Golf Ontario Releases the NEW 2020 Golf Ontario Championship Schedule

As well, Golf Ontario will be Giving Back to Front-Line Workers in Local Championship Communities.

Uxbridge – Golf Ontario announced today that it has released the NEW 2020 Golf Ontario Championship schedule. With additional time needed to ensure that Golf Ontario Championships are staged in the most safe and responsible manner possible given the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Golf Ontario has had to make significant revisions to the 2020 schedule of championships, while able to maintain a strong slate of the most important championships.

“The health and safety of all associated with Golf Ontario Championships continues to be our No. 1 priority, and our hope is to play a role – responsibly – in Ontario’s return to enjoying the things we love. We have been working tirelessly with many key stakeholders (including local and provincial health authorities, surveys with our players and volunteers, and facilities) to ensure that we are able to run our championships in 2020 while adhering to key safety protocols” said Golf Ontario Executive Director Mike Kelly. “Today’s announcement is another positive step for our players who are looking for provincial amateur competition, and we will also continue to ensure we are working closely with local leading public health authorities as we move forward.”

Online registrations for the NEW 2020 Golf Ontario championship schedule will begin on Wednesday, June 24 at 9:00 am. Due to COVID-19 concerns and delays in starting the season, the schedule for 2020 will be a condensed version of a normal championship schedule for Golf Ontario. “Obviously we have had to make some changes to the 2020 schedule to accommodate a shortened playing season and revised host club availability, but we feel we have put together a very strong competition schedule on some of Ontario’s finest golf courses” said John Lawrence, Manager, Rules and Competitions at Golf Ontario. “In addition, we have a strong list of safety protocols, and look forward to welcoming our players back to compete in Golf Ontario championships.”

The NEW schedule begins with the Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Championship on July 27-30 at Saugeen Golf Club, and continues through to the Ontario Disability Championship on Sept 28-29 at Woodington Lake Golf Club.

NEW 2020 Golf Ontario Championship Schedule:

Please CLICK HERE to see the new 2020 championship schedule with qualifier dates.

As part of this new schedule, and given some of the restrictions based on timing, safety measures, and facility availability, there are a number of championships that have had to be cancelled. The following championships will not be played in 2020, and will return in 2021:

• Junior Boys and Girls Spring Classic
• All Multi-Player Championships (Men’s Better Ball, George S. Lyon, Senior Men’s Better Ball, Women’s Four-Ball)
• All Match Play Championships (Men’s, Senior Men’s, Women’s, Junior Boys and Girls)
• The Ontario Champions of Champions

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

“Golf Ontario has a long history of providing world-class competition opportunities for the best amateur golfers in Ontario, and we are looking forward to another year of showcasing the elite golf talent we have in this province.” said Kelly. “We are also extremely proud to say that we will be setting up a donation program to give back to the front-line workers in the communities where we will be conducting our championships.” This will be an important piece of our championship plan for 2020”

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.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

For more information please contact:
Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications.
Golf Ontario
PMacKellar@gao.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 5, 2020

2021 World Junior Girls Championship will be conducted at Angus Glen Golf Club

MARKHAM, ONT. – With continued public health concerns due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario has cancelled the 2020 World Junior Girls Championship, scheduled to take place September 28 to October 3 at Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont.

“The well-being of all athletes, international delegates, host club staff and volunteers is our top priority and while we share in the disappointment felt by all, cancelling the 2020 World Junior Girls Championship is the most sensible and safest course of action to take at this time,” said Golf Canada CEO, Laurence Applebaum.

In addition to ongoing health concerns and uncertainty around the pandemic, a number of physical barriers contributed to the cancellation including international travel restrictions, limitations on mass gatherings, the inability for all participants to prepare and train equally, and the financial capacity of participating national golf bodies during this difficult time.

The 2020 event was expected to welcome 78 athletes from 25 countries including two Canadian teams.

