Uxbridge, ON — With the leaves changing colors and falling, brisk chilly winds swirling and Halloween just around the corner, it’s hard to believe that the golf season just kicked off a few months ago. And what a season it has been! From tournaments like the Champion of Champions to the return of the Ontario Open and the introduction of the Disability Golf Championship, it has been an exciting few months of golf. Please join us as Golf Ontario looks back each week on all the incredible shots, champions crowned, and exciting times over the course of this past summer. This week we are kicking the 2019 season recap from the month of May.

May Championships

Golf Ontario kicked off the 2019 golf season on May 14th with the annual Champion of Champions Tournament at Spring Lakes Golf Club. It was a cold and cloudy day, but it didn’t keep the 200-plus club champions’ smiles from lighting up the course.

Similar to previous years, the tournament saw incredible competition with two divisions being decided in a playoff, and the other four all falling within a 3 shot differential for the lead.

In the Women’s category, Crystina Kertsos from York Downs Golf and Country Club held the lead shooting +2 (73), and in the Senior Women’s it was Sue Postian from Sunningdale Golf Club who shot +9 (80) to take first.

The Junior Girls was also a close race, but it was Ava Koukofikas from Cedar Brae Golf Club who finished +7 (78) with some stellar shooting to take home the top spot.  Michael Ikejiani, from Barrie Country Club led the charge in the Junior Boys division, shooting -3 (68). Ikejiani had the most commanding lead in the entire tournament, beating out Ryan McAskill from The Club at North Halton by three strokes.

The Senior Men’s division was a dog race and by the end, it had to go to a playoff. Allen Chapman from Lindsay Golf and Country Club, and Lars Melander from Hidden Lake Golf Club both ended the tournament with final scores of +1 (73). Melander would end up taking first place in the playoff, beating Chapman one on one. The Men’s division was also a very tight race, ending in yet another playoff between Chris Feenstra from Sunningdale Golf Club, and Zack Mason from Donalda Club, who both shot -1 (71). Feenstra took home the hardware with a nice putt, and solidified his place at the top spot.

Photos from the Champion of Champions can be found here
The original article can be found here

Continuing the quick start to the golf season, just two days later on May 16th, the Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship was held at Oakdale Golf and Country Club. The 61st running of the event was again well contested with 54 teams looking to emerge victoriously.

At the end of 18, Garrett Rank from Westmount Golf and Country Club, and Mike Roberts from Whistle Bear Golf Club had carded a seven-under (65) to lead the charge and take home the championship. The tournament proved to be competitive, with only a two-shot difference separating the first-place duo, and a five-way tie for fifth.

Photos from the Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship can be found here
The original article can be found here

On May 18th-20th the Junior Spring Classic Championship took place at Brockville CC and Wooden Sticks GC, where some of the best junior players from Ontario and Quebec competed for the chance to win their first championship of the season.

Some hot play and impressive shots were showcased over the course of the three days, but after the final rounds, it was Thomas Stafford (Golf Quebec) who captured the boys’ title and Jasmine Ly (Kingsville Golf & Country Club) who battled through the tough conditions and took home the girls’ title. Both displayed perseverance and skill over the three days, allowing them to kick off the 2019 season as champions.

Photos from the Junior Girls Spring Classic Championship can be found here and Boys here
The original article can be found here

Other Notable Events

During the month of May, Golf Ontario also hosted their 2019 Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and their 8th annual Junior Golf Drive and Gala. The Hall of Fame Ceremony saw the induction of three deserving inductees entered into the Hall and one member of the Ontario golf media honoured with the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award.

Presented by TSN reporter and golf analyst Bob Weeks, the recipients; Deborah Lee Eldridge, Judith Kyrinis, and Richard Scott, all became the newest members of the Hall at the official induction ceremony, and in addition, Scott Metcalfe received the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award.

Photos from the 2019 Golf Hall of Fame Ceremony can be found here
The original article can be found here

Presented by Cheerios, the 2019 Junior Golf Drive and Gala was a huge success, raising over $101,000 for junior golf programs. The sold-out day began with lunch and drinks, followed by 30 foursomes hitting the beautifully conditioned Granite Golf Club under perfect weather conditions. Following golf, attendees were treated to a gala event at the Granite Golf Club clubhouse. This included a cocktail reception with some memorable silent auction items, and was followed by a delicious dinner, a guest appearance by special guest Garrett Rank, and world-class entertainment from ex PGA Tour player Charlie Rymer.

Photos from the 2019 Junior Golf Drive and Gala can be found here
The original article can be found here

All in all, May was an exciting month to start the 2019 season off right! Next Wednesday we’ll be looking back on the month of June, when some of Golf Ontario’s biggest championships were held. Make sure to check it out!

