By Golf Canada

Christopher Vandette out-dueled Jeevan Sihota in the final round of the Future Links, driven by Acura Ontario Championship, while Monet Chun dominated the Girls Division on Sunday at Brockville Country Club in Brockville, Ont.

“I feel good about that win,” Vandette said, after the award ceremony. “It gives me confidence for the rest of the summer.”

Vandette shot a 3-under-par 68 in his final round denying Sihota his second straight win at a Future Links, driven by Acura championship.

The 15-year-old Vandette started the day one shot back of Sihota, who is just 13-years-old, and the two battled it out in the final pairing of the tournament. After both made the turn they were tied at the top of the leaderboard.

Sihota made bogey on the par-4 10th and dropped out of the lead for the first time in the tournament. Vandette, from Beaconsfield, Que., seized the opportunity and recorded four birdies in five holes to close out the victory.

“We were playing similar golf on the front nine,” Vandette said. “After Jeevan made his bogey a switch flicked in my head and I made three birdies in a row. That kind of put me away from the pack.”

Sihota ended his tournament with a 4-over par 75, dropping him into solo third and finishing six strokes back of Vandette. Tomas Giroux, of Georgetown, Ont., moved up into second place after Sihota dropped down the leaderboard. The 18-year-old finished his tournament at 2 over par, five back of the leader.

Louis-Alexandre Jobin-Colgan from Quebec, Que., and Olivier Menard from Valleyfield, Que., finished tied in fourth after they both fired their best rounds of the tournament: 68 and 69, respectively.

Toronto, Ont., native Zachary Greifenberger secured the final qualifying place for the Canadian Junior Boys Championship with an even-par finish. He was 5-over for the tournament.

Chun, a Team Canada Development Squad member, was dominant in her final two rounds of the tournament. After an opening round of 74, the 16-year-old shot two straight 1-under-par rounds of 70 and cruised to a four-stroke victory.

“I’m happy with my result today,” Chun said, after her win. “My putting was really good. I got kind of lucky on some of the bad strokes that I made and I was able to recover from that. My putting was key today.”

The win marks her second in as many weeks as the Richmond Hill, Ont., native is coming off a win at the Investors Group Junior Girls’ Spring Classic at Sleepy Hollow Country Club, in Stouffville, Ont., on May 20-22.

Ellie Szeryk, from London, Ont., finished comfortably in second after she shot a final-round 70, the only other person to shoot under par in the Girls Division. The 15-year-old was tied for the lead after the opening round, but after a 5-over-par 76 on Saturday Chun took over the tournament and didn’t look back.

After co-leading with Szeryk in the opening round, Céleste Dao shot a 3-over-par 74 on Sunday to move into a tie for third with Alyssa DiMarcantonio from Maple, Ont. The two finished nine back of Chun, 10-over for the tournament.

The top six finishers in the Boys Division earned exemptions into the 2017 Canadian Junior Boys Championship on July 31-Aug. 3 at Cataraqui Golf and Country Club in Kingston, Ont. The top six in the Girls Division earned exemptions into the 2017 Canadian Junior Girls Championship on Aug. 1-4 at Camelot Golf & Country Club in Cumberland, Ont.

Rounding out the top six qualifying for the Canadian Junior Girls Championship are Bridgitte Thibault, from Rosemere, Que., and Chloe Currie, another member of Team Canada’s Development Squad. Thibault bogeyed two of her last three holes, but managed to hang on for a 2-over-par 73 finish and secure her qualifying spot, while Currie, a Mississauga, Ont., product, sat tied in seventh until she dropped a clutch birdie on the par-3 17th hole, vaulting her into a tie for fifth.

Full results.

BOND HEAD — The George S. Lyon Team Championship return to its annual site of The Club at Bond Head South Course on May 31^st for the 81^st playing of the event. This year’s event saw 21 teams take part, all looking to bring the title home to their club.

Conditions started out favourable for the field but as the round progressed, the wind picked up and threats of rain loomed. Soon those threats became a reality as the skies opened up and caused a two hour and 24 minute delay.

When play resumed, a condensed field returned to the course to finish up their last few holes. When all was said and done it was the team from Brampton Golf Club who finished in top spot. The team of Brampton’s Dave Bunker, Toronto’s Simon Reyers, Brampton’s Gary Parker, and Mississauga’s Sean Lackey shot a combined 309 to win by a single stroke. Leading the way were Lackey and Reyers who finished four-over (76), Bunker carded a five-over (77) and Parker was eight-over (80).

