Golf Canada Names 2020 National Amateur and Junior Squads
Peter MacKellar
From Golf Canada
– Team Canada program to feature nine amateur and nine junior squad athletes –
Many Ontario athletes will represent Canada
OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Canada is pleased to announce the names of the 18 athletes, male and female, who have been selected to represent Team Canada as part of the 2020 National Amateur and Junior Squads.
Nine athletes will compete for Team Canada’s National Amateur Squad, consisting of five players on the men’s squad and four on the women’s squad.
Team Canada’s 2020 Squad members have competed and achieved impressive results at regional, national and international competitions, including medals at the Pan-Am Games, NCAA Tournament wins and victories at prestigious amateur competitions.
“Golf Canada is thrilled to welcome an outstanding roster of elite athletes to represent Team Canada in 2020—they are truly deserving as evidenced by their strong performances this past season,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s chief sport officer. “The athletes selected represent a mix of returning team members as well as talented up and coming athletes who have come through provincial or regional high-performance programs. Each of them will be fantastic ambassadors representing Canada on the global golf stage.”
The following athletes have been selected to Team Canada’s 2020 Amateur Squad:
Men’s Amateur Squad
Étienne Papineau | St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Qué. – Club de golf Pinegrove Cougar Collins | Caledon, Ont. – TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley Sam Meek | Peterborough, Ont. – Public Player
Brendan MacDougall* | Calgary, Alta. – Glencoe Golf and Country Club Noah Steele | Kingston, Ont. – Cataraqui Golf and Country Club
Women’s Amateur Squad Brigitte Thibault* | Rosemère, Qué. – Club de golf de Rosemère (2019 Ontario Women’s Am Champ)
Mary Parsons | Delta, BC – Mayfair Lakes Golf Club
Sarah-Ève Rhéaume | Québec, Qué. – Club de golf Royal Québec
Noémie Paré | Victoriaville, Qué. – Club de golf de Victoriaville
The National Junior Squad—a U19 program—also features nine athletes (four women and five men).
From February through early June, the nine-member Junior Squad will practice out of Golf Canada’s National Training Centre at Bear Mountain Golf Resort in Victoria—the third year that the program has provided centralized training, accommodation and education for athletes during the second semester of their high school year. Team members will be immersed in a focused centre of excellence, surrounded by world-class technical coaching staff and experts in the areas of mental performance, physiotherapy, biomechanics and nutrition.
The following athletes have been selected to Team Canada’s 2020 Junior Squad:
Junior Boys Squad
Laurent Desmarchais* | Longueuil, Qué. – Club de golf de la Vallée du Richelieu
Jace Minni | Delta, BC – Beach Grove Golf and Country Club
JP Parr | St-Célestin, Qué. – Club de golf Ki-8-eb Golf Bennett Ruby | Waterloo, Ont. – Westmount Golf and Country Club
Malik Dao | Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, Qué. – Summerlea Golf and Country Club
Junior Girls Squad Emily Zhu* | Richmond Hill, Ont. – National Pines Golf Club
Angela Arora | Surrey, BC – Beach Grove Golf and Country Club
Angel (Mu Chen) Lin | Surrey, BC – Morgan Creek Golf Club Monet Chun* | Richmond Hill, Ont. – Summit Golf Club
Golf Canada is pleased to announce the 2020 Team Canada coaching staff that will support both the National Amateur and Junior Squads.
On the men’s side, Derek Ingram of Winnipeg, Man. returns as Men’s Amateur Squad Head Coach. Robert Ratcliffe of Comox, B.C. will lead the Junior Boy’s Squad.
On the women’s side, Tristan Mullally of Dundas, Ont., returns as Women’s Amateur Squad Head Coach. Matt Wilson, from Newmarket, Ont., will oversee the Junior Girls’ Squads.
Wilson, who doubles as Golf Canada’s director of next generation performance, will resume leadership of the Junior Squad centralized program at Bear Mountain, alongside Ratcliffe.
The Men’s and Women’s Amateur Squads will each be adding an assistant coach to support the high-performance needs of the program and athletes. Candidates will be chosen in January.
“Derek and Tristan have had tremendous success with Team Canada athletes and the evolution of our national team program will see Robert and Matt continue in their significant role of leading the centralized training program at Bear Mountain,” added Thompson. “We look forward to expanding our roster of coaches and building on the success of Team Canada to help more of our elite level golfers realize their fullest potential.”
Mullally, Ingram, Ratcliffe and Wilson are all Class “A” professionals with the PGA of Canada.
Golf Canada expects to announce the selection of the 2020 Team Canada Young Pro Squad in December.
ABOUT CANADA’S NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM Canada’s National Amateur Team program incorporates advanced coaching, sport science expertise, training camps and world-class competition. Golf Canada allocates over $1.5 million of its resources annually to the National Team program, encompassing strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, biomechanics and technique development. Players who are selected to the National Amateur and National Developmental Squads represent Canada at six to 10 internationally-sanctioned golf competitions throughout the year. The intent of this comprehensive program is to aid Canada’s top up-and-coming amateur players in all areas of their development, helping Canada produce the best golfers in the world.
