CAMBRIDGE, ON – The opening round of the Ontario Junior Girls Championship got underway this morning under gorgeous blue skies from Galt Country Club featuring the best female junior golfer in Ontario.

The weather didn’t take long to warm up and neither did Sarah Beqaj (Toronto Golf Club). Beqaj, a National Junior Squad member, was lights out firing a -6 (66), firing a bogey free, 4 birdie, 1 eagle round.

A thrilled Beqaj spoke of her play after the round. “My up and downs were really good today. It was a weird round but anytime I missed greens or got in trouble I’d find ways to make pars.” Beqaj credits spending time with Team Ontario Coach Reggie Millage last week working on her wedges. “I wanted to improve my short game to compliment the fact I’m hitting the ball farther than last year, and the course set up for a bunch of wedges today because of my longer ball striking.”

As for setting the course record, Beqaj had some flashbacks. “It gives me some Deja Vu from last year at the Junior Girls Championship as I set a course record as well but hopefully this championship ends up going better.”

Following on her heels are three member of Team Ontario, Alexis McMurray (Glen Abbey GC), Ashley Chow (The Lake Joseph Club), and Victoria Zheng (Granite GC) who also shot very well with 69, 70 and 71 respectively. Also sitting at -1 (71) is Erin Kim (Ladies GC of Toronto). The shot of the day however might have belonged to Sydney Foulon (Glen Abbey GC), who aced the 153 yard 16^th hole.

The 112 year old course has been a premier private club in southwestern Ontario for many years. With tree-lined fairways, and challenging holes, the course was truly a test to the talented field. Play resumes Tuesday morning with split tees again commencing at 8am.

For future results and information on the tournament, visit the official tournament page CLICK HERE

For pictures of the tournament CLICK HERE

About the Ontario Junior Girls (U19) Championship

The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Championship is contested annually and features Ontario’s best amateur female golfers age 18 and under. Established in 1927, The event has a wealth of notable past champions including: World Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Streit, Sandra Post, Sue Hilton, Alena Sharp, Jennifer Kirby and Brooke Henderson in 2010 and 2011.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook for future updates on the Ontario Junior (U19) Championship.

Thornton/Cambridge, ON — On July 15th to 19th, Tangle Creek G&CC and Galt CC will host the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships. The Championships are open to boys and girls who are 18 and younger, and have qualified in previous tournaments.

Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Championship

The Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Championship is set to kick off at Tangle Creek G&CC on July 16th, where the best junior players in the province will tee off to take home the hardware.

Last year’s champion Nolan Piazza (Grand Niagara GC) won the tournament with a total score of two-under. The 15-year-old played lights out through hot and windy conditions, and was able to lock up the first place position after four days despite being one of the youngest players on the field. With Piazza away at the US Junior Amateur Championship, he will not be returning to defend the title therefore leaving the top spot up for grabs. The talented field will surely be pushing to take over the vacant spot, inlucing 2017 junior champion Tristan Renaud (Idylwilde G&CC), who will be looking to win the championship for the second time in three years.

The players will be arriving at Tangle Creek the day before the tournaments official start date. The seventeen year old course is widely acknowledged as not only one of the best in Barrie, but also in the entire Greater Toronto Area. In years past, the course has proved to be challenging for players with its quick fairways and steep elevations. It will be interesting to see how the players adapt to it’s conditions.

Tee time is set for 8:00am. For future results and information on the tournament, visit the official tournament page HERE

Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Championship

The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Championship is set to kickoff July 15th at Galt Country Club. The best junior golfers in the province will head to the course to decide who the best female junior golfer in Ontario is.

It was Jasmine Ly (Kingsville GC) who was crowned victorious last year, scoring +2 to lead the tournament. Ly had an outstanding showing, never carding a score over 74, and without a doubt being the most consistent player on the course. Tayler Kehoe (West Haven G&CC) trailed Ly throughout the tournament but was never able to make a push for first.

Ly will also be away for the US Junior Championship, therefore not returning to defend her title. Although the first place spot open for the taking, it won’t be an easy path. With competition like Hailey McLaughlin, Ellie Szeryk, Brooke Rivers, and many more, the field will be the most competitive it’s been in years, and there’s no favourite heading into the four day affair.