“We understand that all of our athletes, coaches and international delegations continue to be impacted by the pandemic and the only course of responsible action was a cancelation,” said Mike Kelly, Golf Ontario Executive Director. “We would like to thank Angus Glen along with all of our proud event partners and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to the championship when it is safe to do so.”

“We share in the disappointment felt by all members of the international golfing community, especially the athletes who have worked so hard to compete at this level of competition,” said Cailey Stollery, Chief Executive Officer of Angus Glen and Kylemore Group of Companies. “Ultimately, the health and safety of everyone involved in the championship is most important and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to Angus Glen for the 2021 championship.”

The 2021 World Junior Girls Championship will be contested at Angus Glen Golf Club from September 27 to October 2.

The World Junior Girls Championship is conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario and supported by the R&A and the International Golf Federation. Recognized as an ‘A’ ranked event by the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), the 2020 World Junior Girls Championship would have marked the 7^th playing of the event.

About the World Junior Girls Championship
The World Junior Girls Golf Championship is an annual event conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario. The international competition features three-player teams of 18-and-under athletes. As host country, Canada fields two of the tournament’s 20 teams competing over 72 holes for both individual and team honours. The championship is conducted with support from the Golf Canada Foundation, Sport Canada; the International Golf Federation; the PGA of Canada; the R&A; and Levelwear. For more information, visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.

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.

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.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Dan Pino
Senior Director, Communications
Golf Canada
416-434-5525
dpino@golfcanada.ca

Peter Mackellar
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Golf Ontario
905-852-1101 Ext. 224
pmackellar@gao.ca

FOR RELEASE: May 29, 2020

2020 Ontario Open postponed

Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada cancels 2020 season

(Tottenham, ON) – The Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada announced today that the 2020 season has been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis.

The Ontario Open, which was originally scheduled for August 27-30, is postponed until 2021.

“Working closely with the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada we fully support the decision to cancel the 2020 season,” said Ontario Open Tournament Director Craig Loughry. “Our primary responsibility is the safety of the local community, and we feel like this is the best decision for everybody.”

“With growing uncertainty surrounding the border and quarantine regulations, among other factors, we have been in consistent communication with all of our events and believe this decision ensures the safety of the community,” said Mackenzie Tour Executive Director Scott Pritchard. “We are going to use this time to work alongside the Ontario Open to make the 2021 event as strong as possible.”

The 2020 season was set to be the Mackenzie Tour’s eighth season, with the 13-scheduled events being the most in the Tour’s history.

“Our commitment to the community and the Ontario Open is unwavering and we are going to work hard towards putting on another strong community-based event in 2021,” said Loughry.

“While we are disappointed that we won’t be playing host to future PGA TOUR players this year, we fully support the decision to postpone the Ontario Open,” said Woodington Lake Golf Club General Manager John Chetti. “We will take advantage of this time to complete our course renovations and look forward to working alongside Golf Ontario and the Mackenzie Tour to make the 2021 tournament a can’t-miss event.”

About the Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada
The Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada is a series of tournaments played across Canada and the United States each summer, where tomorrow’s stars begin the path to the PGA TOUR. The leading 10 point-earners at the end of each season earn status on the Korn Ferry Tour for the following year. The Tour’s alumni include 41 PGA TOUR players and 232 Korn Ferry Tour players since 2013. The Mackenzie’s Tour mission is to provide a high-quality platform to produce alumni that move to the next level and eventually the PGA TOUR, while making a positive impact in the communities where tournaments are played.

Contact:
Brendan Stasiewich, Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada,
403-512-4625
brendanstasiewich@pgatourintl.ca

Every year Golf Ontario gives recognition to the volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to the game of golf and shows appreciation to all who have been an essential part of our organization.

This week is National Volunteer Week, and we want to thank all of you for your hard work and dedication. This year’s theme is “It’s time to applaud this country’s volunteers”.

