The top junior golfers take the spotlight at Tangle Creek for 2026 Ontario U17 Championship
Ontario’s next generation of golf stars will take the spotlight next week as the 2026 Ontario U17 Championship heads to Tangle Creek Golf Club in Barrie from August 31 to September 2.
The championship will bring together 93 of the province’s top U17 boys and girls for 54 holes of stroke play competition, with players earning their place in the field through qualifying events and exemption categories. As a key stop on Golf Ontario’s junior development pathway, the championship provides young athletes with an opportunity to compete against the province’s best while gaining valuable championship experience.
Tangle Creek Ready to Challenge the Field
Tangle Creek Golf Club provides a comprehensive test for players looking to compete at the highest level.
“Tangle Creek’s championship layout is designed to test every part of your game. The course features rolling fairways framed by natural fescue, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens that demand precision and creativity,” said Richard Edmonds, GM, Managing Partner, Tangle Creek Golf Club.
Tangle Creek has also been a valued Golf Ontario partner throughout its history, previously hosting the Ontario Junior Match Play Championship on four occasions, as well as the Ontario Men’s & Men’s Senior Match Play Championship and the Ontario Junior Boys Amateur Championship.
“We take great pride in maintaining a facility that reflects the best of Canadian golf, where competitive spirit meets community and respect for the game. Over the coming days, we hope you enjoy not only the competition but also the camaraderie, the scenery, and the spirit of the sport that brings us all together,” added Edmonds.
Notable Players to Watch
Girls:
- Riviera Lindholm: A notable name to watch in the girls’ field.
- Andrea Lai: 2026 Ontario Junior Girls’ Amateur champion and the highest-ranked U17 girl in the field on the Junior Golf Pathway rankings.
- Cocomi Wang: 2026 Ontario Junior Girls Match Play champion.
- Grace (HyunYi) Kim: 2026 Ontario U15 champion.
Boys:
- Gerry Kou: 2026 Ontario U15 champion.
- Joseph Totino: The Number 1 ranked U17 boy in the field on the Junior Golf Pathway rankings.
- Ethan Reid: 2026 Next Gen Atlantic champion.
- Bryce Burridge: 2026 Ontario Junior Boys Match Play champion.
Stay Connected
full tournament results & Leaderboards
For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook
2026 Ontario Public Amateur Championship Set for Baxter Creek Golf Club
The 2026 Ontario Public Amateur Championship is set to tee off Monday, August 31 at Baxter Creek Golf Club in Fraserville, bringing 120 players together for 36 holes of championship competition. Over two days, competitors will battle for the Ontario Public Amateur title and the chance to add their name to the championship’s history.
This championship is about more than competition, it celebrates the strength of Ontario’s public player program, bringing golfers from across the province together to compete at the provincial level while building connection and community through the game.
“The Ontario Public Amateur Championship plays an important role in Golf Ontario’s championship calendar, providing a premier competitive opportunity for golfers from Golf Ontario public member facilities”, says Tournament Director, Mason Cowan.
First Provincial Championship at Baxter Creek
The 2026 championship will mark Baxter Creek Golf Club’s first time hosting a provincial championship. The Fraserville course has been a longtime supporter of amateur golf in Ontario and has consistently partnered with Golf Ontario to host qualifying events.
“Baxter Creek Golf Club is an ideal host for the 2026 Ontario Public Amateur Championship because of its longstanding commitment to supporting amateur golf in Ontario and its consistent partnership with Golf Ontario,” said Tournament Director Mason Cowan. “Their dedication to the growth of the game aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Ontario Public Amateur Championship and its role in showcasing the province’s top public-course players.”
Baxter Creek’s team is also looking forward to welcoming the province’s top public-course players.
“We are very excited to host the 2026 Public Amateur Championship. To be able to prepare the course for some of the best amateur players in Ontario is a great honour,” said General Manager, Andrew Susands. “We are proud of the work our team, led by Superintendent Bobby Christie, have put in over the years to make our course what it is today.”
A Course That Will Test Every Part of the Game
While Baxter Creek may not be the longest course, its greens, strategic challenges and demanding finishing holes are expected to test the field throughout the championship.
“Baxter presents many challenges throughout both nines,” said General Manager Andrew Susands. “The greens are very difficult to read, and when they are ramped up for tournament conditions, are very fast.”
Susands expects the par 5s on the back nine to play a major role in determining the championship.
