As spring arrives and Ontario’s junior golf season begins, players across the province are preparing for a busy championship schedule filled with qualifying rounds, multi-day tournaments, and long competitive days on the course.

For many young athletes, performance isn’t just about practice and swing mechanics — it’s also about managing energy over 18 holes.

One trend becoming increasingly common among competitive golfers is a return to walking.

Walking helps players stay connected to the rhythm of the round, maintain focus between shots, and reduce the physical fatigue that can build late in the day. Across junior events and everyday competitive play, more golfers are choosing to walk rather than ride — particularly during practice rounds and tournament preparation.

Modern push carts have played a big role in that shift.

Today’s designs allow golfers to walk comfortably without the strain of carrying a full bag, keeping equipment organized while conserving energy for when it matters most. For developing players competing throughout Ontario’s championship season, small advantages in comfort and consistency can add up over multiple rounds.

Golf Ontario partner Axglo designs push carts built specifically for walking golfers, offering compact storage, smooth maneuverability, and stability across a wide range of course conditions.

Whether preparing for junior championships this spring or simply looking to enjoy more rounds on foot, walking the course remains one of the simplest ways golfers can support both performance and enjoyment of the game.

Golf Ontario members can receive 20% off Axglo push carts as part of the partnership benefits program. For your discount code, email marketing@golfontario.ca

Explore the Axglo lineup: https://axglo.ca/collections/golf-push-carts

Course Ratings happen quietly in the background, but its impact is felt by every golfer, every day. They provide the foundation for fair handicapping, equitable tournament play, and consistent competition across all skill levels.

Golf Ontario is responsible for conducting and issuing Course and Slope Ratings across the province, it’s valuable to understand how the process works and why it matters.

Understanding Course Rating and Slope Rating

Course Rating and Slope Rating might not be something golfers think about every day, but they shape the fairness and accuracy of play at your club.

• Course Rating measures the difficulty of the course for a scratch golfer (a player with a handicap of 0) under normal playing conditions.
• Bogey Rating measures the difficulty of the course for a bogey golfer (a player with a Handicap Index of approximately 20.0 -24.0).  The Bogey Rating is not commonly promoted but is essential when calculating the Slope Rating.
• Slope Rating compares the relative difficulty for a bogey golfer versus a scratch golfer.  It is effectively the slope of the line (rise/run) between the Course & Bogey Ratings when plotted on a graph.

Together, these ratings are core components of the World Handicap System, ensuring golfers of different skill levels can compete equitably.

How and When Course Ratings Are Conducted

Course Ratings are administered by trained volunteers from your Provincial Golf Association using standardized procedures from the World Handicap System.

• Ratings are valid for up to 10 years, but most courses are re-rated on an 8–9 year schedule.
• A re-rating is triggered sooner if major changes occur—such as altering yardages, redesigning holes, adding or removing hazards, or making substantial modifications to greens, bunkers, or tee boxes.

During a rating visit (or part of a pre-rating visit), teams:

• Measure and verify yardages for each tee
• Rate each tee for both genders (for both the scratch and bogey golfer)
• Consider factors that impact the effective playing length of the hole, including elevation, roll and doglegs/forced layups.
• Analyze landing zones based on shot distance and accuracy patterns and assess how obstacles affect difficulty.
• Assess obstacles, including bunkers, water hazards, rough, trees, penalty areas, and green speed.

Preparing for a Course Rating Visit & What to Expect Afterwards

Club staff play a key role in supporting a successful rating process. Ahead of the visit:

• Your Provincial Association or a Course Rating Team Leader will reach out to verify information about the course, which could include:
• Any changes made to the course since the last rating,
• Course maintenance practices (mower heights, watering schedules, etc.).
• A date will be scheduled for the Course Rating Team to visit the course (this may also include a pre-visit where initial measurements are collected).

Once the rating is completed:

• The Course & Slope Rating will be calculated for each set of tees (for each gender).
• These ratings are reviewed by the Course Rating Team and Provincial Golf Associations before being released to the club.
• The Golf Canada Score Centre is updated with the new ratings
• As part of the Course Rating process, you will also have access to recommended Stroke Index Allocations, which are based on Course Rating data.

Why Accurate Ratings Matter to Your Club

Course maintenance practices can impact the accuracy of the Course & Slope Ratings, so it is important for course set up and conditions to reflect the normal conditions as much as possible.  Any significant differences should be communicated to the Provincial Golf Associations to determine if an adjustment is required.