2019 Volunteer Recognition Award Recipients

From left to right: Chris Osborne, Ian Murray, (Michael Purcell on behalf of) Gilles Hurtubise, Kathy Pilkey, Joyce McCrae, Margaret Grieve, Howard Atkinson (President)

2019 Volunteer of the Year – Joyce McCrae
Distinguished Service Award – Margaret Grieve and Gilles Hurtubise
Honorary Life Director Award – Kathy Pilkey, Ian Murray and Chris Osborne

We Applaud our Volunteers

We have many longstanding volunteers who have been with us for 5, 10, 15 years! We are so thankful for the people who support Golf Ontario on a daily basis – you are truly talented, giving, selfless and caring. The relationships you create with staff, volunteers, and players make the game that much more special.

Thank you volunteers for all that you do at Golf Ontario.

A Special Recognition – Judith and Wayne Weaver

Husband and wife team, Judith and Wayne Weaver, are retiring this year from Golf Ontario. Judith and Wayne have been a huge part of Golf Ontario over the years, and have provided their services for 10+ years as Tournament Officials.

Judith joined the provincial volunteer team in 2004, as a District Coordinator for the former Owen Sound District. Wayne followed in 2006, first as a course rater and then joined the tournament officials’ team.

Judith was a regular in the scoring tent, and Wayne excelled as a starter at numerous championships over the years.

You will both be missed by all volunteers, staff and golfers. Your hard work and dedication have greatly benefited our organization both personally and professionally and we wish you all the very best in the years to come!

Toronto – Golf Ontario announced today that they have added 2 new partners to help bring more value to the Association and its’ members. Modern Golf joins as the ‘Official Club Fitting and Repair’  partner of Golf Ontario, and Dormie Workshop joins as the ‘’Official Custom Headcover Provider’ of Golf Ontario. These exciting new partnerships have been designed to add value to Golf Ontario members through the addition of unique offers and opportunities to take advantage of the premium products that these brands offer.

Mike Kelly, Executive Director of Golf Ontario is ecstatic to be welcoming both of these great brands to the Golf Ontario list of partners. “One of the core pillars of our Strategic Plan is providing Leadership in the form of growing our membership base. One key way of doing this is to add more value to the membership equation for our members, and we believe that Modern Golf and Dormie Workshop are a perfect fit for this opportunity”, said Kelly.

Modern Golf currently has locations in both Toronto and Vaughan and offers premium fitting and repair services across a variety of brands, including TaylorMade, another Golf Ontario partner. This partnership deal will allow Golf Ontario to offer up unique fitting experiences to our members and key stakeholders at any of Modern’s first-class facilities.

“Golf Ontario is extremely excited to welcome Modern Golf as a key partner for our organization.” said Mike Kelly, Golf Ontario Executive Director. “The Modern Golf facilities are able to create an amazing fitting, building, and repair experience that we look forward to sharing with our members. We also look forward to having our Team Ontario members utilize this facility to further their training efforts”

“Modern Golf is also thrilled to partner with Golf Ontario”, said Paul Fisher, Managing Director, Modern Golf.  “Golf Ontario is known as a change agent in the golf world, and we look forward to creating opportunities for Golf Ontario members to utilize our facilities”

Dormie Workshop is a high-end provider of premium leather handcrafted golf headcovers, based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Recently featured in Golf Digest as one of their seven emerging golf brands that caught their eye at the 2020 PGA MerchandiseShow. Dormie was created by brothers and PGA Canada professionals Jeff and Todd Bishop, who wanted to bring fellow golfers really cool covers. The basis of the sponsorship will see Dormie provide custom headcovers to all of the winners of Golf Ontario’s amateur championships as well as to the winners of the Junior Golf Drive.

“I have long admired the quality and craftmanship of Dormie Headcovers from afar” said Mike Kelly, Executive Director of Golf Ontario. “Now, with Dormie joining us in partnership, I can admire these amazing products as we present them to the winners of our key Championships throughout the year”, said Kelly.

“Dormie Workshop is very excited to be partnering with Golf Ontario as they run some of the most prestigious championships in the country. We think our custom Dormie Headcovers will provide a perfect addition to the prizing that will be presented to the winners of each of these Championships”, added Todd Bishop, Co-Founder, Dormie Workshop.

