At Shelburne Golf and Country Club, junior golf isn’t just a summer activity, it’s a long-term investment in the future of the game, built on a legacy of leadership and love for the sport.

Located on the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, the 18-hole course has become a local leader in youth golf development. That’s thanks to a forward-thinking rental club program, an inclusive lineup of junior offerings for all ages or stages, and the continued vision of General Manager Megan Young, who is proudly building on the foundation built by her father, Sam Young, a Canadian Golf Legend and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame inductee. 

“We start our kids as young as three years old,” Megan says. “A lot of clubs still limit junior access, but golf is missing the boat when we do that. We’re shaping the future of the game by making it accessible and enjoyable from the start.”

Clubs That Grow With Them

A big part of Shelburne’s junior program is its club rental option. Kids get properly sized clubs and a stand bag for the whole season. That means families don’t need to spend a lot of money right away, and young golfers can learn with the right equipment from the start.

Programming for Every Age

Shelburne offers something for every stage of a young golfer’s journey:

• Turkey Saturdays welcome kids ages 3–5 for free drop-in lessons, with clubs provided and no registration required. Held from 2–3pm each Saturday, it’s a low-pressure, fun introduction to the sport.
• The Junior-Junior Program (ages 6–9) builds on those basics with weekly clinics, mentorship from advanced juniors, and access to a dedicated three-hole course. Participants can even play the full course on weekend evenings when accompanied by an adult.
• From ages 9–18, golfers can participate in Junior Clinics, offered multiple times per week, focusing on skill development, course strategy, and more.
• For those looking to take their game to the next level, the Advanced Junior Program offers winter training, a March Break trip to Pinehurst, and competitive junior tournament experience, all backed by year-round coaching and full club access.

A Legacy in Action

At Shelburne, junior golf is rooted in family. The club’s youth  programs were founded by Canadian golfer, Sam Young, a 2011 Ontario Golf Hall of Fame inductee. His daughter, who has taken over for him, explains that his commitment to junior development began decades ago, when he coached his very first junior Gar Hamilton, who was inducted alongside him.

Now led by his daughter, Megan Young, Shelburne continues that mission. “Golf has to have a future”, she says. “My dad spent his entire career teaching kids how to play. He believed that golf is a lifelong game, and if you teach someone to enjoy and succeed at it, they’ll play forever.”

That legacy is alive and well today, reflected in every child who picks up a club for the first time at Shelburne without worrying about common barriers like cost or accessibility.

By putting inclusion, accessibility, and passion at the heart of their programming, Shelburne Golf and Country Club is doing what all of us at Golf Ontario strive to do: shape lives through golf.

Ready to get your young golfer started? Click here to explore Shelburne’s Junior Golf programs.

South Muskoka, ON – The U15 Championship wrapped up in dramatic fashion at the South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club, with Bryce Burddige winning in a three-round playoff and Alexis Card delivering a flawless, wire-to-wire round to claim their championship titles. 

U15 Championship Results:

U15 Boys Champion: Bryce Burridge

After 18 holes, Bryce Burridge and Connor Sands were tied atop of the leaderboard. The championship title came down to a tense three-round playoff, where Burridge overcame with confident play, ultimately securing the win. 

• 1st Place: Bryce Burridge (Public Player Program – Ontario) – 140 (-4), Won in Playoff
• 2nd Place: Connor Sands (St. George’s Golf and Country Club) – 140 (-4)
• 3rd Place: Zixi Wang (Station Creek Golf Club) – 143 (-1)

U15 Girls’

Alexis Card led from start to finish, but not without pressure. Card was grouped with Sarah Xing in the final round, and the two stayed neck and neck throughout the day. In the end, Card pulled ahead to secure the win, while Xing, Evelyn Ma, and Andrea Lai all finished in a three-way tie for second place – highlighting the depth and talent in the Girls’ field.

• 1st Place: Alexis Card (Galt Country Club) – 141 (-3)

• 2nd Place: Sarah Xing (Station Creek Golf Club) – 144 (E), Evelyn Ma (Station Creek Golf Club) – 144 (E), Andrea Lai (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club) – 144 (E)

A Staple in Junior Golf Careers

The Ontario U15 Championship remains a key milestone for young golfers across the province. As a staple event in junior golf, it offers competitors valuable experience and a chance to measure themselves against the best players in their age group – a crucial step in the development of future champions.

Thank You to South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club

Golf Ontario extends a great thank you to South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club for hosting the 2025 Ontario U15 Championship. The club’s strong junior golf program is a valuable part of their community, and we appreciate their support in providing a great venue for this year’s event.