“Winning this championship is really cool!” Said Lackey, on behalf of the team after the win. “We were pretty excited when we saw how our team shaped up and everyone has been working hard since the start of the season. Some of these guys have already won Golf Ontario events but this is my first, so I am especially excited.”

This was the second time that Brampton won the George S. Lyon Team Championship. Their only other win came in 1971.

Finishing in second place were the 2014 champions Cedar Brae Golf Club. Cedar Brae, consisting of Toronto’s Joseph Kremer, Thornhill’s Ryan Tsang, Toronto’s Marc St-Germain, and Toronto’s Robert Gibson ended the day at 310. Kremer and Gibson led the way each with a three-over (75), while Tsang and St-Germain each finished with an eight-over (80).

Taking the bronze medal was Kawartha Golf & Country Club at 311. Kawartha received a great effort from Peterborough’s Sam Meek who was the medalist on the day with an even par (72). Meek was awarded the Crofton Harvey Shield for being the top individual. Peterborough’s Steve Fredericks finished five-over (77), Peterborough’s Marc Savard was eight-over (80), and Peterborough’s Paul Stevens was 10-over (82).

For full results, including the final leaderboards, see the tournament site at: https://gao.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gao17/event/gao1742/index.htm

Golf Ontario would like to thank The Club at Bond Head, along with their staff, for hosting the event. Thanks also to the Golf Ontario volunteers for their continued support.

About the George S. Lyon Team Championship

The George S. Lyon Team Championship was first played in 1931 and ran consecutively until 2000. Originally an inter-club championship, the event was reinstated in 2006 and is named after 1904 Olympic Golf gold medalist George S. Lyon. Scarboro Golf & Country Club holds the record for most wins with eight.

ABOUT GOLF ONTARIO

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 90,000 individual members and 450 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world.  From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact, to growing the game at the grassroots level and getting the game of golf into our school systems, to keeping the Ontario golf community aware of all relevant issues and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to making golf better for everyone in Ontario. We share a love and passion for golf, while preserving its past, fostering its future, and championing golf’s best interests for everyone who enjoys the sport.

For more information please contact:

Darren Matte, Communications and Marketing Coordinator

Golf Ontario

905-852-1101 ext. 234

dmatte@gao.ca

UXBRIDGE/STOUFFVILLE — The Investors Group Junior Boys’ and Girls’ Spring Classics wrapped up on May 22 from Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge and Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Stouffville. Heading into the final rounds, Thornhill’s Kelvin Lim held a one-shot lead in the boys’ championship, while Richmond Hill’s Monet Chun was eight clear of the field in the girls’ competition. The rounds produced few dramatics, as both leaders were able to see their leads through to the championship.

Investors Group Junior Boys’ Spring Classic

The 15-year-old Lim got out to a consistent start with pars on his first four holes. A pair of bogeys would drop the Station Creek Golf Club member back to three-over as he made the turn. Lim birdied the par-five 14^th before finishing his round with a bogey on 18. Still, even with a two-over (74), he was able to claim the title at three-over (75-70-74-219). Lim also won the Juvenile Championship.

For Lim, his success during the three days was all about sticking to his routine. “Yesterday the weather was pretty bad but I just stayed focused,” said Lim. “I just thought about my routine, my swing and grinded through the round. As for today, I was hitting the ball really well, despite not being able to make anything. I focused on myself and not my opponents, I had a score in my mind and tried to achieve that. This win definitely makes me feel more confident heading into the rest of the season.”

Finishing in a tie for second place were Mississauga’s Sudarshan Yellamaraju and Cobourg’s Nicholas Oosterhof. Yellamaraju, 15 from Blue Springs Golf Club, began the day in second, one-back of Lim. He got out to a rough start and was five-over as he got to the ninth tee. He would birdie the ninth as well as the 18^th to help him finish three-over (75). That brought him to five-over (72-74-75-221) for the tournament.

As for Oosterhof, from Dalewood Golf Club, he began the day six-over but had one of the low rounds at one-under (71). Oosterhof, 18-years-old, was even after the front nine but hit birdies on 14 and 16, after a bogey on 12, to finish one-under. He finished the tournament five-over (75-75-71-221).

