Championship season is heating up as Ontario’s best female golfers get ready to tee it up at Peninsula Lakes Golf Club for the 2025 Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championships, two key titles on the provincial women’s golf calendar, taking place June 23 to 26. 

The event features 90 players competing in 72 holes of stroke play. After 36 holes, the top 50 in the Amateur division and the top 15 in the Mid-Amateur division move on to the final rounds, all aiming to make their mark over four days of elite provincial competition.

A Scenic and Strategic Championship Test

Peninsula Lakes Golf Club, located in Fenwick, Ont., is built on a former sand and gravel quarry, offering a distinctive layout with dramatic elevation changes and water features throughout the course. 

Peninsula Lakes is also a nationally recognized facility, earning a 4½ star rating from Golf Digest and ranking among GolfPass’s Golfer’s Choice 2023 – Best Hidden Gems in Canada.

​​The course’s mix of challenge and scenery makes it a great place to host four rounds of competitive amateur golf.

Names to Know at Peninsula Lakes

• Returning Champions:
  
  • 2024 Amateur Champion: Nobelle Park
  • 2024 Mid-Amateur Champion: Alexandra Taylor
  • 2023 Mid-Amateur Champion: Mary Ann Hayward
• Team Ontario Athletes Set to Compete: 
  
  • Nobelle Park
  • Kaprice Park
  • Alexis Card
  • Amelia McFarlane
  • Sadie Wu
  • Kaylan Green

With a strong mix of past champions and up-and-coming athletes, the 2025 field promises plenty of exciting competition.

Stay Connected

Live Scoring, Pairings & Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11300379951733197069

Full Player Roster: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11300379929587271921

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

Golf Ontario is thrilled to be partnering with the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario for the 1000 Ball Challenge! This powerful fundraising initiative will help power local golf programs for youth and children with the YMCA access essential resources like tee times, coaching, and equipment—ensuring they have every opportunity to grow their skills and passion for golf. Teams will attempt to hit 1000 golf balls in a single day while raising critical funds for this important cause!

On Friday, August 1, participants will take on the ambitious feat of hitting 1,000 golf balls in a single day at Hollinger Golf Club in Timmins, Ontario.

The goal? To raise $10,000 to support accessible golf opportunities for the Northeastern Ontario community.

“We’re teaming up with the YMCA to do something special here in the Timmins and area. YMCA has always been a fabric of our community by offering youth opportunities to succeed and develop healthy habits. This 1000 Ball Challenge is not just about hitting balls, it’s about helping more people get exposed to the game that generates so many positive values in young people. The game has given me an incredible sense of purpose and if we can lend a hand to raising money for the YMCA and the Golf for All program, we are really delivering on our message that we truly are Shaping Lives Through Golf,” said Owen Rigg, Regional Manager at Golf Ontario.

Where the Funds Go

Proceeds raised through the 1000 Ball Challenge directly support the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario’s golf programs for youth and children. These fund contribute to power the programs by helping with costs for tee times, equipment and coaching—creating pathways for kids to discover the game, develop essential life skills, and build confidence.

By providing these accessible opportunities, the YMCA is helping introduce the sport to kids who may never have had the chance to step onto a course. This mission aligns perfectly with Golf Ontario’s GOLF FOR ALL vision, which seeks to make the game more inclusive and welcoming across all communities. Together, the YMCA and Golf Ontario are working to ensure golf is not a game for a few—but a game for everyone.

How You Can Get Involved

Community members can support the cause in two meaningful ways:

• Donate directly to help us reach our fundraising goal:
  https://www.1000ball.ca/o/northeastern-ontario
• Create a team under the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario page and collect pledges yourself:
  https://www.1000ball.ca/o/northeastern-ontario

Those who fundraise and create a team are invited to join us on August 1 for a fun and inspiring day at the driving range!

For any questions on the 1000 Ball Challenge, please reach out to Raphael Root at rroot@golfontario.ca.

Golf Ontario is thrilled to announce the return of the 1000 Balls for the 1000 Ball Challenge Raffle – your chance to win 1,000 TaylorMade TP5/TP5x golf balls! That’s 84 dozen, valued at more than $7,000, enough to keep your bag stocked for years.

This raffle supports the 1000 Ball Challenge a fundraiser to grow the Golf For All Fund, helping make golf more inclusive and accessible across Ontario. Even better? Your raffle entry can also count toward helping a 1000 Ball Challenge participant reach their peer-to-peer fundraising goal. That’s a win for you, and a win for them.

