Eight Players Are Left Standing at Junior Boys & Girls Match Play Championship; Day Two Recap

Port Hope, ON – On a much sunnier day in Port Hope, more increasable performances and intense battles were had on day two of the 2023 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys & Girls Match Play Championship from Port Hope Golf & Country Club. Rounds of 16 and the quarter-finals for both the boys and girls were played today and only four players from each side remain.

The junior boys’ side showcased many great matches today including the quarter-final match where 51st ranked Ty Werynski (Bridgewater Country Club) eliminated 11th ranked Matteo Rocco (Weston Golf & Country Club) by winning 4&3. Werynski will face Ben Sheridan (Ottawa Hunt & Country Club) in the first semi-final after he eliminated Gabe Tovell in the quarter-finals with a 3&2 victory. The second semi-final will feature Aiden Pavey (Hidden Lake Golf Club) and Tanner Cardwell (Oshawa Golf & Curling Club). Pavey advanced by finishing 1UP on Justin Repovs (Meadowbrook Golf Club) while Cardwell won 3&1 over Sadiq Habib (Summit Golf & Country Club).

On the girl’s side landing their spot in the semi-finals was Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club) winning her quarterfinal match 2&1 over Kaprice Park (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club). She will be going head-to-head with Serena Zhang as she won a very close match that went 20 holes over Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club). The other semi-final matchup will consist of Rozlyn Rooke (Blue Springs Golf Club) vs Natasha Korman (Hamilton Golf & Country Club). Rooke won her match 3&2 over Hannah McCarthy (Rosedale Golf Club) while Natasha Korman won her match 2 UP over Julia Alexander-Carew (Credit Valley Golf & Country Club).

The third and final day begins with the junior boys’ semi-finals starting tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. The junior girls’ semi-finals begin shortly after at 8:16 a.m. The finals for each division will kick off shortly after the completion of semi-final play. To view all pairings and results for the Junior Boys’ Match Play, click here. To view the pairings and results of the Junior Girls’ Match Play, click here.

For media coverage of the 2023 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys and Girls Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

For more information, please contact:

Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario

GMitchell@gao.ca

Connor Doyle, Tournament Director

cdoyle@gao.ca

Junior Boys & Girls Match Play Championship in Full Swing with 32 Players Advancing; Day One Recap

Port Hope, ON – Day one of the 2023 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys & Girls Match Play Championship from Port Hope Golf & Country Club, featured intense competition, surprise victories, and many unforgettable performances. Throughout the heavy winds and rain, players from all over the province battled each other to earn a spot in the next round.

The boys participated in two rounds of golf today, concluding the rounds of 64 and 32. Both rounds consisted of some fantastic play, with many tightly contested results. The junior boys’ side saw Matteo Rocco (Weston Golf & Country Club) and Graydon Laughlin (Ottawa Hunt & Country Club) both advance to the Round of 16 after Rocco advanced with 5&4 and 3&2 victories and Laughlin advanced with 1UP and 5&4 victories. The two combatants will face each other tomorrow morning. The day also saw an upset as 63rd ranked David Ursu (Cedar Brae Golf Club) took down 2nd ranked Benjamin Herbert (Lookout Point Country Club) by being 1UP.

For the girls’ number one seed, Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club), had a very convincing victory of 7&6 securing her spot in the Round of 16. Serena Zhang, the 28th seed, took down fifth seeded Shelby Hardwick (Summit Golf & Country Club) in a 21-hole bout, there was no room for error as it ended in a thrilling playoff. Team Ontario Member, Aryn Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club), was also able to advance to the next round by being 1UP.

Day two will feature the Round of 16 and Quarter Finals for both the junior boys and girls. Play gets back underway at Port Hope Golf & Country Club tomorrow morning with the junior boys teeing off at 8:00 a.m. and the junior girls teeing off right after at 9:04 a.m. To view all pairings and results for the Junior Boys’ Match Play, click here. To view the pairings and results of the Junior Girls’ Match Play, click here.

For media coverage of the 2023 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys and Girls Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

For more information, please contact:

Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario

GMitchell@gao.ca

Connor Doyle, Tournament Director

cdoyle@gao.ca

Junior Boys & Girls Match Play Championship Returns to Port Hope Golf & Country Club

August 7th, 2023

Port Hope, ON – Golf Ontario’s season continues as we welcome back the Ontario Junior U19 Boys & Girls Match Play Championship to Port Hope Golf & Country Club from August 8 – 10. A field of 64 boys and 32 girls (96 players total) will seek out to conquer their respective titles.