Ryan MacKenzie
Marketing Assistant
rmackenzie@gao.ca

Peter MacKellar
Manager, Marketing & Communications
pmackellar@gao.ca

Uxbridge, ON — The backbone and lifeblood of Golf Ontario continues to be the amazing volunteers that offer up their tim, passion and energy to supporting the organization. The hours they put in and the outstanding work they do on and off the course allows Golf Ontario to run world-class events and to provide amazing services to the golfers in this province. On Monday October 7th, Golf Ontario held the annual Volunteer Appreciation Day at The Club of North Halton for the many great volunteers where they enjoyed breakfast, an awards show with the presentation of the Volunteer of the Year Award, the Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award, and the Honorary Life Director Award. This was followed by a round of golf at the prestigious course in Georgetown, Ontario.

“On behalf of Golf Ontario, I personally want to thank each and every one of our volunteers,” said Golf Ontario Executive Director Mike Kelly. “Without each and every one of you, our events simply don’t happen. Often it can go overlooked how important volunteers are to an organization and I personally know how much passion, effort, caring and time goes into volunteering for Golf Ontario. Thank you on behalf of all the staff and golfers for everything you do.”

While every single volunteer is a vital cog in the Golf Ontario wheel of operations, each year the organization recognizes certain individuals who have gone above and beyond with their volunteer commitments. The 2019 award recipients were very deserving winners.

2019 Volunteer of the Year – Joyce McCrae

The Golf Ontario Volunteer of the Year Award has been designed to recognize and honor a Golf Ontario volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding performance and contributions while preserving the integrity and traditions of the game.

This years recipient is Joyce McCrae, who has been a provincial volunteer for 18 years. Joyce has worked numerous positions in her time as a volunteer, and dedicates over 30 days each season as a Tournament Official at qualifiers and championships. Her past roles include District Convenor and District Coordinator for Peterborough and area. Her sunny attitude is very welcoming, not only to the players, but also with our new volunteers making their first experience a positive one.

Joyce’s actions demonstrate a real commitment to our mission by leading, creating and promoting positive golf experiences for players and volunteers. It’s always a joy to work alongside Joyce, and we look forward to our time together in the future.

Distinguished Service Award – Margaret Grieve and Gilles Hurtubise

The Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award is considered the highest honor recognizing individual service to the game of golf in Ontario. The award is named after Richard H. Grimm, who was affectionately known as “Mr. Canadian Open” for his service to the event from 1965 to 1993. Golf Ontario’s Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual’s meritorious service as a volunteer. Recipients of this award embody the principles of integrity, dignity and commitment, which are central to the volunteer experience and to Mr. Grimm’s persona. This honour recognizes individuals who over a significant period of time have demonstrated outstanding leadership and involvement in the growth of Amateur Golf in Ontario. The recipient will also demonstrate a commitment to the vision and mission of Golf Ontario by promoting and upholding the values of the association and the game.

The first recipient of the award is Margaret Grieve. Margaret has been a volunteer for 17 years, working as a Course Rater, Tournament Official, and Team Leader. She has always helped out whenever and wherever it was needed, and has always demonstrated a true commitment to Golf Ontario’s values of passion, unity, respect, brilliance and accountability.

The second Distinguished Service Award winner is Gilles Hurtubise. The 15 year provincial volunteer has worked numerous roles over his time as a volunteer. Giles has worked as aclub handicap chair, a District Coordinator, a course rater, a member of the board of directors and a member of the Handicap & Course Rating Committee. In his role as Kingston District Coordinator, Gilles dedicated countless hours to introduce and successfully run the Intersectional Matches in the Kingston area. Today, there are now 20 participating clubs in four Men’s Divisions and two Women’s Divisions, with over 600 players competing.

Honorary Life Director Award – Kathy Pilkey, Ian Murray and Chris Osborne

Honorary Life Directors are recognized for their outstanding achievements through their involvement as a Committee and Board Member. This year, the award went to Kathy Pilkey and Ian Murray, two individuals who have made tremendous contributions to the association and golf in the province.

The first recipient Kathy Pilkey has a long history with Golf Ontario, including her time on the Board of Directors between 2006 to 2012. During that time Kathy was President in 2011, on the Executive Committee in 2009 and 2010, and served and chaired numerous board and operational committees. Kathy also represented Golf Ontario on the Golf Canada Provincial Council in 2012, and has played key leadership roles in Audit/Risk Management, Membership and Marketing, Governance Review,
Strategic Planning and developing a relationship with the Ottawa Valley Golf Association.