For full tournament information, including the final leaderboard see the tournament site at: https://gao.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gao17/event/gao176/index.htm

Investors Group Junior Girls’ Spring Classic

Over at the Junior Girls’ Spring Classic, Chun, 16-years-old from Summit Golf & Country Club capped off an impressive week with an 11-stroke win. The Golf Canada Development Squad and former Team Ontario member finished the final round two-over (74). After an even front nine, Chun would bogey 10 and 17, but still took the win comfortably. She finished the tournament four-over (71-75-74-220).

After the win, Chun spoke about what helped her this week to capture the title. “It was a tough week here at Sleepy Hollow. I struggled with my putting, but my shots helped to keep me in good shape.”

“Coming into the round I tried to focus on staying even and remain consistent throughout the day. I have been playing in the Spring Classic for about five or six years and think it is a great tournament to win considering all of the top players who have played in it before,” added Chun.

Picking up the silver was Maple’s Alyssa DiMarcantonio. DiMarcantonio, from Station Creek Golf Club, began the day in second but was unable to catch the leader. The 14-year-old did begin the day two-under, but would finish five-over (77). She ended the tournament at 15-over (75-79-77-231).

Rounding out the top three with the bronze was Richmond Hill’s Emily Zhu. Zhu, 13, started the round in a four-way tie for third but separated herself from the pack. Zhu followed up an even front nine by going four-over on the back. That brought her tournament total to 16-over (75-81-76-232)

Full information, including the final leaderboard can be found on the tournament site at: https://gao.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gao17/event/gao1726/index.htm

Golf Ontario would like to thank both Wooden Sticks Golf Club and Sleepy Hollow Country Club, along with their staffs, for hosting the events.  Thanks also to Investors Group and the Golf Ontario volunteers for their continued support of golf in the province.

About the Investors Group Spring Classic

The Investors Group Junior Spring Classic is a 54-hole stroke-play competition contested annually over the Victoria Day long weekend that features many of Ontario’s best male and female junior golfers. The field of competitors gained entry to the competition through a qualifying process earlier in the season.

ALBERTON— Windy conditions dominated the day as the Women’s and Senior Women’s Champion of Champions tournaments were contested at Heron Point Golf Links in Alberton on May 18.

While the wind wreaked havoc on all of the scores, St. Catharines’ Chris Critelli and Strathroy’s Jane Hedges-Mckinnon were able to withstand the gusts and their competition to capture their respective titles.

Much like the men’s event, which was contested two days earlier at Heron Point, the Women’s Champion of Champions needed a playoff to decide a winner. After 18 holes both Critelli and St. Thomas’ Mary Ann Hayward shared the top spot at 10-over (80).

After Hayward, from St. Thomas Golf & Country Club, missed her par putt during the playoff, Critelli, a St. Catharines Golf & Country Club member, had a par putt of her own for the win. She would sink the putt to seal the victory.

“It was a crazy day out there. It was tough to play and I am sure that everybody had a tough round. I can’t believe I won! I am a little speechless. This is a great group of women to play with. They are all very supportive and I am glad to be a part of it.”

Hayward, who won the event in 2015, took home the silver while Markham’s Sunmi Ko, from Station Creek Golf Club, finished with the bronze, thanks to a round of 14-over (84).

In the Senior Women’s Champion of Champions, it was a familiar face who took home the top prize. Hedges-McKinnon, from Bear Creek Golf & Country Club, was the inaugural winner of the tournament back in 2015. Thanks to her round of 14-over (84), Hedges-McKinnon became the first two-time champion of the event.

“I’ve never been the first person to win anything twice!” Said Hedges-McKinnon after her win. “I am really happy because it was really a question of just sticking in there and not getting disappointed by things. They (the windy conditions) were going to happen to everyone. My long shots were actually ok; it was around the green where it was most difficult. I knew I would make some bogies, but if I slipped a couple pars in, it would all be good.”

Finishing in second place, and earning the silver was Stouffville’s Ivy Steinberg. The Granite Golf Club member carded a 15-over (85) to narrowly miss the top spot. Rounding out the podium was London’s Theresa Flanagan from Highland Country Club. Flanagan finished 19-over (89) during the round.

For more information, including the final leaderboard for the Women’s Champion of Champions visit the tournament site at: https://gao.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gao17/event/gao17127/index.htm. For complete information on the Senior Women’s Champion of Champions visit: https://gao.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gao17/event/gao17126/index.htm.

