Collingwood, ON — The 96th annual Ontario Men’s Am Championship is set to get underway on July 8th, where the best male amateur golfers in the province will head to Oslerbrook G&CC in hopes of leaving a champion.

Last year’s champion, Garrett Rank (Westmount G&CC), will be returning to defend his title. Rank had a spectacular tournament last year, leading from start to finish, and ending the tournament with a final score of 2-under at St. Thomas G&CC. He entered the final day of the tournament with a five shot lead over the field of players, but found himself in some trouble after the front half of the day. There were moments where it felt Rank was going to lose the lead, but despite the tough stretch, he persevered and was able to come out on top to become the 2018 Men’s Amateur champion.

Rank has continued to dominate the field since last years victory as well. In the St. Thomas Early Bird in May, Rank confidently took the lead and held it all the way to his first champion of the year, only to follow up shortly after with another win at the Ontario Men’s Better Ball Championship alongside his teammate Mike Roberts ( Whistle Bear GC).

Rank heads into the Men’s Am as the clear favourite, but despite his impressive catalogue from years past, he won’t be a shoo-in to win again this year. As mentioned before, the tournament features the best talent in the province, and many will be looking to dethrone the champ. Charles Fitzsimmons (Thornhill Club) will be among that group, as he hopes to continue his success from weeks past.

At the Ontario Men’s Mid Am Championship, Fitzsimmons hit “the shot” on the seventeenth hole on the final day of the tournament to win it all, as he battled Philip Arci (King’s Riding GC) down the wire for the chance to hoist the trophy. Although it took the shot of the tournament to pull ahead, Fitzsimmons was the most consistent in the tournament, and he looks to use that consistency to dethrone Rank.

The championship will be held at Oslerbrook G&CC. Nestled on 230 acres between the deep green of the Escarpment and the rich blue of Georgian Bay, OslerBrook was designed by its members for its members. The challenging course is known for its steep elevations as the course has come to be known as ‘the view from the top’.

“The wind really picks up on our course, and it looks a lot wider than it actually plays,” said Conrad Riley, Head Professional at Oslerbrook. “Events like this in the past have struggled with a few of the deceptive holes, so it will be fun to watch such talent come and take on our course again. We look forward to having them.”

The players will be teeing off on the beautiful course at 8:00am on July 8th, where they will all look to take a lead after the first day.

For more information about the tournament, visit the official tournament 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).

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

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

Ryan MacKenzie

rmackenzie@gao.ca

Belleville, ON — The 104th annual Ontario Women’s Amateur and Mid Amateur Championship is set to get underway on July 8th, where the best female amateur golfers in the province will head to Black Bear Ridge Golf Club in hopes of capturing the crown.

Last year’s champion of the Women’s Amateur, Ellie Szeryk (Team Canada Junior Team Member), will be returning to defend the title. Szeryk had an impressive showing last year, leading the field every day throughout the tournament despite the tough conditions. Her steady play inevitably was what allowed her to come out on top.

Szeryk will surely be returning this year with the mindset of a repeat, but it won’t be an easy path. The tough field includes the likes of Judith Kyrinis (Granite GC), Mary Ann Hayward (St. Thomas (G&CC), Brigitte Thibault (Team Canada National Amateur Team Member), and many more, all whom’s accomplishments and achievements would turn this article into a novel if listed. There is no clear favorite heading into the week, and it is without a doubt going to be a game of inches until the fourth and final day of the championship.

Last year’s Mid-Amateur champion, Julia Hodgson (Donalda Club), will also be returning to defend her title. Hodgson had an incredible showing in 2018, leading all three days of the Mid-Am competition, and finishing with an impressive score of +7.

The talented group will be taking on the sweeping Black Bear Ridge GC. Black Bear is widely known for their traditional parkland layout designed with natural water features, and superior conditioning.

“Most people tend to overthink it. Some of the holes can be quite daunting because of their length, water, and elevation, ” said Bill Kerr, Head Professional at Black Bear. “It will be fun to see the players showcase their talent and take on the test our course provides.” The notoriously long holes have been known to make players lose sight of the short game, and has in conclusion proven to be a challenge in years past.

The tournament will be kicked off with a ceremonial tee shot by Betty Ingram Wonnacott. The 95 year old is still an active golfer and has had quite the career. Wonnacott has won the BQ CC 30 plus times, represented Ontario eight times at the Ada Mackenzie Matches with New York State, won the Ontario Senior Championship, and was also inducted into the BSHOF in 1987. To honor such a talent, it seems only fair to ask her to tee one up to kick off the tournament.

