Championships Men's Match Play Championship

2026 Ontario Men’s & Men’s Senior Match Play Championship Returns to Tarandowah

The 2026 Ontario Men’s & Men’s Senior Match Play Championship is set to return to Tarandowah Golfers Club from June 1- 4, bringing together many of the province’s top amateur golfers for four days of head to head competition.

Match Play Format 

The championship will once again feature one of golf’s most intense formats. Match play is decided hole-by-hole, where momentum can shift quickly and every match presents a new challenge.

Unlike Golf Ontario’s traditional stroke play championships, match play creates a different style of competition, with players competing directly against one opponent rather than the entire field.

“Match play requires players to approach their game differently,” said Antony Cluroe, Tournament Director. “It is a proper match and there is a lot more strategy in terms of the overall format that players must consider”

The Men’s Senior division has expanded to 64 players for the first time this year, matching the Men’s division and bringing the championship field to a total of 128 competitors.

About Tarandowah Golfers Club

Tarandowah Golfers Club has earned a strong reputation as a championship‑ready venue in Ontario and will once again provide a challenging test for players throughout the week. 

“The links style course is a strong test for match play and it will be interesting to see how each player approaches their respective matches,” said Cluroe.

General Manager Ted Pease says the club is proud to once again welcome the province’s top amateurs. 

“We are proud to host events which feature some of the best players in the province in a very prestigious tournament. We feel that Tarandowah is perfectly capable of challenging these players and it plays a significant role in attracting some of the best players to take on our course.”

Pease also adds to what makes this course a distinctive test. 

“The golf course was designed by Martin Hawtree and this is his only original design in Canada. The links design is instantly recognizable in the shaping, bunkers, and firm fast conditions which are representative of true links golf. Tarandowah offers a truly unique and memorable golfing experience.”   

Notable Players in the Field  

Men’s: 

  • Charles Fitzsimmons – Three-time Men’s Match Play Champion – including 2025 Champion.
  • Peter Blazevic – 2025 runner-up 

Men’s Senior: 

  • Mike Kray – 2025 Men’s Senior Match Play Champion
  • Darren Shaw – 2024 Men’s Senior Match Play Champion
  • Steve Fredericks – 2023 Men’s Senior Match Play Champion

Stay Connected

Live Scoring, Pairings & Results 

Full Player Roster 

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

Inaugural Indigenous Interclub Brings New Tradition to Southwestern Ontario

The inaugural Indigenous Interclub took place on Sunday, May 24, at Indian Hills Golf Club in Lambton Shores, marking the beginning of what organizers hope will become a lasting tradition in Southwestern Ontario

The event was coordinated by Rob Mason and Amanda Cookson, Golf Ontario’s Regional Managers for Southwestern Ontario, and brought together players and communities in a celebration of Indigenous culture, connection, and the game of golf. 

Southwestern Ontario is one of the most culturally rich regions in the province, home to more than 20 Indigenous communities. Many golf courses in the area sit on or beside land stewarded by Indigenous peoples for generations. As Amanda explains, “Launching this event now felt like the right moment to acknowledge that connection, celebrate it, and create a space where golf can bring communities together in a meaningful way.” 

This year’s inaugural event included three serviced member facilities: Monthill, Indian Hills, and Wardsville Golf Club.Team Wardsville captured the inaugural title after winning both matches on the day.

Rather than following the familiar path of trophies and plaques, Rob and Amanda chose to introduce a tradition that carries deeper cultural meaning by commissioning a local Indigenous artist to create an annual print awarded to the winning team. 

“Rob Mason and I wanted this to be a true celebration of how golf can bring not only people but entire communities together,” Amanda says. “Choosing an Indigenous art print allowed us to honour that intention in a more meaningful way than a traditional trophy ever could.”

The shift away from a standard trophy really reflects what the interclub is meant to be. It’s not just a competition, it’s a way to focus on Indigenous voices, bring cultural representation into the event, and start a tradition that can grow each year. 

About the Artwork

This year’s artwork was created by Mike Cywink, an Anishinaabe muralist and storyteller. His work has helped reshape Indigenous representation across Western and London, and he is also a member and passionate golfer at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka. 