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.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

About Modern Golf

With multiple locations across Canada, Modern Golf performance centers offer golfers of all abilities club fitting, instruction, and practice options. Modern Golf offers top technology from Trackman, a PGA Tour level build shop and retail partnerships with all major golf brands giving customers 30,000+ different club fitting options. Modern Golf’s team is composed of PGA of Canada and elite golf industry professionals.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @moderngolfca

About Dormie Workshop

Dormie Workshop is an innovative leather accessory business, specializing in hand-made golf products. Brothers, and PGA Professionals, Jeff and Todd Bishop created Dormie Workshop in the Fall of 2014 based upon three principles: innovative design, highest quality craftsmanship and industry leading customer service. Allowing golfers to express themselves through customization and fresh original design while fostering Junior golf initiatives has established Dormie Workshop as a grassroots golf innovator in a global marketplace.

Instagram/Facebook/Twitter-@dormieworkshop

www.dormieworkshop.com

Zhu and Rank take home Player of the Year Honours

TORONTO — Golf Ontario celebrated and recognized the 2019 Golf Ontario Order of Merit player winners for 2019 with an awards ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of these players. This prestigious awards ceremony occurred during lunch at the shared Golf Ontario / Golf Canada annual meeting at the Hilton Airport Hotel and Suites in Toronto.

Golf Ontario maintains an Order of Merit Rankings system that allocates points for performance in Golf Ontario, Golf Canada, USGA and many other sanctioned events throughout Ontario, Canada and internationally to determine the top-ranked athletes in the province of Ontario each year. This awards ceremony recognizes and celebrates the top performing players in all of the various Order of Merit categories.

Golf Ontario Players of the Year

The Golf Ontario Female Player of the Year, and the Golf Ontario Male Player of the Year. Nominees for PLAYER OF THE YEAR awards are voted on from the leaders in the Golf Ontario Order of Merit categories for 2019.

Female Player of the year:  Emily Zhu

The Richmond Hill, Ont., native had a strong 2019 campaign highlighted by wins at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship and the AJGA Natural Resource Partners Bluegrass Junior. Zhu also notched two runner-up finishes at the 2019 Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship and the 2019 Duke of York Young Champions Trophy and a runner-up finish in the Canada Junior Girls’ division. She has also represented Canada at the past three World Junior Girls Championships.

Zhu said her highlights of the year were winning the Canadian Jr Girls Championship and finishing 2nd at the Ontario Women’s Am. “It was one of my goals this year to win the Canadian Jr. Girls Championships and I did it. It was a surprise for me to finish so well at the Ontario Women’s Am and I hope I can go on to win it next year”. She also added, “my chance to participate in the CP Women’s Open was incredible as it was my first official LPGA event so I’m very thankful and honoured to have had the opportunity to play.”

Male Player of the year:  Garrett Rank

Rank, the 31-year old NHL referee from Westmount Golf & Country Club, has been the Men’s Amateur leader in Order of Merit ranking for the past 4 seasons, and since becoming eligible for the Mid-Amateur category in 2013 has held on to the coveted top spot in that category as well.

Along with finishing 2^nd in the Canadian Men’s Mid Amateur Championships, Rank’s other highlight of the year was winning the 117th Western Amateur Golf Tournament. Rank was the first Canadian to win the event since Vancouver’s Jim Nelford in 1977, and the first non-US born victor since New Zealand’s Danny Lee in 2008. He credits the momentum and confidence he took from the final round of the Porter Cup as the push he needed going into the Western Am.

Looking at the year ahead Rank said. “I’m looking forward to the Korn Ferry Tour start (an exemption from winning Western Am) and hopefully testing myself at the highest levels.”