The players will follow suit shortly after with the first tee time of the day at 7:30am.

The final thing to note is that there will be a Future Links Champions Clinic held on July 7th, the day of the tournament’s official practice round. The clinic is for anyone 15 and under, and is also free. Participants will also receive a t-shirt, snacks, and an opportunity to watch the competitors in the championship as they play through their practice round.

For more information on the tournament’s official site, 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.

Golf Ontario would like to thank Black Bear Ridge GC ahead of time for hosting this championship, and the course membership for allowing their course to be used by Golf Ontario. Another big thank you also to the course volunteers, rules officials, and tournament officials for their time,and of course to all of the golfers, parents, and spectators who will be attending this championship.

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

Ryan MacKenzie
rmackenzie@gao.ca

Written by Golf Canada

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland – Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., learned Wednesday that he will be playing The Open Championship next month at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Portrush, Northern Ireland.

The Canadian earned an exemption into the final major of the season based on his position in the World Golf Ranking (No. 82).

Conners will join Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C., as the Canadians who will tee off at the 148th playing of the storied tournament. Hadwin qualified for The Open with his strong performance at the RBC Canadian Open.

Conners shot into the spotlight with his win at the Valero Texas Open in April. The 27-year-old has never competed at The Open Championship.

This will be Conners’ fifth major championship appearance. He made the cut at both majors he’s played this season, finishing in a tie for 46th at The Masters and in a tie for 64th at the PGA Championship. He also played the 2015 Masters and the 2017 U.S. Open, missing the cut on both occasions.

Two more spots in The Open Championship are up for grabs at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in at Detroit Golf Club in Detroit, Mich. this week. Seven Canadians are in the field, including Conners.

The 148th Open Championship will take place from July 18-21.

Amherstburg, ON — Unlike the sunny first two rounds, the third and final day of the Ontario Men’s Mid-Am Championship welcomed the 66 remaining players with wet and rainy conditions. With their rain jackets zipped and umbrellas in hand, the players trudged through the damp course in hopes of taking home the hardware.

The day proved to be extremely competitive, and despite the challenges of wet weather, the players persevered and there were many impressive rounds on the challenging Pointe West Golf Club.

After today’s 18 holes, it was Charles Fitzsimmons (Thornhill Club), fresh off his recent Canadian University Championship win, who ended at the top of the leaderboard with a final tournament score of -6, behind a steady final 1-under 71 in the final round. The entire third round was a tight race between Fitzsimmons and Philip Arci (King’s Riding GC). With both players flip flopping around for the lead, it was uncertain who would take home the hardware until the very last moments.

Fitzsimmons started the day with a 2 shot lead on Arci, but Arci had a hot start to the day carding two birdies in the first two holes. Arci briefly held the lead until Fitzsimmons had his own set of birdies on the eight and twelfth holes, and for the remainder of the round it was anyone’s game. Arci then rolled in three birdies in four holes to pull ahead for the lead, but double bogeyed the 16th hole, allowing Fitzsimmons to tie up the score. Arci, now in the clubhouse with a 5-under for the tournament, could only watch as Fitzsimmons hit the shot of the tournament on the par 3 17th. After hitting his tee shot into the bunker, Fitzsimmons, clearly agitated, stepped up to the bunker and took a long deep breath, staring at the hole. With a new found calmness, he walked up to the ball an proceeded to blast it out of the sand and into the hole for a clutch birdie that pulled him into the lead for good.

“That was a really special moment for me,” said Fitzsimmons. “My caddie kept mentioning the close score with Arci near the end of the round and I knew that I would have to make some impressive shots to pull ahead of him, so I was really happy about that one.”

Fitzsimmons would finish the tournament with a total score of -6, and Arci a final score of -5. Following closely behind first and second was Simon McInnis (Mississauga GC) with a final score of -4. McInnis had a strong finishing day, carding 3-under 69 to pull into the important third place. The top three players in the tournament, Fitzsimmons, Arci, and McInnis were all exempted into the Ontario Open at Woodington Lakes Golf Club, where they have an opportunity to compete for the historic championship.

