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.

Read Jim’s full obituary

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.

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Ontario’s Top Senior Women Set for Championship Test at Historic Bridgewater Country Club

Ontario’s premier senior women’s amateur golfers will make their way to Fort Erie next week for the 64th Ontario Women’s Senior Amateur Championship, set to be contested August 11-13 at the historic Bridgewater Country Club. 

The championship will feature a talented field of amateur golfers aged 50 and over competing for the provincial title over three rounds of stroke play. In addition to the overall championship, titles will be awarded in the A Flight gross and net competitions, as well as the 60 and over and 70 and over divisions.

A Historic Challenge

Bridgewater Country Club provides a fitting stage for this year’s championship. Originally established as Erie Downs in 1925, the Stanley Thompson-designed course celebrated its 100th anniversary last season and remains one of the Niagara region’s most historic golf clubs.

Known for its elevated greens, strategic approach shots and tree-lined corridors, Bridgewater will demand precision from the field throughout the championship.

“The course rewards thoughtful placement and approach-shot discipline, making it a compelling test for a senior championship field,” says Tournament Director, Rob Watson.

Players who stay patient, manage their way around the course and capitalize on scoring opportunities will be well positioned to contend for the provincial title.

Players to Watch

Several players in this year’s field are competing at the national level this week, with Judith Kyrinis, Mary-Ann Hayward and Terrill Samuel teeing it up in the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship at Burlington Golf & Country Club from August 5-7 before heading to Fort Erie for the Ontario Women’s Senior Amateur Championship.

  • Judith Kyrinis: Defending champion and the championship’s all-time leader with seven Ontario Women’s Senior Amateur titles after her victory in 2025.
  • Mary-Ann Hayward: Ontario Golf Hall of Famer and five-time Ontario Women’s Senior Amateur champion (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2019).
  • Stefi Markovich: Enters the championship with momentum after winning the 2026 Ontario Women’s Senior Match Play Championship with a 1-up victory at Cataraqui Golf & Country Club.
  • Terrill Samuel: Two-time Ontario Women’s Senior Amateur champion (2011, 2020) and a consistent contender at the provincial and national senior level.
  • Marion Reid: 2022 Ontario Women’s Senior Amateur champion

With several past champions returning to the field, this year’s championship will add another chapter to the rich history of Ontario senior women’s golf. The 64th Ontario Women’s Senior Amateur Championship will once again showcase the talent and achievements of the province’s top senior golfers.

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2026 Ontario U13 & U15 Championship Concludes with Four New Champions

Four provincial champions were crowned this week at Erie Shores Golf & Country Club as the 2026 Ontario U13 and U15 Championships brought together the province’s top young golfers.

The newly combined championship saw U13 competitors complete 36 holes on Thursday, while the U15 field battled through 54 holes before concluding Friday. Across the four divisions, players delivered standout performances and put their skills to the test on Erie Shores’ historic layout during its 100th anniversary season.

With provincial titles on the line, the championships provided an opportunity for Ontario’s rising junior golfers to add their names to the record books and take another step forward in their competitive journeys.

The U15 Champions: Grace (HyunYi) Kim & Gerry Kou

Girls: 

The U15 Girls’ Championship saw Grace (HyunYi) Kim of Glen Cairn Golf Club claim the U15 Girls’ provincial title following a strong and consistent performance at Erie Shores Golf & Country Club.

Kim showcased her consistency throughout the 54-hole championship, carding rounds of 70, 72, and 72 to finish with a total score of 214 (+1). Fresh off an 8th place finish at last week’s Ontario Junior Girls’ Amateur Championship, Kim continued her strong run with another impressive performance on the provincial stage.

Avery McGuire finished in second place with a final score of 215 (+2), while Amanda Zhang secured third place at 216 (+3). With just two strokes separating the top three finishers, the U15 Girls’ Championship delivered a competitive finish from start to finish. 

Boys:

Gerry Kou of Summit Golf & Country Club saved his best for last, closing out the U15 Boys’ Championship with a final-round performance that secured him the provincial title at Erie Shores.

