1000 Ball Challenge Golf Canada Golf Ontario ottawa Special Olympics

Special Olympics Ontario – Ottawa Takes on the 1000 Ball Challenge to Fundraise for Athletes

The Special Olympics Ontario – Ottawa chapter is gearing up for an exciting and impactful event: the 1000 Ball Challenge! This fundraising initiative will help Special Olympics athletes afford essential resources like tee times, coaching, and equipment, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue their passion for golf.

On May 24th, Special Olympics Ontario – Ottawa athletes will take on the ambitious feat of hitting 1,000 golf balls in a single day at the scenic Canadian Golf & Country Club in Ottawa. Their goal? To raise $20,000 to support their journey in the sport.

How to Get Involved

Community members can show their support in two key ways:

Donate directly to help Special Olympics athletes reach their fundraising goal. Here: www.1000ball.ca/o/special-olympics-ontario-ottawa

Create a team under the Special Olympics team page (www.1000ball.ca/o/special-olympics-ontario-ottawa) and collect pledges yourself!

Those who fundraise and create a team are invited to join the festivities on May 24th from 12-4 PM at the Canadian Golf & Country Club (7800, Golf Club Way, Ashton, ON).

This is more than just a challenge—it’s an opportunity to empower athletes and help them reach their full potential in the sport they love.

For any questions, please reach out to Raph at rroot@gao.ca.

Let’s rally together and make a difference—see you at the driving range!

Golf Canada Golf Ontario

Pair from Ontario Named 2024 Recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards

Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are pleased to announce that Susan Wright-Cassan of Thunder Bay, Ont. and Carly Crooks of Scarborough, Ont. have been named the 2024 recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards.

Following a national call for nominations to the Canadian golf community, Wright-Cassan and Crooks were identified by the selection committee as recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards. The recognition celebrates a pair of individuals who demonstrated excellence in using golf as a platform to positively impact their communities.

“On behalf of Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation, we are very proud to recognize Susan Wright-Cassan and Carly Crooks as our 2024 Lorie Kane Community Spirt Award recipients,” said David McCarthy, President, Golf Canada. “Nominations were brought forth from across the country highlighting the many contributions of passionate individuals who willingly give their time to inspire others through the game of golf. Congratulations to Susan and to Carly for this deserved honour and we thank them for their continued contributions to the sport in their communities.”

Wright-Cassan has been named the recipient of the 2024 Lorie Kane Community Leader Award, having made a significant impact in her community where she has been volunteering for over 20 years. Wright-Cassan currently serves as the President of Golf Manitoba and is a member of the Emerald Greens Golf Course and Driving Range in Thunder Bay, Ont. Wright-Cassan earned her community coaching certificate from First Tee and has been teaching junior golf and supporting the introductory First Tee – Canada program in Thunder Bay. Among her many contributions to the game, she has organized a variety of programming including “Golf in Schools” for over 1000 students, “Summer Camps for Kids”, the “Thunder Bay Queens”, “Try Golf Day” held in conjunction with the Thunder Bay Multi-Cultural Association and the Superior North Ladies Golf Association which has an outreach of 800 kms. Last year, Golf Manitoba presented Wright-Cassan with her 20-year volunteer certificate in recognition of her involvement with course rating in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.

“I want to thank those that have supported me in my golf endeavors. I am honoured to be the recipient of the 2024 Lori Kane Community Leader Award. I must thank the people with the First Tee Program and Golf in School, those that I’ve met teaching at the junior and adult levels, playing at club and competitive levels and especially to those that without thinking of it, have encouraged myself and others,” said Susan Wright-Cassan. “This is a game that I love both to play and share my passion. It is a game for all ages, juniors through senior. The social aspects at all ages, the discipline, self-imposed applications of the rules, health benefits, friendships developed and maintained over the years, and other countless benefits are a few of the reasons that I and many others are involved with the game. The Lorie Kane Community Leader Award will fuel me to carry on with the programs I’m involved with.”

Crooks has been named the recipient of the 2024 Lorie Kane Future Leader Award. The 21-year-old has dedicated her summers to coaching with First Tee – Canada, both in her community and across Ontario. After completing training as a First Tee – Canada coach in 2023, Crooks has coached in First Tee – Canada programming at the RBC Canadian Open, Golf Ontario’s Indigenous Try it Day, All-Girls First Tee along with programming at Tam O’Shanter Golf Course in Scarborough, Ont.