Accurate Course and Slope Ratings are more than just numbers—they’re the foundation for fairness, trust, and compliance:

• They ensure handicaps reflect true playing ability, and that a Handicap Index is portable for competition outside of your club.
• Helps Maintain fairness and credibility in tournaments
• Your club stays in good standing with your Provincial Golf Association and the World Handicap System.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your Course & Slope Ratings —or think a re-rating might be necessary—email our Course Ratings team for guidance, clarification and next steps.

On Monday, February 23, 2026, Golf Ontario proudly welcomed three new members to its Board of Directors during the 2026 Annual General Meeting.

Brent Brandham, Dr. Nadine Lamarche, and Tamara Brown were officially introduced and appointed, bringing with them a wealth of experience, leadership, and passion for the game of golf across Ontario.

Brent Brandham previously served on the Skate Ontario board from 2017 – 2024. He is excited to bring that experience and the lessons learned there to help shape the future of the sport that is his true passion – Golf. Brent has also been working in the insurance industry with the entirety of his career focused on Sports risk management. Working with over 100 Provincial and National associations across the country, Brent has helped these organizations shape their risk management protocols and keep athletes safe.

Dr. Nadine Lamarche is a Professor at Durham College in the Faculty of Business. Her doctoral research, “Enhancing Student Engagement and a Sense of Belonging in First-Year Post-Secondary Students,” reflects her commitment to designing meaningful experiences that foster connection, belonging, and long-term student success. Nadine has been a PGA of Canada Golf Professional for over 25 years.

Tamara Brown is a visionary Chief of Staff and executive at Adobe in the Digital Employee Experience organization. Renowned for creativity, cross-functional influence, and the ability to operationalize complex frameworks, she leads enterprise strategy execution, turns data-driven insight into action, and fosters cultures of innovation and collaboration.

Golf Ontario looks forward to the leadership and insight these new directors will bring as the organization continues to serve its member clubs and golfers across the province.

Please join us in welcoming Brent Brandham, Dr. Nadine Lamarche, and Tamara Brown to the Board of Directors.

Golf Ontario is proud to announce the return of the Next Wave Junior Development Program for 2026—a high-performance initiative designed to identify and support Ontario’s emerging golf talent.

The Next Wave program plays a critical role within the Junior Golf Pathway, providing promising young athletes with earlier access to the Team Ontario coaching staff, training environments and performance support systems defining our high-performance culture.

Designed to accelerate development during key growth years, the program blends expert coaching with individualized athlete support across the tactical, mental, and physical pillars of performance—helping build a strong foundation for long-term success in competitive golf.

“The depth of young talent in Ontario continues to grow,” says Reggie Millage, Team Ontario Head Coach. “The Next Wave program gives promising athletes earlier exposure to the Team Ontario coaching staff, support system, and high-performance culture,” he says, adding, “several of last year’s Next Wave athletes earned spots on Team Ontario this season, which speaks to the program’s impact.”

An Athlete-Centred Approach

Next Wave offers a flexible development model that allows athletes to select from a variety of training and competitive experiences aligned with their individual schedules and performance goals. The focus is simple: provide meaningful exposure, elevate standards, and prepare athletes for the next stage of their competitive journey.

Meet the 2026 Next Wave Athletes

Grad Year: 2027

Aidan Reil – Camelot Golf and Country Club | Coach: Jake Haime (PGA of Canada)
Brennan Turner – Lookout Point | Coach: Sean Casey (PGA of Canada)
Edward Li – Rocky Crest GC | Coach: Gord Burns (PGA of Canada)
Gracie Vescan – Mississaugua Golf and Country Club | Coach: James Hutchison (PGA of Canada)
Lauren Perron – Mill Run Golf Club | Coach: Greg Salazar

Grad Year: 2028

Charlotte Hutchison – Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club | Coach: Jake Haime (PGA of Canada)
Cooper Eisen – Coppinwood | Coach: Danny King (PGA of Canada)
Matilda Gordon – Rivermead Golf Club | Coach: Matt Robinson (PGA of Canada)
Micael Jeffery – Lakeridge Golf Club| Coach: Michael Ladd (PGA of Canada)

