Back to Back Individual Gold for Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikful at World Juniors, Korea Wins Team Title
Peter MacKellar
Korea wins the team title and a record fourth Championship medal
Italy’s Nobilio becomes the most decorated golfer in World Junior Girls history
Brooke Rivers finishes strong to claim top Canadian honours;
Canada 1 finishes 7th in the team competition
MARKHAM, Ont. – Canadian golf fans should take good note of Atthaya Thitikul’s name, as they will surely hear it mentioned again in the same breath as the game’s best female players. She is that good. And on Friday, her poise and talent were in evidence at Angus Glen Golf Club of Markham, Ontario, where she claimed her second consecutive World Junior Girls Championship title by two strokes over Ye Won Lee of the Republic of Korea.
In the team competition, it is the Republic of Korea that claimed the gold medal, their second World Junior Girls title after winning it in 2015 at The Marshes GC of Ottawa. After rallying to take the lead following Thursday’s weather delay, the Korean team never looked back. They registered an aggregate score of 3-under (141) in the final round to take the laurels. After claiming bronze at Camelot Golf Club in 2018, Thailand upgraded its 2019 haul by winning silver, while last year’s champions Italy finished third to earn the bronze medal.
“It’s very, very nice to win. I’m so happy now. But I’m a little disappointed that I couldn’t catch the (girl in) first place. But only ten percent disappointed (laughs),” said team gold and individual silver medalist Ye Won Lee.
The 2019 gold is Korea’s fourth World Junior Girls Championship medal in only five participations in the event, a tournament record.
In the individual contest, Thitikul managed to keep her playing partners at bay on the front nine, taking a stroke back from the silver medallist, Republic of Korea’s Ye Won Lee, thanks to three birdies against only one bogey. Despite committing two more bogeys on the back nine and briefly finding herself only one stroke up, Thitikul, who fired a final round of 70 (-2), scored a superb eagle on the par-5 16th hole which Ye Won Lee couldn’t match, albeit adding a birdie of her own to the score card.
When asked how important that shot was to her victory, Thitikul declared that “It helped me a lot, you know. When I putt it, in mind I was like ‘Yes! I will get this.’ It made me feel more confident when walking to the 18th hole.” Italy’s Alessia Nobilio, an individual silver medallist in both 2017 and 2018, shot 71 in the final round to finish the tournament at 6-under, in third place. She is now the World Junior Girls most decorated competitor in tournament history with three individual and two team medals.
As the organizing federation, Canada delegated two teams to participate in the Championship.
Canada 1, consisting of Brooke Rivers (Brampton, Ont.), Euna Han (Coquitlam, B.C.) and Emily Zhu (Richmond Hill, Ont.) had a strong finish to the tourney, posting their first negative team score of the week (-2) which allowed them to climb to 7th in a tie with Switzerland. Canada 2, composed of Lauren Kim and Angela Arora of Surrey, B.C., with Ellie Szeryk (London, Ont.), scored plus +7 and dropped to 19th, ahead of Ireland. The 2019 World Junior Girls Championship was 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, the seventh edition of the World Junior Girls Championship will be presented at Angus Glen Golf Club in 2020.
2019 TEAM COMPETITION RESULTS
Gold Thailand
Jung-Min Hong, Ye Won Lee, Yoon Ina, *143-139-140-141-563 (-13)
Silver Republic of Korea
Kan Bunnabodee, Yosita Khawnuna, Atthaya Thitikul, *144-137-142-144-567 (-9)
Media can download photos of the final round and closing ceremony here.
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.
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.
ABOUT THE WORLD JUNIOR GIRLS GOLF 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 will field 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. Admission and parking for the World Junior Girls Golf Championship is free. For more information, visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.
Korea Moving on up on Moving Day at World Junior Girls Championship
Peter MacKellar
Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand maintains the lead in the individual competition
Ye Won Lee powers Korea; moves up to second place
Angela Arora joins Brooke Rivers as top Canadians in the field
MARKHAM, Ont. – Many golfers despise being interrupted by the elements when playing a round. But don’t say that to Team Korea. After a thunderstorm stopped play for just under three hours on Thursday during the third round, the Koreans rallied after play resumed to erase the four-stroke lead that Thailand held before the stoppage and take a one-shot advantage in the team competition.