“Winning this award is so exciting, and I couldn’t have done it without the amazing people in my corner,” said Carly Crooks. “Shout out to my coach, Sean Burke, for always pushing me to be better, and to my parents for their endless support. My twin sister has been with me through everything, and I’m especially grateful to the First Tee – Ontario team for getting me involved.”

Wright-Cassan will receive a $5,000 donation from the Golf Canada Foundation to advance a golf program or golf-related initiative of her choice. Crooks will receive a $5,000 donation towards her post-secondary education. Wright-Cassan and Crooks will be honoured during the RBC Hall of Fame Day in August during the CPKC Women’s Open at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont.

Submissions for the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards were evaluated by a selection committee that includes representatives from Golf Canada, the Golf Canada Foundation, Honoured Members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, industry representatives and the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.  

The Lorie Kane Community Leader Award celebrates individuals over the age of 19 with a demonstrated ability to lead community initiatives; who have contributed a measurable impact through volunteerism or charity; or have showcased excellence in their involvement with, or support of youth programs such as First Tee – Canada or other junior golf activities.

The Lorie Kane Future Leader Award honours a young individual who embodies community leadership; has a history of sportsmanship or demonstrated activities to make the game more inclusive; or an individual who has used golf to create a meaningful impact in their community.

The Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards were named to honour the Canadian golf icon for a longstanding commitment to advancing the sport, charitable work and giving back to the game that defined her Hall of Fame career. Kane is a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Canada Sports Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Order of Canada.

A call for nominations for the 2025 Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards will go out later this year.

Golf Ontario next wave ontario

Golf Ontario Launches 2025 Next Wave Junior Development Program

Golf Ontario is thrilled to announce the 2025 Next Wave Junior Development Program, a premier initiative designed to help young golfers in Ontario sharpen their skills and reach their full potential. 

This program blends expert training with continuous support, providing a strong foundation for Ontario’s rising golf stars to thrive in competitive play.  

“There are so many good, young golfers in Ontario and it is so valuable to expose them to the Team Ontario coaches, support systems and culture,” says Reggie Millage, Team Ontario Head Coach. “The athletes in our Next Wave program can choose the elements that are most important to them and fill out all aspects of their training regimen,” he says, adding, “We want Ontario to shine on the national and international stage and this group are definitely on their way to making that happen.”  

Selected athletes will gain access to top-tier coaching, mental performance training, and strength conditioning, setting them up for long-term success. 

Meet the 2025 Next Wave Athletes 

The following talented junior golfers have been selected for the 2025 program: 

Class of 2029:

  • Ava Gilbert – Summit Golf & Country Club | Coach: Sean Burke (PGA of Canada) 
  • Andrea Lai – St. Thomas Golf & Country Club 

 Class of 2028:

  • Regan Andrusyk – Hamilton Golf & Country Club 
  • Andrew Sudicky – St. Thomas Golf & Country Club | Coaches: Mark Elliott (Pga of Canada), Tristan Mullally (PGA of Canada) 
  • Payton Pattison – Colonnade Golf & Country Club | Coach: Matt Robinson (PGA of Canada) 
  • Stella Lim – Wyndance Golf Club | Coaches: Alexa Kim (PGA of Canada), Jason Helman (PGA of Canada) 
  • Chloe Hassberger – Vespra Hills Golf Club | Coaches: Shana Kelly (PGA of Canada), Doug Lawrie (PGA of Canada) 
  • Evelyn Ma – Station Creek Golf Club 
  • Cadence Tanouye – Lionhead Golf Club 

Class of 2027:

  • Sarah Du – Meadowbrook Golf & Country Club | Coach: Doug Lawrie (PGA of Canada) 
  • Zach Lederer – Emerald Hills Golf Club | Coach: Danny King (PGA of Canada) 
  • David Kowalewski – The Nest Golf Club | Coach: Terry O’Brien (PGA of Canada) 
  • Narisse Daye – Sarnia Golf and Curling Club | Coach: Mike Martz (PGA of Canada) 
  • Edward Li – Rocky Crest Golf Club | Coach: Gord Burns (PGA of Canada) 
  • Brennan Turner – Rockway Golf Club 
  • Gracie Vescan – Mississauga Golf & Country Club | Coach: James Hutchison (PGA of Canada) 
  • Karson Hurlbert – Camelot Golf and Country Club | Coach: Lee Curry (PGA of Canada) 

