Golf Ontario Remembers former Executive Director Dave Mills
Peter MacKellar
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.
Golf Ontario Celebrates the Launch of the Niagara Golf Wall of Recognition
Peter MacKellar
Uxbridge, ON – Niagara Golf (www.niagaragolf.org) is extremely pleased to introduce the Niagara Golf “Wall of Recognition” in conjunction with Golf Ontario. Together, along with the assistance of many active and retired leaders in the Niagara golf industry, this ‘Wall of Recognition’ will proudly share the history of golf in the Niagara Region.
“In Niagara, we are very passionate about recognizing those who have made an impact on the game of golf in more ways than winning,” shared the Selection Committee. “We cannot think of a better way to honour those pioneers than having them recognized and inducted into the Niagara Golf Wall of Recognition. The Niagara Golf Wall of Recognition recognizes not only players that have exceeded expectations, but also the Professionals, Owners, Press, Management, and Volunteers who have made a significant impact and/or influence on golf in Niagara.”
Of the long list of notable inaugural inductees, a few to highlight in the Class of 2021 are Canadian golf legends Marlene Stewart Streit, Cathy Sherk, and Rod Spittle. All members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, these three legends account for more than 75 championship titles between them. To view the full list of inductees for the Class of 2021, please visit golfniagara.org/wall.
John White, a PGA of Canada Director of Golf Operations at Beechwood Golf & Social and one of five members on the Wall of Recognition Selection Committee, is “so excited that the Niagara Wall of Recognition came to fruition due to the hard work of the committee. It has been a dream of mine to create a platform to recognize all the people of Niagara that have done great things and contributed to the golf community. Niagara has so many special people and now we can tell their story for all golfers to learn about them for years to come.”
As a hot spot for golf, Niagara, where men, women, and juniors of all ages have a place to play, practice, and love the game of golf, we hope to one day see these young players take their place on the Wall of Recognition.
Do you know someone that would be the perfect candidate for the Niagara Golf Wall of Recognition? Visit golfniagara.org/wall for the Induction Criteria and to fill out a Nomination Form. For all other inquires and to get involved in Niagara Region, please view the contact information below.
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.
Brianna Christopher,
Assistant, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; BChristopher@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar,
Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Golf Ontario proud to announce Solo Golf as the ‘Preferred Single Rider Golf Cart’ of Golf Ontario
Peter MacKellar
For Immediate release April 26, 2021
Uxbridge – Golf Ontario announced today that they have added Solo Golf as the ‘Preferred Single Rider Golf Cart’ of Golf Ontario. This exciting new partnership recognizes Solo Golf as one of the most innovative new players in the Canadian market, and celebrates the world-class product options that it is introducing.
Dave Struthers, Sr. Director of Marketing and Partnerships at Golf Ontario is ecstatic to be welcoming Solo Golf to the family of Golf Ontario partners. “While our primary focus has been, and will continue to be, working hard with the government to get golf courses reopened, it is also important that we are continuing to add partners that help us executive the amazing grow the game initiatives we are known for. This new partnership with Solo Golf is timely, and presents new options to our golf course facilities in terms of single rider cart options” said Struthers. He continued “The Solo Golf team has introduced an innovative lineup of single rider cart options, and we are thrilled to help connect them with our facilities” said Struthers.
Solo Golf products have been very successful in the United States and have recently launched in Canada, with a significant focus on the Ontario market. There are 3 options for these single rider carts: a 2-wheel, 3-wheel , and a 4-wheel option. Solo Golf carts, like other carts across the province will be covered for those golfers who are members of Golf Canada/Golf Ontario. The Incident Protection is part of that membership and reimburses the member up to $2,500 for golf cart related accidents.
“Solo Golf is also thrilled to partner with Golf Ontario”, said Chris Bean, Director of Sales, Solo Golf. “Golf Ontario has a long history of delivering leadership in golf, and we are excited to be partnered with them as we increase our presence in the Ontario market. The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for everyone and we are pleased to bring another option for safe play to add to the incredibly safe protocols that courses across the province had in place last year. We look forward to working with facilities across Ontario to offer Solo Carts as a timely and innovative cart option for the almost 100,000 members of Golf Ontario”, continued Bean.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 450 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact, to growing the game at the grassroots level and getting the game of golf into our school systems, to keeping the Ontario golf community aware of all relevant issues and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to making golf better for everyone in Ontario. We share a love and passion for golf, while preserving its past, fostering its future, and championing golf’s best interests for everyone who enjoys the sport.