Kou opened the championship with rounds of 69 and 70 before firing a final-round 64, the lowest score of his week, to finish at 203 (-10). Remaining under par in all three rounds, Kou showcased impressive consistency and composure throughout the 54-hole championship.

William Chen pushed Kou throughout the week, finishing just one stroke behind with a total score of 204 (-9) to earn runner-up. Dustin Zhao rounded out the top three, finishing at 206 (-7).

The U13 Champions: Zhixin Lu & Stellan Raycroft

Girls: 

The U13 Girls’ Championship saw Zhixin Lu (The Thornhill Club) deliver a dominant performance to claim the U13 Girls provincial title.

Fresh off a T5 finish at last week’s Ontario Junior Girls’ Amateur Championship, Lu carried that momentum into Erie Shores, opening with a 64 before following it with a 65 to finish at 129 (-13) and secure the championship.

Lanai Park and Angelina He finished tied for second at 143 (+1), 14 strokes behind Lu.

Boys: 

The U13 Boys’ Championship came down to a closely contested battle over 36 holes, with Stellan Raycroft of Kingsville Golf & Country Club emerging as U13 Boys’ champion.

Raycroft opened with a 68 before carding a 70 in the second round, finishing at 138 (-4) to claim the provincial title. Nathan Khera finished just one stroke back at 139 (-3), while Derek Zhao placed third at 141 (-1).

With only three strokes separating the top three, the leaderboard remained highly competitive throughout the two rounds, with players moving up and down the standings as the championship unfolded.

The 2026 Ontario U13 and U15 Championships showcased the strength of Ontario’s junior golf community, with athletes delivering outstanding performances and competing at a high level throughout the week. The championship provided a valuable opportunity for players to test their skills, gain experience, and continue their competitive journeys.

Thank You Erie Shores Golf & Country Club 

Golf Ontario extends a sincere thank you to the volunteers, officials, and Erie Shores Golf & Country Club staff for their outstanding hospitality and dedication in hosting the 2026 Ontario U13 and U15 Championships. Their support helped provide a memorable championship experience for Ontario’s next generation of golfers during Erie Shores’ 100th anniversary season.

final results & Full Leaderboards 

Championship photo Album

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Ontario Team Ready for International Challenge at The Williamson Cup

The 62nd Williamson Cup will take place August 10-11 at Knickerbocker Country Club in Tenafly, New Jersey, bringing together top junior golfers from regional amateur golf associations across the northeastern United States and Canada.

Established in 1964, the Williamson Cup is an annual 36 hole international team championship featuring four player junior teams competing for one of the region’s most prestigious titles. Hosted this year by the Metropolitan Golf Association, Team Ontario enters as the defending champion after winning the 61st Williamson Cup at Club Laval-sur-le-Lac in Quebec.

Golf Ontario is pleased to announce the four players selected to represent Team Ontario at this year’s championship:

  • Brennan Turner (Lookout Point Country Club)
  • Owen Fong (Summit Golf & Country Club) 
  • Ben Schofield (Westmount Golf & Country Club)
  • William Chen (Bayview Golf & Country Club)

Team Ontario will look to build on its success from last year and continue its strong tradition at the Williamson Cup. The championship provides a unique opportunity for players to represent their association in a team environment while competing against many of the region’s top junior golfers.

Joining Golf Ontario in this year’s competition are teams from several prominent golf associations, including the Metropolitan Golf Association, Golf Association of Philadelphia, Golf Québec, Western Pennsylvania Golf Association, Rochester District Golf Association, Syracuse District Golf Association, Buffalo District Golf Association, and Maryland State Golf Association. Each association will field a roster of top amateur golfers, creating a strong and competitive field for this year’s Williamson Cup.

For more information on the Williamson Cup visit: https://www.williamsoncup.com/ 

Erie Shores Golf & Country Club Set to Host Ontario’s Next Generation at U13 and U15 Championships

Ontario’s top young golfers are set to compete as the 2026 Ontario U13 and U15 Championships head to Erie Shores Golf & Country Club from Wednesday, August 5 to Friday, August 7.

