Former Executive Director of Golf Ontario, Warren ‘Skip’ Williams, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2019 at 82 years of age. Skip was born in Hamilton, Ontario, and after moving to Victoria B.C at a young age, he quickly became a natural athlete. He excelled at swimming and hockey, but it was golf where he really shone. He eventually made his way back to Ontario, where he worked at numerous well known golf courses in various capacities, eventually becoming head pro. He also won a handful of professional tournaments along with the long drive championship in 1972.

Warren was always very supportive of growing programs for junior golfers. Many of the golfers who are now in Golf Ontario’s Hall of Fame were junior golfers during Warren’s time, and many honed their skills at his junior camps. He devoted his time to developing the junior golfer’s skills, and had a vision for what they could become.

Warren’s love for golf also led him to be the Executive Director of the Ontario Golf Course rating system designed by the USGA. He was also part of the group that started the IAGA. “Skip played a key role in the development of the International Association of Golf Administrators,” said Dave Mills, former Executive Director at Golf Ontario. “He was a golfer, a character and a friend to golf throughout Ontario, Canada and North America. He will be fondly remembered by many golfers and golf clubs.”

After leaving the OGA, he and his wife Joanne spent the winter months in Lakeland, Florida where he continued to hone his golf skills on a daily basis. He was a very lucky man to be able to play the sport he loved so much, and the sport that loved him back.

Warren’s impact on the game of golf is undeniable, and his life will be remembered by it for years to come. He will be missed dearly by his family, friends, and all of the Golf Ontario family.

Ryan MacKenzie

rmackenzie@gao.ca

Uxbridge, ON – On May 1st, Wooden Sticks Golf Course hosted the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame.  Founded in 2000 by the Ontario Golf Association and the Ontario Ladies’ Golf Association, the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in the game of golf in Ontario.  This year, three deserving inductees entered the Hall and one member of the Ontario golf media was 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.

Eldridge was recognized for her grace and integrity while being a keen competitor and great ambassador for both Ontario and Canada during her golfing career. Only to name a few accomplishments, she has been a competitor since an early age, set course records in the Ontario Ladies’ Amateur Championship, and has represented Canada in four international events.

Kyrinis was recognized for her lifelong passion for the sport, and dedication to win. She has established a prominent record as an amateur golfer in Ontario, Canada and the United States, participating and winning in local, provincial, national and international amateur Championships. To name a few of her accomplishments, she was the 1998 Ontario Women’s Match Play Champion, the Ontario Senior Women’s Champion for 2016, 2017 and 2018, and an international champion on multiple occasions.

“My children and husband have all taken turns being my caddie over the years, and I think my husband actually thinks he should be inducted into the caddie hall of fame,” joked Kyrinis. “But I’ll let you be the judge of that.” Unfortunately, her husband left empty handed.

Scott was recognised for his drive to be a champion. He has won at every level – from junior to college and then provincial to national and finally professionally. Scott always represents himself with dignity and respect, and has proven to be a role model for aspiring golfers in the future. To name a few of his accomplishments, Scott was a member of the Canadian Junior Team at the 2001 World Golf Championship in Japan, he became the only Canadian ever to reach the finals at the USGA’s Junior Championship, and would go on in to win 2 events on the TarHeel Tour and play on the Canadian Tour.

Scott Metcalfe was awarded the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award for his dedication to the game. It will be Scott’s 20th year of overseeing and hosting the hour-long Toronto-based golf talk show (on Sportsnet 590 The Fan) which airs Saturday mornings at 7:00 AM and runs through to early October. Metcalfe and Bob Weeks were long time co-hosts before Weeks’ move to TSN, and Metcalfe was also awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 by Canada’s Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). A proud member of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada, Scott has covered Canadian Opens and other provincial and national golf events ever since coming to Toronto.

“I know how much it takes to set up this event, so it means a lot that I get to be honoured and celebrate alongside many other amazing golfers and people,” said Metcalfe. “Thank you for having me, winning this award is a tremendous honour.”

The day consisted of great food, inspirational speeches, and lots of laughs.

Golf Ontario would like to extend their congratulations to the 2019 Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Class, and thank all those who attended, including Golf Ontario partners who make events like the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame possible. Also, a big thank you to Wooden Sticks for their continued support in hosting the ceremony and housing the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame.

To read more about the award recipients and their achievements, click here.

For more photos, click here.

Ryan MacKenzie

rmackenzie@gao.ca

Toronto, ON — Today, Ontario’s leading golf industry associations will meet at Queen’s Park on May 1st to celebrate the second annual National Golf Day.

