The 2026 Ontario Junior Boys and Junior Girls Match Play Championships wrapped up at Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course on July 22 after several days of competition featuring 64 of Ontario’s top junior golfers. The final day saw the remaining competitors battle through semifinal and championship matches, delivering dramatic finishes and impressive performances as they competed for the opportunity to be crowned Ontario’s newest junior match play champions.

Junior Boys

The Junior Boys division came down to four competitors on the final day, as Cameron Greatrex, Carter Avery, Grayson Carter, and Bryce Burridge advanced to the semifinal round after strong performances throughout the week. With a place in the championship match on the line, the semifinals featured Cameron Greatrex taking on Carter Avery, while Grayson Carter faced Bryce Burridge. Both matches showcased the depth of talent in the field, with spots in the championship match on the line.

Following the morning semifinals, Cameron Greatrex (The Pulpit Club) advanced to the Junior Boys final after a hard-fought 2 UP victory over Carter Avery, while Bryce Burridge (Greenhills Country Club) secured his place in the championship match with a 2&1 win against Grayson Carter. The pair earned their spots in the final after strong performances throughout the week, setting the stage for an exciting battle for the provincial title.

In the end, Bryce Burridge defeated Cameron Greatrex by 4&3 to claim the 2026 Ontario Junior Boys Match Play Championship

Junior Girls 

The Junior Girls Match Play Championship also delivered plenty of excitement throughout the week, with Ontario’s top junior girls competing in a series of closely contested matches in pursuit of the provincial title.

In the semifinal round, Cocomi Wang squared off against Ava Gilbart, while Katherine Xia faced Paige Pattison. Xia entered the final day with momentum after surviving one of the championship’s most dramatic quarterfinal matches, defeating Regan Andrusyk in 21 holes after three playoff holes.

Cocomi Wang (Weston Golf & Country Club) earned a 3&2 victory in her semifinal matchup, while Katherine Xia (Station Creek Golf Club) advanced after a 19-hole win. Their victories set up a championship showdown between two players that both demonstrated resilience and consistency. 

The final showcased the determination and skill that defined the championship, as both players battled throughout the round. Ultimately,  Cocomi Wang defeated Katherine Xia by 4&3 to capture the 2026 Ontario Junior Girls Match Play Championship.

A Strong Week at Smuggler’s Glen

The 2026 Ontario Junior Boys and Junior Girls Match Play Championships highlighted the strength of Ontario’s next generation of golfers. Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course provided an excellent test throughout the week, challenging competitors as they battled through the match play brackets. 

Golf Ontario extends its thanks to the staff at Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course, tournament officials, volunteers and spectators for their support in delivering a successful championship.

Junior Boys’ Final Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/12385132680478509544

Junior Girls’ Final Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/12385358631124650108  

Full Championship Photo Album

Ontario’s golf community has a rich history, with clubs across the province bringing golfers together and growing the game for generations. 

As Golf Ontario recognizes clubs celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2026, Craig Loughry, Senior Director, Membership, reflects on the significance of these important milestones, “celebrating club anniversaries is about recognizing far more than the passage of time, it’s about honouring the generations of people who have shaped the game and their communities. Whether a club is marking its 25th, 50th, 100th, or 150th year, each milestone represents lifelong friendships, family traditions, and memories created through golf. These anniversaries provide an opportunity to celebrate each club’s contributions to the game and preserve their stories as part of Ontario’s proud golfing history.” 

Golf Ontario is pleased to recognize a total of 20 Ontario golf facilities celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2026. From a remarkable 150 year legacy to a 25 year milestone, these golf courses have helped grow the game while creating lasting connections and memories in communities all across Ontario.