Class of 2026:

  • Michael Vivone – Royal Ottawa Golf Club | Coach: Matt DeJohn (PGA of Canada) 
  • Landon Van Loon – Upper Canada Golf Course | Coach: Tristan Mullally (PGA of Canada) 
  • Tristan Zhang – Summit Golf & Country Club | Coach: Trevor Wallman (PGA of Canada) 
  • Lucas Gilbart – Summit Golf & Country Club | Coach: Sean Burke (PGA of Canada) 
  • Ceilidh Spare – Rideau View Golf Club | Coach: Matt Robinson (PGA of Canada) 
  • Connor Kanellis – Coppinwood Golf Club | Coach: Gord Burns (PGA of Canada) 

Class of 2030: 

  • William Chen – Bayview Golf & Country Club 
  • Chi-shen Lin 
  • Katherine Xia – St. Andrew Valley Country Club | Coach: David Fritz (PGA of Canada) 
  • Grace Kim – Glencairn Golf Club | Coach: Justin Kim (PGA of Canada) 
  • Kaeleigh Chung – Meadowbrook Golf & Country Club | Coach: Gord Burns (PGA of Canada)

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 & conditioning coaching by Dr. Nick Martichenko 
  • adidas Golf Canada apparel 
  • Access to the TaylorMade Performance Lab 
  • Participation in Team Ontario programs like Training Days, March Break Training Camp, and Spring Training Camp

Selection Process 

Athletes are chosen based on their competitive results and rankings from the previous season within the U13, U15, and U17 divisions of the Junior Golf Pathway. 

1000 Ball Challenge Golf Ontario metro golf sportsplex scarborough toronto

Launch the 2025 Season with Golf Ontario’s 1000 Ball Challenge Kickoff Event!

Golf Ontario is excited to partner with Metro Golf Sportsplex to launch the 2025 season of the 1000 Ball Challenge with an electrifying kickoff event! After smashing fundraising records in 2024, we’re looking forward to hosting an unforgettable day of golf, music, food, contests, and incredible prizes—all in support of the GOLF FOR ALL Fund – a fund to financially support the advancement of critical golf programs in Ontario.

temp alt for theme iandt

“The 1000 Ball Challenge was a fantastic event that brought our golf community together while making a real difference for our Junior Development programs at Hamilton Golf & Country Club. The energy, excitement, and camaraderie throughout the event were incredible, and the funds we raised are directly helping us develop the next generation of golfers.

I highly recommend this challenge to fellow golf professionals looking for a unique and engaging way to support their own programs. It’s a fun and rewarding experience that benefits both your club and the future of the game!”

– Brad Lawrence, Associate Golf Professional, Hamilton Golf & Country Club

Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍Location: Metro Golf Sportsplex (125 Milner Ave, Scarborough, ON)

How to Participate

  1. Register as an individual or team for the 1000 Ball Challenge.
  2.  Fundraise a minimum of $200 before April 26 to secure your spot.
  3. Come to the Metro Golf Sportsplex on April 26 and join the fun!

Exciting Contests & Prizes

Longest Drive Challenge (Men’s & Women’s): Win a foursome at Wooden Sticks Golf Club

Target Contest: Win a foursome to Cranberry Golf Course
First to Hit 500 Balls: Score a $250 Adidas Gift Card
Plus raffles and more prizes to be announced!

Your Impact

Funds raised will support Golf Ontario’s Golf For All Fund, advancing golf programming for all in this province.

If you are a non-profit or have golf initiatives you are passionate about – please inquire about the 1000 Ball Challenge fundraising share.

🔗 Register today and start fundraising! Visit www.1000ball.ca/kickoff

For questions, contact Raph at rroot@gao.ca.

Don’t miss this thrilling season kickoff—challenge yourself, give back, and get a head start on the season!

Golf Ontario golf show toronto

Brilliant Guess Wins Golf Ontario’s Guessing Contest at Toronto Golf & Travel Show!

This past weekend at the Toronto Golf & Travel Show, visitors of the Golf Ontario booth took their best shot at guessing the number of golf balls in the aquarium tank. The competition was fierce, but one lucky winner came out on top—congratulations to Brian Mitgang, who guessed 926, closest to the exact number of 924!