National Golf Day aims to raise awareness and highlight the positive impact the game of golf has across the country and in the province of Ontario. Golf has a significant impact on the economy, in areas such as employment levels, tax dollars earned, and from a tourism standpoint. In addition, golf is a lifelong sport that is a strong driver for healthy, active living for participants across the province.

Golf industry representatives will be at Queen’s Park today in Toronto, as well as Parliament Hill in Ottawa, to meet with MPs, MPPs, Senators and policy advisors to spread the word on the many benefits of Canada’s golf sector and the positive impact it has on so many.

“Golf is the number one participation sport in Ontario – we encourage people across the province to get involved and support National Golf Day in their own way – whether it be playing a round of golf, visiting a course to enjoy family time, taking a lesson, or adopting a school in their community through Golf in Schools,” said Shawn Hunter, Regional Director at the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada.

In Ontario alone, based on a 2014 We Are Golf commissioned economic impact study, the game of golf contributed an estimated $5.40 billion toward the Gross Domestic Product, including 110,000 jobs and $716 million in federal and provincial income taxes.

“We are really looking forward to today at Queen’s Park, supporting the activities in Ottawa, and celebrating National Golf Day at a provincial level in Ontario”, said Mike Kelly, Executive Director of Golf Ontario. “We are confident that government officials from all parties will be pleased to learn about all of the ways golf positively contributes to our province, and our messaging will focus on the game’s economic impact, charitable funding, business benefits, and health benefits for hundreds of thousands of Canadians”, continued Kelly.

“As a group of superintendents tasked with maintaining the many amazing golf courses across Ontario, we know first-hand the benefits that golf courses have on our communities. Each day we embark on a mission of sustainability, conservation, protection, and perfection that helps bring so many benefits,” added Jason Boyce, President of the Ontario Golf Superintendents Association.

Click here for a link to a video highlighting the great work done by golf course superintendents across Ontario. https://youtu.be/LNWTLMpr79g

Simon Bevan, the President of the PGA of Ontario, as well as the President of the Southwest Ontario branch of the Canadian Society of Club Managers also stands in support of this important celebration of golf. “We are thrilled to be part of National Golf day and believe it is important that the golf industry stands together to illustrate the importance of golf in our province.  It is critical that our local and provincial leaders acknowledge the impact that our business provides to not only the economy but also the natural green spaces that we look after. I look forward to speaking further with our esteemed MPP’s and answer any questions they have on our past and future challenges,” said Bevan.

The Queen’s Park schedule for May 1 will include a breakfast and meetings throughout the day for delegates and MPP’s alike. This day represents a great chance for all involved to celebrate the positive impact golf has in communities across Ontario.

We Are Golf is a public awareness raising initiative sponsored by the National Allied Golf Associations. The Ontario chapter includes
the following members: Professional Golfers’ Association of Ontario, Ontario Golf Superintendents Association, Golf Ontario,
Canadian Society of Club Managers – Ontario Branches and the National Golf Course Owners Association – Ontario Chapters.
For more information on We Are Golf, visit http://www.wearegolf.ca

For more information, please contact:

Madison Simmons

Telephone: 613-233-8906

Email: madison@impactcanada.com

On April 25th, Innisfil Creek Golf Club and Golf Ontario visited Cookstown Central Public School to teach their students about golf. In celebration of the ‘Adopt a School’ program, every time this year Innisfil Creek brings in a pro alongside Golf Ontario to get the youth in their area more comfortable with the sport.The day consists of teaching the students proper golf stance, how to putt, chip, drive, and even what to do when someone yells ‘fore’.

“What do you do when you hear someone yelling that there’s a golf ball coming at you?” asked one of the instructors.

“Try and catch it?” responded one of the students. It was safe to say that this was quickly corrected.

With five different classes coming in at different time slots, the day was packed with fun. Skills were quickly developed and excitement grew more and more with every class.

“It’s such a treat to be around the children, and seeing them have a good time,” said Nick Torkos, owner of Innisfil Creek Golf Club. “It’s a beautiful thing to see such a great response.”

The ‘Adopt a School’ program was made to partner golf clubs with schools, so that they can introduce the sport to younger demographics and build interest from a young age. Clubs pay a $500 fee and Golf Ontario matches the club with a nearby school. Golf Ontario and the partnered club then host events on a yearly basis to introduce and promote the sport to the students. Not to mention, the school gets to keep a set of practice clubs and balls to use during recess.

