Golf, with the Women’s Match Play beginning day one of their championship. Strong competition created exciting play as we witnessed past Golf Ontario champions, collegiate athletes, and bright juniors excel on the challenging course.

 

With both the Round of 16 and the quarterfinals taking place today, Hailey Katona (Public Player) defeated veteran opponents Terrill Samuel (Weston G&CC) and Judith Kyrinis (The Thornhill Club). Team Ontario athlete and 2020 Super Camp Champion, Alessandra Nagayo, moves to the semifinals following a win over ArynMatthews (Lindsay G&CC) and Ashley Chow (Lake Joseph GC). Following a successful USGA Junior Girls qualifier, Ashley Lafontaine played exceptionally with a win in her quarterfinal match against Hailey McLaughlin (Public Player) in extra holes.

 

Tomorrow morning at 7:46 a.m., Sadie Dewinton-Davies (Public Player) and Hailey Katona will get the Women’s semifinal match underway. Following at 7:54 a.m. is Nagayo and Lafontaine. Check out the leaderboard and pairings for the final, here.

 

In Men’s Match Play news, Charles Fitzsimmons (St. Thomas G&CC) defeated Ty Stansfield (The Thornhill Club) and Bavake Sihota (Public Player) to punch his ticket for a semifinal showdown against four-time Match Play Champion, Dave Bunker (Cherry Hill Club). Bunker took down Jacob Presutti (Brampton GC) and Cam Kellett (St. Thomas G&CC) in fashion, while Dave Crawford (Dundas Valley G&CC) battled for a win against 2020 Junior Boys’ Championship, Nolan Piazza (Cherry Hill Club).

 

Former Team Ontario athlete, Jeffrey Fang (Public Player), held his own again opponents to secure him a 7:38 a.m. tee time against Crawford. The opening match of the semifinals at 7:30 a.m. will be against Fitzsimmons and Bunker, which is guaranteed to be a heated battle between two exceptional opponents.

 

The Ontario Match Play finals will take place following the semifinal round. Leaderboard information, pairings, and tee times can be found on our Golf Genius page. For media coverage of the Ontario Men’s and Women’s Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums.

 

About the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship

Established in 1986, The Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship is contested annually and features 64 of Ontario’s best amateur golfers that have qualified through one of six qualifying tournaments held earlier this season, or who have gained an exemption into the event.  Notable former champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Ian Leggatt, David Hearn, David Byrne and Dave Bunker.

 

About the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship

The Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship was first played in 1975 and has several notable past champions including: World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Marlene Stewart Streit, six-time champion Mary Ann Hayward, Terrill Samuel, and Heather Kuzmich.

 

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.

 

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

 

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.

 

For more information please contact:

Brianna Christopher,
Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
BChristopher@gao.ca

 

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

Brantford, ON – Following the Men’s and Women’s Match Play Championships, it’s now time for the Juniors to take the spotlight. From June 26th to 28th Golf Ontario welcomes the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Spring Classic to the Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course. 

City of Brantford’s Business Manager of Golf Operations and PGA of Canada Head Professional, Jeff Moore, explains that “with the recent name change to Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course to honour our Lord Mayor, hosting this event is a natural fit to showcase our golf course and new clubhouse.” Offering a mature 18-hole championship layout, “we’re recognized as a leader in Junior Golf in Canada and our membership is thrilled for the club to host the championship. Many have volunteered their services over the 3-day event to provide the competitors with a world-class championship experience.”

The field is full of strong competitors, many of who have won Golf Ontario Championships in the past. Team Ontario Golf athletes competing in the classic are Alessandra Nagayo, Alissa Xu, Bo Brown, Jillian Friyia, and Rozlyn Rooke. With the 2021 Women’s Western Junior taking place the day before, Ella Weber, Alexis McMurray, and Sarah Gallagher of Team Ontario will not be attending. 

Tee time for Round 1 on Saturday, June 26th is set for noon. To view tee times and follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here. 

Melancthon, ON – What a whirlwind of Match Plays and Springs Classic’s, as Golf Ontario prepares to conduct their fourth championship in just six days since the start of the 2021 Championship season. With that being said, we are thrilled to welcome the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Spring Classic to Shelburne Golf and Country Club. Competing from June 28th to 30th, players can expect a challenge of the start as they stare down a tree dead centre of the fairway.

The family-owned course has a great reputation as one of the best practice facilities in Southern Ontario. Sam Young, the owner and operator, is an Ontario Hall of Famer and has been teaching for years with many students going on to have successful golf careers. In the last few years, Shelburne has undergone renovations, adding nine new tee decks for an additional 230 yards.  