Brian’s keen eye (or lucky guess!) earned him an incredible prize of 5 dozen TaylorMade TP5 MySymbol golf balls. A huge thank you to everyone who participated—we hope to see you all again next year!

Golf Ontario golf show toronto

Golf Ontario at the 2025 Toronto Golf & Travel Show: Stop by and Win Big!

Golf Ontario is excited to be on location at the Toronto Golf & Travel Show this weekend! Visit our booth for a chance to win 5 dozen TaylorMade MySymbol golf balls by correctly guessing the number of balls in the glass tank. Plus, get all the details on the highly anticipated 1000 Ball Challenge Kickoff Event, launching this April at the Metro Golf Sportsplex. Find out how you can get involved and WIN a Foursome to Wooden Sticks Golf Club, Adidas Gift Cards and more! Visit to www.1000ball.ca/kickoff to learn more.

Golf Ontario experts from Rules & Competitions, Junior Performance, Participation, and Memberships will also be on-site, ready to answer any golf-related questions.

As an added bonus, attendees can enjoy a $5 discount on their tickets by using the code GOLF25 when purchasing online.

The event takes place at The International Centre, Hall 5, in Mississauga, from Friday, January 31, to Sunday, February 2. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to connect with fellow golf enthusiasts, test your skills, and gear up for the upcoming season! Get your tickets now at www.torontogolfshow.com/tickets.

The International Centre
6900 Airport Road, Hall 5, Mississauga ON L4V 1E8

Show Hours:
Friday Jan 31 Noon – 7pm
Saturday February 1 10am – 5pm
Sunday February 2 10am – 4pm

championship Golf Canada Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario Unveils 2025 Championship Schedule

With an exciting year ahead, the schedule highlights a mix of renowned and new venues, spanning the province to provide a platform for Ontario’s top talent to shine 

Golf Ontario is thrilled to unveil its 2025 championship schedule.  

This year’s schedule features 12 prestigious venues from SCOREGolf’s 2024 Top 100 Golf Courses in Canada list, alongside several beloved courses that continue to be favourites among players. 

With an exciting year ahead, the schedule highlights a mix of renowned and new venues, spanning the province to provide a platform for Ontario’s top talent to shine. 

“We’re thrilled to present one of the most dynamic and inclusive championship schedules in amateur golf, designed to cater to Ontario’s competitive golfers while partnering with some of the province’s most prestigious golf clubs,” said Golf Ontario Director of Competitions and Performance, John Lawrence. “The 2025 venues promise an exciting season, bringing the spirit of competition to communities across Ontario. We extend our sincere gratitude to the clubs that have graciously agreed to host our events. 

Highlights and Important Notes for the 2025 Championship Schedule: 

  • Golf Ontario’s championships remain true to their core mission, but their names have been updated to ensure consistency across events and alignment with the standards set by golf’s governing bodies. These updates enhance clarity and continuity, making it easier for players, partners, and media to engage while preserving the rich traditions of the sport. 
     
  • The 2025 Championship season will officially begin on March 10-11 with the highly anticipated return of the Ontario Junior Players Invitational at Legends Golf Resort – Parkland Course in Myrtle Beach, S.C. This 54-hole competition will once again grow its field, welcoming 84 of Ontario’s top junior boys and girls. 
     
  • The Ontario Champion of Champions tournament will return to The Club at Bond Head on May 14th, utilizing both the North and South courses. This prestigious event is open to Men’s, Women’s, Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s, and Junior Boys’ & Girls’ club champions from the 2024 season. Clubs are encouraged to submit their champions to Golf Ontario to facilitate registration and approval for the event. 
     
  • The 2025 Ontario Junior Boys’ & Girls’ Spring Classic marks its 30th anniversary as one of the province’s most esteemed junior tournaments. Consistently drawing Ontario’s top young golfers, the milestone event will take place at two exceptional courses—Wooden Sticks Golf Club and FireRock Golf Club. This tournament continues to serve as a proving ground for rising stars, offering a world-class stage to showcase their talent and a critical step in their competitive golf journey. 
     
  • New for 2025, the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship will debut the Senior Women’s Match Play Championship, open to players aged 50 and older. Featuring a shorter yardage setup, this new division provides a competitive yet accessible environment for senior golfers. Qualifying rounds will determine the top eight players who will advance to match play, expanding inclusivity and creating more opportunities for senior women to compete. 
     
