Liu Tops the Leaderboard After Round One of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship
Ross Malcolm
Southampton, ON – With our first championship of the season finally underway, 114 players challenged the pristine Saugeen Golf Club for the first round of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship. In what originally looked like an extended weather delay for the first tee off, mother nature knew we needed golf and good news, and with that, we were happily surprised to have the rain hold off until the evening. Play was only suspended from 5:00 p.m. to 6:05 p.m. due to inclement weather conditions, in turn only effecting nine remaining groups.
Leading the pack for the first half of the day, Nolan Piazza (Cherry Hill Club) completed the front in three under and an even par on the back. Playing strong with a later tee time, Yuqi Liu (The Country Club – West), took the lead with two under on the front and back. Results for the day show Yuqi Liu leading with four under, and Nolan Piazza and Ashton McCulloh (Cataraqui G&CC) tying for second with three under.
Leader of round one, Yuqi Liu (The Country Club – West), said “I was impressed with my play today, but I know I can do better. I played consistently with no big mistakes, making four birdies and the rest pars”. When asked if any holes were more challenging today in comparison to his two practice rounds last week, Liu reflected that “number eight, the par three, had a difficult pin location. The pin was back on the left corner by the water and during my practice rounds I lost three balls, so I was feeling a little nervous when I approached it today”. Going into round two tomorrow, Liu tees off at 7:30 a.m. and is looking to improve his driving and decision making when it comes irons.
As the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ will be recognized at this competition, Ben MacLean (St. Catharines G&CC) lead the low juvenile group with two under. Following in second is Ellis Kinnaird (Mississippi) with one under and in third is Kevin Lee (National Pines GC) with even par.
Tee time for the second round is set for 7:30 a.m. For future results and information on the championship, visit the official championship page here.
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.
Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (subject to change)
No caddies permitted. (all events)
No spectators, including coaches and media, permitted. (**Exception: Players 18 & Under may have one accompanying adult)
No motorized carts permitted. (**Exception: Single rider carts only for Senior & Disability Championships)
All events will be a single tee start – no shotguns or split tees.
Restricted field numbers. (see individual championships)
Qualifiers will have limited field sizes. Entries will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
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.
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications.
Golf Ontario PMacKellar@gao.ca
The Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship tees the season off at Saugeen GC July 27
Ross Malcolm
Southampton, ON – With Covid-19 driving a slice into the early part of the 2020 season, Golf Ontario is excited to finally get underway with our first of nine Golf Ontario provincial championships. Teeing off the season, we will be welcoming the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship to Saugeen Golf Club on July 27th to 30th.
“We are thrilled to be finally kicking off our 2020 competitive season, and doing so at Saugeen Golf Club for the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship”, says Executive Director of Golf Ontario, Mike Kelly. “I’d like to thank our athletes for their patience as our team here at Golf Ontario implements new policies and procedures to deal with the challenging circumstances of this season. Our main focus is ensuring the well-being of our athletes, staff and volunteers and we look forward to safely welcoming everyone in the coming weeks. We are also excited to have introduced a Front Line Workers donation program this year as part of our registration process, to give back to the local communities we will be playing in”, continued Kelly. The Front Line Workers donations from the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship will be donated to the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation. Due to a limited field size, a maximum of 114 players will be battling for the top spot. The Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship will consist of athletes from the following three qualifiers: Black Bear Ridge Golf Course (July 13), Silver Lakes Golf & Country Club (July 14), and Cambridge Golf Club (July 19). For leaderboard information on qualifiers, please click the golf course name. Golf Ontario will also recognize the Juvenile (U17) champion at this competition.
As Saugeen Golf Club celebrates its 95th anniversary of their Legacy course, General Manager, Brad Young, said “it’s a tremendous honour to be hosting the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship and the aura that it represents. This will be the first Championship Saugeen GC has ever hosted, making it a phenomenal opportunity to put our club on the map, which we’re very excited for”. Young also commented that the “Master Superintendent and staff have really turned the place around over the years and the greens are in absolutely perfect shape”. The players will play the Sunrise and Legacy courses, which are approximately “6,408 yards with very tricky greens”. Just like many other courses this season, Young has noticed a spike in Junior play from last year and is “looking forward to helping support the promising Junior growth that has been seen with Golf Ontario and Golf Canada”.
