The 1000 Ball Challenge has wrapped up for another year, and we want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who took part and supported the effort. Together, you helped us raise more than $116,000 which will go directly toward growing the game and creating more opportunities for golfers across Ontario.

Congratulations to John Lefurgey of St. Catharines, winner of this year’s “1000 Balls for the 1000 Ball Challenge” draw. Your involvement, along with that of so many others, made this initiative possible.

As we look ahead to 2026, Golf Ontario remains focused on making the sport more accessible and inclusive through programs like this one. We appreciate every contribution whether it was time, donations, or participation, and we look forward to continuing this work together.

Thank you for being part of it.

To learn more about the 1000 Ball Challenge, visit 1000ball.ca

Have you ever thought about becoming a referee at a Provincial Championship? Or are you a player looking to gain a competitive edge by mastering the Rules of Golf?

Golf Ontario’s Level 2 Rules of Golf Program is your gateway to a deeper understanding of the game. This comprehensive program, taught by nationally certified Golf Canada RulesReferees, provides an engaging and intuitive approach to the concepts, procedures, and outcomes that shape golf today.

Whether you’re interested in officiating, teaching, or competing, this program will help you confidently apply the Rules of Golf both on and off the course.

Why Enroll?

• Learn from experienced, nationally certified instructors
• Gain practical insights into the Rules of Golf
• Enhance your ability to officiate, teach, or compete effectively

Golf Ontario is committed to administering the Rules of Golf education to member clubs and golfers across the province. For additional rules resources, check out our Rules of Golf page.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER TODAY

As EV adoption surges, more golfers are arriving in electric vehicles and expecting to charge while they play.

Through Golf Ontario’s new pilot partnership with SWTCH, your club can access the provincial ChargeON program – covering 25% – 75% of the full project costs to install EV chargers.

Why is EV Charging a Hole-in-One for Your Course?

• Attract & retain premium clientele: EV drivers are a high-value demographic that aligns perfectly with golf club members. 
• Generate new revenue: Turn your parking spots into a new income source. You can set your own pricing and profit from every charging session.

SWTCH provides turn-key EV charging, now up to 75% off thanks to the ‘ChargeOn’ Grant program.

SWTCH (swtchenergy.com) is a Toronto-based leader in EV charging with more than 20,000 chargers installed across North America. They’ve secured millions in funding for properties across Canada and handle everything from grant applications to installation and on-going support.

The ‘ChargeOn’ grant program recently launched across Ontario, offering 50% to 75% off the cost to install EV chargers. The deadline to apply is December 15th, so you need to act quickly.

Next steps: Check eligibility and get in touch with SWTCH here:

https://swtchenergy.com/chargeon-golf-courses

Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to the game you love? 

Golf Ontario is now recruiting passionate volunteers for the 2026 season to help us deliver world-class championships and live our mission of ‘Shaping Lives by Connecting People to Positive Golf Experiences.’ 

Whether you can lend a few hours each month or take on a more regular commitment, your time and enthusiasm make a real difference. Our volunteers are the backbone of more than 100 qualifiers and championships each year, helping ensure that every event runs smoothly and professionally. 

Volunteer Roles 

Tournament Officials 

Tournament Officials assist in administering Golf Ontario Qualifiers and Championships throughout the season. These volunteers play key roles in registration, starting, scoring and monitoring pace of play. 
 
Each tournament is supported by Certified Referees, but Tournament Officials are essential for event execution and player experience. 
 
Assignments typically begin in late March, with efforts made to match volunteers to nearby events to minimize travel. New officials are often paired with experienced volunteers for training and mentorship. 

Referees 

Certified Referees play a critical role at Golf Ontario Provincial Qualifiers and Championships, as well as at events run by partner organizations such as the PGA of Ontario, Ontario Colleges, and Ontario Universities. 
 
To serve as a Referee, volunteers must have successfully completed at least Level 2 of Golf Canada’s Rules of Golf Education Program and demonstrate a strong understanding of the Rules of Golf. 
 
Referees work closely with fellow officials to apply the rules consistently, make confident decisions under pressure, and ensure fair play across all events. 
 
If you’re interested in becoming a Referee but haven’t yet completed the required training, you can start by applying as a Tournament Volunteer. Active Golf Ontario volunteers are eligible for rules education subsidies to support their certification journey. 

From Our Volunteers 

“As a volunteer with Golf Ontario, I feel that I am part of a professional organization dedicated to growing the game of golf. Golf Ontario has provided the resources, training, and support necessary to keep us engaged and feeling valued. I love the game, and volunteering with Golf Ontario is an extension of that passion.” 
— Theresa, Kralovensky Golf Ontario Volunteer 

How to Get Involved 

We’re currently welcoming applications from across Ontario, with particular need in the Niagara, London, Waterloo and Simcoe regions. 

