Green and Mercer Claim Ontario Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Titles at eQuinelle

Championship play wrapped up Thursday at eQuinelle Golf Course, where competitors battled over four rounds in the Women’s Amateur Championship and three rounds in the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. The event featured a strong field of players and delivered several impressive performances throughout the week.

Held July 6–9 in Kemptville, Ontario, the championships brought together 99 golfers from across the province to compete. Favourable summer playing conditions prevailed throughout most of the event, although play was briefly suspended due to a thunderstorm as the final groups were completing their final round. Following the delay, competition resumed and concluded successfully.

Team Ontario athletes Kaylan Green and Kaprice Park delivered standout performances at the tournament, finishing first and second. Green, representing Scarboro Golf & Country Club, captured the title at 13-under-par with an impressive four-round total of 275 after rounds of 69-69-69-68. Kaprice Park of RattleSnake Point Golf Club, followed closely in second place at 11-under-par, recording a 277 total with rounds of 66-71-70-70. Lilli Downer of Summit Golf & Country Club rounded out the podium with a strong third-place finish, showcasing consistency throughout the event.

Jessie Mercer of Cataraqui Golf & Country Club claimed the Mid-Amateur Championship title with rounds of 70, 76 and 74, finishing at 4-over-par (220). Tied for runner-up honours at 9-over-par (225) were Kiley Rodrigues of Cataraqui Golf & Country Club and Mary-Ann Hayward of St. Thomas Golf & Country Club. Both competitors posted identical rounds of 75, 73 and 77.

With their top-three finishes, Green, Park and Downer will represent the province at the Golf Canada Women’s Amateur Championship, scheduled for July 21-24 at Toronto Golf Club.

Thank You eQuinelle

Golf Ontario extends a sincere thank you to the volunteers, officials, and eQuinelle Golf Club staff for their outstanding hospitality and dedication in hosting this year’s Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championship.

Final Results & Full Leaderboard

championship photo album

Stay Connected

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

Golf Ontario Celebrates Adaptive Golf Month 

Golf Ontario is proud to recognize Adaptive Golf Month, a province-wide celebration of accessibility, inclusion, and the athletes, organizations, and communities helping make golf more welcoming for individuals of all abilities. 

Throughout July and beyond, Golf Ontario will help spotlight the incredible work being done by adaptive golf partners across Ontario, sharing opportunities for participation, competition, and community connection. As part of its commitment to Golf for All, Golf Ontario continues to support initiatives that increase access to the game and create meaningful experiences for golfers with disabilities. 

Adaptive Golf Month highlights a growing network of organizations delivering programs, clinics, competitions, and events that empower athletes and introduce more individuals to the sport. 

Featured Events and Championships 

Several key adaptive golf events are scheduled throughout the 2026 season, including: 

  • Ontario Adaptive Open: June 29-30, 2026 
  • ParaSport Ontario Pro-Am : July 23, 2026 
  • Golf Canada All Abilities Championship: August 5-7, 2026 
  • Ontario Blind Golf Provincial Championship: August 7-9, 2026 
  • Special Olympics Canada Summer Games: August 11-15, 2026, in Medicine Hat, Alberta 

Adaptive Golf in Action 

Beyond championship events, organizations across Ontario continue to create opportunities for athletes to learn, play, and connect through golf. 

Through our partnership with Precious Minds, Golf Ontario is helping introduce adults with developmental challenges to the game. Throughout the season, this partnership includes recurring golf sessions, a community walkathon, and a planned family driving range evening, creating additional opportunities for participants and their families to engage with the sport. 

Special Olympics Ontario is supporting small-group golf clinics with interested chapters in communities including Belleville-Quinte West, Huronia, and Sault Ste. Marie, providing athletes with opportunities to develop skills and experience the game in a welcoming setting. 

On July 23, ParaSport Ontario’s Pro-Am Tournament will bring together athletes, supporters, and partners for a day of competition and celebration, culminating with awards presentations during the event brunch. 

A Shared Commitment to Golf for All 

Adaptive Golf Month serves as a reminder that golf has the power to bring people together and that the continued growth of adaptive programming is helping make the sport more accessible than ever before. 