Players to Watch
The field features several past champions looking to add another Ontario Public Amateur title to their records.
Women:
- Elaine Surjoprajogo: 2025 champion and defending champion, champion of 2025 Women’s Four-Ball Championship.
- Jenna Power: 2024 champion.
Men:
- Kevin Holloway: 2020 champion.
- Peter Willis: 2014 champion.
Stay Connected
Full Tournament results and Leaderboards
For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook
Walk the Course with Axglo at the Ontario Public Amateur
Public golfers from across Ontario will take centre stage at the Ontario Public Amateur Championship, a 36-hole stroke-play event featuring competitors from public facilities and Golf Canada Public Player Programs.
For many golfers, walking remains an important part of the game — whether competing in a championship, playing a weekend round with friends or simply enjoying a favourite course.
As a partner of Golf Ontario, Axglo offers a range of push carts and electric carts designed to make walking the course easier and more convenient.
Experience Axglo On-Site
Axglo will be on-site throughout the Ontario Public Amateur Championship, giving competitors and guests an opportunity to see and test its lineup in person.
Stop by the Axglo activation to try a push cart, speak with the Axglo team and learn more about the different options available for golfers who prefer to walk the course.
Golf Ontario Member Benefit
Golf Ontario members receive exclusive savings at Axglo.ca:
GOLFONTARIO20 — 20% off push carts
GOLFONTARIO10 — 10% off electric carts
Golf Ontario Unveils 2027–2031 Strategic Plan: Golf for All — The Next Chapter
Golf Ontario has unveiled its 2027–2031 Strategic Plan, Golf for All — The Next Chapter, establishing a clear direction for the organization and its role in supporting the continued evolution of golf across the province.
Grounded in Golf Ontario’s vision of Golf for All and its mission to Positively Shape Lives by Connecting People to Golf Experiences, the plan reflects both where the sport is heading and how Golf Ontario will continue to lead, serve and collaborate with golfers, facilities, volunteers, athletes, partners and communities.
“Golf in Ontario is evolving—and so must we,” says Golf Ontario’s CEO Kyle McFarlane. “This plan provides a clear and balanced framework to grow our membership, expand opportunities and excellence across the sport, strengthen our financial foundation and build the organizational capacity required to lead with confidence. Most importantly, it reflects the perspectives of the people and organizations that make golf in Ontario possible.”
The plan was developed through extensive engagement with golfers, volunteers, facility operators, industry partners, staff, and Golf Ontario’s Board of Directors, with guidance from the organization’s Strategic Planning Workgroup.
At the centre of the plan are four strategic pillars and 12 supporting strategies:
Membership — Membership Growth
Facility Membership, Golfer Membership and Regional Support will guide Golf Ontario’s work to grow and strengthen its membership base while delivering meaningful value, connection and support throughout the province.
Sport — Expand Opportunities and Excellence
Participation, Junior Performance and Competitions will support welcoming entry points into golf, clearly defined athlete-development pathways and high-quality competitive experiences.
Financial Sustainability — Grow Income to Fuel Impact
Financial Strength, Fund Development and Corporate Partnerships will help build a resilient financial foundation that supports long-term sustainability and continued reinvestment in the sport.
Organizational Capacity — Operational Excellence
People, Governance and Systems will strengthen the organizational foundation needed to support the other pillars and position Golf Ontario for continued growth and innovation.
The four pillars are supported by five strategic enablers that will help connect and accelerate work across the organization: Technology and Data; Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; Marketing and Communications; Strategic Relationships; and Golf Ontario’s Execute, Resource, Promote and Celebrate model.
“This is more than a document—it is a blueprint for how Golf Ontario will make decisions, align resources and measure progress over the next five years,” says McFarlane. “We are excited to bring the plan to life alongside our members, facilities allies, volunteers, industry partners and golf communities across Ontario.”
The Strategic Plan will be translated into annual operational priorities, supported by defined measures, regular reporting and ongoing stakeholder involvement. Golf Ontario will also remain agile and prepared to respond transparently as new opportunities, risks and external factors emerge.
CLICK HERE to check out: Golf for All — The Next Chapter: Golf Ontario’s 2027–2031 Strategic Plan
GO x Toronto Police Service: Bringing Golf to the GTA Youth
Golf Ontario is proud to partner with the Toronto Police Service to bring more golf opportunities to youth in Toronto through the Golf Fore All program.