“We’ve been a part of this initiative for five years, and when we first heard about the program, we were really excited,” said Torkos. “We felt that the golf industry had not done enough to promote golf at these younger levels.” Torkos explained that most camps at golf courses don’t start until the ages of eleven, so it’s hard to get the younger ages invested in the sport.

Children develop interests much earlier than the age of eleven, so when they become old enough to join the camps, they have already developed other hobbies that take up their time. Therefore, visiting them at an earlier age at their schools will develop an interest at an earlier age, and promote the sport for years to come.

The program relies on courses like Innisfil Creek to deliver the program. Innisfil has developed deep connections with their sponsored schools, visiting them twice a year and providing them opportunities throughout the summer, which is what the program is all about.

Photos from the day can be found here.

Ryan MacKenzie

rmackenzie@gao.ca

From April 22-26, Golf Canada / Golf Ontario will be celebrating all donations made towards the Future Links, driven by Acura Golf in Schools program in support of the third annual Adopt a School Week.

The week represents a coast-to-coast celebration to mark the efforts of all Golf in Schools adoptions. Since the program’s inception in 2009, adoptions have accounted for close to 50% of the over 3,800 registered schools delivering the curriculum. Together, Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), Golf Ontario and all other provincial partners have aligned to celebrate the generosity of golf enthusiasts across the country.

“Golf Canada recognizes the many investments made by Canadians across the country in support of the Golf in Schools program,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s chief sport officer. “It is in the industry’s best interest to support the continued growth of the sport at the grassroots level, which in turn benefits the future membership of facilities.”

For the first 30 adoptions, any golf facility, PGA of Canada professional or individual who adopts a school into the Golf in Schools program from April 22-26 will see their adoption matched with a school of their choice. This matching grant is possible due to Golf Canada’s partnership with the Canadian Seniors Golf Association (CSGA).

In 2018, 263 new schools were adopted, introducing an average of 120 students per school to golf.

A Golf in Schools donation includes the full program kit, which features safe, age-appropriate golf clubs along with a teacher-friendly learning resource. Developed in conjunction with the PGA of Canada and Physical Health Education (PHE) Canada, the learning resource incorporates Life Skills into the curriculum—placing added focus on transferrable skills both on and off the golf course.

The Intrapersonal Life Skills—perseverance, goal-setting and emotional regulation—are meant to instill focus while the Interpersonal Life Skills—honesty, teamwork and respect—embody a sense of sportspersonship.

Following Adopt a School Week, Golf Canada will be announcing all elementary, intermediate and high school adoptions conducted in 2019.

TO ADOPT A SCHOOL IN YOUR COMMUNITY, VISIT GOLFCANADA.CA/ADOPTASCHOOL

From Canadian Press

KAPOLEI, Hawaii – Brooke Henderson didn’t join the LPGA Tour thinking she would end up amongst the best Canadian golfers of all-time. At least not so soon, anyway.

Henderson tied the Canadian record for most career victories on the LPGA or PGA Tour on Saturday when the 21-year-old captured her eighth career title by shooting a 2-under 70 to win the Lotte Championship for the second year in a row.

Sandra Post had eight career victories on the LPGA Tour between 1968 and 1981, while Mike Weir and George Knudson equalled that on the PGA Tour.

“When I was younger it was just a goal to be on the LPGA Tour, to win my first event,” Henderson said.

“And when that happened and I won my first major the year after, things kind of just started to fall into place. I knew the record was eight. Just kept creeping toward it the last three years, which was really exciting.”

Henderson, from Smiths Falls, Ont., won last year’s event in Hawaii for her sixth Tour victory and followed that up in August 2018 as the first Canadian in 45 years to win the CP Women’s Open.

“I think starting last year I sort of saw that it was within my reach if I had two good seasons. Last year put me into great position, and coming back this year it’s been on the back of my mind every week that I tee it up. I’m just really happy that I have finally done it.

“Looking forward to overtaking it now.”

She finished 16 under on Saturday at Ko Olina Golf Club to beat South Korea’s Eun-Hee Ji by four strokes.

Nelly Korda, tied with Henderson for the third-round lead, finished with a quadruple-bogey 8 for a 77 that left her seven strokes back at 9 under. She hit into the water twice on 18, then threw her ball in after finishing. The 20-year-old American also had a double bogey on the par-4 seventh.

“Pretty bad,” Korda said. “I mean, it was a tough day, but I ended really poorly and I’m pretty disappointed in that. … It was an unfortunate final round, but there is nothing I can do about it anymore.”

Ariya Jutanugarn (73) and 2016 winner Minjee Lee (74) tied for third at 11 under.