Solo Golf is a Canadian-owned company, based in the Muskoka region of Ontario. They have regional operations in Calgary and Montreal to support their network across Canada. They are a team of innovators and golf enthusiasts who want to change the game. They have witnessed the single rider cart movement in the US, and have built the infrastructure to bring it to Canada.
Golf Ontario Announces Transformative Changes to JR High-Performance Golf Across the Province
Peter MacKellar
New Junior Golf Pathway will deliver clarity for athletes, parents and coaches through a NEW digital platform and consolidated competitive opportunities.
New partnership with the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) will feature a season-long points ranking system, AJGA playing status for top ranking juniors, and a new season-ending Tour Championship
Uxbridge, ON
An almost 2-year long collaboration between Golf Ontario and over 10 local junior golf tours in Ontario will culminate in the launch of the new Junior Golf Pathway. This new initiative will help to revolutionize junior golf in Ontario, and will bring all key stakeholders together to deliver benefits in 3 key areas:
To provide clarity in the current competitive junior golf space,
To outline a clear path through the junior golf pathway for aspiring competitive junior golfers.
Connect young golfers and their families with training & competitive opportunities best suited to their skill levels.
At the core of this new initiative is the Junior Golf Pathway website (www.juniorgolfpathway.ca) that includes the newly developed Junior Golf Pathway framework. Athletes, coaches and parents can easily access information and get inspiration to make informed decisions on what training environment, competition or talent ID initiatives they should be participating in.
There will be many great tools available on this new site for young golfers and their families.
Players will be able to complete an online player profile to help showcase them on this resource.
There will be a searchable Coach look up tool that will allow junior golfers to find the appropriate coach for their skills levels
There will be a searchable Tournament tool that allows players to find competitive events at the appropriate level of their development, and bring these into their profile
A Tour navigation page will be set up to significantly help clarify the partner tours that are available for a player to hone their development.
Mike Kelly, Executive Director of Golf Ontario, “This is an exciting innovation and we invite the entire Ontario golf community to be part of it. The mission of the Junior Golf Pathway is very simple: to ensure that competitive junior golfers stay on course to reach their highest potential. Through robust training tools and resources as well as a powerful marketing engine for tour operators and PGA of Canada coaches, the Junior Golf Pathway will simplify access, modernize a new competitive pathway, and ensure a positive experience for athletes and parents.”
This site has been built so that all of the local tours are incorporated, providing a one-stop shop for junior competitive options. These tours are: The CJGA, Golf Canada, Golf Ontario, Hamilton Halton Junior Golf Tour, Jamieson Junior Tour, Maple Leaf Junior Tour, Niagara District Junior Tour, North Eastern Junior Golf Tour, Ottawa Valley Golf Association, Pepsi-Titleist Junior Tour, Play Junior Golf Tour, Simcoe County Junior Golf Tour, Tee-It-Up Junior Golf Tour, Tyson Tour, and US Kids Niagara.
To learn more, please go to www.juniorgolfpathway.ca to understand all of the key tools that will be available for junior golfers. This initiative will truly help drive clarity in this space and will create a welcome environment for junior golfers to make the right decisions for their individual development.
In addition, and in conjunction with this Junior Golf Pathway launch, Golf Ontario is proud to announce a new partnership with the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA). This partnership will ensure a stronger connection between the many tours, events, and championships in Ontario and the AJGA organization and ranking system. The AJGA operates on a successful Performance Based Entry (PBE Stars) system, meaning athletes must have past success in order to qualify for AJGA events. Ontario’s Junior Rankings have been revised to better reflect competitive golf in the province and athletes will now be able to gain PBE exemptions and Stars through play in championships across Ontario.
