Ontario U13 Championship Tees Off at Cardinal Lakes
The province’s top young golfers will gather in Welland, Ontario, for the 2025 Ontario U13 (Peewee) Championship, taking place August 12-13 at Cardinal Lakes Golf Club’s Heron Course.
This 36-hole stroke play event features a field of 81 competitors, 45 boys and 36 girls, all eager to test their skills against provincial competition.
Cardinal Lakes Golf Club provides a challenging venue for this year’s Ontario U13 Championship. Tournament Director Antony Cluroe praised the course’s ability to push young golfers to elevate their game:
“Cardinal Lakes Golf Club serves as an excellent host for this year’s Championship thanks to its exceptional course design and playing conditions,” says Tournament Director Antony Cluroe. “The course layout offers a fair yet demanding test for young competitors, featuring strategically placed bunkers, fescue, and penalty areas that challenge players to think critically and execute with precision. Success in the U13 Championship will hinge on smart course management and accurate shot-making.”
Players to Watch
This year’s field features several standout competitors who have already made waves in junior golf and will be ones to watch closely during the tournament.
Boys Division:
Owen Copp (Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club)
- 2025 OVGA Junior Spring Classic Optimist Boys Division Champion
- 2025 OVGA City & District U13 Division Champion
Bruce Wang (Golf Ontario Players Club – York South)
- 1st on 2025 Junior Golf Pathway Rankings for U13 Boys
Girls Division:
Riviera Lindholm (St. George’s Golf and Country Club)
- 2025 Ontario Champion of Champions Junior Girls Champion
- Runner-up at 2024 U13 Championship
- 1st on 2025 Junior Golf Pathway Rankings for U13 Girls
Katherine Xia (Players Club – Ottawa)
- 2nd on 2025 Junior Golf Pathway Rankings for U13 Girls
- Quarter-finalist at 2025 Ontario Junior Girls’ Match Play Championship
- Next Wave Junior Development Program athlete
Preparing Future Champions
This championship is an important step for young golfers, giving them a chance to experience competitive golf at the provincial level and develop the skills and mindset needed for success ahead.
Tournament Director Antony Cluroe highlights, “The opportunity to compete in the Ontario U13 Championship plays a vital role in preparing young athletes for their golf journeys. It offers an early introduction to the expectations, structure, and competitive atmosphere of a provincial-level event, helping players build confidence and adaptability for future championships”
With a talented field, a challenging course, and the promise of valuable experience, the Ontario U13 Championship is set to deliver two days of exciting competition in Welland!
Stay Connected
For full tournament results and leaderboards: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11301061780542900311
For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook
Judith Kyrinis: A Proud Thornhill and Golf Ontario Standout
Golf Ontario proudly recognizes Judith Kyrinis of Thornhill, Ontario, who has once again demonstrated her remarkable talent and competitive spirit by capturing the 2025 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. After an intense three-hole playoff against Nonie Marler, Judith secured her fourth national mid-amateur title in dramatic fashion.
Kyrinis finished the tournament at 1-over-par with rounds of 77, 70, and 73 for a total score of 220. Her steady play throughout the championship positioned her perfectly to force a playoff, where she rose to the occasion and claimed victory.
A Champion Through the Years
Judith’s victory at this year’s championship adds to an impressive legacy. She first won the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur title in 2016, then reclaimed it in 2019 and again in 2023. Her sustained success over nearly a decade is a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for the game of golf.
In addition to her national accomplishments, Judith has been a dominant force in provincial competition. She claimed back-to-back titles at Golf Ontario’s Women’s Senior Championship in 2023 and 2024, showcasing her consistent high-level performance within the province.
Representing Thornhill Club and Golf Ontario with Pride
A proud member of the Thornhill Club, Judith Kyrinis continues to represent Golf Ontario with distinction on the national stage. Her success highlights the strength of Ontario’s golf community and serves as an inspiration to players throughout the province, particularly women aspiring to compete at the highest levels. Judith’s dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship exemplify the values Golf Ontario holds dear, making her a true role model in the sport.
Looking Ahead
As Judith adds yet another championship to her impressive resume, Golf Ontario looks forward to following her continued success and the impact she will have both on and off the course in the coming years.
For the final leaderboard of the 2025 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11312217427162482894?locale=en
Fourth Annual Indigenous Ontario Championship Returns
The fourth annual Indigenous Ontario Championship returns to the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory on August 11–13
This year’s event will feature 118 of the top male and female Indigenous golfers from across North America——competing in Gross and Net Stableford divisions.
Since inception in 2021, the Indigenous Ontario Championship has provided Indigenous golfers of all ages with a competitive, community-driven experience.
As part of Golf Ontario’s “Golf For All” vision, the event plays a vital role in expanding access and representation in the sport.