The players will be arriving at Galt Country Club Sunday afternoon, the day before the first round, to warm up before the tournament gets underway. The 112 year old course has been a premier private club in southwestern Ontario for many years. With tree-lined fairways, and challenging holes, the course will be a test to the talented field. It will be fun to watch them navigate the tricky track.

Tee time is set for 8:00am. For future results and information on the tournament, visit the official tournament page HERE

About the Ontario Junior Boys & Girls (U19) Championship

The Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Championship is open to male golfers 18 years of age and under, who have qualified through one of six qualifiers held across the province earlier this season. The Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship was first contested in 1923 at the Summit Golf & Country Club. Past winners of the event include: Gerry Kesselring, Gary Cowan, Stu Hamilton, Mike Weir, Jon Mills and Albin Choi.

The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Championship is contested annually and features Ontario’s best amateur female golfers age 18 and under. Established in 1927, The event has a wealth of notable past champions including: World Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Streit, Sandra Post, Sue Hilton, Alena Sharp, Jennifer Kirby and Brooke Henderson.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook for future updates on the Ontario Junior (U19) Championship.

Collingwood, ON — Windy conditions ushered in day four welcoming the 63 remaining players who took to the course to for the 97th annual Men’s Amateur Championship. It was a competitive field throughout the entire week, but it was Matthew Anderson (Credit Valley G&CC) who came out on top to win it all.

Anderson entered the day trailing his former Team Ontario coach Charles Fitzsimmons (Thornhill Club) after a hard fought battle between the two in the third round. Trailing by one heading in, Anderson played with composure not many 19-year-olds have. He started the day off with steady play, never hitting into the rough and never overstepping his abilities in an attempt to take the lead. Instead, he let the game come to him.

The front nine started as a very close race between the two competitors. Both sat at even through the first four holes until Anderson birdied 5 at the same time Fitzsimmons scored a bogey. Anderson would continue to roll and birdie 7 while Fitzsimmons would post another bogey, dropping him four strokes behind Anderson through seven holes.

Just when it was looking like Andersons championship, Anderson went on a four hole bogey streak, allowing Fitzsimmons to tie, and later take the lead. The young player seemed rattled and couldn’t get any of his shots to fall. Nonetheless, even in adversity, Anderson dialed in and focused and returned to his natural state of calm play.

The last four holes proved to be as close of a race as possible. Both competitors were lights out down the final stretch of the tournament and there wasn’t a sure sign of a winner at any point. Anderson birdied the 16th hole to tie them up at 5-under, and then birdied 16 to take the lead. The two hit both scored par on 17, and then finally took to the eighteenth hole.

Anderson hits his tee shot into the bushes on the side of the fairway, and Fitzsimmons used the opportunity to play it safe to set himself up for the rest of the hole. Fitzsimmons then launched a shot onto the lip of the bunker at the same time Anderson miraculously hit it out of the bushes onto the fairway. The two both chip onto the green 15-20 feet away from the hole, and Fitzsimmons then almost steals the hole with an outstanding putt that ends up lipping the cup. It was at that moment, that Anderson knew all he had to do was tap in an easy putt for par to win it all.

The former Team Ontario student bent over the hole to pick up his ball as the crowd cheeeds on the new champion. Fitzsimmons high fived him and congratulated him on his achievement. “Maybe I taught you too well,” he joked. Anderson finished the tournament with a total score of 6-under (278), only one stroke ahead of Fitzsimmons.

“It was a lot of fun playing against Charles,” said Anderson. “I’ve know him for a long time so we all felt comfortable going up against each other.” Anderson also commented on how he kept himself so poised after his rough stretch. “I just tried to tell myself that I was fine. I was still only one behind and I couldn’t change the past, so I had to focus on the future and move on from there.”

Following closely behind the two leaders was Ty Celone (Public Player). Celon had an outstanding showing over the four rounds. Having to battle tough competition like Noah Steele (Cataraqui G&CC), and Daniel George (The Summit G&CC), Celone didn’t have an easy path to the bronze medal placement. The former Team Ontario player finished the week with a total score of 1-under (283).

The three top players also received exemptions to the Ontario Open which will be occurring August 26th-29th, where they will get to play against some of the best competition in the world.

For full scores and information on the entire tournament, please visit the official tournament page HERE

For photos from the tournament, visit our Facebook page HERE

About the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship

The Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship was first played in 1923 at Lakeview Golf and Country Club, and features the best players in the province. Past winners include: 2003 Masters Champion Mike Weir (1990 & 1992), Gerry Kesselring (1949, 1951, 1952, 1953), professional players Jon Mills (2001), Corey Conners (2010), Albin Choi (2012), Chris Hemmerich (2014) and Gary Cowan, who holds the record for the most Ontario Amateur Championships with nine (1964, 1968, 1971, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981 & 1984).

