For siblings Fereka and Ali Mehrabani, volunteering with Golf Ontario has become much more than a one-time experience—it’s grown into a meaningful way to connect with each other, embrace Canadian culture, and find a new passion in the game of golf.

Their journey began with a simple online search.

“I first discovered Golf Ontario while exploring popular sports in Canada online,” says Fereka. “As I browsed through their website, I was immediately drawn in—not just by the sport itself, but by the organization’s incredible commitment to community, youth development, and sportsmanship. Seeing that they welcomed volunteers made me feel genuinely excited. I knew right away that I wanted to be part of something that goes beyond the game—something that brings people together and builds lasting impact. Volunteering with Golf Ontario has been truly inspiring for both me and my brother.”

Their story as newcomers to Canada adds another layer of meaning to their involvement.

“Our journey to Canada began with a memorable visit in early 2020. I was pregnant at the time, and we had come to explore a new place and prepare for the birth of our daughter. Not long after we arrived, the world changed—COVID-19 hit, and life in Canada, like everywhere else, came to a pause. Despite the uncertainty, one of the most meaningful moments of our lives happened here: I gave birth to my daughter in Canada.”

“In September 2021, we returned—this time for a longer chapter. I came as an international student, together with my husband and our daughter, ready to build a life in this new country. Then in May 2024, my brother joined us, also as an international student.”

“We’re originally from Tehran, Iran, but over time, Canada has begun to feel like home. Volunteering with Golf Ontario has been one of the most inspiring ways we’ve connected with the community. It’s given us purpose, belonging, and a deeper appreciation for the spirit of Canadian life.”

It wasn’t long before volunteering turned into a shared journey between the two siblings. After helping at a qualifying event last year, Fereka encouraged her brother Ali to join her this season.

“I knew it would be a great chance for both of us to learn, grow, and connect—not only with each other, but with the wider community through sport.”

Together, they volunteered at the 2025 Ontario Junior Boys Spring Classic held May 18–20 at Wooden Sticks Golf Course—a memory that continues to stand out.

Their personal and educational backgrounds have played a big role in shaping how they show up as volunteers.

“Growing up in Iran, where life came with many challenges, I naturally developed a deep appreciation for structure and strong values,” says Fereka. “I attended gifted and talented high schools, where I was trained to be disciplined, organized, and resilient. My family played a big role too—my mother, in particular, has always been a source of inspiration. She’s a devoted and determined woman who constantly motivated me to stay focused and never give up, no matter the circumstances. Later on, my husband’s strength and support further reinforced the importance of integrity, responsibility, and perseverance in my life. All these experiences have shaped the way I approach both personal and professional life—with purpose, structure, and strong values at the core.”

She explains that Ali’s values were shaped by a different kind of resilience.

“My brother’s connection to structure and values comes from a very personal place,” she continues. “He had a difficult childhood, facing severe health issues that required numerous surgeries and constant medical care. Despite those challenges, he remained incredibly strong and resilient. Living with such uncertainty at a young age taught him the importance of routine, discipline, and mental strength. These experiences shaped him into someone who values stability, perseverance, and integrity. That inner strength and sense of purpose continue to guide him today—in both his studies and community involvement.”

That shared foundation helped them connect instantly with the Golf Ontario volunteer community.

“What truly left an impression on us was seeing how focused, organized, and deeply committed all the volunteers were,” says Ali. “Everyone knew their role, took it seriously, and worked together so seamlessly. It was inspiring to witness that level of dedication.”

Whether assisting with timing or directing players, the siblings were struck by the warmth of their fellow volunteers.

“Many of them had been volunteering with Golf Ontario for years, and their passion was contagious,” adds Fereka. “We realized we weren’t just helping at a sports event—we were becoming part of a community that values excellence, teamwork, and respect for the game.”

Their time on the course also gave them a newfound respect for the sport itself.

“Before, it was just a sport we occasionally heard about,” says Ali. “But now we see the strategy, discipline, and etiquette that make it so special. We’ve even started thinking about taking lessons ourselves!”

Even more meaningful was the time they spent volunteering together.

“This was our first time teaming up for a sports event, and it was a whole new kind of fun,” says Fereka. “We split up tasks, backed each other up during busy moments, and shared lots of laughs—especially when things got hectic.”