In the Mid-Master (40+) portion of the tournament, it was John Drewery who would come out on top with a score of -2. Drewery had an incredible tournament, keeping up with the leaders the entire way through and actually sitting as the leader for parts of the tournament. Drewery was followed closely by Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood GC) and Jay Jewett (Timber Golf Club) who both finished even par for the tournament.

For photos from the tournament, CLICK HERE

For more information on the Ontario Men’s Mid-Am, visit the tournament page HERE

About the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship

The Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur championship is a 54-hole competition featuring Ontario’s best golfers age 25 and older that have gained entry into the event through one of nine qualifying tournaments or an exemption. Competitors age 40 and over also compete for the Ontario Men’s Mid-Master division trophy. Contested annually since 1993, past champions of the event include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Stu Hamilton and Kelly Roberts, Dave Bunker, Graham Hill, Garrett Rank, and Drew Symons.

Ryan MacKenzie

rmackenzie@gao.ca

Amherstburg, ON — Much like day one, the second day of the 27th annual Men’s Mid-Am Championship was accompanied by sunny and warm weather. On June 19th, 144 players teed off at the beautiful Pointe West Golf Club for the second round of the tournament, trying to make the cut for the final day. Out of the 144 who took to the course over the first two days, only 60 (plus ties) would remain after the second round.

The day proved to be another close race, but after 36 holes it was Charles Fitzsimmons (Thornhill Club) who took the top spot going into the final day. Philip Arci (King’s Riding GC), who was the leader after day one, held the lead early on, but bogeyed three times in the second round. Fitzsimmons was able to take advantage of Arci’s lull in momentum, and held his steady play to shoot -2 on the day (-5 overall).

“My mindset has been steady the past two days,” said Fitzsimmons. “I’ve been pretty consistent with my play. I’m trying to just be consistent and not make mistakes.”

Without bogeying once the entire tournament, Fitzsimmons looks to carry his momentum into the final round. “I’m just going to continue the pace I’ve been playing at the past two days. Players will shoot what they shoot I can’t control that, but I know what I can do so I’m going to take advantage of my lead after two days and hopefully hold the lead.”

Following closely behind Fitzsimmons was John Drewery (Westmount G&CC) with a score of -4. Drewery had a good start in the round, but found himself in a setback after double bogeying the tenth. Despite the adversity however, Drewery kept his cool and played steady the rest of way, climbing back into second place.

Behind the two top scores, was a four way tie for third place. Arci, Jordan Crampton (London Hunt and CC), Dave Bunker (Brampton GC), and David Greenaway (Barrie CC) all finished with a total score of -3 after two rounds. Arci was the leader after the first day, but wasn’t able to hold the lead from the strong competition following him.

For the Mid-Master (40+) section, Drewery leads the group with a score of -4. He is trailed by Bunker by one stroke.

The third and final round will continue tomorrow with split tee tee times set to begin at 8:00am.

For photos from the tournament, CLICK HERE

For more information on the Ontario Men’s Mid-Am, visit the tournament page HERE

About the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship

The Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur championship is a 54-hole competition featuring Ontario’s best golfers age 25 and older that have gained entry into the event through one of nine qualifying tournaments or an exemption. Competitors age 40 and over also compete for the Ontario Men’s Mid-Master division trophy. Contested annually since 1993, past champions of the event include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Stu Hamilton and Kelly Roberts, Dave Bunker, Graham Hill, Garrett Rank, and Drew Symons.

Ryan MacKenzie

rmackenzie@gao.ca

Amherstburg, ON — On a warm and sunny day, 144 players took to the course to kick off the 27th annual Men’s Mid-Am Championship at Pointe West Golf Club.

The first round started off strong, with Doug Hoppe (Essex G&CC) and Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood) kicking things off with impressive drives down the fairway. The rest of the players followed suit throughout the day, leading to a very competitive field. At the end of the day, there were 12 players who broke par on the par 72 track, and all 12 of those players were within 4 shots of the leader.

After 18 holes it was Philip Arci (King’s Riding GC) who led the way throughout the round. Starting off with three birdies and a par on the first four holes, Arci kept his momentum and rode his lead the rest of the way. Never bogeying once, Arci had the most consistent round out of the rest of the leaders. Using his 3 wood for nearly every drive, Arci said he was focused on location more than distance.

“I tried to keep it simple and play the ball down the middle,” said Arci. “There were a couple of downhill putts, so I just made sure to watch my speed throughout the round.”