How to Enter

Raffle tickets can be purchased here: https://www.golfontario.ca/1000ballraffle/

Raffle Ticket Prices:
1 for $20
3 for $50
10 for $100

Raffle Closes: October 31, 2025
Winner Announced: November 3, 2025

Don’t miss your chance to be part of something special. Support GOLF FOR ALL in Ontario, and walk away with 1,000 brand-new TP5/x golf balls!!

Questions? Please reach out to fundraising@gao.ca

KINGSTON, ON – The 2025 Ontario Women’s and Senior Women’s Match Play Championship wrapped up at the historic Cataraqui Golf & Country Club, where two players emerged victorious after a weekend of high-level head-to-head competition.

In the Women’s Match Play Championship, Avery Nordman of Canadian Golf & Country Club claimed the title after a thrilling final match against Kelly Zhao, securing a 2 & 1 victory.

Entering the bracket as the 8th seed, Nordman battled through each round, including a hard-fought semifinal match against Sadie Wu, before sealing the championship Monday afternoon. 

Over in the Senior Women’s division — making its official debut this year — Nachcha Perkins  (Golf Ontario Players Club – Halton Hill) made history as the inaugural Ontario Senior Women’s Match Play Champion winning 7 & 6. 

Entering the tournament as the top seed, Perkins delivered consistent, composed play throughout the event. Her dominant final match performance against Lise Jubinville secured a decisive 7 & 6 win and imprinted her name in the record books.

For full results, click HERE.

From June 7th-9th, the 2025 Ontario Women’s and Senior Women’s Match play Championship will be held at Cataraqui Golf & Country Club in Kingston, Ontario. This prestigious event brings together top female amateur golfers from across the province for three days of head-to-head competition in match play format.

This year marks the debut of the Senior Women’s Match Play Championship, open to players aged 50 and older. With a shorter yardage setup, it’s a great way to make the competition more accessible while giving senior women more chances to play and compete. 

“We have 57 players altogether attempting to qualify through Saturday’s round,” said Tournament Director Rob Watson. “The top 16 women will move on to the Women’s Match Play, and the top 8 senior women will advance in their division.”

Players to Watch

Women’s Division

• Riviera Lindholm – won our 2025 Junior Girls Champion of Champions

• Carlee Meilleur – 2023 Ontario Women’s Amateur Champion

• Emma Hansen, Sadie Wu, Amelia McFarlane, Avery Nordman, Kaylan Green – Team Ontario athletes 

Senior Women’s Division 

• Marion Reid – 2022 Senior Women’s Stroke Play Champion 

• Ivy Steinberg – 2008 & 2009 Senior Women’s Champion 

The match play format introduces a dynamic layer of strategy, as players go head-to-head in individual brackets. Unlike stroke play, each hole is a separate contest, momentum can swing in an instant, making for thrilling finishes and intense competition across all three days.

Live Scoring, Pairings & Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11291936409625086275

Full Player Roster: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11291936388519348513

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

SPRINGFIELD, ON: The 2025 Ontario Men’s and Senior Men’s Match Play Championship saw two standout performances at Tarandowah Golfers Club, as both champions rose to the occasion against elite competition.

Charles Fitzsimmons (Summit Golf & Country Club) claimed the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship, defeating Peter Blazevic (Greystone Golf Club) 1UP.

This marks Fitzsimmons’ third title at the event, having previously won in 2021 and 2022. With three championships in five years, his reign of dominance at the Ontario Men’s Match Play continues.

On the Senior Men’s side, Mike Kray (RattleSnake Point Golf Club) edged out Dave Bunker (Cherry Hill Club) 1UP to secure the Ontario Senior Men’s Match Play Championship.

Kray entered the tournament as the 8th seed and advanced smoothly through the bracket. In the final, he faced Golf Ontario legend Dave Bunker — a four-time Men’s Match Play champion — making his debut in the Senior Men’s division.

Kray ultimately prevailed, defeating the seasoned champion to become the Ontario Senior Men’s Match Play Champion — capping off an incredible run and writing a memorable chapter in his golf journey.

For final results, click HERE.

June 4–8 | TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley 

The RBC Canadian Open returns to Ontario this summer, bringing PGA tour excitement to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon from June 4-8. 

As Canada’s national championship, the RBC Canadian Open has long been a celebration of the country’s top golfing talent. With a deep field of Canadian players, including several with strong ties to Golf Ontario programs, fans can expect a thrilling week of competition on home soil.