As part of this partnership, in 2021, the top two golfers on each of the U17 and U19 Boys and Girls rankings will earn fully exempt AJGA status for the 2022 season. As well, the top two U15 ranked boys and girls will earn 12 PBE Stars and the top two U13 ranked boys and girls will earn 8 PBE Stars. In 2022 this will increase to ten exempt players per gender for the 2023 season.
Building on the success of the inaugural 2020 Golf Ontario Super Camp, The Tour Championship, will serve as a new, penultimate event of 2021 for Junior golfers to improve their rankings. This transition will add a day of competition to the 2021 Super Camp, making for two days of Golf Canada National Testing Protocols, and three days of Tour Championship tournament play. Qualification for this event will be open to the top 45 Boys and Girls (with at least one year of junior golf eligibility remaining) on the JGP rankings as of August 31st, 2021. In 2022, The Tour Championship will become an official AJGA Open event and provide even more AJGA exemptions and PBE Stars. Ontario invitations will be determined based on Ontario Junior Rankings and will offer the same PBE Stars as the Ontario Junior Championships.
Kelly continued to say that “Thanks to the support of so many passionate tour operators and coaches as well as our facilities, volunteers and Golf Canada, junior competitive golf in Ontario will be incredibly strong for many years to come. As we embark on this new chapter, we appreciate your passion and energy that will drive the sport and junior golf forward.”
“The new Junior Golf Pathway will be a tremendous asset for families with junior golfers of all levels in Ontario,” said Mark Oskarson, AJGA chief operating officer. “The AJGA is grateful to join with Golf Ontario in this initiative and be a part of helping to further inspire those players looking to play college golf.”
About Junior Golf Pathway
The launch of the Junior Golf Pathway represents a collaboration between Golf Ontario and the many golf tours available to junior golfers across the province. The Junior Golf Pathway is an interactive tool and resource to assist junior golfers to reach their highest potential. From what tournaments to play, to finding coaches to assist development, this website with help juniors build their path in junior golf and beyond. Visit www.juniorgolfpathway.ca to learn more.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @JrGolfPathway
To stay informed on the Junior Golf Pathway information, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit the website (www.juniorgolfpathway.ca) for further information.
About the American Junior Golf Association
The AJGA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. The AJGA provides valuable exposure for college golf scholarships and has an annual junior membership (boys and girls, ages 12-19) of more than 7,000 members from 50 states and 60 foreign countries. Through initiatives like the Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant, a financial assistance program, and Leadership Links, a service-oriented platform that teaches juniors charitable-giving skills, the AJGA fosters the growth of golf’s next generation.
TaylorMade and adidas are the AJGA’s National Sponsors, supporting the AJGA for more than 25 years. TaylorMade has served as the Official Ball of the AJGA since 2016. adidas has been the Official Apparel and Footwear of the AJGA since 2017. Rolex, in its fourth decade of AJGA sponsorship, became the inaugural AJGA Premier Partner in 2004.
AJGA alumni have risen to the top of amateur, collegiate, and professional golf. Former AJGA juniors have compiled more than 900 victories on the PGA and LPGA Tours. AJGA alumni include Rickie Fowler, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Tiger Woods, Paula Creamer, Ariya Jutanugarn, Cristie Kerr, Stacy Lewis, Brittany Lincicome, Anna Nordqvist, Inbee Park, and Lexi Thompson.
About the Participating Local Junior Tours.
15 local junior golf tours will provide the backbone for the new Junior Golf Pathway. Each of these tours provides important opportunities for junior golfers to hone their competitive skills, and all of these tours will work together to provide more clarity and a more cohesive ranking system to identify the best golfers in the province, both female and male. Visit www.juniorgolfpathway.ca/tours to learn more.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 450-member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact, to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to shaping lives through Golf.
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar,
Manager, Marketing and Communications,
Golf Ontario PMacKellar@gao.ca
Golf is Calling Campaign
Peter MacKellar
From Golf Canada
Canadians needing a social outlet and a sense of recreational normalcy during the uncertainty of the pandemic in 2020 turned to golf in a major way. Now Golf Canada, with the support of industry partners, will build on the excitement, increased interest, and elevated levels of play with a national golfer retention campaign to welcome new and returning players back to the golf course in 2021.