Application deadline: December 19, 2025 
Learn more and apply: www.golfontario.ca/volunteering 
Questions? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@golfontario.ca 

Fall is a great time for golf – it’s also a season of transition that brings changes to course maintenance and playing conditions.

Check out this video from our friends at the USGA on what to expect on the golf course this autumn.

The countdown is on – there are just a few days left to enter the 1000 Ball Raffle for your chance to win 1,000 TaylorMade TP5/TP5x golf balls valued at $8,000. 

Thanks to the incredible support of the Golf Ontario community, the 1000 Ball Challenge has seen remarkable progress this season. From local clubs to community organizations, golfers across Ontario have come together to raise funds and make golf more accessible for all. 

A special thank you goes out to our TOP 5 fundraising groups so far: 

1. Special Olympics Thunder Bay 

2. Special Olympics Ottawa 

3. LPGA Amateurs Ontario 

4. PGA of Ontario 

5. GTA Am Tour

Your efforts are driving real impact. Funds raised through the 1000 Ball Challenge and 1000 Ball Raffle directly support Golf For All programs, helping expand opportunities for Adaptive Golf, Women and Girls, and Youth Development across Ontario. 

There’s still time to participate as we near the October 31 deadline. With just a few days remaining, don’t miss your chance to win big and make an impact. 

ENTER THE 1000 BALL RAFFLE NOW 

On October 8, the PGA of Ontario completed their 1000 Ball Challenge at Deer Creek Golf Club in Ajax, marking an incredible finish to a summer of fundraising and community support. In just under two hours, the team hit all 1,000 golf balls in celebration of this great initiative.

The funds raised will support the creation and development of a bursary dedicated to empowering PGA of Ontario professionals and fostering the growth of golf across the province. Managed by the PGA of Ontario’s Finance Committee, the bursary will provide financial assistance and educational opportunities to both aspiring and current PGA professionals, helping to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge, and promote inclusivity within the sport.

“We’re so proud of the incredible support from our members and the broader community,” said Melanie van der Hoop, Executive Director of the PGA of Ontario. “Completing the 1000 Ball Challenge was a fun and meaningful way to make a real impact for our members. Through this new bursary, we will be investing directly in their professional growth and development while advancing inclusive recruitment pathways. Our goal is to ensure that golf in Ontario continues to thrive and remains accessible for all – this bursary will be a cornerstone in making that vision a reality.”

Golf Ontario is proud to continue its long-standing relationship with the PGA of Ontario, their staff, board, and members. Together, initiatives like the 1000 Ball Challenge and the Golf For All Fund continue to strengthen the sport and create opportunities for future generations.

A heartful thank-you goes to the members of the PGA of Ontario fundraising team who participated in the Challenge and made the day possible!

Congratulations to the PGA of Ontario on an outstanding accomplishment and their continued commitment to advancing GOLF FOR ALL in Ontario!

There is still time to support PGA of Ontario’s 1000 Ball Challenge fundraiser by donating directly to their page here: http://www.1000ball.ca/t/pga-of-ontario

Donations to the 1000 Ball Challenge closes on October 31st http://www.1000ball.ca/donate

At Golf Ontario, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. Their dedication, time, and passion fuel the success of our programs, events, and the vibrant golf community we continue to grow across the province. Each fall, we come together to celebrate these incredible individuals at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Days. During these celebrations, we honour milestone years of service and proudly present two of our highest volunteer accolades: the Volunteer of the Year Award and the Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award.

Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award

Sharon has volunteered with Golf Ontario since 2008.  For over 15 years she has been a tremendous asset to the course rating team.  She currently acts as the team leader for the Peterborough region and does so with infectious energy. She’s always on time for ratings, keeps the process running smoothly, and makes sure everyone is on the same page with her communication skills. Known for being detail oriented (a tremendous asset in the CR process) Sharon also finds time to play Oliver’s Nest Golf Course (her home club) and flirts with being a single-digit handicap! 

Sharon’s dedication and positive attitude make her a pleasure to work with, and her commitment to Golf Ontario and the course rating program is exemplary. When she does retire from the course rating team lead, we are certain Sharon will continue to share her genuine love for golf with others and will be a lifelong ambassador for the game.   

Sharon goes above and beyond; embodying the spirit, passion and dedication of the sport, which makes her an obvious choice for the Golf Ontario Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award.  Thank you Sharon! 