2026 Club Anniversaries

150 Years – Established in 1876: 

• The Toronto Golf Club (Mississauga) 

100 Years – Established in 1926: 

• Erie Shores Golf & Country Club (Leamington)
• NGA – Northern Golf Association (Northeastern Ontario) 
• Oakdale Golf & Country Club (Toronto)
• Orchard Beach Golf & Country Club (Keswick)
• Roseland Golf Course (Windsor)

75 Years – Established in 1951:

• Whirlpool Golf Course (Niagara Falls)

50 Years – Established in 1976: 

• Camden Braes Golf & Country Club (Loyalist)
• Glen Abbey Golf Club (Oakville)
• Madawaska Golf Course (Ottawa) 
• Metcalfe Golf Club (Ottawa)
• Orchard View Golf Club (Kingsville) 
• Sawmill Golf Club (Pelham) 

25 Years – Established in 2001: 

• Crosswinds Golf & Country Club (Burlington)
• Grandview Golf Club (Huntsville) 
• Grey Silo Golf Course (Waterloo)
• Magna Golf Club (Aurora)
• Shelter Valley Pines Golf Club (Alnwick/Haldimand)
• Stonebridge Golf Club (Nepean) 
• Whistle Bear Golf Club (Cambridge)

As these clubs celebrate their milestone anniversaries, Golf Ontario recognizes their contributions to the game and the communities they serve. Through memorable experiences, lasting relationships, and a shared passion for golf, they continue to help shape lives and ensure the game remains welcoming to all.

The tradition of senior amateur golf in Ontario continues this summer as the province’s top senior men prepare to compete at Pointe West Golf Club in Amherstburg, Ontario, for the 91st running of the Ontario Men’s Senior Amateur Championship, taking place July 21-23.

A total of 132 players earned their spots through championship exemptions and local qualifiers and will compete in the province’s premier 55 and over championship. The event will also feature a dedicated 70 and over division, with 24 players competing for their own championship title.

A Championship Test at Pointe West

Designed by renowned Canadian golf course architect Thomas McBroom, Pointe West Golf Club is known for its strategic layout that rewards smart decision-making and precision throughout the round. Combined with exceptional course conditions and a dedicated grounds crew, the course is expected to provide a memorable test for Ontario’s top senior amateurs.

“Pointe West is a course that rewards smart course management and consistency,” said General Manager, Rich Schmidtgall. “Players will need to stay patient, position the ball well, and take advantage of scoring opportunities when they come.”

Past Champions Return

• Ashley Chinner (2021,2025)
• Dave Bunker (2020, 2024)
• Adam Creighton (2023)
• John Crowther (2022)
• Chris Kertsos (2016)
• Larry Cooper (2014)

Players to Watch

• Dave Bunker: two time Men’s Senior Amateur champion & Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member
• Don Martone: 2025 Canadian Senior Men’s Champion
• Ashley Chinner: two time Men’s Senior Amateur Champion & Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member.
• Jay Campbell: 2026 Ontario Men’s Senior Match Play Champion
• Lars Melander: set to make his 19th appearance at the Ontario Men’s Senior Amateur Championship 

Looking Ahead

While the competition will take center stage, Schmidtgall hopes players leave Pointe West with a lasting impression of both the course and the club’s welcoming community.

“We hope every player leaves with an appreciation for everything Pointe West represents,” said Schmidtgall. “We want competitors to remember not only the quality of the golf course, but also the people who made their week special.”

Stay Connected 

Live Scoring, pairings & Results

Full player roster

For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook  

Golf Ontario and Golf Away Tours are thrilled to announce our next signature trip — and this one’s a true bucket-list itinerary. Get ready for 8 unforgettable nights next fall exploring one of the greatest concentrations of championship links golf on the planet: The Liverpool coast. 

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to join other Golf Ontario friends on a links adventure you will never forget!

This is a limited time offer – Entry deadline is August 7, 2026, due to a high demand for the tee times.

The Experience

Six of the most storied links courses in the world including all 3 Royal / Rota courses in the area:

Royal Birkdale — a multiple Open Championship venue including the just completed 2027 Open and one of the most respected tests in golf.

Royal Lytham & St Annes — legendary, unforgiving, and steeped in Open history. Host of the upcoming 2026 Women’s Open and the 2028 Men’s Open Championship.

Liverpool (Royal Liverpool / Hoylake) — Open Championship royalty on the Wirral.

Hillside — a true hidden gem, often ranked among the best courses you’ve never played.

Formby — classic dunes-land links through towering pines.