Team Canada, the pinnacle of Golf Canada’s High Performance Program, provides access to world-class resources including coaching, nutrition, sport science, mental management, equipment and elite competitive opportunities. The program builds on the support team members have received in their development years from their family, member clubs, personal coaches, university programs and provincial golf associations. Golf Canada’s High Performance Program and Team Canada are proudly supported by RBC, Canadian Pacific, Audi, adidas Golf, Titleist, FootJoy, ClubLink, Heritage Canada, Bear Mountain Resort, Foresight Sports and the Canadian Olympic Committee.
For more information about Team Canada or to make a donation towards the development of Canada’s future golf stars, please visit www.golfcanada.ca/team-canada.
GOLF CANADA Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing 319,000 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. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our vision is to be a world leader in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
Uxbridge, ON — With the snow now covering most of our beautiful Ontario courses, join us in looking back at the warmer month of July, as both the weather and golf heated up. A busy July saw some of our biggest tournaments of the season, including the Men’s-Am, Women’s-Am and Women’s Mid-Am, both Senior-Am’s and our always highly coveted Junior Girl’s and Boy’s Championships. Let’s dive in and recap a scorching July of Golf in Ontario.
July Championships
The busy month kicked off with the 104th annual Ontario Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championships from July 8-11 at Black Bear Ridge Golf Course.
Hailey McLaughlin (Granite GC) took the lead after day one for the Amateur Championship and on the Mid-Amateur side, Sarah Dunning (Westmount G&CC) took a lead of her own.
Brigitte Thibault, a member of Team Canada’s National Amateur Squad, caught fire under the scorching sun in round two of the Women’s-Am, shooting an excellent -5 (67) on the strength of 7 birdies and 2 bogeys. Mary Ann Hayward, an Ontario and Quebec Golf Hall of Famer, shot a brilliant 2 under to take the lead in the Mid-Am Championship after two rounds.
The third day of action would be the final round for The Mid-Amateur category and did not disappoint for excitement. Dunning would come from behind and then overcome the see-saw battle with Hayward (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club) to claim the Mid-Amateur Championship.
Thibault hung on to lead the way again and would carry the lead into the fourth and final round of the Women’s-Am portion. The final day would produce both an amazing comeback attempt from Emily Zhu (Team Canada National Junior Squad Member) and also an excellent display of toughness from Thibault. This toughness allowed Thibault, who had been the leader after days two and three, to claim the title. A thrilled Thibault spoke of her win after the round. “It’s obviously an honour, I love to see the previous winners that have all took this kind of step to where they are now. I see a lot of names from Team Canada and excited to see where this could take me.”
The original Women’s-Am write-up can be found here, visit the tournament page here
The original Women’s Mid-Am write-up can be found here, visit the tournament page here
Meanwhile, the 97th annual Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship got underway from Oslerbrook G&CC. The first day proved to be very competitive, with three players tying for the top spot after a well-played first round. Ty Celone (Public Player), Charles Fitzsimmons (Thornhill Club), and Noah Steele (Cataraqui G&CC) all came out ahead with scores of two-under (69).
Day two proved to be extremely competitive with multiple lead changes throughout but it was Matthew Anderson (Credit Valley G&CC) and Fitzsimmons who came out on top to take the lead heading into the third day. Finishing with total scores of 4-under (138), the two were lights out throughout the entire round.
After three rounds, it was Fitzsimmons who came out leading the pack going into the fourth and final day. It was a back and forth affair between Fitzsimmons and Anderson, his former Team Ontario student, the entire round. The two entered the third day tied at 4-under and refused to solidify a leader until the very last hole of the day.
Windy conditions ushered in day four for the competitive field, but it was Anderson who came out on top to win it all. Trailing by one heading in, Anderson played with composure not many 19-year-olds have. After clinching on the 18th with a tap-in, the former Team Ontario student bent over the hole to pick up his ball as the crowd cheered on the new champion. Fitzsimmons high fived him and congratulated him on his achievement. “Maybe I taught you too well,” he joked. Anderson finished the tournament with a total score of 6-under (278), only one stroke ahead of Fitzsimmons.
The original write-up can be found here, visit the tournament page here
The Ontario Junior Girls Championship got underway July 15-18 from Galt Country Club featuring the best female junior golfers in Ontario. The weather didn’t take long to warm up and neither did Sarah Beqaj (Toronto Golf Club). Beqaj, a National Junior Squad member, was lights out firing a -6 (66), firing a bogey-free, 4 birdie, 1 eagle round.
Second-round action saw the weather turn windy and rainy causing higher scores than the opening round. The weather may have changed but the leader after both rounds did not. Beqaj didn’t score as well as her course record in round one but did play well enough with a +4 (76) to hang onto the lead. Chasing down Beqaj were three members of Team Ontario sitting in second, third and fourth place. Ashley Chow (The Lake Joseph Club), Victoria Zheng (Granite GC) and Alexis McMurray (Glen Abbey GC).
Mother Nature tried hard to wreck the third round with an early four and a half-hour weather delay. Once the rain eased up, the sun and smoldering humidity took over for the afternoon making it a challenge for the field. Chow, hung in there through it all and after birdies on 15 and 17, found herself the leader after three rounds with an even-par (72) scorecard.
An exciting final round wrapped up under humid conditions and would come down to the very last hole to determine the 2019 champion. Zheng needed a birdie on the 18th to claim the title. In front of a sizeable crowd, she putted from just off the green to within a foot of the hole for the tap in birdie, and the victory. The birdie and a round of -3 (69) were all Zheng needed to beat Taylor Kehoe (West Haven G&CC), who once again turned in a stellar round firing a -4 (68) to almost catch Zheng from behind. Kehoe shot an impressive 69, 68 over the final two days of competition. Tying for second place with Kehoe, also one stroke off the lead was third-round leader Chow.
