Dalewood, ON – The start of round two came with sunshine and clear skies at Dalewood Golf Club for the Ontario Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championship. Due to the severe weather delays experienced yesterday, eleven groups resumed round one at 8:00 a.m. and round two was pushed back an hour to an 8:30 a.m. start. As the day progressed, the wind increased and so did the scores.

With the Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship moving into tomorrow for their third and final round, leader of round two Nonie Marler, Public Player, completed her round with a notable four birdies and three bogeys (144). In a two way tie for second is 2017 champion Judith Kyrinis, (Granite GC), and Lindsey Hummel (St. Thomas G&CC). Following round three will be the awards ceremony for the Mid-Amateur division only.

Afterwards Maler, who also plays out of Marine Drive Golf Club in BC, had this to say about her round. “I feel like it was an improvement over yesterday, so I was pleased with that. I had a good game plan and committed to my shots more”. She added, “I had one practice round under my belt and having the first round with two rounds now, I felt like I knew the course a lot better today to be able to give myself the best opportunity possible and really capitalize on it”.

Climbing the leaderboard of the Women’s Amateur Championship is GO Public Player, Sydney Naro, with one under on the front and two over on the back, for an overall one over through 2 rounds (142). Following in second with four birdies for the day is first round leader Claire Hernandez (Thornhill Club). In third at three over, a six way tie to battle it out tomorrow; Brooke Rivers (Brampton GC), Sarah Beqaj (Toronto GC), Sarah-Eve Rheaume (Golf Quebec Club), Sadie Dewinton-Davies (Public Player), Nonie Marler (Public Player), and Vanessa Boroviols (Weston G&CC). This evening, Golf Ontario will cut the field down to 42 plus ties.

The third round will begin at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow. For future results and information on the championship, visit the official championship page here.

For photos of the tournament, click here.

About the Ontario Women’s Am & Mid Am Championship

First played in 1904, the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship is Ontario’s oldest provincial championship and is the pinnacle of women’s golf in the province. The event features the best female golfers from across Ontario in a 72-hole stroke play format.

The Women’s Amateur has produced a rich history of champions throughout the tournaments long and cherished existence. Past winners include 1968 LPGA Tour players Sandra Post (1964), Alena Sharp (1989), Jennifer Kirby (2009, 2010), Augusta James (2011), Brittany Marchand (2012), Brooke Henderson (2014), Maddie Szeryk and Team Canada standout Brigitte Thibault (2019). World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member, Marlene Stewart Streit, holds the record for the most titles with 11 (’51, ’56, ’57, ’58, ’68, ’69, ’70, ’72, ’74, ’76, and ’77).

First played in 1989, the Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is open to female golfers aged 25 and over. In honour of her outstanding accomplishments at the Mid-Amateur level in Ontario, the trophy is rightfully named after 14-time champion Mary Ann Hayward. The event is contested annually in a 54-hole competition. Other notable past champions of the event include 2012 Canadian Senior Women’s Champion Terrill Samuel (1991, 2000 and 2010), Casey Ward (2015) and Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Gayle Borthwick Hitchens (1992, 1993), and Judith Kyrinis (2017).

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

Dalewood, ON – While we know the golf courses needed rain, today was not the ideal day for our ladies to see it happen. As the weather continued to prevail, Dalewood Golf Club welcomed the 2020 Ontario Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championship for their opening round of four.

With a 3.5 hour weather delay at 9:30 a.m., play resumed at 1:15 p.m. only to be postponed again at 7:30 p.m… After the first weather delay, number eight was removed from play due to an excess of water flooding on the green. Because of the lengthened weather delay, eleven groups (11:32 a.m. to 1:22 p.m.) did not finish their first round. Tomorrow morning will resume play at 8:00 a.m. with the players who did not finish their round today.