The campaign – GOLF IS CALLING – is a Canada-wide marketing initiative to speak to new, younger golfers as well as the community of avid players, each uniquely drawn to the game whether it be for exercise, the social experience or the challenge of the sport.
The golfer retention campaign is being led in partnership with Golf Canada’s Industry Advisory Council, a group of industry professionals that includes course owners, operators, general managers, PGA of Canada professionals, superintendents, and other stakeholders in the game.
For Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum, golf’s emergence through the pandemic as a safe, social, and inclusive activity during an extremely challenging period was a silver lining for a sport enjoyed by nearly 6M Canadians annually.
“For so many Canadians who needed an outlet to play, be social and feel a sense of normal, golf was there for us,” said Applebaum.
“Golf is a sport of invitation, where we bring others along to experience and enjoy the game for a lifetime. GOLF IS CALLING is also a return invitation to the avid players and new enthusiasts who enjoyed the game in record numbers this past year. It is also an outreach and welcome to young and diverse audiences and a powerful confirmation that our sport offers the healthy attributes, safe environment, and industry capacity of nearly 2,300 facilities to support physical, social, and mental well-being in a meaningful way.”
GOLF IS CALLING features a vibrant and new look for golf. The campaign messaging and creative was informed by deep market research as well as creative trends from across industries and broader sport to reflect an industry-wide effort to promote golf participation. This season long, national marketing campaign features a fresh and inviting energy as the calling for Canadians to play more golf.
“As marketers and sport leaders, we look for moments to connect with golfers, and this past year has offered an unparalleled signature moment for the golf community to influence and entrench behaviours that will benefit our sport for the long run,” said Golf Canada Chief Marketing Officer Vanessa Morbi. “With more than 700 customizable assets that golf facilities and industry partners can leverage in their marketing efforts, this is a special moment to rally the full weight and collective voice of our sport to inspire more play in 2021.”
The suite of tools is available to golf courses and industry stakeholders to share in national roll-out of the golfer retention campaign. The bilingual campaign will be presented as SORTEZ, GOLFEZ across all French language assets and Golf Canada will support the campaign with a paid media buy executed across social and digital channels.
In conjunction with the campaign, Golf Canada has also relaunched its website as a portal to enhance the golfer experience and support tee-time booking through a national course look-up tool. This feature can be found on www.golfcanada.ca and will connect golfers with facilities across the country.
Despite a season suspended in most parts of Canada through early May, data from the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) of Canada reported a 18.9% increase in total rounds played across the country in 2020. Golf Canada members as well as public players who track an official handicap index experienced a significant lift in play, posting a record 7.8M scores to the Golf Canada Score Centre, a 7% lift over the prior year with monthly score posting records set from June through October.
Canadian levels of engagement in the sport mirrored strong growth metrics across North America as new and avid players invested in tee times as well as memberships, equipment, league play, junior golf, and instruction.
As Canadian golf facilities continue to manage the impact of the pandemic on non-golf revenues, the game is thriving as a safe and healthy recreational option that drives significant economic, employment, tourism, environmental and charity benefits to communities across Canada.
Supported by comprehensive healthy and safety protocols enacted by the golf community as well as adjustments made to the golf course experience, the sport is well positioned with momentum.
“Creating a national campaign that speaks to golfers of varying abilities and connection to the game is no easy feat, and we continue to be extremely sensitive to the disastrous impact of the pandemic which has taken a significant emotional, economic and mental toll,” added Shawn Evans, President and CEO of GolfNorth Properties who is also Chair of the Golf Industry Advisory Council. “At the same time, we see the opportunity in golf’s emergence through the pandemic to present our sport in a fresh way to new audiences with a visceral consumer experience that will be noticed.”
A Reflection of #IWD2021, Celebrating Women in Sport, Everyday: Vanessa Chychrun Edition
2021 Ontario Junior Boys Championship to Support Autism Ontario
Peter MacKellar
2021 Ontario Junior Boys Championship, Along With Whistle Bear Golf Club and the support of PGA Tour player Michael Gligic, to Support Autism Ontario
Uxbridge, ON – Golf Ontario, in partnership with Whistle Bear Golf Club – the host of the 2021 Ontario Junior Boys Championship, is proud to announce that the Waterloo Region Chapter of Autism Ontario has been named as the local charity for this year’s Ontario Junior Boys Championship.