Mike’s piece reflects connection, movement, and community, values that align closely with what this event represents. The artwork reflects the Interclub’s commitment to honouring Indigenous culture, building community, and celebrating sport with purpose.

Looking Ahead

Amanda and Rob support 217 golf facilities across Southwestern Ontario, divided into five subregions. Their long‑term vision is to see each subregion host its own Indigenous Interclub, culminating in a single championship each fall. 

As Amanda puts it, “Our role is to help make the connections. The facilities and communities come together, and the golfers lead the experience.”

Their hope is that this event becomes a tradition that grows stronger each year, creating new relationships, opportunities, and stories across the region!

Learn more about Golf Ontario’s ongoing work with Indigenous communities here: Golf Ontario’s Indigenous Golf

Never Miss a Golf Ontario Email

Golf Ontario is aware that some members — particularly those using Bell.net and Sympatico email addresses — may be experiencing issues receiving Golf Ontario emails in their inboxes.

In some cases, important messages may be landing in junk or spam folders instead.

This can include:

Championship and event updates
Registration confirmations
Handicap and membership communications
Partner offers and contests
Important Golf Ontario announcements

To ensure you continue receiving Golf Ontario emails, we recommend taking a few quick steps to add Golf Ontario as a trusted sender.

Add Golf Ontario to Your Safe Sender List

Please add:

  • @golfontario.ca

to your contacts or safe sender list.

This helps ensure Golf Ontario emails—including championship updates, membership notices, event information—arrive directly in your inbox.

If You Find a Golf Ontario Email in Junk or Spam

If one of our emails lands in your junk/spam folder:

Open the email
Select “Not Spam” or “Move to Inbox”
Add the sender to your contacts

These actions help improve future email delivery.

Bell.net & Sympatico Users

Bell and Sympatico users may be more likely to experience filtering issues.

If you use one of these providers:

Check your junk/spam folder regularly
Mark Golf Ontario emails as “Not Spam”
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Stay Connected with Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario continues to expand its digital communications, including championship updates, participation programs, member benefits and more.

Taking a moment to whitelist Golf Ontario emails helps ensure you never miss important information throughout the golf season.

Thank you for helping us stay connected with golfers across Ontario.

The Ultimate Team Golf Trip — Open to All Handicaps

Golf Ontario, in partnership with Golf Away Tours, is proud to present the first ever Mex-Y-Can Cup — The Canada vs. Mexico Ryder Cup-style golf challenge. This December, players with all different handicaps will compete to defend the nation’s golf honor at the five-star all inclusive Iberostar Resort, in Mexico. 

Only 20 spots are available to experience this perfect blend of real competition and unforgettable fun in the sun, on the course and off it. 

THE COURSE

The competition takes place at the Playa Paraíso Golf Club at the Iberostar Resort in Riviera Maya — former home of the PGA of Canada Head Pro Championship and one of the most celebrated layouts in all of Mexico. It includes lush jungle fairways, challenging greens, and a pedigree that matches the occasion. 

SEE WHAT THE COURSE OFFERS HERE

THE RESORT

When you’re not competing for national glory, you’ll be living your absolute best life at the five-star, all-inclusive Iberostar Selection Paraíso Lindo — an all-suite beachfront resort right on the Caribbean. World-class dining, top-shelf drinks, nonstop entertainment, and that turquoise water doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.

Perfect for golfers. Perfect for the non-golfers coming along for the ride 

Perfect, full stop.

PRICING AND PAYMENT INFORMATION

  • Twin / Shared occupancy = $3,395 / person
  • Single occupancy price = $4,610
  • Non golfer price = $2,095 (shared occupancy price with a golfer)

A non-refundable deposit of $1,380 CAD per person is due upon booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to the trip.

Room upgrades may be available upon request – Please ask Golf Away Tours if interested.

VIEW THE FULL DETAILS HERE

Junior Boys' Spring Classic

Brayden Card Captures 2026 Ontario Junior Boys Spring Classic Title

Brayden Card of Whistle Bear Golf Club captured the 2026 Ontario Junior Boys Spring Classic title Tuesday, May 19 at Wooden Sticks Golf Club, prevailing in a dramatic four-hole playoff to finish atop the leaderboard at 8-under-par (208).