Currently leading is Claire Hernandez, (Thornhill Club) sitting at 2 under including four birdies on her round. In a tie for second at one under, we have five players; Sarah Beqaj (Toronto GC), Madeline Marck-Shrek (Bridgewater CC), Nicole Gal (Oakville GC), Ava Koukofikas (Meadowbrook G&CC), and Alessandra Nagayo (Don Valley GC). Hall of Famer Judith Kyrinis (Granite GC), currently leads in the Mid-Amateur category after a plus one round with much golf still left to play.

Pushing back an hour back to allow for round one to finish, round two will being at 8:30 a.m. Follow the full leaderboard here.

For photos of the tournament, click here.

About the Ontario Women’s Am & Mid Am Championship

First played in 1904, the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship is Ontario’s oldest provincial championship and is the pinnacle of women’s golf in the province. The event features the best female golfers from across Ontario in a 72-hole stroke play format.

The Women’s Amateur has produced a rich history of champions throughout the tournaments long and cherished existence. Past winners include 1968 LPGA Tour players Sandra Post (1964), Alena Sharp (1989), Jennifer Kirby (2009, 2010), Augusta James (2011), Brittany Marchand (2012), Brooke Henderson (2014), Maddie Szeryk and Team Canada standout Brigitte Thibault (2019). World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member, Marlene Stewart Streit, holds the record for the most titles with 11 (’51, ’56, ’57, ’58, ’68, ’69, ’70, ’72, ’74, ’76, and ’77).

First played in 1989, the Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is open to female golfers aged 25 and over. In honour of her outstanding accomplishments at the Mid-Amateur level in Ontario, the trophy is rightfully named after 14-time champion Mary Ann Hayward. The event is contested annually in a 54-hole competition. Other notable past champions of the event include 2012 Canadian Senior Women’s Champion Terrill Samuel (1991, 2000 and 2010), Casey Ward (2015) and Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Gayle Borthwick Hitchens (1992, 1993), and Judith Kyrinis (2017).

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 had limited field sizes. Entries were 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

Dalewood, ON – Teeing off the start of August, Golf Ontario is excited to welcome the Ontario Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championship to Dalewood Golf Club from August 4th to 7th.

Designed by renowned Canadian architect C.E. Robbie Robinson, Dalewood Golf Club is a premiere 18-hole championship golf course. The par 71 course offers a well-groomed, picturesque setting with over 50 bunkers and 3 ponds located on the course, with Gages Creek coming into play on several holes. As a first-time host of the Ontario Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championship, Head Golf Professional of Dalewood Golf Club, Brad Pemberton, said “it’s always a privilege to host championships on our property and we are thrilled to welcome the top Women players in the province here”. Pemberton continued to say “it’s a challenging course, especially with the creek that passes through about a dozen times. The greens are big, some as large as 50 yards back to back, so accurate iron play and putting will be key”.

Due to a limitation to field sizes with Golf Ontario safety protocols, a maximum of 90 players will be battling for the top spot. The field is expected to be exceptionally strong with winner of the 2018 Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, Julia Hodgson (Donalda GC), and 2017 champion, Judith Kyrinis (Granite GC), expected to return to defend the title. Team Ontario members to keep an eye on include: Sarah Beqaj (Toronto GC), Bo Brown (Blue Springs GC), Katie Cranston (Oakville GC), Nicole Gal (Oakville GC), Sarah Gallagher (Blue Springs GC), Alexis McMurray (Glen Abbey GC), and Ella Weber (Rattlesnake Point GC).

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 Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championship will be donated to the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation.

First tee off of the day for round 1 on August 4^th is set for 7:30 a.m. To follow the leaderboard, click here.

About the Ontario Women’s Am & Mid Am Championship

First played in 1904, the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship is Ontario’s oldest provincial championship and is the pinnacle of women’s golf in the province. The event features the best female golfers from across Ontario in a 72-hole stroke play format.