Golf Ontario encourages golfers, facilities, and supporters to celebrate the month by sharing adaptive golf stories, photos, and experiences on social media using #GolfForAll and #AdaptiveGolfMonth. Throughout the month, Golf Ontario will help showcase the athletes, volunteers, organizations, and communities driving inclusion across the province. 

For updates and featured stories throughout Adaptive Golf Month, visit www.golfontario.ca and follow @TheGolfOntario on social media. 

Ontario Men’s Amateur Returns with Elite Field Bound for Otter Creek Golf Club

Some of Ontario’s best amateur golfers are set to take on Otter Creek Golf Club from July 6 – 9 as the 2026 Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship gets underway.

A field of 156 players will compete in the province’s premier amateur championship, playing 72 holes of stroke play over four days. Following the first two rounds, the field will be cut to the low players and ties, leaving the remaining competitors to battle it out over the final 36 holes.

Year after year, the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship brings together many of the province’s top amateur players, creating a highly competitive field and an excellent showcase of the game’s rising talent. With a championship title on the line, players will need to be at their best from the opening tee shot to the final putt.

Host Venue 

Otter Creek Golf Club has become a strong championship partner for Golf Ontario, recently hosting the Northern Regional Interclub Championship and continuing to open its doors to major provincial events.

“Otter Creek has been a great partner for Golf Ontario,” says Tournament Director John Lawrence. “The ownership and staff are always willing to go the extra mile to create a great experience for players, volunteers, and spectators. Their outstanding commitment to hosting championships and supporting amateur golf makes them a natural fit for this event.”

Players to Watch

  • Garrett Rank: Westmount Golf & Country Club
  • Gajan Sivabalasingham: Meadowbrook Golf Club
  • Cam Burke: Golf Ontario Players Club – Waterloo
  • Jager Pain: Golf Ontario Players Club – Peel North
  • Charles Fitzsimmons: Beacon Hall Golf Club
  • Jordan Hwang:  Emerald Hills Golf & Country Club
  • Joseph Totino: Summit Golf & Country Club
  • Gabriel Mainella: Summit Golf & Country Club
  • Spencer Shropshire:  Hawk Ridge Golf Club
  • Barron Mundy: Mississauga Golf and Country Club

The championship field features a strong mix of experienced contenders and rising talent, setting the stage for an exciting week at Otter Creek Golf Club.

Stay Connected

live scoring, pairings & Results 

full player roster 

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

Championship Golf Continues at eQuinelle for the 2026 Ontario Women’s Amateur & Mid-Amateur

Championship golf continues at eQuinelle Golf Club from July 6 – July 9 as almost 100 players gather for the Ontario Women’s Amateur & Mid-Amateur Championship, Golf Ontario’s oldest provincial championships.

The annual event brings together players from across the province for a week of competition, continuing a tradition that has long been a fixture on Ontario’s amateur golf calendar.

The championship will feature competition in both the Women’s Amateur and Women’s Mid-Amateur divisions. A unique aspect of the week is the opportunity to crown two provincial champions, with players competing for both the Ontario Women’s Amateur and Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur titles. The Mid-Amateur division is open to players aged 25 and older and features many of the province’s experienced amateur golfers.

The Women’s Amateur Championship will be played over 72 holes, with the field reduced to the low 50 players and ties after 36 holes. The Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship will be played over 54 holes, with the field reduced to the low 15 players and ties after 36 holes.

A Championship Rich in History

The 2026 championship marks the 111th playing of the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship. Throughout its history, the event has welcomed many of the country’s top female golfers and remains one of Canada’s most respected amateur titles.

The championship’s list of past winners includes some of the most influential names in Canadian golf. Brooke Henderson, Alena Sharp, Ada Mackenzie and Marlene Stewart Streit have all claimed the title. 

Marlene Stewart Streit’s impact on the game continues to be recognized through the championship trophy  that bears her name

Players to Watch

This year’s field includes several accomplished competitors, ranging from past provincial champions to players who have already found success during the 2026 season.