Wallasey — rugged, raw, and where the Stableford format was born.

This is as good as links golf gets — anywhere.

Where You’ll Stay

7 nights at the stylish Hope Street Hotel in the heart of Liverpool — your base for exploring the city’s world-class food, culture, and nightlife between rounds.

1 night on-site at the iconic Royal Lytham & St Annes, staying right in their exclusive Dormy House — an experience money usually can’t buy.

Other Inclusions

Private transfers throughout

Opening and closing dinners

Daily breakfast

A dedicated Golf Away Tours representative on-site the entire trip, handling logistics so all you have to do is play

This trip is built for golfers who want it all — legendary courses, unforgettable stays, and zero hassle. Spots are limited, and trips like this fill fast.

Entry deadline is August 7, 2026 so don’t wait to get yourself signed up!

Reserve your spot by contacting Golf Away Tours:

Contact@golfawaytours.com | (416) 466-4653

View the full trip details here

Ontario’s leading junior golfers are set to battle head to head as the Junior Girls & Boys Match Play Championship returns July 20-22 at Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course in Lansdowne, Ontario.

“This championship provides some of Ontario’s best junior golfers with the opportunity to compete head-to-head in a true match play format,” said Tournament Director Rob Watson. “Match play challenges players in a different way, requiring strategy, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure. We’re excited to see another strong field compete at Smuggler’s Glen.”

Championship Format 

Unlike stroke play, where every shot contributes to an overall score, match play pits players directly against one another, creating a dynamic and often dramatic environment.

The championship begins on July 19 with a qualifying round for the Junior Girls division. 27 players will compete for the remaining spots in the 32-player match play field, while nine players have already earned exemptions.

Match play begins Monday afternoon for the girls with the Round of 32. The Junior Boys championship starts Monday morning with a full 64-player match play bracket featuring many of Ontario’s top junior golfers.

Players to Watch

Boys Division:

• Dimitri Protopapas: the defending Ontario Junior Boys Match Play Champion, returns looking to defend his title.
• Jackson Murphy: currently ranked No. 1 on the Junior Golf Pathway Rankings, enters the week after a T3 finish at the Ontario Men’s Amateur and a playoff runner-up finish at the 2026 Ontario Junior Spring Classic.
• Carter Avery: the reigning Ontario Junior Boys Champion of Champions winner

Girls Division: 

• Regan Andrusyk: the 2026 Ontario Junior Girls Champion of Champions winner

The event has a strong history of producing future standout players. Recent champions include Dimitri Protopapas and Sarah Xing (2025), as well as Will Drewery and Kaylan Green (2024), highlighting the depth of talent that has come through Ontario’s junior ranks.

A Championship-Proven Venue

Located in the beautiful Thousand Islands region, Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course is one of Eastern Ontario’s top golf courses.

The course features wide fairways, rolling hills, white sand bunkers, and well-protected greens, providing a fair but challenging test for players. Smuggler’s Glen last hosted a Golf Ontario championship in 2022, welcoming the Ontario U17 Boys & Girls Championship.

Stay Connected

Junior Boys’ live scoring, pairings & Results

Junior Girls’ Live scoring, Pairings & Results

For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario Instagram, Facebook. 

For Patrick Brennan, golf has been part of life for as long as he can remember. 

Growing up in Cork, Ireland, he started working at Cork Golf Club when he was just 12 years old. After studying Turfgrass Management in St Andrews, Scotland, he stayed on to work in the famous golf town. 

It was there that he met Amy Miller from Fullarton, Ontario. 

When Amy decided to move back to Canada, Patrick followed. What began as a leap of faith eventually led him to Lucan, Ontario, and a career that would shape both his life and The Fox Golf Club. 

Today, Patrick is Director of Golf and Superintendent at The Fox Golf Club in Lucan, Ontario, a course he has helped shape for nearly 25 years. 

Building The Fox 

After a year at Stratford Country Club, Patrick joined The Fox Golf Club in 2002 as superintendent. At just 24 years old, he was tasked with helping grow and develop a young golf course. 