The Women’s Amateur has produced a rich history of champions throughout the tournaments long and cherished existence. Past winners include 1968 LPGA Tour players Sandra Post (1964), Alena Sharp (1989), Jennifer Kirby (2009, 2010), Augusta James (2011), Brittany Marchand (2012), Brooke Henderson (2014), Maddie Szeryk and Team Canada standout Brigitte Thibault (2019). World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member, Marlene Stewart Streit, holds the record for the most titles with 11 (’51, ’56, ’57, ’58, ’68, ’69, ’70, ’72, ’74, ’76, and ’77).

First played in 1989, the Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship is open to female golfers aged 25 and over. In honour of her outstanding accomplishments at the Mid-Amateur level in Ontario, the trophy is rightfully named after 14-time champion Mary Ann Hayward. The event is contested annually in a 54-hole competition. Other notable past champions of the event include 2012 Canadian Senior Women’s Champion Terrill Samuel (1991, 2000 and 2010), Casey Ward (2015) and Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Gayle Borthwick Hitchens (1992, 1993), and Judith Kyrinis (2017).

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 had limited field sizes. Entries were 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

Southampton, ON – The pristine, but challenging Saugeen Golf Club was the perfect stage to host the first Golf Ontario championship of the 2020 season. With an impressive finish in his fourth and final round, Nolan Piazza (Cherry Hill Club) took home the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship title for the second time in 3 years. Winning the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ Championship title was Andreas Diogenous (Whistle Bear GC).

Finishing on a high note, Piazza saved the best for last with his most outstanding round of the championship. Ending with a sizzling score of six-under (66) for the round, Piazza birdied seven holes, offset by only 1 bogey on the day.  Piazza finished the championship at 14-under (274), 10 shots clear of the next competitor. Diogenous, en route to his Juvenile championship, also played his best round yet, carding a final round four-under to tie for second in the Junior (U19) Boys’ division. Sharing second place was Kiefer Bulau (King Valley GC), who climbed four spots on the day with a final round 68, including six birdies.

“It feels really good to win the Junior Boys’ Championship for a second time”, said Piazza when asked how this win feels. Remarkably, the last time the title was won twice by the same player was in 2004 and 2006 by Brad Revell (Cataraqui G&CC). Piazza has one more year to compete in the Junior (U19) Boys’ division, as he commented he’d “like to try for a third win again next year. I didn’t really change anything today with my play. My short and long game were both clicking today, but my putts were falling into place better which was good to see”. When asked if playing in a grouping with round two leaders, Ty Stansfield (Thornhill Club) and Yuqi Liu (The Country Club – West), helped improve his competitive play, Piazza said “it was fun to be with them, as we were all low key about it today. No one was too serious about it and we were just out there having fun”. Piazza has been putting in the work, having played around sixty-five rounds already this year.

Winner of the 2019 Ontario Bantam Boys’ Championship title, Diogenous can now add the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ Championship title to his collection. His final round 68 left him 2 shots ahead of 2^nd and 3^rd round leader Ty Stansfield, and Owen Kim, whose 67 today propelled him into the tie with Stansfield, with the two of them sharing a tie for fourth in the Junior (U19) boys’ championship.

“It feels great to have three championship titles to my name now”, said Diogenous as he reflected on his Ontario Peewee Boys’ (2017) and Bantam Boys’ (2019) Championship titles. “It’s really exciting and now I have one more to go with a couple shots at the U19 title hopefully”. With his best round of the championship today, Diogenous said “coming down the stretch my putter was getting a little hot. I birdied 16 and 17 which put me in a good spot coming in. I was hitting iron shots more at the pins instead of playing for the middle of the greens, I was more aggressive, and made some good putts”.

Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for their support of our first championship of the season. To Saugeen Golf Club, General Manager Brad Young, and all their hard-working staff, thank you for being gracious hosts on such a well conditioned course, and for providing us with such valuable volunteers. 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 full results and information on the championship, visit the official championship page here.

For photos of the tournament, click here.