The second recipient, Ian Murray, also has quite the track record with Golf Ontario. Ian was on the Board of Directors from 2008 to 2013, and took over as President after Kathy in 2012. Ian was busy during his time on the board, as he chaired the 2008 Audit and Risk Management Committee, chaired the Finance Committee in 2009 and 2010, chaired the Finance and Risk Management Committee in 2011, chaired the 2012 HR and Compensation committee, the 2012 Audit and Risk Management Committee, the 2012 Governance and Nominating Committee and the 2012 Fundraising Committee. Ian was also involved in a key leadership role in Finance and Risk Management, Investment, Governance Review, Board and Committee Evaluation and the initiative with the Ottawa Valley Golf Association.

The final recipient of this award is Chris Osborne. Chris was on the board of directors for over eight years, spending his time in multiple roles, including President between 2015 and 2016. Chris has served on numerous committees including chairing the Nominating Committee, HR & Compensation, and Finance. He was also appointed as a Golf Canada Governor in 2016 in recognition of his ability value to the golf community through his knowledge, connection, and hard work.

“Golf Ontario would like to congratulate all of the award winners and send a special thank you to all of the Golf Ontario volunteers who make everything the association does possible. We look forward to the upcoming years,” concluded Kelly.

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 450 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest 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.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook, @TheGolfOntario for updates of all our competitions.

For more information, please contact:

Ryan MacKenzie

Marketing & Communications Assistant

rmackenzie@gao.ca

Uxbridge, ON — Golf Ontario has a purpose, and that is to shape lives by leading, creating, and promoting positive golf experiences. And in many ways, it is the over 200 volunteers of Golf Ontario that bring this purpose to life.

Our volunteers are ambassadors for the sport of golf and are an integral part of our team offering quality programming to golfers and our partners. Without volunteers, we at Golf Ontario wouldn’t be able to have the impact that we do, as they are the keystone that holds this bridge together. Volunteer involvement contributes to and extends the capacity of Golf Ontario to meet our vision, all the while holding the organization’s values as we Shape Lives Through Golf.

With this in mind, Golf Ontario has built a new volunteer engagement framework, and within that have created these seven principles to continue our great work together, and to ensure that volunteer involvement is rewarding.

1. Commitment to Volunteer Engagement

Golf Ontario understands the importance and value of of our volunteers and is committed to ensuring strong involvement and engagement with our volunteers. The commitment is set out through vision, planning, and resourcing that supports Golf Ontario’s strategic direction.

2. Leadership and Management

Golf Ontario leads and promotes a positive culture towards volunteering and implements effective management systems to support volunteer involvement.

3. Volunteer Rules

Golf Ontario engages volunteers in meaningful ways that contribute to Golf Ontario’s goals and objectives.

4. Recruitment and Selection

Golf Ontario volunteer recruitment and selection strategies are planned, consistent, and meet the needs of volunteers and the organization.

5. Support and Development

Golf Ontario volunteers will understand their role and gain the necessary knowledge, skills and feedback needed to effectively carry out their roles.

6. Recognition

Golf Ontario understands, appreciates and acknowledges the contribution, value and impact that our volunteers have.

7. Quality Management and Continuous Improvement

Lastly, Golf Ontario understands that effective volunteer involvement results from a system of good practice, review and continuous improvement.

“Golf in Ontario is blessed with so many wonderful volunteers who serve golf with a tremendous passion and dedication for the sport,” said Golf Ontario Executive Director, Mike Kelly. “This new engagement framework is a statement of commitment to ensuring a best in class environment and experience for our volunteers today, and for many years to come.”

“At Golf Ontario we believe our purpose is to positively shape lives through golf,” said Board of Directors President, Howard Atkinson. “In order to do this we rely heavily on over 250 volunteers who annually help us deliver on this promise through volunteering at over 120 qualifiers, tournaments and events for girls, boys, women, men and golfers with disabilities from across Ontario. As Mr. Kelly said, our new engagement framework is our long term commitment to all of our volunteers who dedicate so much time and energy to the game of golf in Ontario.”

At Golf Ontario, we would be unable to deliver the quantity and quality of programs that we provide without our many volunteers throughout the province.

Thanks to all of you for your devotion, commitment, and dedication in support of golfers across Ontario. We look forward to what the future holds in store.

At a recent dinner hosted by friends of retired rules referee John Turner, Golf Ontario presented Mr. Turner with the Wall of Recognition Award for his outstanding service as a Golf Ontario Volunteer.

With fall now in full swing, the golf season is coming to a close. But it’s not all doom and gloom for the golf community, even if there is only a few more weeks left to get out onto the course. Even if it means only a number of rounds before the snow boots come out, for many fall golf is the best time of year. We decided to ask you, the readers, what your favourite things about fall golf are. Here are the results.