Card opened the championship with a steady first round 69, placing himself firmly in contention early in the tournament. He followed it up with another round of 69 on day two, keeping pace near the top of the leaderboard heading into the final round.

Entering Tuesday’s finale, Jackson Murphy held the lead after pacing the field through the opening two rounds, but Card stayed within close distance throughout the day. In the third and final round, Card delivered a composed 70 to force a playoff with Murphy after the pair finished tied at 208.

The two competitors battled through four playoff holes before Card ultimately secured the championship victory, capping off a consistent three-round performance of 69-69-70.

With the win, Card joins an impressive list of past champions at the Ontario Junior Boys Spring Classic and continues to establish himself as one of the province’s top junior talents.

Jackson Murphy finished with rounds of 65‑68‑75 for a 208 total, while Matthew Simpson of Team Ontario took third place at 209 after shooting 74-67‑68.

In the Juvenile U17 division, Team Ontario’s Joseph Totino delivered a solid performance across all three rounds to claim the Juvenile title. He opened with an impressive 68, followed by a 73 in round two, and closed with a solid 71 to finish at 3‑under (212). Totino’s steady approach and ability to take advantage of scoring opportunities carried him to the top of the U17 field.

For full results: 2026 Ontario Junior Boys’ Spring Classic Event: Tournament Results

Photo Album: Click Here.

Team Ontario’s Kaprice Park Triumphs at Junior Girls’ Spring Classic


Peterborough, ON – Team Ontario athlete Kaprice Park of Rattlesnake Point Golf Club captured the trophy at the 2026 Ontario Junior Girls’ Spring Classic, held at Kawartha Golf Club, with an impressive 5-under-par performance. Park, who recently secured victory at the 2026 Ontario Junior Players Invitational Championship, continued her strong form with rounds of 71, 70, and 70 for a three-day total of 211.


Finishing in second place was Kaylan Green of Scarboro Golf & Country Club. Green recorded rounds of 70, 75, and 70 to finish at 215.


Rounding out the top three was Riviera Lindholm of St. George’s Golf Club, who posted scores of 71, 70, and 77, finishing with a total of 218.

Stay Connected

Championship Photo Album

Visit the tournament website for full results

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

2026 Scholarship Applications Now Open

Golf Ontario is proud to renew the annual scholarship program, an opportunity to recognize Ontario student-athletes who demonstrate excellence both academically and within the golf community. 

The 2026 scholarship application period will open May 16th and close June 30th

Scholarship Overview

Since 1994, Golf Ontario has awarded scholarships to hundreds of deserving students, thanks to the generous support of donors and partners. These scholarships aim to ease financial burdens and empower recipients to pursue their academic and athletic goals.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for a Golf Ontario scholarship, applicants must:

  • Be a resident of Ontario
  • Maintain a minimum overall academic average of 75%
  • Hold an active Golf Ontario or Golf Canada membership
  • Demonstrate active involvement in golf through competitive play, community engagement, volunteerism, or industry experience

Required Application Materials

Applicants are required to submit:

  • A completed online application form
  • A one-page personal essay titled “How Golf Has Shaped My Life”
  • An academic transcript
  • Proof of college or university acceptance or enrollment
  • A letter of recommendation
  • A resume
  • An additional letter of reference

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Special Scholarship Awards

In addition to general scholarships, Golf Ontario offers several named awards honouring individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport:

  • Ken McKenzie Award: Recognizes a student who embodies McKenzie’s dedication to junior golf development.
  • Christine Fisher Memorial Student Award: Awarded to a female golfer demonstrating academic excellence and community involvement, with preference given to applicants from the Waterloo Region or those attending the University of Waterloo.
  • Craig Revell Scholarship: Honours a student who exemplifies Revell’s respect for the game and academic achievement.
  • Helena Harbridge Scholarship: Supports a student-athlete who has overcome adversity, reflecting Harbridge’s perseverance and dedication.
  • Dave Mills Scholarship: Celebrates a student pursuing post-secondary education, reflecting Mills’ lifelong commitment to golf development.
  • Baka Mobile Scholarship: Supports one male and one female junior golfer pursuing post-secondary education in Ontario.
  • Bill Bath Scholarship Award: Recognizes a student from The Regional Municipality of Durham who demonstrates Bath’s passion for golf and community service.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted online from May 16 to June 30, 2026. Interested applicants can find more information and submit their applications HERE.

