Natasha Stasiuk lives a very active life: she attends Toronto’s Humber College and studies in their Developmental Services Worker program; she works at her local Golf Town in Mississauga, Ont.; she walks dogs; and she’s an accomplished competitive golfer as a member at Heron Point Golf Links.

However, it is how she does it all with autism, and an auditory processing condition that defines who she is.

“It’s like a superpower as I call it,” she said, “and it’s what people with autism call it too.”

Stasiuk, 25, was born in Russia where she was left as an orphan in a run-down hospital. Sick and often unattended, she was slow to develop learning and language skills.

Peter and Sandra Stasiuk adopted Natasha at 13 months and brought her home to Canada, where she displayed above-average hand-eye coordination as a toddler.

Stasiuk has played golf ever since PGA of Canada member Nick Starchuk was brought into her gym class in fifth grade to introduce children to the game.  

“Nick came and he saw a lot of potential in me and suggested I started golf, and that’s how my passion for it came about,” she said.

Starchuk invited Stasiuk to an introductory lesson at the former home of the RBC Canadian Open, Glen Abbey Golf Club. Stasiuk was handed a putter and took to the course’s practice green, where Starchuk instructed her to putt a ball towards a hole that was 30 feet away from her; a putt in which she drained on her first try.

For many years after, Stasiuk was part of a large junior girl’s golf group led by PGA of Canada member, Carrie Vaughan.

Carrie helped Natasha with all aspects of her game, introduced her to competition and provided constant encouragement whenever she felt “out of place” or discouraged because she learned differently and didn’t always understand what was being taught.  

Besides golf, Stasiuk played up to seven other sports when she was younger. Though swimming, soccer, gymnastics, softball and ballet were in the mix, hockey and golf were her two favorites.

“My sister played, I played, my dad played, some of his brothers played,” she said. “So, we were always a big hockey family.”

Despite her family’s involvement in hockey, Stasiuk chose to stick to golf to this day because she admired the LPGA Tour and wanted to be like her role models such as Paula Creamer and Brooke Henderson (winner of five Golf Ontario Championships from 2010-2013).

However, Stasiuk’s auditory processing condition prevented her from thinking and processing what she saw or heard when she was younger, and still affects her to this day.

 “When people start talking to her and they’re talking normal, she can’t process everything that they tell her,” said her father, Peter. “They’ll be on their third sentence when she’s just processed the first sentence they’ve said to her, and by the time she goes back to the conversation, she’s completely lost.”

Peter has always been there to help her in speaking and believes his daughter’s disability has always impacted her because it is an “invisible” one.

“From a lot of people, you can tell what their disability is because it’s a physical disability,” he said. “Looking at her (Natasha), you wouldn’t think she has a disability, but she does.”

Stasiuk originally didn’t know she had autism until a psychologist advised her to test for it almost three years ago. Her auditory processing condition has been with her almost her entire life, which affected her ability to process what people were saying to her or keep count of her own score when she was younger.

“In the beginning, when she joined the junior circuits, the other girls caught on to that (disability), Peter said. “They would always tell her she scored more than what she got, and they scored less than what she thought they scored.”

Peter believed this was always a “disadvantage” for her simply because she took what other golfers said for granted because she couldn’t remember what she actually scored. He always followed Stasiuk around and kept score as a spectator; the scores were sometimes “completely different” from the scores that were reported.

However, thanks to the help of her father and family in adapting to living with her disabilities, Stasiuk has been better at keeping her scores as well as processing what people are saying.

Now, Stasiuk has made herself known as a role model to golfers with disabilities both on and off the course. Off it, she always advises anyone with any disability who is unsure of playing golf full-time to “go for it.”

“You never know what will happen,” she said. “Go watch these people with disabilities play golf, it’s amazing and pretty inspiring too.”

Stasiuk believes anyone with a disability who is new to the sport can quickly make connections and lifetime friends. Just like she did.

“I think she enjoys expanding the game to others that may not look at golf as a possibility because they have a disability,” said Peter. “It’s still a small segment that actually plays with disabilities, but it’s growing.”

On the course, Stasiuk has built quite the résumé in the past few years. She is currently world ranked No. 1-female golfer with intellectual disabilities as per the WR4GD Rankings.

Since 2019, she has been Golf Ontario’s Women’s Adaptive Champion, and plans on competing in this year’s Adaptive Championship at Weston Golf and Country Club in July. She has also been Golf Canada’s Women’s All Abilities Champion for the last three years.