For full scores and leaderboard: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11301043162866305068

South Muskoka Curling & Golf Club is set to welcome Ontario’s top young golfers for the 2025 Ontario U15 Championship, running July 28 to July 29. Known for its premier facilities, stunning views, and commitment to junior golf, South Muskoka last hosted a provincial championship in 2023 and is once again ready to test the next wave of talent.

“South Muskoka Curling & Golf Club is a great venue for the Ontario U15 Championship because of its premier facilities, incredible course conditions, and a proven track record of hosting provincial championships,” says the Tournament Director, Antony Cluroe. “Success will require more than technical ability as players will need to thoroughly analyze each shot, creating a championship where strategy is just as important as skill.”

The field is packed with players to watch, including several rising stars:

• Sarah Xing (Players Club – Ottawa)
  • 2024 Ontario U13 Champion
  • 2025 Ontario Junior Girls’ Match Play Champion
• Oscar Lin (Station Creek Golf Club)
  • 2023 Ontario U13 Champion
• Alexis Card (Galt Country Club)
  • 2025 Golf Canada NextGen Quebec Champion
  • Team Ontario Member
  • Ranked 3rd on 2025 U15 Girls’ Junior Golf Pathway Rankings
  • Runner-up at 2024 Ontario U15 Championship
• Wilson Doornekamp (Cataraqui Golf & Country Club)
  • 2024 Ontario U13 Champion
• Evelyn Ma (Station Creek Golf Club)
  • Runner-up at 2025 Ontario Junior Girls’ Amateur Championship
  • 4th at 2025 Ontario Junior Girls’ Spring Classic
  • 4th at 2025 Golf Canada NextGen Ontario Championship
  • Ranked 2nd on 2025 U15 Girls’ Junior Golf Pathway Rankings

Nine athletes from Golf Ontario’s Next Wave Development Program will be in the field: Ava Gilbart, Andrea Lai, William Chen, Chi-Shen Lin, Katherine Xia, Grace Kim, Kaeleigh Chung, Evelyn Ma, and Cadence Tanouye.

While winning is a goal, the U15 Championship offers far more than a chance at the title. Players at this level gain meaningful experience in a competitive setting, helping prepare them for the next steps in their golf journey. It’s also a chance to build mental strength, learning how to manage pressure and stay composed under tournament conditions.

With a strong field, an elite venue, and a focus on development, the 2025 Ontario U15 Championship promises to be a highlight of the junior golf season.

Stay Connected  

For full tournament results and leaderboards: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11301043163638057005

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

After three days of competitive play at the stunning Lora Bay Golf Club, the 90th Ontario Men’s Senior Amateur Championship has come to a close, crowning champions in both the Overall Senior Men’s Division and the 70-and-Over Division.

Taking place from July 22–24, the championship brought together the province’s top senior golfers, all competing for a provincial title on one of Ontario’s most scenic and challenging courses. 

Overall Senior Men’s Champion: Ashley Chinner

Ashley Chinner emerged at the top of the leaderboard in the overall division, finishing with rounds of 70, 68, and 70 for a three-day total of 208 (-8) over 54 holes. The Coppinwood Golf Club-based player and Golf Ontario hall of fame member showed precision off the tee, sharp iron play, and the composure of a champion to earn his second Ontario Senior title.

Past champions in the field included names like Dave Bunker (2020, 2024) and Adam Creighton (2023), making this year’s title one of the most competitive. 

• 2nd Place: Mike Kray (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club) – 213 (-3)
• 3rd Place: Don Martone (Crimson Ridge Golf Club) – 214 (-2)

70-and-over Champion: Tim Lee 

In the 70-and-Over Division, Tim Lee of Beverly Golf & Country Club captured the title with rounds of 74, 74, and 79, finishing at 227 (+11). The veteran golfer outlasted a strong group of experienced players and celebrated the achievement with his first-ever hole-in-one during the first round of the tournament.

• 2nd Place: Rob Myhill – 231 (+15)
• 3rd Place: Peter Baldasso – 235 (+19)

65-and-Over Division Champion: Lars Melander

In the 65-and-Over category, Lars Melander of Oakville Golf Club posted an impressive three-round total of 221 (+5), with scores of 72, 74, and 75. Melander’s consistent play stood out in a strong age bracket and highlighted the depth of talent across all divisions in this year’s championship.

Thank You to Lora Bay

Golf Ontario extends its sincere thanks to Lora Bay Golf Club, its staff, and volunteers for helping deliver another successful championship. The venue, with its elevated fairways and Georgian Bay backdrop, proved once again to be a true test for Ontario’s top senior amateurs.

