Golf Ontario was saddened to learn of the passing of former Ontario Ladies Golf Association President Fern Irwin. Golf Ontario extends condolences to her family and friends.

Obituary courtesy of Legacy.com

CLARA FERN (WOOD) IRWIN 1919 – 2016 Fern Irwin, formerly of Etobicoke, passed away peacefully at Riverside Glen Long Term Care Facility (Guelph). Born in Arcola, Saskatchewan, she was the daughter of the late Hazeal and Myrtle (Littlejohn) Wood. As a young girl, Fern and family moved from the farm to live in Sault Ste. Marie. When she finished her schooling, she was hired as one of Dominion Bridge’s first female draft persons in Montreal. She eventually moved to Toronto, where in 1952, she met and married Harold Irwin and they began a long and very happy life together. Fern was an outstanding athlete and widely respected in both the curling and golf communities. As a curler in 1962, she skipped the first St. George’s Rink ever to capture the Ontario Championship, as well as the first Ontario Seniors Championship in 1973. Golf was her passion and forte. Extremely proud of “her” St. George’s Golf Club, she captured the Ladies Championship six times between 1975 and 1991. As a builder she gave much back to the game, both at St. George’s and to Ontario. From being Chairman of Greens at the club, to becoming Director and later President of the Ontario Ladies Golf Association, her love of golf was unparalleled. St. George’s recognized her significant contributions by naming her an honorary life member. On top of all that she has done, Fern went skydiving with her nephew Kent on her 82nd birthday. Aside from her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Harold and her brother Glenn. She is survived by her sister-in- law Wendy Wood (Peterborough), as well as nephews Scott (Heather, Moncton), Dean (Fort McMurray) and Kent (Donna, Montreal). In respecting Fern’s wishes, there will be no funeral service and she will be interred in Sault Ste. Marie with other family members, on Friday, October 21, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery. In memory of Fern, donations to The Salvation Army or a memorial of the donor’s choice would be very much appreciated. Cards are available at the Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, 519-821-5077 and online condolences can be left a twww.gilbertmacintyreandson.com Fern… “A live well lived… no regrets!”

Golf Ontario volunteers are the best! To thank them, Golf Ontario let them walk the red carpet at the 2016 Volunteer Appreciation Day, which saw the presentation of the annual Volunteer Awards. The event was hosted by Cedar Brae Golf & Country Club in Scarborough on Oct. 11.

SCARBOROUGH— The lifeblood of Golf Ontario is truly the volunteers that make running events and services possible. On October 11, from Cedar Brae Golf & Country Club in Scarborough, those volunteers were celebrated with the annual Volunteer Appreciation Day. The volunteers got to walk the red carpet as they were recognized for all of their contributions, culminating with the presentation of the District Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award, and Honorary Life Director Award.

“To me, one thing that is irrefutable is that volunteers are the greatest resource we have,” said Golf Ontario President Chris Osborne, as he addressed those in attendance. “Thank you to all of our volunteers because without you we can’t do anything. We can’t run events, we can’t rate golf courses and we certainly can’t help juniors. The folks in this room are what makes the association run and I hope we always do a good job in letting you know how much we appreciate all of your efforts.”

Honorary Life Director— John Turner

Honourary Life Directors are recognized for their outstanding achievements through their involvement as a Committee and Board Member. This year Golf Ontario chose to recognize an individual who has made tremendous contributions to the association and golf in the province, John Turner.

Turner continues to support Golf Ontario as a Rules Official, Rules Educator and membership analyzes. He has served on the Golf Ontario Board of Directors, from 2010-2015, and as the Officials Development Chair. Turner has also spent time on the Finance, Sport and Membership committees. In addition, Turner has conducted online rules seminars to help educate and prepare officials for certification or re-certification.

He remains active at Golf Ontario championships as a Rules and Senior Rules Official.

Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award— Ralph Franchino

The Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award is considered the highest honour recognizing individual service to the game of golf in Ontario. The award is named after Richard H. Grimm, who was affectionately known as “Mr. Canadian Open” for his service to the event from 1965 to 1993. Golf Ontario’s Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual’s meritorious service as a volunteer. Recipients of this award embody the principles of integrity, dignity and commitment, which are central to the volunteer experience and to Mr. Grimm’s persona.

The 2016 recipient is Ralph Franchino. A Golf Ontario Course Rater and Course Rating Team Leader for more than 15 years, Franchino has had tremendous relationships with the clubs he has rated and has always finished his rating assignments in a timely manner. He always welcomes new team members and takes extra time to help train and make each individual an effective rater. Franchino is a mentor for whomever he comes in contact with.

“I am very honoured to be associated with the noble Mr. Canadian Open,” said Franchino. “Personally, I believe this belongs to all of the volunteers because all of the ones I have met are so dedicated to promoting Golf Ontario and the game of golf.”

Volunteer of the Year— Jim Arbuckle

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

This year’s recipient is Jim Arbuckle. Arbuckle has been a volunteer for eight years as a Course Rater and occasional Tournament Official, when his schedule as a Course Rater permits. This year, Arbuckle stepped up to take on additional responsibilities for the Course Rating team, helping with team leader roles. Arbuckle is always willing to help and has acted as an additional Course GPS volunteer in the Waterloo district.

“This is overwhelming!” Said Arbuckle. “To me this means that I am part of a larger organization in Golf Ontario. I have a great team that I work with and they are part of this award. I have a great team at Golf Ontario that I work with as well.”

District Volunteer of the Year— Elaine Jackson and Colleen French

Golf Ontario’s District Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes volunteers who embody the spirit of volunteering and have shown dedication by making significant contributions in promoting, supporting and expanding golf within their district community.

This year, Golf Ontario honoured a pair of individuals with the award: Elaine Jackson and Colleen French. Jackson has been a volunteer in the Kingston District for four years. She negotiates with the clubs for tournaments, gets reduced entry fees for members and more importantly for juniors. Jackson has successfully added net flights to all district tournaments and has encouraged clubs to do likewise. Jackson is at every tournament and does registration, scoring and award presentations.

“This award means that I have been recognized by my peers and Golf Ontario for doing a great job, and that means a lot to me,” said Jackson.

French has successfully managed the Scarboro District for the past five years. She helped to establish an array of events that encourages all golfers within the district. For the last few years, they have run a Men’s Four-Ball event to try and build male participation within the district. Colleen is always willing to help where needed.

Golf Ontario would like to congratulate all of the award winners and send a special thank you to all of the Golf Ontario volunteers who make everything the association does possible.

UXBRIDGE— It is the end of an era at Golf Ontario as after 13 years, Director of Rules and Competitions, Dave Colling, has announced his retirement effective September 30.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my 13 years with Golf Ontario, but I am now looking forward to spending more time, especially in the summer, with my wife, children and grandchildren,” said Colling.

Colling and his staff were responsible for running Golf Ontario’s provincial championships, which were always top class and regarded as some of the best in the industry. Colling was instrumental in building the stature of Golf Ontario’s championships. He modernized the way Golf Ontario tournaments are now run, including the implementation of online registration and live scoring.

The announcement caps a career spanning more than 40-years in the golf industry. Colling also spent time as Executive Director of the Canadian PGA (PGA of Canada) and founded Ontario Golf News.

“We can’t thank Dave enough for his commitment to Golf Ontario and the sport in general over many, many years and wish him the very best,” added Mike Kelly, Golf Ontario Executive Director.

Colling was a dedicated member of the Golf Ontario team and always went above and beyond. While Golf Ontario is sad to see Colling go, we thank him for all of his contributions and wish him a happy retirement.

PETERBOROUGH— After being a member at the Kawartha Golf & Country Club for more than three-quarters of a century, 99-year-old Fraser Dunfield received a special honour on September 23, as the club unveiled a Verdin Clock commemorating Dunfield and his late wife Jean’s contributions to the club. Dunfield, who can still be found teeing it up multiple times each week, was part of a special ribbon cutting ceremony that saw a great turn out of friends, family and members.