The original write-up can be found here, visit the tournament page here
156 players took to the beautiful Tangle Creek G&CC, July 16-19 for the Ontario Junior Boys Championship. The first day was overly competitive, with no clear leader until the last hole few holes. After 18, it was Noah Campbell (Coppinwood GC) who was able to take the lead heading into the second round. Campbell had an impressive showing with a final score of two-under (70) after a stretch of five birdies in six holes midway through his round.
Day two saw Team Ontario’s Robbie Latter (Credit Valley G&CC) come on strong to claim the top spot. Latter finished the day with a total score of -5 (139), after an impressive second round which consisted of four birdies and no bogeys.
Round three proved to be just as hot, however, with more under-par scores seen throughout the day than any other day in the tournament. Some great play was seen across the field, but it was Team Ontario’s Latter who once again came out on top. The 18-year-old carded three birdies in four holes shortly after, and then knocked down two more birdies and a ton of pars on his back nine to keep his lead from the players trailing.
After an impressive final round, it was Ashton McCulloch (Cataraqui G&CC) who stole the show with a total score of -7. McCulloch entered the day trailing Latter, but took off hot and was able to steal the lead early. The 16-year-old (turning 17 tomorrow) notched four birdies on his front nine, and played steady the rest of the way through. Despite having two veteran Team Ontario members hot on his heels, McCulloch was able to keep his composure and retake the lead with a few par shots while both Latter and Dylan Henderson (Westmount G&CC) bogeyed the following difficult holes.
“I hadn’t even realized I’d won after I made the putt,” said McCulloch. “I was just in shock that it actually went in, nothing else even mattered at that moment.”
The original write-up can be found here, visit official tournament page here
Grey Silo Golf Course welcomed our golfers for the 58th annual Ontario Senior Women’s Amateur Championship July 23-25. Entering the day, all eyes were on Judith Kyrinis (Granite GC) as she embarked on her journey of winning her fourth championship in a row. After 18 holes, it seemed like there was no slow in her step. Kyrinis finished her first round with a score of even-par (71), tying another Senior Women’s celebrity Mary Ann Hayward (St. Thomas G&CC) as the two past champions both had impressive showings.
Much like the first, day two proved to be very competitive with impressive play from the entire field. Hayward, a four-time champion had an impressive showing, finishing with a total score of -3 after two rounds. With only two bogeys on the day and five birdies, Hayward had a statement round showing the rest of the field that she means business.
With yet another impressive showing in the final round, it was Hayward who came out on top to be crowned the 2019 champion. The now five-time champ delivered some stellar play throughout the entire week, and due to an incredible second round, she gave herself the option to play a slow and steady final round to hold her existing lead. Despite a close battle with Kyrinis, the now five-time champ took her game to another level. Hayward ended her round with one more birdie on 18, and immediately received a round of applause and cheers from the crowd.
The original write-up can be found here, visit official tournament page here
From there we would end a packed July with the 84th annual Senior Men’s Amateur Championship at Taboo Muskoka July 30-Aug 1.
The tournament saw a hot start from the entire field, but after the first 18, it was Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood GC) who came out on top. With a round one score of -2 (69), the Brooklin resident had an impressive showing that would give him the advantage heading into round two. Going bogey-less until the twelfth hole, Chinner had the most consistent round of the day. His steady shooting allowed him to find three birdies and fourteen pars, the most of any player throughout the day.
After a competitive second round, it was Robert Gibson (Cedar Brae GC) who pulled ahead going into the final day. Sitting in a tie for third entering the day, Gibson had an impressive showing in the second round with a score of -1, for a total score of even-par. Being the only player in today’s round to shoot below par, Gibson showed resilience when it mattered most. After every bogey the Cedar Brae member carded, he made sure to come right back with another birdie. Trailing in second by only a single stroke was Chinner and David Greenaway (Barrie CC) with scores of +1.
An exciting final round saw competitive play the whole way through with an impressive showcasing of skill from the entire field with Greenaway coming out on top. Greenaway was able to ride some early momentum throughout his final round. Starting off on a high note, Greenaway birdied the first hole to tie things up from the get-go. Using this as a platform for success, the Barrie resident went bogey-less through the front nine, eventually stealing the lead from Gibson. After some back and forth on the back nine, he would finish his round with a birdie on 18, officially crowning himself the 84th Senior Men’s Amateur champion.
The original write-up can be found here, visit official tournament page here
July proved to be another majestic month of top quality Champions and Championships. The drama was unparalleled and made for some incredible tournaments filled with record-setting rounds and breathtaking shots. Please check in again next Wednesday as we continue our 2019 Season in review with a look back at a thrilling August.
Team Ontario to Feature Many New Faces for 2020
Peter MacKellar
Team Ontario to Feature Many New Golfers for 2020
Play Golf Myrtle Beach announced as new winter training partner
UXBRIDGE — Golf Ontario is extremely proud to announce the 2020 Team Ontario squad, featuring many of the best young golfers in the province. Four members will return from the 2019 team, and they will be joined by ten fresh faces and Team Ontario members.
The four returnees are Alexis McMurray, Glen Abbey GC, Peter Blazevic, Greystone GC, Thomas Latter, Credit Valley G&CC and Jeffrey Fang, Station Creek GC.