Henderson bogeyed her first hole, but that was the only blemish in the final round as she followed that up with three birdies and 14 pars.

She looked to be in some trouble on the par-4 16th, but saved par when she hit a put from off the green.

“It’s really amazing to even be mentioned in the same sentence as Mike Weir, George, and Sandra,” Henderson said. “This week was really special. I always love coming to Hawaii. Last year was such an incredible week for me, to be able to hoist that trophy for the first time. Coming back I knew I knew the golf course really well.”

Fellow Canadian and Olympic teammate Alena Sharp watched Henderson play out the round and joined her in celebration.

“Congrats my friend ?BrookeHenderson! Unbelievable title defense and tying Sandra Post’s record for most wins by a Canadian on the ?LPGA tour. So freaking proud of you!,” tweeted Sharp (72), who finished 2 under for 40th place.

Henderson takes home US$300,000 for the win. Through seven events in 2019, she has made six cuts, has one victory, three top-10 finishes and one top-15 finish for $498,151 total earnings.

Henderson, ranked No. 12 in the world, has one major among her tournament victories, winning the 2016 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship after beating Lydia Ko in a playoff when she was only 18.

Building on an incredible 2018 event that raised almost $100,000, Golf Ontario is proud announce The 8th Annual Junior Golf Drive & Gala taking place on May 27th, 2019. It will be another fabulous day of golf, topped off by an evening of great food, amazing wine, and outstanding entertainment at the prestigious Granite Golf Club.

visit: thegolfgala.ca

“Using golf as a vehicle to instill life skills and core values in young people is the driving force behind the Junior Golf Drive & Gala,” said Mike Kelly, Golf Ontario Executive Director. “All proceeds will go directly to programs and services which aim to provide these opportunities to the next generation, ultimately driving the long-term development of stronger communities and the building the sport of golf in Ontario.”

The event is in support of numerous Golf Ontario youth initiatives within the province including: Grow Golf Grants, Golf in Schools, Team Ontario and Post-Secondary Scholarships. Granite, one of the most prestigious clubs in the province, will play host to a wonderful day of golf and evening of spectacular entertainment supplied by our emcee and host Natasha Staniszewski and our featured special guest Charlie Rymer.

Charlie Rymer, a former PGA Tour player, has hosted numerous hit Golf Channel Shows such as “Road Trip: Myrtle Beach” and “Big Break: Prince Edward Island”. Charlie starred on Morning Drive and helped lead the network’s PGA Tour coverage, among other responsibilities. He has covered live events on the PGA Tour, Champions Tour, Nationwide Tour and the LPGA tour for ESPN, ABC, CBS, USA Network and on Golf Channel. Known for his outgoing personality and southern humor, throughout his career Charlie Rymer has kept audiences thoroughly entertain.

Rymer played professionally for 10 years, including winning the 1994 South Carolina Open on the Nationwide Tour. He recorded his best finish on the PGA Tour in 1995 at the Shell Houston Open where he finished 3rd, only one shot out of a playoff with Payne Stewart and Scott Hoch.

We are excited to welcome Rymer to as our featured Special Guest. He will surely entertain the Junior Golf Drive guests with memories and stories from his career on and off the course.

The evening will be hosted by TSN SportCentre anchor Natasha Staniszewski. As the co-host of the late night/morning loop, millions of Canadian sports fans watch Natasha every week. Born and raised in Edmonton, Staniszewski was an athlete, excelling in basketball and volleyball, but her latest obsession is playing golf. In 2017, she checked off a major bucket list item when she spent a day at Augusta National Golf Club watching The Masters. Natasha brings an amazing energy and professionalism to the evening which will keep the audience entertained.

For full information on the Gala, the programs it supports, success stories and to purchase tickets, visit: thegolfgala.ca

From Golf Canada

SAN ANTONIO – Canadian Corey Conners claimed his first PGA Tour victory and earned an invite to the Masters on Sunday, winning the Valero Texas Open less than a week after qualifying.

Conners only entered the tournament field Monday, and he’s the first golfer to win on the PGA Tour after qualifying on a Monday in nine years. He made three birdies in the final five holes, shooting a 6-under 66. He was 20-under for the tournament, winning by two shots over Charley Hoffman.

Next stop for Conners: Augusta, Georgia, for next week’s Masters.

Hoffman, the 2016 Texas Open winner, shot 67 for 18-under on the weekend.

Ryan Moore closed with an 8-under 64, a shot off the course record, and was third at 17-under.