Last year’s champion of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Championship, Ashton McCulloch (Cataraqui G&CC), will be returning to defend the title. Also returning to battle for the title is 2018 champion, Nolan Piazza (Cherry Hill Club). With McCulloch scoring 72-72-69-68-281 and Piazza scoring 73-69-69-71-282, it should be a good showing. Winner of the 2019 Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys’ Championship, Andreas Diogenous (Whistle Bear GC), will be another player to watch for. Team Ontario members to keep an eye on include: Ashton McCulloch (Cataraqui GC), Ben MacLean (St. Catherine’s G&CC), Peter Blazevic (Markland Wood GC), Luke DelGobbo (Lookout Point GC), Jeffrey Fang (Station Creek GC – North), Michael Ikejiani (Barrie CC) and Thomas Latter (Credit Valley GC)
First tee off of the day for round 1 on July 27th is set for 7:30 a.m. To follow the leaderboard, click 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.
Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (subject to change)
No caddies permitted. (all events)
No spectators, including coaches and media, permitted. (**Exception: Players 18 & Under may have one accompanying adult)
No motorized carts permitted. (**Exception: Single rider carts only for Senior & Disability Championships)
All events will be a single tee start – no shotguns or split tees.
Restricted field numbers. (see individual championships)
Qualifiers will have limited field sizes. Entries will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
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.
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications.
Golf Ontario PMacKellar@gao.ca
Golf Ontario proud to announce Durham Artificial Grass as new partners
Ross Malcolm
Golf Ontario announced today that they have added Durham Artificial Grass to their family of partners to help continue to bring more value to the Association and its’ members. Durham Artificial Grass is a provider of high quality home practice installations including simulators and putting greens. As part of this partnership and the NEW 2020 Golf Ontario Championship calendar, Durham Artificial Grass will present the Ontario Senior Men’s & Women’s Championships, to be held September 8-10 at Deerhurst Resort.
Jason Hraynyk, Manager of Business Development, is excited to welcome them to the growing list of partners. “Golf Ontario has worked previously with Durham Artificial Grass when they were involved with our Toronto Golf and Travel Show booth space. They are a leader in the industry and this will help them gain further exposure across the province. We are looking forward to providing our members with special offers and incentives from Durham Artificial Grass for their home installation projects. It is very encouraging during these times that corporations see the value of Golf Ontario and that the sport is growing and in a very good state. We are very excited about the partnership and working with them.”
At the current time Golf Ontario and Durham Artificial Grass are both working within the highest standards and strictest protocols to provide you the safest operations for you and your family.
“As an industry leader, Durham Artificial Grass is honoured to partner with Golf Ontario and help them achieve their mission of creating positive golf experiences by providing many fun and high quality golf practice options. From putting greens to golf simulators, we look forward to offering incentives and offers to Golf Ontario members and a long lasting partnership with Golf Ontario”, said Brian Park, Sales Manager at Durham Artificial Grass.
About Durham Artificial Grass
Specialists in putting greens and golf simulators, Durham Artificial Grass lays the right surfaces by making use of only the highest quality technology and products to make every putting green and simulator enjoyable. Durham Artificial Grass offer a range of products including portable fairway mats, indoor and outdoor putting greens and full simulator installations. These attractive, long-lasting surfaces are designed to help you enjoy the game of golf for years to come. In addition to their line of golf products they can provide any artificial turf options for your garden, home, and cottages.
Youth on Course Expands Life-Changing Opportunities for Young People in Ontario
Ross Malcolm
Access to Affordable Golf Introduced for Golfers Ages 6-18
(UXBRIDGE, On.) – Youth on Course – the non-profit organization providing young people with access to opportunities through subsidized golf, college scholarships, paid internships and a caddie program – announces its expansion with Golf Ontario and Golf Canada, providing young people ages 6-18 with greater access to play affordable golf.