Five new members will join McMurray and one other familiar face to make up the female contingent of Team Ontario. Making her return to Team Ontario following a year with Team Canada’s Junior Girls’ squad is Sarah Beqaj, Toronto GC. New team members in 2020 will include, Bo Brown, Glen Abbey GC, Katie Cranston, Oakville GC, Nicole Gal, Oakville GC, Sarah Gallagher, Blue Springs GC and Ontario Junior Girls Match Play Champion Ella Weber, Rattlesnake Point GC.
Fresh faces on the boys side include Canadian Juvenile Boys Champion Luke DelGobbo, Lookout Point GC, Michael Ikejiani, Barrie CC, Ben MacLean, St. Catherine’s G&CC and Ontario Junior Boys Champion Ashton McCulloch, Cataraqui GC.
Team Ontario’s training is lead by Head Provincial Coach, PGA of Canada Class “A” professional Reggie Millage. With a focus on the team’s vision, mission and values aimed at inspiring lifelong excellence Millage will work to help team members grow as golfers while also instilling habits that will lead to success throughout life. Additional support from the Integrated Support Team comprised of Dr. Nick Martichenko; Strength & Conditioning Coach and Charles Fitzsimmons; Sport Psychologist will help enhance the athletes’ skills through fitness, nutrition and development of the mental side of the game.
“Golf Ontario is very pleased to have such an incredible group of athletes on this year’s team. Each of them exemplifies the hard work, dedication and talent, it takes to perform at a high level as well as the importance of training and support they have received from their coaches and families” said Mallory Dayman, Golf Ontario Manager, Sport. “The buzz throughout the Team has everyone excited to dive into our winter training program and in turn see some amazing competitive results this coming season” added Dayman.
With a heavy focus on training and athlete development, the Team Ontario program has been built to maximize the success of these athletes. Peak Performance in Vaughan will remain as Team Ontario’s primary indoor off season training facility. Additionally, the team will travel to beautiful Myrtle Beach to conduct four separate warm weather weeklong camps throughout the winter. The Golf Ontario/Play Golf Myrtle Beach partnership has been enhanced this year to provide training facilities and course access for the team that will be a critical piece of the off-season training regimen. “Play Golf Myrtle Beach is thrilled to further strengthen our partnership with Golf Ontario by hosting Team Ontario winter training camps. Our world class courses and facilities are a great fit for these talented juniors and their families” said Golf Tourism Solutions CEO Bill Golden.
Congratulations to all of this year’s team members. Golf Ontario, along with our members, volunteers and partners look forward to cheering the team on throughout the 2020 competitive season.
Full bios and competitive highlights can be found here.
About Team Ontario
The Team Ontario program is a unique opportunity for identified athletes in Ontario. These athletes can expect to receive the very best in coaching services, training/competitive opportunities, and peer support as they continue their journey towards excellence in golf and life. Being selected to be part of the Team Ontario program is a tremendous accomplishment but the hard work and dedication doesn’t end at selection. The Team Ontario program places considerable emphasis on developing life long excellence in all facets. As such, athletes in the program will receive guidance on themes like time and self-management, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, tactical strategies, and technical feedback.
Vision: Team Ontario will inspire lifelong excellence on and off the golf course
Mission: Leading the development of junior golfers to succeed in golf and in life
Team Ontario would like to thank partners TaylorMade and Adidas as official equipment and clothing providers.
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.
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook, @TheGolfOntario for updates of all our competitions.
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKellar
Manager, Marketing & Communications
(e) PMacKellar@gao.ca
With snow in our forecast this week, let’s remember sunnier days and look back at the month of June in the second installment of our 2019 Golf Ontario Season Review. The summer schedule started to kick into full gear as we had events including the George S. Lyon Team Championship, various Match Play competitions and concluding with the Men’s-Mid-Am Championship. Let’s have a look back at a packed month of June golf.
June Championships
Kicking things off in June was the 86th annual George S. Lyon Club Team Championship held at Spring Lakes Golf Club on June 3rd. In the face of less than perfect weather, Burlington G&CC, and Deer Ridge GC ended up tied on top of the 23 team event at the end of regulation play.
Tying +18 (306) after the initial 18 holes, the two teams headed out to decide things in a playoff. Both Eric Ross (Burlington) and Pete McMenemy (Deer Ridge) went out to the 18th hole to represent their respective teams, and it was Ross who came up on top by a single stroke. After a clean drive to the fairway and a near-perfect shot onto the green, Ross held the edge the entire way. Ross’ four-foot putt was the final shot of the day, locking Burlington as the champions.
The original write-up can be found here, visit the tournament page here
June 10-14 saw the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship from The Lake Joseph Club in Port Sandfield, Ontario. On a cold and rainy day, Delhi G&CC member Peyton Callens would outlast the field of 64 competitors to earn his first title.
The final pairing of Callens and Aiden Gavey (Beverley G&CC) were welcomed to the fourth day of the tournament by undesirable weather. Our final match saw Gavey take an early lead, while Callens bogeyed the first two holes. Gavey held onto this lead with some steady putting through the first 5 holes, but Callens made a comeback eventually taking the lead on the seventh. Callens held the 1up lead until the 18th hole, where Gavey hit a long putt and pushing the finals to a playoff.
