Ontario’s Top Juniors Prepare for Match Play Showdown at Settlers’ Ghost

Ontario’s rising junior golfers are ready to shine as the Junior Boys and Girls Match Play Championships take place July 21–23 at Settlers’ Ghost Golf Club in Barrie, Ontario.
Located just outside of Barrie, Settlers’ Ghost is known for its scenic rolling fairways, blind tee shots, and small, fast greens—making it a true test of course management and mental resilience. With its varied elevation and challenging pin placements, the layout is ideal for the match play format, demanding strategic shot-making and rewarding confident play.
“Match Play is a style of golf that really challenges competitors to maintain mental toughness”, said Tournament Director, Mason Cowan.
“This format encourages aggressive play and heightens drama, as competitors often go for daring shots to win a hole outright. There’s often a psychological edge, with players adjusting their thought processes in real time, based on their opponent’s performance. With its fantastic layout featuring blind shots and small, challenging greens, Settlers’ Ghost is perfectly suited for a match play format, setting the stage for an exciting and strategic competition”.
Players to Watch – Boys Division
- Spencer Shropshire – 2025 Junior Boys’ Amateur Champion (shot 62 to tie the Lindsay G&CC course record on the final day) / 6th in Boys U19 JGP Rankings
Gabriel Mainella – Team Ontario athlete (2024 Junior Players Invitational & Junior Boys’ Amateur Champion) - Dimitri Protopapas – T-5 at the 2025 Ontario Junior Boys’ Amateur
- Rylan Hall & Joseph Totino – Team Ontario Athletes
Players to Watch – Girls Division
- Riviera Lindholm – 1st in the U15 & U13 JGP Rankings / 2nd in the U19 & U17 JGP Rankings
- Sarah Xing – 2024 Ontario U13 Girls’ Champion
For pairings and leaderboard:
- Junior Boys: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11303791658736338967
- Junior Girls: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11303770767914748401
For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook
Golf Canada app gets boost with new features aimed at user experience

Golf Canada is enhancing how Canadians experience the game with new features now live in its free mobile app.
The latest update to the Golf Canada app — the No. 1 golf app in the country — has launched with version 7.3.0, bringing a range of tools designed to make it easier for golfers to track scores, connect with playing partners and get more out of every round.
Among the key upgrades is a feature that allows users to post scores for their playing partners, simplifying scorekeeping during group rounds.
Android users can now access the app from select smartwatches, including Fossil, TicWatch, Skagen, Tag Heuer Connected, Montblanc Summit, Samsung Galaxy Watch (Watch 4 and newer), and Google Pixel Watch. The integration enables on-wrist GPS yardages and digital scoring, allowing players to stay focused on the game.
To encourage community growth, a referral feature has been added. Members can share a unique referral code and earn entries into a season-long prize draw when new users sign up.
An achievements system lets golfers unlock digital milestones based on rounds played, courses visited, hole-by-hole entries, provinces played and more. Friends’ achievements are also visible, adding a social layer to performance tracking.
Also new is advanced GPS yardage functionality. The app now provides front, middle and back green distances to support more accurate club selection and course strategy.
Privacy controls have also been improved. Users can now choose whether their scores appear in their friends’ feeds, giving them more control over how their information is shared.
The Golf Canada app is available as a free download from the App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android. Golfers can log in with an existing Golf Canada account or create one in-app to begin tracking their game.
For a full list of Golf Canada app features, visit golfcanada.ca/app.
St. Thomas Golf and Country Club to Host 2025 Ontario Women’s and Women’s Senior Four-Ball Championship

Golf Ontario is proud to announce St. Thomas Golf and Country Club will host the 2025 Ontario Women’s and Women’s Senior Four-Ball Championship this September.
Known for its rich history and acclaimed Stanley Thompson design, St. Thomas Golf and Country Club offers a premier setting for one of the province’s most anticipated women’s amateur team events. This year’s championship will bring together top women golfers from across Ontario in both the women’s and women’s senior divisions to compete in the traditional Four-Ball team format.
“We are thrilled to bring the 2025 Women’s and Women’s Senior Four-Ball Championship to St. Thomas Golf and Country Club,” says Golf Ontario’s Director of Rules and Competitions, John Lawrence. “The course presents a fair but challenging test, and the club’s commitment to excellence in hosting provincial events will make this a standout experience for all players.”
This will mark another significant championship for St. Thomas, which has long been recognized as one of Canada’s top-ranked golf courses and a proud supporter of amateur golf in Ontario.
The Ontario Women’s and Women’s Senior Four-Ball Championship is a one-day, 18-hole stroke play event. Two-woman teams compete in four-ball format, with gross and net champions crowned in both divisions.
Registration is now open for the 2025 Ontario Women’s and Women’s Senior Four-Ball Championship. Players are encouraged to register early and can find more information, including eligibility and entry details, by CLICKING HERE.
Willis and Stasiuk Named at 2025 Ontario Adaptive Open