Golf Ontario would like to thank Oslerbrook G&CC and their staff for their continued support of the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook, @TheGolfOntario for updates of future tournaments.

Ryan MacKenzie

rmackenzie@gao.ca

BELLEVILLE, ON – Muggy conditions kicked off the fourth and final round of the 104th annual Ontario Women’s Amateur Championships from Black Bear Ridge Golf Course. The final day would produce both an amazing comeback attempt from Emily Zhu (Team Canada National Junior Squad Member) and also an excellent display of toughness from Brigitte Thibault (Team Canada National Amateur Squad Member). This toughness allowed Thibault, who had been the leader after days two and three, to claim the title.

Zhu (National Pines Golf Club) came out very strong, carding a 4-under par 36 on the front and actually taking the lead after nine holes but Thibault battled back tying things on the 12^th with a nice birdie.  The two would stay tied until late when Zhu would bogey 16 and 17. Thibault bogeyed 18 but would still claim the title by one stroke firing a final round +1 (73). Zhu would finish with the only under par round of the day, a -2 (70) and claim the silver medal. Hailey McLaughlin (Granite GC) took home the bronze medal after another steady round of +1 (73) to finish 5 strokes back of the leader.

A thrilled Thibault spoke of her win after the round. “I knew my game wasn’t clutch-clutch the past few days, but I just tried to keep my head up” she said. “I knew Emily was playing really well and she wasn’t going to go away, so I just focused on myself and I’m someone who never gives up.” She then mentioned what it means to win this particular trophy. “It’s obviously a honour, I love to see the previous winners that have all took this kind of step to where they are now. I see a lot of names from Team Canada and excited to see where this could take me.”

Golf Ontario would like to thank Black Bear Ridge Golf Course and their staff for their support of the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship. A special thank you as well goes out to all the Golf Ontario volunteers.

For the official tournament website final results, CLICK HERE

For pictures of the tournament CLICK HERE

About the Women’s Amateur Championship

First played in 1904, the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship is being contested for the 104th time in 2019. The event features the best female golfers from across Ontario in a 72-hole stroke play format, with the field cut to the low 54 golfers and ties after 36 holes. Past winners include 1968 LPGA Championship winner Sandra Post (1964), LPGA player Alena Sharp (1989), Team Canada members Jennifer Kirby (2009, 2010), Augusta James (2011), Brittany Marchand (2012) and Brooke Henderson (2014). World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit holds the record for the most titles with 11 (’51, ’56, ’57, ’58, ’68, ’69, ’70, ’72, ’74, ’76, and ’77).

About the Women’s Mid Amateur Championship

Open to female golfers aged 25 and over, the Women’s Mid-Amateur event was first contested in 1989. Past champions of the event include Samuel (1991, 2000 and 2010), Borthwick (1992 and1993) and Hayward, who has won the event a record 14 times. The event consists of 54 holes of stroke play competition with the field cut after 36 holes.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook, @TheGolfOntario for upcoming updates all Golf Ontario Championships.

BELLEVILLE, ON – The third day of the 104th annual Ontario Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championships got underway from Black Bear Ridge Golf Course on a cool beautiful morning. This was the final round for the Mid-Amateur and the third round for the Amateur, with the final round coming tomorrow.

The Mid-Amateur final round did not disappoint for excitement under some hot and tough conditions producing higher scores.

Sarah Dunning (Westmount G&CC) would come from behind and then overcome the see-saw battle with Mary Ann Hayward (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club) to claim the Mid-Amateur Championship. Dunning shot a +4 (76) to better Hayward who struggled today in her third round with a +9 (81).  Julia Hodgson (Donalda Club), the 2018 Mid-Amateur Champion captured third place after firing a +8 (80) on the day.

A very excited Dunning spoke of her game after the round. “Today was a bit of a struggle and I was nervous playing against Mary Ann” she said. “However the turning point of the day came on 12 where I hit the fairway and green where she didn’t and that provided some momentum.” She also mentioned what a thrill it was to win this particular trophy. “Well Mary Ann’s name is on there a few times and some other big ones and I can’t wait to look at them.”