Korea now sits in first with an aggregate score of 422 (-10), just one shot separating them from Thailand at No. 2. Italy also made the most of moving day, as the 2018 team champions in Ottawa posted a score of minus -1 to climb to third position (-2). England and Denmark also moved up a notch, to fourth and fifth respectively.
In the individual competition, the top of the leader board is occupied by seven competitors that remain under par this week and it is still led by Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand.
Ye Won Lee of Korea (-7), who fired a four-under 68 for the lowest round of the day, climbs to within two shots of Thitikul, who holds on to the lead with a tournament-best score of -9. Scotland’s Hannah Darling, whose hole-in-one yesterday helped her close in on the leaders, sits third at -6. Alessia Nobilio of Italy drops back to 4th place at -5, after shooting even par today.
After the round, Ye Won Lee explained: “I felt really good with my swing but I think that I could have done even better than I did today, because my putter was a little shaky.”
2018 champion Thitikul declared that: “I had a little bit of trouble with my putter when we got back (after the weather delay). The wind also the last two rounds was so strong.” Final round Friday promise to deliver an exciting finish on the South Course at Angus Glen.
As the organizing federation, Canada is afforded two teams to participate in the Championship.
Canada 1, which consists of Brooke Rivers (Brampton, Ont.), Euna Han (Coquitlam, B.C.) and Emily Zhu (Richmond Hill, Ont.) gained one position today with a team score of plus +5 and is in a tie for 10th with Germany. Canada 2, composed of Lauren Kim and Angela Arora of Surrey, B.C., with Ellie Szeryk (London, Ont.), remains in 17th. Angela Arora joins Brooke Rivers as the low Canadians, in a tie for 18th position at plus +7.
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, the World Junior Girls Championship is in its sixth edition.
Play resumes at 8 AM on Friday for the final round. The closing ceremony will start shortly after the conclusion of play around 3:00 P.M. (EDT).
Full results and tournament information can be found here.
Admission to the competition is free. Additional information regarding the sixth annual World Junior Girls Championship can be found on the competition’s website.
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.
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.
ABOUT THE WORLD JUNIOR GIRLS GOLF 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 will field 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. Admission and parking for the World Junior Girls Golf Championship is free. For more information, visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.
Thailand’s Thitikful Surges to the Lead After Round 2 of the World Junior Girls Championship
Peter MacKellar
Thailand breaks free from the pack to lead team event
Scotland’s Darling notches first career hole-in-one
Brooke Rivers is the low Canadian at T16
MARKHAM, Ont. – There is something about Canada that brings out the best in Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul’s game and it was on full display today at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ontario, during the second round of the 2019 World Junior Girls Championship (WJGC).
Teeing it up from the 10th hole in a split-tee start this morning, Thitikul, the defending champion from last year’s WJGC in Ottawa, had a relatively inauspicious start with four consecutive pars, before finding a new gear following a birdie on the par-5 14th hole. And she was all business from there, collecting seven more birdies and an eagle against only one bogey the rest of the way.
With a blistering score of 30 on the front nine for a total of 63 on the day, Thitikul returned to the clubhouse this afternoon with a three-stroke lead over her nearest rivals, Hannah Darling of Scotland and last year’s individual silver medallist, Alessia Nobilio of Italy, who are tied for second place at 5-under for the tournament.
In her post-round interview, the personable Thitikul was frank in her assessment: “You know, I give all the credit to my putter, it worked really good today. I just had fun in the round and that’s good. And the results come.”
When asked what adjustments she needs to make for the rest of the week, she declared that “what I need to improve on … are the approaches, with my wedge. You know, at 80 or 90, it was not as good, and I need to improve.” This bodes well for Thailand moving forward.
Darling had quite the outing herself, firing her first career hole-in-one on the 2nd hole, en route to a tidy score of 66 (-6). Nobilio put herself in the hunt, handing in a minus -5 scorecard to rebound from a somewhat disappointing day one that had left her at even par.
Of joining the hole-in-one club today, Darling confides that “it’s the first I’ve ever had … that was pretty cool! Me and Beth (Coulter, of Ireland) were playing together and we were just going mad!”