“This event is part of our Golf For All vision. It allows us to reach more and more communities across the province,” said John Lawrence, Director of Competitions & Performance at Golf Ontario.
“We’re looking at more than 40 different First Nation communities being represented. There are people here from all different nations—some from Ontario, others with roots as far as Alberta.”
‘With each year, players become more comfortable—and the level of competition rises,” he said. “As the event gains more exposure, we’re seeing stronger golfers from a wider range of nations take part.
A key partner in the event’s success has been MontHill Golf & Country Club, which has hosted all four editions of the Indigenous Open thanks to its strong connection with the community.
“It’s only ever been held at MontHill, and their support is like no other,” said Lawrence. “They do so much to make it a great experience for the player and they go above and beyond.”
While most participants are exclusive to the Indigenous Ontario Championship, Golf Ontario hopes the event will act as a bridge to broader competition.
“The majority of these players are not playing in our other events yet—the idea is that they will,” said Lawrence.
Defending Men’s champion Ky Horn of the Mohawks of Kahnawake—winner in both 2023 and 2024—returns to the field, while on the women’s side, Cheryl Mitchell, a three-time Indigenous Ontario champion and the 2003 Ontario Women’s Amateur winner, is also back in action.
The Indigenous Ontario Championship is a celebration of talent, culture, and community. As Jesse Smith, former PGA player from Six Nations, puts it, “The Indigenous Ontario Championship provides an opportunity to highlight our talented golfers but more importantly it provides access, opportunity, and change. Six Nations is proud to host this event that brings many Nations together under good competition and friendship.”
Tee-offs for the first two rounds begin at 7:30 a.m. from the 1st and 10th tees.
For all first-round pairings and start times, CLICK HERE.
Stasiuk and Williams Lead Ontario Charge at Canadian All Abilities Championship
Ontario athletes delivered a statement performance at the 2025 Canadian All Abilities Championship, as Natasha Stasiuk and Josh Williams captured national titles in Kamloops, B.C., while fellow Ontarians Josh Hunke and Chris Willis rounded out a dominant showing with top-5 finishes.
Natasha Stasiuk (RattleSnake Point Golf Club) extended her remarkable streak by winning her fifth-consecutive title in the Women’s Gross Stroke Play division. With the win, she qualifies for her third U.S. Adaptive Open, where she’ll look to defend her 2024 title in the intellectual impairment category.
“Being a five-time champion means a lot to me,” said Stasiuk. “It’s nice to be rewarded for the hard work.”
Her national success came just weeks after claiming her sixth Ontario Adaptive Open title at Weston Golf and Country Club, where she also won the Women’s Net Stableford division.
Josh Williams (Tavistock) earned his first Canadian All Abilities Championship title. Williams moved into the lead early in the final round and never looked back. He has now qualified for the 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open, marking his second career appearance at the event.
“I’ve won a lot of tournaments, but none this high profile,” said Williams. “It hasn’t sunk in yet that I’m a national champion.”
Josh Hunke (Deer Ridge Golf Club) finished runner-up behind Williams. He opened with a 69 and followed with rounds of 71 and 72 to finish at four-under 212. The two friends, who live just 20 minutes apart, were paired together for the final round.
“If Josh even putted half decent, he would have won this tournament for fun,” joked Williams. “He’s going to be a problem in the future.”
Hunke also finished second at the 2025 Ontario Adaptive Open, where he shot 70 and 71 to finish at three-under-par.
Chris Willis (Pheasant Run Golf Club) capped off a strong Ontario showing with a fourth-place finish. He posted rounds of 72, 77, and 71 to finish at four-over 220. Earlier this season, Willis won his second Ontario Adaptive Open title with rounds of 67 and 71 to finish six-under.
To learn more or get involved in adaptive golf, visit: Golf Ontario Adaptive Open and Adaptive Golf Month.
Team Ontario Boys Win 61st Williamson Cup in Quebec
The Team Ontario Boys added another win to their stacked 2025 resume by taking home the 61st Williamson Cup, held Tuesday, August 5th at Club Laval-sur-le-Lac in Quebec.
This historic junior event brought together ten associations from across Canada and the United States for a one-day, 36-hole test of team and individual play. Each four-player team competed with their best three scores per round counting toward the overall total.
Represented associations included:
- Golf Ontario
- Golf Québec
- Golf Association of Philadelphia
- Maryland State Golf Association
- Western Pennsylvania Golf Association
- Rochester District Golf Association
- Metropolitan Golf Association
- Buffalo District Golf Association
- Syracuse District Golf Association
Team Ontario edged out the host team, Golf Québec, by just one stroke, finishing with a team score of +9 (435). The razor-thin margin proved the strength of Ontario’s depth and composure, especially in Round 2, where they improved on their opening score by five strokes (220 → 215).
