We are pleased to invite you to save the date for the 2026 Golf For All Invitational—the flagship philanthropic event of the Golf For All Fund and Golf Ontario’s premier opportunity to bring its community together around a shared vision for the future of the game.

Save The Date | Tuesday, August 25, 2026 | Glen Abbey Golf Club | Shotgun at: 1:30 PM

Designed as a meaningful connection point, the Invitational blends exceptional golf with purposeful engagement, creating space for conversation, shared values, and long-term impact.

Funds raised through the Golf For All Fund help Golf Ontario create more opportunities for participation, remove barriers to the game, and support the next generation of golfers across the province.

To learn more about the Golf For All Fund and this thoughtfully curated event, including foursome registration, please visit the Golf For All Invitational website below.

The Golf For All Invitational

The 2026 Champion of Champions is set to take on a fresh stage this spring as the event makes its debut at Legends on the Niagara.  

This May 13, some of Ontario’s strongest competitors, drawn from more than 100 clubs across the province, will arrive in Niagara Falls, each having earned their place by winning their respective home club championship in 2025. 

Championship Layout 

Legends on the Niagara provides a two-course championship setting:  

Battlefield Course: 10:00am start time  

• Divisions: Men’s Senior, Women’s Senior, Junior Girls 
• A links‑style course defined by wider fairways, strategic water elements and a layout suited for championship conditions. 

Usshers Creek: 10:15am start time 

• Divisions: Men’s, Women’s, Junior Boys  
• A tighter, tree‑filled course where the fairways are narrower, the greens are smaller, and the holes wind through natural forest areas. 

Tournament Director, Rob Watson, also noted that Legends on the Niagara provides an ideal championship setting, with two premier courses and expansive practice facilities that allow competitors to properly prepare for the day. 

Player Field 

This year’s field is the largest in the event’s history, with 248 competitors set to tee it up.  

Watson, pointed out the significance of the milestone field size, emphasizing both the strength of participation and the excitement surrounding the event’s first ever visit to Legends on the Niagara.  

“The Ontario Champion of Champions Tournament plays a vital role in celebrating excellence across the province. Bringing together more than 245 competitors across six divisions, it showcases the depth of talent and the spirit of amateur golf within our member clubs and serves as an exciting kickoff to the Golf Ontario championship season” he said. 

With 124 players on each course, the split‑course format ensures a balanced and competitive day across the property. 

Notable Players: 

• Stefi Markovich  
• Jamaal Moussaoui – Winner of 2025 Men’s Division (Champion of Champions) 
• Lynn Lean – Winner of 2024 Senior Women’s Division (Champion of Champions) 
• Robert Gibson -Winner of 2024 Senior Men’s Division (Champion of Champions) 
• Kyle Gordon – Winner of 2024 Men’s Division (Champions of Champions) 
• Bradley Greenside – Winner of 2023 Men’s Division (Champion of Champions)   
• Mike Kray – 2025 Men’s Senior Match Play Champion 
• Riviera Lindholm – 2025 Ontario Super Camp Invitational Champion, 2025 U13 Champion, Winner of 2025 Junior Girls Division (Champion of Champions) 
• Alex Taylor – 2025 Women’s Mid-Amateur Champion 

Click here for full player roster

Stay Connected 

For pairings, live scoring, and post-round results, follow along at https://www.golfontario.ca, and keep an eye on Golf Ontario’s social channels throughout the day for updates from the course. 

Next week club champions from across Ontario will arrive at Legends on the Niagara for one of the province’s most unique championship traditions—the Ontario Champion of Champions.

Bringing together club champions from across Ontario, the event annually features one of the strongest fields in provincial golf. With a full day of competition at Legends on the Niagara, players know that staying fresh and focused over 18 holes can make all the difference.

While players at the Ontario Champion of Champions will compete using power carts due to the event’s shotgun start format, walking continues to be a preferred way to play for many golfers throughout the season.

From evening league rounds to weekend games with friends, more players are turning to modern pushcart technology to make walking the course easier and more enjoyable.

As a proud partner of Golf Ontario, Axglo offers electric pushcart options designed to help golfers conserve energy and focus on performance.