Other 2019 Golf Ontario Order of Merit Winners

Volunteer Award Winners

Volunteers are a critical piece of the Golf Ontario organization, and Golf Ontario annually recognizes the hard work and dedication of our volunteer team.  Each year we celebrate our award winners during volunteers day, and we would like to once again congratulate the following winners:

2019 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Joyce McCrae

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD WINNERS
Margaret Grieve
Gilles Hurtubise

HONORARY LIFE DIRECTOR AWARD
Kathy Pilkey
Ian Murray
Chris Osborne

Mike Kelly, Executive Director of Golf Ontario, expressed his pride in the winners across both the Order of Merit and our Volunteer Award Winners. “This ceremony was a great chance for Golf Ontario to recognize some truly great accomplishments in golf in 2019. Between volunteer award winners, and some amazing Championship performances, we were honoured to be recognizing some of the best and brightest in Ontario golf with our 2019 awards. With Lindsay Hamilton as host, and a distinguished list of nominees and winners, this was a great event for attendees and winners alike”, said Kelly

UXBRIDGE — With great excitement, Golf Ontario is proud to announce the 2020 Ontario Golf Hall of Fame’s newest acclaimed member, Danny Mijovic. Mijovic will be honoured at the official induction ceremony on May 6, 2020 at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge. Tim O’Connor will be receiving the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award, presented annually to accredited members of the Ontario media for “major contributions to golf.”

2020 Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Inductees

Danny Mijovic

Maple resident Danny Mijovic, 59, enters the prestigious Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in the Professional Golfer category after 35 plus years as a golf professional.

Growing up, he played much of his golf at York Downs Golf and Country Club.  It was here Mijovic would grow his passion for the game and develop his skill level to reach the professional stage.

The list of accolades began in his collegiate years, where he attended Texas Wesleyan University on a golf scholarship. He was an individual medalist at nine collegiate tournaments, and is the only player at any collegiate level to win an individual national championship in all four years.

During his time at Texas Wesleyan, the Rams scored four consecutive national runner-up finishes and won twenty-four collegiate tournaments. He also won the 1983 Mid-Atlantic Amateur and the 1983 Canadian Amateur tournaments. In that same year Mijovic, was the Number 1 ranked amateur in Canada. In 1984 he would be Canadian Amateur Championship Runner up and again be ranked the #1 Amateur in Canada and also #5 in the US.

After graduating with a degree in business administration he represented Canada on the World Amateur Team (Eisenhower Trophy) in 1984 before turning professional.

The four-time All-American went on to win the 1983 Canadian Amateur Championship and his very first professional tournament, the Mexican Open, in 1984. Other notable wins include the 1984 Porter Cup, becoming only the second Canadian to do so, (the other being Gary Cowan) and also in his first professional Canadian tournament, would win the 1985 Labatt’s Blue-Light Championship on the Canadian Tour beating out Canadian greats like Dave Barr, Jerry Anderson and Jim Rutledge.

Mijovic has played in two U.S. Opens and made the cut in each of his three appearances at the British Open. Closer to home he was the 1987 Ontario PGA Champion and more recently, Mijovic won the 2012 Senior PGA of Ontario Championship.

After playing professionally for 35+ years and competing in an incredible 50 countries, he still holds numerous course records. His career saw him eventually play on the Canadian Tour, Asian Tour, Australian Tour, European Tour, South American Tour, Great Lakes Tour (Ontario) and US Mini Tours.

A testament to his incredible skill was his ability to have shot 61 an astounding four times in tournaments including setting a course record with that number while winning the 2005 Osprey Valley Classic Championship on the Great Lakes Tour. With numbers like that it is obvious why in 2011 he was inducted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame and the Texas Wesleyan University Hall of Fame.

With his combination of knowledge and passion for teaching and coaching, Mijovic continues giving back to the game that has been so good to him. He is currently ClubLink’s Director of Instruction at King’s Riding Golf Club and King Valley Golf Club where he provides a memorable, informative, and entertaining experience.

Tim O’Connor

This year’s recipient of the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award is Tim O’Connor, a very worthy and distinguished recipient given his incredibly vast contributions to the game in Ontario.