About the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship

First contested in 1923, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship is open to male golfers 18 years of age and under, who have earned entry through one of our qualifiers held across the province or earned exemptions from prior achievements. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. Past winners of the event include: Gerry Kesselring, Gary Cowan, Stu Hamilton, Mike Weir, Jon Mills and Albin Choi.

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

Southampton, ON – The competition thickened as round three came to a close for the 2020 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship at Saugeen Golf Club. The mix of sun, cloud, and wind today seemed to have no influence on the performance of our two leaders, as they maintained their position at the top of our leaderboard.

Sharing the lead after round three, Junior Boys’ Nolan Piazza (Cherry Hill Club) and Yuqi Liu (The Country Club – West) finished today with an overall eight under (208). Piazza sunk five birdies and three bogeys, to finish the front an even par and the back at two under (70). Also sinking five birdies, Liu finished with two bogeys, one under on the front, and two under on the back (70). Sitting in third is Ty Stansfield, who will be playing in the final group with Piazza and Liu. Falling to fourth on the leaderboard, Team Ontario athlete Ashton McCulloch (Cataraqui G&CC) completed the day with two under in total, one over on the front, and an even par on the back (73).

Completing round three in a group with the 2018 and 2019 Junior (U19) Boys’ Champions Piazza and McCulloch, Liu said “they played pretty strong and I had fun playing with them. Today my long game and putting were very good, and I played a lot better on the par fives. As the wind picked up, my distance control with my wedge was not great when hitting into the wind. The ball had too much spin and it rolled backwards several times after landing”. Heading into round four tomorrow, Liu said “I’m looking forward to playing in a group with Piazza and Stansfield. I didn’t get the chance to watch him play today, but I heard pretty early into today’s round that he made four birdies in a row. It will be a good group for competitive play.”

With an impressive showing on the front, Juvenile player Ty Stansfield (Thornhill Club) started the day with 4 straight birdies, en-route to a one-under 71 to keep him atop the Juvenile leaderboard (213). Sitting in second for the Juvenile division, Matthew Martel (Lookout Point) fired an impressive 3-under par 69 to vault him up the leaderboard, now 2 strokes behind Stansfield. In third for the Juvenile Boys’ and in a three-way tie for sixth overall, Andreas Diogenous (Whistle Bear GC) carded a one-under on both the front and back for a 3 day total of even par (216).

The fourth and final round will begin at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow. For future results and information on the championship, visit the official championship page here.

For photos of the tournament, click here.

About the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship

First contested in 1923, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship is open to male golfers 18 years of age and under, who have earned entry through one of our qualifiers held across the province or earned exemptions from prior achievements. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. Past winners of the event include: Gerry Kesselring, Gary Cowan, Stu Hamilton, Mike Weir, Jon Mills and Albin Choi.

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

Southampton, ON – A beautifully sunny day greeted the players for round two of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship at Saugeen Golf Club. The competitive field continued to score low, with plenty of ties keeping the field tight. This evening, Golf Ontario will cut the field down to 42 plus ties.

The Junior (U19) Boys’ saw a switch in leaders, as Nolan Piazza (Cherry Hill Club) overtook the round one leader Yuqi Liu (The Country Club – West). Piazza completed his front nine two under and then went one under on the back, to finish off round two with a 69 (138). Liu fell to second place on the leaderboard with a second round 71 (139) to finish day 2 one stroke behind Piazza.  (139). Following a strong 69 yesterday, Ashton McCulloch (Cataraqui G&CC) finshed at even par 72 for the day  (141), holding onto third-place –  3 shots back of the leader.

Heading into round three, Piazza said “I’m going to keep hitting the same type of shots and hopefully sink more putts, but just keep it simple. From my practice rounds and round one, I’ve been hitting all the same clubs off the tees and have been focused on hitting the fairways and greens. I would say my long game has been better this week, but I’ve missed a few makeable putts”. Agreeing with most players, “the par threes are a little difficult as they’ve been giving everyone a hard time. As well, number twelve is a hard driving hole, and probably fifteen as well.”