Almost all the Amateur leaders struggled as well but second round leader Brigitte Thibault, a member of Team Canada’s National Amateur Squad, hung on to lead the way again with a +4 (76) despite not being happy with her round.  “I lot of the round didn’t go as planned but I stayed patient because I knew it was an off day.” said Thibault afterwards. “I’m very happy the day is over but I’m looking forward to analyzing my day and learn for tomorrow.”

Emily Zhu (National Pines Golf Club), shot a solid even par (72) to jump into second place, 4 strokes back of Thibault. Hailey McLaughlin (Granite GC), the leader after round one, came in with a +5 (77) to now sit in third place.

Final round action of the Women’s Amateur gets underway Thursday morning at 7:30am with split tee starts. Spectators are always welcome at the beautiful host course.

For the official tournament website for this years pairings and results, CLICK HERE

For pictures of the tournament CLICK HERE

About the Women’s Amateur Championship

First played in 1904, the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship is being contested for the 104th time in 2019. The event features the best female golfers from across Ontario in a 72-hole stroke play format, with the field cut to the low 54 golfers and ties after 36 holes. Past winners include 1968 LPGA Championship winner Sandra Post (1964), LPGA player Alena Sharp (1989), Team Canada members Jennifer Kirby (2009, 2010), Augusta James (2011), Brittany Marchand (2012) and Brooke Henderson (2014). World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit holds the record for the most titles with 11 (’51, ’56, ’57, ’58, ’68, ’69, ’70, ’72, ’74, ’76, and ’77).

About the Women’s Mid Amateur Championship

Open to female golfers aged 25 and over, the Women’s Mid-Amateur event was first contested in 1989. Past champions of the event include Samuel (1991, 2000 and 2010), Borthwick (1992 and1993) and Hayward, who has won the event a record 14 times. The event consists of 54 holes of stroke play competition with the field cut after 36 holes.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook, @TheGolfOntario for upcoming updates of the Ontario Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championships.

Collingwood, ON — Only 63 players remained heading into day three of the 97th annual Men’s Amateur Championship, and warm weather and beautiful greens welcomed them as they set their sights on the top spot coming out of round three and heading into the final day. Oslerbrook GC has proven to be a challenge for the players throughout the week, but the field continued to attack the narrow fairways with confidence.

After three rounds, it was Charles Fitzsimmons (Thornhill Club) who came out leading the pack going into the fourth and final day. It was a back and forth affair between Fitzsimmons and his former Team Ontario student Matthew Anderson (Credit Valley G&CC) the entire round. The two entered the third day tied at 4-under, and refused to solidify a leader until the very last hole of the day.

Fitzsimmons started the round out strong with a birdie off the first hole and continued his great play throughout, but Anderson matched every stroke Fitzsimmons took. The two ended the first four holes at 1-under each, but Fitzsimmons then bogeyed the fifth hole, allowing Anderson to take the lead. Despite the bogey on the previous hole, in Fitzsimmons style, the 31-year-old didn’t let it bother him and kept his composure to birdie the next two holes to take the lead.

Fitzsimmons led by one over Anderson for the next seven holes, until he found himself in some trouble on 13. Fitzsimmons missed a tough putt, giving Anderson the opportunity to tie the score. Anderson would then do just that, collecting two birdies in a row on the next two holes to even the score. The two sat at 7-under up until the 18th and final hole. The two teed off and for a moment it looked like Anderson would take the lead, after his drive landed centre of the fairway over 30 feet further than Fitzsimmons’. But right after, Anderson would slightly miss his second shot to land in the rough to the side of the green, while Fitzsimmons hit a perfect shot that lead to him sitting just inches from the green. At that point, it was clear who was going to take the lead heading into the final round.

“It’s funny, I had no idea that was the winning shot,” said Fitzsimmons. “I knew it was close but I always try to ignore the score.” He also commented on what it was like playing with Anderson and Celone, his former students.

“It was great playing against those two. They’re such great players and it’s always a great battle. I look forward to playing with them again tomorrow and hopefully be able to teach them another thing or two at the same time.”

Fitzsimmons finds himself at the head of the field with a score of 8-under (205), while Anderson enters round four at 7-under (206).