5. Warm Drinks After the Round

Of course an ice-cold beverage after a hot round in the middle of July is always a treat, but there’s something special about a steaming hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate on a brisk autumn day. Warming your palms on a mug inside the clubhouse after a well played round is a treat only few can contest to, and it’s definitely an underrated benefit to playing in the fall.

4. Courses Are Less Crowded

With colder weather comes thinner crowds. Many players steer clear from the course once autumn rolls along, leaving more room between groups and a better chance at a preferred tee time. Pace of play is also much better since their just aren’t as many groups out there. If you’re one to usually take a cart onto the course, fall is the best time to walk instead.

3. Lower Rates

Due to the thinning crowds during fall, many courses have begun to offer deals to keep players’ interest. This includes the higher priced courses, the ones that may elude you during the busy months. So if there’s a course that you’ve had your eye on for some time, but it’s always been a bit too expensive to your liking, do yourself a favour and check out their prices during the fall. This is usually the best time of year to do so.

2. No Sweating

Don’t you just hate when you’re in the midst of your swing and you can feel all your clothes sticking to you? So do we. This is why the fall is one of our favourite times to play. Despite being a little chilly at times, fall provides players with the weather that makes it enjoyable to be active outdoors. No more drinking water every three seconds, no more wiping your forehead to keep the sweat out of your eyes, just focusing on your next shot. The change of pace from those brutally hot days in the summer can be a nice treat – as long as you bring the appropriate attire.

1. The Scenery

Although there are many perks of golf in the fall, one stands above the rest. The absolute greatest thing about golf in autumn is the scenery. Trees with leaves covered in all the colours of greens, yellows, reds and oranges. It’s like playing golf in a video game or a painting. There aren’t many things more beautiful in the world than nature in the fall, and what better place to appreciate such beauty than on the course?

Ryan MacKenzie

Marketing & Communications Assistant

rmackenzie@gao.ca

Korea wins the team title and a record fourth Championship medal

Italy’s Nobilio becomes the most decorated golfer in World Junior Girls history

Brooke Rivers finishes strong to claim top Canadian honours;
Canada 1 finishes 7th in the team competition

MARKHAM, Ont. – Canadian golf fans should take good note of Atthaya Thitikul’s name, as they will surely hear it mentioned again in the same breath as the game’s best female players. She is that good. And on Friday, her poise and talent were in evidence at Angus Glen Golf Club of Markham, Ontario, where she claimed her second consecutive World Junior Girls Championship title by two strokes over Ye Won Lee of the Republic of Korea.

In the team competition, it is the Republic of Korea that claimed the gold medal, their second World Junior Girls title after winning it in 2015 at The Marshes GC of Ottawa. After rallying to take the lead following Thursday’s weather delay, the Korean team never looked back. They registered an aggregate score of 3-under (141) in the final round to take the laurels.  After claiming bronze at Camelot Golf Club in 2018, Thailand upgraded its 2019 haul by winning silver, while last year’s champions Italy finished third to earn the bronze medal.

“It’s very, very nice to win. I’m so happy now. But I’m a little disappointed that I couldn’t catch the (girl in) first place. But only ten percent disappointed (laughs),” said team gold and individual silver medalist Ye Won Lee.

The 2019 gold is Korea’s fourth World Junior Girls Championship medal in only five participations in the event, a tournament record.

In the individual contest, Thitikul managed to keep her playing partners at bay on the front nine, taking a stroke back from the silver medallist, Republic of Korea’s Ye Won Lee, thanks to three birdies against only one bogey. Despite committing two more bogeys on the back nine and briefly finding herself only one stroke up, Thitikul, who fired a final round of 70 (-2), scored a superb eagle on the par-5 16th hole which Ye Won Lee couldn’t match, albeit adding a birdie of her own to the score card.

When asked how important that shot was to her victory, Thitikul declared that “It helped me a lot, you know. When I putt it, in mind I was like ‘Yes! I will get this.’ It made me feel more confident when walking to the 18th hole.”

Italy’s Alessia Nobilio, an individual silver medallist in both 2017 and 2018, shot 71 in the final round to finish the tournament at 6-under, in third place. She is now the World Junior Girls most decorated competitor in tournament history with three individual and two team medals.

As the organizing federation, Canada delegated two teams to participate in the Championship.

Canada 1, consisting of Brooke Rivers (Brampton, Ont.), Euna Han (Coquitlam, B.C.) and Emily Zhu (Richmond Hill, Ont.) had a strong finish to the tourney, posting their first negative team score of the week (-2) which allowed them to climb to 7th in a tie with Switzerland. Canada 2, composed of Lauren Kim and Angela Arora of Surrey, B.C., with Ellie Szeryk (London, Ont.), scored plus +7 and dropped to 19th, ahead of Ireland.