After extra holes were all said and done, it was Callens who pulled ahead. Callens hit a drive that landed perfectly in the middle of the fairway ahead of Gavey. With a slight advantage, he never looked back. Dropping his third shot for birdie, Callens looked up to the cloudy skies in celebration as the 2019 Men’s Match Play Champion.
The original write-up can be found here, visit the tournament page here
Cataraqui G&CC welcomed us for two days of the annual and historic Golf Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship from June 16-18. 16 golfers began the day Sunday with high hopes, but after two rounds the final 4 players were paired up on a Monday morning to make up the semi-finals.
The first semi-final of the day saw Brooke Rivers (Brampton GC) square off against Haley Yerxa (Public Player) at 8am and saw both women playing fantastic golf. Rivers, however, made brilliant shots and found herself up most of the match. Yerxa would battle back late to try and hang on but Rivers would take it 3&2 to advance.
The second second semi-final consisted of Tiana Cruz (Ladies GC of Toronto) and home-course golfer Patricia Hogeboom (Cataraqui G&CC). The two of them battled hard back and forth and it was Cruz who would take over on the back nine and take the match 2&1
The exciting finals match pitted Rivers and Cruz against one another after about a 40-minute break. Rivers would take the lead and run with it, not relinquishing it until the 14th hole. Cruz finally tied the round back up and from then only got stronger and would hold on to the lead and eventually take the match 2&1. Cruz was extremely excited to see some past champion names on the trophy, including 2011 Champion Brooke Henderson.
The original write-up can be found here, visit the tournament page here
Finally the Ontario Men’s Mid-Am Championship took place June 18-20 from the beautiful and challenging Pointe West Golf Club. After three hard fought rounds, it was Charles Fitzsimmons (Thornhill Club), fresh off his recent Canadian University Championship win, who sat at the top of the leaderboard with a final tournament score of -6. The entire third round was actually a very tight race between Fitzsimmons and Philip Arci (King’s Riding GC).
Fitzsimmons, on his final round would perhaps make the shot of the tournament on the par 3 17th. After hitting his tee shot into the bunker, he walked up to the ball and proceeded to blast it out of the sand into the hole for a clutch birdie that pulled him into the lead for good.
Fitzsimmons would finish the tournament with a total score of -6, and Arci a final score of -5. Following closely behind in third was Simon McInnis (Mississauga GC) with a final score of -4. The top three players in the tournament, Fitzsimmons, Arci, and McInnis were all exempted into the Ontario Open at Woodington Lakes Golf Club, where they had an opportunity to compete for the historic championship.
In the Mid-Master (40+) portion of the tournament, it was John Drewery who would come out on top with a score of -2. Drewery had an incredible tournament, keeping up with the leaders the entire way through and actually sitting as the leader for parts of the tournament. Drewery was followed closely by Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood GC) and Jay Jewett (Timber Golf Club) who both finished even par for the tournament.
The original write-up can be found here, visit the tournament page here
June was clearly a fantastic month of shot-making, competition, determination, and perseverance of Ontario golfers. Please join us again next Wednesday as we review an amazing packed July calendar of events and competitions.
Golf Ontario Summer Recap: May Edition
Peter MacKellar
Uxbridge, ON — With the leaves changing colors and falling, brisk chilly winds swirling and Halloween just around the corner, it’s hard to believe that the golf season just kicked off a few months ago. And what a season it has been! From tournaments like the Champion of Champions to the return of the Ontario Open and the introduction of the Disability Golf Championship, it has been an exciting few months of golf. Please join us as Golf Ontario looks back each week on all the incredible shots, champions crowned, and exciting times over the course of this past summer. This week we are kicking the 2019 season recap from the month of May.
May Championships
Golf Ontario kicked off the 2019 golf season on May 14th with the annual Champion of Champions Tournament at Spring Lakes Golf Club. It was a cold and cloudy day, but it didn’t keep the 200-plus club champions’ smiles from lighting up the course.
Similar to previous years, the tournament saw incredible competition with two divisions being decided in a playoff, and the other four all falling within a 3 shot differential for the lead.
In the Women’s category, Crystina Kertsos from York Downs Golf and Country Club held the lead shooting +2 (73), and in the Senior Women’s it was Sue Postian from Sunningdale Golf Club who shot +9 (80) to take first.
The Junior Girls was also a close race, but it was Ava Koukofikas from Cedar Brae Golf Club who finished +7 (78) with some stellar shooting to take home the top spot. Michael Ikejiani, from Barrie Country Club led the charge in the Junior Boys division, shooting -3 (68). Ikejiani had the most commanding lead in the entire tournament, beating out Ryan McAskill from The Club at North Halton by three strokes.
The Senior Men’s division was a dog race and by the end, it had to go to a playoff. Allen Chapman from Lindsay Golf and Country Club, and Lars Melander from Hidden Lake Golf Club both ended the tournament with final scores of +1 (73). Melander would end up taking first place in the playoff, beating Chapman one on one. The Men’s division was also a very tight race, ending in yet another playoff between Chris Feenstra from Sunningdale Golf Club, and Zack Mason from Donalda Club, who both shot -1 (71). Feenstra took home the hardware with a nice putt, and solidified his place at the top spot.
Photos from the Champion of Champions can be found here
The original article can be found here
Continuing the quick start to the golf season, just two days later on May 16th, the Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship was held at Oakdale Golf and Country Club. The 61st running of the event was again well contested with 54 teams looking to emerge victoriously.