  • Carlee Meilleur – the 2022 Ontario Women’s Amateur Champion. 
  • Mary Ann Hayward – Five-time Ontario Women’s Amateur Champion (one of the most accomplished competitive records in the province’s history), the Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship trophy is named in her honour.
  • Kaprice Park – 2026 Ontario Junior Players Invitational Champion, 2026 Ontario Junior Girls’ Spring Classic Champion.
  • Amelia McFarlane – 2026 Ontario Women’s Match Play Champion.
  • Stefi Markovich – past Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Champion and 2026 Ontario Women’s Senior Match Play Champion.

About the Course

eQuinelle Golf Club, located in Kemptville, Ontario, is one of Eastern Ontario’s premier championship venues and provides a complete test of a player’s game.

Tournament Director, Rob Watson believes the course will reward players who make smart decisions and stay patient throughout the championship.

 “The course rewards strategic decision-making off the tee, precise iron play, and strong course management throughout the round. While there are opportunities to score, the combination of well-positioned hazards, demanding approach shots, and challenging green complexes places a premium on consistency and patience over four rounds. eQuinelle’s championship-calibre layout is well suited to identifying the most complete player in the field”

With four rounds of championship golf ahead, eQuinelle will provide a fitting stage as players compete for two provincial titles.

Stay Connected

Live Scoring, pairings & Results 

full player roster 

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

Mainella Reclaims Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship Title at Sawmill

After four days of championship golf at Sawmill Golf Course, the 104th Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship concluded on Wednesday, highlighting a strong field and several memorable performances.


Held from June 29 to July 2 in Fenwick, Ont., the championship featured 144 of the province’s top junior golfers competing through challenging conditions, with temperatures feeling as high as 44°C during the week.


Gabriel Mainella of Summit Golf & Country Club captured the title with rounds of 67, 70, 66 and 70, finishing at 11-under-par (273). The victory marks Mainella’s second Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship title, having previously won in 2024. He returned to the top of the leaderboard after a closely contested battle throughout the week.


Defending champion Spencer Shropshire of Hawk Ridge Golf Club finished one shot back in second place at 10-under-par (274). Shropshire recorded rounds of 72, 70, 63 and 69, including a spectacular third-round 63.


Barron Mundy of Mississaugua Golf and Country Club claimed third place at 8-under-par (276).


With their top-three finishes, Mainella, Shropshire and Mundy earned spots on Team Ontario and will represent the province at the Golf Canada Junior Boys’ Championship, scheduled for Aug. 12-15 at Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club.

Historic Moments

Shropshire made history in the third round, setting a new course record at Sawmill Golf Course with an 8-under-par 63. The performance adds to an already impressive championship record after he tied the course record at the 2025 Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship at Lindsay Golf & Country Club with a 62.

Another highlight came during the second round when Tomas Bonilla of Station Creek Golf & Country Club recorded a hole-in-one on the 130-yard fifth hole, one of the standout moments of the championship.

Golf Ontario extends a sincere thank you to the volunteers, officials, and Sawmill Golf Club staff for their outstanding hospitality and dedication in hosting a first-class championship.

Final Results & Full Leaderboard

championship photo album

Stay Connected

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

James Seymour’s Journey from Competitive Golf to Course Ownership 

James Seymour’s story in golf began the way many great ones do with long summer days, a set of clubs, and a love for the game.  

Growing up in Aurora, Ontario, Seymour spent countless hours at Kings Riding Golf Club alongside his three brothers.  

“This is where my passion for the game first developed. What started as a childhood pastime eventually grew into a competitive career that would take me across Canada,” he says. 

The Competitive Years 

Seymour continued his golf career at Wilfrid Laurier University, where he earned a spot on the team as a walk-on in 2011 and 2012. 

In 2013, he turned professional after qualifying for a PGA TOUR Canada event. Over the next several years, he competed across the country, earning status on PGA TOUR Canada in multiple seasons and continuing to develop his game at a higher level. Additionally, he has established himself as one of the top professionals in the province, consistently ranking among the top 10 players in the PGA of Ontario.  