Team Ontario Golf athletes competing in the championship are first-year squad member Andreas Diogenous, Ellis Kinnaird, Owen Kim, Matthew Martel, Ryan Somerville, and Ty Stansfield. Returning athletes competing in the Spring Classic are Ben MacLean, Peter Blazevic, and Thomas Latter.

Tee time for Round 1 on Monday, June 28th is set for noon. To view tee times and follow along with 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 but has been pushed back due to covid compliances 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.

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.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

For more information please contact:

Brianna Christopher,
Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
BChristopher@gao.ca

 

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

Gravenhurst, ON – Competition heats up as we completed the Round of 32 at Taboo Muskoka Resort and Golf. A major highlight of the round was a hole-in-one on three, a par-3 from 185 yards, by Michigan Wolverines athlete Bavake Sihota (Golf Canada Club). Sihota would go on to win his match 2-up against opponent Ty Celone (Golf Canada Club).

 

Past Men’s Match Play Champions moving onto the Round of 16 include four-time champion, Dave Bunker (Cherry Hill Club), and 2018 champion Cam Kellett (St. Thomas G&CC). Team Ontario Golf athlete and first year squad member, Ty Stansfield (The Thornhill Club), took his opponent, Zachary Smith (Brampton GC), 5 & 4 to earn a spot in Thursday’s round. Stansfield and Charles Fitzsimmons (St. Thomas G&CC), 2019 Men’s Mid-Amateur Champion and Team Ontario’s Mental Coach, will battle for a place in the Round of 8.

 

Tee time for the Round of 16 on Wednesday, June 24^th is set for 7:30 a.m.. The Round of 8 will take place in the afternoon, from approximately 12:30 to 1:50 p.m… For media coverage of the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.

 

In addition to the Men’s Match Play, the Ontario Women’s Match Play beings tomorrow at 8:34 a.m.. The Championship runs from June 24^th to 25^th, with sixteen competitors looking to claim the crown. Follow along with the leaderboard, here.

 

About the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship

Established in 1986, The Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship is contested annually and features 64 of Ontario’s best amateur golfers that have qualified through one of six qualifying tournaments held earlier this season, or who have gained an exemption into the event.  Notable former champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Ian Leggatt, David Hearn, David Byrne and Dave Bunker.

 

Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (as of May 31^st, **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.

 

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.

 

For more information please contact:

Brianna Christopher,
Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
BChristopher@gao.ca

 

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

Gravenhurst, ON – The first round of the 2021 championship season is in the books, after an exciting Round of 64 at the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship. High winds, cloud coverage, and cool temperatures made for a brisk summer day at Taboo Muskoka Resort and Golf. The conditions of the course, however, were as wonderful as we could have hoped for. Managing Director of Taboo Muskoka Resort and Golf, Nigel Hollidge, revealed pre-championship that the course is in the best condition it’s been in years. 

 

With 64 competitors battling head-to-head for a position in the Round of 32, we saw some incredible talent from a field of players across a wide spectrum of age and experience. Veteran Golf Ontario champions played with ease on the challenging Canadian Shield landscape. Collegiate players freshly home from a packed schedule of competitive play impressed, as they skillfully closed out the match with holes remaining. 

 

Competitors to take note of heading into the Round of 32, are past multi champions Dave Bunker, Charles Fitzsimmons, Nolan Piazza, and Andreas Diogenous. Team Ontario Golf competed well today, with six athletes playing their way into tomorrow. This includes Peter Blazevic, Ty Stansfield, Thomas Latter, Ryan Somerville, Owen Kim, and Andreas Diogenous. Former Team Ontario athlete, Jeffrey Fang, has also claimed a spot. The competition, like the course, will be extremely challenging. 

 

Tee time for the Round of 32 on Wednesday, June 23rd is set for 7:30 a.m. For media coverage of the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here. 

 

About the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship

Established in 1986, The Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship is contested annually and features 64 of Ontario’s best amateur golfers that have qualified through one of six qualifying tournaments held earlier this season, or who have gained an exemption into the event. Notable former champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Ian Leggatt, David Hearn, David Byrne and Dave Bunker.

 

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.

 

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.

 

For more information please contact:

Brianna Christopher,
Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
BChristopher@gao.ca

 

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

 

Gravenhurst, ON – After an uncertain spring, Golf Ontario is relieved and extremely pleased to usher in the 2021 Championship season. The 2021 schedule will see an increased number of championships from 2020, strategically squeezed into a smaller than normal operating timeframe. The efforts of the Golf Ontario tournament department have been huge, and have been instrumental in working with our host facilities, competitors and other stakeholders to deliver a tournament schedule that offers ample options for world-class competition.