Dunfield, who was born in Toronto, came to Peterborough when he took a job with General Electronics (GE) in 1936. After a meeting with GE Manager Carl Salmonsen, during a round of golf at Kawartha G&CC, Dunfield fell in love with the course.

Before joining Kawartha, Dunfield had success as a competitor winning the Humber Valley Junior and Weston Men’s titles. That success continued at Kawartha G&CC as he won numerous Midland League Championships, Club Championships (1937, 1940, 1943,1952), and City Championships (1947, 1949).

Dunfield also contributed to the game off the course as a director and governor with the Ontario Golf Association (Golf Ontario). He also spent 14 years as a Board Director, 33 years on executive committees, and 1965 as Club President at Kawartha G&CC.

In 1977, the club recognized him with an Honourary Life Membership and in 1993, Dunfield was inducted into the Peterborough Sports Hall of Fame. Dunfield has always been an important part of the club, something that can be seen annually as the club’s Men’s Match Play Championship awards the winner the Dunfield Cup. With the latest addition to the club, the clock in his honour, it serves as just another piece of recognition for a member whose presence has added to the rich history of the Kawartha G&CC.

Saso shoots 70 to claim individual medallist

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – The sun beamed through at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club to crown the Philippines as World Junior Girls team champions. Yuka Saso battled through a gusty day to claim individual medallist honours at the third edition of the annual event.

“I feel happy and honoured to win this trophy and this tournament,” said the 15-year-old Saso. “I feel happy [to be the gold medalist] because I was not expecting it, with this being [the Philippines’] first time in this tournament. Winning with this group is special because we have known each other since we were kids, so it makes me really happy.”

The native of Santa Rosa put forth another steady showing with a trio of birdies en route to a 2-under 70 final round. With a four-day total of 2-under 286, she completed the competition as the lone player to finish under-par. Alongside teammates Harmie Nicole Constantino of Taguig and Sofia Angela Legaspi from Quezon City, the trio combined to total 2-over 578 across the championship’s four rounds.

“This is the best feeling,” said Constantino, when asked about the team victory. “It is unexplainable to me, because no one expected it. We played our games and it turned out really well. We never had any doubts, we came here to win and we did.”

The significance of the tournament and the victory was not lost upon the 15-year-old Legaspi.

“It really means a lot to win this big event. It gives us a lot of experience and confidence. It also helps to get us college scholarships, so it is a big deal. The win could also inspire younger golfers in the Philippines to work hard and travel to events like this.”

The contingent representing last year’s winners, Team Korea, finished second – nine-strokes shy of the Philippines. The winners of the inaugural World Junior Girls Championship in 2014, Team USA, claimed third.

Jennifer Chang of Cary, N.C., opened the day with a share of sixth alongside Caterina Don of San Pietro Val Lemina, Italy. A 2-under performance propelled the 17-year-old Chang into the runner-up position, while a 71 moved the 15-year-old Don into third.

Céleste Dao from Notre-Dame-de-L’Île-Perrot, Que., and Richmond Hill, Ont., native Monet Chun shot identical 75s to finish with shares of 18^th as the top Canadians.

“Despite some difficult weather, we have had an exciting and memorable week,” said Tournament Director Mary Beth McKenna. “From our Junior Girls Skills Clinic and Coaching Summit with the PGA of Canada to a fantastic Junior-Amateur event with the Mississauga community and the tournament itself – we have showcased our sport in a positive light. I know all of our players have learned and grown through this competition and have gained some invaluable international experience.”

Additional information on the 2016 World Junior Girls Championship can be found on the tournament’s official website at www.worldjuniorgirls.com.

Philippines stays atop leaderboard in team competition

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – Threatening skies cast over Mississaugua Golf and Country Club during the second day of competition came to pass during the third round. Howling winds and waves of rain wreaked havoc throughout a tough day at the World Junior Girls Championship. Yuka Saso of the Philippines conquered the difficult conditions to retake sole possession of the lead in the individual competition.