Stasiuk has also finished top five in the USGA Adaptive Open in the past two years and finished first in the intellectual category of that same championship last year. She also finished third in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin in 2023 and first in the Special Olympics North America competition later that fall.

Although the year has just begun, Stasiuk was one of 12 in the world chosen to train at the first EDGA Development Camp in Portugal, and she recently finished third overall and first for her disability category at the USDGA Championship at the PGA Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Traveling to different places away from her home to compete in each of these championships, as well as making friends along the way, have led to Stasiuk having more confidence in her game than ever before. She feels like she finally belongs.

“It’s good to experience different places in the world,” she said. “I know some of them are back in Ontario, but it’s still nice to play courses I’ve never played before.”

As April marked the observance of Celebrate Diversity Month, it presented Golf Ontario with a wonderful opportunity to share inspiring stories and honour the diverse backgrounds and contributions of our members, volunteers, players, and colleagues. We plan on sharing these inspiring stories–like Natasha’s–throughout the season.

We’re excited to invite you to this season’s Women’s Try Golf events! Whether you’re picking up a golf club for the first time or looking to refresh your skills, this series is perfect for you.

Registration is now open, and we’re constantly adding new events.

Click here for the full list of Women’s Golf Events

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Complimentary Golf Clubs: No clubs? No problem! We provide everything you need.

• Pre-Event Tips: Receive video tips before the event to start off on the right foot.

• Celebrate with Us: Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine after your round.

• Fun and Relaxed Atmosphere: Play a casual 9-hole round with no scorekeeping—just fun!

Our Try Golf events are all about making golf accessible and enjoyable. They offer a wonderful opportunity to meet other women who are also new to the sport. Bring your friends, make new ones, and enjoy a delightful day on the green.

The growth of women’s golf is inspiring, and we’re passionate about inviting even more women to experience the sport. We’re always exploring ways to facilitate continued engagement through the Women’s Participation Pathway, with the help of our partners and local facilities.

If you’ve been playing more often or have attended multiple Women’s Try events before, why not explore ‘next step’ opportunities with our partners Iron Lady Golf and LPGA Amateurs? They offer a diverse range of fantastic ways for you to TRY, LEARN, and PLAY even more frequently!

Are you ready to make this your best summer of golf yet? Join an Iron Lady Golf Summer League for weekly play with guaranteed tee times, league captains providing support, monthly tip sessions, and so much more. These leagues aren’t just about golf; they’re about forming meaningful connections, enjoying the sport in a supportive atmosphere, and, most importantly, having a great time!

Iron Lady Golf Leagues welcome players of all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting out or have a wealth of experience, whether you’re playing a leisurely round or keeping score, you’ll find your place here.

Join an Iron Lady Golf League

The LPGA Amateur Golf Association is the ultimate golf community for women, bringing together players from all walks of life, of all ages and abilities, in a friendly and inclusive setting. You’ll expand your network, forge new friendships, and share in the love of golf. With over 300 events across Ontario, we offer organized, social golf experiences along with educational opportunities to enhance your gameplay.

Our pay-as-you-play green fees ensure golf is accessible to all. Find out what’s happening at a local chapter near you at LPGA Amateurs Ontario.

Learn more and sign up

Last week, more than 125 dedicated volunteers joined forces for the Golf Ontario Official Days, which were held across the province.

These days marked the beginning of the 2024 championship season, uniting Golf Ontario staff and volunteers in celebration of the year’s start.

“Our volunteers are essential to our team; they’re the foundation of our mission. Their unwavering dedication allows us to continue shaping lives and offering enriching experiences through golf,” says Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane. “We’re honoured to acknowledge the significant influence our volunteers wield within the Golf Ontario community.”

The Official Days—which were hosted by member facilities Galt Country Club; Barrie Country Club; Copper Creek Golf Club and Cataraqui Golf and Country Club—saw participation from volunteers across three main roles: Tournament Officials, Referees, and Course Raters.

Tournament Officials:
These key volunteers oversee more than 100 qualifiers and championships annually. Their responsibilities include managing registration, overseeing starts, scoring, and maintaining the pace of play.

Referee:
Referees at provincial events must have completed at least Level 2 of the Golf Canada rules of golf education program. They should possess a deep understanding of the Rules of Golf and demonstrate the capacity to make decisions collaboratively under pressure.