For questions or to learn more about supporting the scholarship program, please contact fundraising@golfontario.ca.

Golf Ontario remains committed to fostering the growth of student-athletes and looks forward to supporting the next generation of leaders in golf and beyond.

Golf for All Golf Ontario Junior Spring Classic

Ontario’s Top Juniors Set for Spring Classic Showdowns 

Ontario’s championship season gets underway this weekend as many of the province’s top junior golfers head to Kawartha Golf Club and Wooden Sticks Golf Club for the annual Junior Spring Classics. 

The Junior Girls Spring Classic is set for Kawartha Golf Club in Peterborough, while the Junior Boys event returns to Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge.  

Featuring elite 60-player fields, the Junior Spring Classics serve as one of the first major competitive benchmarks of the season for many of Ontario’s rising players.

Junior Boys Spring Classic 

Wooden Sticks Golf Club | Uxbridge, ON 

The boys championship returns to Wooden Sticks Golf Club, one of Ontario’s most unique and recognizable courses. With its replica-inspired design and demanding setup, Wooden Sticks presents a unique challenge rarely experienced in junior competition. 

Tournament Director, John Lawrence, says the event remains one of the toughest junior championships to qualify for in Ontario. 

“The Junior Spring Classic is one of the hardest junior events to qualify for in Ontario, with more than 250 players attempting to earn one of 60 spots in the field,” said Lawrence. “Many current and former Team Ontario athletes — and several Ontario players now competing on the PGA Tour — have played in this championship. Competing at Wooden Sticks is a special opportunity for junior golfers.” 

Players to Watch 

  • Joseph Totino: Finished third at the Ontario Junior Players Invitational earlier this season 
  • Dimitri Protopapas: Team Ontario member 
  • Evan Hall: Team Ontario member 
  • Matthew Simpson: Team Ontario member 
  • Max Li: Team Ontario member 
  • Chase Jerome: Returning notable competitor 

Junior Girls Spring Classic 

Kawartha Golf Club | Peterborough, ON 

The girl’s championship heads to Kawartha Golf Club, a historic Stanley Thompson design ranked among Canada’s Top 100. The course will challenge players with elevation changes, tight tee shots, and small greens throughout the 54-hole championship.  

Tournament Director, Mason Cowan, believes Kawartha Golf Club will reward strong course management and smart decision making throughout the week. 

“The course will play long, with its elevation changes throughout the property, and I think to have success, players have to focus on their course management and iron play over all three championship rounds,” said Cowan. “The course requires players to carefully consider the best moments to attack the flag.” 

Players to Watch 

  • Kaprice Park: 2026 Ontario Junior Players Invitational Champion, 2026 Team Ontario member 
  • Riviera Lindholm: 2025 & 2026 Ontario Junior Girls Champion of Champions Winner, 2025 Ontario Super Camp Invitational Champion, 2025 Ontario U13 Girls’ Champion 
  • Alexis Card: 2025 Ontario U15 Girls’ Champion, 2025 Golf Canada NextGen Quebec Champion, 2026 Team Ontario member  
  • Amelia McFarlane: 2025 Ontario U17 Girls’ Champion, 2026 Team Ontario Member 

Early Season Statement Opportunity 

With strong fields, demanding venues, and valuable competitive experience on the line, the Junior Spring Classics once again provide an early glimpse at the future of high-performance golf in Ontario. 

Stay Connected  

For Pairings, start times, & leaderboards: 

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

Claire Welsh Golf Ontario Industry News Sport

Claire Welsh Returns to Golf Ontario as Chief Sport Officer 

Golf Ontario is proud to announce the appointment of Claire Welsh as the association’s new Chief Sport Officer, marking a homecoming for one of Ontario golf’s most respected and accomplished leaders.

Welsh returns to Golf Ontario following an extensive international career in golf administration and event leadership, most recently serving as Tournament Director of the CPKC Women’s Open with Golf Canada. Prior to that role, she spent nearly a decade with The R&A in St Andrews, Scotland, working alongside some of the world’s most prestigious championships, including The Open and the AIG Women’s Open.