Ho-Yu An of Chinese Taipei also had a wonderful round and put herself in the mix with a score of 65 (-7) in the second round. An now trails Darling and Nobilio by only one shot, in fourth position at 4-under par.
In the team competition, the Thai squad managed to create a little space atop of what was a very crowded leaderboard following the first round. Propelled by Thitikul’s stellar outing, Thailand shaved 7 strokes from par on Wednesday for an aggregate total of 281 (-7), one shot better than Korea in second place at 282 (-6) and Chinese Taipei, who jump up the rankings to No. 3 with a total team score of 284. Last year’s champion team Italy is close behind in fourth spot at minus -1.
As the organizing federation, Canada can delegate two squads to the Championship.
Canada 1, comprised of Brooke Rivers (Brampton, Ont.), Euna Han (Coquitlam, B.C.) and Emily Zhu (Richmond Hill, Ont.) lost a little ground and now sits in a tie for 11th with Sweden. Canada 2, which includes Lauren Kim and Angela Arora of Surrey, B.C., with Ellie Szeryk (London, Ont.), dropped four ranks to 17th. For the second day, Rivers remains the low Canadian, firing a 1-over-par 73 that leaves her in a tie for 16th position.
Team Canada is looking for its first medal since capturing bronze at the first ever World Junior Girls in 2014.
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, the World Junior Girls Championship is in its sixth edition.
Play resumes at 8 AM on Thursday. Full results and tournament information can be found here.
Admission to the competition is free. Additional information regarding the sixth annual World Junior Girls Championship can be found on the competition’s website.
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.
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.
ABOUT THE WORLD JUNIOR GIRLS GOLF 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 will field 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. Admission and parking for the World Junior Girls Golf Championship is free. For more information, visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.
Crowded Leaderboard After Day one of the World Junior Girls Championship
Peter MacKellar
– Korea takes lead of team competition; three-way tie atop individual standings –
– Brooke Rivers is top Canadian at 2 over par –
MARKHAM, Ont. – The world’s best young female golfers took over Markham’s Angus Glen Golf Club on Tuesday as the 2019 World Junior Girls Championship got underway on one of the GTA’s favourite tracks.
Under the watchful eyes of several NCAA golf coaches that have made the journey north, Round one was clearly a high-scoring affair since only three competitors managed to navigate the challenging South Course under par: Thailand’s Yosita Khawnuna, Yin Xiaowen of China and Ye Won Lee of Korea, who all share the individual lead at one under par after rounds of 71.
Khawnuna was in the lead for a large portion of the day before stumbling near the end of her round with a bogey at 17 and a double bogey at 18which erased the three-shot lead she had built after a terrific birdie on the par-5 hole No. 16.
It was an equally tight contest in the team competition as the top three squads are only separated by two shots, with Korea paving the way on an aggregate score of minus -1 (143), followed closely by Thailand at even par (144) and England in third at plus +1 (145).
Team Thailand, headlined by 2018 World Junior Girls champion Atthaya Thitikul who went one over on the day (73), is looking to build on its success after claiming bronze last year in Ottawa. The third member of the team, Kan Bunnabodee concluded with a 73 as well to sit T8.
In a post-match interview, Thitikul, Bunnabodee and Khawnuna agreed that many challenges await on this golf course. The Thai team looks forward to having another go at it tomorrow: “We need to just let go and tomorrow will be better. Today is over and we just need to go and practise the things that we need to do (better). Just stick to the game plan and we will be better,” said Bunnabodee, speaking on behalf of the squad.
As the organizing federation, Canada can delegate two squads to the Championship.
Canada 1, which comprises Brooke Rivers (Brampton, Ont.), Euna Han (Coquitlam, B.C.) and Emily Zhu (Richmond Hill, Ont.) sit in a tie for 9th with Scotland. Canada 2, which includes Lauren Kim and Angela Arora of Surrey, B.C., with Ellie Szeryk (London, Ont.), trails behind at T13 with Spain and Wales. Rivers was the low Canadian today with a 2-over-par 74, which leaves her only three shots shy of the lead.
Team Canada is looking for its first medal since capturing bronze at the first ever World Junior Girls in 2014.
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, the World Junior Girls Championship is in its fifth edition.
Play resumes at 8 AM on Wednesday. Full results and tournament information can be found here.
