Hundreds of Toronto youth will have the opportunity to experience golf this summer thanks to a generous donation through Golf Ontario’s Golf for All Fund.
The $3,000 contribution from the Michael Cundari Memorial Fund will help provide subsidized Youth on Course rounds for young golfers who were unable to secure a City of Toronto Junior Golf Membership after unprecedented demand filled the program earlier this spring.
Interest in the City’s junior golf program reached record levels in 2026, with more than 5,000 people online when registration opened. Approximately 300 memberships were claimed within the first 15 minutes, and by the end of registration, 670 memberships had been sold, leaving another 250 youth on a waitlist.
Recognizing an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, Golf Ontario worked with the City of Toronto and the Michael Cundari Memorial Fund to create a solution. The donation will fund 700 Youth on Course rounds for waitlisted juniors this summer.
“This is exactly the type of impact the Golf for All Fund was created to make,” said Craig Loughry, Senior Director, Membership & Member Services at Golf Ontario. “When we can remove barriers and help more young people experience golf, everyone wins. We’re incredibly grateful to the Michael Cundari Memorial Fund for choosing to invest in the next generation of golfers and helping ensure hundreds of kids have the opportunity to get on the course this summer.”
The initiative also provides participating youth with access to a discounted Golf Ontario/Golf Canada membership, giving them continued access to the Youth on Course program, where rounds can be played for just $5 at participating facilities.
While the impact will be felt on golf courses across Toronto this summer, the story began more than 25 years ago.
The Michael Cundari Memorial Fund was established in memory of Michael Cundari, whose life was tragically cut short in an accident. Michael loved sports. Whether he was playing, watching or talking about them, competition and camaraderie were a big part of who he was. Golf was one of his greatest passions. Friends remember him as a left-hander with a memorable slice who simply loved being on the golf course.
Away from sports, Michael was known for his kindness, generosity and compassion. He cared deeply about people, was a passionate advocate for animal welfare and believed in giving back to others.
Following his passing, a group of close friends transformed their annual NFL and NCAA football pools into a fundraiser in his memory. What began to stay connected and honour their friend has grown into a grassroots initiative that has raised more than $100,000 over the past 25 years in support of local charities, youth sports programs, community initiatives and families facing difficult circumstances.
For the friends who continue to organize the Memorial Fund each year, supporting youth golf is a fitting way to honour Michael’s legacy. Golf was one of his favourite pastimes and helping more young people discover the game reflects the values he carried throughout his life—kindness, generosity and bringing people together through sport.
The Golf for All Fund was created to expand access to golf across Ontario by supporting programs that remove barriers to participation. Donations help create opportunities for youth, adaptive golfers and underserved communities to experience the many benefits the game has to offer.
Golf Ontario extends its sincere appreciation to the Michael Cundari Memorial Fund and everyone who has supported its mission over the past 25 years. Their generosity will help ensure hundreds of young golfers can create memories on the golf course this summer while continuing a legacy built on kindness, friendship and giving back.
Inspired by the impact of the Michael Cundari Memorial Fund? Learn more about the Golf for All Fund or make a donation by visiting the Golf for All Fund page on the Golf Ontario website.