Ty Celone, who was the third player in the group alongside the two leaders, also had himself a spectacular day. After the third round, the former Team Ontario player sits in third place with an even-par score (213). Celone tailed the two ahead of him by only a single stroke at one point, but unfortunately triple-bogeyed the fourteenth hole. He still has the chance to catch up to the leaders, but it will be a bigger hill to climb then he was probably expecting.

The leaders and the rest of the field will return to Oslerbrook tomorrow to hopefully catch fire and heat up on the final day. Spectators are welcome at the beautiful course.

For full scores, tee times, and information on the tournament, please visit the official tournament page HERE

For photos from the tournament, visit our Facebook page HERE

About the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship

The Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship was first played in 1923 at Lakeview Golf and Country Club, and features the best players in the province. Past winners include: 2003 Masters Champion Mike Weir (1990 & 1992), Gerry Kesselring (1949, 1951, 1952, 1953), professional players Jon Mills (2001), Corey Conners (2010), Albin Choi (2012), Chris Hemmerich (2014) and Gary Cowan, who holds the record for the most Ontario Amateur Championships with nine (1964, 1968, 1971, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981 & 1984).

Golf Ontario would like to thank Oslerbrook G&CC and their staff for their continued support of the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook, @TheGolfOntario for updates of the Ontario Men’s Championship.

Ryan MacKenzie

rmackenzie@gao.ca

Collingwood, ON — Dewy grass and warm, sunny skies welcomed the players as they teed off for the second round of the 2019 Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship. The environment at Oslerbrook GC was more tense than the first day, seeing as only the low 60 players (plus ties) would make it past the cut for the third round. However, despite the added pressure to succeed, the players continued their steady play. Day two proved to be extremely competitive with multiple lead changes throughout, and when it was all said and done, it was Matthew Anderson (Credit Valley G&CC) and Charles Fitzsimmons (Thornhill Club) who came out on top to take the lead heading into the third day.

Finishing with total scores of 4-under (138), the two were lights out throughout the entire round. Fitzsimmons entered the day in a three way tie for first, but was able to pull ahead early by tallying three birdies in the second half of his front nine. Although he also carded three bogeys on the way, much like the previous day Fitzsimmons didn’t let it bother him, and continued to make up for it with steady play resulting in numerous birdies along the way. The Western graduate shot 69 both rounds of the tournament, proving his ability to play cool and steady even in tense situations.

Anderson joined Fitzsimmons at the top of the leaderboard after trailing him by a single stroke in the first round. Shooting 68 on the day today, the lowest score of the second round, Anderson picked up right where he left off from day one. Anderson has had an impressive showing throughout, and would be leading over Fitzsimmons if it wasn’t for the double bogey he hit on 12 on the first day. It was the only hole where the 19-year-old had looked shaky, but he continued to tread through nonetheless. Anderson took on the tricky twelfth hole during the second round with confidence, and breezed his way through to par.

“I had an unlucky bounce the first day on my tee shot, but I knew that I had to stay confident and accept the results of the shots I choose,” said Anderson. “I just had to shake it off and continue shooting the way I’ve been shooting all year.”

Anderson and Fitzsimmons will both be looking to continue this momentum heading in to the final two days of the championship.

Following the two leaders was a tie for third. Ty Celone (Public Player), and Cougar Collins (Rocky Crest GC) both had impressive rounds today, ending with even total scores (142). Celone entered the day tied for first, but after a few bogeys, he found himself drop back a placement. Collins was the opposite however, and entered the second round five placements behind first. Collins had an impressive round, giving him the chance to be striking distance from the top of the leaderboard.

Day three looks to be promising, as the low 60 (plus ties) will all tee off hoping to take the lead before the fourth and final day. There has been no clear leader since the opening tees of the first round, and the two final days will surely be just as tight.

For full scores, tee times, and information on the tournament, please visit the official tournament page HERE

For photos from the tournament, visit our Facebook page HERE

About the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship

The Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship was first played in 1923 at Lakeview Golf and Country Club, and features the best players in the province. Past winners include: 2003 Masters Champion Mike Weir (1990 & 1992), Gerry Kesselring (1949, 1951, 1952, 1953), professional players Jon Mills (2001), Corey Conners (2010), Albin Choi (2012), Chris Hemmerich (2014) and Gary Cowan, who holds the record for the most Ontario Amateur Championships with nine (1964, 1968, 1971, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981 & 1984).

Golf Ontario would like to thank Oslerbrook G&CC and their staff for their continued support of the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook, @TheGolfOntario for updates of the Ontario Men’s Championship.