A London, ON native, O’Connor was a junior member of Sunningdale Golf and Country Club. He was an avid junior golfer, but found himself a far better caddy even though he dutifully took lessons and practised as much as he could.

At Western University, he wrote album and concert reviews for the Gazette, the student newspaper, and became Entertainment Editor in his fourth year and then eventually elected as Editor-in-chief.

Various positions afterwards including a stint with United Press Canada and then with CP where he became its National Music Writer, reporting and commenting on popular music where he interviewed music icons such as David Bowie, Robert Plant, Lou Reed and many more.

While at CP, O’Connor re-connected with the game of golf. When former CP staffer John Gordon became editor-in-chief of SCOREGolf Magazine, O’Connor was invited to write for the magazine. He would then go on to twice win the writing contest of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America based on stories published in SCOREGolf.

Bolstered by his awards, opportunities to write freelance, and encouraged by none other than Lorne Rubenstein, he quit Canadian Press in 1992 to write about golf full-time as a freelance. He would go onto to write for a wide variety of golf publications across North America, The Financial Post, Golf Digest, GOLF, Golf World, LINKS, Golfweek, Golf Canada and Ontario Golf Magazine.

He’s also been a freelance golf reporter for CBC Radio, and covered the Masters, U.S. Open, PGA Championship, duMaurier Classic and the Canadian Open. Additionally, he produced golf documentaries for the CBC Radio program The Inside Track, launched The Golf Show, for Telemedia Radio Network and the Golf Show on AM-Talk640.

With two young boys having come along quickly, he switched gears and became Director of Communications for ClubLink Corporation. In early 2000, his engagement changed to a consultant, and he formed O’Connor Golf Communications.

O’Connor kept writing while working as a consultant including books: The Feeling of Greatness: The Moe Norman Story, The Ladies’ 1924-1999: A History of the Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto, Devil’s Pulpit: The First Decade, and The Single Plane Golf Swing: Play Better Golf the Moe Norman Way. In 2007, he edited The Final Missing Piece of Ben Hogan’s Secret Puzzle, an instruction book based on Hogan’s swing.

O’Connor also transitioned to coaching golfers on the mental side of the game, becoming the Mental Performance Coach of the ClubLink Academy at Glen Abbey. He continues to deliver keynote speeches and conduct his Walk Your Talk workshops on leadership for the golf and business organizations, and his Getting Unstuck golf mental performance workshops.

In 2015, he returned to his media roots, launching the Swing Thoughts podcast with co-host Howard Glassman (aka Humble Howard).  He’s also just completed his third year as Head Coach of the University of Guelph men’s and women’s varsity golf teams.

He now resides in Guelph with his wife Sandy Halloran, and two sons, Corey and Sean.

ABOUT THE ONTARIO GOLF HALL OF FAME

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

For more information, please contact:

Mallory Dayman
Manager, Sport
mdayman@gao.ca

Peter MacKellar
Manager, Marketing Communications
pmackellar@gao.ca

Tour teams with Golf Ontario for August event
at Woodington Lake Golf Club

TORONTO, ONT – The Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada and Golf Ontario have reached a six-year agreement in partnership with Woodington Lake Golf Club to host and conduct the Ontario Open. The first tournament, an official tournament on the Tour’s 2020 schedule is set for Tottenham, Ontario, on August 24-30.

Debuting in 1923, the Ontario Open’s past champions include Sam Snead, along with Canadian golf legends Moe Norman, George Knudson and seven-time champion Nick Weslock. Following a 23-year hiatus, the event returned for its 63rd edition in 2019, an event won by Greg Eason, who five years earlier finished fifth on the Mackenzie Tour Order of Merit. Eason has 31 career Tour starts.

“The Ontario Open has a rich history in Canada, and the Mackenzie Tour is thrilled at the opportunity to be involved with such a storied event,” said Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada Vice President Scott Pritchard. “We’re looking forward to working alongside Golf Ontario and the team at Woodington Lake to deliver a world-class tournament.”