As a result of a highly successful pilot program launched in Alberta with support from Golf Canada, the Youth on Course expansion will introduce Golf Ontario’s junior members to unlimited $5 greens fees at more than 1,400 participating facilities across Canada and the United States. To sign up, visit www.youthoncourse.ca
“The expansion of Youth on Course by Golf Canada and Golf Ontario demonstrates their commitment to inspiring and nurturing a new generation of golfers,” says Michael Lowe, VP of Programs for Youth on Course. “With the highest per-capita golf participation in the world, the introduction of affordable and accessible rounds to Ontario’s youth will benefit the sport’s sustainability in a big way.”
Starting in June, Youth on Course will be introduced at participating golf courses in four regions within Ontario:
Niagara/Hamilton Regions
Durham Region
Simcoe/Dufferin Regions
Ottawa Valley
“We have been working closely with facilities in the key targeted regions and are thrilled with the support we have received from many facilities across the province,” says Kyle McFarlane, senior director at Golf Ontario. “These courses are committed to helping grow the game of golf and will provide very affordable golf options for youth in Ontario.”
“We are in a great position to provide more children with access to our great game,” says Adam Hunter, senior manager of Grow the Game for Golf Canada. “Together with Golf Ontario and our participating partner courses, we are eager to offer communities more opportunities to access junior golf.”
Born out of the Northern California Golf Association in 2006, Youth on Course subsidizes greens fees to remove cost as a barrier to entry for potential lifetime golfers. Operating in 36 states and Canada, more than 71,000 members have played close to one million rounds of golf while the organization has helped generate over $6.8 million in tee-time revenue back to individual golf courses.
The core purpose of Youth on Course is to provide youth with access to life-changing opportunities through golf. Members play thousands of courses for $5 or less, benefit from employment through the caddie and internship program, and receive college scholarships. Headquartered in Pebble Beach, Youth on Course is a 501(c)3 organization that began as the charitable arm of the Northern California Golf Association. Since 2006, close to one million rounds have been played by Youth on Course members and nearly $2 million has been raised for college scholarships. In the United States Youth on Course serves Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin with the goal of delivering affordable golf in all 50 states by 2021.
About Golf Canada
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing 271,000 golfers and 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 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. To learn more, visit www.gao.ca.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Ryan Parsons
703.940.3521 rparsons@buffalo.agency Buffalo Agency
Golf Ontario Releases the NEW 2020 Golf Ontario Championship Schedule
Ross Malcolm
Golf Ontario Releases the NEW 2020 Golf Ontario Championship Schedule
As well, Golf Ontario will be Giving Back to Front-Line Workers in Local Championship Communities.
Uxbridge – 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.
“The health and safety of all associated with Golf Ontario Championships continues to be our No. 1 priority, and our hope is to play a role – responsibly – in Ontario’s return to enjoying the things we love. We have been working tirelessly with many key stakeholders (including local and provincial health authorities, surveys with our players and volunteers, and facilities) to ensure that we are able to run our championships in 2020 while adhering to key safety protocols” said Golf Ontario Executive Director Mike Kelly. “Today’s announcement is another positive step for our players who are looking for provincial amateur competition, and we will also continue to ensure we are working closely with local leading public health authorities as we move forward.”
Online registrations for the NEW 2020 Golf Ontario championship schedule will begin on Wednesday, June 24 at 9:00 am. Due to COVID-19 concerns and delays in starting the season, the schedule for 2020 will be a condensed version of a normal championship schedule for Golf Ontario. “Obviously we have had to make some changes to the 2020 schedule to accommodate a shortened playing season and revised host club availability, but we feel we have put together a very strong competition schedule on some of Ontario’s finest golf courses” said John Lawrence, Manager, Rules and Competitions at Golf Ontario. “In addition, we have a strong list of safety protocols, and look forward to welcoming our players back to compete in Golf Ontario championships.”
The NEW schedule begins with the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Championship on July 27-30 at Saugeen Golf Club, and continues through to the Ontario Disability Championship on Sept 28-29 at Woodington Lake Golf Club.