“It brought us closer as siblings,” adds Ali. “It was a great mix of learning, teamwork, and fun. We’re already looking forward to doing it again.”

Golf Ontario’s volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, from championships and rules to course rating and governance. Passionate people like Fereka and Ali Mehrabani bring energy, perspective, and community spirit to every event.

Interested in joining the Golf Ontario volunteer family?
Find your opportunity on our Volunteering Resource Page HERE

Coppinwood Golf Club’s Dawson Lew continues to show his dominance and shine in 2025, firing a 7-under-par 65 in Round 3 to take the solo lead at the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship. As one of the youngest players in the field, the Team Ontario standout is proving he’s a serious contender, backing up his 2025 Spring Classic win.

Two shots back in second at 5-under-par is Eric Zhao (Bayview Golf & Country Club). The 2025 NextGen Ontario Champion continues his strong season as he looks to chase down the lead and add another title to his impressive resume. Zhao has quietly put together three consistent rounds (70-71-70) and is poised to make a serious push in Saturday’s final round.

Garrett Rank (Westmount Golf & Country Club), the 2018 Ontario Men’s Amateur Champion, remains firmly in the mix at 4-under-par through three rounds. A decorated provincial champion with multiple titles to his name — including two Men’s Mid-Amateur wins and a Men’s Four-Ball Championship — Rank brings a wealth of experience and competitive fire as he looks to add another trophy to his impressive Golf Ontario resume.

It was a wild day at Deerhurst Highlands, with a significant thunderstorm halting play for nearly six hours. But once players returned to the course, the action didn’t disappoint. 

One of the most electrifying moments came from Phil Arci (The Pulpit Club), who aced the par-3 12th hole with a 7-iron — a hole-in-one that capped off a chaotic but thrilling day of championship golf.

With a stacked leaderboard, all signs point to a dramatic finish. The final round tees off Saturday, June 28 at 8:00 a.m., with players starting on both the 1st and 10th tees as the battle for the Ontario Men’s Amateur title heats up.

Stay Connected

Live Scoring, Pairings & Results

Round 3 Tournament Photos

For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook.

June 25–28 | Deerhurst Resort, Muskoka ON

One of Golf Ontario’s premier major championships is heading to the heart of Muskoka, as the 103rd Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship tees off at Deerhurst Highlands, the acclaimed championship course located within Deerhurst Resort. As one of the most coveted titles in provincial amateur golf, the Men’s Amateur brings together Ontario’s top players for four rounds of high-stakes stroke play on a layout known for its elevation, beauty, and strategic challenge.

More than just a tournament, this year’s championship represents a major moment for both Golf Ontario and Deerhurst Highlands—a celebration of elite amateur golf on a course that’s recently undergone a bold revitalization.

“Hosting one of the province’s most prestigious amateur golf championships is a tremendous honour for Deerhurst Highlands and a defining moment for our entire team,” said Taylor Ophelders, Golf Operations Manager at Deerhurst Resort. “This championship is the most prestigious event ever held at the Highlands, and it reflects our deep commitment to excellence in both course conditioning and guest experience.”

The championship returns to Deerhurst Highlands for the first time since 2017, when the course hosted the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur. This year, the venue welcomes a stacked field of returning champions, breakout talents, and seasoned contenders looking to etch their names into the province’s amateur golf history.

“Deerhurst is a special venue, and with the strength of this year’s field, we’re expecting an incredible week of competition,” said Rob Watson, Manager of Competitions at Golf Ontario. “This championship represents the highest level of amateur golf in the province.”

A Deep and Talented Field

Among the notable names competing this year are:

• Cameron Pero, 2023 Ontario Men’s Amateur champion

• Garrett Rank, 2018 champion

• Charles Fitzsimmons, fresh off his third Ontario Men’s Match Play title and still seeking his first Amateur win. Fitzsimmons also boasts victories at both the Ontario and Canadian Mid-Amateur levels.

In recent years, several Ontario Amateur champions have turned pro and competed on the global stage:

• Sudarshan Yellamaraju (2017) – Korn Ferry Tour; RBC Canadian Open

• Matt Anderson (2019) – Korn Ferry Tour

• Cougar Collins (2020) – Also teed it up at the RBC Canadian Open

 

A Course Built for Championship Moments

Opened in 1990, Deerhurst Highlands was the first championship course in Muskoka, co-designed by Robert Cupp and Tom McBroom. The layout has stood the test of time, combining dramatic granite outcroppings, elevation shifts, and smart bunkering to create one of Ontario’s most compelling tests of golf.