Admission to the competition is free. Additional information regarding the fifth annual World Junior Girls Championship can be found on the competition’s website.
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.
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.
ABOUT THE WORLD JUNIOR GIRLS GOLF 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 will field 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. Admission and parking for the World Junior Girls Golf Championship is free. For more information, visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.
ABOUT THE GOLF CANADA FOUNDATION
The Golf Canada Foundation is the leading source for golf philanthropy in Canada, awarding more than $6 million in grants and scholarships since 1982. The foundation’s mission is to support and promote programs that increase participation in golf by engaging players of all ages and abilities across Canada. For more information about what the Golf Canada Foundation is doing to support golf in your community, visit us online at www.golfcanada.ca/foundation.
Mercer and Howson Top the Leaderboard at the 2019 Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship
Peter MacKellar
Thornhill, ON — Summer like conditions welcomed the 84 players to Toronto Ladies GC for the 66th annual Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship. With hot weather came hot play, and the day proved to be competitive just like years in the past. After 18 however, it was Delaney Howson (Public Player) and Team Ontario coach, and Golf Ontario’s very own, Jessie Mercer (Black Bear Ridge GC) who came out on top.
Kicking things off on the first tee, the duo of Howson and Mercer were hot from the get-go. Going even-par after nine, the duo ramped things up even more with three straight birdies on their back nine to solidify the win. Leading the trailing duo’s in second by three strokes, Mercer and Howson’s impressive showing was one that was hard to match.
“It was a great day for us,” said Howson. “We got off to a bit of a slow start but found some momentum on the back nine. We started to play off each others strengths and found a good rhythm.” When asked about their stretch of birdies in the second half of their round, they credited it to some lucky shots.
“I chipped in on 12, Delaney stuck one tight on the next and then made a six-footer on 14 to cap it off,” said Mercer. “It was a little lucky but we definitely we’re on a roll.”
The duo finished the tournament -3 (69), and left as champions.
Trailing in second was a two way tie between the group of Kristy McLaughlin (Mad River), and Joanne River (Weston G&CC), and the group of Susan Postian (Sunningdale C) and Jane Hedges-McKinnon. The two teams finished the day at even-par (72), only three strokes behind the leaders, and although they couldn’t make up the distance for the top spot, they all showcased some sizzling play down the stretch to lock the second place position.
As for the Low Net portion of the tournament, it was home course favourites Mavis Knight and Denise Tobin (Ladies GC of Toronto) who came out on top after a six hole playoff against the talented duo of Penny Robinson and Mary Contardi (The CC West). Playing an extra hour and a half of golf, both teams showed incredible resilience and devotion, proving that they were going to battle it out until the very end.
A big thank you to Ladies GC of Toronto for being such fantastic hosts for the tournament, and thanks to our volunteers as well for for all their hard work, making this championship possible.
For full results and more information on the tournament, please visit the official tournament page HERE
First played in 1953, the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship is contested annually and features two-woman teams competing in a better-ball format. In total, 46 teams and 92 players took part in the 2018 event.
Ryan MacKenzie
Marketing & Communications Assistant
rmackenzie@gao.ca
Angus Glen Golf Club Ready To Host World’s Best Female Junior Golfers
Peter MacKellar
– Seventeen of the 60 athletes will be returning to compete in the event, including a record fourth participation for Italy’s Nobilio –
– As the host country, Canada will field two squads of three players –
MARKHAM, Ont. – It is a field comprised of some of the planet’s best young female golfers that will display their skills at Angus Glen Golf Club, as the sixth edition of the World Junior Girls Championship gets underway from September 24 to 27. In total, 60 athletes representing 19 countries—including two teams from host nation Canada—will compete for the team and individual titles.
“In collaboration with Golf Ontario and our partners, we are thrilled to present this first-class event featuring some the most promising female athletes the world of golf has to offer,” said Dan Hyatt, Tournament Director for the World Junior Girls Championship. “It is an honour for us to afford these talented juniors an opportunity to continue their growth and development.”