  • The 2025 Ontario Men’s Senior Amateur Championship introduces expanded qualifying for the 70-and-older division, with separate east and west qualifiers offering more entry opportunities. This enhancement eliminates the need for a practice-round qualifier, with 70-and-older spots determined through the two regional qualifiers. 

Golf Ontario extends its deepest gratitude to the clubs hosting our championships and qualifiers in 2025. Their unwavering support is instrumental in the continued success of amateur golf in Ontario. We greatly value these partnerships and look forward to another exceptional championship season. 

CLICK THE LINKS BELOW to view the full 2025 Championship Schedule and Registration Opening Dates. 

2025 Championship Schedule 

Registration Opening Dates  

Tournament website links will be available on GAO.ca on Friday, Feb. 7, this will include all information related to tournament eligibility, exemptions, entry fees, and other important information.  

Registrations for the 2025 Golf Ontario championship season will begin on Friday, Feb. 14 with a schedule of opening dates across the championships to follow.  

All registrations will open at 12 p.m. each day this year.  

Golf Ontario will continue to make announcements once confirmation of dates are made on the outstanding championship locations and to make announcements of any additional dates and venues or changes moving forward. 

For more information, visit the Golf Ontario Provincial Championships page, or contact our tournaments department at tournaments@gao.ca

adidas Golf Canada Golf Ontario Partnership

Golf Ontario and adidas Golf Canada Extend Longstanding Partnership 

Golf Ontario is proud to announce the continuation of its longstanding partnership with adidas Golf Canada, celebrating over a decade of collaboration. 
 

As part of the renewed agreement, adidas Golf Canada remains the Official Golf Clothing and Footwear provider of Golf Ontario. 
 

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with adidas Golf Canada,” says Golf Ontario’s CEO, Kyle McFarlane. “It’s exciting to work with a global brand that shares our passion and commitment to growing the game of golf in Ontario. Their dedication to helping Ontario athletes perform at their best is invaluable, and we’re pleased to have their continued support for Golf Ontario’s participation, fundraising, and performance initiatives.” 
 

The Woodbridge-based company will also continue its support of Golf Ontario’s high-performance Team Ontario program, as well as participation initiatives like the Women’s Try Golf series and fundraising efforts such as the Junior Golf Drive. 
 

“We are so pleased to extend our longstanding partnership with Golf Ontario,” says Jeff Feltrin, General Manager of adidas Golf Canada. “One of adidas Golf Canada’s core goals is to connect with amateur golfers of all levels—from elite juniors to newcomers to the game—and this partnership allows us to do exactly that.” 

Golf Canada Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario saddened by the passing of Teri Yamada

Golf Ontario is deeply saddened by the loss of former colleague and recent Golf Canada Board member Teri Yamada of Collingwood, Ont. who passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, at the age of 66 following a difficult battle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD).

A personal obituary written by Teri Yamada along with visitation details is available here:

https://www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com/memorials/teri-yamada/5536387/index.php

Golf Ontario’s Board of Directors along with staff both current and past extend its sincere condolences to Teri’s partner, Doug Moxon, along with her family and the extensive personal and professional network of friends and golf industry peers who knew and admired her genius, expertise, work ethic, friendship and incredible generosity to charitable causes that meant so much to her. 

One of Canadian golf’s leading voices in agronomy, turfgrass and environmental research, Yamada served the Canadian golf industry for nearly 40 years, including the past 16 years as owner of TY Environmental Strategic Ltd. supporting golf courses’ use of science to minimize their environmental impact. She was a leading voice in the agronomic and business analysis of golf course operations and specialized in government relations, industry communication and interpreting complex scientific information.

Yamada spent 18 years with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada) across several senior leadership roles. She served as the association’s tournament agronomist for National Open and Amateur Championships, working with host clubs and their superintendents to set up and condition golf courses hosting all national championships.

She joined the organization in 1990 as National Director, Greens Section (1990-98), which at the time was Golf Canada’s turfgrass research and consulting division providing the Canadian golf industry with turfgrass information and best practices. In 1993, she authored the Environmental Guidelines for Canadian Golf Courses following an 18-month consultative process with regulators, environmental interest groups and the golf industry leaders.