Grad Year: 2029

Mya Moore – Trillium Wood Golf Club
Camden Poirier – Idylwylde Golf and Country Club | Coach: Gord Burns (PGA of Canada)
Florence Ho – Ottawa Hunt Club | Coach: Derek MacDonald (PGA of Canada)
Jack Sample – Rivermead Golf Club | Coach: Scott Mikkelsen (PGA of Canada)
Zander Zhang – Rivermead Golf Club | Coach: Matt Robinson (PGA of Canada)

Grad Year: 2030

Avery McGuire – Summit Golf and Country Club | Coach: Lee (CIGA)
Eli Perng – Cherry Hill Club | Coach: Travis Glass (PGA of Canada)
Emma Cheng – Silver Lakes Golf and Country Club | Coach: Jon Kiru
Grant Nan – Golf Ontario Players Club – Toronto North | Coach: Peter Murphy
Kaeleigh Chung – Meadowbrook Golf Club | Coach: Gord Burns (PGA of Canada)
Katherine Xia – Station Creek Golf Club | Coach: Rob Pearce (PGA of Canada)
William Chen – Bayview Golf and Country Club | Coach: Steven Wu

Grad Year: 2031

Angelina He – Golf Ontario Players Club – Toronto North | Coach: Cho
Cocomi Wang – Weston Golf and Country Club | Coach: Scott Cowx (PGA of Canada)
Ivan Xue – Golf Ontario Players Club – Toronto North | Coach: Peter Murphy

Program Benefits

Next Wave athletes receive exclusive access to:

• Coaching support from Team Ontario Head Coach Reggie Millage (PGA of Canada)
• Mental performance training with Dr. Charles Fitzsimmons
• Strength and conditioning coaching by Dr. Nick Martichenko
• adidas Golf Canada apparel and footwear
• Access to the TaylorMade Performance Lab
• Participation in Team Ontario Training Days, March Break Experience and Spring Training Experience

Selection Process

Athletes are selected based on competitive results and rankings from the previous season within the U15 and U17 divisions of the Junior Golf Pathway.

The Next Wave program continues to serve as a critical bridge within Ontario’s high-performance system — identifying future leaders of the game and supporting them at the right moment in their development.

Golf Ontario is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Stephen Ross of Dundas, Ont. — one of the most influential administrators in Canadian golf history.

The golf community extends sincere condolences to Stephen’s wife, Janet; his four children – Stephanie (Dan), Andrew, Christopher (Stephanie) and Nicholas; grandchildren Savannah, Scarlett, Samantha, Isaiah, Sadie, Skylee and Sienna; and the entire extended Ross family.

An obituary with service details will be shared at a later date, once it becomes available.

A respected golf industry leader, Stephen Ross devoted more than 30-years of his life to the Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada), shaping the sport’s development in Canada with vision, integrity, and unmatched dedication.

In 2012, Ross was inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame and in 2013, the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) honoured him with its Distinguished Service Award.

Born on June 22, 1954, in Newmarket, Ont., and a graduate of the University of Western Ontario’s Richard Ivey School of Business, Ross began his career with the RCGA in 1977 as Assistant Amateur Tournament Director. He went on to serve as Director of Amateur Tournaments from 1980 to 1988 before being appointed Executive Director in 1989—a role he held with distinction for 18 years until 2007.

At the time of his passing, Ross and his family owned and operated the Oak Gables Golf Club and Country Club near Hamilton, Ont., continuing his lifelong commitment to nurturing the game.

Golf Ontario extends their heartfelt condolences to the Ross family, Stephen’s industry colleagues, and all who were touched by his remarkable life and career.

Golf Ontario championships will feature a refreshed logo system in 2026, designed to celebrate tradition while creating a stronger, more unified championship identity across the province. 

The new framework introduces a clear visual distinction between our major championships and non-major events, while maintaining consistency across the provincial calendar. 

Elevating Our Major Championships 

Beginning in 2026, Golf Ontario’s major championships will be represented by a bold trillium-inspired mark — a symbol deeply connected to the province and the traditions of amateur golf in Ontario. 

The new major championship design: 
• Celebrates Ontario through the trillium silhouette 
• Creates a distinctive, premium championship identity 
• Delivers strong visual impact across signage, apparel, and digital platforms 
• Reflects the prestige and history of our flagship events 

This approach ensures major championships stand apart while remaining aligned within the broader Golf Ontario brand system. 