The original nine holes had been designed by Bill Fox Sr., while a newer nine-hole expansion was designed by Bill Fox Jr. There was still plenty of work to do, from establishing turf and landscaping to refining the design of the new holes. 

Patrick quickly discovered that building golf courses was what he loved most. 

Over the next two decades, he helped transform the property. Course construction remains Patrick’s favourite part of the job. Over the last 24 years, he has helped rebuild 15 tees on the newer nine holes, added bunkers and cart paths, planted trees every year, and most recently oversaw the addition of a new pond to help support the course during dry summers. 

In 2006, he took on an additional role as Director of Golf, balancing both course operations and the member experience. 

A Second Chance 

One of the biggest challenges came in 2015 when the property was put up for sale. 

With the future of the course uncertain, Patrick reached out to GolfNorth’s Doug Breen to explore options. GolfNorth began leasing the facility in 2016 before eventually purchasing it outright, giving The Fox a new future. 

Since then, millions of dollars have been invested in the property, including improvements to drainage, irrigation, the clubhouse, and overall infrastructure. Upgrades have helped keep the course healthy through extreme weather, while a new fleet of carts has enhanced the player experience and helped attract larger events. 

Creating Community Through Golf 

While the physical improvements are easy to see, Patrick is most proud of the community that has grown around The Fox. 

Today, the club has nearly 150 juniors in its program; leagues are full, and special events regularly sell out. From tournaments and live music nights to junior golf and community gatherings, The Fox has become much more than just a golf course. 

Patrick credits a strong team for helping make that happen, but his impact can be found throughout the facility. 

After 24 years, he remains deeply involved in every aspect of the club, from course projects and tournaments to social media and daily operations. 

Golf brought Patrick from Ireland to Ontario. Along the way, it introduced him to his wife, gave him a career, and provided an opportunity to build something lasting. 

Today, The Fox Golf Club stands as a reflection of that journey, and a reminder of how golf can shape lives far beyond the fairways. 

To Learn more about the fox Golf Club

Every child deserves the opportunity to discover the game of golf.

That’s the vision behind a new Community Impact Partnership between Golf Ontario and the Durham Family Advisory Board (DFAB), which will launch Golf Fore All this summer—a program designed to introduce children facing financial, social and developmental barriers to the game in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment.

Beginning this summer, the eight-week program will provide 20 children between the ages of 8 and 13—including three children with autism—with weekly professional instruction, driving range sessions, on-course golf experiences and access to loaned equipment. More importantly, it will provide an opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills and discover a lifelong connection to the game.

For Golf Ontario, the partnership represents another step toward making the game more accessible and creating opportunities for more Ontarians to experience everything golf has to offer.

“At Golf Ontario, our mission is shaping lives through golf,” said Kyle McFarlane, Chief Executive Officer of Golf Ontario. “We believe this game has the power to build character, foster community and create opportunities that extend far beyond the fairways. That’s what drives our vision for a more inclusive, accessible and welcoming future for everyone who wants to be part of the game: Golf For All.”

DFAB’s Golf Fore All has been designed as more than a one-summer introduction to the game. Participants will begin with lessons, practice, on-course experiences and starter-kit equipment before progressing toward greater independence, with the long-term goal of transitioning into junior golf opportunities and sustained participation in the sport.

While DFAB will lead program delivery throughout Durham Region, Golf Ontario will provide fundraising infrastructure, charitable tax receipting through the Golf Canada Foundation, marketing and storytelling support, regional golf industry connections and strategic guidance to help the program grow sustainably.

“One of the ways we bring that vision to life is by partnering with community-led organizations to help turn their ideas into sustainable, high-impact programs,” McFarlane said.

For DFAB founder Paul Vorstadt, the partnership is about using golf as a platform to create lasting opportunities for children and families throughout Durham Region.

“We couldn’t ask for a better partner than Golf Ontario,” said Vorstadt. “From day one, they’ve shared our belief that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the game of golf, regardless of their financial circumstances. Their support, leadership and commitment have helped turn an idea into a program that will create opportunities for children and families across our community.”