Ontario Athletes in the Field

This year’s field features a remarkable group of Ontario-born players, many of whom rose through the ranks of Golf Ontario’s provincial championships or Team Ontario program:

• Taylor Pendrith 
• Corey Conners
• Mackenzie Hughes
• Ben Silverman
• Mike Weir 
• Sudarshan Yellamaraju
• Matthew Anderson
• Ashton McCulloch
• Richard T. Lee
• David Hearn
• Cougar Collins
• Matt Scobie
• Matthew Javier
• Matt Hoffman
• Justin Matthews

A Strong Canadian Contingent

Beyond Ontario, the 2025 RBC Canadian Open will feature a deep lineup of Canadian talent from coast to coast. Fans will recognize several national standouts, including: 

•  Nick Taylor, Adam Hadwin, Adam Svensson, Hunter Thomson, Myles Creighton, A.J. Ewart, Wes Heffernan, Roger Sloan, Brett Webster

With a blend of PGA tour veterans and rising stars, the Canadian presence in this year’s field highlights the depth of talent across the country. Whether it’s a familiar face or a new name on the leaderboard, fans can expect exciting performances from Canadians and Ontarians throughout the week.

Notables: Mike Weir (31st appearance) Corey Conners, Taylor Pendrith, Mackenzie Hughes

🎟 Get Your Tickets: Tickets for the 2025 RBC Canadian Open are available now. 2025 Canadian Open Tickets 

📲 Instagram Feature: Check out our Instagram post highlighting the Ontario players in this year’s field. https://www.instagram.com/p/DKfBznIMnZN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

From May 31 to June 1, Welland, Ont., welcomes athletes from across the province for the 2025 Paragames Ontario Championship, held as part of the Ontario Parasport Games. 

Hosted at the scenic Cardinal Lakes Golf Club, the event will showcase skill, resilience, and passion of para-athletes, celebrating both high-level competition and the inclusive spirit of the game of golf. 

The Ontario Parasport games are a multi-sport event bringing together athletes with disabilities to compete in various sports. For the first time in the games’ history, golf will be included, marking a major step forward for inclusivity in the sport. 

According to James Murphy, executive director of Parasport Ontario, support from provincial sport organizations like Golf Ontario plays a crucial role in the continued development of para-athletics. 

“It’s important for sport organizations like Golf Ontario to support events like this to showcase their commitment to adapted sport and inclusion,” says Murphy. “From grassroots programming to performance pathways, this tournament is an essential step in creating meaningful competitive opportunities for para-athletes.” 

John Lawrence, director of competitions at Golf Ontario, agrees that the addition of golf to the games is a major milestone. 

“This is a unique opportunity, and it’s the first time we’ve played golf in these games,” Lawrence says. “Playing in a golf championship is exciting on its own, but to be a part of something bigger like a multi-sport event adds a whole new level of experience for these athletes.”  

This year’s championship also builds on Golf Ontario’s long-term commitment to growing opportunities for para-athletes.  

“In Ontario, there’s currently one provincial championship, which is the Adaptive Open, but now this adds another competitive experience for players,” Lawrence adds.  

The impact of the championship is expected to reach beyond sport and into the community. 

“It is the hope people are able to go out and watch these amazing para golfers in action at Cardinal Lakes,” says Dan Kennedy, executive director of Sport Niagara. “This will hopefully translate to more people in the Niagara community getting inspired by what they see and what can be possible with the right support, guidance and adaptation and removing any barriers to participation,” he says, adding, “this is the lasting legacy that will hopefully occur from the games and showcasing this provincial excellence in paragolf and many other great parasports at these Ontario Parasport Games.” 

For more on the Ontario Parasport games and the full schedule of events, visit www.niagara2025ontarioparasportgames.ca     

For more information about the 2025 Para Golf Championship, CLICK HERE. 

The Special Olympics Ontario – Thunder Bay chapter is gearing up for their first-ever 1000 Ball Challenge! On September 13th, Thunder Bay will gear up to raise important funds at Northern Light Golf Complex. This fundraising initiative will help local athletes with disabilities access essential golf resources — including tee times, coaching, equipment, and travel — ensuring they have every opportunity to pursue their passion for the game.

“Special Olympics Ontario – Thunder Bay is making history as the first Northern Ontario team to take on the 1000 Ball Challenge,” said Raphael Root, Fund Development Manager at Golf Ontario. “This groundbreaking effort could open the door for even more opportunities across the region. Adaptive golf is key to our Golf For All vision, and through partnerships like this, we’re turning that vision into reality.”