Ryan MacKenzie

rmackenzie@gao.ca

BELLEVILLE, ON – The second round of the 104th annual Ontario Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championships got underway on a clear beautiful morning at Black Bear Ridge Golf Course.

Things quickly warmed up under a scorching sun and cloudless skies for the women and scoring became slightly tougher on the beautiful and challenging host course. Brigitte Thibault, a member of Team Canada’s National Amateur Squad, caught fire under the scorching sun in round two shooting an excellent -5 (67) on the strength of 7 birdies and 2 bogeys to lead the Women’s Amateur Championship . Hailey McLaughlin (Granite GC), the leader after round one, shot another solid round of +1 (73) to now sit 2 strokes back.

Thibault felt her game was much better today. “I wanted to improve my ball striking from yesterday and I did” said Thibault after her round. “I had 4 approach shots stick within a foot of the hole.” She added “I’m going to practice some things this afternoon and analyze my shots from today and see where I can improve.”

Sitting tied in third place currently for the Women’s Amateur are Emily Zhu (National Pines Golf Club), who shot a +1 (73) and Mary Ann Hayward (St. Thomas Golf & Country) with a -2 (70).

Speaking of Hayward, she now leads the Mid-Amateur Championship. The Ontario and Quebec Golf Hall of Famer, shot a brilliant 2 under to take the lead. She leads by one stroke over Sarah Dunning (Westmount G&CC) who fired a solid +2 (74). Julia Hodgson (Donalda Club), the 2018 Mid-Amateur Champion sits in third after a second round +4 (76), 4 strokes back.

Hayward felt she was finally getting some breaks on the green. “I finally made some putts today, they just kept rolling in” mentioned Hayward while practicing afterwards. “I was much steadier today and hit more fairways which is important here.”

Day 3 gets underway again tomorrow morning at 7:30am, with the Mid-Amateur ending after three rounds and the Amateur finishing after round four on Thursday. Spectators are always welcome.

For the official tournament website for this years pairings and results, CLICK HERE

For pictures of the tournament CLICK HERE

About the Women’s Amateur Championship

First played in 1904, the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship is being contested for the 104th time in 2019. The event features the best female golfers from across Ontario in a 72-hole stroke play format, with the field cut to the low 54 golfers and ties after 36 holes. Past winners include 1968 LPGA Championship winner Sandra Post (1964), LPGA player Alena Sharp (1989), Team Canada members Jennifer Kirby (2009, 2010), Augusta James (2011), Brittany Marchand (2012) and Brooke Henderson(2014). World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit holds the record for the most titles with 11 (’51, ’56, ’57, ’58, ’68, ’69, ’70, ’72, ’74, ’76, and ’77).

About the Women’s Mid Amateur Championship

Open to female golfers aged 25 and over, the Women’s Mid-Amateur event was first contested in 1989. Past champions of the event include Samuel (1991, 2000 and 2010), Borthwick (1992 and1993) and Hayward, who has won the event a record 14 times. The event consists of 54 holes of stroke play competition with the field cut after 36 holes.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook, @TheGolfOntario for upcoming updates of the Ontario Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championships.

Collingwood, ON — On a beautiful Monday morning at Oslerbrook G&CC, the 97th annual Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship got underway. Dewy grass and bright skies welcomed Ontario’s best as they hit the course to try and overcome the rest of the field. Living up to expectations, the first day proved to be competitive, with three players tying for the top spot after a well played first round. Ty Celone (Public Player), Charles Fitzsimmons (Thornhill Club), and Noah Steele (Cataraqui G&CC) all came out ahead with scores of two-under (69).

It was a great showing for the three who overcame the rest of the competition. Steele played a steady game throughout the entire round, never hitting worse than par and sneaking in two birdies on the long par 5’s. The 21-year-old never over stretched his range, and made sure to stay on the narrow fairways instead of going for distance, ultimately putting him in a position to succeed.

With two bogeys, Fitzsimmons didn’t play as consistently Steele, but he made up for it with some strong play in the beginning of his back nine with back to back birdies. He later pulled ahead into his first place position with another birdie on the third, and cemented it with two pars right after.