Arci holds the top spot going into the second round tomorrow, and he plans to carry on his momentum from the first day. “I’m just going to do the same thing tomorrow. Centre green, make some putts, and be consistent. It’s worked so far so I don’t see any reason to change anything.”

Following closely behind Arci is Jordan Crampton (London Hunt G&CC) with a score of -4. Crampton had a steady round, shooting 2-under par during both the front and back nine. Crampton and Arci we’re neck and neck on the leaderboard for the entire front nine, but Arci pulled away with his sixth birdie of the day on the 13th hole.

Behind the two top spots, was a three way tie for third. John Drewery (Westmount G&CC), Charles Fitzsimmons (Thornhill G&CC), and Jay Jewett (Timberwolf GC) all shot -3, sitting only one shot behind second. The three players all shot incredibly well throughout the day, making them clear favourites to push for the top spot in the second round.

Drewery and Jewett lead the Mid-Master section of the tournament, both sitting at -3 a piece.

Round two will continue tomorrow with tee times set to begin at 8:00am.

For photos from the tournament, CLICK HERE

For more information on the Ontario Men’s Mid-Am, visit the tournament page HERE

About the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship

The Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur championship is a 54-hole competition featuring Ontario’s best golfers age 25 and older that have gained entry into the event through one of nine qualifying tournaments or an exemption. Competitors age 40 and over also compete for the Ontario Men’s Mid-Master division trophy. Contested annually since 1993, past champions of the event include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Stu Hamilton and Kelly Roberts, Dave Bunker, Graham Hill, Garrett Rank, and Drew Symons.

Ryan MacKenzie

rmackenzie@gao.ca

Kingston, ON — A beautiful sunny morning welcomed the final four golfers to Cataraqui G&CC for day two of the annual and historic Golf Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship. The 4 players who already persevered through two tough rounds each on Sunday were paired up on Monday morning to make up the semi-finals.

The first semi-final of the day saw Brooke Rivers (Brampton GC) square off against Haley Yerxa (Public Player) at 8am and saw both women playing fantastic golf. Rivers, however,  made brilliant shot after shot and found herself up most of the match. Yerxa would battle back late to try and hang on but Rivers would take it 3&2 to advance.

The 8:08 second semi-final consisted of Tiana Cruz (Ladies GC of Toronto) and home-course golfer Patricia Hogeboom (Cataraqui Golf & Country). The two of them battled hard back and forth and it was Cruz who would take over on the back nine and take the match 2&1

The exciting finals match pitted Rivers and Cruz against one another, and got going at noon after about a 40 minute break. Both golfers came out hungry and were pounding the ball looking to take the lead. Rivers would take the lead and run with it, not relinquishing it until the 14^th hole. Cruz finally tied the round back up and from then on seemed to get stronger and would hold on to the lead and finally take the match 2&1.

“I’ve played 36 holes before and knew I could do it,” said Cruz after her win. “I came from behind in a few of the matches and just had to keep my focus and stay in the moment.”

When asked about how she tried to maintain momentum in the final match, Cruz explained that she just tried to stick to her game plan. “On the par 3 twelve I said I had to make a good roll, well my Dad said it first (laughing) and I have to give him lots of praise over the tournament carrying my bag for 36 holes.”

She was extremely excited to see some past champion names on the trophy, including 2011 Champion Brooke Henderson (who just became the winningest Canadian this past weekend). Cruz said “It’s just awesome and I’ve put in the work to be here.”

Golf Ontario would like to thank Cataraqui G&CC, its members, staff and greens crew for the exceptional course conditions and hospitality.

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

For pictures of the tournament CLICK HERE

About the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship

The Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship was first played in 1975 and has several notable past champions including: World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, eight-time champion Mary Ann Hayward, Terrill Samuel, and Heather Kuzmich.

Kingston, ON — Warm and sunny skies welcomed the competitors to Cataraqui G&CC for the 70th annual Women’s Match Play Championship. The 16 players who made it past the previous days qualifier were paired up in the morning to take on the first round of the championship.

The first round proved to be every little bit as competitive as expected, with a majority of the pairings going the distance. By the end of the round, it was Margarette Matthews (Craigowan G&CC), Patricia Hogeboom (Cataraqui G&CC), Brooke Rivers (Brampton GC), Marion Reid (Islington GC), Haley Yerxa (Public Player), Tiana Cruz (Ladies GC), Mary Ann Hayward (St. Thomas G&CC), and Judith Kyrinis (Granite GC) who moved onto the second round.