The Axglo e3 Remote features responsive remote-control technology that allows golfers to guide their cart effortlessly across the course, while the Axglo e5 Follow includes hands-free follow technology that automatically tracks the player while walking.

Whether competing for a provincial title or enjoying a weekend round closer to home, more golfers are embracing electric assistance as part of the modern walking experience.

Golf Ontario Member Benefit

Golf Ontario members receive exclusive savings from Axlgo, using code GOLFONTARIO:

• 20% off push carts
• 10% off electric carts
• Shop Axglo Push Carts
• Shop Axglo Electric Carts

The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame welcomed guests to Wooden Sticks Golf Club on May 6 for its annual induction ceremony, celebrating individuals who have made exceptional contributions to and achieved outstanding success in the game of golf across Ontario.

Sports broadcaster Rod Black returned as host of the ceremony for the fourth straight year, helping welcome members of Ontario’s golf community as they celebrated the newest Hall of Fame inductees.

Lorne Rubenstein Media Award 

This award recognizes excellence in Golf Media and honours individuals who have made a lasting impact through storytelling and coverage of the game. 

The recipient of the 2026 Lorne Rubenstein Media Award: 

Jeff Brooke, a widely respected and influential golf journalist:  awarded for his outstanding contributions to the game’s media landscape. Over more than 25 years at The Globe and Mail, along with his work for Global Golf Post, SCOREGolf, and Matchplay Golf Marketing, he has become one of the sport’s most trusted and insightful voices. His writing and editorial leadership have earned repeated recognition from the Golf Journalists Association of Canada. 

Brooke reflected on the personal significance of receiving this award.

“It’s super special primarily because the award is named after the Lorne Rubinstein team, who I’ve been friends with for 20-plus years”

Although a career in golf journalism was never part of the original plan, Brooke credits Rubinstein for helping shape his path in the industry, saying “he opened all the doors for [him] in golf”.

His lasting connection to the sport and his ability to capture its most powerful stories through his writing have made him a trusted voice in Canadian golf. Brooke’s impact and professionalism make him a standout and worthy recipient of the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award.

The Player’s Category

In the player category, individuals are celebrated for Extraordinary competitive performance in amateur or professional golf.

Laura Matthews joins the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame as a member in the player category, recognized for a career that left a lasting mark on golf in Ontario. 

Matthews reflects on her experience growing up with the game of golf, and how exactly golf in Ontario shaped her life. 

“Golf in Ontario gave me a place to grow up and learn the game. It gave me amazing people to grow up with, help me along the way, and shape my life to be where I am today.”

She earned major provincial and national titles and more than a decade representing Canada on the international stage. She played a central role in multiple international team victories and was a driving force behind University of Georgia’s NCAA championship season. Matthews later carried that same dedication into coaching, leading top NCAA programs and earning recognition for her leadership. Her achievements as a player and a coach, along with her lasting influence on the sport, make her a truly deserving inductee into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame.  

The Builder Category: 

The builder category highlights individuals who make a aignificant contribution to the development, promotion, or administration of golf in Ontario.

Ian Giles is honoured for decades of leadership that have strengthened the game of golf across Ontario.

“It’s an absolutely mind-boggling experience,” said Giles. “I’m absolutely humbled by it. I could never have imagined it could happen to me.”

 His contributions span every level of the sport, from guiding club operations and supporting junior development to playing a key role in provincial governance, including helping lead OGA through its joining. Ian also contributed nationally as a long‑time Golf Canada governor, championship chair, and highly respected Level 4 Rules Official. Giles’ devotion, knowledge, and years of volunteer service make him a very deserving member of the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame.

Stay Connected

Ceremony Photo Album

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

The Junior Golf Pathway (JGP) Rankings now have a new home directly on GolfOntario.ca, providing junior golfers, families, and coaches one central place to follow progress, celebrate performance, and support each player’s journey through the competitive season. 

Previously hosted on a third-party platform, the rankings have now been integrated into Golf Ontario’s website, creating a more accessible place for players to follow results, track their development, and stay connected to the JGP rankings as they advance in competitive golf. 

Behind the Rankings 

The Ontario Junior Golf Pathway Rankings were created to recognize the top performing junior golfers across the province.   