After two inspiring days of competition at Weston Golf and Country Club, the 2025 Ontario Adaptive Open has come to a close, highlighting the talent, resilience, and sportsmanship of athletes from across the province.
In the Men’s Stroke Play division, Chris Willis of Pheasant Run Golf Club earned his second Ontario Adaptive Open title, having also won in 2023. He shot 67 in Round 1 and 71 in Round 2 for a total score of 138 (-5) to take first place. Josh Hunke of Deer Ridge Golf Club finished second with rounds of 70 and 71, totaling 141 (-3).Tied for third were Russell Aide (Black Bear Ridge Golf Course), who shot 75 and 68, and Kurtis Barkley (Upper Canada Golf Course), with rounds of 71 and 72, both finishing with a score of 143.
In the Men’s Net Stableford division, Russell Aide secured first place with 77 Stableford points. Jackson Policicchio finished close behind in second with 75 points. Tied for third were Chris Willis and Scott Stafford, each earning 72 points over the two rounds.
In the Women’s Division, Natasha Stasiuk of RattleSnake Point Golf Club continued her remarkable run by capturing her sixth Ontario Adaptive Open title. A consistent presence at the top of the leaderboard, Stasiuk once again demonstrated her skill and composure, scoring 77 in Round 1 and 76 in Round 2 for a two-day total of 153 (+5). She was followed by ParaGolf Ontario’s Tess Trojan, who finished runner-up with a total score of 192. In the Women’s Net Stableford division, Stasiuk also took first place with 73 points (36 in Round 1 and 37 in Round 2). Tess Trojan placed second with 60 points (28 in Round 1 and 32 in Round 2).
Golf Ontario congratulates all participants and thanks Weston Golf and Country Club for their continued partnership and support in hosting this impactful event.
Final results and full leaderboard:
https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11301007747438397881
Stay Connected
Follow @thegolfontario on Instagram and Facebook for more highlights and coverage throughout the season.
Spencer Shropshire Claims Title in Dramatic Fashion

Lindsay, ON – Spencer Shropshire of Hawk Ridge Golf Club soared to victory at the Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship, clinching the title in a dramatic head-to-head playoff against fellow Team Ontario player Luke Smith. Starting the final round in fifth place, Shropshire delivered under pressure with a record-tying 62, matching the Lindsay Golf & Country Club course record in a spectacular finish.
Luke Smith of The Thornhill Club put together a stellar run with rounds of 70-68-64-68, showcasing remarkable consistency throughout the week. Despite falling just short in the playoff, his performance solidified his status as one of the province’s top junior talents.

Rounding out the podium, Andy Dai of Station Creek Golf Club claimed third place with a strong 17-under-par total of 271 (65-71-68-67). Dai’s steady play over four rounds earned him a well-deserved top-three finish.
All three players will go on to represent Ontario at the Golf Canada Junior Boys’ Championship, taking place August 9–12.
Golf Ontario extends a sincere thank you to the volunteers, officials, and Lindsay Golf & Country Club staff for their outstanding hospitality and dedication in hosting a first-class championship.
Stay Connected
For full results, click HERE
For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook.
Ontario Adaptive Open Returns to Weston Golf Club July 14-15