Mike Kelly, Golf Ontario’s Executive Director since 2015, played a large part in revitalizing the Ontario Open and says he is looking forward to adding to the legacy of the event with the Mackenzie Tour’s involvement.

“The Ontario Open is steeped in tradition and history and has a long list of distinguished winners,” said Kelly. “We were thrilled to bring back the Ontario Open in 2019 to Woodington Lake Golf Club and equally thrilled with the success of the event.

“To now join forces and take the event to the next level with The Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada is an exciting time for Golf Ontario, and we believe this will be one of the marquee events on Tour this year,” continued Kelly.

Hosting the 156-player tournament is the Legend Course at Woodington Lakes Golf Club, a 36-hole facility north of Toronto. Measuring more than 7,000 yards, the Legend Course opened in 1995 and covers 200 acres of rolling terrain.

“Woodington Lake is truly a special piece of property, and the Ontario Open was a huge success in 2019,” said John Chetti, General Manager of Woodington Lake. “Our Legend course is a great test of golf, having some of the best golfers in the world tackle it is special for all of us at Woodington Lake and we look forward to hosting an extraordinary event.”

Craig Loughry, Golf Ontario’s Director of Golf Services, will serve as Tournament Director of the event. In addition to his experience with Golf Ontario, Loughry was also Golf Canada’s Director of Handicap and Course Rating and was the International Association of Golf Administrators President in 2017.

“We’re very excited about this announcement and the future of the Ontario Open, as well as our partnership with Woodington Lake Golf Club and the Mackenzie Tour,” said Loughry “We are already well down the road to planning some special activities around the event and look forward to unveiling some of those over the next few months.”

The tournament also announced today that the Golf Canada Foundation (GCF) will be the Ontario Open’s official charity recipient.

“The Golf Canada Foundation’s contributions to the game of golf and young golfers fit right in line with Golf Ontario’s mission to shape lives by leading, creating and promoting positive golf experiences,” said Loughry. “We’re delighted to partner and financially support the GCF and its mandate.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Golf Ontario and the Mackenzie Tour – PGA Tour Canada as the official charity of the Ontario Open,” said Martin Barnard, the CEO of the Golf Canada Foundation. “The event will drive tremendous awareness and fund programs critical to getting more kids playing golf in Ontario.”

The full 2020 Mackenzie Tour schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

ABOUT THE MACKENZIE TOUR – PGA TOUR CANADA

The Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada is a series of tournaments played across Canada each summer, where tomorrow’s stars begin the path to the PGA TOUR. The leading 10 points-earners at the end of each season earn status on the Korn Ferry Tour for the following year. The Tour’s alumni include 41 PGA TOUR players and 232 Korn Ferry Tour players since 2013. The Mackenzie Tour’s mission is to deliver a PGA TOUR experience for its members, fans, volunteers and partners in order to develop the future stars of professional golf and enrich the communities it visits.

Twitter: @PGATOURCanada / @OntarioOpenGolf
Instagram: @PGATOURCanada / @ontarioopengolf

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.

Twitter: @TheGolfOntario
Instagram: @TheGolfOntario
Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

ABOUT WOODINGTON LAKE GOLF CLUB

Woodington Lake Golf Club is home to 36 holes of picturesque golf in Tottenham, Ontario. Carved around a towering pine forest and nestled near 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 attracts golfers of every skill level.

ABOUT GOLF CANADA FOUNDATION

Golf Canada Foundation inspires young players to build strong core values and character while living a healthy lifestyle. The Foundation supports initiatives in five key areas: junior golf, collegiate golf, women’s golf, high-performance golf and golf heritage.

CONTACT:

Brendan Stasiewich, Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada, 403-512-4625
brendanstasiewich@pgatourintl.ca

Golf Ontario is pleased to announce the 2020 Championship schedule featuring the best amateur championships in the province, hosted at many renowned facilities across Ontario.

Tournament registration will open February 6th, 2020 at 9:00am.

After a very successful 2019 season, the planning is well underway to continue the momentum into 2020 in what should be another brilliant year for Golf in Ontario.