Golf Ontario would like to thank Heron Point Golf Links and Clublink, along with their staff, for hosting the event.  Thanks also to the Golf Ontario volunteers for their continued support of golf in the province.

About the Ontario Women’s Champion of Champions and Senior Women’s Champion of Champions

Since 2006 the Ontario Women’s Champion of Champions event has been contested annually and features female club champions from Golf Ontario member clubs across the province. Past champions include: Brittany Marchand, Stefani Markovich, Julia Hodgson, Elizabeth Tong and Mary Ann Hayward.

The Senior Women’s Champion of Champions made its debut in 2015 and has been played in conjunction with the Women’s Champion of Champions for the past two years. Kathy Pilkey is the only other past champion.

VICTOR, NEW YORK – The Ontario Senior Women’s Ada Mackenzie Matches Team retained their title on May 16 with an 11.5 to 8.5 win over their rivals from the New York State Golf Association. The matches are an annual two-day event and were hosted this year at the Ravenwood Golf Club in Victor, New York.

Ontario’s championship team consisted of: Marion Reid, Chris Critelli, Judith Kyrinis, Mary Ann Hayward, Allyson Harrison, Nannette Cuddy, Diane Dolan, Theresa deLuis, Ivy Steinberg and Cheryll Damphouse.

The Ada Mackenzie Matches have been conducted since 1960 and are an annual team event with Upper New York State. The format for the competition consists of two match-play rounds. The first day consists of Chapman-format team matches. Chapman format is where both players drive, then hit each other’s tee shot for the second shot, before the best ball is selected and players play alternately on the selected ball for the remainder of the hole. The second day features Better-Ball matches.

Congratulations to the team and thanks to the New York State Golf Association and Ravenwood Golf Club for hosting this year’s Matches.

ALBERTON— It was a dramatic finish to the 2017 Ontario Men’s Champion of Champions on May 16, from Heron Point Golf Links in Alberton. After 18 holes, two players found themselves tied with rounds of two-under (69). Brooklin’s Ashley Chinner and Oakville’s Mike Kray both went back out to the 18^th hole to try and determine a winner.

During the playoff, Chinner’s tee shot found the middle of the fairway, while Kray, from Rattlesnake Point Golf Club, was in the rough with a tough angle to the green. However, he recovered nicely and landed his second shot on the green. Chinner, a Coppinwood member, also had a solid approach, which landed inside of Kray’s shot. Kray left his birdie putt just short, giving Chinner a chance for the win. Chinner stepped up and sank the putt, earning the championship.

Afterwards, Chinner talked about the putt and how his short game helped him in the win. “Sinking that putt felt good. I had the right line and I just had to hit it. The greens were a little slow today, but still very good for May 15^th. I putted and chipped well. I didn’t hit many greens, so I really had to putt and chip well.”

Kray picked up the silver medal, while the bronze went to the 2016 Ontario Mid-Amateur Champion, Oakville’s Matthew Sim (Mississaugua Golf & Country Club) who shot an even par (71).

In the Senior Men’s Champion of Champions, things were less dramatic but still showcased some of the great skill from around the province. When all was said and done it was Burlington’s Mike Fernie who stood alone atop the leaderboard. Fernie, from Burlington Golf & Country Club, shot an even par (71) to win the title.

“This is a very good win for me,” said Fernie. “It was a very strong field and it is good to see that, early in the season, I can perform against them. I have had some other championship wins but this is certainly up there.”

Finishing second was Toronto’s Robert Gibson. The Cedar Brae Golf Club member shot a three-over (74). Rounding out the podium was a three-way tie for the bronze. The medal was share by London’s Douglas Alexander, Strathroy’s Philip Cole and Owen Sound’s Steve Irving. All three players shot a four-over (75).

For more information, including the final leaderboard for the Men’s Champion of Champions visit the tournament site at: https://gao.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gao17/event/gao17129/index.htm. For complete information on the Senior Men’s Champion of Champions visit: https://gao.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gao17/event/gao17128/index.htm.

Golf Ontario would like to thank Heron Point Golf Links and Clublink, along with their staff, for hosting the event.  Thanks also to the Golf Ontario volunteers for their continued support of golf in the province.

About the Ontario Men’s Champion of Champions

The Ontario Men’s Champion of Champions was first contested in 1946 and features men’s club champions from Golf Ontario member clubs across the province. Past champions of the event include: Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Bill Morland, Gerry Kesselring, Warren Sye, and Stu Hamilton, as well as Big Break Indian Wells champion David Byrne.