With the upcoming 2021 Junior Boys Championship set for July 5-8, Golf Ontario historically has included the opportunity for participating amateur golfers to donate to a cause as part of the registration process. In 2020, the donations supported Frontline Workers and local hospitals in championship communities. For 2021, 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.
Mike Kelly, Executive Director of Golf Ontario, is thrilled to be partnering with Whistle Bear Golf Club, along with the support of alumni Michael Gligic, to deliver this donation opportunity to Autism Ontario. “Whistle Bear Golf Club will be a great host for our Ontario Junior Boys Championship, and we are thrilled to be able to partner with the club to give back to the local community from this event. This community support was an important consideration for Whistle Bear in deciding to host this event this year, and we know that not only will they put on a great event, but that this donation back to Autism Ontario will help in the community” said Kelly.
Adam Tobin, Director of Golf for Whistle Bear Golf Club, also expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative. “Whistle Bear is a family-focused facility that is strongly rooted in the community. It is exciting for us to be able to host the Ontario Junior Boys Championship and showcase our world class facility, and equally exciting for us to be able to use this event to give back to our community, through the Waterloo Region Chapter of Autism Ontario”
“This support from Whistle Bear Golf Club and Golf Ontario is the type of support that is crucial to the families in the Waterloo Region”, said Marg Spoelstra, Executive Director of Autism Ontario. “Proceeds and donations raised through this event will be used for programs that will directly benefit children and adults on the autism spectrum so they can more fully participate in their local community.”
Registration for the Ontario Junior Boys Championship opens on March 3, and a link will be provided for registrants to donate in $10 increments to this great cause. If any other parties are interested in donating as well, please email jlawrence@gao.ca.
All funds generated through these donations will be collected and presented on behalf of Whistle Bear Golf Club and is an important part of their ongoing efforts to be deeply rooted in the local community.
About the Ontario Junior Boys Championship: First contested in 1923, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship has been won by past champions Gary Cowan, Stu Hamilton, Mike Weir, and Albin Choi. In 2021, the Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship will be hosted by the exceptional Whistle Bear Golf Club in Cambridge, Ontario.
About Whistle Bear Golf Club Whistle Bear is a premier private golf club with outstanding dining facilities and a first-class golf course. With a rich history, the course was built on 178 acres with all 18 holes named after previous landowners. Whistle Bear’s goal is to build a community through its members, their families and guests focused around recreational activities, exceptional golf and a place to celebrate life’s milestones.
About Autism Ontario: Autism Ontario is a charitable organization with a history of over 47 years representing the thousands of people on the autism spectrum and their families across Ontario. Made up of knowledgeable parents, professionals, and autistic self-advocates who can speak to the key issues that impact those with autism and their families, Autism Ontario is the province’s leading source of information and referral on autism, and one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community. Members are connected through a volunteer network of 25 Chapters throughout the Province of Ontario.
About Golf Ontario: Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 450-member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact, to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to shaping lives through Golf.
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.
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario; PMacKellar@gao.ca
Women in Sport Wednesday’s: Sydney Naro Edition
Peter MacKellar
Just thirteen weeks out from the tee-off of Golf Ontario’s 2021 Championship season, we return for the final round of our highlight feature, Women in Sport Wednesday’s! This campaign brings our female 2020 Ontario Champions to the forefront, displaying their passion for the game, their accomplishments in the sport, and interesting facts about each champion.
Growing up in Thailand on the Burapha Golf Club, Sydney Naro spent quite a bit of time on the course but didn’t pick up a golf club until around the age of 10. As her skills for the game grew, so did her passion and she began competing in tournaments at 13 years old. Since then, having signed a full-ride scholarship to Michigan State University, Naro has had the privilege to play some of the nicest private courses in Naples during spring break training. Looking to defend her crown in 2021, Naro also plans to compete in the 2021 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.
Read below the full interview with the 2020 Ontario Women’s Amateur Champion, Sydney Naro…
How did you get into Golf?