Yamada then spent 10 years (1996-2006) as the association’s Managing Director, Golf Programs and Services supporting Golf Canada member club programs and services (handicapping, junior golf, amateur status, heritage, etc.) in addition to turfgrass and environmental research.

From 2005-2008, the role evolved into Managing Director, Communications and Government Relations, serving as a leading government liaison on issues affecting the Canadian golf industry. During this period, she also spent two years (2006-2008) as Executive Director of the RCGA Foundation (now Golf Canada Foundation) and has since supported the Foundation as a generous donor.

Yamada returned to Golf Canada as a volunteer in 2021, serving three years a member of the Governance Committee, two years as a member of the Governors Council (2022-2023) and two years on the HR Committee. In 2023, she joined Golf Canada’s Board of Directors becoming one of the few individuals to have served the association in both a staff and Board of Directors capacity. 

During her accomplished career, Yamada served the Canadian and global golf community in a variety of roles including an invitation to participate in the development of the Environmental Principles for Golf Courses in the United States and was referenced in An Environmental Strategy for Golf in Europe.

She spent 14 years (2009-2023) as Executive Director of the IPM Council of Canada (Integrated Pest Management) which administered the IPM Accreditation program for golf courses, public works (hydro and railway corridors) and specialty turf.

Yamada also served as President, Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System of Canada Inc. (1996-2007); Executive Secretary and past Board member with the Canadian Turfgrass Research Foundation (CTRF) (1992 – 2008); was a past Board Member of the Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation (2009-2012); member of the Halton-Hamilton Source Protection Committee (2007-2025); was a member of the Strategic Planning Committee and Environmental Programs committee member, Environmental Institute for Golf, Kansas (2003-2007); served as a USGA Turfgrass & Environmental Research Committee member (1996-2004); member and Past Chair of the Ontario Pesticide Advisory Committee (2009-2020); Chair, Scientific Program Committee for 9th International Turfgrass Research Conference (2000-2001); and was an Advisory Committee member with the Selkirk College Golf Management Program – Nelson, BC (1996-2001).

She graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture and Environmental Horticulture).

A passionate golfer and proud member of Mad River Golf Club (as well as the York Downs Golf and Country Club prior), Yamada was a very active volunteer giving back to both clubs across a variety of roles including four years on the Member Board of Directors with Mad River (2019-2023) as well as the Grounds Committee, Finance and Audit Committee, and the Governance and Nominating Committee. She also served four years on the Board of York Downs as well as two years as the club’s Green Committee Chair. 

Yamada was also one of three Canadian women members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St Andrews, Scotland.

A visitation will be held on January 23 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm with tributes taking place at 3:00pm at Fawcett Funeral Home at 82 Pine Street in Collingwood. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Golf Canada Golf Ontario

Handicapping: Understanding Ontario’s Inactive Posting Season

As the weather turns cooler and courses across Ontario transition into winter conditions, golfers may notice a shift from an “active” to an “inactive” posting season for their Handicap Index®. But what exactly does this mean? Here’s everything you need to know about the inactive season, why it exists, and how it impacts your scores.

What is the Inactive Season?

The inactive season is a designated period when scores from rounds played in Ontario no longer count toward your Handicap Index.

Why Don’t Scores Count During the Inactive Season?

The inactive season helps ensure fairness by accounting for the impact of weather on course conditions. Golf Canada issues a Course Rating and Slope Rating for each set of tees based on normal playing conditions. During the colder months, courses in Ontario may remain open but often cannot maintain typical playing conditions. Counting these scores could lead to inaccurate Handicap Index calculations.

What if I Play in a Region That’s Still Active?

If you play golf outside of Ontario during the inactive season (e.g., in Florida or Arizona), those scores still count. Just be sure to post your score as an “Away” round when submitting it to your Handicap Index.

Who Decides the Inactive Season?

The start and end of Ontario’s inactive season are determined by Golf Ontario, based on local weather patterns and course conditions. While Ontario has an inactive season, some regions, such as British Columbia or southern U.S. states, remain active year-round due to favourable climates.

Where Can I Learn More?

Golf Canada and Golf Ontario provide many resources to help you understand your Handicap Index, including FAQs, articles, and instructional videos. For more details, visit the Golf Canada Handicapping hub or contact Golf Ontario directly.

Stay informed and enjoy the off-season responsibly!