As for the Juvenile Boys’, Ben MacLean (St. Catharines G&CC) fell to second on the leaderboard with three over on the front and one under on the back, finishing with 74 (144). Taking the lead was Ty Stansfield (Thornhill Club), with an even par on the front and an impressive four under on the back for a 4-under 68 (142). Tied for second with MacLean is Ellis Kinnaird (Mississippi), who fired a one-over 73 to follow up his opening round 71 (144).

With a strong round two, Stansfield said “I was pretty happy with my game today, and I’m looking to take the same game plan into round three tomorrow. I changed my game up a bit from yesterday, as I tried to hit more fairways off the tee to position myself better. I’ve been using a lot of irons and three woods to leave myself in a good position”.

Tee time for the third round is set for 7:30 a.m. For future results and information on the championship, visit the official championship page here.

For photos of the tournament, click here.

About the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship

First contested in 1923, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship is open to male golfers 18 years of age and under, who have earned entry through one of our qualifiers held across the province or earned exemptions from prior achievements. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. Past winners of the event include: Gerry Kesselring, Gary Cowan, Stu Hamilton, Mike Weir, Jon Mills and Albin Choi.

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

Southampton, ON – With our first championship of the season finally underway, 114 players challenged the pristine Saugeen Golf Club for the first round of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship. In what originally looked like an extended weather delay for the first tee off, mother nature knew we needed golf and good news, and with that, we were happily surprised to have the rain hold off until the evening. Play was only suspended from 5:00 p.m. to 6:05 p.m. due to inclement weather conditions, in turn only effecting nine remaining groups.

Leading the pack for the first half of the day, Nolan Piazza (Cherry Hill Club) completed the front in three under and an even par on the back. Playing strong with a later tee time, Yuqi Liu (The Country Club – West), took the lead with two under on the front and back. Results for the day show Yuqi Liu leading with four under, and Nolan Piazza and Ashton McCulloh (Cataraqui G&CC) tying for second with three under.

Leader of round one, Yuqi Liu (The Country Club – West), said “I was impressed with my play today, but I know I can do better. I played consistently with no big mistakes, making four birdies and the rest pars”. When asked if any holes were more challenging today in comparison to his two practice rounds last week, Liu reflected that “number eight, the par three, had a difficult pin location. The pin was back on the left corner by the water and during my practice rounds I lost three balls, so I was feeling a little nervous when I approached it today”. Going into round two tomorrow, Liu tees off at 7:30 a.m. and is looking to improve his driving and decision making when it comes irons.

As the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ will be recognized at this competition, Ben MacLean (St. Catharines G&CC) lead the low juvenile group with two under. Following in second is Ellis Kinnaird (Mississippi) with one under and in third is Kevin Lee (National Pines GC) with even par.

Tee time for the second round is set for 7:30 a.m. For future results and information on the championship, visit the official championship page here.

For photos of the tournament, click here.

About the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship

First contested in 1923, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship is open to male golfers 18 years of age and under, who have earned entry through one of our qualifiers held across the province or earned exemptions from prior achievements. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. Past winners of the event include: Gerry Kesselring, Gary Cowan, Stu Hamilton, Mike Weir, Jon Mills and Albin Choi.

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

Southampton, ON – With Covid-19 driving a slice into the early part of the 2020 season, Golf Ontario is excited to finally get underway with our first of nine  Golf Ontario provincial championships. Teeing off the season, we will be welcoming the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship to Saugeen Golf Club on July 27^th to 30^th.

“We are thrilled to be finally kicking off our 2020 competitive season, and doing so at Saugeen Golf Club for the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship”, says Executive Director of Golf Ontario, Mike Kelly. “I’d like to thank our athletes for their patience as our team here at Golf Ontario implements new policies and procedures to deal with the challenging circumstances of this season. Our main focus is ensuring the well-being of our athletes, staff and volunteers and we look forward to safely welcoming everyone in the coming weeks. 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”, continued Kelly. The Front Line Workers donations from the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship will be donated to the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation. Due to a limited field size, a maximum of 114 players will be battling for the top spot. The Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship will consist of athletes from the following three qualifiers: Black Bear Ridge Golf Course (July 13), Silver Lakes Golf & Country Club (July 14), and Cambridge Golf Club (July 19). For leaderboard information on qualifiers, please click the golf course name. Golf Ontario will also recognize the Juvenile (U17) champion at this competition.

As Saugeen Golf Club celebrates its 95^th anniversary of their Legacy course, General Manager, Brad Young, said “it’s a tremendous honour to be hosting the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship and the aura that it represents. This will be the first Championship Saugeen GC has ever hosted, making it a phenomenal opportunity to put our club on the map, which we’re very excited for”. Young also commented that the “Master Superintendent and staff have really turned the place around over the years and the greens are in absolutely perfect shape”. The players will play the Sunrise and Legacy courses, which are approximately “6,408 yards with very tricky greens”. Just like many other courses this season, Young has noticed a spike in Junior play from last year and is “looking forward to helping support the promising Junior growth that has been seen with Golf Ontario and Golf Canada”.

Last year’s champion of the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Championship, Ashton McCulloch (Cataraqui G&CC), will be returning to defend the title. Also returning to battle for the title is 2018 champion, Nolan Piazza (Cherry Hill Club). With McCulloch scoring 72-72-69-68-281 and Piazza scoring 73-69-69-71-282, it should be a good showing. Winner of the 2019 Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys’ Championship, Andreas Diogenous (Whistle Bear GC), will be another player to watch for. Team Ontario members to keep an eye on include: Ashton McCulloch (Cataraqui GC), Ben MacLean (St. Catherine’s G&CC), Peter Blazevic (Markland Wood GC), Luke DelGobbo (Lookout Point GC), Jeffrey Fang (Station Creek GC – North), Michael Ikejiani (Barrie CC) and Thomas Latter (Credit Valley GC)

First tee off of the day for round 1 on July 27^th is set for 7:30 a.m. To follow the leaderboard, click here.

About the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship

First contested in 1923, the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ Championship is open to male golfers 18 years of age and under, who have earned entry through one of our qualifiers held across the province or earned exemptions from prior achievements. The event consists of 72 holes of stroke play competition. Past winners of the event include: Gerry Kesselring, Gary Cowan, Stu Hamilton, Mike Weir, Jon Mills and Albin Choi.

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.

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

Golf Ontario announced today that they have added Durham Artificial Grass to their family of partners to help continue to bring more value to the Association and its’ members. Durham Artificial Grass is a provider of high quality home practice installations including simulators and putting greens. As part of this partnership and the NEW 2020 Golf Ontario Championship calendar, Durham Artificial Grass will present the Ontario Senior Men’s & Women’s Championships, to be held September 8-10 at Deerhurst Resort.

Jason Hraynyk, Manager of Business Development, is excited to welcome them to the growing list of partners. “Golf Ontario has worked previously with Durham Artificial Grass when they were involved with our Toronto Golf and Travel Show booth space. They are a leader in the industry and this will help them gain further exposure across the province. We are looking forward to providing our members with special offers and incentives from Durham Artificial Grass for their home installation projects. It is very encouraging during these times that corporations see the value of Golf Ontario and that the sport is growing and in a very good state. We are very excited about the partnership and working with them.”

At the current time Golf Ontario and Durham Artificial Grass are both working within the highest standards and strictest protocols to provide you the safest operations for you and your family.

“As an industry leader, Durham Artificial Grass is honoured to partner with Golf Ontario and help them achieve their mission of creating positive golf experiences by providing many fun and high quality golf practice options. From putting greens to golf simulators, we look forward to offering incentives and offers to Golf Ontario members and a long lasting partnership with Golf Ontario”, said Brian Park, Sales Manager at Durham Artificial Grass.

About Durham Artificial Grass

Specialists in putting greens and golf simulators, Durham Artificial Grass lays the right surfaces by making use of only the highest quality technology and products to make every putting green and simulator enjoyable. Durham Artificial Grass offer a range of products including portable fairway mats, indoor and outdoor putting greens and full simulator installations. These attractive, long-lasting surfaces are designed to help you enjoy the game of golf for years to come. In addition to their line of golf products they can provide any artificial turf options for your garden, home, and cottages.

Durham Artificial Grass

905-263-4977

admin@durhamartificialgrass.ca

www.durhamartificialgrass.ca

Instagram @durhamartificialgrass,

Access to Affordable Golf Introduced for Golfers Ages 6-18

(UXBRIDGE, On.) – Youth on Course – the non-profit organization providing young people with access to opportunities through subsidized golf, college scholarships, paid internships and a caddie program – announces its expansion with Golf Ontario and Golf Canada, providing young people ages 6-18 with greater access to play affordable golf.

As a result of a highly successful pilot program launched in Alberta with support from Golf Canada, the Youth on Course expansion will introduce Golf Ontario’s junior members to unlimited $5 greens fees at more than 1,400 participating facilities across Canada and the United States. To sign up, visit www.youthoncourse.ca

Visit Youth on Course

“The expansion of Youth on Course by Golf Canada and Golf Ontario demonstrates their commitment to inspiring and nurturing a new generation of golfers,” says Michael Lowe, VP of Programs for Youth on Course. “With the highest per-capita golf participation in the world, the introduction of affordable and accessible rounds to Ontario’s youth will benefit the sport’s sustainability in a big way.”

Starting in June, Youth on Course will be introduced at participating golf courses in four regions within Ontario:

• Niagara/Hamilton Regions
• Durham Region
• Simcoe/Dufferin Regions
• Ottawa Valley

“We have been working closely with facilities in the key targeted regions and are thrilled with the support we have received from many facilities across the province,” says Kyle McFarlane, senior director at Golf Ontario. “These courses are committed to helping grow the game of golf and will provide very affordable golf options for youth in Ontario.”

“We are in a great position to provide more children with access to our great game,” says Adam Hunter, senior manager of Grow the Game for Golf Canada. “Together with Golf Ontario and our participating partner courses, we are eager to offer communities more opportunities to access junior golf.”

Born out of the Northern California Golf Association in 2006, Youth on Course subsidizes greens fees to remove cost as a barrier to entry for potential lifetime golfers. Operating in 36 states and Canada, more than 71,000 members have played close to one million rounds of golf while the organization has helped generate over $6.8 million in tee-time revenue back to individual golf courses.

YouthOnCourse.org | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter

More information: 831.625.4653.

About Youth on Course

The core purpose of Youth on Course is to provide youth with access to life-changing opportunities through golf. Members play thousands of courses for $5 or less, benefit from employment through the caddie and internship program, and receive college scholarships. Headquartered in Pebble Beach, Youth on Course is a 501(c)3 organization that began as the charitable arm of the Northern California Golf Association. Since 2006, close to one million rounds have been played by Youth on Course members and nearly $2 million has been raised for college scholarships. In the United States Youth on Course serves Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin with the goal of delivering affordable golf in all 50 states by 2021.

About Golf Canada

Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing 271,000 golfers and 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

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 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. To learn more, visit www.gao.ca.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Ryan Parsons
703.940.3521
rparsons@buffalo.agency
Buffalo Agency

Mallory Dayman
905.852.1101 ext. 237
mdayman@golfontario.ca
Golf Ontario