After a one-year hiatus due to severe flooding in Toronto last year, the Ontario Adaptive Open returns with renewed spirit and purpose. This inclusive event, held July 14th-15th at the prestigious Weston Golf and Country Club, exemplifies Golf Ontario’s continuous dedication to accessibility in the game as part of Adaptive Golf Month.
The Ontario Adaptive Open provides a competitive and welcoming atmosphere for golfers with physical, neurological, and sensory disabilities. The event not only recognizes athletic excellence but also reflects Golf Ontario’s overall dedication to growing the game for all.
John Lawrence, Tournament Director at Golf Ontario, says, “The Ontario Adaptive Open showcases the true spirit of golf. It brings together incredible talent and inspiring stories. We’re proud to host a competition that highlights both the skill and determination of athletes”
The tournament will feature several of the sport’s most accomplished adaptive golf champions. On the men’s side, Kurtis Barkley, a four-time Adaptive Open winner, will once again contend for the title. He’ll be joined by Chris Willis of Pheasant Run Golf Club, currently ranked No. 12 in the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD), and Jackson Policicchio of Sarnia Golf & Curling Club, fresh off his gold-medal performance at the 2025 Ontario Paragames.
On the women’s side, competition will be equally fierce. Five-time Ontario Adaptive champion Natasha Stasiuk, who recently placed fifth at the USGA Adaptive Open, returns alongside fellow Ontario Paragames competitor Tess Trojan, bringing elite skill and determination to this year’s event.
Hosting the championship for another year, Weston Golf and Country Club continues to be a proud supporter of adaptive golf in Ontario.
“It is with immense pride that we welcome the Ontario Adaptive Open to Weston,” says Colleen Gibbs, President of Weston Golf and Country Club. For our club, this event represents the heart of the game: creating opportunities and celebrating a passion for competitive golf that unites us all. The positive impact these incredible athletes have on our community is immeasurable, and we are honoured to support their journey and champion a more inclusive future for golf.”
Golf Ontario extends its sincere thanks to Weston Golf and Country Club for their continued support and commitment to hosting this meaningful championship. Their dedication to inclusive golf has helped make the Ontario Adaptive Open a premier event for athletes of all abilities.
Stay Connected
For full tournament results and leaderboards: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11301007747438397881
For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook
Serena Zhang Crowned 2025 Ontario Junior Girls Amateur Champion

Serena Zhang of Blue Springs Golf Club captured the 2025 Ontario Junior Girls Amateur Championship at Loyalist Golf and Country Club with a statement 5-stroke victory.
Building off her earlier win at the CISAA Senior Girls Golf Championship, Zhang once again demonstrated her calm under pressure attitude, adding a provincial title to an already standout season.
Zhang closed out the week at 4-under-par (68-72-71-73—284), flying past the competition and finishing five strokes ahead of Evelyn Ma (Station Creek Golf Club) and Avery Nordman (Canadian Golf & Country Club), who placed second and third, respectively. Zhang held the lead from start to finish, never relinquishing her position atop the leaderboard.
Ma fired a 2-under 70 on the final day to finish at +1 overall, while Nordman carded a strong 71 to secure solo third at +3.
Beyond the leaderboard, a highlight came from Sophie Foulds (Royal Ottawa Golf Club), who recorded a hole-in-one on the par-3 2nd hole. She finished the week tied for 10th at +10.
Golf Ontario extends a sincere thank you to the volunteers, officials, and Loyalist Golf & Country Club staff for their outstanding hospitality and dedication in hosting a first-class championship.
For full results, click HERE
Stay Connected
Follow @thegolfontario on Instagram and Facebook for more highlights and coverage throughout the season.
Adaptive Golf Month Spotlight: Natasha Stasiuk & Chris Willis Shine on the International Stage

As the USGA Adaptive Open gets underway in Rockville, Maryland at Woodmont Country Club, Golf Ontario is proud to celebrate the incredible Canadian athletes competing on a big stage in adaptive golf.
On the women’s side, Natasha Stasiuk of SOO-Hamilton continues to set the standard for excellence. A dominant force in Canadian adaptive golf, Natasha has been Golf Ontario’s Women’s Adaptive Champion since 2019. Her consistent performance, mental strength, and love for the game have made her a role model for athletes across the country. Currently sitting in 5th place at the USGA Adaptive Open, Natasha’s determination and poise continue to shine as she competes.
On the men’s side, Chris Willis is proudly representing Ontario with equal passion and purpose. Playing out of RedCrest Golf Club, Chris captured the Men’s Division title at the 2023 Ontario Adaptive Championship with a poised and powerful performance. Known for his sportsmanship, focus, and competitive spirit, Chris is making his mark as he tests his game on the international stage. His journey is a reflection of the growing strength and depth of adaptive golf talent in Ontario.
As July marks Adaptive Golf Month, it presents Golf Ontario with a perfect opportunity to share and celebrate the stories of athletes like Natasha and Chris – dedicated competitors who continue to break barriers, inspire others, and represent our province with pride.
Follow Along:
To see how Natasha, Chris, and the rest of the field are performing, check out the USGA Adaptive Leaderboard for the latest scores and updates.
Golf Ontario Partners with Dormie Workshop