“The layout at Deerhurst Highlands is a masterclass in thoughtful, championship-caliber design,” Ophelders explained. “It rewards great shot-making and punishes anything less, which is exactly what makes it such an exciting and worthy venue for top-level competition.”

Key holes to watch include:

• Hole 2: A brutally tight par four with an uphill, multi-tiered green that can turn birdie hopes into bogey reality

 

• Hole 5: A links-style par five that tempts aggressive play but punishes miscalculation

 

• Hole 10: A dramatic dogleg right flanked by a towering granite rock wall—Deerhurst Highlands’ signature hole

 

“The greens will be a defining factor this week,” Ophelders added. “They’re undulating, multi-tiered, and require exceptional precision. Scoring well at the Highlands demands power, imagination, and control.”

A New Era Begins

This year also marks the debut of a fully redesigned 3rd hole, a par three that has remained untouched since the course’s opening. The renovation—part of a long-term investment by Freed Golf—was guided by Tom McBroom and brings both aesthetic beauty and strategic depth to the front nine.

“It’s a bold update that adds a fresh strategic element,” said Ophelders. “This isn’t just a new hole—it’s the start of a new era for Deerhurst Highlands.”

The update includes a rebuilt green complex, reshaped approach area, and the installation of a modern capillary bunker system—all designed to enhance playability and course conditioning.

Championship Atmosphere

Excitement is already building across the resort as Deerhurst prepares to welcome players, families, and spectators.

“The atmosphere leading up to a major golf event like this is truly electric,” Ophelders said. “Our turf team, members, and staff are all incredibly proud to showcase what we’ve built here. There’s a real sense of pride around Deerhurst Highlands.”

With a revitalized layout, a talent-rich field, and a deep legacy in Ontario golf, the 103rd Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship at Deerhurst Highlands promises to deliver a defining moment in the 2025 season.

Stay Connected

Deerhurst Resort Page: https://deerhurstresort.com/events/golf-ontario-mens-amateur-championship/ 

Live Scoring, Pairings & Results

For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook

June 18, 2025
Sarnia, ON – Cam Burke of Golf Canada Club – Ontario successfully defended his title, winning the 2025 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship on a rain-soaked final day at Sarnia Golf and Curling Club.

Burke, the 2024 champion, entered the final round tied atop the leaderboard at 6-under after posting the lowest score of Round 2 — a stellar 7-under-par (65). Despite multiple weather delays totaling more than three hours, Burke remained focused and composed. Battling through the challenging conditions, he held off the competition to complete the repeat and secure back-to-back Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championships.

In the Mid-Master division, Derek Dalziel of The Oaks Golf & Country Club was crowned the 2025 Mid-Master Champion.

The top 32 players have earned spots at the 2025 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, taking place at Seymour Golf & Country Club in North Vancouver, BC, from August 19–22, 2025.

For full results, click HERE

Stay Connected
Follow @thegolfontario on Instagram and Facebook for photos, highlights, and coverage throughout the championship season.

June 17, 2025

Sarnia, ON – Round two of the 33rd Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship took place earlier today at Sarnia Golf and Curling Club. All 144 players took to the course and battled to make the cut.

Heading into the final round of the 2025 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, Nate Lockey and Cam Burke are tied atop the leaderboard at 6-under. Lockey surged with a 4-under-par (68) in round two, setting himself up for a potential breakthrough win, while Burke, the defending 2024 Men’s Mid-Amateur champion, fired the lowest round of the day at 7-under-par (65), as he looks to become the back-to-back champion. 

Just one shot off the lead are Stephen Brown (Sarnia Golf & Curling Club) and Russell Bowie (Brampton Golf Club). Brown, playing on home soil, has delivered steady rounds and will look to lean on his local knowledge in the final stretch. Bowie, who opened with a stellar 7-under par (65), remains firmly in contention and continues to be one of the most consistent performers at the Men’s Mid-Amateur, still seeking his first title.