NEW 2020 Golf Ontario Championship Schedule:
July 27-30
Ontario Junior (and Juvenile) Boys Championship
Saugeen Golf Club
Aug 4-7
Ontario Women’s Am and Mid-Am Championship
Dalewood Golf Club
Aug 11-14
Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship
Otter Creek Golf Club
Aug 18-21
Ontario Junior (and Juvenile) Girls Championship
Shelburne Golf & Country Club
Aug 31 – Sep 1
Ontario Bantam (and Peewee) Boys and Girls Championships
Cambridge Golf Club
Sep 1-2
Ontario Public Amateur Championship
Meadowbrook Golf Club
Sep 8-10
Ontario Senior Men’s and Women’s Championships
Deerhurst Resort
Sep 22-24
Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship
Loyalist Country Club
Sep 28-29
Ontario Disability Championship
Woodington Lake Golf Club
Please CLICK HERE to see the new 2020 championship schedule with qualifier dates.
As part of this new schedule, and given some of the restrictions based on timing, safety measures, and facility availability, there are a number of championships that have had to be cancelled. The following championships will not be played in 2020, and will return in 2021:
Junior Boys and Girls Spring Classic
All Multi-Player Championships (Men’s Better Ball, George S. Lyon, Senior Men’s Better Ball, Women’s Four-Ball)
All Match Play Championships (Men’s, Senior Men’s, Women’s, Junior Boys and Girls)
The Ontario Champions of Champions
CLICK HERE for the full version of the Championship protocols. ** These protocols are subject to change as new guidance is received from the government.
“Golf Ontario has a long history of providing world-class competition opportunities for the best amateur golfers in Ontario, and we are looking forward to another year of showcasing the elite golf talent we have in this province.” said Kelly. “We are also extremely proud to say that we will be setting up a donation program to give back to the front-line workers in the communities where we will be conducting our championships.” This will be an important piece of our championship plan for 2020”
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.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications.
Golf Ontario PMacKellar@gao.ca
2020 World Junior Girls Championship cancelled
Ross Malcolm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 5, 2020
2021 World Junior Girls Championship will be conducted at Angus Glen Golf Club
MARKHAM, ONT. – With continued public health concerns due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario has cancelled the 2020 World Junior Girls Championship, scheduled to take place September 28 to October 3 at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont.
“The well-being of all athletes, international delegates, host club staff and volunteers is our top priority and while we share in the disappointment felt by all, cancelling the 2020 World Junior Girls Championship is the most sensible and safest course of action to take at this time,” said Golf Canada CEO, Laurence Applebaum.
In addition to ongoing health concerns and uncertainty around the pandemic, a number of physical barriers contributed to the cancellation including international travel restrictions, limitations on mass gatherings, the inability for all participants to prepare and train equally, and the financial capacity of participating national golf bodies during this difficult time.
The 2020 event was expected to welcome 78 athletes from 25 countries including two Canadian teams.
“We understand that all of our athletes, coaches and international delegations continue to be impacted by the pandemic and the only course of responsible action was a cancelation,” said Mike Kelly, Golf Ontario Executive Director. “We would like to thank Angus Glen along with all of our proud event partners and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to the championship when it is safe to do so.”
“We share in the disappointment felt by all members of the international golfing community, especially the athletes who have worked so hard to compete at this level of competition,” said Cailey Stollery, Chief Executive Officer of Angus Glen and Kylemore Group of Companies. “Ultimately, the health and safety of everyone involved in the championship is most important and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to Angus Glen for the 2021 championship.”
The 2021 World Junior Girls Championship will be contested at Angus Glen Golf Club from September 27 to October 2.
The World Junior Girls Championship is conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario and supported by the R&A and the International Golf Federation. Recognized as an ‘A’ ranked event by the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), the 2020 World Junior Girls Championship would have marked the 7th playing of the event.
About the World Junior Girls Championship
The World Junior Girls Golf Championship is an annual event conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario. The international competition features three-player teams of 18-and-under athletes. As host country, Canada fields two of the tournament’s 20 teams competing over 72 holes for both individual and team honours. The championship is conducted with support from the Golf Canada Foundation, Sport Canada; the International Golf Federation; the PGA of Canada; the R&A; and Levelwear. For more information, visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.