The Ontario Junior U19 Boys’ Match Play Championship, which made its debut in 1998, has featured Ontario’s top amateur male golfers 18 and under. For over 20 years, this tournament has seen tremendous talent come through it. Notable past champions include Matt McQuillan, Justin Shin, Stephane Dubois, Jon Boncoddo and Owen Kim. The Ontario Junior U19 Girls’ Match Play Championship made its debut in 1982 and has since featured Ontario’s top amateur female golfers 18 and under. Since Leslie Price became its first champion, this tournament has seen many great players win it and go on to have great careers. Notable winners include Alena Sharp, Stefi Markovich, Christina Yoon, Elizabeth Tong and Grace St-Germain.

“Match play has a long history and tradition of providing an exciting way to compete in the game of golf,” said Jason Miller, Port Hope Golf & Country Club’s Architect. Miller believes all golfers will be put to the test with the course’s new modifications. “The newly remodeled Port Hope Golf & Country Club is ideal for this type of competition as there is a great variety of risk and reward shots required at this course, and the greens complexes will provide yet another level of excitement. Set against Lake Ontario, the golf course layout will test both the golfer and their gamesmanship. It will be a superb facility for these very competitive junior golfers.”

Players to watch in the junior boys field include Matteo Rocco (Weston Golf & Country Club), who comes in ranked ninth on the Ontario Junior Golf Pathway U19 Boys’ Rankings. Rocco looks to capture a major title after finishing fifth at the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship in June. Graydon Laughlin (Ottawa Hunt & Country Club) is the only player representing Team Ontario in this tournament. Sitting 14th in the Junior Golf Pathway rankings, Laughlin has had a consistent season finishing top ten in four of the five major tournaments he’s played in this season. Right behind Laughlin on the Junior Golf Pathway leaderboard is fellow Ottawa Hunt member, Ben Sheridan, who ranks 15th after finishing tenth place at the 101st Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship.

Players to watch in the junior girls field include Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club), who is ranked number one on the Ontario Junior Golf Pathway U19 Girls’ leaderboard. Liu has had a stellar season so far, winning the 2023 Ontario Junior U19 Girls’ Spring Classic and the 2023 Ontario Junior U19 Girls’ Championship. Coming in ranked third on the Junior Golf Pathway leaderboard is Nobelle Park (RattleSnake Point Golf Club), who looks to bring home silverware as she is coming off top ten finishes at this years Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship and Ontario Junior U19 Girls Championship. Team Ontario Member, Aryn Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club), will look to claim her first title of the season coming off a third-place finish at the 2023 Ontario Junior U19 Girls Championship and a fifth-place finish at the 2023 Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship.

Play gets underway at Port Hope Golf & Country Club on Tuesday, August 8th with the junior boys teeing off at 8:00 a.m. The junior girls will tee off in the afternoon at 12:32 p.m. To view all pairings and live scoring for the Junior Boys’ Match Play, click here. To view the pairings and results of the Junior Girls’ Match Play, click here.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

For more information, please contact:

Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario

GMitchell@gao.ca

Connor Doyle, Tournament Director

cdoyle@gao.ca

Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario Director Among Top 10 Most Influential People in Diversity & Inclusion

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On behalf of the Board and colleagues at Golf Ontario, we’d like to congratulate David Herrara for being named one of “The 10 Most Influential People in Diversity and Inclusion 2023”.

Herrara, is Head of People and Organization Analytics for Korn Ferry. With more than 15 years of experience in consulting, Mr. Herrera’s expertise is designing and implementing transformative solutions that will enable organizations to achieve their strategic imperatives. David is a passionate DE&I practitioner and subject matter expert and has advised several organizations globally on how to become more diverse and inclusive with talent and customers/clients.

During his consulting career, David has led various projects with global and local organizations in various sectors including non-for-profit, financial services, healthcare, retail and industrial, including projects in Canada, USA, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama and Chile and coordinated international projects with Europe, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Singapore and Central America.

While David is an amateur golf player, he has found passion in the game and how it can support the development of communities and youth. David brings his passion in the game and for DE&I to the Board at Golf Ontario.

In acknowledging the honor, Herrara said, “Golf Ontario’s commitment to promote DEI in golf across Ontario, and the steps we have taken to ensure that everyone feels welcomed, valued, and respected within our organization, have been instrumental in my journey and this recognition.”

Congratulations David! Golf Ontario and the community we serve are fortunate to include your passion and expertise amongst our thought leaders.

To learn more about how you can join Golf Ontario in supporting awareness and impact across key EDI initiatives and achieving our vision of Golf For All, click here.

Lin & Ma Win 2023 Ontario Peewee (U13) Boys & Girls Championship

Bracebridge, ON – Oscar Lin (Station Creek Golf Club) and Evelyn Ma put together two amazing performances to clinch their respective titles at the Ontario Peewee (U13) Championship at South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club.