Throughout the season, players can earn points through eligible events, and their best eight results are counted to shape their overall ranking. 

Points are awarded based on three main factors: 

• Performance: how well the golfer finishes in the event 

• Field Strength: the level of competition in that tournament 

• Tournament Length: whether it’s a single‑day or multi‑day event 

To help juniors understand the level of each tournament, events are also grouped into four categories: Emerging, Advancing, Competing, Performing. These categories help golfers see where they currently fit and what level they may want to aim for next.  

The rankings are managed by Golf Ontario and automatically added to the system when junior golfers compete in select regional, provincial, or national tournaments. 

Supporting Player Development 

Carlene Closs, Coordinator of Junior Performance, explains that the JGP rankings play an important role in supporting player development in the junior pathway. They help junior golfers understand where they stand compared to others in Ontario and figure out what the next step in their progression might be.  

Additionally, the rankings are used to award exemptions into provincial tournaments and to help identify players for Ontario Super Camp and the Next Wave Program. 

At the end of each season, Golf Ontario also recognizes the top boy and girl in every age division as the Junior Golf Pathway Players of the Year, celebrating those who have excelled throughout the season. 

Learn More 

As the pathway grows, Golf Ontario has made the rankings easier for everyone to access! 

Visit the new page and learn more

To view the JGP rankings: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/12503831132397119873   

For questions about the rankings, contact: jgp@golfontario.ca  

Golf Canada awarded National Facility Awards for Junior Golf to golf clubs across the nation for their success in going above and beyond in developing young Canadian golfers in the 2025 season.  

Golf Ontario is proud to recognize Ontario clubs across the province that strive to shape a stronger future for the game.  

Of the courses awarded, four Ontario clubs were recognized for their success:  

• South Ajax Golf Club (Ajax, ON)  

• The Oaks of St. George Golf Club (Paris, ON)  

• The Marshes Golf Club (Ottawa, ON)  

• Summit Golf Club (Richmond Hill, ON) 

The South Ajax GC won the “Youth On Course Program Location of the Year” award for their strong commitment to fostering a junior golf environment through the Youth On Course program. This award is presented to facilities that demonstrate exceptional commitment to youth golf development by providing extensive course access through the Youth On Course program.

Golf Ontario’s Manager of Participation, Madelyn Grossi, shares the significance of this award. 

“This award recognizes the impact and efforts of junior golf and South Ajax is an ideal Youth On Course facility for juniors, and we are proud that they are supporters of the program,” Grossi says. “Their commitment to providing access through their tee sheet helps reduce barriers and makes golf more accessible for families to introduce at a young age.”  

This award also carries personal significance to the South Ajax Golf Club team, as the club’s General Manager, Steve Uden shares: 

“This award means a lot to me personally, as my grandfather, Sam Sauve, was a huge proponent of introducing kids to the game of golf,” Uden says. “I took his lead that accessibility was the biggest deterrent to being introduced to the game of golf.” 

Accessibility has been a driving force behind the club’s junior golf growth.  

“With Youth On Course breaking down the barriers of accessibility, it made it incredibly easy to build a program at South Ajax that saw instant success and growth,” Uden says. 

South Ajax Golf Club continues to prioritize junior golfers within their community.  

“The staff at South Ajax are amazing at working hard to create a welcoming environment for everyone, but the juniors share a special place in everyone’s heart here.” 

South Ajax Golf Club recorded 494 participants and 2,712 rounds in 2025 – nearly doubling from the previous season – while seamlessly integrating Youth On Course into its junior programs and maintaining strong engagement. 

National Facility Awards for Junior Golf Ontario Club Finalists

The Oaks of St. George GC was recognized as a finalist for the “Grassroots Junior Program of the Year” award, showcasing their ability to develop new junior golfers through local programming.  

The Marshes GC was a finalist for the “Junior Golf Opportunity” award – highlighting facilities that provide exceptional access and opportunities to junior golfers.  

Summit GC was named a finalist for the “Competitive Junior Program of the Year” award, in recognition of their junior golfers’ success in both provincial and national championships.  