The event also reflects a growing collaboration between Special Olympics Ontario and Golf Ontario, both committed to breaking down barriers and making golf more inclusive and accessible.

“Our program currently supports 37 registered athletes,” said Nancy Rissanen of Special Olympics Thunder Bay. “Being in Thunder Bay, travel for tournaments is a major expense. Fundraisers like this are key to making competition possible for everyone.”

“It’s vital that we work with organizations like Golf Ontario,” Rissanen added. “Everyone deserves the chance to be active and involved in sport. We’re proud to host this event and strengthen our golf program for athletes across the region.”

How to Get Involved

There are two great ways to support Special Olympics athletes in Thunder Bay:

• Donate to help the team reach their fundraising goal:
  www.1000ball.ca/o/special-olympics-ontario-thunder-bay 
• Create a team under the Thunder Bay Special Olympics page and collect pledges with friends, family, or coworkers!

Everyone who fundraises and joins the team is invited to take part in the event on September 13th at Northern Light Golf Complex, where each team will aim to hit 1,000 golf balls in support of local athletes.

This is more than just a challenge — it’s a chance to empower athletes and help grow the game of golf in Ontario.

Questions? Contact Raphael Root, Fund Development Manager at Golf Ontario, at rroot@golfontario.ca.

Ashton, ON – This past Saturday, May 24, the Special Olympics Ontario Ottawa community came together for an unforgettable day of golf, fundraising, and smashing golf balls at the beautiful Canadian Golf & Country Club. The event marked the completion of their 1000 Ball Challenge, a fundraising initiative that brings golfers and supporters together to raise money for inclusive golf programs FOR ALL across Ontario.

Thanks to the dedication and generosity of participants, supporters, and donors, the event raised over $17,600 in support of Adaptive Golf and Special Olympics Ontario Ottawa. These funds will directly support local golf and sport programming, giving athletes the opportunity to train, compete, and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment. With over 36 participants coming out to take on the Challenge, the range was buzzing with excitement. Families, athletes, and coaches all came together for a worthy cause.

A Record-Breaking Moment

The day also brought with it a jaw-dropping feat: Jon Stevenson, PGA Professional from The Marshes Golf Club, was the first to complete the 1000 Ball Challenge—hitting 1,000 golf balls in just under 1.5 hours. His determination, pace, and positive attitude set the tone for the event and inspired everyone watching. Jon’s achievement is a testament to the passion and commitment shared by so many in the golf community. His effort symbolized the spirit of the Challenge: pushing limits, supporting one another, and giving back in meaningful ways.

Special Thanks to Kevin Haime Golf School

No recap would be complete without recognizing the outstanding contribution of the Kevin Haime Golf School, who took on the 1000 Ball Challenge with full force. Alongside the Carleton Ravens Golf Team, they raised over $5,000, significantly boosting the overall fundraising total. Led by Jake Haime and Alison Timlin, their group brought enthusiasm, energy, and heart to the event. Their commitment to Special Olympics athletes and to growing the game of golf is deeply appreciated and shows what can be achieved when passionate teams step up.

A Perfect Venue

We are incredibly grateful to the Canadian Golf & Country Club for generously donating their driving range to host the event. Their support allowed us to create a professional, welcoming, and scenic environment where athletes and supporters could shine.

“Watching these athletes smile, compete, and feel celebrated was simply unforgettable,” said Carol Ann Baxter, Regional Manager of Ottawa for Golf Ontario. “This is a day they’ll never forget, and we’re so grateful to everyone who made it happen.”

Still Time to Give!

Although the event has wrapped, the opportunity to make a difference continues. The fundraising page will stay open all season, so if you missed your chance to donate, there’s still time to support Special Olympics athletes in Ottawa.

Visit the fundraising page and be part of something special:
👉 www.1000ball.ca/o/special-olympics-ontario-ottawa

Thank You to Our Incredible Teams

This event would not have been possible without the passion and participation of the amazing teams who came out to take on the 1000 Ball Challenge. Your commitment to supporting Special Olympics athletes made a huge impact, and we are truly grateful for your time, energy, and generosity.

A big thank you to Kevin Haime Golf School, Team Archie, eQuinelle Golf Club, Jaime’s Team, The Meadows Team, Jack’s Team, Jacob’s Drivers, Team Steph, and The Marshes Golf Club.