About the Senior Men’s Champion of Champion

The Ontario Senior Men’s Champion of Champions was first contested in 1970 and features senior men’s club champions age 55 and over from Golf Ontario member clubs across the province. Past champions include: Nick Weslock, Ed Ervasti and Patrick Suraj, who won the event a record six times.

TORONTO — Another Golf Ontario provincial championship season got underway on May 11, with the Men’s Better-Ball Championship from Oakdale Golf & Country Club. Despite the recent wet weather, the course was in fine shape and the players only dealt with cool and windy conditions on the day.

The field consisted of 54 teams (108 players) who all began at the 10 a.m. shotgun. Much like 2016, the day belonged to Kingston’s Peter Sauerbrei (Cataraqui Golf & Country Club) and Toronto’s Simon Reyers (Brampton Golf Club). The 2016 champions returned to the site of their victory a year a go and were able to tame the course again. The pair carded a seven-under (65) to earn a one-stroke win.

Afterwards the pair spoke about what it meant to repeat as champions. “This is a great event, I love this format,” said Reyers. “We are obviously thrilled to win this in back-to-back years. There are some great names on this trophy and we are happy to have ours on it again.”

The pair took advantage of the holes they needed to, while avoiding any damage during their bogey-free round. “We made par on the tough holes and birdied the easier ones and when you do that, it makes the round much easier,” added Sauerbrei.

Picking up the silver medal was Whitby’s Brendan Dunphy (Whitevale Golf Club) and Sudbury’s Tristan Renaud (Idylwylde Golf & Country Club). The pair finished the round at six-under (66).

Finishing in a tie for third was the team from Cedar Brae Golf Club of Thornhill’s Ryan Tsang and Markham’s Truman Tai along with the duo of Etobicoke’s Justin Allen (Weston Golf &Country Club) and Barrie’s Abe Holmes (Barrie Country Club). Both teams ended the day at five-under (67).

Golf Ontario would like to thank Oakdale Golf & Country Club, along with their staff, for once again hosting the event. Thanks also to the Golf Ontario volunteers for their continued support of golf in the province.

About The Ontario Men’s Better-Ball

The Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship has been played since 1959. All but two of the championships have taken place at Oakdale G&CC. The tournament is open to teams whose members both have up-to-date Golf Canada Handicap Factor of 8.4 or less. Previous winners of the event include: Gary Cowan, Bill Morland, Nick Weslock, Kelly Roberts, Warren Sye, Bill Swartz, Mike Weir and Albin Choi.

UXBRIDGE— Golf Ontario is excited to announce the addition of John Lawrence to its tournament team. Lawrence will officially take over as Manager of Competition beginning May 22.

“I’m excited to join one of Canada’s strongest provincial sport organizations in Golf Ontario,” said Lawrence. “I look forward to working with the staff and volunteers there in continuing to provide world class competitions.”

“We’re pleased John will be joining our Championships team,” said Craig Loughry, Golf Ontario Director of Golf Services. “His experience, knowledge, professionalism and dedication will help our goal of keeping our Championships best in class.”

Lawrence brings a tremendous amount of experience with him to Golf Ontario. For the past 17 years he has been with the Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) with his most recent role being Managing Director of Tour Operations. During that time, Lawrence has managed all aspects of the association’s tournament administration, which includes a schedule of more than 100 events annually.

“The past 17 years have been very rewarding. I’ve enjoyed working for the CJGA and managing a very successful team dedicated to providing an excellent tournament experience to junior golfers across Canada and around the world,” added Lawrence. “I would like to thank Earl Fritz, Brad Parkins and the rest of the board of directors for the opportunity that they provided me.”

During his time with the CJGA, Lawrence also managed teams at international competitions, developed the CJGA tournament manual and worked on securing sponsorship.

Lawrence is a graduate Humber College’s Professional Golf Management program, a Golf Canada Level 4 Rules Official, USGA Rules Certified and a member of Golf Canada’s Amateur Competitions Committee.

Golf Ontario would like to welcome Lawrence and wishes him success in his new role.

UXBRIDGE— The annual Ontario Golf Hall of Fame ceremony was held on May 3, from Wooden Sticks Golf Course in Uxbridge. This year, four deserving inductees entered the Hall and one member of the Ontario golf media was honoured with the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award.