In the secong round, the eight remaining players took to the course to compete for a chance move onto the semi finals the next day. Much like the first, the second round was a game of inches, as many holes were won by slight differences.

After 18 holes, only one of the four pairings didn’t reach the seventeenth tee. Rivers came out hot, leading by 8 after only ten holes over Matthews. Rivers drove a near perfect drive off the tee, and didn’t seem to waiver from that performance level the entire round. Shooting fantastically throughout, Rivers was near untouchable from the get go. Despite Matthews’ sharp shooting and consistent play, it wasn’t enough for her to keep up with Rivers, denying her a chance to move on to the semi finals. The final score for Rivers was an impressive 8 & 7.

The other three rounds all went to the seventeenth tee. Reid and Hogeboom were the second group in the second round to tee off, following Rivers and Matthews. Reid and Hogeboom had quite the match, sitting at even for more than half the round. After the front nine, the score barely budged for either players favour, and once there was a lead change, it seemed to be impossible to keep seeing as they traded for the lead throughout the back nine holes. By the end of the round however, it was Hogeboom who stole the round with some impressive putting at the end. The final score was 2 & 1.

The third pairing was the match between Yerxa, and the eight time champion Hayward. Hayward was seen as the heavy favourite in the round, but Yerxa proved to hold her own, taking an early 3-up lead after the first six holes. Hayward being the champion she is, never backed down however, cutting the lead to one after 15. Yerxa managed to hold the lead through the 16th hole, and was able to seal the deal on 17, taking advantage of a missed putt by Hayward. The final score was 2 & 1.

The fourth and final pairing saw Cruz and Golf Ontario Hall of Famer Judith Kyrinis go head to head. Much like Hayward, Kyrinis was seen as the heavy favourite in this pairing, being the #1 ranked in the tournament pool. Similar to Yerxa however, Cruz pulled ahead early on in the round, going 4-up by the 7th hole. Kyrinis made a comeback down the stretch with some consistent and steady shooting, but Cruz had built too large of a lead for Kyrinis to be able to catch up. Cruz sealed the deal with a final putt on the 17 to move on to the semi finals.

“The competition today was incredible,” said Cruz after her win. “Kyrinis shot steady throughout the entire round. I knew I had to stick to my game plan, and be consistent with my putts. I made a lot of putts at the beginning that gave me the early lead.”

When asked about her mindset going into the semi finals, Cruz explained that she was going to keep her momentum from the first two rounds and apply it going forward. “I plan on just taking it shot by shot much like I did today.”

Cruz will face off against Hogeboom in the semi finals, and following that match will be the group of Yerxa and Rivers.

The semi finals will continue tomorrow, with tee times set for 8:00am.

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

About the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship

The Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship was first played in 1975 and has several notable past champions including: World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, six-time champion Mary Ann Hayward, Terrill Samuel, and Heather Kuzmich.

Ryan MacKenzie

rmackenzie@gao.ca

Kingston, ON — The 2019 Women’s Match Play Championship is set to kick off on June 16th at the Cataraqui Golf & Country Club. The tournament doubles as the Empire Provinces Golf Championship. Approximately 30 golfers from across the province will be arriving in Kingston to compete.

The 102 year old Cataraqui Golf & Country Club was designed by Canadian Architect Stanley Thompson and has retained the classic golf course design and features that Thompson is renowned for. The course blends perfectly in its natural surroundings and is a proven challenge to players of all levels. The course features obstacles the likes of sweeping bunkers and flashes of sand, towering trees, rolling fairways and subtle breaking greens.

“It’s a long golf course. It’s elevation changes and length can be quite the challenge, and we have some difficult par 3’s that I know have been a bother to competitors in the past,” said Cataraqui’s Head Professional, Malcolm Trickey. “We’re very excited to see how the competitors handle this challenging course, and we’re thrilled to be hosting this tournament.”

Cataraqui has been challenging players for over 100 years, but the women will be arriving June 16th to make their mark, and hopefully leave a champion.

In 2016 and 2017, it was Cristina Kertsos, from York Downs Golf & Country Club, who won the championship. Repeating champion two years in a row, Kertsos was a force to be reckoned with, shooting the 2017 final match 4&3, and winning in a playoff on the 19th hole in 2016.