Lin entered the day on top of the Peewee Boys’ leaderboard, and thanks to today’s performance, which had him shoot a 75, he was able to stay on top and finish an impressive six strokes ahead of runner up James Krula (Granite Ridge Golf Club) and Liam Sands (St. George’s Golf & Country Club), who finished tied for second after Krula shot a 78 in the final round while Sands shot an 81.

Ma also stayed on top of the Peewee Girls’ leaderboard after an impressive two days of golf. After shooting a 77 in the final round, Ma finished five strokes ahead of runner up Ava Gilbart (Summit Golf & Country Club) and six ahead of Andrea Lai (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club). Gilbart shot a 79 in the final round while Lai shot a 75.

Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2023 Ontario Peewee (U13) Boys & Girls Championship. We would also like to thank South Muskoka Curling & Golf Club for once again hosting this important event, as well as the support from their staff and board of directors towards the players throughout these couple of days.

Lastly, a huge thank you to all Golf Ontario sponsors; Adidas, TaylorMade, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, Solo Golf, and Tournkey. We are grateful for your continued support.

For media coverage of the 2023 Ontario Peewee (U13) Boys and Girls Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To view the full leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

For more information, please contact:

Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario

GMitchell@gao.ca

Connor Doyle, Tournament Director

cdoyle@gao.ca

Lin and Ma Head into Final Round Leading Respective Groups at Ontario Peewee (U13) Championship; Round 1 Recap

Bracebridge, ON – On a beautiful summer day at South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club, the opening round of the Ontario Peewee (U13) Championship saw the next generation of golfers take to the course to showcase their potential. There was plenty of skill and talent to be seen throughout the day, and it showed with a tight leaderboard.

The Peewee Boys’ side has Oscar Lin (Station Creek Golf Club) on top of the leaderboard after the first day. Lin shot a 76 in the first round, which included five birdies. Right behind Lin is Liam Sands (St. George’s Golf & Country Club) in second place and Cristiano Gatto (Hamilton Golf & Country Club) in third. Sands is two strokes back of the lead after shooting a 78 today, while Gatto is three strokes back after shooting a 79.

On the Peewee Girls’ side, Evelyn Ma finds herself in the lead after playing fairly consistent golf today and finished with a 75, which included back-to-back birdies on holes 12 and 13. Right behind Ma are Ava Gilbert (Summit Golf & Country Club) and Grace Kim (Station Creek Golf Club), who are both tied for second after shooting a 78.

The final round of the Ontario Peewee (U13) Championship begin tomorrow with the first tee-off at 7:30 a.m. More sunshine will be on the way with light wind at 10 km/h.

For media coverage of the 2023 Ontario Peewee (U13) Boys and Girls Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To view all groups, start times and live scoring, visit the tournament website powered by Golf Genius.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

For more information, please contact:

Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario

GMitchell@gao.ca

Connor Doyle, Tournament Director

cdoyle@gao.ca

Ontario Peewee (U13) Championship Returns to South Muskoka Curling & Golf Club

July 29, 2023

Bracebridge, ON – As the Golf Ontario season continues, we are pleased to welcome back the Ontario Peewee (U13) Boys and Girls Championship to South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club between July 31 – August 1. Golf Ontario’s youngest aspiring golfers will participate in 36 holes of stroke play competition as they look to claim the Peewee provincial title.

The Ontario Peewee (U13) Championship has an everlasting impact on the province’s top male and female golfers aged 12-and-under. Making its debut in 2015, it has allowed young golfers to not just showcase their talent, but to also learn and grow into the game of golf. Notable past champions include Vanessa Borovilos, Michelle Xing, Andreas Diogenous, Jordan Hwang and so many more junior golfers who have gone on to have terrific young golfing careers.

“It is a tremendous honour to host the Golf Ontario Peewee Championship for the second straight year,” said Adam Frederick, General Manager at South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club. “Junior golf is the lifeblood of South Muskoka – and we are blessed with a membership that passionately support junior development and growing the game. We look forward to welcoming U13’s from across the province and seeing many tee it up for their first-ever provincial event.”

We are in for a competitive two days of golf with plenty of youth and talent on display. A total of 44 of Ontario’s next generation of male and female golfers will compete against each other throughout this two-day stretch, testing and developing their skills on the course. Leading the way is last year’s champion, Andrea Lai (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club), who returns looking to emerge on top once again this year.

Play will get underway from South Muskoka with the first tee-off at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, July 31st. To view all groups, start times and live scoring, visit the tournament website powered by Golf Genius.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

For more information, please contact:

Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario

GMitchell@gao.ca

Connor Doyle, Tournament Director

cdoyle@gao.ca

Golf Ontario

Creighton Captures 88th Ontario Senior Men’s Championship

Pickering, ON – The 88th Senior Men’s Championship at Whitevale Golf Club sizzled with intensity as seasoned contenders battled fiercely in the hot and steamy conditions. The competition came down to the wire on the final day, making for an exhilarating few days of golf. After 54 holes Adam Creighton takes home the Trophy.