Golf Ontario is proud to announce a multi-year partnership with Dormie Workshop, one of Canada’s most innovative and admired golf accessory brands. Known for their premium leather craftsmanship and bold design vision, Dormie has built a global reputation for redefining the custom headcover experience—and now, they’re bringing that energy to the Ontario golf community.
As the Official Custom Headcover Partner of Golf Ontario, Dormie Workshop will deliver exclusive product drops, member-only offers, and personalized gear for Golf Ontario champions, Team Ontario athletes, and the more than 125,000 members from across the province.
“Dormie Workshop is more than a premium Canadian brand—they’re storytellers and innovators with a deep passion for the game,” says Golf Ontario’s CEO Kyle McFarlane. “This partnership goes far beyond custom headcovers—it’s about celebrating excellence, elevating our events, and growing the game in ways that are meaningful and lasting.”
Whether it’s crowning provincial champions, supporting junior golfers, or powering fundraisers like the 1000 Ball Challenge, Dormie Workshop is bringing creativity and craft to the moments that matter. Expect limited-edition headcovers, exclusive giveaways, and unforgettable collaborations—all designed to celebrate the game of golf in Ontario and those who play it.
“At Dormie, we’ve always believed the game is bigger than the scorecard—it’s about community, passion, and the stories we create along the way,” says Dormie Workshop Co-Founder Todd Bishiop. “Partnering with Golf Ontario lets us bring that spirit to life in a powerful way and we’re proud to support golfers across the province, from junior players to seasoned champions, with gear that’s as personal and meaningful as the game itself,” he says, adding, “together, we’re not just celebrating golf in Ontario—we’re helping it grow in ways that truly matter.”
Golf Ontario members will enjoy exclusive benefits through this partnership with Dormie Workshop. Starting immediately, Golf Ontario members will receive a 20% discount on Dormie products (through dormieworkshop.ca), with even more perks on the way. From limited-edition gear drops and VIP access to new product launches, to co-branded contests and email-exclusive giveaways, Dormie is bringing premium rewards directly to Golf Ontario members. Plus, members will have opportunities to win custom headcovers through fundraising campaigns and event activations—making every interaction a chance to score something unique.
This summer, Golf Ontario will be the exclusive launch partner for Dormie’s bold new Vanity Plate License Plate Headcover—a distinctive fusion of heritage and flair, designed especially for golfers in Ontario. Only 100 of these limited-edition pieces will be produced for 2025, available exclusively to Golf Ontario members.
From the fairways to your mailbox, Dormie Workshop and Golf Ontario have partnered to bring golfers across the province closer to the game—and to the custom gear that makes it personal.
2025 Ontario Junior Boy’s Championship Heads to Historic Lindsay Golf & Country Club

The Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship heads to the historic Lindsay Golf & Country Club July 8th – 11th. Opened in 1909, the Lindsay Golf & Country Club is an 18-hole championship course designed by acclaimed architect Graham Cooke, featuring a blend of parkland and classic links-style holes.
One of the defining aspects of this year’s championship has been the outstanding local support from the host club and its surrounding community.
“There’s a lot of support from the club. We have 40 host club volunteers that will take time out of their days to support the 103rd Junior Boys’ Amateur,” said Tournament Director Mason Cowan. “It’s invaluable when our member facilities and their membership band together to help us amplify our championships.”
Golf Ontario would also like to acknowledge the official Junior Boys’ Amateur Championship Host Club Local Supporters. We cannot thank you enough for backing the largest provincial junior championship, featuring the top 144 junior boys in Ontario. Special thanks to:
- Platinum Supporter:
• Canadian Tire – Jumpstart - Gold Supporter:
• Sysco - Community Supporters:
• BMO
• Turf Care
Their contributions play a vital role in delivering a memorable and professionally run event for players, families, and fans alike.
Players to watch
The 2025 Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship promises high-calibre competition, featuring a talented field that includes several returning champions and Team Ontario athletes. Among the standout players to watch:
- · Gabriel Mainella – Defending 2024 Ontario Junior Boys’ Champion, 2024 Ontario Junior Players Invitational Champion, and a member of Team Ontario
- · Eric Zhao – 2025 Ontario Men’s Amateur Champion
- · Dawson Lew – 2025 Ontario Junior Boys’ Spring Classic Champion, runner-up at the 2025 Ontario Men’s Amateur, and Team Ontario athlete
- · Joseph Totino – 2024 Ontario Bantam (U15) Champion and Team Ontario athlete
- · Luke Smith – 2024 Ontario Junior Tour Champion and Team Ontario Athlete
- · Jager Pain – 2023 Ontario Junior Tour Champion
- · Wilson Doornekamp – 2024 Ontario Peewee (U13) Champion
- · Bode Stephen, Chase Jerome, Spencer Shropshire, and Jordan Hwang – All representing Team Ontario
These rising stars are sure to deliver an exciting and competitive week of junior golf at Lindsay Golf & Country Club.
Stay Connected
Live Scoring, Pairings & Results
For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook