Bath, ON – Another beautiful day greeted the players at round two of the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, present by BioSteel, at the Loyalist Country Club. While the low scores continued, high winds picked up in the early afternoon, giving the later groups more of a challenge.

Maintaining his position atop the leaderboard, Ryan Tsang (Cedar Brae GC) now holds an extraordinary lead at eleven-under par (133) after shooting seven birdies, to put him a whopping six strokes ahead of second. Holding onto second with a three-way tie and two-under par for the day (139), Charles Fitzsimmons (Thornhill Club), David Lang (Donalda Club / pictured above), and Scott Rutgers (Roseland G&CC), will be battling for the silver and bronze titles.

Reflecting on the round, Tsang said he kept his strategy the same from round one, which is “to just go out there and have fun, and if I play how I normally do, I shouldn’t have any issues”. When asked if he relies more on his short or long game, Tsang commented my “my long game is usually better, but my putting was exceptionally better today”. Heading into the final round, his strategy is to “play like I usually do and hopefully cruise to the finish line”.

This evening, Golf Ontario will cut the field down to 42 plus ties. The final round of the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship will begin at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow. For future results and information on the championship, click here.

For photos of the tournament, click here.

About the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship

Since 1993, the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur championship has proven to be one of Ontario’s most sought after and important Championship titles. The 54-hole competition caters to Ontario’s best golfers age 25 and older that have gained entry into the event through qualifying tournaments or an exemption.

Despite its young history the championship has developed a notable list of past champions including Garrett Rank (2015, 2018) and Golf Hall of Fame members Stu Hamilton (1993, 1998), Kelly Roberts (1997), Dave Bunker (2007, 2011, 2014).

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.

For more information please contact:

Brianna Christopher, Assistant, Marketing Communications.
Golf Ontario
BChristopher@gao.ca

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications.
Golf Ontario
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Bath, ON – Summer like conditions ushered in round one of the 2020 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BioSteel, at the Loyalist Country Club.  While temperatures may have been high, the opposite can be said for the scores, as players took to the course and used the warm weather to their advantage.

Holding the leader position after round one with an impressive score of five-under par (67), Ryan Tsang (Cedar Brae GC) shot four birdies and added an eagle on eighteen to finish off the low scoring round. Sitting in second with three-under for the day (69) and currently in a six-way tie is Scott Rutgers (Roseland G&CC), David Lang (Donalda Club), Darren Shaw (Twenty Valley G&CC), Derek McGrath (Galt CC), Taylor Tyminski (Lookout Point CC), and 2019 Men’s Mid-Amateur champion Charles Fitzsimmons (Thornhill Club).

Heading into round two, in which Golf Ontario will be making cuts to forty-two plus ties following the round. The second round of the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship will begin at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow. For future results and information on the championship, click here.

For photos of the tournament, click here.

About the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship

Since 1993, the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur championship has proven to be one of Ontario’s most sought after and important Championship titles. The 54-hole competition caters to Ontario’s best golfers age 25 and older that have gained entry into the event through qualifying tournaments or an exemption.

Despite its young history, the championship has developed a notable list of past champions including Garrett Rank (2015, 2018) and Golf Hall of Fame members Stu Hamilton (1993, 1998), Kelly Roberts (1997), Dave Bunker (2007, 2011, 2014).

Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (subject to change)

• No caddies permitted. (all events)
• No spectators, including coaches and media, permitted. (**Exception: Players 18 & Under may have one accompanying adult)
• No motorized carts permitted. (**Exception: Single rider carts only for Senior & Disability Championships)
• All events will be a single tee start – no shotguns or split tees.
• Restricted field numbers. (see individual championships)
• Qualifiers will have limited field sizes. Entries will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Click here for the full version of the Championship protocols. **These protocols are subject to change as new guidance is received from the government.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.

For more information please contact:

Brianna Christopher, Assistant, Marketing Communications.
Golf Ontario
BChristopher@gao.ca

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications.
Golf Ontario
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Bath, ON – With fall golf season almost upon us, Golf Ontario is excited to welcome the 2020 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, presented by BioSteel, to the Loyalist Country Club from September 22^nd to 24^th. As championship season is close to conclusion, we would like to thank all players for respecting and continuing to adhere to the Covid-19 protocols.

The beautiful Loyalist Golf and Country Club, designed by Ted Baker, features colourful natural watercourse, strategic bunkering, and native grasses. As one of the most well maintained courses in the area, Assistant Professional Austin James, says the players can expect “a tight front nine through the trees, with more scoring opportunities and wedge shots on the back. As we are located close to the lake, players can anticipate strong winds out of the southwest for majority of their round. There are water hazards through about half of the course, so players will need to precisely place their shot”. Additionally, players may experiences a challenge on “number three and nine, as they are really tight tee shots. Depending on the tee placement, if number twelve is set all the way back, It will be very tough as it’s usually into the wind.”

The Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship will consist of athletes from the following four qualifiers: Rebel Creek GC (September 14), Meadowbrook G&CC (September 15), Cataraqui G&CC (September 17), and Wildfire GC (September 17). For leaderboard information on qualifiers, please click the golf course name. The strong field has a number of players returning to defend their title, with those included being three-time champion and 2020 Ontario Senior Men’s Champion, Dave Bunker (Cherry Hill Club), 2013 champion, Tyler McDannold (Kawartha G&CC), 2016 champion, Matthew Sim (Mississaugua G&CC), and 2019 champion Charles Fitzsimmons (Thornhill Club).

We are also excited to have introduced a Front Line Workers donation program this year as part of our registration process, to give back to the local communities we will be playing in. The Front Line Workers donations from the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship will be donated to Lennox and Addington County General Hospital.

First tee off for round one on Tuesday, September 22^nd is set for 8:00 a.m.  For more information on the championship and to follow the leaderboard, click here.

About the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship

Since 1993, the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur championship has proven to be one of Ontario’s most sought after and important Championship titles. The 54-hole competition caters to Ontario’s best golfers age 25 and older that have gained entry into the event through qualifying tournaments or an exemption.

Despite its young history the championship has developed a notable list of past champions including Garrett Rank (2015, 2018) and Golf Hall of Fame members Stu Hamilton (1993, 1998), Kelly Roberts (1997), Dave Bunker (2007, 2011, 2014).

Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (subject to change)

• No caddies permitted. (all events)
• No spectators, including coaches and media, permitted. (**Exception: Players 18 & Under may have one accompanying adult)
• No motorized carts permitted. (**Exception: Single rider carts only for Senior & Disability Championships)
• All events will be a single tee start – no shotguns or split tees.
• Restricted field numbers. (see individual championships)
• Qualifiers will have limited field sizes. Entries will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Click here for the full version of the Championship protocols. **These protocols are subject to change as new guidance is received from the government.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.

For more information please contact:

Brianna Christopher, Assistant, Marketing Communications.
Golf Ontario
BChristopher@gao.ca

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications.
Golf Ontario
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Gravenhurst, ON – Overcast conditions continued into the final round of the 2020 Ontario Senior Men’s and Women’s Championship, presented by Durham Artificial Grass, at the elegant Taboo Muskoka Resort and Golf. The dew covered course had dried up a bit from previous days of rain, giving players a new challenge as the greens began to roll quicker, leaving little to no room for error.

Taking home his first Ontario Senior Men’s Championship title, Dave Bunker (Cherry Hill Club) completed the final round two strokes ahead of silver medalist Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood). Sitting in second place after round two, Bunker managed to shoot a solid one-over par round that included three birdies, putting him atop the final leaderboard at three-over par (216) on the championship. Already a three-time winner of the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championships, Bunker adds another title to his belt following his first Senior Men’s Championship win. Taking home the silver medal after leading after both the first and second round, Chinner had a difficult final round leaving him at five-over par for the Championship (218). Bronze medalist, Tom Henderson (Public Player), had a consistent championship with totals of 73, 76, and 73 (221).

Reflecting on the win, Bunker said “to be a rookie in this event and play well enough to beat a lot of really good players that were here, it feels good. I haven’t won an event in a few years, so it’s great to play well enough to compete with these players”. In the final round, Bunker knew he’d have to step up his game against competitor and friend Ashley Chinner, however “he struggled today which kind of opened the door for me. I didn’t play as well as I would’ve liked, but from looking at the scores it seems like a lot of players struggled today. I’m happy to finish on top even though it wasn’t exactly the way it was supposed to go, but it was nice to take the win”. Watch for Dave Bunker as he competes for another title at the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship September 22^nd to 24^th.

Having a fantastic season after recently finishing second-place in the Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, Terrill Samuel (Weston G&CC) takes home her second Ontario Senior Women’s Championship title. Playing her lowest round of the championship (70) on the final day, Samuel posted the low round of the day to finish 6 strokes ahead of the silver medalist, to leave her at four-over for the week (217). Rounding out a star studded top 3  were five-time champion Mary Ann Hayward, who finished at ten-over par to take home the silver medal (223), while three-time champion Judith Kyrinis (Granite GC) takes home the bronze medal (225).

All smiles and thrilled to add another title to her belt, Samuel had a few words of appreciation to say during the awards ceremony. “Thank you Nigel Hollidge for stepping up to the plate and hosting the championship at Taboo Muskoka, as I know we were originally set to compete at Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course. To Golf Ontario, we can’t do this without you, so thank you very much! You don’t know how much fun we get to have all because you volunteer and come up and work long hours here. It’s fabulous and I can’t thank you enough. To my fellow competitors, thank you for the great competition. We got two championships in this year, some of you maybe only one, but that’s what’s fun about it because I get to come and play with all of you, so thank you for coming out. The course was great given the circumstances and we had a great time this week”.

Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for their support of the Ontario Senior Men’s and Women’s Championship. To the beautiful Taboo Muskoka Resort and Golf, Managing Director Nigel Hollidge, Director of Operations Lori Reynolds, and Superintendent Ryan Kerr, thank you for being gracious hosts on such a well-conditioned course. A big thank you to the officials and volunteers, as you are extremely valuable and we appreciate the time you take out of your week to assist. Lastly, a huge thank you to our sponsors and partners, Adidas, Taylor Made, Modern Golf, Dormie Workshop, Durham Artificial Grass, Humber College, Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort, Baka Mobile, and Play Golf Myrtle Beach. We are grateful for your continued support.

For future results and information on the championship, click here for the Men’s and here for the Women’s.

For photos of the tournament, click here.

About The Ontario Senior Men’s Championship

Conducted since 1936, The Ontario Senior Men’s Championship event features Ontario’s best male amateur golfers age 55 and over competing over 54 holes of stroke play competition.

Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Nick Weslock, one of Canada’s greatest amateurs of the century, won the event a record 11 times between 1968 and 1980. Other notable past champions include Stu Hamilton (2001, 2006), Mike Jackson (2010, 2011 and 2013) and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Warren Sye in 2012.

About The Ontario Senior Women’s Championship

The inaugural Ontario Senior Women’s Championship was conducted in 1962 and since then has been contested annually featuring the province’s best female amateurs age 50 and over.

The event has had several notable past champions including World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, who captured the title six times. Also, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Gayle Borthwick, who also picked up the trophy six times. Recent winners include Ivy Steinberg (2008 and 2009), Terrill Samuel (2011) as well as Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Mary Ann Hayward (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2019) and 2017 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Champion Judith Kyrinis (2016, 2017,2018).

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.

For more information please contact:

Brianna Christopher, Assistant, Marketing Communications.
Golf Ontario
BChristopher@gao.ca

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications.
Golf Ontario
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Gravenhurst, ON – Fall like conditions continued into round two of the Ontario Senior Men’s and Women’s Championship, presented by Durham Artificial Grass, at the dazzling Taboo Muskoka Resort and Golf. The challenging conditions have certainly made an impact on players, as they continue to fight the cold weather.

Remaining at the top of the leaderboard on the Men’s side, Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood) had a strong round with three birdies to hold his one-under par (141). Making moves today was three-time Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Champion, Dave Bunker (Cherry Hill Club), after an impressive performance of five birdies shots to move him from seventh to second with a two-over par total. Holding steady in third, Brent Hatton (Lively G&CC) shot a plus one to give him a 145 total heading into the final round.

Following the round, Dave Bunker said “the conditions themselves have been fairly challenging, as the course is very wet which sometimes makes it difficult to hit good and accurate shots with such the saturated turf”. Making four birdie shots on the last five holes, Bunker reflected saying “at the end I hit a lot of good iron shots fairly close to the greens, to make for pretty easy birdies putts. I was hitting the fairway and keeping the ball out of the rough to give myself more opportunities today”. Heading into the final round tomorrow, Bunker hopes “to make more birdies than anything and keep it under par for the round. I know Ashley very well and that he’s a good player who probably won’t make many mistakes, so I’ll have to be on top of my game right off the deck”.

On the Women’s side, the leaderboard saw quite a bit of movement with the top leaders changing positions. Taking over the lead following round two, Terrill Samuel (Weston G&CC) had a fantastic round of just one over par and a couple of birdies, to give her a three stroke lead over second (147). Both having tougher rounds were Mary Ann Hayward (St. Thomas G&CC) who fell to second (150), and Judith Kyrinis (Granite GC) fell to third (151).

Final round for the Women will begin at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, while the Men will tee off at 9:06 a.m… For future results and information on the championship, click here for the Men’s and here for the Women’s.

For photos of the tournament, click here.

About The Ontario Senior Men’s Championship

Conducted since 1936, The Ontario Senior Men’s Championship event features Ontario’s best male amateur golfers age 55 and over competing over 54 holes of stroke play competition.

Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Nick Weslock, one of Canada’s greatest amateurs of the century, won the event a record 11 times between 1968 and 1980. Other notable past champions include Stu Hamilton (2001, 2006), Mike Jackson (2010, 2011 and 2013) and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Warren Sye in 2012.

About The Ontario Senior Women’s Championship

The inaugural Ontario Senior Women’s Championship was conducted in 1962 and since then has been contested annually featuring the province’s best female amateurs age 50 and over.

The event has had several notable past champions including World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, who captured the title six times. Also, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Gayle Borthwick, who also picked up the trophy six times. Recent winners include Ivy Steinberg (2008 and 2009), Terrill Samuel (2011) as well as Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Mary Ann Hayward (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2019) and 2017 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Champion Judith Kyrinis (2016, 2017,2018).

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.

For more information please contact:

Brianna Christopher, Assistant, Marketing Communications.
Golf Ontario
BChristopher@gao.ca

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications.
Golf Ontario
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Gravenhurst, ON – It was a gloomy day to start round one of the Ontario Senior Men’s and Women’s Championship, presented by Durham Artificial Grass, at the glorious Taboo Muskoka Resort and Golf. While the rain may have stopped mid-morning, players battled wet, colder conditions for the remainder of the day.

On the men’s side, sharing the top of the leaderboard, is 2014 Ontario Senior Men’s Champion Larry Cooper (Mississauga) and 2019 bronze medallist Ashley Chinner (Coppinwood). Cooper had a strong start on the front going three-under par including an eagle on the eighth hole, to finish off the round one-under par (70). In third is 2019 champion David Greenaway (Barrie CC) (72), followed by a three-way tie for fourth with players Rob Cowan (Westmount G&CC), Tom Henderson (Public Player), and Brent Hatton (Lively G&CC) (73).

In first place after round one on the Women’s leaderboard is five time Ontario Senior Women’s Champion, Mary Ann Hayward (St. Thomas G&CC). Playing a consistent round, Hayward was able to make a couple of birdies and an eagle on the fourteenth hole, leaving her at three-over par (74). One stroke behind Hayward is 2011 champion Terrill Samuel (Weston G&CC) and three time champion Judith Kyrinis (Granite GC) who both carded 4-over 75’s.

Reflecting on her round, Hayward said “overall I’m pretty pleased, as it was tough conditions with the rain and wet conditions. I lost a couple of birdie opportunities on some of the more difficult holes, which you just have to accept. I had only played the course yesterday, so a bit of indecision with which clubs to use took place today as well”. Heading into round two tomorrow, she plans to “warm up a bit more with my mid to longer irons, as they weren’t hitting great today. I hit my driver really well in round one, as I think I only missed one fairway all day. Hopefully, the weather stays on our side tomorrow too!”

Second round for the Men will begin at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow, while the Women will tee off at 12:13 p.m… For future results and information on the championship, click here for the Men’s and here for the Women’s.

For photos of the tournament, click here.

About The Ontario Senior Men’s Championship

Conducted since 1936, The Ontario Senior Men’s Championship event features Ontario’s best male amateur golfers age 55 and over competing over 54 holes of stroke play competition.

Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Nick Weslock, one of Canada’s greatest amateurs of the century, won the event a record 11 times between 1968 and 1980. Other notable past champions include Stu Hamilton (2001, 2006), Mike Jackson (2010, 2011 and 2013) and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Warren Sye in 2012.

About The Ontario Senior Women’s Championship

The inaugural Ontario Senior Women’s Championship was conducted in 1962 and since then has been contested annually featuring the province’s best female amateurs age 50 and over.

The event has had several notable past champions including World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, who captured the title six times. Also, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Gayle Borthwick, who also picked up the trophy six times. Recent winners include Ivy Steinberg (2008 and 2009), Terrill Samuel (2011) as well as Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Mary Ann Hayward (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2019) and 2017 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Champion Judith Kyrinis (2016, 2017,2018).

Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (subject to change)

• No caddies permitted. (all events)
• No spectators, including coaches and media, permitted. (**Exception: Players 18 & Under may have one accompanying adult)
• No motorized carts permitted. (**Exception: Single rider carts only for Senior & Disability Championships)
• All events will be a single tee start – no shotguns or split tees.
• Restricted field numbers. (see individual championships)
• Qualifiers will have limited field sizes. Entries will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Click here for the full version of the Championship protocols. **These protocols are subject to change as new guidance is received from the government.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.

For more information please contact:

Brianna Christopher, Assistant, Marketing Communications.
Golf Ontario
BChristopher@gao.ca

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications.
Golf Ontario
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Uxbridge, ON – Providing financial assistance to deserving student golfers since 1994, the Golf Ontario Scholarship program exists with the support of our corporate partners and sponsors. This support allows Golf Ontario to award multiple scholarships each year to support student golfers as they pursue post-secondary education. Golf Ontario is excited and proud to announce the Scholarship Recipients for 2020.

Back in 2016, Golf Ontario celebrated a milestone as the association surpassed $500,000 in scholarship funds awarded since the program’s establishment. Four years later in 2020, $620,900 in total has now been awarded to hundreds of recipients.

Golf Ontario has developed special scholarship awards to honour the memory of Ken McKenzie, Christine Fisher, Craig Revell, and Helena Harbridge – amazing people who all have contributed so much to the game of golf in the province. In conjunction with the McKenzie, Fisher, Revell, and Harbridge families, Golf Ontario will present these special awards to a deserving recipient, who demonstrates the passion and dedication to the game that was ever so present in Ken, Christine, Craig, and Helena.

Winning of our largest scholarship this year, Aidan Hussey (Barcovan GC) has been awarded the Craig Revell scholarship. This annual Scholarship in Craig’s name represents the fact that Aidan not only achieved success on the golf course but also in all facets of his life. He recognized that achieving academic success was very important in maximizing future options. Aidan Hussey makes for a perfect recipient of Revell’s scholarship, as he describes golf as “a game that showcases honesty, integrity, and more sportsmanship than any other sport in the world. It is a game where the youngest and the oldest of our generations can come together, and compete with laughs and memories being made”. Hussey, a golfer from a small town in southern Ontario, will be attending McMaster University this fall to study Integrated Business and Humanities. With a passion for global leadership and humanitarian work, Hussey and a friend from high school (with the help of a teacher), created the ‘ENSS Hope Project’ while completing his grade ten year. The project allows “people to engrave a brick in the garden of hope, with the majority of the proceeds going to the Terry Fox Foundation”. This young, ambitious golfer hopes to play on the McMaster golf team once the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) resumes their season.

Here is the full list of all of the very deserving award recipients:

Recipient Name	Award	Club Affiliation	Recipient School
Aidan Hussey	Craig Revell Award	Barcovan Golf Club	McMaster University
Alexander Brisebois	Ken MacKenzie Award	Public Player	University of Toronto
Riley Purdie	Christine Fischer Award	Essex Golf and Country Club	University of Waterloo
Andrew Szent-Ivany	Helena Harbridge Award	Cedar Brae Golf Club	Trent University
Kavith Ranchagoda	Golf Ontario Scholarship	Station Creek Golf Club	McMaster University
Nicholas Tanovich	Golf Ontario Scholarship	Beach Grove Golf Club	University of Windsor
Cade Preston	Golf Ontario Scholarship	Barrie Country Club	Lincholn Memorial University
Calista Zeng	Golf Ontario Scholarship	Station Creek Golf Club	Emory University

Golf Ontario would like to congratulate the 2020 recipients and wish them luck in their post-secondary studies.

To be eligible for one of the Golf Ontario awards or scholarships, recipients must have maintained at least a 75% academic average, are enrolled in a post-secondary institution, are members of Golf Ontario, and are actively involved in the game of golf. If you are interested in applying for next year’s batch of scholarships, please visit here to learn more about the process and benefits of Golf Ontario Scholarships.

About Golf Ontario

The Golf Ontario (formerly the Golf Association of Ontario) as it is currently structured came into being in November of 2001, following the amalgamation of the Ontario Golf Association and the Ontario Ladies Golf Association. Prior to the amalgamation, the OGA and the OLGA had represented amateur golfers in Ontario for close to 80 years and had done an excellent job of building and promoting the game.

At the time of the amalgamation only Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan had taken the step towards amalgamation. Since that time, all of the Provincial Golf Associations have amalgamated and in 2005 the Royal Canadian Golf Association and the Canadian Ladies Golf Association completed the process.

In the early days of Golf Associations in Ontario, there were small associations, representing Private Clubs in the Toronto area and providing a service that was specific to golf championships. Over our history, the association has grown to the point where today our Club Members include Private Clubs, Semi-Private Clubs and Public Golf Clubs. The majority of our individual members are at the Private and Semi-Private Clubs, but the association also offers opportunities for individuals to join directly as members of a Public Player Program. At the present time, Golf Ontario represents over 450 Member Clubs and over 92,000 individuals making it one of the largest Amateur Golf Associations in the world.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.

For more information please contact:

Brianna Christopher, Assistant, Marketing Communications.
Golf Ontario
BChristopher@gao.ca

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications.
Golf Ontario
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Gravenhurst, ON – Rated a top 100 course in Canada, Golf Ontario is ecstatic to announce the tee-off of the 2020 Ontario Senior Men’s and Women’s Championship, presented by Durham Artificial Grass, from September 8^th to 10^th at the stunning Taboo Muskoka Resort and Golf.

Originally a 9-hole course designed by Ron Garl, the course opened in 2002 making its major milestone in Muskoka’s emergence as a top North American golf destination. The renowned course has beautiful panoramic views and innovative use of the Canadian Shield landscape. In 2018, Taboo began renovations to “look at the bunkers and greens complexes, while making the course more challenging for the better player but less penial for the average player”. In speaking with Taboo Muskoka’s Golf Course Designer and Construction Manager, Alan Chudnovsky, he describes the course as a “blend of traditional Muskoka course and a traditional course feel in terms of the green complexes, with many bentgrass roll offs and opportunities to play your ball in the air while on the ground. Many holes have natural environmental protected areas, which have been strategically used in the design to create natural hazards on the golf course”. Players can expect challenging par three’s, “in which you’ll be hitting different types of shots and yardages on all four par three’s”.

The Ontario Senior Men’s Championship will consist of athletes from the following three qualifiers: Oshawa Golf and Curling (August 17), Nobleton Lakes Golf Club (August 24), and Whistle Bear Golf Club (August 25). For leaderboard information on qualifiers, please click the golf course name. Annually contested since 1936, the Ontario Senior Men’s Championship has several past champions returning to battle for the title: three-time winner Michael Jackson (Georgian Bay Club), 2014 Larry Cooper (Mississaugua), 2016 Christopher Kertsos (York Downs G&CC), 2017 John Murphy (Heritage Hills GC), 2018 Mark Brewer (Whitevale GC), and 2019 David Greenaway (Barrie CC). Also joining the field is three-time Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Champion, Dave Bunker (Cherry Hill Club).

The field competing in the Ontario Senior Women’s Championship is expected to be exceptionally strong, including two members of the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame. Five-time champion Mary Ann Hayward (St. Thomas G&CC) and three-time champion Judith Kyrinis (The Thornhill Club) are both returning for a chance at an additional title. Make sure to also keep an eye on 2011 Senior Women’s champion Terrill Samuel (Weston G&CC), whose been having a strong season with a second-place finish in the Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship.

We are also excited to have introduced a Front Line Workers donation program this year as part of our registration process, to give back to the local communities we will be playing in. The Front Line Workers donations from the Ontario Senior Men’s and Women’s Championship will be donated to South Muskoka Hospital Foundation.

First tee off of the day for round one on September 8^th is set for 8:00 a.m… To follow the leaderboard, click here for the Men’s and here for the Women’s.

About The Ontario Senior Men’s Championship

Conducted since 1936, The Ontario Senior Men’s Championship event features Ontario’s best male amateur golfers age 55 and over competing over 54 holes of stroke play competition.

Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Nick Weslock, one of Canada’s greatest amateurs of the century, won the event a record 11 times between 1968 and 1980. Other notable past champions include Stu Hamilton (2001, 2006), Mike Jackson (2010, 2011 and 2013) and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Warren Sye in 2012.