Two strokes back at 4-under are Charles Fitzsimmons (Summit Golf & Country Club), Ryan Tsang (Cedar Brae Golf Club), and Derek Dalziel (The Oaks Golf & Country Club). Fitzsimmons, the 2019 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur champion and 2022 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur champion, brings a wealth of experience and success. He will be looking to add to his well-respected resume in the final round. Tsang, the 2020 Ontario Mid-Amateur champion, is also well-positioned to make a charge toward a second title. Both he and Derek Dalziel have recorded back-to-back rounds of 70 and will need to go low on Wednesday to close the gap—Dalziel also currently leads the Mid-Master category.

The third and final round of the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship will begin at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, June 18) off both the 1st and 10th tees, as players look to make a push for the championship.

Stay Connected

Live Scoring, Pairings & Results

Full Player Roster

Round 2 Tournament Photos

For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook.

June 16, 2025
Sarnia, ON – 144 players teed off for Round One of the 33rd Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship at the scenic Sarnia Golf and Curling Club.

Holding the lead after Round One with an impressive score of 7-under-par (65) is Russell Bowie (Brampton Golf Club), who made seven birdies to post the lowest score of the day. Bowie has recorded two top-four finishes in the past four years at the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Now, in 2025, he’s aiming for redemption—hoping to write a comeback story of his own. Tied for second after firing 4-under-par (68) were Stephen Brown (Sarnia Golf & Curling Club) and Phil Arci (The Pulpit Club). Both players caught fire, racking up seven birdies apiece to stay firmly in the hunt.

After Round Two, the field will be cut to the low 60 scores and ties for the third and final round.

Aside from the leaderboard action, the highlight of the day belonged to Gary Brown, who aced the 7th hole. While most eyes were on the contenders, Brown delivered a memorable moment with his hole-in-one to cap off an exciting opening round.

In the Mid-Master category, Graham Bell (The Players Club – London), Andrew Dagneau (The Players Club – Kitchener), and Derek Dalziel (The Oaks Golf & Country Club) each carded an impressive 2-under-par (70). All three have put themselves in a strong position heading into Round Two.

The second round of the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship begins at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, June 17), with players teeing off from both the 1st and 10th tees as they look to survive the 36-hole cut.

Stay Connected

Live Scoring, Pairings & Results

Full Player Roster

Round 1 Tournament Photos

For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook.

The 2025 Ontario Men’s & Senior Men’s Match Play Championship returns to Tarandowah Golfers Club from June 2–5, uniting Ontario’s top 96 amateur golfers for a premier showcase of skill and strategy in a match play format.

Among this year’s competitors, Josh DiCarlo (Men’s Division) and Darren Shaw (Senior Men’s Division) headline the field as the defending champions, both aiming to repeat their impressive 2024 victories.

Tarandowah’s challenging layout has proven to be an ideal setting for this format. “Tarandowah was built for a Match Play Championship,” said Mason Cowan, Coordinator of Competitions at Golf Ontario. “Golfers will need to keep their ball in the fairway to stay out of trouble. Wind can play a major factor into a lot of shots as well. A true links style course, that can pose a challenge for all competitors.”

Cowan also emphasized what he hopes players take from the experience:

“It’s an honour to play best on best, and they’ve earned their way into this event by playing great golf. Tarandowah is a tough course that can test a player’s mental toughness.”

This year’s field is stacked with past champions and rising stars.
In the Men’s division, keep an eye on:
• Cam Pero – 2023 Men’s Amateur Champion
• Charles Fitzsimmons – Two-time past Match Play Champion
• Zachary Smith – 2024 Runner-Up & former Team Ontario athlete

In the Senior Men’s division, top contenders include:
• Dave Bunker – Three-time Men’s Match Play Champion and multi-time Golf Ontario titleholder
• Adam Creighton – 2024 Senior Amateur Champion
• David Greenaway – 2019 Senior Amateur Champion

The match play format adds a unique intensity to the event.
“Match Play is a style of golf that really challenges competitors to maintain mental toughness,” Cowan added. “Players are constantly experiencing highs and lows in a match play round, hole-by-hole. Factoring in the great layout Tarandowah has to offer, this will be another exciting Men’s & Senior Men’s Match Play Championship.”

Ted Pease, General Manager of Tarandowah, also shared his excitement:

“Tarandowah provides a great challenge for all golfers and is truly a top-tier match play venue. The course is in great shape, and we hope all competitors enjoy their experience here.”