The 2019 World Junior Girls Championship was conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario and supported by the R&A and the International Golf Federation. Recognized as an “A” ranked event by the World Amateur Golf Rankings, the seventh edition of the World Junior Girls Championship will be presented at Angus Glen Golf Club in 2020.

2019 TEAM COMPETITION RESULTS

Gold Thailand
Jung-Min  Hong, Ye Won Lee, Yoon Ina, *143-139-140-141-563 (-13)

Silver Republic of Korea
Kan Bunnabodee, Yosita Khawnuna, Atthaya Thitikul, *144-137-142-144-567 (-9)

Bronze Italy
Carolina Melgrati, Alessia Nobilio, Benedetta Moresco, *147-140-143-143-573 (-3)

1. Atthaya Thitikul, Thailand, *73-63-71-70-277 -11
2. Ye Won Lee, Republic of Korea, *71-70-68-70-279 -9
3. Alessia Nobilio, Italy, *72-67-72-71-282 -6
4. Ho-Yu An, Chinese Taipei, *75-65-74-70-284 -4
4. Jung-Min  Hong, Republic of Korea, *72-69-72-71-284 -4
6. Yin Xiaowen, People’s Republic of China, *71-71-72-72-286 -2
6. Hannah Darling, Scotland, *73-66-71-76-286 -2
8. Elena Moosmann, Switzerland, *73-74-69-71-287 -1
9. Lucie Malchirand, France, *73-71-72-72-288 E
9. Annabell Fuller, England, *72-72-73-71-288 E
11. Amalie Leth-Nissen, Denmark, *76-70-73-71-290 +2
11. Anne Normann, Denmark, *78-70-69-73-290 +2
13. Mimi Rhodes, England, *73-71-77-72-293 +5
13. Yoon Ina, Republic of Korea, *74-72-74-73-293 +5
15. Brooke Rivers, Canada 1, *74-73-76-71-294 +6
15. Paula  Schulz-Hanssen, Germany, *78-72-74-70-294 +6
15. Chun-Wei Wu, Chinese Taipei, *74-70-78-72-294 +6
18. Yosita Khawnuna, Thailand, *71-74-76-74-295 +7
19. Carla Tejedo, Spain, *75-72-75-74-296 +8
20. Kan Bunnabodee, Thailand, *73-79-71-74-297 +9
20. Angela Arora, Canada 2, *76-73-74-74-297 +9
22. Ester Fagersten, Sweden, *72-74-78-75-299 +11
23. Natacha Høst Husted, Denmark, *76-79-74-71-300 +12
23. Benedetta Moresco, Italy, *77-73-78-72-300 +12
25. Emily Zhu, Canada 1, *82-75-73-71-301 +13
25. Ffion Tynan, Wales, *75-79-70-77-301 +13
25. Carolina Melgrati, Italy, *75-80-71-75-301 +13
28. Maria Jose Bohorquez Fonseca, Colombia, *81-73-73-76-303 +15
29. Marie Bechtold, Germany, *78-70-76-80-304 +16
29. Darcey Harry, Wales, *80-70-82-72-304 +16
29. Christina Ochoa, Colombia, *79-74-76-75-304 +16
29. Cory Lopez, Mexico, *78-77-75-74-304 +16
33. Louise Rydqvist, Sweden, *76-77-79-74-306 +18
33. Aada Rissanen, Finland, *81-74-80-71-306 +18
35. Chiara Horder, Germany, *78-77-78-74-307 +19
35. Carolina López-Chacarra, Spain, *80-71-76-80-307 +19
35. Yael Berger, Switzerland, *80-76-77-74-307 +19
35. Paola Alonso, Mexico, *79-75-81-72-307 +19
39. Carmen Griffiths, Scotland, *78-81-75-74-308 +20
40. Li Shuying, People’s Republic of China, *82-80-75-72-309 +21
40. Lily May Humphreys, England, *86-75-72-76-309 +21
42. Adela Cernousek, France, *75-79-80-76-310 +22
42. Sofia Torres Villarreal, Colombia, *80-75-79-76-310 +22
44. Sara Ericsson, Sweden, *78-77-78-78-311 +23
44. Aine Donegan, Ireland, *81-81-74-75-311 +23
44. Ada Huhtala, Finland, *81-78-75-77-311 +23
47. Euna Han, Canada 1, *77-80-80-75-312 +24
48. Lilas Pinthier, France, *83-77-79-74-313 +25
48. Beth Coulter, Ireland, *78-81-74-80-313 +25
50. Victoria Monod, Switzerland, *77-84-76-78-315 +27
51. Lauren Daiana Olivares, Mexico, *81-79-81-75-316 +28
52. Hsin-Chun Liao, Chinese Taipei, *84-76-80-77-317 +29
52. Lauren Kim, Canada 2, *79-79-82-77-317 +29
54. Carys Worby, Wales, *86-81-77-75-319 +31
54. Kerttu Hiltunen, Finland, *88-76-79-76-319 +31
56. Peng You, People’s Republic of China, *83-86-79-77-325 +37
57. Nieves Martín , Spain, *84-81-89-73-327 +39
58. Katy Alexander, Scotland, *83-80-86-79-328 +40
59. Ellie Szeryk, Canada 2, *85-84-84-86-339 +51