“Our goal was to create something that feels unmistakably Ontario while giving each major championship a mark players and host clubs can take pride in,” says Golf Ontario’s manager of brand and communications, Greg Mitchell. “The trillium mark allows us to celebrate tradition while delivering a modern identity that works everywhere our championships show up — from digital platforms to signage and apparel.”

A Distinct Identity for Non-Major Championships 

Non-major championships will feature a refined shield-style logo that complements the trillium mark while establishing a clear tier distinction between event levels. 

The shield design: 
• Creates visual consistency across the broader championship schedule 
• Allows flexibility for event names and host club integration 
• Maintains strong readability across digital and on-site applications 
• Reinforces a cohesive championship system province-wide 

The result is a championship family that is unified in structure but clearly differentiated in level — helping players, partners, and host clubs immediately recognize the significance of each event. 

“From the competitions side, consistency across events is incredibly important, but so is clearly distinguishing our major championships,” says Golf Ontario’s director of competitions and rules, John Lawrence. “This new system gives us that balance — a unified look across the province, with a defined visual identity that reflects the level of each event.” 

Built for Every Platform 

The new logo system has been optimized for use across all championship touchpoints, including: 

• Tournament websites and registration platforms 
• Tee and on-site signage 
• Championship apparel and merchandise 
• Player gifting and awards 
• Social and digital promotions 

Each mark has been designed for use on both light and dark backgrounds, ensuring clarity and readability in every application. 

Looking Ahead to 2026 

As preparations continue for the 2026 season, these new championship marks will begin appearing across event communications, websites, and tournament materials. 

We look forward to seeing them come to life at courses throughout Ontario — marking a refined and unified visual identity for Golf Ontario championships for years to come. 

On behalf of Golf Ontario’s Board of Directors and Executive Team, we are pleased to invite members to attend our 2026 Annual General Meeting, which will be held virtually on Monday, February 23, 2026.

The meeting will take place from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. EST and will include both the formal business of the Association and featured presentations highlighting the past year and the road ahead.

Meeting Highlights

In addition to the official AGM agenda, attendees can look forward to:

• Messages from CEO Kyle McFarlane and Golf Ontario Board Chair Michael Lamontagne
• A “Year in Review” video montage celebrating the successes and key moments of the 2025 golf season across Ontario

AGM Materials & Notice of Meeting

The Notice of Meeting can be found on Page 5 of the complete AGM materials package. All materials will be available for download on our website.

The Notice of Meeting is located on Page No. 5 of the complete AGM materials package, available for download on our website by CLICKING HERE.

Registration and Proxy Voting

Members are asked to register their attendance and/or submit a proxy appointment using the secure credentials provided.

• Voting credentials will be emailed directly to the Voting Delegate on Monday, February 3, 2026
• Email sender: Golf Ontario
• Subject line: “AGM Proxy Ballot Request”
• Deadline to register or submit a proxy: 9:00 a.m. EST on February 20, 2026

Thank You

We thank our members and partners for their continued commitment to advancing the game of golf across the province. Your ongoing support plays a vital role in bringing Golf Ontario’s vision of Golf for All to life.

We look forward to your participation in the 2026 Annual General Meeting.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the golfer experience and supporting participation in the game across Ontario. Ontario-based AXGLO is known for its sleek design, durability, and functionality, offering both traditional push carts and battery-operated models trusted by golfers of all ages and skill levels—making walking the course more accessible, enjoyable, and efficient.

As part of the partnership, Golf Ontario members will have access to exclusive preferred pricing on AXGLO products, available directly through the AXGLO website. This member-only benefit reinforces Golf Ontario’s commitment to delivering tangible value to its membership, both on and off the course.

“As we continue to look for partners that align with our mission to grow the game and support golfers at every level, AXGLO is a natural fit,” said Chris Fry, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Golf Ontario. “Their focus on innovation, accessibility, and the walking game complements our commitment to making golf more inclusive and enjoyable for our members—while also delivering meaningful member benefits.”

In addition to the member offer, AXGLO will be on site at select Golf Ontario events throughout the summer, providing golfers with the opportunity to see, touch, and experience AXGLO products firsthand. These activations will take place across a range of Golf Ontario championships and member-focused events, allowing golfers to engage directly with the brand and learn more about the benefits of walking the course with a push cart.