For full scores and leaderboard: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11292481570662828158

Championship Photo Album

Photos, highlights, and final round content: @thegolfontario on Instagram and Facebook.

Barrie, ON – Dimitri Protopapas of The Nest at Friday Harbour and Sarah Xing of Players Club – Ottawa were crowned the 2025 Junior Boys and Girls Match Play Champions.

In the Junior Boys category, No. 20 seed Dimitri Protopapas secured the win over Team Ontario’s No. 11 seed Joseph Totino (Summit Golf & Country Club) with a 3-hole lead and two holes remaining win, capping off three days of intense, multi-round match play.

Protopapas’ run was defined by poise and precision across a demanding stretch of match play—his ability to stay composed and deliver under pressure propelled him to the title past 63 other competitors.

In the Junior Girls category, top-seeded Sarah Xing capped off an exceptional week with a 2 & 1 victory over No. 2 seed Andrea Lai (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club Ltd) to claim the Match Play title. Xing remained steady throughout the final, holding off a determined push from Lai to close out the match on the 18th hole.

Xing’s road to the championship was dominant from start to finish. She opened with a tight 1-up win, then cruised to a 5 & 4 quarterfinal victory. In the semis, she continued her form with a 4 & 3 win to set up the final. Across three days of intense competition, Xing showcased elite course management, precision under pressure, and the composure of a champion to win over 31 other competitors.

Golf Ontario would like to extend a sincere thank you to the volunteers, officials, and Settlers’ Ghost staff for their support and hospitality throughout the week. Their efforts were instrumental in delivering a world-class experience.

Stay Connected

For full Boys results, click HERE

For full Girls results, click HERE

Championship Photo Album

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

If you’re still posting total scores after your round—you’re missing out.

Switching to hole-by-hole score posting in the Golf Canada Score Centre unlocks a range of powerful benefits designed to help you play better, track your progress, and get the most out of your Handicap Index.

Here’s why it matters:

Enhanced Handicap Accuracy

Posting hole-by-hole allows the system to apply rules like Net Double Bogey (NDB) and Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) accurately—ensuring your Handicap Index is as precise and fair as possible.

Deeper Performance Tracking

Get insights into where you’re gaining or losing strokes. With hole-by-hole data, you’ll unlock:

• Detailed stats tracking (birdies, bogeys, par saves, and more)
• Performance analysis by hole type, course, or scoring pattern
• Year-by-year comparisons so you can track long-term trends and improvements

Exclusive Digital Features

By posting hole-by-hole, you’ll gain access to special tools like:

• The Ultimate Scorecard – a dynamic, shareable snapshot of your best golf
• Badging Program – earn digital achievements for milestones, consistency, and standout performances

Watch & Learn

Posting hole-by-hole is quick and easy. Check out the how-to videos below to get started and see what you’ve been missing.

The tradition of senior amateur golf in Ontario continues this summer as the province’s top senior men prepare to compete at Lora Bay Golf Club in Thornbury, Ontario for the 90th Ontario Men’s Senior Amateur Championship, taking place July 22–24.  This year’s championship will feature a full field in a 54-hole stroke play format.

Overlooking the shores of Georgian Bay, Lora Bay Golf Club offers a beautiful and challenging setting for this year’s championship. Designed by Thomas McBroom and Tom Lehman, the course features rolling fairways and scenic views that will test players’ skill and strategy. This marks the second consecutive year Golf Ontario has hosted a championship at Lora Bay, following last year’s Ontario Women’s Senior Championship.

A total of 132 players earned their spots through exemptions or local qualifiers. Alongside the main 55-and-over championship, the event also features dedicated 65-and-over and 70-and-over divisions highlighting the growing depth for senior golf across Ontario. This year, 24 competitors are set to tee it up in the 70-and-over category.

Several past champions return to compete once again

• Dave Bunker (2020, 2024) – Golf Ontario Hall of Fame member
• Adam Creighton (2023)
• John Crowther (2022)
• Ashley Chinner (2021) – Golf Ontario Hall of Fame member
• David Greenaway (2019)
• Mark Brewer (2018)
• John Murphy (2017)
• Chris Kertsos (2016)
• Larry Cooper (2014)

Players to Watch

• Mike Kray – One of the players to watch this week, Kray defeated defending 2024 champion Dave Bunker in the final of the Ontario Men’s Senior Match Play Championship back in June. His strong match play performance signals he’s a serious contender at Lora Bay.
• Kelly Roberts – A Golf Ontario Hall of Fame member, Roberts will be competing in the 70-and-over division. Known for his steady play and decorated career, he brings experience and legacy to this year’s field.