2014 TEAM INDIVIDUAL

Gold   USA Mika Liu (USA)
Silver   Sweden         Megan Khang (USA)
Bronze  Canada 1 Emma Svensson (Sweden)

2015 TEAM INDIVIDUAL

Gold Korea                  Hye-jin Choi (Korea)
Silver Denmark Cecilie Bofill (Denmark)
Bronze Sweden Filippa Moork (Sweden)

2016 TEAM INDIVIDUAL

Gold Philippines      Yuka Saso (Philippines)
Silver Korea        Jennifer Chang (USA)
Bronze USA        Caterina Don (Italy)

2017 TEAM INDIVIDUAL

Gold Spain Seo-yun Kwon (Korea)
Silver Korea Alessia Nobilio (Italy)
Bronze Sweden Bianca Fernandez (Spain)

2018 TEAM INDIVIDUAL

Gold Italy Atthaya Thitikul (Thailand)
Silver USA Alessia Nobilio (Italy)
Bronze Thailand         Zoe Campos (USA)

2019 TEAM INDIVIDUAL
Gold Korea Atthaya Thitikul (Thailand)
Silver Thailand Ye Won Lee (Republic of Korea)
Bronze Italy         Alessia Nobilio (Italy)

Additional information regarding the World Junior Girls Championship can be found on the competition’s website.

Full results can be found here.

Media can download photos of the final round and closing ceremony 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 450 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest 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.

GOLF CANADA
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing 319,000 golfers and 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our vision is to be a world leader in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

ABOUT THE WORLD JUNIOR GIRLS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
The World Junior Girls Golf Championship is an annual event conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario. The international competition features three-player teams of 18-and-under athletes. As host country, Canada will field two of the tournament’s 20 teams competing over 72 holes for both individual and team honours. The championship is conducted with support from the Golf Canada Foundation, Sport Canada; the International Golf Federation; the PGA of Canada; the R&A; and Levelwear. Admission and parking for the World Junior Girls Golf Championship is free. For more information, visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.

Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand maintains the lead in the individual competition  

Ye Won Lee powers Korea; moves up to second place

Angela Arora joins Brooke Rivers as top Canadians in the field

MARKHAM, Ont. – Many golfers despise being interrupted by the elements when playing a round. But don’t say that to Team Korea. After a thunderstorm stopped play for just under three hours on Thursday during the third round, the Koreans rallied after play resumed to erase the four-stroke lead that Thailand held before the stoppage and take a one-shot advantage in the team competition.

Korea now sits in first with an aggregate score of 422 (-10), just one shot separating them from Thailand at No. 2. Italy also made the most of moving day, as the 2018 team champions in Ottawa posted a score of minus -1 to climb to third position (-2). England and Denmark also moved up a notch, to fourth and fifth respectively.

In the individual competition, the top of the leader board is occupied by seven competitors that remain under par this week and it is still led by Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand.

Ye Won Lee of Korea (-7), who fired a four-under 68 for the lowest round of the day, climbs to within two shots of Thitikul, who holds on to the lead with a tournament-best score of -9. Scotland’s Hannah Darling, whose hole-in-one yesterday helped her close in on the leaders, sits third at -6. Alessia Nobilio of Italy drops back to 4th place at -5, after shooting even par today.

After the round, Ye Won Lee explained: “I felt really good with my swing but I think that I could have done even better than I did today, because my putter was a little shaky.”

2018 champion Thitikul declared that: “I had a little bit of trouble with my putter when we got back (after the weather delay). The wind also the last two rounds was so strong.” Final round Friday promise to deliver an exciting finish on the South Course at Angus Glen.