A steady 1-over 73 showing with a pair of birdies has Saso at even-par 216. The 15-year-old holds a three-stroke advantage over teammate Harmie Nicole Constantino of Taguig, Du Mohan of Fujian, China and Hee-Jung Lim of Paju, Korea.

“I am happy and honoured to have the lead,” said Saso, a native of Santa Rosa. “I wasn’t expecting it though.”

For a third consecutive day, Saso, Constantino and teammate Sofia Angela Legaspi of Quezon City, hold the lead in the team competition at a combined 1-over 433.

“It wasn’t anybody’s expectation for us to be on top at the moment,” said Constantino, mirroring her teammate’s sentiments. “It was a challenge being an underdog coming into the tournament, [and proving] that you are more than that.”

While team competitions can offer a different dynamic in golf tournaments, Constantino appreciates the opportunity to not only play with teammates, but also familiar friends.

“It feels good,” said the 15-year-old. “I have known Yuka since I was eight and we have been together since, so it feels good to be with her now.”

The trio representing Korea – the defending team champions – holds second at 9-over, while 2014 winners Team USA sit third at a combined 13-over.

Jennifer Chang of Cary, N.C., reiterated the importance of past experience when looking ahead to the final round.

“They have played this event before, so I definitely want to get some tips and learn from them and see what I can do to make the team better,” explained the 17-year-old, in reference to her teammates – 2014 individual champion Mika Liu of Beverly Hills, Calif., and Elizabeth Wang of San Marino, Calif., who played in 2015. “[A podium finish] is very important to us. To come out and represent the United States is big, so we want to make our country proud.”

Leading the Canadians in the field with shares of 15^th at 11-over are Monet Chun of Richmond Hill, Ont., and Céleste Dao from Notre-Dame-de-L’Île-Perrot, Que.

The final round of tournament play will see players tee off at 8 a.m. Additional information from the competition is available here.

The Philippines remains ahead in the team competition

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – Cloud cover and blustery winds set the backdrop for the second round of the World Junior Girls Championship at Mississaugua Golf & Country Club. China’s Du Mohan carded a 2-under 70 to climb into a share of the lead alongside first-round leader Yuka Saso of the Philippines.

Du from Fujian, China, collected five birdies on the day, including a back-to-back pair on Nos. 15 and 16, to move to 1-under in the competition. Saso of Santa Rosa, Philippines, opened the day at 6-under, but the 15-year-old relinquished her lone hold of the lead following a 5-over showing.

“I putted very well today,” said the 14-year-old Du. “I had a lot of long downhill putts, but my distance control was very good. I was able to get the feeling [of the greens] very well and got five birdies.”

“I am very proud to be representing China,” she added. “I hope I can do my best and finish the week under-par.”

A second consecutive even-par round has San Pietro Val Lemina, Italy, native Caterina Don tied with Hee-Jung-Lim (Paju, Korea) and Harmie Nicole Constantino (Taguig, Philippines) in third.

The trio representing the Philippines – Saso, Constantino and Sofia Angela Legaspi of Quezon City – maintained its lead in the team competition at 3-under 285. Teams USA, Korea, Sweden and China are tied for second at 4-over 292.

The unique opportunity to play for her homeland is not lost upon Constantino.

“I’m really proud to play here and represent my country,” said the 15-year-old. “Of course, not all kids can play in this tournament, so being a part of it is really good for me.

“We are one of the [smaller] countries, we don’t have many players, so I’m really proud to say that I’m from the Philippines. We didn’t have much confidence coming here because there were bigger countries, so it’s really nice to be here and play this [well].”

Matching 73s from Céleste Dao of Notre-Dame-de-L’Île-Perrot, Que., and Surrey, B.C., native Hannah Lee have given the pair of Canada Two members a share of 18^th to lead the Canadian contingent.

The third round of tournament play will begin at 8 a.m. Additional information from the competition can be found here.

