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.

– 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.

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

For photos from the tournament, CLICK 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

– 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.

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

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

For photos from the tournament, CLICK 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

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.

Ryan MacKenzie

Marketing & Communications Assistant

rmackenzie@gao.ca

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.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook, @TheGolfOntario for updates of all our activities.

Ryan MacKenzie

Marketing & Communications Assistant

rmackenzie@gao.ca

From Golf Canada

19 countries return to the site of the inaugural international competition at Angus Glen South’s Course

MARKHAM, Ont. –  The world’s top 18-and-under female junior golfers will return to Angus Glen for the sixth edition of the World Junior Girls Championship from Sept. 24-27. As host nation, Canada will send two teams of three athletes to compete for the international title of World Junior Girls champion.

Representing Canada One will be Brooke Rivers (Brampton, Ont.), Emily Zhu (Richmond Hill, Ont.) and Euna Han (Coquitlam, B.C.).

This will be the debut for Rivers at the World Junior Girls Championship. The 2019 season marks a breakout campaign for the 14-year-old, who captured the regional Future Links, driven by Acura Quebec championship alongside top 10 finishes at the Canadian Junior Girls, Ontario Women’s Amateur and Ontario Junior Girls Championships. She’s coming off a strong performance representing Canada at the Astor Trophy last month at Royal Colwood Golf Club.

Zhu, a Team Canada Junior Squad member, will compete in the World Junior Girls Championship for a second straight year. The reigning Canadian Junior Girls champion finished at No. 2 in the season-long Junior Order of Merit thanks to seven top-10 finishes, including a runner-up finish at the Ontario Women’s Amateur.

Han is also set to make her return to the competition after teeing it up in 2017. She’s on the heels of a strong season that features eight top-10 finishes, including a runner-up at the Future Links, driven by Acura Pacific Championship and a third place result at the B.C. Women’s Amateur.

As the host country, Canada reserves the right to field two teams in the 60-player, 19-country competition. Canada Two will consist of Angela Arora (Surrey, B.C.) Ellie Szeryk (London, Ont.) and Lauren Kim (Surrey, B.C.).

15-year-old Arora is currently ranked fourth in the Junior Girls Order of Merit. She has eight top-10 finishes this season, highlighted by a win at the Future Links, driven by Acura Ontario Championship. She placed 12th at the Canadian Junior Girls and finished in a tie for 4th at the B.C. Women’s Amateur.

Szeryk will make her second appearance in the international competition, having finished 27th in last year’s championship. The 18-year-old Team Canada Junior Squad member recorded three top-10 finishes this year, including a T10 result at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship at Lethbridge Country Club in Lethbridge, Alta.

Kim will make her second appearance in the event, having finished T41 in 2018. Her 2019 campaign features four victories, including a win at the Future Links, driven by Acura Pacific Championship.

“Golf Canada is pleased to select these athletes as a result of their remarkable seasons and commitment to the sport,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s chief sport officer. “Their collective accomplishments are a result of the support and joint efforts of Provincial Golf Associations, home clubs, parents, coaches and athletes. We’re looking forward to a great championship against many of the world’s top-ranked juniors.”

Matt Wilson (Golf Canada’s women’s junior squad coach and director of next generation) will lead the two Team Canada squads with the support Reggie Millage (Golf Ontario head coach).

“Golf Ontario is thrilled to once again partner with Golf Canada to conduct this global championship at the site of the inaugural event at Angus Glen Golf Club,” said Mike Kelly, Golf Ontario Executive Director. “We are very thankful for their membership and volunteer committees for all their hard work, and are excited to host players and coaches from around the world.”

The World Junior Girls Championship is conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario, and supported by the R&A and 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. The North and South courses offer variety, beauty and challenge. Arthur Stollery, an avid golfer, began building the golf course in 1992 in the valley where Black Angus cattle once grazed. Angus Glen has played host to the 2002 and 2007 RBC Canadian Opens, the inaugural 2014 World Junior Girls Championship and the 2015 Toronto Pan American Games.

Opening ceremonies for the championship take place on Sept. 22 followed by the first round on Tuesday, Sept. 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 here.

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 19 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.

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.

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.

Gormley, ON — Cool and sunny skies hung over Meadowbrook GC for the second and final day of the 2019 Ontario Public Amateur Championship. The players arrived to the challenging yet fair course in hopes of a strong showing, and also a first place finish. The day proved to be competitive as they all conducted impressive play throughout.

The tournament from the very beginning this championship has been a tight race, and the final day proved to be no different. Heading into today, only a one stroke difference separated first and second, and only three strokes separated first from fifth. By the end of the round, only a few strokes separated the top five players.

But by the time it was all said and done, Jeremy Wilson (Barrie, ON), last years runner up, came out on top. With some hot play out the gate, Wilson played one of the best rounds of his career carding four birdies and only two bogeys through 18 for a total score of +1 for the tournamnt. The first half of the tournament was a battle between Peter Willis (Aurora, ON) and Mark Wiebe (St. Catharines, ON), but Wilson quickly stole the spotlight after going 3-under after 9. Showing maturity and the ability to be consistent, Wilson continued this success the rest of the way through, and despite some pressure from the players trailing, he maintained composure and finished the round with a tournament low -2 to secure the win.

It was just last year when Wilson was standing on the other end of victory. In the 2018 playing of the Public Amateur championship, the 24-year-old found himself thwarted by the talented Shyamal Nagindas (Aurora, ON) in the final round. To come so close to a championship and let it slip through his hands, it wasn’t surprising to see Wilson come out and take charge this time around.

“It’s an awesome feeling to be able to come back and win it,” said Wilson. “Second last year was still a success in my books but definitely the end goal was to win it all.” When asked about the pressures of being a finalist last year and to continue to have success, Wilson pointed out that there’s always pressure to perform.

“You always want to better yourself. I knew there would be talented competition out there again this year so there was definitely some added pressure there, but overall I’d say this wasn’t anything new to me.” Wilson finished the tournament with a total score of +1 (143).

Trailing closely behind was 2016 champion Peter Willis (Aurora, ON) with a total score of +3 (145). WIllis came out looking like he had something to prove in today’s round. Starting off -2 after 4, the champion put up a fight from the very start, and despite a few tough holes he made sure to persevere and play well the entire way through. He finished only two strokes behind Wilson.

Sitting in a tie for third were Jean-Henri Lavoie (Brampton, ON) and Daniel Racioppa (Mount Albert, ON). The duo displayed some impressive play over the course of the tournament, both finishing with total scores of +5 (147).

As for the B and C flights, it was Derek Baird (Etobicoke, ON) and Andrew Schlegel (Newmarket, ON) who took home the hardware. Baird won the B flight with an impressive net score of +2, while Schlegel won the C flight with a net score of +1.

For results and information on the tournament, visit the official tournament page HERE

For photos from the tournament, CLICK HERE

About the Ontario Public Amateur Championship

The Ontario Public Amateur Championship was first played in 1958 at Don Valley Golf Club. Past winners include: Ken Trowbridge (1970), 2018 Ontario Golf Hall of Fame inductee Dave Bunker (2009, 2010) and Craig Loughry who has won a record four times (1997, 2001, 2005, 2006). Play of the tournament was suspended from 1984-1995. Mill Run Golf and Country Club (Uxbridge, ON) has hosted the tournament a record 9 times.

The Ontario Public Amateur Championship provides the perfect opportunity for those interested in trying a competitive tournament while providing gross and net flights. This allows higher handicap players to play against players in their handicap grouping.

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.

Ryan MacKenzie

Assistant, Marketing & Communications

rmackenzie@gao.ca