“I would say as a whole that we had a very strong team this year, said Alex Taylor, Golf Ontario’s Manager of Junior Performance. “They all work very hard and I’m happy that they were able to cap off their Team Ontario experience with a win.”
Leading the way individually was Team Ontario’s Spencer Shropshire, who carded a tournament-best 66 in the second round to finish at -4 (72-66–138), four strokes clear of the next closest competitor. His final round surge not only secured him the individual championship, but was also crucial in Golf Ontario’s team victory.
Shropshire is no stranger to the winner’s circle, having recently captured the 2025 Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship where he tied the course record at Lindsay Golf and Curling Club. His standout season continues to turn heads on both the provincial and national stages.
It’s been a pleasure to see the season Spencer’s had,” said Taylor. “As a first-year team member, it’s been great to get to know the golfer he is and watch his hard work pay off. He has a bright future, and the team is excited for him.”
Ontario’s full boys team delivered when it mattered most. “I believe the biggest factor is that the boys have been teammates for a few years and have built incredible chemistry together,” Taylor added. “They’re all competitive with each other, and I think that pushes them to work even harder.”
The win in Quebec is the latest in what has become a dominant 2025 campaign for the Team Ontario Boys, one that continues to be defined by cohesion, clutch play, and a deep pool of rising talent.
To view full results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11451294321274308726
Adaptive Golf Month — Frank’s SoloRider Journey
As part of Golf Ontario’s first-ever Adaptive Golf Month, Golf Ontario visited Royal Niagara Golf Club to meet Frank Peter — an adaptive golfer whose passion for the game has never faded. With the help of the SoloRider, Frank has found his way back onto the course. This video will highlight his story, the cart’s impact, and how inclusive tools like the SoloRider are reshaping the future of adaptive golf in Ontario.
To learn more about adaptive golf, visit www.golfontario.ca/adaptivegolfmonth and follow @TheGolfOntario on social media for stories and testimonials celebrating Adaptive Golf Month.
Ontario Athletes Rise in World Rankings as Adaptive Golf Month Wraps Up
An incredible Adaptive Golf Month has concluded with big news for Ontario. Six Canadian golfers with a disability are now ranked in the top 50 globally. Throughout the month, adaptive athletes showcased their skill, passion, and competitive spirit and their efforts are now being recognized on the world stage.
Leading the pack are Chris Willis and Kurtis Barkley, who now sit back-to-back in The World Amateur Golf Rankings at No. 11 and 12. Willis, who captured the title at this year’s Golf Ontario Adaptive Championship, continues to build on his strong season. Barkley also competed at the provincial championship and remains one of the country’s most consistent and respected adaptive players.
Another notable is Josh Hunke, currently ranked 24th in the world, further demonstrating the depth of Ontario talent.
A standout story from this month’s rankings shift is Reggie Millage, who jumped an incredible 106 spots to reach No. 43 in the world, despite having only four official events to his name. A respected competitor, Millage also serves as the head coach of Team Ontario, bringing deep experience and leadership to both his players and his own game.
Also making headlines this month was Natasha Stasiuk, who won the women’s division at the 2025 Golf Ontario Adaptive Championship. A longtime leader in Canadian adaptive golf, Stasiuk continues to pave the way for women in the sport through her strong play and inspiring presence on and off the course.
Golf Ontario’s Adaptive Golf Month wrapped up with more than just great events, it delivered real change. What began as a celebration of inclusive and accessible golf continued the breakthrough momentum for Canadian adaptive athletes, both in spirit and in the world rankings. Golf Ontario played a key role by supporting high-level events, providing athletes with valuable ranking opportunities and national exposure. Through storytelling, digital coverage, and strong partnerships, Golf Ontario helped elevate Canadian adaptive golfers on the global stage.
These impressive rankings are a testament to the dedication, skill, and resilience of Canadian adaptive golfers. Supported by organizations like Golf Ontario, ParaSport Ontario and Special Olympics, these athletes are breaking barriers and inspiring others to pursue the game at all levels. As Adaptive Golf Month wraps up, one thing is clear, Canada is proving it belongs at the very top of adaptive golf.
To explore the rankings and follow the progress of golfers with a disability worldwide, visit the official World Rankings page here.
To learn more about adaptive golf, visit www.golfontario.ca/adaptivegolfmonth and follow @TheGolfOntario on social media for stories and testimonials celebrating Adaptive Golf Month.
Shelburne Golf & Country Club’s Junior Programs Keep Golf’s Future Bright
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.
Burridge and Card Shine at Ontario U15 Championship at South Muskoka
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
Ontario’s Rising Stars Head to South Muskoka for U15 Championship
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