First time champion Adam Creighton (Cherry Hill Club) played an impressive final round as he completed the 18 holes shooting (69). He finished off with a fantastic ending on the 18th sinking a spectacular putt for birdie.

Dave Speir (Sunningdale Golf & Country Club) came in second place after shooting 67, 76, 75 totaling (218) after leading the competition for the first 2 days. In a three way tie for third is Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood Golf Club) with a total score of (221). Brian Humphrys (The Pulpit Club) shot (72) on the final day which moved him up 7 spots securing him that 3rd position. Doug Brophy (Glencairn Golf Club) is the final player tied for third, following an impressive (70) on the final day which helped him climb 14 spots.

Creighton thanked Golf Ontario for orchestrating this event, and Whitevale Golf Club for hosting, and shared “It was my first event and I had a lot of fun, it was great meeting so many other great golfers”. Creighton wishes to compete at another Golf Ontario event in the future.

Bruce McEwen (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) claimed both the over 65 and over 70 age category trophies respectively. McEwen shot (225) over the 3 day event. He is taking home hardware for the first time.

Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 88th Ontario Senior Men’s Championship. A huge thank you to Whitevale Golf Club for hosting this incredible event. Lastly, a huge thanks to our sponsors and partners of the association for their continued sponsorship. We’re always grateful for all your support.

Click here to view the championship website for pairings and results.

Click here to view tournament photos.

About The Ontario Senior Men’s Championship

Conducted since 1936, the Ontario Senior Men’s Championship event features Ontario’s best male amateur golfers aged 55 and over, competing over 54 holes of stroke play competition. Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Nick Weslock, one of Canada’s greatest amateurs of the century, won the event a record 11 times between 1968 and 1980. Other notable past champions include Stu Hamilton (2001, 2006), Mike Jackson (2010, 2011 and 2013) and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Warren Sye in 2012.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

For more information, please contact:

Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario

GMitchell@gao.ca

John Lawrence, Tournament Director

jlawrence@gao.ca

Golf Ontario

Join Us As We Celebrate National Intern Day!

To deliver positive golf experiences that shape lives, Golf Ontario depends on so many passionate people, from our Board, Staff, Volunteers and including our wonderful team of Summer Intern Students.

Please join us today, National Intern Day, in celebrating the young people that work hand in hand with everyone across our organization to deliver on our vision of Golf For All.

Golf Ontario

Creighton and Speir Tie After Round 2 of the 88th Ontario Senior Men’s Championship

July 26, 2023

Pickering, ON – High winds and soaring temperatures presented formidable challenges during Round 2 of the 88th Ontario Senior Men’s Championship at Whitevale Golf Club. The demanding weather conditions tested the players, adding an element of complexity to the competition and setting the stage for a true test of skill and resilience on the course.

Adam Creighton (Cherry Hill Club) has claimed a share of the top spot, now tied for first alongside yesterday’s leader, Dave Speir (Sunningdale Golf & Country Club). Creighton’s impressive performance in round 2, marked by two timely birdies, allowed him to post a score of (76). On the other hand, Speir faced a formidable challenge today, shooting a four-over-par (76), relinquishing his sole lead. 2021 Champion Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood Golf Club) is close behind in third after getting two birdies with a score of (73).

Dominating the age categories after round 2 in both 65 and Over – 65+ and 70 and Over – 70+ is Bruce McEwen (Scarboro Golf & Country Club). McEwen completed round 2 with (76) and one birdie. As the leader in both divisions, McEwen’s command over the course has been evident, positioning him as a formidable contender.

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Cam Hreljac, a member of Whitevale Golf Club, delivered an impressive performance during round 2, propelling himself up the leaderboard by 59 spots. Hreljac’s outstanding play showcased his ability to navigate the challenges of the course with finesse, gaining him well-deserved recognition.

The field has been cut to the low 60 players plus ties to continue to play into the third and final round. The third round of the 88th Ontario Senior Men’s Championship will begin at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday morning) off the 1st tee. For more information on the championship and to follow the leaderboard, click here for the official tournament website.

Click here for tournament photos.

About The Ontario Senior Men’s Championship

Conducted since 1936, the Ontario Senior Men’s Championship event features Ontario’s best male amateur golfers aged 55 and over, competing over 54 holes of stroke play competition. Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Nick Weslock, one of Canada’s greatest amateurs of the century, won the event a record 11 times between 1968 and 1980. Other notable past champions include Stu Hamilton (2001, 2006), Mike Jackson (2010, 2011 and 2013) and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Warren Sye in 2012.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

For more information, please contact:

Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario

GMitchell@gao.ca

John Lawrence, Tournament Director

jlawrence@gao.ca