The partnership works alongside the TPS 12 Division Neighbourhood Community Officer Unit, whose mission is to build trust, strengthen relationships and create better communities within the local neighbourhoods they serve.
Community programming plays an important role in achieving that mission. With support from ProAction Cops & Kids and other community stakeholders, officers collaborate on initiatives that provide youth with opportunities to get involved in their communities and build positive relationships.
Programs offered through this unit include:
- ProAction Hockey League (PAHL)
- Baseball Buds
- Cook with a Cop
- Stone Soup
- Tennis Club
- Golf Fore All
Through Golf Fore All, Golf Ontario interns Matt McNamara and Owen Briggs travel to communities across the GTA to introduce youth to the game in a fun and accessible way. Participants take part in a variety of interactive games and activities that incorporate golf skills and fundamentals, creating a welcoming environment to learn, connect and have fun.
Toronto Police Service Officer Brandon Mak highlighted how these programs help officers connect with youth and strengthen relationships within the communities they serve.
“The youth that are participating in these programs are from marginalized communities and schools that either can’t afford or can’t provide extracurricular programming for the youth. Running these initiatives also help foster positive relationships with the youth”, Mak explains.
For Golf Ontario, the partnership reflects the organization’s commitment to creating more opportunities for youth to experience the game – ensuring more accessibility to golf across different communities in the province.
“Golf Fore All is about creating opportunities for youth to experience golf in an environment where they feel welcomed and supported,” said Madelyn Grossi, Participation Manager at Golf Ontario. “Working alongside the Toronto Police Serve allows us to reach young people who may not have otherwise to try the game. We hope their first experience with golf sparks an interest that stays with them for years to come.”
Through partnerships like Golf Fore All with the Toronto Police Service, Golf Ontario continues to shape lives through golf by breaking down barriers, creating meaningful community connections, and introducing more young people to golf.
John Monture & Cheryl Mitchell Add to their Championship Legacies at 2026 Indigenous Ontario Championship at MontHill
John Monture and Cheryl Mitchell added another chapter to their championship legacies as both players led wire to wire to claim the 2026 Indigenous Ontario Championship titles at MontHill Golf & Country Club.
Monture of Lower Mohawk / Six Nations captured his third Men’s Overall title, finishing with rounds of 69, 71 and 71 for a three-round total of 211 (-5).
After opening the championship with a 69, Monture maintained his position at the top of the leaderboard through all three rounds to secure his second consecutive title. He previously won the championship in 2022 and 2025.
Ky Horn of the Kahnawake Mohawks finished runner-up with a total score of 215 (-1), while Lucas Rogers placed third at 219 (+3).
On the women’s side, Cheryl Mitchell of Walpole Island First Nation continued her dominance, capturing her fifth Women’s Overall championship.
Mitchell also led all three rounds, opening with a 68 before carding rounds of 72 and 69 to finish at 209 (-7).
Matilda Gordon finished second at 227 (+11), while Savana Smith rounded out the podium in third at 228 (+12).
Net Stableford Champions
Terry Martin of Lower Mohawk claimed the Men’s Net Stableford title with 76 total Stableford points over two rounds.
Matilda Gordon of Tuscarora – Six Nations also added another title to her week, winning the Women’s Net Stableford division with 77 total Stableford points over two rounds.
Junior & Senior Champions
After two rounds of competition, Braxton Fleguel of Maniwaki claimed the Junior Boys title with a score of 165 (+21).
Gordon continued her strong championship with a win in the Junior Girls division, finishing at 147 (+3) after two rounds.
In the Senior Men’s division, Martin claimed another title, finishing at 152 (+8), while Kathy Jamieson of Six Nations won the Senior Women’s division with a two-round total of 175 (+31).
The 2026 Indigenous Ontario Championship brought together 144 players for three days of competition at MontHill Golf & Country Club, celebrating the fifth anniversary of the championship and showcasing the talent of Indigenous golfers from across the province.
These remarkable performances made this year’s championship an unforgettable week at MontHill.
Golf Ontario would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the volunteers, officials and staff at MontHill Golf & Country Club for their exceptional support and hospitality throughout the week. Their contributions were instrumental in delivering a memorable championship experience for all participants.
Stay Connected
For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook.
Golf for All Fund Donation Expands Access for Toronto Youth
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.