As the organizing federation, Canada is afforded two teams to participate in the Championship.
Canada 1, which consists of Brooke Rivers (Brampton, Ont.), Euna Han (Coquitlam, B.C.) and Emily Zhu (Richmond Hill, Ont.) gained one position today with a team score of plus +5 and is in a tie for 10th with Germany. Canada 2, composed of Lauren Kim and Angela Arora of Surrey, B.C., with Ellie Szeryk (London, Ont.), remains in 17th. Angela Arora joins Brooke Rivers as the low Canadians, in a tie for 18th position at plus +7.

The World Junior Girls Championship is conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario and supported by the R&A and the International Golf Federation. Recognized as an “A” ranked event by the World Amateur Golf Rankings, the World Junior Girls Championship is in its sixth edition.

Play resumes at 8 AM on Friday for the final round. The closing ceremony will start shortly after the conclusion of play around 3:00 P.M. (EDT).

Full results and tournament information can be found here.

Admission to the competition is free. Additional information regarding the sixth annual World Junior Girls Championship can be found on the competition’s website.

Media can download photos of the event 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 450 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest 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.

GOLF CANADA
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing 319,000 golfers and 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our vision is to be a world leader in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

ABOUT THE WORLD JUNIOR GIRLS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
The World Junior Girls Golf Championship is an annual event conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario. The international competition features three-player teams of 18-and-under athletes. As host country, Canada will field two of the tournament’s 20 teams competing over 72 holes for both individual and team honours. The championship is conducted with support from the Golf Canada Foundation, Sport Canada; the International Golf Federation; the PGA of Canada; the R&A; and Levelwear. Admission and parking for the World Junior Girls Golf Championship is free. For more information, visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.

Thailand breaks free from the pack to lead team event

Scotland’s Darling notches first career hole-in-one

Brooke Rivers is the low Canadian at T16

MARKHAM, Ont. – There is something about Canada that brings out the best in Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul’s game and it was on full display today at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ontario, during the second round of the 2019 World Junior Girls Championship (WJGC).

Teeing it up from the 10th hole in a split-tee start this morning, Thitikul, the defending champion from last year’s WJGC in Ottawa, had a relatively inauspicious start with four consecutive pars, before finding a new gear following a birdie on the par-5 14th hole. And she was all business from there, collecting seven more birdies and an eagle against only one bogey the rest of the way.

With a blistering score of 30 on the front nine for a total of 63 on the day, Thitikul returned to the clubhouse this afternoon with a three-stroke lead over her nearest rivals, Hannah Darling of Scotland and last year’s individual silver medallist, Alessia Nobilio of Italy, who are tied for second place at 5-under for the tournament.

In her post-round interview, the personable Thitikul was frank in her assessment: “You know, I give all the credit to my putter, it worked really good today. I just had fun in the round and that’s good. And the results come.”

When asked what adjustments she needs to make for the rest of the week, she declared that “what I need to improve on … are the approaches, with my wedge. You know, at 80 or 90, it was not as good, and I need to improve.” This bodes well for Thailand moving forward.

Darling had quite the outing herself, firing her first career hole-in-one on the 2nd hole, en route to a tidy score of 66 (-6). Nobilio put herself in the hunt, handing in a minus -5 scorecard to rebound from a somewhat disappointing day one that had left her at even par.

Of joining the hole-in-one club today, Darling confides that “it’s the first I’ve ever had … that was pretty cool! Me and Beth (Coulter, of Ireland) were playing together and we were just going mad!”

Ho-Yu An of Chinese Taipei also had a wonderful round and put herself in the mix with a score of 65 (-7) in the second round. An now trails Darling and Nobilio by only one shot, in fourth position at 4-under par.

In the team competition, the Thai squad managed to create a little space atop of what was a very crowded leaderboard following the first round. Propelled by Thitikul’s stellar outing, Thailand shaved 7 strokes from par on Wednesday for an aggregate total of 281 (-7), one shot better than Korea in second place at 282 (-6) and Chinese Taipei, who jump up the rankings to No. 3 with a total team score of 284. Last year’s champion team Italy is close behind in fourth spot at minus -1.

As the organizing federation, Canada can delegate two squads to the Championship.

Canada 1, comprised of Brooke Rivers (Brampton, Ont.), Euna Han (Coquitlam, B.C.) and Emily Zhu (Richmond Hill, Ont.) lost a little ground and now sits in a tie for 11th with Sweden. Canada 2, which includes Lauren Kim and Angela Arora of Surrey, B.C., with Ellie Szeryk (London, Ont.), dropped four ranks to 17th. For the second day, Rivers remains the low Canadian, firing a 1-over-par 73 that leaves her in a tie for 16th position.

Team Canada is looking for its first medal since capturing bronze at the first ever World Junior Girls in 2014.

The World Junior Girls Championship is conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario and supported by the R&A and the International Golf Federation. Recognized as an “A” ranked event by the World Amateur Golf Rankings, the World Junior Girls Championship is in its sixth edition.