Stay Connected

Live Scoring, Pairings & Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11289510399092771225 

Full Player Roster: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11289510362753321323 

For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook.

Zael Miransky is going above and beyond in this year’s 1000 Ball Challenge, raising nearly $6,000—the highest total to date of any participant.

The 1000 Ball Challenge is part of Golf Ontario’s Golf For All Fund, an initiative dedicated to breaking down barriers and expanding access to golf across the province. The fund supports programming for youth, girls and women, Indigenous communities, and adaptive golfers.

Zael’s outstanding efforts have not gone unnoticed.

“We’re thrilled to see passionate participants like Zael take on the 1000 Ball Challenge and reach their fundraising goals,” said Raphael Root, Fund Development Manager at Golf Ontario. 

“Not only are they earning incredible golf incentives, but they’re also helping advance ‘Golf For All’ across Ontario. We encourage more fundraisers to follow Zael’s lead and help make a lasting impact through golf. We’ll be cheering Zael on this summer as he takes on the incredible feat of hitting 1,000 golf balls.”

Mark Young, Director of the GTA AM Tour, echoed that sentiment:

“Zael is an excellent example of what The GTA AM Tour Community is all about. People within The tour community understand, on some level, that it is about something larger than any one of us. To that end, I believe there is an understanding that it really is about ‘other’ and not about the individual.”

When asked what “Golf For All” meant to him, Zael shared a personal perspective that perfectly captured the spirit of the initiative:

“Golf For All means inclusivity. As possibly the most expensive sport in the world, but with some of the best common values, Golf For All is an opportunity to share in the privilege and joy of a game rooted in personal growth, self-learning and personal achievements. While team sports are great, there is nothing quite like the feeling of being up against only yourself, surrounded by nature.”

Zael’s motivation wasn’t tied to a specific cause or connection, but to a love for the game—and a desire to help others discover that same passion:

“There wasn’t any special personal reason. As someone who has fallen in love with the game and the sport, I can’t think of a better way to show my appreciation and love for it than expanding it to a wider audience.”

“I will say I have an 11-month-old, though. And I can’t wait until I can share the love of the game with him. For those who don’t have parents who are privileged enough to be able to get them out golfing, I thought to myself, what better way to honour being a new dad than to help kids who can’t afford to play get out there.”

Zael’s dedication to the 1000 Ball Challenge shows how one golfer’s passion can inspire others to give back and help make the sport more accessible. Whether you’ve been playing for years or are new to the game, this challenge is a powerful way to connect with the golf community in Ontario and support the Golf For All mission while earning incredible golf rewards!  

As Zael gears up to hit 1,000 balls, we invite you to step up and get involved. 

Make an impact like Zael and take on The 1000 Ball Challenge Today!

In a ceremony steeped in pride and tradition, Canadian golf legends were celebrated as the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame etched a new chapter in history.

Four new inductees were honoured with a place in the Hall of Fame, while a renowned Ontario photographer accepted a prominent media award during the ceremony, which saw more than 100 in attendance at Wooden Sticks Golf Club.

Revered presenter and sports broadcaster Rod Black returned as the host of the ceremonies, steering the evening with warmth and festivity. The event began with Mike Lamontagne, Chair of Golf Ontario, taking the stage to officially welcome guests and open the ceremony.

In the Builder Category, Archie Berube, Grant Fraser, and Charles Blair Macdonald were honoured for their transformative contributions to the game of golf in Ontario.

Berube spent decades revitalizing the Northern Golf Association through rebelling leadership, cheerful engagement, and influential collaboration with Golf Ontario. Berube has been a driving force in Northern Ontario golf for over 25 years, as he continues to create a lasting legacy through his efforts and unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for future generations.

Fraser, a trailblazer in golf management education, created Ontario’s first Professional Golf Management program and founded Canada’s only online golf management institute. For over 30 years, he has shaped the next generation of golf industry leaders through national and international instruction, award-winning media contributions, and leadership roles with Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada, and the Canadian Junior Golf Association. His forward-thinking approach and passion for golf and education have made a profound impact on the growth and professionalism of the game in Ontario.

Macdonald, born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, was remembered as the “Father of Golf Course Architecture.” He designed the first 18-hole golf course and achieved major championship success as a player. Though his legacy is widely recognized across North America, his roots in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and his early contributions to the sport have left a lasting impact on the development of golf in the province. His vision and influence helped shape the foundation of modern golf in Ontario and beyond. 