That competitive experience has carried through every stage of his career. He explains that one of the highlights as a player came in 2024 when he won the Ontario Zone Championship at Barrie Country Club, posting a two-round total of 10-under par. 

Coaching Into Ownership 

After years of competing, Seymour’s focus began to shift toward coaching and player development. During COVID, he started teaching private clients at smaller public facilities across Ontario, including Carrickmacross Golf Centre, now named Kirby Links Golf Course & Driving Range.  

Spending more time working one-on-one with players and being around the facility gave him a closer look at how everything operates beyond just the game itself. 

Seymour explains, “Ownership was never really on my radar until I started coaching at smaller public golf facilities. Through that experience, I saw the potential of operating a welcoming golf facility while building a professional golf academy.” 

In 2024, at 34, he took the next step, becoming majority owner of Kirby Links with his three brothers. His brother Mike is now involved in the day-to-day operations, with his other brothers supporting the business. 

Building Kirby Links 

Since taking over in 2024, Seymour and his team have focused on improving both the facility and the overall experience. The property, now Kirby Links Golf Course & Driving Range, has expanded and upgraded across the course, driving range, and pro shop. 

Located just off Highway 400 in Vaughan, the facility includes: 

  • 18 hole par-3 course 
  • A full grass driving range 
  • Clinics 
  • Lessons  
  • Junior programs 

For Seymour, ownership has only deepened his connection to the game. 

“I’m just as passionate about the game today as I was when I first started playing. If anything, I feel a greater responsibility to help people discover and enjoy golf while building a strong golfing community,” he explains.  

“We’ve built an incredible team, and we’re fortunate to have such a supportive community of golfers. Seeing families, beginners, juniors, and regular players enjoying the facility makes all the hard work worthwhile 

At just 34, Seymour has already experienced the game from multiple angles: competitor, coach, and now owner. Today, his passion is centered on Kirby Links, where he’s committed to making the game more accessible, creating opportunities for others to get involved, and helping shape lives through golf! 

Chris Willis and Natasha Stasiuk Defend Their Ontario Adaptive Open Titles

After two days of championship golf at Islington Golf Club, the 8th annual 2026 Ontario Adaptive Open has come to a close, showcasing a competitive field and the continued growth of adaptive golf in Ontario.

Held June 29-30, the championship brought together athletes from across the province to compete in a unified field over 36 holes.

Men’s Stroke Play Championship

Chris Willis of Pheasant Run Golf Club successfully defended his Men’s Stroke Play title, posting rounds of 70 and 68 for a two-day total of 138 (-6). After capturing the championship in 2025, Willis returned to the top of the leaderboard to earn back-to-back Ontario Adaptive Open titles.

Finishing in second was Reggie Millage of ParaGolf Ontario and Team Ontario coach, who posted rounds of 72 and 73 for a total of 145 (+1).

Russell Aide of Black Bear Ridge Golf & Resort finished third with a score of 149 (+5).

Men’s Net Stableford Division

In the Men’s Net Stableford Division, Matthew Maida of Islington Golf Club claimed first place on his home course, recording rounds of 38 and 40 for a two-day total of 78 Stableford points.

Chris Willis finished second with 74 points, while Kevin Pritchard of Granite Ridge Golf Club rounded out the top three with 72 Stableford points.

Women’s Division

Natasha Stasiuk of Rattlesnake Point Golf Club added another Ontario Adaptive Open title to her résumé, carding rounds of 83 and 78 for a two-day total of 161 (+15). The 2025 champion entered the week as the defending titleholder and once again finished atop the women’s leaderboard.

Tess Trojan finished second with rounds of 92 and 101, while AnnMarie Dhondt placed third after posting rounds of 112 and 112.

Women’s Net Stableford Division

Natasha Stasiuk also led the Net Stableford competition with a total of 61 points. Tess Trojan placed second with 59 total points.

The Women’s Division also marked a milestone for the championship, with four competitors in the field this year, the largest women’s field in the event’s history and a positive reflection of the continued growth of adaptive golf in Ontario

A Championship Effort

The Ontario Adaptive Open continues to provide a platform for athletes to compete at a high level while highlighting the strength and depth of the game.

Golf Ontario extends our appreciation to Islington Golf Club for hosting the 2026 Ontario Adaptive Open and providing an excellent stage for players to showcase their skills!

Final Results & Full Leaderboard

championship photo album

Stay Connected

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

The Stage is Set at Sawmill for Ontario Junior Boys Amateur Championship

The province’s best young talent is set to tee it up at Sawmill Golf Course in Fenwick, Ont., as the Ontario Junior Boys Amateur Championship returns from Monday, June 29 to Thursday, July 2.

A full field of 144 players will compete over 72 holes of stroke play, with a 36-hole cut narrowing the field in striving for one of Ontario’s most prestigious junior titles.

A Field to Watch

This year’s championship brings together some of the top junior players in the province, including familiar names with proven success at this level.

  • Spencer Shropshire: the 2025 champion, returns after a standout performance last year at Lindsay Golf & Country Club, where he closed with a remarkable -10 final round to capture the title. Shropshire is currently a member of Team Canada’s NextGen program and is committed to the University of Michigan (2028).
  • Gabriel Mainella: the 2024 champion also makes his return. Mainella is a Team Ontario Alumni and an Division I athlete at Longwood University, recording a win during his freshman season.

A Strategic Test at Sawmill 

Sawmill Golf Course will put an emphasis on decision-making, asking players to be precise and committed with every shot.

“Players will be forced to think about their shots off the tee this week,” says Tournament Director, Mason Cowan. “Sawmill is a course where a lot of risk-reward shots come into play. We’re playing the Junior Boys over 6,500 yards, which ultimately provides blind landing areas or trouble if they’re not careful.”

More than just the Competition

While the focus will be on the players, the championship is also a reflection of the people and work behind the scenes that make the event possible.

Sawmill’s commitment to junior golf runs deep. Jeremy and Carrie Julie, Director & Manager at Sawmill, have long supported the development of the game, welcoming top talent from across Ontario and hosting events at every level. Their leadership has helped establish Sawmill as a club that consistently delivers championship quality experiences.

Home to one of Canada’s largest junior programs, Sawmill’s impact is evident not only in its reputation, but also in this year’s field, with four club players competing in the championship.

From course preparation to player experience, the course has been maintained to championship standards throughout the season. The club’s commitment and attention to detail have set the stage for a great week of championship golf!

Stay Connected

Live Scoring, Pairings & Results

Full Player Roster

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

2026 Ontario Adaptive Open Heads to Islington Golf Club

The 2026 Golf Ontario Adaptive Open will take place June 29-30 at Islington Golf Club in Etobicoke, marking the first time the club will host the championship as Golf Ontario continues to promote accessibility and inclusion through Adaptive Golf Month. 

A Championship That Stands Apart

Open to both amateur and professional players, the Adaptive Open is one of the only championships where competitors of all backgrounds are eligible to compete. 

Unlike many adaptive golf events, the Ontario Adaptive Open does not separate players into classifications. Instead, it brings all competitors together in a unified field, highlighting ability, resilience, and the shared passion for the game.

Tournament Director John Lawrence believes this approach is central to the event’s identity.

“Everyone out here is simply an athlete,” said Lawrence. “We treat this like any other championship. It’s about showcasing skill, competition, and the different ways players adapt to excel in the game.”

Players to Watch

The 2026 field features several notable competitors:

  • Josh Hunke, enters the championship ranked 17th in the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD). 
  • Chris Willis, the defending Adaptive Open champion, returns after capturing last year’s title. Competing at the professional level, Willis will be a major presence again this week. 
  • Reggie Millage, a PGA of Canada Class “A” Professional, adds depth to the field with his playing experience and role as Head Provincial Coach for Team Ontario.
  • On the women’s side, last year’s champion Natasha Stasiuk highlights a group of four female competitors competing in this year’s event. Stasiuk will look to defend her title against a growing female field.

Golf Ontario would like to thank Islington Golf Club for their generosity and support in hosting this year’s championship. Their commitment plays an important role in delivering a high-quality championship experience.