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.
Golf Canada
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada, representing 271,000 golfers and 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dan Pino
Senior Director, Communications
Golf Canada
416-434-5525 dpino@golfcanada.ca
Peter Mackellar
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Golf Ontario
905-852-1101 Ext. 224 pmackellar@gao.ca
Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada cancels 2020 season / Ontario Open Postponed until 2021
Ross Malcolm
FOR RELEASE: May 29, 2020
2020 Ontario Open postponed
Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada cancels 2020 season
(Tottenham, ON) – The Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada announced today that the 2020 season has been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis.
The Ontario Open, which was originally scheduled for August 27-30, is postponed until 2021.
“Working closely with the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada we fully support the decision to cancel the 2020 season,” said Ontario Open Tournament Director Craig Loughry. “Our primary responsibility is the safety of the local community, and we feel like this is the best decision for everybody.”
“With growing uncertainty surrounding the border and quarantine regulations, among other factors, we have been in consistent communication with all of our events and believe this decision ensures the safety of the community,” said Mackenzie Tour Executive Director Scott Pritchard. “We are going to use this time to work alongside the Ontario Open to make the 2021 event as strong as possible.”
The 2020 season was set to be the Mackenzie Tour’s eighth season, with the 13-scheduled events being the most in the Tour’s history.
“Our commitment to the community and the Ontario Open is unwavering and we are going to work hard towards putting on another strong community-based event in 2021,” said Loughry.
“While we are disappointed that we won’t be playing host to future PGA TOUR players this year, we fully support the decision to postpone the Ontario Open,” said Woodington Lake Golf Club General Manager John Chetti. “We will take advantage of this time to complete our course renovations and look forward to working alongside Golf Ontario and the Mackenzie Tour to make the 2021 tournament a can’t-miss event.”
About the Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada
The Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada is a series of tournaments played across Canada and the United States each summer, where tomorrow’s stars begin the path to the PGA TOUR. The leading 10 point-earners at the end of each season earn status on the Korn Ferry Tour for the following year. The Tour’s alumni include 41 PGA TOUR players and 232 Korn Ferry Tour players since 2013. The Mackenzie’s Tour mission is to provide a high-quality platform to produce alumni that move to the next level and eventually the PGA TOUR, while making a positive impact in the communities where tournaments are played.
Contact: Brendan Stasiewich, Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada,
403-512-4625
brendanstasiewich@pgatourintl.ca
National Volunteer Week Recognition
Ross Malcolm
Every year Golf Ontario gives recognition to the volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to the game of golf and shows appreciation to all who have been an essential part of our organization.
This week is National Volunteer Week, and we want to thank all of you for your hard work and dedication. This year’s theme is “It’s time to applaud this country’s volunteers”.
2019 Volunteer Recognition Award Recipients
From left to right: Chris Osborne, Ian Murray, (Michael Purcell on behalf of) Gilles Hurtubise, Kathy Pilkey, Joyce McCrae, Margaret Grieve, Howard Atkinson (President)
2019 Volunteer of the Year – Joyce McCrae Distinguished Service Award – Margaret Grieve and Gilles Hurtubise Honorary Life Director Award – Kathy Pilkey, Ian Murray and Chris Osborne
We Applaud our Volunteers
We have many longstanding volunteers who have been with us for 5, 10, 15 years! We are so thankful for the people who support Golf Ontario on a daily basis – you are truly talented, giving, selfless and caring. The relationships you create with staff, volunteers, and players make the game that much more special.
Thank you volunteers for all that you do at Golf Ontario.
A Special Recognition – Judith and Wayne Weaver
Husband and wife team, Judith and Wayne Weaver, are retiring this year from Golf Ontario. Judith and Wayne have been a huge part of Golf Ontario over the years, and have provided their services for 10+ years as Tournament Officials.
Judith joined the provincial volunteer team in 2004, as a District Coordinator for the former Owen Sound District. Wayne followed in 2006, first as a course rater and then joined the tournament officials’ team.
Judith was a regular in the scoring tent, and Wayne excelled as a starter at numerous championships over the years.