In the Player Category, Alena Sharp was inducted as one of Canada’s most accomplished professional golfers. With a standout career on the LPGA Tour spanning over 20 years, she represented Canada at the 2016 Olympics and competed in more than 300 LPGA events. Her achievements and commitment have motivated countless future generations of female golfers in Ontario, Canada, and beyond.

Finally, Doug Ball, the legendary photographer, was recognized with the 2025 Lorne Rubenstein Media Award. Born in 1946, Ball constructed a tremendous career capturing defining moments in golf —from Tiger Woods’ 1997 Masters win to Mike Weir’s iconic 2003 Masters victory, a moment of tremendous pride for Ontario and Canadian golf. His profound connection to the sport and ability to preserve its most powerful stories through his lens make him one of the country’s most esteemed pictorial storytellers.

The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is proud to celebrate the devotion and pridefulness that each recipient carries, on and off the golf course. Their contributions, whether through leadership, education, playing excellence, or storytelling, have helped shape the past, present, and future of the game in Ontario. We honour their legacy and thank them for inspiring generations to come.

Founded in 2000 by the Ontario Golf Association and the Ontario Ladies’ Golf Association, The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognizing extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in the game of golf in Ontario. Their contributions, whether through leadership, education, playing excellence, or storytelling, have helped shape the past, present, and future of the game in Ontario.

The spark of a new idea among friends at last year’s Canadian Women’s Mid-Am in B.C. has blossomed into a meaningful new tradition.

On May 11, a group of passionate and skilled women golfers will gather at Cutten Fields in Guelph for the inaugural Crown Invitational—an exciting event launching to reignite women’s mid-amateur golf in Ontario.

The Crown Invitational is rooted in love for the game, shared purpose, and spirited competition. It was created by a player-led committee of five committed women golfers—Alexandra Taylor, Jessie Mercer, Emily Phoenix, Mary Beth McKenna, and Meredith Fairbairn—who united around a common goal: to bring their vision to life. At the heart of their mission is a commitment to helping women reconnect with competitive golf.

“We were all together at the Canadian Mid-Am in B.C. when the idea came up—we just thought, why not host something ourselves?” says Taylor.

That moment of inspiration turned into the first step in making the event a reality. The committee envisioned a welcoming and accessible tournament for women who may have stepped away from competitive golf after their junior or collegiate years.

“The idea was to create a mid-am invitational that could bring women back into competitive golf—especially those who played in college or as juniors,” she explains.

With 13 players registered for this year’s inaugural event, the field will feature four groups—meeting the team’s initial goal and laying the foundation for future growth.

“There are 13 registered this year. Our goal was four groups—and to build on that each year,” adds Taylor.

The format is designed to balance structure and inclusivity. A and B teams will be assigned for the better ball competition, with an additional individual scoring category.

“We’ll have A and B teams for the better ball, plus an individual category as well,” says Taylor.

Cutten Fields has a long-standing tradition of hosting major tournaments. But to Steve Bryant, Director of Golf, this event holds personal significance.

“We’re usually the ones who host major tournaments,” Bryant said, “but we’re always happy to help out—especially when a Cutten Fields member like Mary Beth steps forward.”

Mary Beth McKenna, a Cutten Fields member and the event’s lead organizer, said the idea came from recognizing the lack of opportunities for women to continue playing competitive golf after university.

“Life becomes busy after school,” she shared, “and there are limited opportunities for women to remain actively involved competitively.”

From the setting at Cutten Fields to the thoughtfully crafted format, every element of the event has been intentionally designed. The goal is to create a supportive and fun environment that encourages women to return to competition—without the stress of rankings or qualifications.

The Crown Invitational and its mission reflect Golf Ontario’s vision of Golf For All—”We shape lives by connecting people to positive golf experiences”—by offering welcoming, inclusive spaces for golfers of all backgrounds, abilities, and life stages. This event exemplifies what it means to build a sense of belonging in golf: breaking down competitive barriers and welcoming women back to the course to play the game they love.

The Invitational paves the way for continued participation and long-term growth in the women’s game. Even in its first year, the Crown Invitational is poised to become a lasting, player-first tradition—seamlessly combining camaraderie and competition for women in golf.