When Pam, a member of the LPGA Amateurs of Ontario Niagara Chapter, signed up for Golf Ontario’s 1000 Ball Challenge, she didn’t have her eye on the 1000 balls. For Pam, it was simply about showing support for a cause she believed in—growing the game of golf and helping build stronger connections between Golf Ontario and local chapters like her own.
“I didn’t donate with the intention or expectation of winning a prize,” Pam says. “It was just about supporting Golf Ontario and giving back. We’ve got a good relationship between (Golf Ontario) and the LPGA Amateurs, so it just made sense.”
The Challenge gave the Niagara Chapter a fun and meaningful way to get involved, with some funds coming back to support their growth and community.
“Some of the funds came back to us, so it helped our chapter grow. We thought it would be a fun way to support a worthy cause and get involved.”
But when Pam’s name was drawn as the 2024 Grand Prize Winner, she found herself with 1,000 golf balls—and a new challenge: what to do with them.
Turns out, sharing was the easy answer.
“They’ve gone to a lot of different places,” she says. “I donated some to our LPGA Amateurs Niagara Chapter—we’re using them as prizes—and I even left some at the indoor driving range the day we were hitting our thousand balls.”
Her generosity didn’t stop there. Pam gave golf balls to junior golfers, used them in gift baskets for charity events like the Charlie Challenge in Guelph, and even included them in birthday presents.
She found ways to give back beyond golf, too—donating to a coworker’s fundraiser for his son’s autism therapy.
“I’ve known someone since they were born who’s now an avid junior golfer, so I gave them some too,” she adds. “It’s been barters, gifts, donations, and using them myself. They’re being spread around, and all my friends are benefiting.”
Even after all that, Pam still has 48 dozen balls left—more than enough for a few more acts of kindness.
Reflecting on the experience, Pam says the Challenge was a rewarding test of perseverance, teamwork, and fun.
“Hitting a thousand balls sounds like a lot—and it is—but it was such a fun experience. Only four of us did it, and we really leaned into it. We were even hitting indoors the day Raff presented the balls. There was a whole set of circumstances, but we made it work.”
So, what would she tell someone thinking of taking on the 1000 Ball Challenge?
“Do it! It’s a fun way to give back. You’re supporting a great cause, you get to challenge yourself, and the community around it is amazing.”
As for winning?
“I was shocked,” she laughs. “I remember thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, what am I going to do with all these balls?’ But it’s been incredible. Being able to share them has brought me a lot of joy.”
Pam 1000 Ball Challenge story is proof that one good swing can go a long way—and sometimes, the real win is in what you give back.
By purchasing a ticket for Golf Ontario’s 1000 Ball for the 1000 Ball Challenge Raffle, you’re directly supporting the GOLF FOR ALL Fund—an initiative focused on expanding golf programs across Ontario. Your contribution helps grow the game by creating more inclusive and accessible golf experiences for all.
Take inspiration from Pam, last year’s grand prize winner, who used her 1,000 golf balls to give back to her community. This year, you could be next.
Buy your raffle ticket today and you could be the big winner!
ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN 1000 GOLF BALLS