Stay Connected  

For full tournament results and leaderboards: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11292481570662828158

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

Ontario’s rising junior golfers are ready to shine as the Junior Boys and Girls Match Play Championships take place July 21–23 at Settlers’ Ghost Golf Club in Barrie, Ontario.

Located just outside of Barrie, Settlers’ Ghost is known for its scenic rolling fairways, blind tee shots, and small, fast greens—making it a true test of course management and mental resilience. With its varied elevation and challenging pin placements, the layout is ideal for the match play format, demanding strategic shot-making and rewarding confident play.

“Match Play is a style of golf that really challenges competitors to maintain mental toughness”, said Tournament Director, Mason Cowan.

“This format encourages aggressive play and heightens drama, as competitors often go for daring shots to win a hole outright. There’s often a psychological edge, with players adjusting their thought processes in real time, based on their opponent’s performance. With its fantastic layout featuring blind shots and small, challenging greens, Settlers’ Ghost is perfectly suited for a match play format, setting the stage for an exciting and strategic competition”.

Players to Watch – Boys Division

• Spencer Shropshire – 2025 Junior Boys’ Amateur Champion (shot 62 to tie the Lindsay G&CC course record on the final day) / 6th in Boys U19 JGP Rankings
  Gabriel Mainella – Team Ontario athlete (2024 Junior Players Invitational & Junior Boys’ Amateur Champion)
• Dimitri Protopapas – T-5 at the 2025 Ontario Junior Boys’ Amateur
• Rylan Hall & Joseph Totino – Team Ontario Athletes
  

Players to Watch – Girls Division

• Riviera Lindholm – 1st in the U15 & U13 JGP Rankings / 2nd in the U19 & U17 JGP Rankings
• Sarah Xing – 2024 Ontario U13 Girls’ Champion
  

For pairings and leaderboard:

• Junior Boys: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11303791658736338967 
• Junior Girls:  https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11303770767914748401 

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

Golf Canada is enhancing how Canadians experience the game with new features now live in its free mobile app. 

The latest update to the Golf Canada app — the No. 1 golf app in the country — has launched with version 7.3.0, bringing a range of tools designed to make it easier for golfers to track scores, connect with playing partners and get more out of every round. 

Among the key upgrades is a feature that allows users to post scores for their playing partners, simplifying scorekeeping during group rounds. 

Android users can now access the app from select smartwatches, including Fossil, TicWatch, Skagen, Tag Heuer Connected, Montblanc Summit, Samsung Galaxy Watch (Watch 4 and newer), and Google Pixel Watch. The integration enables on-wrist GPS yardages and digital scoring, allowing players to stay focused on the game. 

To encourage community growth, a referral feature has been added. Members can share a unique referral code and earn entries into a season-long prize draw when new users sign up. 

An achievements system lets golfers unlock digital milestones based on rounds played, courses visited, hole-by-hole entries, provinces played and more. Friends’ achievements are also visible, adding a social layer to performance tracking. 

Also new is advanced GPS yardage functionality. The app now provides front, middle and back green distances to support more accurate club selection and course strategy. 

Privacy controls have also been improved. Users can now choose whether their scores appear in their friends’ feeds, giving them more control over how their information is shared. 

The Golf Canada app is available as a free download from the App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android. Golfers can log in with an existing Golf Canada account or create one in-app to begin tracking their game. 

For a full list of Golf Canada app features, visit golfcanada.ca/app. 

Golf Ontario is proud to announce St. Thomas Golf and Country Club will host the 2025 Ontario Women’s and Women’s Senior Four-Ball Championship this September. 

Known for its rich history and acclaimed Stanley Thompson design, St. Thomas Golf and Country Club offers a premier setting for one of the province’s most anticipated women’s amateur team events. This year’s championship will bring together top women golfers from across Ontario in both the women’s and women’s senior divisions to compete in the traditional Four-Ball team format. 

“We are thrilled to bring the 2025 Women’s and Women’s Senior Four-Ball Championship to St. Thomas Golf and Country Club,” says Golf Ontario’s Director of Rules and Competitions, John Lawrence. “The course presents a fair but challenging test, and the club’s commitment to excellence in hosting provincial events will make this a standout experience for all players.” 

This will mark another significant championship for St. Thomas, which has long been recognized as one of Canada’s top-ranked golf courses and a proud supporter of amateur golf in Ontario. 

The Ontario Women’s and Women’s Senior Four-Ball Championship is a one-day, 18-hole stroke play event. Two-woman teams compete in four-ball format, with gross and net champions crowned in both divisions.  

Registration is now open for the 2025 Ontario Women’s and Women’s Senior Four-Ball Championship. Players are encouraged to register early and can find more information, including eligibility and entry details, by CLICKING HERE.