About The Ontario Senior Women’s Championship

The inaugural Ontario Senior Women’s Championship was conducted in 1962 and since then has been contested annually featuring the province’s best female amateurs age 50 and over.

The event has had several notable past champions including World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, who captured the title six times. Also, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Gayle Borthwick, who also picked up the trophy six times. Recent winners include Ivy Steinberg (2008 and 2009), Terrill Samuel (2011) as well as Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Mary Ann Hayward (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2019) and 2017 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Champion Judith Kyrinis (2016, 2017,2018).

Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (subject to change)

• No caddies permitted. (all events)
• No spectators, including coaches and media, permitted. (**Exception: Players 18 & Under may have one accompanying adult)
• No motorized carts permitted. (**Exception: Single rider carts only for Senior & Disability Championships)
• All events will be a single tee start – no shotguns or split tees.
• Restricted field numbers. (see individual championships)
• Qualifiers will have limited field sizes. Entries will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Click here for the full version of the Championship protocols. **These protocols are subject to change as new guidance is received from the government.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.

For more information please contact:

Brianna Christopher, Assistant, Marketing Communications.
Golf Ontario
BChristopher@gao.ca

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications.
Golf Ontario
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Gormley, ON – After a humid and breezy first round of the Public Player Championship presented by Baka, players enjoyed a mostly duller, wetter day of weather for final round play from the beautiful Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club. Temperatures in the high 20’s coupled with light rain in the morning and increased winds and occasional rain in the afternoon, made for a challenging yet fun day as players battled for Public Amateur supremacy.

With three championship flights up for grabs, golfers in the A flight (gross) and B and C flights (net) again took on the picturesque Meadowbrook course.

The overall winner and winner of the A flight (gross) competition was Aurora’s Kevin Holloway. Birdies on 11, 15 and and 18 secured him the victory with an even par round of 71 and +2 overall. His 2 day total was enough for a two shot victory over 2nd place finisher and day one leader Gavin Smith of Orangeville, who was one stroke ahead of 3rd place finisher Dan Kavanagh of Scarborough. Holloway, was understandably ecstatic with his win. “It’s actually really exciting, it’s the first tournament I’ve ever won”, said Holloway. He went on to talk about his round mentioning “it was pretty steady, considering conditions were very difficult with varying weather but playing with the other leaders kept me focused and I just took it one shot at a time”.

The B Flight and the first net score competition finished in regulation with a 2-way tie of +1 overall for the lead between Troy Darbyson and Ken Brace, both of Brooklin, requiring a 3 hole playoff.  Darbyson had the low round through both rounds shooting a 68 in round one to help build his early lead and hang on to reach the playoff holes, from which he would emerge victorious. Brace climbed the leaderboard today with a strong 69 final round to tie things up. Coming in 3rd place in this flight was Kyle Stolys of Richmond Hill, who finished three strokes back at +3 overall for the Championship.

The C flight Championship also ended in regulation with a 2-way tie for the lead between Zachary Peters and Andrew Garron. Peters and Garron both finished at +3 for the Championship, and went to a 3-hole playoff to determine the winner. After a closely contested playoff, Hamilton’s Peters emerged as the winner of the C flight.  2nd place went to Kingston’s Garron, followed by the 3rd place finisher Mark Rodrigues of Milton, who finished three shots back at +6.

For many competitors, this was their first experience competing in a Golf Ontario championship while others are seasoned veterans. The Baka Public Amateur Championship provides the perfect opportunity for those interested in trying a competitive tournament while providing gross and net flights. This allows higher handicap players to play against players in their handicap grouping. Anyone who has considered trying one of Golf Ontario’s events should look to the 2021 Public Amateur Championship presented by Baka as a great starting event.

For more information, please visit the official tournament website.

For photos of the tournament, click here.

About The Baka Public Amateur Championship

The Baka Public Amateur Championship was first played in 1958 at Don Valley Golf Club. Past winners include: Ken Trowbridge (1970), 2018 Ontario Golf Hall of Fame inductee Dave Bunker (2009, 2010) and Craig Loughry who has won a record four times (1997, 2001, 2005, 2006). Play of the tournament was suspended from 1984-1995. Mill Run Golf and Country Club (Uxbridge, ON) has hosted the tournament a record 9 times.

The Baka Public Amateur Championship provides the perfect opportunity for those interested in trying a competitive tournament while providing gross and net flights. This allows higher handicap players to play against players in their handicap grouping.