Si Woo Kim, The Players Championship winner in 2017, led the opening three rounds but dropped to a tie for fourth with Brian Stuard (15-under) after an even-par 72.

Conners, the 2014 U.S. Amateur runner-up, will play in his second Masters. Two of the top three finishers last year at Augusta missed the top 10 this week. Rickie Fowler was tied for 17th while 10 strokes back at 10-under with a final-round 69, and Jordan Spieth (72) was 7-under.

Stuard finished with 66 to get to 15-under. Kevin Streelman closed with an 8-under 64 and was 14-under. He missed tying the course record when, after four-straight birdies, he hit his approach from the 18th fairway into the gallery and bogeyed.

Mackenzie Hughes (73) of Dundas, Ont., and Adam Svensson (70) of Surrey, B.C., tied for 42nd at 5 under. Nick Taylor (72) of Abbotsford, B.C., tied for 52nd at 4 under.

It was a wild round for Conners, a native of Listowel, Ont., who had not won on any of the PGA Tour’s affiliated circuits. He had 10 birdies and four pars that sandwiched four consecutive bogeys on the front nine.

He had a one-stroke lead when he rammed home a 34-foot birdie putt at No. 12, and stayed a stroke up with a tap-in birdie at the 14th.

Moore joined Conners at the top of the leaderboard with an 8-foot putt at No. 16 that was his fourth birdie in five holes.

Moore missed a birdie opportunity on the next hole when he couldn’t convert on a putt from inside 10 feet. Minutes later, Conners sank a 10-footer to save par at No. 15, then hit to four feet to set up a birdie at the 175-yard par-3 16th. His birdie at No. 17 gave him a three-shot lead walking up the final hole.

Conners looked like he would tuck this one away early. He birdied four of the first five holes at TPC San Antonio. Trailing by a shot going in the final round, he benefited from a three-stroke swing on the leaderboard on the third hole with a 10-foot putt on the par-3. Kim hit into the water fronting the green and double-bogeyed. Later in the day, Kim was grabbing at his right upper body with an apparent injury.

Conners was two strokes ahead, and with birdies on the next two holes he led by four over both Kim and Hoffman.

But Conners bogeyed the next four, and three of those came after tee shots put him in nice position either from the middle of the fairway or close to it.

The other bogey, on a par-3 at No. 7, he hit his tee shot into a bunker, then blasted over the green.

He made the turn and clicked off three consecutive birdies. The last player to qualify on Monday and win a PGA Tour event was Arjun Atwal in 2010 at the Wyndham Championship. That was the first time it had been done in 24 years.

Oakville, ON – With many great conversations and amazing guest speakers, Golf Ontario’s 2019 Conference and Annual Meeting was a huge success. Day 2 wrapped up this afternoon after an exciting day yesterday that included the announcement of the Ontario Open returning, the new Disability Championship beginning this year and also the Celebration of Golf in Ontario awards ceremony.

Today the morning was kick started by Golf Ontario’s Executive Director, Mike Kelly, who spoke about this year’s goals and where Golf Ontario wants to spend their time focusing on.

Mike was then followed by more great speakers throughout the day. PGA Tour Rules Official Ken Tackett spoke on the rules of the game, some of the controversies, and even shared a few funny stories from his time officiating the Tiger Woods / Phil Mickelson overtime thriller (one can imagine how stressful that game was to officiate). The morning concluded with CEO of Golf Canada, Laurence Applebaum, speaking on the Golf Canada Strategic Plan for the next few years.

LPGA’s Ashleigh McLaughlin spoke in the afternoon about making the game of golf more women friendly and inviting, concentrating around their campaign #inviteHER. “What was yoga 20 years ago?” McLaughlin asked the crowd. “Now, yoga is everywhere! Golf is going to be the next yoga.” McLaughlin gave many idea’s on how to introduce the sport to women, and gave many marketing tips on how to keep this movement prominent.

Golf Ontario also welcomed their 2019 Board of Directors, where Howard Atkinson was also introduced as the new President of Golf Ontario, and voiced his excitement for the upcoming year.

The day wrapped up with a rules ready panel discussion led by our Manager of Competitions John Lawrence, and featured Ken Tackett, Lee, Griffin, Adam Helmer and Adam LeBrun.

Golf Ontario would like thank all of our speakers, the packed room of attendees, Golf Canada for providing both the RBC Canadian Open and Canadian Women’s Open trophy among other assistance and the staff at Glen Abbey Golf Club for all their help and hospitality.

For more information about Golf Ontario’s 2019 Annual Conference, visit our home page and our social pages @theGolfOntario. Photos from the day can be found here.