“I wish to extend my congratulations and those of Golf Ontario’s board members, staff and volunteers to this truly deserving group of inductees,” said Golf Ontario President John Gallinger as he welcomed those in attendance. “Whether as a Builder, Amateur or Professional, all of tonight’s inductees have shown extraordinary contributions to the game at the provincial, national or international levels.”

The evening began with the presentation of the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award, an award that recognizes major contributions to golf in Ontario and is named after Ontario Golf Hall of Famer and one of Canada’s best known golf journalists: Lorne Rubenstein. This year the award was given to Ian Hutchinson. Hutchinson’s career has spanned over 35 years and seen him cover a variety of sports. However, he eventually specialized in golf and it is because of those contributions he was named the 2017 Lorne Rubenstein Media Award winner.

“What a prestigious award to win. I said to Lorne that he set the bar for us, not only in standards of writing but in the way he conducts himself. He is always willing to talk and help out his colleagues,” said Hutchinson. “I looked at the past winners of this award and what a great lineup of golf writers to be joining!”

The first inductee to join the Hall was Oakville’s James Fraser. Fraser entered the Hall in the Builder category after an impressive career that saw him involved in numerous areas within the sport. Fraser held multiple roles around rules but also served associations provincially (in both Ontario and Quebec) along with nationally.

Fraser told the crowd about how he grew up with the game of golf and that once he started to attend events, he became interested in the rules side. Fraser followed that passion into the Hall of Fame career that he now possesses.

Port Carling ‘s Thomas McBroom also entered the Hall in the Builder category. McBroom, a well-known golf course architect has designed more than 60 courses in Canada and even more internationally. Many of his designs have been recognized on top lists nationally and internationally.

“I am obviously thrilled to be here tonight and to have so many good friends and good clients here,” said McBroom. “I thank you all for your support of the years. I have had a great career in golf and am happy to have been part of a great period where golf expanded.”

Entering in the Professional category was Sandford’s Ken Tarling. Tarling, who turned pro in 1982 captured 21 provincial titles, two national championships, a Canadian Tour win and 12 international victories in eight different countries.

Tarling thanked those in attendance for their involvement in his career and told them about how he became a professional. “Originally I wanted to be a head professional because I thought that was the life. It wasn’t until a Golf Ontario (Ontario Golf Association) camp where Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Sam Young said to me ‘I think you should try to become a tour player.’ He saw something in me and that changed my entire outlook.”

The final inductee of the evening was Stacey (West) Mahoney. Now living in Cary, North Carolina, Mahoney entered the Hall in the Amateur category. Mahoney had a tremendous junior career, which saw her win three Ontario Junior Girls’ titles, three Canadian Junior Girls Championships and the 1979 Canadian Ladies’ Amateur Championship in addition to the numerous team honours she received.

“I have been really lucky. I have been to every province in Canada, probably half of the states in the U.S., England, Australia and Fiji in my golf career on provincial and national teams,” said Mahoney.

With that the 2017 Ontario Golf Hall of Fame ceremony concluded and the inductees officially joined the other members of the Hall.

Golf Ontario would like to congratulate all of the inductees 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. Thanks as well to TSN’s Mark Zecchino for emceeing the event.

ABOUT THE ONTARIO GOLF HALL OF FAME

The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in the game of golf in Ontario. Founded in 2000 by the Ontario Golf Association and the Ontario Ladies’ Golf Association, the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is housed at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge. There are 79 members of the Hall of Fame.

MILTON— Golf Ontario took a new approach to their Annual General Meeting this year, April 21-22 at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club in Milton, by creating an Ontario golf industry weekend. The goal was to bring together the various associations that are involved with the sport in the province and to strengthen relationships. Nothing showcased that more than the Golf IN Ontario Awards Night on April 21.

The evening was a chance for Golf Ontario, the PGA of Ontario, Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association (OGSA), and Golf Canada to recognize their award winners from the past year in front of the Ontario golf industry.

In all, 19 of the award winners were in attendance and recognized by the various associations for their achievements.

“It was an exciting night to celebrate together the many people who make the sport of golf in Ontario so great!” Said Golf Ontario Executive Director Mike Kelly. “It was an impressive group of volunteers, players, PGA professionals and course superintendents all of whom champion and serve the golf industry in communities across Ontario. Congratulations to all!”

The evening appeared to be a hit with the individual award winners as well. Many were excited to be sharing the spotlight with the other winners from across the province.