MontHill Golf & Country Club hosts the 5th Annual Indigenous Championship
The fifth annual Indigenous Ontario Championship returns to MontHill Golf & Country Club in Caledonia from August 17-19, bringing together 144 Indigenous golfers from across Ontario for three days of championship competition.
This year’s field will compete over 54 holes of stroke play, with a 36-hole cut, as players battle for the men’s and women’s Indigenous Ontario Championship titles.
The Indigenous Ontario Championship has provided Indigenous golfers with a competitive, community-driven opportunity to showcase their talent while representing their communities.
The championship also continues to serve as a pathway into broader provincial competition, with exemptions into other championships available to competitors.
“What makes this event so meaningful is the opportunity it provides for Indigenous golfers to compete, represent their communities and continue to grow their game,” said Tournament Director John Lawrence.
Notable Players
- Sam Meek (Metis)
- Cheryl Mitchell (Walpole Island First Nation) – 4 time Women’s champion
- John Monture (Lower Mohawk / Six Nations) – 2022 & 2025 Men’s Champion
- Ky Horn (The Kahnawake Mohawks) – 2023 & 2024 Mens’ Champion
MontHill has hosted every edition of the Indigenous Ontario Championship, continuing a partnership that has helped establish the course as the home of the event.
With past champions returning and a strong field set to compete, the 2026 championship will add another chapter to the event’s growing history as it celebrates its fifth anniversary.
Ontario golf community mourns the passing of Jim Furlong
Golf Ontario and the Ontario golf community are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, dedicated volunteer, and Board Member, Jim Furlong.
Jim dedicated years of service to Golf Ontario as a rules official and board member. Through his commitment to the game and to the organization, he played an important role in supporting golf across the province and helping ensure the integrity of competition.
In recognition of his contributions to sport in Ontario, Jim received the Syl Apps Volunteer Achievement Award, presented annually by the Province of Ontario. The award recognizes volunteers and sport administrators who have made significant contributions to the development of sport in their communities.
Jim will be remembered for his dedication, professionalism, and willingness to give his time in support of others. His contributions to Golf Ontario and the broader golf community are appreciated and will not be forgotten.
The family will hold private remembrances. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Family and Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region.
Golf Ontario extends its sincere condolences to the Furlong family, friends, and all those who and all who were touched by his remarkable life and career.
Stefi Markovich Finishes Strong to Capture 2026 Ontario Women’s Senior Amateur Championship
After three rounds of competition at Bridgewater Country Club, the 2026 Ontario Women’s Senior Amateur Championship has named its champions.
Stefi Markovich of Lookout Point Country Club captured the championship with a final-round 69, finishing at 215 (-4) to claim the 64th Ontario Women’s Senior Amateur title.
Championship Division
Markovich entered the final round after an impressive second-round performance, carding a 70 following an opening-round 76.
The 2026 Ontario Women’s Senior Match Play Champion saved her best round for the final day, firing a three-under-par 69 to finish -4 for the championship and move to the top of the leaderboard.
Mary-Ann Hayward of St. Thomas Golf & Country Club finished runner-up at 216 (-3) after rounds of 70, 73 and 73.
Hayward, an Ontario Golf Hall of Famer and five-time Ontario Women’s Senior Amateur champion, led the championship following both the opening and second rounds before Markovich’s final-round charge.
Judith Kyrinis rounded out the overall podium, finishing at even-par after rounds of 75, 72 and 72.
A Flight
Angie Anderson of Greystone Golf Club led the A Flight through all three rounds, posting scores of 79, 81 and 88 to finish with a three-round total of 248 and claim the division title.
Annie Wu finished runner-up at 252 after rounds of 85, 84 and 83.
Kathie Houghton and Lori Frieson shared third place, both finishing with totals of 253.
60 and over Division
Mary-Ann Hayward added another title to her week at Bridgewater, claiming the 60-and-over division.
Alongside her runner-up finish in the overall championship, Hayward’s three-round performance earned her the division title.
70 and over Division
Kathie Houghton captured the 70-and-over division title at Bridgewater with scores of 82,90,81 for a total of 253.
Golf Ontario extends its sincere thanks to the staff at Bridgewater Country Club, tournament officials, volunteers, partners, and spectators for their support in delivering another successful Ontario Women’s Senior Amateur Championship.
Stay Connected
Follow @thegolfontario on Instagram and Facebook for championship highlights, photos, and coverage from Golf Ontario events throughout the season.