At the end of 18, Garrett Rank from Westmount Golf and Country Club, and Mike Roberts from Whistle Bear Golf Club had carded a seven-under (65) to lead the charge and take home the championship. The tournament proved to be competitive, with only a two-shot difference separating the first-place duo, and a five-way tie for fifth.
Photos from the Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship can be found here
The original article can be found here
On May 18th-20th the Junior Spring Classic Championship took place at Brockville CC and Wooden Sticks GC, where some of the best junior players from Ontario and Quebec competed for the chance to win their first championship of the season.
Some hot play and impressive shots were showcased over the course of the three days, but after the final rounds, it was Thomas Stafford (Golf Quebec) who captured the boys’ title and Jasmine Ly (Kingsville Golf & Country Club) who battled through the tough conditions and took home the girls’ title. Both displayed perseverance and skill over the three days, allowing them to kick off the 2019 season as champions.
Photos from the Junior Girls Spring Classic Championship can be found here and Boys here
The original article can be found here
Other Notable Events
During the month of May, Golf Ontario also hosted their 2019 Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and their 8th annual Junior Golf Drive and Gala. The Hall of Fame Ceremony saw the induction of three deserving inductees entered into the Hall and one member of the Ontario golf media honoured with the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award.
Presented by TSN reporter and golf analyst Bob Weeks, the recipients; Deborah Lee Eldridge, Judith Kyrinis, and Richard Scott, all became the newest members of the Hall at the official induction ceremony, and in addition, Scott Metcalfe received the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award.
Photos from the 2019 Golf Hall of Fame Ceremony can be found here
The original article can be found here
Presented by Cheerios, the 2019 Junior Golf Drive and Gala was a huge success, raising over $101,000 for junior golf programs. The sold-out day began with lunch and drinks, followed by 30 foursomes hitting the beautifully conditioned Granite Golf Club under perfect weather conditions. Following golf, attendees were treated to a gala event at the Granite Golf Club clubhouse. This included a cocktail reception with some memorable silent auction items, and was followed by a delicious dinner, a guest appearance by special guest Garrett Rank, and world-class entertainment from ex PGA Tour player Charlie Rymer.
Photos from the 2019 Junior Golf Drive and Gala can be found here
The original article can be found here
All in all, May was an exciting month to start the 2019 season off right! Next Wednesday we’ll be looking back on the month of June, when some of Golf Ontario’s biggest championships were held. Make sure to check it out!
Ryan MacKenzie
Marketing Assistant
rmackenzie@gao.ca
Peter MacKellar
Manager, Marketing & Communications
pmackellar@gao.ca
Volunteers Celebrated at 2019 Volunteer Day
Volunteer Day Winners
Peter MacKellar
Uxbridge, ON — The backbone and lifeblood of Golf Ontario continues to be the amazing volunteers that offer up their tim, passion and energy to supporting the organization. The hours they put in and the outstanding work they do on and off the course allows Golf Ontario to run world-class events and to provide amazing services to the golfers in this province. On Monday October 7th, Golf Ontario held the annual Volunteer Appreciation Day at The Club of North Halton for the many great volunteers where they enjoyed breakfast, an awards show with the presentation of the Volunteer of the Year Award, the Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award, and the Honorary Life Director Award. This was followed by a round of golf at the prestigious course in Georgetown, Ontario.
“On behalf of Golf Ontario, I personally want to thank each and every one of our volunteers,” said Golf Ontario Executive Director Mike Kelly. “Without each and every one of you, our events simply don’t happen. Often it can go overlooked how important volunteers are to an organization and I personally know how much passion, effort, caring and time goes into volunteering for Golf Ontario. Thank you on behalf of all the staff and golfers for everything you do.”
While every single volunteer is a vital cog in the Golf Ontario wheel of operations, each year the organization recognizes certain individuals who have gone above and beyond with their volunteer commitments. The 2019 award recipients were very deserving winners.
2019 Volunteer of the Year – Joyce McCrae
The Golf Ontario Volunteer of the Year Award has been designed to recognize and honor a Golf Ontario volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding performance and contributions while preserving the integrity and traditions of the game.
This years recipient is Joyce McCrae, who has been a provincial volunteer for 18 years. Joyce has worked numerous positions in her time as a volunteer, and dedicates over 30 days each season as a Tournament Official at qualifiers and championships. Her past roles include District Convenor and District Coordinator for Peterborough and area. Her sunny attitude is very welcoming, not only to the players, but also with our new volunteers making their first experience a positive one.
Joyce’s actions demonstrate a real commitment to our mission by leading, creating and promoting positive golf experiences for players and volunteers. It’s always a joy to work alongside Joyce, and we look forward to our time together in the future.
Distinguished Service Award – Margaret Grieve and Gilles Hurtubise
The Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award is considered the highest honor recognizing individual service to the game of golf in Ontario. The award is named after Richard H. Grimm, who was affectionately known as “Mr. Canadian Open” for his service to the event from 1965 to 1993. Golf Ontario’s Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual’s meritorious service as a volunteer. Recipients of this award embody the principles of integrity, dignity and commitment, which are central to the volunteer experience and to Mr. Grimm’s persona. This honour recognizes individuals who over a significant period of time have demonstrated outstanding leadership and involvement in the growth of Amateur Golf in Ontario. The recipient will also demonstrate a commitment to the vision and mission of Golf Ontario by promoting and upholding the values of the association and the game.