Stay Connected

Live Scoring, pairings & results 

Full Player Roster 

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

Looking for a School Golf Fundraiser? Durham College Found Success with the 1000 Ball Challenge

When the Durham Lords golf team signed up for Golf Ontario’s 1000 Ball Challenge this spring, the objective was straightforward: raise funds to support their student-athletes.

What they discovered was a fundraising model that delivered far more than financial support.

The event brought players together, engaged the local golf community and generated funding that will directly benefit the program’s growth. For collegiate and high school golf programs looking for new ways to support their athletes, Durham College’s experience offers a blueprint worth considering.

“The 1000 Ball Challenge was a great fit for our program because it combines golf, teamwork and community engagement in a unique way,” said Durham College Head Coach Lucas Pichl. “It provided our student-athletes with an opportunity to challenge themselves while raising funds that directly support their development.”

The idea gained traction after Durham coaches and players learned more about the initiative through Golf Ontario staff and examples from previous participants. From there, the program worked collectively to organize the event, promote fundraising efforts and encourage support from alumni, family members and community partners.

The result was more than just a successful fundraising campaign.

Why It Worked

For many school golf programs, fundraising often feels like another responsibility on an already full plate. Durham’s experience highlighted three key benefits that made the 1000 Ball Challenge worthwhile.

It Was Easy to Rally Support Around

Because the challenge is simple and easy to understand, players, parents, alumni and supporters quickly got behind the initiative. Coaches and student-athletes worked together to spread the word and build momentum leading into the event.

Golf Ontario Handles the Heavy Lifting

One of the biggest advantages for Durham College was the support provided by Golf Ontario throughout the process.

Participating teams receive a customized online fundraising page, promotional posters, QR codes, charitable tax receipt administration, event support and ongoing guidance from the Golf Ontario team. Programs also retain 80 per cent of the funds they raise, creating a simple and effective way to generate meaningful support for student-athletes.

Rather than building a fundraiser from scratch, coaches can focus on engaging their players, supporters and community while Golf Ontario manages much of the administrative work behind the scenes

The Impact Is Tangible

Funds raised through the challenge help address needs that often fall outside traditional athletic department budgets.

For the Durham Lords, that includes additional team apparel, rain gear, training aids, equipment and player development opportunities that enhance the overall student-athlete experience.

“Every dollar raised has a direct impact on the quality of the student-athlete experience,” said Pichl.

It Strengthened Team Culture

Perhaps the most valuable outcome wasn’t financial at all.

The challenge created an opportunity for players to work toward a common goal while supporting one another throughout the day.

“Our players had a fantastic experience,” said Pichl. “The challenge was physically demanding but also incredibly rewarding. It pushed them to stay focused, work together and support one another throughout the day.”

Beyond the golf itself, the event created lasting memories and gave players a sense of pride knowing they were helping support the future success of their program.

More Than a Fundraiser

As participation in school golf continues to grow across Ontario, coaches are constantly looking for ways to create opportunities for their athletes while managing the costs associated with travel, competition, apparel and equipment.

The 1000 Ball Challenge offers a unique solution because it combines fundraising, team building and community engagement into a single event.

“The benefits extend well beyond the funds raised,” said Pichl. “It strengthens team culture and builds connections within the golf community.”

Pichl believes the challenge is something other school golf programs should seriously consider.

“We would encourage other collegiate golf programs across Ontario to get involved because the benefits extend well beyond the funds raised.”

Interested in Bringing the 1000 Ball Challenge to Your School?

Golf Ontario provides participating teams with:

  • A dedicated online fundraising page
  • Promotional materials and QR codes
  • Charitable tax receipt administration
  • Event support and guidance
  • An 80 per cent share of funds raised

Whether you’re a collegiate golf team, high school program or golf academy, the 1000 Ball Challenge offers a proven way to raise funds while strengthening team culture and engaging your community.

Ready to bring the 1000 Ball Challenge to Your School Golf Team?

For coaches searching for new ways to support their athletes, Durham College’s experience demonstrates what’s possible when fundraising, team building and community engagement come together.

The next success story could be yours.