This year’s field is highlighted by 11 competitors ranked inside the World Golf Amateur Rankings (WAGR) top 100. The tournament’s top-ranked player is 2018 World Junior Girls individual champion Atthaya Thitikul (No. 2), who will represent last year’s bronze medal winners Thailand in the country’s second World Junior Girls appearance. Thitikul, the reigning Thailand Ladies Amateur champion, won the Smyth Salver award as the Low Amateur at the 2019 AIG Women’s British Open, captured the 2019 Ladies European Tour Thailand Championship and has now competed in 10 professional events worldwide.
England is the only country in the tournament to have all three team members ranked in WAGR’s top 100. Lily May Humphreys (No. 29) will make her third WJG appearance and try to improve on her T7 finish in 2017. Joining her at Markham’s Angus Glen will be Annabell Fuller (No. 46) and Euphemie “Mimi” Rhodes (No. 95).
Returning champions Italy will be able to rely on Alessia Nobilio (No. 7) to lead the team. Nobilio will look to add to her record WJG individual medal haul after capturing silver medals in 2017 and 2018. The 17-year-old, who has seven top-ten finishes this year including two victories, will be joined by newcomers Carolina Melgrati (No. 115) and Benedetta Moresco (No. 34). The trio will look to bring a third World Junior Girls team medal to Italy.
The 2019 edition of the Championship will see several players return, as 17 members of the field have played in at least one World Junior Girls Championship, including double individual silver medallist Nobilio (Italy) who became the first repeat medallist in tournament history in Ottawa last year. Six players will be appearing in at least their third edition of the event, including Canadians Ellie Szeryk (No. 724) and Emily Zhu (No. 977), Switzerland’s Elena Moosman (No. 97), Mexico’s Cory Lopez (No. 314) and England’s Humphreys. Nobilo will make a record fourth appearance at the Championship.
Sweden will look to add a fourth team medal to their trophy case after earning one silver (2014) and two bronze medals (2015 and 2017). As the only Swedish player returning to the championship, Ester Fägersten (No. 180) will be joined by first-timers Louise Rydqvist (No. 439) and Sara Ericsson (No. 230).
Along with the returning teams and players, the World Junior Girls Championship is also pleased to welcome back the representatives of Germany and the Republic of Korea after a one-year absence, as well as to host Wales for the very first time. The inaugural Welsh team will consist of Darcey Harry (No. 578), Ffion Tynan (No. 693) and Carys Worby (No. 799).
Joining the strong international field will be the six players chosen to represent Canada. Brooke Rivers (Brampton, Ont.), Euna Han (Coquitlam, B.C.) and Zhu (Richmond Hill, Ont.) will constitute Canada One, while Lauren Kim and Angela Arora of Surrey, B.C., will team up with Szeryk (London, Ont.) to form Canada Two. Team Canada will be looking for their first medal since capturing bronze at the inaugural World Junior Girls Championship in 2014.
In 2018 at Camelot Golf and Country Club, it was Italy that prevailed over the USA to capture the crown, registering a feisty 6-under performance (138) that allowed them to catch the Americans and force extra holes. Italy eventually came up on top to win their first World Junior Girls Championship gold.
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 World Junior Girls Championship will run for its sixth time.
Angus Glen Golf Club consists of two 18-hole championship golf courses in Markham, Ontario. The North and South courses offer variety, beauty and challenges. It has been ranked as one of the top 80 golf courses in the world outside of the United States. It was home to the 2002 and 2007 Canadian Open and an official host of the 2015 Toronto Pan/Parapan American Games.
The first round of play is on Tuesday, September 24. The tournament’s closing ceremonies will immediately follow the conclusion of play on Friday, Sept. 27.
Admission to the competition is free. Additional information regarding the sixth annual World Junior Girls Championship can be found on the competition’s website.
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.
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.
ABOUT THE WORLD JUNIOR GIRLS GOLF 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 will field 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. Admission and parking for the World Junior Girls Golf Championship is free. For more information, visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.
ABOUT THE GOLF CANADA FOUNDATION
The Golf Canada Foundation is the leading source for golf philanthropy in Canada, awarding more than $6 million in grants and scholarships since 1982. The foundation’s mission is to support and promote programs that increase participation in golf by engaging players of all ages and abilities across Canada. For more information about what the Golf Canada Foundation is doing to support golf in your community, visit us online at www.golfcanada.ca/foundation.