Course Rater:
Upon affiliation with Golf Ontario, clubs receive an initial rating, which is re-evaluated as courses mature or undergo design modifications. Up to 70 courses annually may be appraised by a specialized Course Rating Team. Course raters need to be adaptable, methodical, and have a penchant for math or statistics. Comprehensive training is provided, encompassing both classroom and on-course instruction.

Interested in becoming a part of the Golf Ontario volunteer community? Discover the various opportunities and their benefits on our Volunteering Resource page HERE. To join our volunteer team, please complete the application form.

This past weekend was a celebration of victory for Team Ontario alumni.

Matthew Anderson clinched his first professional win at the ECP Brazil Open, part of the PGA TOUR Americas, where he also made history as the first Canadian victor. This triumph places him at the top of the Fortinet Cup rankings after three tournaments. Anderson, no stranger to success, previously won the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship in 2019.

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Monet Chun added to the alumni accolades by securing the Big 10 Championship, marking her second victory at the University of Michigan and her fourth individual NCCA title. Chun’s impressive track record includes multiple Golf Ontario Championships wins and earning runner-up at the 2022 U.S. Women’s Amateur.

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The Team Ontario program, established in 2009, is dedicated to fostering excellence across all aspects of life for its athletes. Participants benefit from comprehensive guidance on time and self-management, physical strength and conditioning, mental sports psychology, nutrition, as well as tactical and technical strategy.

In addition to Chun and Anderson, notable players to come through the program include Ashton McCulloch, Max Sear, Johnny Travale, Nicole Gal, Hailey McLaughlin and Katie Cranston.

The first of a three-part Health and Wellness Webinar Series exclusively for Golf Ontario members is set to take place on May 2nd at 7:30 p.m.

Swing Lab Performance & Therapy, renowned for its expertise in golf performance and therapy, will lead the webinar over Zoom.

Golf Ontario members can register for the FREE webinar HERE.

Entitled the “Spring Tune-Up,” the webinar will look four main areas of interest:

• What is Body-Swing Connection?

• The importance of having a good warm up routine.

• How to warm up properly & fire your muscles to create a consistent movement pattern.

• What can you do in preparation for the upcoming golf season? 

In addition to the live webinar, Swing Lab has also created supplementary PDF, which offers deeper insights into the webinar topic. The webinar will also be recorded so Golf Ontario can re-watch in the future.

Located in Richmond Hill, Ont., Swing Lab’s primary goal is to assist golfers in developing a consistent and efficient swing.

To register to for the FREE webinar, CLICK HERE.

Golf Canada recently recognized the winners of its National Facility Awards for Junior Golf from the 2023 season.

A trio of Ontario facilities–Sawmill Golf Course, Deep River Golf Club and South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club–were named to the impressive list of winning clubs.

The National Facility Awards for Junior Golf is a program designed to acknowledge the crucial contribution of golf facilities and academies to the growth of young golfers throughout Canada. These awards celebrate the facilities that have notably influenced the progression of junior golf within their local communities throughout the 2023 season.

Sawmill was recognized with the “Junior Golf Opportunity Award,” which is awarded to the facility that provides exceptional access and membership opportunities for junior golfers.

The “Grassroots Junior Program of the Year,” which is awarded for excelling at creating new junior golfers through local programming, was given to Deep River.

South Muskoka was awarded with the “Tournament Host of the Year” for giving back to youth golf by embracing the opportunity to host junior competitions.

From September 1 to October 31, 2023, all individual members and facility members of Golf Canada were able to nominate facilities for each award category.

All nominations were reviewed and feedback about nominees was provided by members of the Golf Industry Advisory Council, Sport Committee, and Amateur Championships Committee. Final award selections were made by Golf Canada staff.

Nominations for the 2024 National Facility Awards for Junior Golf are expected to open in September 2024.

This National Volunteer Week, we at Golf Ontario are honoured to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of over 250 volunteers from across the province.

At the heart of Golf Ontario, our volunteers are the lifeblood in a variety of critical areas, including championships, rules, course rating, and governance on committees and our board of directors. They are the sport’s ambassadors and an essential part of our team, enabling us to deliver exceptional programming and experiences to golfers, partners, and industry stakeholders.

Throughout the week, join us on social media as we showcase our remarkable volunteers. We’ll be sharing their inspirational stories and the fulfillment they derive from being an integral part of our community.

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During National Volunteer Week, we’re excited to present a series of “Officials Days,” celebrating the dedicated volunteer officials who are instrumental in orchestrating our tournaments and competitions. This is a special time when they come together to inaugurate the 2024 season.