The National Facility Awards for Junior Golf highlight the important work being done by golf facilities across Ontario to support junior development, improve accessibility and support the growth of the game for future generations to come.  

Press Here To Learn More About Youth On Course

As golf season gets underway across most of Ontario, courses are waking up from winter—and that means you’re likely to see more leaves, twigs, and debris scattered across fairways and greens. Spring golf can be messy, but thankfully, the Rules of Golf give you some flexibility to clean things up.

What is a Loose Impediment?
Loose impediments are natural objects found on the course, including:
Leaves
Stones
Twigs
Pinecones
Loose grass
Maple Keys
If it’s natural and not fixed or growing, it’s likely a loose impediment.

What You’re Allowed to Do
You’re allowed to remove loose impediments anywhere on the course—whether your ball is in the fairway, rough, bunker, or even on the putting green.
That means if a twig or a few leaves are in your way, go ahead and clear them.

The Key Rule to Know
Here’s where things get important:
If your ball moves while removing a loose impediment:
On the putting green: No penalty. Simply replace the ball.
Everywhere else: You’ll incur a one-stroke penalty, and the ball must be replaced.

Why It Matters
Early in the season, when courses are still clearing winter debris, you’ll likely find yourself dealing with loose impediments more often than usual. Knowing this rule can help you avoid an easy—and frustrating—penalty.

Understanding the Rules helps keep the game fair—and can save you a stroke or two along the way.

Stay tuned for more Rules Refresher insights throughout the season.

Learn More
At Golf Ontario, we believe that understanding the Rules of Golf enhances every player’s experience—on and off the course.

Whether you’re just getting familiar with the Rules, competing in tournaments, working as a club professional, or interested in becoming a provincial referee, we’re committed to providing the tools and education to help you be Rules Ready.

Our goal is to make learning the Rules engaging, accessible, and practical for golfers and facilities across Ontario. From complimentary club presentations to online programs and advanced referee training, there’s a pathway for everyone to deepen their understanding of the game.

Explore the Golf Ontario Rules Hub to access resources, upcoming sessions, and more.

For many women, the invitation to a golf event—whether corporate, charitable or social—comes with hesitation.

What do I wear? Where do I go? What if I don’t know what I’m doing?

At She’s Tee’d Up Women’s Golf Clinics at Dunny’s Divots in Port Perry, those questions aren’t barriers—they’re the starting point.

A new three-week women’s clinic, led by longtime PGA of Canada professional and Golf Ontario board member Nadine Lamarche, is helping participants build confidence, connection and comfort in the game—before they ever step onto a golf course.

And the response? Immediate.

“It’s been fantastic,” says Lamarche. “Participants who have played before said they learned more in one night than they had in two years. Absolute beginners said they wished they’d started sooner.”

Meeting Women Where They’re At

The idea for the program had been years in the making, but it found its moment through the right partnership.

Working alongside Laura Dunlop of Dunny’s Divots—who helped promote the program through local business networks—the clinics were designed with a specific audience in mind: beginner women, many of whom had been invited to golf events but didn’t feel ready to say yes.

The goal isn’t just to teach golf swings. It’s to remove uncertainty.

Participants learn what to wear on the course; how to navigate a golf environment; basic terminology and etiquette; and how to feel comfortable showing up.

“It’s about increasing confidence,” says Lamarche. “So when that next invitation comes, they can say yes.”

More Than Just Hitting Balls

Each session blends instruction with conversation, creating an environment that’s as social as it is educational.

Week one starts with the fundamentals—grip, posture, alignment—but also covers equipment and terminology. By the end of the first night, participants are already making contact and having fun.

By week two, the group is rotating through simulator stations, learning full swings, chipping and pitching—while also diving into how the game is actually played.

Week three brings it all together with a simulated on-course experience, giving participants a chance to play a three-hole scramble in a low-pressure, supportive setting.

The Power of Belonging

What sets the program apart isn’t just the curriculum—it’s the intention behind it.

Lamarche recently completed a doctorate focused on experiential learning and the role of belonging in participant retention. That research directly shaped the program.

Participants were surveyed before the clinic began, allowing Lamarche to tailor the experience to their needs—not the other way around.