In her new role as Chief Sport Officer, Welsh will oversee Golf Ontario’s sport operations portfolio, including championships, junior performance programming, and the numerous participation initiatives for youth, women and other underserved communities.
“We are thrilled to welcome Claire back to Golf Ontario,” says Golf Ontario’s CEO Kyle McFarlane. “Claire understands our association, our culture, and the Ontario golf landscape incredibly well, but she brings invaluable global experience from working at the very highest levels of the game.”

“She has built outstanding relationships and has consistently demonstrated a passion for athlete and participant experience, operational excellence, and innovation. As we look ahead to Golf Ontario’s next strategic plan in 2027, Claire’s leadership and perspective will help shape the future of golf in Ontario.”

Her return to Golf Ontario represents both a full-circle moment personally and an exciting step forward for the organization as it prepares for its next chapter of growth and leadership in the sport. For Welsh, the opportunity to return to Golf Ontario was one she could not pass up.

“Returning to Golf Ontario in this role is incredibly meaningful to me, both professionally and personally,” says Welsh. “Throughout much of my career in sport, I’ve often found myself as one of only a few women in leadership spaces. To now join a leadership team at Golf Ontario that already includes such strong and accomplished female voices is something I’m truly proud of.”

“It speaks to the vision of the association and the culture that’s been established here. I’m excited to work alongside the amazing Golf Ontario team as we continue creating more opportunities in golf and shaping an inclusive future for the sport in Ontario.”

Before joining The R&A, Welsh spent six years with Golf Ontario as Marketing and Communications Manager, where she helped elevate the visibility of amateur golf across the province through championship media coverage, athlete storytelling, digital communications, and member engagement.

Her broader career has taken her across provincial, national, and international golf, with experience spanning athlete relations, safeguarding, championship delivery, communications, stakeholder engagement, and major event operations. At The R&A, Welsh served as Head of Player Relations, establishing the organization’s first Player Relations department and leading athlete-focused work across The Open and the AIG Women’s Open. She also previously led consumer, brand, public relations, content, and digital communications for The Open, bringing one of golf’s most historic championships to global audiences. She has also worked within the Olympic movement through the International Golf Federation, supporting golf’s return to the Olympic programme at Rio 2016, and at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games on the men’s and women’s hockey competitions.

Throughout her career, Welsh has built a reputation as a collaborative and innovative leader with a strong focus on growing the sport while maintaining meaningful connections with athletes, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders.

Golf Ontario looks forward to welcoming Welsh back to the organization as it continues its mission of shaping lives through golf.

Champion of Champions Golf for All Golf Ontario

Nine Champions Crowned at 2026 Ontario Champion of Champions

Nine champions were crowned Wednesday at Legends on the Niagara as the 2026 Ontario Champion of Champions made its debut at the Niagara Falls course.

The tournament welcomed 248 competitors from more than 100 clubs across Ontario, with each participant a club champion from their respective home club. Competitors were split across the Battlefield and Usshers Creek courses, battling for titles in the Men’s, Women’s, Junior Boys’, Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s, and Junior Girls’ divisions throughout the day. 

Winners

Junior Boys Division

Carter Avery of Mill Run Golf Club won the Junior Boys Division after a 72.

Men’s Division

Jonn Drewery of Westmount Golf & Country Club won the Men’s Division after a 70.  

Senior Men’s Division

Tied for first place are Dan Keogh of Toronto Golf Club and Brian Humphrys of The Pulpit Club, who won the Senior Men’s Division after a 69.

Junior Girls Division

Riviera Lindholm of St. George’s Golf Club won the Junior Girls Division after a 71.

Women’s Division

Tied for first place are Kiley Rodrigues of Cataraqui Golf & Country Club, Regan Andrusyk of Flamborough Hills Golf Club, and Gracie Vescan of Mississaugua Golf and Country Club, who won the Women’s Division with a score of 75.

Senior Women’s Division

Shelley Lothian of Peninsula Lakes Golf Club won the Senior Women’s Division after a 83.

Stay Connected

Championship Photo Album

Visit the tournament website for full results

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