 

Driving Golf Ontario into the 2021 season, we welcome to the tee the Ontario Men’s and Women’s Match Play Championships. Taboo Muskoka will be the host of the Men’s (June 22-25) and Women’s Match Plays (June 24-25). With a field of size of 64 for the Men’s Championship and 16 for the Women’s Championship, Taboo will offer competitors a challenging layout carved into the dramatic Canadian Shield landscape. Consistently voted among Canada’s Top 100 courses and renowned for its panoramic beauty, the Taboo golf course is a captivating gateway to Muskoka, one of Canada’s truly outstanding golf destinations.

 

Managing Director of Taboo Muskoka Resort and Golf, Nigel Hollidge, shared that “the course is in the best condition it’s been in in years. We wintered really well, the spring has offered very good growing conditions, and we hired a new Superintendent this year, Owen Leewith, who has been wonderful. All around, we are very happy with the condition of the golf course.” When asked about the challenge competitors may experience, Hollidge let on that the turf team plans to quicken the greens. “If we are able to get the green speed up, which I think we will be able to, I do see the greens being a challenge for the players. The rough will be challenging, but Taboo is not an easy golf course that’s for sure. I think the players will find it challenging, but fair.”

 

Tee off will begin at 7:30 a.m. on June 22^nd for the Men’s Match Play Championship. The field is scattered competitors across the age spectrum, including notable past Golf Ontario champions Dave Bunker, Nolan Piazza, Ashley Chinner, Andreas Diogenous, and Charles Fitzsimmons. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here.

 

The Women’s Match Play Championship gets underway on June 24^th, with memorable past Golf Ontario champions Judith Kyrinis and Terrill Samuel in the field. You can follow the leaderboard, here.

 

About the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship

Established in 1986, The Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship is contested annually and features 64 of Ontario’s best amateur golfers that have qualified through one of six qualifying tournaments held earlier this season, or who have gained an exemption into the event.  Notable former champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Ian Leggatt, David Hearn, David Byrne and Dave Bunker.

 

About the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship

The Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship was first played in 1975 and has several notable past champions including World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, six-time champion Mary Ann Hayward, Terrill Samuel, and Heather Kuzmich.

 

Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (as of May 31^st, **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.

 

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

 

For more information please contact:

Brianna Christopher,
Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
BChristopher@gao.ca

 

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

It is with profound sadness we report the passing of former Golf Ontario Executive Director, Dave Mills after a short battle with cancer. Dave has been an incredible leader and advocate for golf in Ontario and he will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to meet him.

 

Since 1986, Dave Mills has been involved with the GAO/OGA. Serving on the Board of Directors from 1989-1997, Mills was appointed Executive Director in 1997. During his term, he turned around an association that was experiencing significant financial and administrative challenges.

 

Throughout Dave’s term as Executive Director, he led numerous initiatives to help shape the game of golf in Ontario: the GAO Scholarship Program, educational seminars, Golf in Schools, learn to play clinics, new provincial championships, Team Ontario, participation in Canadian and Ontario Summer Games, a partnership with the Ontario Golf Magazine to be the official magazine of the Association, the establishment of the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame, and helping to have golf recognized as an “Official Sport” by Sport Canada. Perhaps one of his greatest accomplishments was leading the process to amalgamate the Ontario Golf Association with the Ontario Ladies Golf Association, to create Golf Ontario, now one of the largest amateur golf associations in North America.

 

 

Mill’s expertise went far beyond the board room. He was also a certified rules official and volunteered passionately at numerous GAO events, including the Canadian Open, Canadian Amateur, and Telus Skins Game. Retiring from the GAO in 2014, Mills would continue to volunteer at provincial events. Golf Ontario was extremely fortunate to have his presence at the 1st annual Provincial Super Camp during Thanksgiving weekend 2020, where he announced the first tee, captured action shots of some of the best juniors in the province, and had the honour to award the winners.

 

 

In retirement, Mills also dedicated his time to re-establish the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame. Now known as the Dr. Robert L. Vaughn atrium, this Hall of Fame can be viewed in the Belleville CAA Arena (Yardmen Arena).

 

Dave Mills had a great love for the game of golf and for his wonderful family, and he cherished every moment he got to tee it up with friends and family.

 

 

Our deepest condolences to the Mills family and friends. Golf Ontario is forever grateful for your leadership Dave.

 

A special announcement to honour his legacy will be coming soon.