I actually grew up in Thailand on a golf course, and my Dad and my brother played golf. At first, I didn’t really like golf but as I started practicing more and was able to hit the ball better, my passion for the game grew. I started to play competitive golf when I came back home to Canada.
I was around 10 years old when I first picked up a golf club and 13 years old when I started competing in tournaments.
Why are you passionate about golf?
I’ve always loved the challenge as golf has never come easy for me. I know a lot of kids say they’re born with natural talent and for me, it has always been a challenge, whether it’s mental or physical. But I think that has always excited me because I like a sport that’s constantly challenging you, no matter how many hours of work you put in, there’s always some sort of challenge around the corner.
What other sports were you involved in growing up?
Growing up I was a swimmer, I played soccer and a little bit of volleyball and basketball – pretty much everything up until high school. In grade 9 I became more serious and focused only on golf.
Top 3 favorite golf courses?
Burapah Golf & Resort, Thailand – Course I grew up on
Calusa Pines Golf Club, Naples, FL
Whistle Bear Golf Club, Cambridge, ON
Favorite club in your bag?
My 60-degree wedge. I think chipping is probably my favorite part of the game, just because there are so many different shots you can play.
How do you mark your ball?
Any colour sharpie, with a line through the logo and my initials “SN”
Biggest accomplishments to date?
Winning the 2020 Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship was a big one
I’ve been playing in the Women’s Am since Brooke Henderson won and I remember practicing next to her on the range, and thinking I just wanted to play in the same group as her. I’ve been trying to win the Women’s Am since that year, so winning this summer was a pretty big accomplishment.
Full ride scholarship to Michigan State University
My journey with MSU started around 2017/2018 when I was playing in a U.S. Junior Girls tournament. The assistant coach was watching me at the time and after she saw me play there, she reached during signing time. I was never really thinking about going to Michigan State because I always felt like I wanted to go down south. I went to visit the campus and loved the facilities, the coaches, and what they had to offer me, so I committed to MSU.
I would definitely recommend becoming a varsity/collegiate athlete when going to school. You get to meet so many different people, from so many different backgrounds and places, and you can grow your connections within golf and academics. You can meet so many influential people and they treat you well. It has been a great experience.
We get to travel to some pretty cool places too. Every spring break we travel down to Naples and play some of the nicest private golf courses there. We have some great donors that love golf and the opportunity to play with the Men’s and Women’s golf teams. We usually play there for the whole week when they take us down, so that’s been pretty awesome.
What’s your pre-tournament routine? How do you get into the right headspace?
One thing that I try to do before I go out on the golf course is, I try to play a few holes on the driving range. I’ll just pretend that I’m playing the first few holes and that helps to calm my nerves down. I’ll hit a few different shots in a row and just kind of visualize myself out there. It’s just a good way to prepare myself to go out there and play.
Favorite golfer to watch?
Brooke Henderson of course, I think every Canadian girl kind of looks up to her
The Korda sisters are players that I follow – Jessica and Nelly Korda
If you could play a round of golf with anyone, who would be in your foursome?
My brother – he’s the one that got me into golf and we always have a lot of fun on the course
Tiger Woods – PGA
Annika Sorenstam – retired LPGA
Goals for 2021?
I’d like to defend my title at the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship
I’ll be playing in the Canadian Women’s Amateur (pending COVID)
I’m not one to set too many goals in terms of placement in tournaments, rather it’s making sure I’m going through the right processes, in the right headspace, and just doing the best I can each time I’m out there. I think when doing that as opposed to setting goals in terms of which place I finish, that helps me perform a lot better.
About the Ontario Women’s Am & Mid Am Championship
First played in 1904, the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship is Ontario’s oldest provincial championship and is the pinnacle of women’s golf in the province. The event features the best female golfers from across Ontario in a 72-hole stroke play format.
The Women’s Amateur has produced a rich history of champions throughout the tournament’s long and cherished existence. Past winners include 1968 LPGA Tour players Sandra Post (1964), Alena Sharp (1989), Jennifer Kirby (2009, 2010), Augusta James (2011), Brittany Marchand (2012), Brooke Henderson (2014), Maddie Szeryk and Team Canada standout Brigitte Thibault (2019). World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member, Marlene Stewart Streit, holds the record for the most titles with 11 (’51, ’56, ’57, ’58, ’68, ’69, ’70, ’72, ’74, ’76, and ’77).