Play resumes at 8 AM on Thursday. Full results and tournament information can be found here.

Admission to the competition is free. Additional information regarding the sixth annual World Junior Girls Championship can be found on the competition’s website.

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 450 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest 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.

GOLF CANADA
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing 319,000 golfers and 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our vision is to be a world leader in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

ABOUT THE WORLD JUNIOR GIRLS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
The World Junior Girls Golf Championship is an annual event conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario. The international competition features three-player teams of 18-and-under athletes. As host country, Canada will field two of the tournament’s 20 teams competing over 72 holes for both individual and team honours. The championship is conducted with support from the Golf Canada Foundation, Sport Canada; the International Golf Federation; the PGA of Canada; the R&A; and Levelwear. Admission and parking for the World Junior Girls Golf Championship is free. For more information, visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.

– Korea takes lead of team competition; three-way tie atop individual standings –

– Brooke Rivers is top Canadian at 2 over par – 

MARKHAM, Ont. – The world’s best young female golfers took over Markham’s Angus Glen Golf Club on Tuesday as the 2019 World Junior Girls Championship got underway on one of the GTA’s favourite tracks.

Under the watchful eyes of several NCAA golf coaches that have made the journey north, Round one was clearly a high-scoring affair since only three competitors managed to navigate the challenging South Course under par: Thailand’s Yosita Khawnuna, Yin Xiaowen of China and Ye Won Lee of Korea, who all share the individual lead at one under par after rounds of 71.

Khawnuna was in the lead for a large portion of the day before stumbling near the end of her round with a bogey at 17 and a double bogey at 18which erased the three-shot lead she had built after a terrific birdie on the par-5 hole No. 16.

It was an equally tight contest in the team competition as the top three squads are only separated by two shots, with Korea paving the way on an aggregate score of minus -1 (143), followed closely by Thailand at even par (144) and England in third at plus +1 (145).

Team Thailand, headlined by 2018 World Junior Girls champion Atthaya Thitikul who went one over on the day (73), is looking to build on its success after claiming bronze last year in Ottawa. The third member of the team, Kan Bunnabodee concluded with a 73 as well to sit T8.

In a post-match interview, Thitikul, Bunnabodee and Khawnuna agreed that many challenges await on this golf course. The Thai team looks forward to having another go at it tomorrow: “We need to just let go and tomorrow will be better. Today is over and we just need to go and practise the things that we need to do (better). Just stick to the game plan and we will be better,” said Bunnabodee, speaking on behalf of the squad.

As the organizing federation, Canada can delegate two squads to the Championship.

Canada 1, which comprises Brooke Rivers (Brampton, Ont.), Euna Han (Coquitlam, B.C.) and Emily Zhu (Richmond Hill, Ont.) sit in a tie for 9th with Scotland. Canada 2, which includes Lauren Kim and Angela Arora of Surrey, B.C., with Ellie Szeryk (London, Ont.), trails behind at T13 with Spain and Wales. Rivers was the low Canadian today with a 2-over-par 74, which leaves her only three shots shy of the lead.

Team Canada is looking for its first medal since capturing bronze at the first ever World Junior Girls in 2014.

The World Junior Girls Championship is conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario and supported by the R&A and the International Golf Federation. Recognized as an “A” ranked event by the World Amateur Golf Rankings, the World Junior Girls Championship is in its fifth edition.

Play resumes at 8 AM on Wednesday. Full results and tournament information can be found here.

Admission to the competition is free. Additional information regarding the fifth annual World Junior Girls Championship can be found on the competition’s website.

GOLF CANADA
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing 319,000 golfers and 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our vision is to be a world leader in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

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 450 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest 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.

ABOUT THE WORLD JUNIOR GIRLS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
The World Junior Girls Golf Championship is an annual event conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario. The international competition features three-player teams of 18-and-under athletes. As host country, Canada will field two of the tournament’s 20 teams competing over 72 holes for both individual and team honours. The championship is conducted with support from the Golf Canada Foundation, Sport Canada; the International Golf Federation; the PGA of Canada; the R&A; and Levelwear. Admission and parking for the World Junior Girls Golf Championship is free. For more information, visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.

ABOUT THE GOLF CANADA FOUNDATION
The Golf Canada Foundation is the leading source for golf philanthropy in Canada, awarding more than $6 million in grants and scholarships since 1982. The foundation’s mission is to support and promote programs that increase participation in golf by engaging players of all ages and abilities across Canada. For more information about what the Golf Canada Foundation is doing to support golf in your community, visit us online at www.golfcanada.ca/foundation.