A New Championship Format

The 2026 season marks the debut of the newly combined Ontario U13 and U15 Boys’ and Girls’ Championships, bringing two key events together under one championship. While U13 champions will still be crowned after 36 holes, U15 competitors will contest a 54 hole championship with a 36 hole cut.

The combined championship will welcome 120 of the province’s rising stars, with 84 players competing in the U15 Championship and 36 players teeing it up in the U13 Championship. 

The new format creates a stronger progression along Golf Ontario’s competitive pathway, allowing many athletes who have previously competed at the U13 level to take the next step by testing themselves over 54 holes in the U15 championship. 

A Classic Test at Erie Shores

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, Erie Shores Golf & Country Club will provide a historic backdrop for this year’s championships. Designed by Bob Gray Sr. in 1926, the classic parkland layout will challenge competitors with a focus on smart decision-making, accuracy, and consistent shot making throughout the event.

Tournament Director Antony Cluroe believes the venue offers an ideal stage for the province’s best young golfers.

Players to Watch

U13 Division

  • Zhixin Lu: Finished Top 5 at Ontario Junior Girls Amateur 
  • Theo Wittemund:  Finished T3 at 2025 Ontario U13 Boys Championship
  • Caleb Kennedy: Qualified for the Ontario Junior Boys Amateur Championship

U15 Division

  • Owen Copp: 2025 Ontario U13 Boys Champion
  • Katherine Xia: Finished Runner up at 2026 Ontario Junior Girls Match Play Championship
  • Noah Olver: Finished T3 at 2025 Ontario U13 Boys Championship
  • Grace (HyunYi) Kim: Delivered a well-rounded performance at the 2026 Ontario Junior Girls Amateur Championship

Building the Next Generation of Golfers

The Ontario U13 and U15 Championships provide young athletes with valuable experience competing in a provincial championship environment.Whether players are taking their first steps in championship golf or continuing their development against Ontario’s top junior talent, the event serves as an important milestone on the Golf Ontario pathway.

With provincial titles on the line and a talented field ready to compete, the 2026 Ontario U13 and U15 Championships promise three days of exciting golf at Erie Shores Golf & Country Club.

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Whirlpool Golf Course Celebrates 75 Years

For 75 years, Whirlpool Golf Course has welcomed golfers from across Ontario and around the world to experience its rolling fairways, spectacular Niagara backdrop and timeless Stanley Thompson design.

Opened to the public on July 2, 1951, the course has created generations of memories while becoming an important part of Ontario’s golf history. Watch the video below for a look back at a milestone 75 years in the making.

Andrea Lai Secures 2026 Ontario Junior Girls Amateur Title

CHATHAM, ON – Andrea Lai of St. Thomas Golf & Country Club captured the 2026 Ontario Junior Girls Amateur Championship at Maple City Country Club, putting together a composed and consistent four-round performance to earn the provincial title.

Lai finished the championship at 1-over-par 289 (71-78-70-70), recording back-to-back rounds of 70 to earn a three-stroke victory. After beginning the final round tied for second, Lai’s steady play in the final round moved her past the field to secure the championship.

Alexis Card of Whistle Bear Golf Club, who entered the final round atop the leaderboard, finished runner-up at 4-over-par 292 (70-76-72-74), while Avery Nordman of Canadian Golf & Country Club claimed third at 5-over-par 293 (75-73-73-72).

The championship also highlighted the depth of Ontario’s junior talent, with current Team Ontario members Andrea Lai and Alexis Card claiming the top two spots on the leaderboard, while former Team Ontario member Avery Nordman rounded out the podium in third. The trio will also represent Ontario in the upcoming Interprovincial Team Championship

Throughout four days of competition, Maple City Country Club provided a true championship test for Ontario’s top junior golfers, rewarding consistency, patience, and strategic course management.