Richmond Hill, Ont., native Monet Chun shoots 72 to lead Canadians

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – A steady wind blew through Mississaugua Golf and Country Club as the 2016 World Junior Girls Championship got underway. Despite the gusty conditions, the trio representing the Philippines built a distinct early advantage to top the team competition by 11 strokes.

Leading the way was Yuka Saso of Santa Rosa, Philippines, who posted seven birdies on the day en route to a 6-under 66 with her lone blemish coming by way of a bogey on No. 3.

“I wasn’t expecting this at all, I was trying to just enjoy the course and the moment today,” said Saso. “I was hitting well, especially my second shots and my putting. I was able to get the speeds of the greens, which was good because they were fast.”

The 15-year-old felt comfortable with the wind, having taken it into account in her game plan coming into the round.

“The course was hard today and the wind made it even tougher. I made sure to add five to 10 yards on each shot and I think I did well to manage the affects of the wind. Heading into tomorrow, I want to work on my driving and just remain focused. I’ll hit the putting green and then the range this afternoon.”

Holding second is Saso’s teammate Harmie Nicole Constantino from Taguig. The 15-year-old carded five birdies to reach 3-under. The pair and Sofia Angela Legaspi of Quezon City lead the team competition at a combined 9-under. Varel, Germany, native Esther Henseleit holds third and was the only other player to finish below-par with a 1-under showing.

Monet Chun of Richmond Hill, Ont., leads the six Canadians in the field. The 15-year-old holds a share of fourth at even-par alongside Italian Caterina Don of San Pietro Val Lemina.

“[The team element is] new and a lot of fun because we are staying as a team,” said Chun, a member of Canada One. “I have received a lot of support from the coaches and the other team members, so it has been great.”

With a total of 2-over 146, Canada One comprised of Chun, Mary Parsons (Delta, B.C.) and Chloe Currie (Mississauga, Ont.) are knotted in second with Team China and Team USA.

The second round of tournament play will begin at 8 a.m. Additional information from the competition can be found here.

BRAMPTON — The final event of the Golf Ontario season took place on September 22 at the Brampton Golf Club. It may have been the first official day of fall, but conditions were excellent for the 2016 Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship.

When all of the scores were entered, after the shotgun, 18-hole competition, the team of Oakville’s Larry Cooper, from the Mississaugua Golf & Country Club, and Lars Melander, from Hidden Lake Golf Club, saw their names at the top of the leaderboard. The duo had an outstanding day and finished with a five-under (66) to claim the title. While this was the first provincial title for the 64-year-old Melander, Cooper, 59, has found provincial success in the past, as he was the 2014 Ontario Senior Men’s Champion.

Afterwards, both players had different reasons to celebrate, as the win meant something to each of them on another level. “This is the first time in 10 years as a senior competitor that I have won a gold-coloured medal,” said Melander. “I have come second a number of times, but never been able to win one until now!”

The win was also a special one for Cooper as his name will now go on the trophy, that his father, David, won in 1992 and 1997.

Second place was shared by a trio of teams who all finished the day at three-under (68). The tie included the 2015 Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Champions Toronto’s Robert Gibson (Cedar Brae Golf & Country Club) and Stoney Creek’s Colin Grieve (Glendale Golf & Country Club); Fenwick’s Jim Briggs (Peninsula Lakes Golf Club) and Toronto’s Mark Bennett (Bayview Golf and Country Club); and Toronto’s John Mealia and Richmond Hill’s Michael Mealia (both from Bayview Golf and Country Club).

Golf Ontario would like to thank the staff and volunteers from Brampton Golf Club, along with the Golf Ontario volunteers, for their support of amateur golf in Ontario. For complete tournament information visit the tournament site at: https://gao.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gao16/event/gao1613/index.htm

About the Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship

The Ontario Senior Men’s Better Ball Championship was first contested in 1982. It is open to players aged 55 and older as of the date of the tournament. The championship trophy was donated by the Oakdale Golf & Country Club, who annually host Golf Ontario’s Men’s Better-Ball Championship. Notable champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Famers Nick Westlock and Stu Hamilton.