Golf Ontario members can also connect with AXGLO in person this weekend at the Toronto Golf & Travel Show, where the brand will be showcasing its product lineup and sharing more about its partnership with Golf Ontario.

“We’re excited to partner with Golf Ontario and connect with golfers across the province,” said AXGLO’s Hanson Xie. “Ontario is home to a passionate walking-golf community, and we look forward to showcasing our products on site while offering exclusive value to Golf Ontario members.”

Walking the course is also one of the most accessible ways to enjoy the health benefits of golf. A full round can involve hours of low-impact physical activity, supporting cardiovascular health, balance, and mobility while promoting mental well-being through time spent outdoors. By making walking more comfortable and enjoyable, this partnership reinforces Golf Ontario’s commitment to golf as a lifelong, healthy activity for people of all ages and abilities.

Through the partnership, AXGLO will connect directly with Golf Ontario’s community of more than 135,000 members and over 500 member facilities across the province, supporting Golf Ontario initiatives while helping more golfers enjoy the game on their terms.

For details on the AXGLO member offer and upcoming on-site activations, visit golfontario.ca

The complete 2026 Golf Ontario Championship schedule is now available, including new event confirmations and registration details to help you prepare for the season ahead.

Whether you’re planning your competitive calendar or getting set to register, this guide has everything you need in one place.

What’s New Since the Initial Schedule Announcement

We’ve now confirmed additional details for the following 2026 championship events: 

• Ontario Junior Girls Spring Classic — Kawartha Golf & Country Club
• Ontario Super Camp Invitational — The Club at Bond Head – South Course

These events are now fully reflected in the championship schedule below

Each championship has a scheduled registration opening date. To help you stay on track, we’ve created a registration timeline for quick reference:

Player Checklist — Before Registration Opens

To ensure a smooth registration experience, please complete the following before your desired registration date: 

1. Check Your Golf Canada Score Centre Account
Your Score Centre login (username and password) is required to register. 

2. Verify Your Golf Canada Membership
Make sure your membership is active and does not expire before the championship dates. 

3. Update Your Profile Information
Confirm that your date of birth, address, phone number, and email are current in the Score Centre — this information syncs automatically with your tournament profile. 

4. Make Sure Your Handicap Index Is Current
Post season scores so your handicap index is up to date. Scores must have been posted within the past year to maintain eligibility for championship play.

Need Help Accessing Your Account?

If you need assistance with logging in or resetting your password: 

On the Score Centre login page, click “Forgot your password or username?”and follow the prompts.

If you still require support, contact Golf Ontario Member Support: membership@golfontario.ca

Stay Informed

We’ll continue to share updates, registration reminders, and highlights across our channels as more information becomes available.

Winter doesn’t have to mean stepping away from the game. Our Indoor Women’s Golf events are designed to help you keep progressing, stay active, and stay connected during the off-season.

If you joined us at an outdoor Women’s TRY or LEARN event last season, these indoor sessions are a natural next step. They build on what you’ve already started and help you maintain your swing and confidence until outdoor golf returns.

About the Events

Indoor Women’s Golf events are hosted at indoor facilities across Ontario. You’ll find the same supportive and social environment as our outdoor programs, just indoors. Sessions are relaxed, welcoming, and focused on continued development.

What to Expect

• Small-group, guided sessions led by professional coaches
• Time on modern golf simulators to reinforce fundamentals
• Interactive station rotations focused on confidence and consistency
• One free beverage during social time

Indoor Women’s Golf Schedule

• Thursday, February 12 — SO Golf Academy, Markham
• Wednesday, February 18 — Deer Creek, Ajax
• Tuesday, March 3 — The Clubhouse, London
• Thursday, March 5 — Tangle Creek, Thornton
• Monday, March 9 — Niagara Golf Lounge, Niagara
• Thursday, March 12 — SO Golf Academy, Markham
• Wednesday, March 18 — Deer Creek, Ajax
• Tuesday, March 24 — The Clubhouse, London
• Thursday, March 26 — Ace Track Golf, Aurora
• Wednesday, April 1 — Fore Golf Hamilton, Hamilton
• Monday, April 13 — Niagara Golf Lounge, Niagara
• Thursday, April 16 — Tangle Creek, Thornton
  

Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

For questions or more information, contact participation@golfontario.ca.

Learn more about Women’s Golf in Ontario and stay involved all year long.