Champions Returning For Second Consecutive Title at 2019 Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship
Peter MacKellar
Thornhill, ON — On Monday, September 22nd the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship will be getting underway at the prestigious Ladies GC of Toronto. 84 players playing in twosomes will take to the challenging course in hopes of leaving champions.
Last year’s championship saw Ivy Steinberg (Granite GC) and Kelly Koselek (CedarBrae GC) come out on top after an intense playoff battle. The tournament proved to be extremely competitive, seeing four teams tie for first after 18. Two playoff holes later, it was Steinberg and Koselek who were able to muster enough energy for one final push, beating Katrina Myers and Jacinth Hoilett for the top spot.
The duo returns again this year in hopes of claiming glory for the second consecutive time. But it won’t be an easy task with players like Judith Kyrinis (Granite GC), Alexa Ouellet (Credit Valley G&CC), and many more hot on their tails.
The talented field will take on the challenging Ladies GC of Toronto. A Stanley Thompson design, the 18-hole course from the back tees is just over 6,000 yards. It’s long and narrow fairways and small greens make it no easy task to perform well. The duo who can handle the tough conditions and greens the best will surely leave with some extra hardware in their hands.
Steinberg, Koselek, and the rest of the field take to the course at 12:00 pm. For more information on the tournament, please visit the official tournament page HERE
About the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship
First played in 1953, the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship is contested annually and features two-woman teams competing in a better-ball format. In total, 46 teams and 92 players took part in the 2018 event.
Ryan MacKenzie
Marketing & Communications Assistant
rmackenzie@gao.ca
Ardito and Parker Use Home Court Advantage to Win the Ontario Senior Men’s Better Ball Championship
Peter MacKellar
Brampton, ON — Warm and sunny skies welcomed the golfers to the one day Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship at Brampton GC. The field of 124 went off at a 1:00pm shotgun start to see which duo would leave a champion, and hoist the ‘Oakdale Trophy’. Being the only round of the tournament, the stakes were high and the players came out ready to play.
At the beginning of the day, all eyes were on the reigning champions Mark Bennett (Bayview G&CC) and Jim Briggs (Cardinal Lakes GC). The duo came into the tournament the early favorites as they arrived with high hopes of clinching their second title in two years.
The tournament was highly competitive seeing five groups all within two strokes of the top spot, but it was home course twosome Bruno Ardito and Gary Parker (Brampton GC) who would eventually steal the show. After 18, the duo was tied with the talented team of Dan Partland (The Summit G&CC) and Christopher Kertsos (York Downs G&CC). The two teams took to the track for a playoff hole to decide who would leave a champion. Neck and neck the entire way through, it seemed like neither duo could pull ahead. It wasn’t until the third playoff hole where Ardito lined up and dropped a 30-foot putt to clinch the title.
When given the chance to speak about the tournament winning shot, Ardito simply praised his partner. “If it weren’t for my red hot partner, this wouldn’t have been possible,” he said. “It’s a great feeling winning at our home course, and we hope everyone had as much fun as we did.”
Ardito and Parker would finish the tournament with a final score of -5 (66), and take home the heavy hardware. Kertsos and Partland finished the tournament in second, trailed closely by two teams tied for third. Both duo’s of Phil Charal and Tony Robinson (The Summit G&CC), and Greg Hothman David Greenaway (Barrie CC), finished the tournament only a single stroke behind the leaders at -4 (67). The two teams had impressive showings, almost causing a four way playoff for the rights to being a champion.
Golf Ontario would like to thank Brampton GC for hosting the event, and providing spectacular food and beverage to all the players. Also a big thanks to our volunteers for making this event possible.
For final scores, visit the official tournament page HERE
About the Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship
The Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship was first contested in 1982. It is open to players aged 55 and older as of the date of the tournament. The championship trophy was donated by the Oakdale Golf & Country Club, who annually host Golf Ontario’s Men’s Better-Ball Championship. Notable champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Famers Nick Westlock and Stu Hamilton.
Ryan MacKenzie
Marketing & Communications Assistant
rmackenzie@gao.ca
The Stage is Set for the Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship from Brampton GC
Peter MacKellar
Brampton, ON — For the fourth year in a row, Brampton GC will be hosting the Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship. The championship is set to get underway this Thursday, September 19th, where 124 players will take to the beautiful course in hopes of ending the golf season with some strong play.