You will both be missed by all volunteers, staff and golfers. Your hard work and dedication have greatly benefited our organization both personally and professionally and we wish you all the very best in the years to come!
Golf Ontario proud to announce Modern Golf and Dormie Workshop as new partners
Ross Malcolm
Toronto – Golf Ontario announced today that they have added 2 new partners to help bring more value to the Association and its’ members. Modern Golf joins as the ‘Official Club Fitting and Repair’ partner of Golf Ontario, and Dormie Workshop joins as the ‘’Official Custom Headcover Provider’ of Golf Ontario. These exciting new partnerships have been designed to add value to Golf Ontario members through the addition of unique offers and opportunities to take advantage of the premium products that these brands offer.
Mike Kelly, Executive Director of Golf Ontario is ecstatic to be welcoming both of these great brands to the Golf Ontario list of partners. “One of the core pillars of our Strategic Plan is providing Leadership in the form of growing our membership base. One key way of doing this is to add more value to the membership equation for our members, and we believe that Modern Golf and Dormie Workshop are a perfect fit for this opportunity”, said Kelly.
Modern Golf currently has locations in both Toronto and Vaughan and offers premium fitting and repair services across a variety of brands, including TaylorMade, another Golf Ontario partner. This partnership deal will allow Golf Ontario to offer up unique fitting experiences to our members and key stakeholders at any of Modern’s first-class facilities.
“Golf Ontario is extremely excited to welcome Modern Golf as a key partner for our organization.” said Mike Kelly, Golf Ontario Executive Director. “The Modern Golf facilities are able to create an amazing fitting, building, and repair experience that we look forward to sharing with our members. We also look forward to having our Team Ontario members utilize this facility to further their training efforts”
“Modern Golf is also thrilled to partner with Golf Ontario”, said Paul Fisher, Managing Director, Modern Golf. “Golf Ontario is known as a change agent in the golf world, and we look forward to creating opportunities for Golf Ontario members to utilize our facilities”
Dormie Workshop is a high-end provider of premium leather handcrafted golf headcovers, based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Recently featured in Golf Digest as one of their seven emerging golf brands that caught their eye at the 2020 PGA MerchandiseShow. Dormie was created by brothers and PGA Canada professionals Jeff and Todd Bishop, who wanted to bring fellow golfers really cool covers. The basis of the sponsorship will see Dormie provide custom headcovers to all of the winners of Golf Ontario’s amateur championships as well as to the winners of the Junior Golf Drive.
“I have long admired the quality and craftmanship of Dormie Headcovers from afar” said Mike Kelly, Executive Director of Golf Ontario. “Now, with Dormie joining us in partnership, I can admire these amazing products as we present them to the winners of our key Championships throughout the year”, said Kelly.
“Dormie Workshop is very excited to be partnering with Golf Ontario as they run some of the most prestigious championships in the country. We think our custom Dormie Headcovers will provide a perfect addition to the prizing that will be presented to the winners of each of these Championships”, added Todd Bishop, Co-Founder, Dormie Workshop.
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.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
About Modern Golf
With multiple locations across Canada, Modern Golf performance centers offer golfers of all abilities club fitting, instruction, and practice options. Modern Golf offers top technology from Trackman, a PGA Tour level build shop and retail partnerships with all major golf brands giving customers 30,000+ different club fitting options. Modern Golf’s team is composed of PGA of Canada and elite golf industry professionals.
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @moderngolfca
About Dormie Workshop
Dormie Workshop is an innovative leather accessory business, specializing in hand-made golf products. Brothers, and PGA Professionals, Jeff and Todd Bishop created Dormie Workshop in the Fall of 2014 based upon three principles: innovative design, highest quality craftsmanship and industry leading customer service. Allowing golfers to express themselves through customization and fresh original design while fostering Junior golf initiatives has established Dormie Workshop as a grassroots golf innovator in a global marketplace.
Golf Ontario announces 2019 Order of Merit Winners and Volunteer Award Winners
Ross Malcolm
Zhu and Rank take home Player of the Year Honours
TORONTO — Golf Ontario celebrated and recognized the 2019 Golf Ontario Order of Merit player winners for 2019 with an awards ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of these players. This prestigious awards ceremony occurred during lunch at the shared Golf Ontario / Golf Canada annual meeting at the Hilton Airport Hotel and Suites in Toronto.