“I listened to their voice and created a program that fit the participant, instead of making the participant fit the program,” she says.

That approach shows up in moments big and small—like participants encouraging each other between swings or sharing tips and support across the room.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see them helping each other,” Lamarche adds.

A Different Kind of Introduction to Golf

While many introductory programs focus on repetition and volume, She’s Tee’d Up takes a more thoughtful approach.

It’s not about how many balls are hit—it’s about understanding why each skill matters.

It’s also about representation.

“One of the most common things we hear is that they love learning from a woman,” says Lamarche.

That insight points to a broader opportunity: growing the number of female professionals in the game to support future participation.

Looking Ahead

With early sessions nearly sold out and strong feedback across the board, the future of the program is already taking shape.

Lamarche envisions She’s Tee’d Up evolving into a regular winter offering—part lesson, part social experience—giving women a consistent and welcoming way to stay connected to the game year-round.

There’s also clear potential for the model to expand into other communities across Ontario.

Because at its core, this isn’t just a clinic. It’s a blueprint.

Ready to Get Started?

Inspired by what you’re seeing with She’s Tee’d Up?

Golf Ontario offers a range of women’s Try, Learn and Play opportunities designed to help you take that first step—whether you’re picking up a club for the first time or getting back into the game.

From beginner-friendly clinics to social playing experiences, these programs are built to create the same sense of comfort, confidence, and community highlighted in this story.

Explore upcoming programs and find an experience near you

The 2026 outdoor schedule for Golf Ontario’s Women’s Try, Learn & Play Series is now live — with more opportunities than ever for women across the province to get into the game.

“The goal of this series is to create a welcoming and supportive entry point for women across Ontario,” says Madelyn Grossi, Golf Ontario’s Manager of Participation. “This year’s schedule is our most accessible yet — with great locations, more opportunities, and a clear pathway for participants to start and continue their journey in golf.”

Whether you’re picking up a club for the first time or rediscovering the game after time away, our Try and Learn events are designed to meet you where you are. No experience. No equipment. No pressure. Just a welcoming environment and a great introduction to the game.

What to Expect

• A fun, relaxed atmosphere built for beginners
• A learning environment focused on confidence and fundamentals
• Supportive, social group settings
• Equipment provided (or bring your own)
• A chance to connect with other women and experience the game together

A More Complete Pathway in 2026

New this season, Golf Ontario is introducing five Learn & Play events, supported by the She Plays Golf Initiative.

These sessions are designed as the natural next step — moving from the practice environment onto the golf course, where participants can learn how to play in a real, on-course setting with confidence.

Together, the Try, Learn & Play Series creates a more complete and connected pathway into golf — helping more women go from their first swing to confidently playing on the course.

With events scheduled across Ontario, there are opportunities throughout the season to get involved at a location near you.

Spots are limited and demand continues to grow — early registration is encouraged.

Register Now

This week, Golf Ontario is proud to celebrate National Volunteer Week 2026, recognizing the individuals who power our game and strengthen communities across the province.

At Golf Ontario, the impact of our volunteers is felt everywhere. Quite simply, the game we know today wouldn’t exist without your commitment. From the first tee of a championship to the final scorecard being signed, volunteers are at the heart of delivering exceptional golf experiences across Ontario.

Over the past season, that impact showed up in meaningful ways:

Tournament Officials played a key role in delivering more than 100 qualifiers and championships—supporting registration, scoring, pace of play, and the overall player experience.

Referees, trained through Golf Canada’s Level 2 Rules of Golf education, ensured competitions were conducted fairly and with integrity.

Course Raters travelled across the province, visiting dozens of facilities each year to help maintain accurate course and slope ratings—an essential part of the game that benefits every golfer.

As we head into the 2026 season, that same passion and dedication continues to drive us forward. Volunteers don’t just support the game—they shape it. They create welcoming environments, uphold the traditions of golf, and help introduce new players to everything the sport has to offer.

To every Golf Ontario volunteer: thank you. Your time, energy, and expertise allow us to continue to Shape Lives Through Golf—on courses and in communities across Ontario.

Because while one volunteer can make a difference, together, you move the game forward.

CLICK HERE for more information on volunteering with Golf Ontario