The first recipient of the award is Margaret Grieve. Margaret has been a volunteer for 17 years, working as a Course Rater, Tournament Official, and Team Leader. She has always helped out whenever and wherever it was needed, and has always demonstrated a true commitment to Golf Ontario’s values of passion, unity, respect, brilliance and accountability.
The second Distinguished Service Award winner is Gilles Hurtubise. The 15 year provincial volunteer has worked numerous roles over his time as a volunteer. Giles has worked as aclub handicap chair, a District Coordinator, a course rater, a member of the board of directors and a member of the Handicap & Course Rating Committee. In his role as Kingston District Coordinator, Gilles dedicated countless hours to introduce and successfully run the Intersectional Matches in the Kingston area. Today, there are now 20 participating clubs in four Men’s Divisions and two Women’s Divisions, with over 600 players competing.
Honorary Life Director Award – Kathy Pilkey, Ian Murray and Chris Osborne
Honorary Life Directors are recognized for their outstanding achievements through their involvement as a Committee and Board Member. This year, the award went to Kathy Pilkey and Ian Murray, two individuals who have made tremendous contributions to the association and golf in the province.
The first recipient Kathy Pilkey has a long history with Golf Ontario, including her time on the Board of Directors between 2006 to 2012. During that time Kathy was President in 2011, on the Executive Committee in 2009 and 2010, and served and chaired numerous board and operational committees. Kathy also represented Golf Ontario on the Golf Canada Provincial Council in 2012, and has played key leadership roles in Audit/Risk Management, Membership and Marketing, Governance Review,
Strategic Planning and developing a relationship with the Ottawa Valley Golf Association.
The second recipient, Ian Murray, also has quite the track record with Golf Ontario. Ian was on the Board of Directors from 2008 to 2013, and took over as President after Kathy in 2012. Ian was busy during his time on the board, as he chaired the 2008 Audit and Risk Management Committee, chaired the Finance Committee in 2009 and 2010, chaired the Finance and Risk Management Committee in 2011, chaired the 2012 HR and Compensation committee, the 2012 Audit and Risk Management Committee, the 2012 Governance and Nominating Committee and the 2012 Fundraising Committee. Ian was also involved in a key leadership role in Finance and Risk Management, Investment, Governance Review, Board and Committee Evaluation and the initiative with the Ottawa Valley Golf Association.
The final recipient of this award is Chris Osborne. Chris was on the board of directors for over eight years, spending his time in multiple roles, including President between 2015 and 2016. Chris has served on numerous committees including chairing the Nominating Committee, HR & Compensation, and Finance. He was also appointed as a Golf Canada Governor in 2016 in recognition of his ability value to the golf community through his knowledge, connection, and hard work.
“Golf Ontario would like to congratulate all of the award winners and send a special thank you to all of the Golf Ontario volunteers who make everything the association does possible. We look forward to the upcoming years,” concluded Kelly.
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.
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook, @TheGolfOntario for updates of all our competitions.
For more information, please contact:
Ryan MacKenzie
Marketing & Communications Assistant
rmackenzie@gao.ca
Golf Ontario Announces New Volunteer Engagement Framework
Peter MacKellar
Uxbridge, ON — Golf Ontario has a purpose, and that is to shape lives by leading, creating, and promoting positive golf experiences. And in many ways, it is the over 200 volunteers of Golf Ontario that bring this purpose to life.
Our volunteers are ambassadors for the sport of golf and are an integral part of our team offering quality programming to golfers and our partners. Without volunteers, we at Golf Ontario wouldn’t be able to have the impact that we do, as they are the keystone that holds this bridge together. Volunteer involvement contributes to and extends the capacity of Golf Ontario to meet our vision, all the while holding the organization’s values as we Shape Lives Through Golf.
With this in mind, Golf Ontario has built a new volunteer engagement framework, and within that have created these seven principles to continue our great work together, and to ensure that volunteer involvement is rewarding.
1. Commitment to Volunteer Engagement
Golf Ontario understands the importance and value of of our volunteers and is committed to ensuring strong involvement and engagement with our volunteers. The commitment is set out through vision, planning, and resourcing that supports Golf Ontario’s strategic direction.
2. Leadership and Management
Golf Ontario leads and promotes a positive culture towards volunteering and implements effective management systems to support volunteer involvement.
3. Volunteer Rules
Golf Ontario engages volunteers in meaningful ways that contribute to Golf Ontario’s goals and objectives.
4. Recruitment and Selection
Golf Ontario volunteer recruitment and selection strategies are planned, consistent, and meet the needs of volunteers and the organization.
5. Support and Development
Golf Ontario volunteers will understand their role and gain the necessary knowledge, skills and feedback needed to effectively carry out their roles.
6. Recognition
Golf Ontario understands, appreciates and acknowledges the contribution, value and impact that our volunteers have.
7. Quality Management and Continuous Improvement
Lastly, Golf Ontario understands that effective volunteer involvement results from a system of good practice, review and continuous improvement.
“Golf in Ontario is blessed with so many wonderful volunteers who serve golf with a tremendous passion and dedication for the sport,” said Golf Ontario Executive Director, Mike Kelly. “This new engagement framework is a statement of commitment to ensuring a best in class environment and experience for our volunteers today, and for many years to come.”