Golf Ontario extends its sincere appreciation to Maple City Country Club in Chatham, Ontario, for its exceptional hospitality and for serving as an outstanding host throughout championship week. We also thank the club’s staff, volunteers, tournament officials, and everyone whose time, commitment, and support helped deliver a first-class championship experience.

full results 

Championship photo album 

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Ontario’s Top Junior Girls Set for Championship Challenge at Maple City Country Club

The 91st Ontario Junior Girls’ Amateur Championship is set to take centre stage at Maple City Country Club in Chatham, Ontario, from July 27-30, as 90 of the province’s top junior female golfers compete over 72 holes for one of Ontario’s most historic titles.

The event’s legacy is reflected in the accomplishments of former competitors such as World Golf Hall of Famer Marlene Stewart Streit, LPGA legend Sandra Post, and Olympians Brooke Henderson and Alena Sharp.

A Challenging Test at Maple City Country Club

Situated alongside the Thames River, the course at Maple City Country Club will provide a demanding examination of every player’s game. The championship layout rewards precision, and strategic course management.

“Maple City Country Club is an excellent championship test because it rewards complete golfers”, says Mason Cowan, Tournament Director. “There are a lot of holes at Maple City that demand a good tee shot. The course borders the Thames River, which provides undulating fairways that players will have to navigate off the tee. Those same slopes also influence the greens, creating subtle breaks that require players to stay focused and pay close attention to every putt.”

With a demanding layout and four rounds of championship golf ahead, consistency from tee to green will be essential.

Players to Watch

This year’s championship field features an impressive collection of recent Golf Ontario champions, Team Ontario athletes, and rising stars looking to add their names to the tournament’s storied history. With several players already capturing provincial titles across junior and women’s competition this season, the battle for the Junior Girls’ Amateur crown is shaping up to be highly competitive. 

  • Amelia McFarlane: 2026 Ontario Women’s Match Play Champion, 2025 Ontario U17 Champion, Current Team Ontario Member
  • Alexis Card: 2025 Ontario U15 Champion, 2025 NextGen Quebec Champion, Current Team Ontario Member
  • Riviera Lindholm: Ontario Super Camp Invitational Champion, 2025 Ontario U13 Champion
  • Cocomi Wang: 2026 Junior Girls’ Match Play Champion, Current Golf Ontario NextWave Athlete
  • Avery Nordman: 2025 Ontario Women’s Match Play Champion, 4th at 2026 Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship
  • Sarah Xing: 2025 Ontario Junior Girls Match Play Champion

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Dave Bunker Claims His Third Ontario Men’s Senior Amateur Championship Title

Amherstburg, ON – Dave Bunker posted rounds of 78, 67, and 71 to claim his third Ontario Men’s Senior Amateur Championship title, finishing one stroke clear of the field. Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood Golf Club), Dan Keogh (Toronto Golf Club), and David Kaufman (Beacon Hall Golf Club) shared second place at 3-under-par 219. Chinner closed with a tournament-best 70 among the trio, Keogh finished with a 71, and Kaufman carded rounds of 73, 72, and 74.

In the age divisions, Robert Gibson of Cedar Brae Golf Club captured the 65+ Division title with rounds of 73, 76, and 73 for a 54-hole total of 222 (+6). Kelly Roberts of London Hunt and Country Club claimed the 70+ Division title at the same score, rebounding from an opening-round 79 with rounds of 72 and 71.

The championship also featured a memorable highlight in the second round, when Allen Chapman of Lindsay Golf and Country Club recorded a hole-in-one on the par-3 17th hole.

Based on their performances, Dave Bunker, Dan Keogh, and David Kaufman have earned spots on Team Ontario’s Interprovincial squad and will represent the province at the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship, presented by BDO, September 8–11 at Niakwa Country Club.

Golf Ontario extends its sincere thanks to the staff at Point West Golf Club, tournament officials, volunteers, partners, and spectators for their support in delivering another successful Ontario Men’s Senior Amateur Championship.

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