Golf Ontario maintains an Order of Merit Rankings system that allocates points for performance in Golf Ontario, Golf Canada, USGA and many other sanctioned events throughout Ontario, Canada and internationally to determine the top-ranked athletes in the province of Ontario each year. This awards ceremony recognizes and celebrates the top performing players in all of the various Order of Merit categories.
Golf Ontario Players of the Year
The Golf Ontario Female Player of the Year, and the Golf Ontario Male Player of the Year. Nominees for PLAYER OF THE YEAR awards are voted on from the leaders in the Golf Ontario Order of Merit categories for 2019.
Female Player of the year: Emily Zhu
The Richmond Hill, Ont., native had a strong 2019 campaign highlighted by wins at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship and the AJGA Natural Resource Partners Bluegrass Junior. Zhu also notched two runner-up finishes at the 2019 Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship and the 2019 Duke of York Young Champions Trophy and a runner-up finish in the Canada Junior Girls’ division. She has also represented Canada at the past three World Junior Girls Championships.
Zhu said her highlights of the year were winning the Canadian Jr Girls Championship and finishing 2nd at the Ontario Women’s Am. “It was one of my goals this year to win the Canadian Jr. Girls Championships and I did it. It was a surprise for me to finish so well at the Ontario Women’s Am and I hope I can go on to win it next year”. She also added, “my chance to participate in the CP Women’s Open was incredible as it was my first official LPGA event so I’m very thankful and honoured to have had the opportunity to play.”
Male Player of the year: Garrett Rank
Rank, the 31-year old NHL referee from Westmount Golf & Country Club, has been the Men’s Amateur leader in Order of Merit ranking for the past 4 seasons, and since becoming eligible for the Mid-Amateur category in 2013 has held on to the coveted top spot in that category as well.
Along with finishing 2nd in the Canadian Men’s Mid Amateur Championships, Rank’s other highlight of the year was winning the 117th Western Amateur Golf Tournament. Rank was the first Canadian to win the event since Vancouver’s Jim Nelford in 1977, and the first non-US born victor since New Zealand’s Danny Lee in 2008. He credits the momentum and confidence he took from the final round of the Porter Cup as the push he needed going into the Western Am.
Looking at the year ahead Rank said. “I’m looking forward to the Korn Ferry Tour start (an exemption from winning Western Am) and hopefully testing myself at the highest levels.”
Other 2019 Golf Ontario Order of Merit Winners
Bantam Girls
Brooke Rivers
Bantam Boys
Owen Kim
Juvenile Girls
Emily Zhu
Juvenile Boys
Thomas Latter
Junior Girls
Emily Zhu
Junior Boys
Bennett Ruby
Women’s Amateur
Emily Zhu
Men’s Amateur
Garrett Rank
Women’s Mid Amateur
Sarah Dunning
Men’s Mid Amateur
Garrett Rank
Senior Women’s
Judith Kyrinis
Senior Men’s
Ashley Chinner
Volunteer Award Winners
Volunteers are a critical piece of the Golf Ontario organization, and Golf Ontario annually recognizes the hard work and dedication of our volunteer team. Each year we celebrate our award winners during volunteers day, and we would like to once again congratulate the following winners:
2019 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Joyce McCrae
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD WINNERS
Margaret Grieve
Gilles Hurtubise
HONORARY LIFE DIRECTOR AWARD
Kathy Pilkey
Ian Murray
Chris Osborne
Mike Kelly, Executive Director of Golf Ontario, expressed his pride in the winners across both the Order of Merit and our Volunteer Award Winners. “This ceremony was a great chance for Golf Ontario to recognize some truly great accomplishments in golf in 2019. Between volunteer award winners, and some amazing Championship performances, we were honoured to be recognizing some of the best and brightest in Ontario golf with our 2019 awards. With Lindsay Hamilton as host, and a distinguished list of nominees and winners, this was a great event for attendees and winners alike”, said Kelly