Interested in becoming part of the Golf Ontario volunteer family? Find out more about the opportunities and rewards on our Volunteering Resource page HERE.

With spring upon us, we’re thrilled about the upcoming golf season. We’re in the final stages of preparing our Women’s Try Golf schedule and can’t wait to share the exciting details with you.

This year marks the fourth season of our Women’s Try programs, and we’re delighted to introduce monthly Learn opportunities to the summer schedule. Our TRY events are all about welcoming the beginner golfer, while our LEARN events will offer the chance to build fundamental skills and deepen your understanding of the game.

The growth of women’s golf is inspiring, and we’re passionate about inviting even more women to experience the sport. We’re always exploring ways to facilitate continued engagement through the Women’s Participation Pathway, with the help of our partners and local facilities.

If you’ve been playing more often or have attended multiple Women’s Try events before, why not explore ‘next step’ opportunities with our partners Iron Lady Golf and LPGA Amateurs? They offer a diverse range of fantastic ways for you to TRY, LEARN, and PLAY even more frequently!

Are you ready to make this your best summer of golf yet? Join an Iron Lady Golf Summer League for weekly play with guaranteed tee times, league captains providing support, monthly tip sessions, and so much more. These leagues aren’t just about golf; they’re about forming meaningful connections, enjoying the sport in a supportive atmosphere, and, most importantly, having a great time!

Iron Lady Golf Leagues welcome players of all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting out or have a wealth of experience, whether you’re playing a leisurely round or keeping score, you’ll find your place here.

Make this summer unforgettable by joining an Iron Lady Golf League. 

The LPGA Amateur Golf Association is the ultimate golf community for women, bringing together players from all walks of life, of all ages and abilities, in a friendly and inclusive setting. You’ll expand your network, forge new friendships, and share in the love of golf. With over 300 events across Ontario, we offer organized, social golf experiences along with educational opportunities to enhance your gameplay.

Our pay-as-you-play green fees ensure golf is accessible to all. Find out what’s happening at a local chapter near you at LPGA Amateurs Ontario, and join us today!

Golf offers a fantastic chance to bring friends and family into the game, whether they’re newcomers or interested in learning. It’s the perfect mix of fun, laughter, and sunshine.

We’re excited to see the joy golf will bring you this season!
#inviteher to Try golf!

Golf Ontario is thrilled to invite you to the heart of our community spirit and dedication – the 1000 Ball Challenge!

This year, we aim not just to meet but to exceed our collective potential in supporting the wonderful game of golf across our province. Inspired by our shared passion for golf and commitment to making it accessible to everyone, the 1000 Ball Challenge stands as a testament to what we can achieve together.

Why Your Participation Matters

All funds raised will directly fuel the GOLF FOR ALL FUND, supporting critical areas like:

Women and Girls Golf
Youth Development
Adaptive Golf
Indigenous Golf

How It Works

Reach your fundraising goal of $5,000, then showcase your endurance by hitting 1000 golf balls at your chosen location. Whether individually or as a team, your effort will ripple across our community, inspiring and making a significant impact.

Rewards & Recognition

To honour your remarkable fundraising achievements, we’re excited to present rewards as you reach each fundraising milestone. Rewards are cumulative, the more you raise the more you earn.

Plus, your stories will be featured to inspire others, showing the real impact of our collective efforts.

Join the Conversation

Share your journey using #1000BallChallenge on social media. Let’s make this challenge a trending testament to our love for golf and community.

A new, full-time job opportunity is available at Golf Ontario.

To learn more about the Coordintator, Handicap and Course Rating role CLICK HERE.

The role summary is as follows:

Responsible for coordinating and implementing Golf Ontario’s member service strategy, including effectively onboarding new member facilities and delivering core services to facilities, including course rating and handicapping.

The ideal candidate is a dynamic, team-oriented individual who has a genuine passion and sound understanding of the game of golf with a keen attention to detail and excellent communication skills. With experience and an understanding of handicapping and course rating, the candidate is motivated to promote and build our member facility service program at Golf Ontario, including delivering high quality customer service to all partners and member facilities while collaborating with a diverse Team of colleagues and volunteers.

Golf Ontario is a Provincial Sports Organization and the governing body for golf in Ontario. With more than 80 years of history and tradition, serving 125,000 members, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. We strive to partner with a connected golf community to inspire the game of golf for all Ontarians, including youth, women and underserved communities.

With our vision of Golf for All, Golf Ontario is committed to creating a diverse and safe environment within our organization and across the sport of golf.