Volunteer of the Year Award

Since joining Golf Ontario as a volunteer in 2018, Judy Pouliot has distinguished herself as an exceptional leader and ambassador for the game. A nationally certified Level 3 referee, Judy has not only mastered the Rules of Golf but has also dedicated herself to educating and mentoring others. 

Her leadership in delivering “Rules Ready” programming at clubs throughout the Kingston area has introduced countless golfers to the fundamentals of the game, while her instruction in the Level 2 Rules program has inspired many to pursue advanced certification. Judy’s impact extends well beyond education—her presence as a referee has been instrumental in the growth and success of Golf Ontario championships, in addition to her contributions at Golf Canada and GTA AM Tour events. 

Judy is known for her professionalism, fairness, and warmth on the course. She fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment for athletes and volunteers alike, handling every ruling with integrity, kindness, and respect.  Her passion for golf and unwavering commitment to the sport exemplify the very best of volunteerism. Judy Pouliot’s contributions have left a lasting mark on our championships and community, making her a truly deserving honoree. 

As a Course Rater since 2018, Darrell Peters has been a fabulous support and model of volunteerism for Golf Ontario.  In 2025 Darrell exhibited the Golf Ontario value of Brilliance via his commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and creativity in his work.  Specifically, Darrell developed an AF1 tool (Automated Excel based form with programmed upload on data to the USGA CRS) which saves countless hours for our teams and has helped simplify rating process.  

Darrell is also appreciated for his efforts with course rating in more than one region.  All this while finding time to volunteer on the RINK hole at the Canadian Open, and carrying a single digit Handicap Index at his club: Markland Wood Golf Club. Thank you, Darrell, for embracing Golf Ontario’s mandate of Shaping Live by Connecting People to Positive Golf Experiences. 

At the heart of Golf Ontario, our volunteers are the lifeblood in a variety of critical areas, including championships, rules, course rating, and governance on committees and our board of directors. They are the sport’s ambassadors and an essential part of our team, enabling us to deliver exceptional programming and experiences to golfers, partners, and industry stakeholders.

Interested in becoming part of the Golf Ontario volunteer family? Find out more about the opportunities and rewards on our Volunteering Resource page HERE.

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From sharing with friends to giving back to the game, here are five great ways to put this incredible prize to good use:

1. Gift to Friends and Family – The holidays are coming! Surprise the golfers in your life with a sleeve (or three) of premium TaylorMade balls.
2. Keep Them for Yourself – Play every round with confidence knowing you’ll never run out of top-tier performance golf balls again.
3. Donate to Local Golf Programs – Share the game by supporting local junior golf programs and helping the next generation fall in love with golf.
4. Host Your Own 1000 Ball Challenge – Turn your backyard or local range into an epic event! Invite friends, raise funds, and see who can hit the most balls.
5. Creative Home Decorations – Fill a vase, design a golf-themed centerpiece, or build a golf ball chandelier. The options are endless.
   
   Enter the 1000 Ball Raffle before October 31 for your chance to win 1,000 TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x balls (valued at $8,000).
   
   All proceeds support the Golf For All Fund, helping make golf more accessible and inclusive across Ontario.

ENTER THE 1000 BALL RAFFLE NOW

Last Year’s Winner: Pam’s Local Golf Ball Giveaway
Pam won the 1000 Ball Raffle in 2024 and turned her prize into something special! Read about how she shared her winnings, supported local programs, and made the most of her 1,000 golf balls.

READ HER STORY HERE

Belleville, ON – Spencer Shropshire of Hawk Ridge Golf Club won the 2025 Ontario Supercamp Invitational Boy’s Division in impressive fashion, finishing at eight-under par with rounds of 72, 69, and 67 for a total score of 208. This victory adds to an already strong season for Shropshire, who also claimed the 2025 Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship earlier this year. Manav Bharani of Brampton Golf Club finished second at three-under par (213), followed by Carter O’Brien of Prescott Golf Club in third at one-over (217).

Riviera Lindholm of St. George’s Golf and Country Club continued her stellar season by winning the 2025 Ontario Supercamp Invitational with a total score of 221, finishing five-over par. Lindholm, who also captured the 2025 U13 Championship earlier this year, posted rounds of 69, 75, and 77 to secure the title. Tied for second place at nine-over par were Team Ontario athletes Alexis Card from Galt Country Club and Kaprice Park from RattleSnake Point Golf Club. Card shot consistent rounds of 74, 76, and 75, while Park recorded scores of 74, 71, and 80.

Golf Ontario would like to express its sincere gratitude to the volunteers, officials, and staff at Black Bear Ridge for their exceptional support and hospitality today. Their contributions were instrumental in delivering a world-class experience.

Stay Connected

Championship Photo Album

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