Celone played a similar round to Fitzsimmons. With two bogeys through his first round as well, Celone kept his top spot with four birdies. He almost lost the first place position with a bogey on 17, but he saved his score with a clutch birdie on the final hole. Both Fitzsimmons and Celone will look to play more consistently in the second round in hopes of projecting them past their fellow leaders, but aren’t worrying about the bogeys in general.

“It’s a tough course, so bogeys are going to happen,” said Fitzsimmons. “I’m not going to stress about it. The par 3’s are tough and lots of people are going to shoot poorly on some holes, so it’s just all about keeping positive.”

The rest of the field trailed closely behind the leaders, with only a two stroke difference seperating the top 10 players on the leaderboard. Day two looks to be promising, as the players will be arriving in hopes of continuing their momentum from the first.

For full scores, tee times, and information on the tournament, please visit the official tournament page HERE

For photos from the tournament, visit our Facebook page HERE

About the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship

The Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship was first played in 1923 at Lakeview Golf and Country Club, and features the best players in the province. Past winners include: 2003 Masters Champion Mike Weir (1990 & 1992), Gerry Kesselring (1949, 1951, 1952, 1953), professional players Jon Mills (2001), Corey Conners (2010), Albin Choi (2012), Chris Hemmerich (2014) and Gary Cowan, who holds the record for the most Ontario Amateur Championships with nine (1964, 1968, 1971, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981 & 1984).

Golf Ontario would like to thank Oslerbrook G&CC and their staff for their continued support of the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook, @TheGolfOntario for updates of the Ontario Men’s Championship.

Ryan MacKenzie

rmackenzie@gao.ca

Round 1 of the 104th annual Ontario Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championships kicked off with a ceremonial tee shot by 95 year old Betty Ingram Wonnacott in front of a good crowd on a cool beautiful morning from Black Bear Ridge Golf Course. Wonnacott is still an active golfer and has had quite the career, proving golf is a sport for life.

After the tournament got off to such a good start, both the weather and the play by the women heated up the opening round. After battling some fair but tight fairways and challenging greens, Hailey McLaughlin (Granite GC) rode a 6 hole birdie train to a -3 (69) and took the early lead at the Women’s Amateur Championship. on the Mid-Amateur side, Sarah Dunning (Westmount G&CC) came in with a solid +1 (73) to take a lead of her own.

McLaughlin was pleased about her play today. “I felt very confident and had a little luck at times.” said McLaughlin after her round. “My short game was strong and allowed me to continue making birdies in that 6 hole stretch while making a few long putts and also a chip in from off the green. I knew if I got those shots on line I’d be alright.”

Hot on her heels for the Women’s Amateur is Brigitte Thibault (Public Player) who shot a -1 (71) and sitting 4 strokes back in a third place four-way tie at +1 (73) are Sarah Dunning (Westmount G & CC), Emily Zhu (National Pines Golf Club), Jasmine Ly (Kingsville Golf & Country) and Delana Basanisi (Rattlesnake Point GC).

In the Mid-Amateur category, Julia Hodgson (Donalda Club) sits one stroke back at +2 (72) and sitting in third is Hall of Famer Mary Ann Hayward (St. Thomas Golf & Country) at +4 (76). Home course favourite Jessie Mercer (Black Bear Ridge Golf Club) sits another stroke back at +5 (77) after a solid round.

Day 2 continues tomorrow at the immaculate host club with tee times starting again at 7:30am. Spectators are always welcome.

For the official tournament website for this years pairings and results, CLICK HERE

For pictures of the tournament CLICK HERE

About the Women’s Amateur Championship

First played in 1904, the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship is being contested for the 104th time in 2019. The event features the best female golfers from across Ontario in a 72-hole stroke play format, with the field cut to the low 54 golfers and ties after 36 holes. Past winners include 1968 LPGA Championship winner Sandra Post (1964), LPGA player Alena Sharp (1989), Team Canada members Jennifer Kirby (2009, 2010), Augusta James (2011), Brittany Marchand (2012) and Brooke Henderson(2014). World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit holds the record for the most titles with 11 (’51, ’56, ’57, ’58, ’68, ’69, ’70, ’72, ’74, ’76, and ’77).

About the Women’s Mid Amateur Championship

Open to female golfers aged 25 and over, the Women’s Mid-Amateur event was first contested in 1989. Past champions of the event include Samuel (1991, 2000 and 2010), Borthwick (1992 and1993) and Hayward, who has won the event a record 14 times. The event consists of 54 holes of stroke play competition with the field cut after 36 holes.

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