Key Provincial Competitions Protocols/Restrictions (subject to change)

• No caddies permitted. (all events)
• No spectators, including coaches and media, permitted. (**Exception: Players 18 & Under may have one accompanying adult)
• No motorized carts permitted. (**Exception: Single rider carts only for Senior & Disability Championships)
• All events will be a single tee start – no shotguns or split tees.
• Restricted field numbers. (see individual championships)
• Qualifiers will have limited field sizes. Entries will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Click here for the full version of the Championship protocols. **These protocols are subject to change as new guidance is received from the government.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for further information.

For more information please contact:

Brianna Christopher, Assistant, Marketing Communications.
Golf Ontario
BChristopher@gao.ca

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications.
Golf Ontario
PMacKellar@gao.ca

TOTTENHAM — After a very successful launch in 2019, the Ontario Disability Golf Championship will return in 2020 at the beautiful Woodington Lake Golf Club. Run by Golf Ontario, the Ontario Disability Golf Championship is a marquee event in the championship calendar.

The 2020 Ontario Disability Championship will take place on September 28-29, 2020 and will showcase some of the world’s top athletes with a disability, competing in a provincial championship environment. Focusing on player development, this inclusive event will ensure a proper pathway and better competition opportunity for some of the highest performing disabled athletes. This event will be included in the list of events eligible for world ranking points and will see both men and women compete in both low gross and low net categories.

As part of this year’s event, Special Olympics Ontario is pleased to announce a partnership with Woodington Lake Golf Club to help support and promote the event. Special Olympics Ontario will provide volunteer and coach training, as well as assistance with the recruitment of athletes and volunteers to help stage this world class event.

Glenn MacDonell, President and CEO of Special Olympics Ontario is thrilled with this new partnership. “The Ontario Disability Championship saw a successful start in 2019, and provides golfer athletes with another avenue to compete at a high level. We see this as a great opportunity for more of our Special Olympic athletes to participate, and create an even bigger and stronger event than last year. We look forward to helping Woodington Lake Golf Club and Golf Ontario put on an unbelievable event”.

Woodington Lake Golf Club will again be the official host of the Ontario Disability Championship and John Chetti, General Manager of Woodington Lake, is very happy to be supporting this event. “Woodington Lake Golf Club is honoured to again be hosting the Ontario Disability Golf Championship. The 2019 event was extremely special and we saw some incredible competition. Having a new partnership with Special Olympics Ontario will enable us to take this event to the next level. Our facility is well suited to host the regions’ best athletes with disabilities for this Championship and we look forward to again having a front seat to witness some amazing golf at this Championship”.

For Mike Kelly, Executive Director of Golf Ontario, this event is an important pillar of Golf Ontario’s strategic plan. “Inclusion and Diversity are two very important themes that are central to our strategic plan. This Ontario Disability Championship is a critical way for us to raise awareness about golfers with disabilities, and to showcase some of the amazing talent at this Championship. It is particularly exciting that this event will allow participants to accumulate World Ranking Points” said Kelly.

The Ontario Disability Championship will feature 36 holes of championship stroke play across 4 open divisions. There will be a low gross and low net for both women and men. The Championship will be open to all ages and will require participants to have an Official Handicap Index Limit of 28 for men, and 36 for women.

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 100,000 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 hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to shaping lives through Golf.

ABOUT WOODINGTON LAKE GOLF CLUB

Woodington Lake Golf Club is home to 36 holes of picturesque golf in Tottenham, Ontario, just north of Toronto. The original course, The Legend Course, opened in 1995 and is built on over 200 acres of rolling terrain. Carved from towering pine forest and nestle around Woodington Lake, this course Is truly legendary. The newest addition to Woodington Lake Golf Club is the Legacy course, a true mix of Links and Stadium styles. With very challenging water hazards, along with fast and undulating greens, the Legacy course will keep golfers of every skill coming back for more.

ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS ONTARIO

Special Olympics Ontario is dedicated to enriching the lives of Ontarians with an intellectual disability through sport. We strive to improve upon both the awareness and support of the community in regards to Special Olympics Ontario and those involved with us. www.specialolympicsontario.com

For more information, please contact:

Olivia Traetto, Woodington Lake Golf Club

olivia@woodingtonlake.com

Jarrod Copland, Special Olympics Ontario

jarrodc@specialolympicsontario.com

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing Communications – Golf Ontario;

pmackellar@gao.ca