Although the Match Play didn’t take place in 2018, it was Mary Ann Hayward, of St. Thomas, who won the 2018 Empire Life Eastern provinces Championship.

Kertsos will not be returning to the tournament this year, but Hayward will be returning to defend her title.

Running with the 70th annual Empire Life Eastern Provinces Championship, players competing for the ON Women’s Match Play had to qualify through the Saturday Field Day. The top 16 players in the qualifier were the ones to move on the the Match Play competition, and challenge Hayward for the top spot.

Golf Ontario’s Hall of Fame inductee Judith Kyrinis is among the players looking to take home the hardware. Teeing off at 9:57am at the qualifier on June 15th, Kyrinis entered the qualifier hoping to land at a high ranking going into the championship. Kyrinis has quite the resume, winning the Investors Group Ontario Womens Senior Championship last year, winning the USGA Senior Women’s Championship the year before that, and many other notable achievements over the years. One can guarantee that she will be looking to continue this stretch of success at the Women’s Match Play this year.

Players will tee off at 8:00am Sunday morning.

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

About the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship

The Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship was first played in 1975 and has several notable past champions including: World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, six-time champion Mary Ann Hayward, Terrill Samuel, and Heather Kuzmich.

Ryan MacKenzie

rmackenzie@gao.ca

Port Carling, On — On a cold and rainy day, Delhi G&CC member Peyton Callens outlasted the field of 64 competitors to earn his first Ontario Men’s Match Play championship at The Lake Joseph Club in Port Sandfield, Ontario.

The final pairing of Callens and Aiden Gavey (Beverley G&CC) were welcomed to the fourth day of the tournament by undesirable weather. Cool winds, rainy skies, and wet greens were obstacles for the finalists the entire way through, but despite the poor conditions however, the two played strong and consistent.

Thursday’s finals match saw Gavey take an early lead, while Callens bogeyed the first two holes. Gavey held onto this lead with some steady putting through the first 5 holes, but Callens made a comeback on the sixth, and eventually taking the lead in the seventh.

Callens held the lead for the rest of the front nine with steady shooting, but Gavey made a quick comeback in the tenth, making a beautiful putt for a birdie. The even score was short lived however, with Callens regaining the lead on the eleventh hole, where he took advantage of Gavey’s bogey.

Callens, with cautious and consistent shooting, held the lead by one until the 18th hole. It wasn’t until the final putt on the eighteenth shot, where Gavey made a real push to tie. Gavey hit a long putt on the last hole to win the 18th, pushing the finals to a playoff.

With the players soaked and cold, they had to dig their heels in and find their last gear. The two headed back to the first hole, where they each teed off for the nineteenth time. After it was all said and done, it was Callens who pulled ahead. Callens took the lead early with a drive that landed perfectly in the middle of the fairway ahead of Gavey. Once he had the slight advantage, he never looked back. Hitting his third shot for birdie, Callens looked up to the cloudy skies in celebration. He was the 2019 Men’s Match Play Champion.

“It was definitely a struggle out there, especially the back nine,” aid Callens. “The weather didn’t make this course easy, but I knew I had to stay consistent out there. Gavey’s a great player, I was lucky that I was playing really well today.”

Both Callens and Gavey had difficult roads to get to the finals. Callens faced against the five time champion David Bunker in the quarter finals, meanwhile Gavey played the reigning champion Cameron Kellett in the semi’s. Through adversity however, both prevailed against tough competition, and had a very successful week.

“It’s been a great tournament,” said Callens. “There’s been fantastic competition throughout. I’ve had a lot of fun these last four days.”

Callens will be looking to continue his momentum at the Men’s Am at Oslerbrook G&CC on July 8th, but in the meantime, will enjoy being a champion.

For photos from the tournament, CLICK HERE

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

About the Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship

Established in 1986, The Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship is contested annually and features 64 of Ontario’s best amateur golfers that have qualified through one of six qualifying tournaments held earlier this season, or who have gained an exemption into the event.  Notable former champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Ian Leggatt, David Hearn, David Byrne and Dave Bunker.

Golf Ontario would like to thank The Lake Joseph Club and their staff for their continued support of the Ontario Men’s Match Play championship, and would also like to thank our volunteers for their hard work.

Ryan MacKenzie

rmackenzie@gao.ca