With such a large field, it’s tough to say which pairing will have the upperhand heading in to event. With twosomes like home course favourites Bruno Ardito and Gary Parker (Brampton GC), Senior Men’s Amateur Champion David Greenaway and his partner Greg Hotham (Barrie CC), Robert Gibson and Colin Grieve (Cedar Brae GC), and many more, there’s talent right across the board. However, some attention will obviously be on last years champions Mark Bennett (Bayview G&CC) and Jim Briggs (Cardinal Lakes GC).
The duo took last year’s championship by storm, carding an impressive 5-under (66) after 18 to win it all. After a tough start with a bogey on the first hole, the dynamic duo never looked back adding 6 birdies to their scorecard to make up ground. The two we’re excited after last years championship round.
“It’s pretty special,” said Bennett. “It’s an Ontario Championship and we get our names on the trophy that contains players from the past few decades that have been the best of the best.” With their return to the tournament, the ball is in their court to see if they can defend their title, and etch their names into history yet again.
The 144 players will take to the beautiful Brampton GC in hopes of championship glory. The championship course was designed and built by C. E “Robbie” Robinson in 1963, the nearest disciple of legendary architect, Stanley Thompson. With five sets of tee blocks, this par 71 ranges in length from 6558 to 5267 yards, offering a challenge to any player who takes to the tee.
“The key to the course will be controlling the distance on their approach shots,” said Head Professional Emerson Mahoney. “The greens are firm and quite large, so being on top of their distance control will quickly become a high priority come Thursday. We wish all the players goodluck and we look forward to seeing some great golf.”
The players will take to the track at 1:00pm Thursday afternoon. For more information, visit the official tournament page HERE
About the Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship
The Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship was first contested in 1982. It is open to players aged 55 and older as of the date of the tournament. The championship trophy was donated by the Oakdale Golf & Country Club, who annually host Golf Ontario’s Men’s Better-Ball Championship. Notable champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Famers Nick Westlock and Stu Hamilton.
Uxbridge, ON – Golf Ontario has been providing financial assistance annually to deserving student golfers throughout Ontario who are continuing their education at the post-secondary level since 1994. This scholarship program, made possible with the support of our corporate partners and sponsors, allows us to award multiple scholarships each year that support student golfers and their post-secondary education dreams.
Back in 2016, Golf Ontario celebrated a milestone as the association surpassed $500,000 in scholarship funds awarded since the program’s inception. Three years later in 2019, $596,000 in total has now been awarded to hundreds of recipients.
In 2019, Golf Ontario has selected another 10 deserving student golfers who will receive funding to help with their post-secondary studies. We are very proud to announce the following players as our 2019 Golf Ontario scholarship recipients.
Jocelyn Menard
Golf Ontario Scholarship
GreyHawk Golf Club
Maryville University
INDIVIDUAL
AWARD
CLUB
INSTITUTION
Julia Moretto
Christine Fisher Award
Maple City Country Club
Brock University
Ranen Oomen-Danckert
Craig Revell Award
Shelburne Golf and Country Club
The University of British Columbia
Kegan Mongru
Helena Harbridge Award
Lakeridge Golf Club
Western University
Nathan Douglas
Ken Mackenzie Award
The Thornhill Club
McGill University
Jason Gage
Golf Ontario Scholarship
Beacon Hall Golf Club
Western University
Michael Guyatt
Golf Ontario Scholarship
Hamilton Golf and Country Club
McMaster University
Hayden Scott
Golf Ontario Scholarship
Westmount Golf and Country Club
Western University
Max Wang
Golf Ontario Scholarship
Brampton Golf Club
Western University
Quinn Arial
Golf Ontario Scholarship
Camelot Golf and Country Club
Holy Cross College
Golf Ontario would like to congratulate the 2019 recipients and wish them luck in their post-secondary studies.
To be eligible for one of the Golf Ontario awards or scholarships, recipients have maintained at least a 75% academic average, are enrolled in a post-secondary institution, are members of Golf Ontario and actively involved in the game of golf. If you are interested in applying for next years batch of scholarships, please visit here to learn more about the process and the benefits of Golf Ontario Scholarships.
About Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 450 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact, to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to shaping lives through Golf.
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