“At Golf Ontario we believe our purpose is to positively shape lives through golf,” said Board of Directors President, Howard Atkinson. “In order to do this we rely heavily on over 250 volunteers who annually help us deliver on this promise through volunteering at over 120 qualifiers, tournaments and events for girls, boys, women, men and golfers with disabilities from across Ontario. As Mr. Kelly said, our new engagement framework is our long term commitment to all of our volunteers who dedicate so much time and energy to the game of golf in Ontario.”
At Golf Ontario, we would be unable to deliver the quantity and quality of programs that we provide without our many volunteers throughout the province.
Thanks to all of you for your devotion, commitment, and dedication in support of golfers across Ontario. We look forward to what the future holds in store.
John Turner presented with the Wall of Recognition Award
Peter MacKellar
At a recent dinner hosted by friends of retired rules referee John Turner, Golf Ontario presented Mr. Turner with the Wall of Recognition Award for his outstanding service as a Golf Ontario Volunteer.
The Five Best Things About Golf in the Fall
Peter MacKellar
With fall now in full swing, the golf season is coming to a close. But it’s not all doom and gloom for the golf community, even if there is only a few more weeks left to get out onto the course. Even if it means only a number of rounds before the snow boots come out, for many fall golf is the best time of year. We decided to ask you, the readers, what your favourite things about fall golf are. Here are the results.
5. Warm Drinks After the Round
Of course an ice-cold beverage after a hot round in the middle of July is always a treat, but there’s something special about a steaming hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate on a brisk autumn day. Warming your palms on a mug inside the clubhouse after a well played round is a treat only few can contest to, and it’s definitely an underrated benefit to playing in the fall.
4. Courses Are Less Crowded
With colder weather comes thinner crowds. Many players steer clear from the course once autumn rolls along, leaving more room between groups and a better chance at a preferred tee time. Pace of play is also much better since their just aren’t as many groups out there. If you’re one to usually take a cart onto the course, fall is the best time to walk instead.
3. Lower Rates
Due to the thinning crowds during fall, many courses have begun to offer deals to keep players’ interest. This includes the higher priced courses, the ones that may elude you during the busy months. So if there’s a course that you’ve had your eye on for some time, but it’s always been a bit too expensive to your liking, do yourself a favour and check out their prices during the fall. This is usually the best time of year to do so.
2. No Sweating
Don’t you just hate when you’re in the midst of your swing and you can feel all your clothes sticking to you? So do we. This is why the fall is one of our favourite times to play. Despite being a little chilly at times, fall provides players with the weather that makes it enjoyable to be active outdoors. No more drinking water every three seconds, no more wiping your forehead to keep the sweat out of your eyes, just focusing on your next shot. The change of pace from those brutally hot days in the summer can be a nice treat – as long as you bring the appropriate attire.
1. The Scenery
Although there are many perks of golf in the fall, one stands above the rest. The absolute greatest thing about golf in autumn is the scenery. Trees with leaves covered in all the colours of greens, yellows, reds and oranges. It’s like playing golf in a video game or a painting. There aren’t many things more beautiful in the world than nature in the fall, and what better place to appreciate such beauty than on the course?
Ryan MacKenzie
Marketing & Communications Assistant
rmackenzie@gao.ca
Carrie Julie wants to bring golf to more women, children and players with disabilities
Peter MacKellar
From The Hamilton Spectator
Carrie Julie is determined to bring the game of golf to more women, children and people with disabilities.
Carrie Julie knows very well what golf needs to grow, or even survive.
There has to be a push to introduce it to women, children and players with disabilities.
She comes at the issue with first hand knowledge. Her husband, Jeremy, is the owner/operator of Sawmill Golf Course just down the Niagara Peninsula in Pelham.
“If we don’t grow the game in these areas, none of us will be here in 20 years,” she says emphatically.
Julie is just wrapping up her first year as the regional director for Niagara for Golf Ontario. And if everything goes according to Hoyle, she will become regional director this fall of the newly-formed regions of Hamilton and Halton.
In fact, she already has a meeting scheduled with the head pros at the Hamilton and area clubs in November to try and lay out her vision to them to try and get them to join the group.
It’s not mandatory to join, nor was it in Niagara where 25 courses came on board, including an interesting mix of public, private and semi-private clubs.”It’s all about getting clubs together to grow the game,” Julie explains. “One of our first events in Niagara was called ‘Kids Try Golf.’ And we had nine clubs participate and 162 kids came out to try golf.”
They also had six courses — Lookout Point, Sawmill, Port Colborne, Beachwood, Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines — each bring three players between the ages of six and 12, who had never played competitively before, to take part in a scramble tournament.
And they introduced women to the game for the first time with an event called #inviteher. It involved women playing three holes and then taking part in wine tasting.
Julie also took 25 girls from the Niagara region to the CP Women’s Open where they were able to meet Brooke Henderson. Ten of the girls even got to putt for an LPGA pro in the Pro-Am.
None of this happens, says Julie, without the co-operation and support of the PGA of Canada professionals at the clubs who have opted in. And she’s hoping that the head pros at the clubs in the Hamilton and Halton areas will be as enthusiastic when the program is rolled out to them this fall.
If you think it sounds like a worthwhile program, ask your head pro or general manager to get involved.
Garry McKay is a veteran, award-winning golf journalist and a former sportswriter with The Hamilton Spectator