“This event is really fabulous,” said PGA of Ontario Golf Professional of the Year Dustin Kerr-Taylor. “To be here and celebrate with all of the award winners from 2016 is great. We are all trying to do one thing and that is grow the game. It was interesting to mingle with everyone and to hear the successes they are having in their associations. I am hoping to translate some of those successes into what I am doing as a golf professional.”

“This is pretty exciting,” added Christopher Kertsos, Golf Ontario Senior Men’s Order of Merit winner. “It is the first time for me to be ranked number one for the seniors. It is nice to see everyone here from all corners of the industry. It is great to see what Golf Ontario has done here tonight.”

Golf Ontario would like to congratulate all of the award winners from all of the golf associations in Ontario.

PGA of Ontario Winners

Adam Tobin – Retailer of the Year

Adam Steinschifter – Candidate for Membership of the Year

Sean Casey – Junior Leader of the Year

Henry Brunton – Teacher of the Year

Dustin Kerr-Taylor – Golf Professional of the Year

Gareth Raflewski – Coach of the Year

Jason Helman – Professional Development Award

Iain Reston – Class A Professional of the Year

OGSA Award Winners

Patrick Greenman – OSGA Recognition – Ontario Women’s Mid Am/Sr. Championship

Peter Kinch – OSGA Recognition – Ontario Mid Amateur Championship

Jim Burlington – OSGA Recognition – Ontario Junior Girls’ Championship

Dave Girard – OSGA Recognition – Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship

Greg McFarlane – OSGA Recognition – Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship

Chad Adamson – OSGA Recognition – Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship

Brooks Young – Shelburne G & CC – Ontario Bantam Boys Championship

Dan Magrin – OSGA Recognition – Ontario Summer Games Championship

Phil Auger – OSGA Recognition – Ontario Senior Men’s Championship

Perry Beausoleil – OSGA Recognition – Mackenzie Tour National Capital Open

Tom Kinsman – OSGA Recognition – LPGA Manulife Financial Classic

Richard Creed – OSGA William Sansom Distinguished Service Award

Pelino Scenna – OSGA 50 Year Member

Cecil-Roy French – OSGA 50 Year Member

Paul Dermott – OSGA 50 year Member

Ontario Order of Merit Rankings

Juvenile Boys

1. Peyton Callens
2. Kelvin Lim
3. Zack Mason
4. Robbie Latter
5. Johnny Travale

Junior Boys

1. Sam Meek
2. Peyton Callens
3. Ty Celone
4. Minwoo Park
5. Tyler Nagano

 Juvenile Girls

1. Monet Chun
2. Chloe Currie
3. Isabella Portokalis
4. Emily Ward
5. Jasmine Ly

Junior Girls

1. Grace St-Germain
2. Monet Chun
3. Chloe Currie
4. Isabella Portokalis
5. Alexandra Naumovski

Women’s Amateur

1. Grace St-Germain
2. Monet Chun
3. Mary Ann Hayward
4. Crystina Kertsos
5. Samantha Spencer

Women’s Mid Amateur

1. Judith Kyrinis
2. Mary Ann Hayward
3. Casey Ward
4. Ivy Steinberg
5. Marion Reid

Men’s Amateur

1. Garret Rank
2. Maxwell Sear
3. Blair Hamilton
4. Josh Whalen
5. Austin James

Men’s Mid Amateur

1. Garret Rank
2. Philip Arci
3. Charles Fitzsimmons
4. Ryan Kings
5. Matthew Sim

Women’s Senior

1. Judith Kyrinis
2. Mary Ann Hayward
3. Ivy Steinberg
4. Terrill Samuel
5. Marion Reid

Men’s Senior

1. Christopher Kertsos
2. Larry Cooper
3. Lars Melander
4. Robert Gibson
5. Nick Digiandomenico

Golf Ontario Volunteer Awards

Jim Arbuckle – Volunteer of the Year

Ralph Franchino – Distinguished Service Award

Elaine Jackson – District Volunteer of the Year

John Turner – Honorary Life Director

Future Links Order of Merit Rankings (Ontario players)

CN Future Links National Junior Boys Order of Merit

2. Peyton Callens

6. Sam Meek

7. Kelvin Lim

CN Future Links National Junior Girls Order of Merit

2. Monet Chun

3. Grace St-Germain

5. Chloe Currie

8. Isabella Portokalis

10. Ellie Szeryk