Vorstadt believes the impact of Golf Fore All will extend well beyond the golf course.
“At DFAB, we don’t see golf as simply introducing children to another sport—we see it as opening doors,” he said. “Golf develops character, creates confidence and teaches life skills that will benefit kids long after their final round. Our goal is to give every child the opportunity not just to learn the game, but to grow through it.”

The partnership is the first under Golf Ontario’s Community Impact Partnership model, which brings together local organizations and the provincial association to create meaningful golf opportunities in communities across Ontario. By combining local leadership with provincial support, the initiative helps remove barriers, strengthen grassroots programming and create more pathways into the game.

As Golf Ontario continues to expand its Golf For All vision across the province, partnerships like this demonstrate what’s possible when organizations come together around a shared purpose: creating more opportunities for children to discover the game, build confidence and experience the lifelong benefits golf can provide.

Check out DFAB’s Golf Fore All Fundraising Page\

Thinking about trying golf but not sure where to begin?

GO Women’s Try Golf events provide a welcoming and supportive introduction to the game for women across Ontario. Designed for beginners, each event offers an opportunity to learn the basics, build confidence and experience golf alongside others who are also just getting started.

No previous experience is required. Simply find an event near you, register and take the first step in your golf journey.

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Thinking about trying golf but not sure where to begin?

GO Women’s Try Golf events provide a welcoming and supportive introduction to the game for women across Ontario. Designed for beginners, each event offers an opportunity to learn the basics, build confidence and experience golf alongside others who are also just getting started.

No previous experience is required. Simply find an event near you, register and take the first step in your golf journey.

Explore upcoming GO Women’s Try Golf events and find one near you today.

As Adaptive Golf Month continues, Golf Ontario is celebrating the people, partnerships and programs that are helping make the game more welcoming and accessible for everyone. One of those partnerships is with Precious Minds, whose participants have discovered that golf is about far more than learning a new sport—it’s about building confidence, creating meaningful connections and experiencing the joy of belonging. Watch the reel below to see how golf is making a difference, one swing at a time.

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Otterville, ON – Jager Pain of Birdwood Golf Course captured the 104th Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship after carding a four-round total of 282 (-6) at Otter Creek Golf Club.

Pain posted rounds of 69, 68, 76, and 69 to finish atop a talented championship field and secure his first Ontario Men’s Amateur title. The Team Canada NextGen athlete and former Team Ontario player (2024) showcased consistency and composure throughout four rounds of championship golf to earn the prestigious victory.

Entering the final round, Jackson Murphy held a one-stroke advantage, but four days of championship competition produced plenty of movement atop the leaderboard. With challenging course conditions and a talented field from across the province, every shot mattered as players battled for one of Ontario’s most prestigious amateur titles.

Pain’s steady final-round performance allowed him to separate from the field and claim the championship, finishing ahead of Gabriel Mainella, who placed second with a total score of 284 (-4). Matteo Rocco and Jackson Murphy shared third place, finishing at 285 (-3).

The championship also featured several memorable moments throughout the week, including three holes-in-one. Gabriel Mainella recorded an ace on a par-4 hole, while Cam Burke made a hole-in-one on the 7th hole and Josh DiCarlo added another memorable shot on the 4th hole during his final round.

Following his victory, Pain will join Mainella and Rocco as part of Team Ontario’s Interprovincial Championship team, representing the province in upcoming competition.

The 104th Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship once again showcased the depth of amateur golf in Ontario, with established contenders and emerging talent competing on one of the province’s premier championship venues. Otter Creek Golf Club proved to be a true test throughout the week, rewarding patience, precision, and consistency from tee to green.

Golf Ontario extends its sincere thanks to the staff at Otter Creek Golf Club, tournament officials, volunteers, partners, and spectators for their outstanding support in delivering another memorable Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship.

As the 104th edition comes to a close, the championship continues to highlight the exceptional talent within Ontario’s amateur ranks and the proud tradition of one of the province’s longest-standing championships.

Stay Connected

full leaderboard

championship photo album 

Follow @thegolfontario on  Instagram and Facebook for more highlights and coverage throughout the season.