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 450-member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact, to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to shaping lives through Golf.
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.
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications.
Golf Ontario PMacKellar@gao.ca
Condolences to friends & family of our beloved friend, Michael Blackett
Peter MacKellar
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Blackett. Our beloved friend and volunteer passed away on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021.
Michael had a love for the game and always had a deep dedication to our vision – Towards a Nation Golfing. For well over 20 years he shared his time and expertise at the local, provincial and national levels.
He was very passionate about the Rules of Golf and Junior Golf. You could always tell which rule official it was on course by seeing him with his signature cowboy hat on everywhere he went.
The golfing community will miss Michael. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Women in Sport Wednesday’s: Natasha Stasiuk Edition
Peter MacKellar
As we wait patiently for the snow to melt and the grass to grow, we welcome you to another round of Golf Ontario’s highlight feature, Women in Sport Wednesday’s! This campaign illuminates our female 2020 Ontario Champions, their passion, their accomplishments in the sport, and some interesting facts about each winner.
As the defending female champion of the Ontario Disability, Natasha Stasiuk is looking to defend her title for the third time in the upcoming 2021 championship season. The two-time champion is thrilled to get back on the course this summer and has set some great goals for the 2021 season. Looking to also defend her home club Heron Point Women’s Championship title, Stasiuk hopes to be able to play in the Canadian Amputee and Disabled National Open Golf Championship, and the United States Disabled Championship pending COVID-19.
Read the full interview with 2020 Ontario Disability Champion, Natasha Stasiuk below…
How did you get into Golf?
I was 8 years old and I first touched a golf club in my gym class. From there my Dad continued to put the club in my hand and my parents signed me up for golf lessons, so I began to love it. I played other sports though too! I used to play hockey and softball, and swimming competitively; freestyle (front stroke) was my favorite. I still play hockey and swim for fun, as golf is my main sport now.
What does the sport of golf do for you?
It’s helped me become who I am today and grow as a person. It has helped with a lot of my self-confidence too.
Favorite golf courses?
Cabot Cliffs, Cape Breton
Crowbush Cove, PEI – first 18 holes!!
Woodington Lakes Golf Club – host of the Ontario Disability
Heron Point Golf Links – home club
Favorite club in your bag?
My driver, because I can hit it long and straight!
How do you mark your ball?
Honestly, it depends on my mood! I have two go-to ball markings. It’s either three dots on my ball in the dimples or the letter “N”. It all depends on my mood and my nerves.
Biggest accomplishments to date?
Winning the Ontario Disability Championship for a second time
Winning the Heron Point Women’s Championship
What’s your pre-tournament routine? How do you get into the right headspace?
I usually arrive an hour before the tournament and I start with thirty minutes on the range. Then I’ll spend some time putting and make sure I take a restroom break before we tee-off. I like to listen to music before too to help get me in the right headspace.
Favorite golfers, to watch?
Brooke Henderson! It used to be Paula Creamer but she hasn’t been playing much.
If you could play a round of golf with anyone, who would be in your foursome?
Moe Norman
Brooke Henderson
Arnold Palmer
Cool fact about you?
I’m adopted – I was adopted at thirteen months old.
Goals for 2021?
Defend my titles
Ontario Disability Championship
Heron Point Women’s Championship
Make the cut for the Ontario Women’s Amateur
Play in…
The Canadian Amputee and Disabled National Open Golf Championship
The United States Disabled Championship
An International event
About The Ontario Disability Championship
In 2019, Woodington Lake Golf Club hosted the inaugural Ontario Disability Championship. Played over a 36-hole competition for Men and Women, the Ontario Disability Championship is an inclusive event in which athletes with disabilities compete in a provincial championship environment. The championship promotes awareness and participation for golfers with disabilities and provides a platform for future talent identification. The Ontario Disability Championship is a counting event on the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD).
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 450-member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact, to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to shaping lives through Golf.
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