The 2020 schedule is highlighted by the province’s premier amateur competitions – the 98^th Ontario Men’s Amateur will run July 14-17 at Otter Creek Golf Club in Otterville, and the 105^th running of the Ontario Women’s Amateur along with the Women’s Mid-Amateur will be hosted by Listowel Golf Club as part of their 100^th anniversary, July 6-9.

After a very successful inaugural Ontario Disability Championship, Golf Ontario will once again host the championship at Woodington Lake Golf Club prior to next year’s Ontario Open. Exciting new details of 2020 Ontario Open will be announced in the new year.

To view the full 2020 Golf Ontario Championship
Schedule including Qualifiers click here
(last updated Jan 8, 2020)

“We are excited to announce one of the most diverse and inclusive championship schedules in amateur golf, catering to all golfers in Ontario” said Golf Ontario Manager of Rules & Competitions John Lawrence. “In 2020 we are pleased to celebrate a couple of milestones with our renowned member clubs including; Listowel Golf Club’s 100^th anniversary, and as previously scheduled a year ago, Sault Ste. Marie Golf Club centennial.”

The championship season officially begins May 14th with the 62^nd running of the Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship hosted annually at Toronto’s Oakdale Golf & Country Club.

At the junior level, the Victoria Day long weekend Junior Spring Classic’s will kickoff the competitive championship season for most boys and girls. The boys will contest the picturesque countryside of Ontario’s Lake Country at Hawk Ridge Golf & Country Club in Orillia, while the girls will return to Wooden Sticks Golf Course in Uxbridge for the annual events.

After an overwhelmingly positive response from our Senior Men’s category Golf Ontario will be adding a Senior Men’s Match Play Championship to the 2020 calendar. A competition made up of 32 players, earning their positions through exemptions and qualifying rounds, the championship will run alongside the Men’s Match Play Championship at Taboo Golf Resort in Gravenhurst June 8-11.

The Ontario Champion of Champions tournament will move from what was an early Spring May date to June 1^st in 2020. The later date will allow more players to hone their skills and prepare to compete with all the province’s member club champions at Spring Lakes Golf Club.

The complete schedule including tournament formats and entry eligibility will be available February 3rd, 2020 when tournament registration opens.

For more information or comments on the tournament schedule please contact John Lawrence at jlawrence@gao.ca

*Please Note:

We are currently working on the 2020 schedule during these unprecedented times and thank you for your patience and understanding.

We will make an announcement when we know more.

With a successful 2019 season in the books, Golf Ontario is excited to recognize nine athletes for their remarkable accomplishments on the golf course this past season. They will all now be eligible for the coveted Ontario Male and Female Ontario Player of the Year Awards to be chosen by a selection committee and announced at a later date.

The final standings for the Provincial Order of Merit were recently released, and the following athletes led their respective divisions, and have been recognized by Golf Ontario as Ontario’s top amateur golfers for 2019.

Mike Kelly, Executive Director of Golf Ontario was quick to sing the praises of these athletes: “These athletes have succeeded at the highest levels in each of their respective categories, while juggling academic endeavours with work and family schedules. Each athlete performed at the top of their category this past season, and Golf Ontario is privileged to recognize these individuals on their accomplishments both on and off the golf course”, said Kelly

Garrett Rank – Men’s Mid-Amateur & Men’s Amateur
Once again a familiar face leads the Order of Merit ranking for both the Men’s Mid-Amateur and Amateur divisions. Our 2018 Ontario Male Golfer of the year once again brought skill and perseverance to the course.

The 31-year old NHL referee from Elmira Golf Club, has been the Men’s Amateur leader in Order of Merit ranking for the past 4 seasons, and since becoming eligible for the Mid-Amateur category in 2013 has held on to the coveted top spot in that category as well.

Rank, an accomplished amateur, has done quite well for himself, from being next to the best hockey players in the world on the ice one week to getting the opportunity to compete against the best golfers in the world the next.  His highlight of the year was winning the 117th Western Amateur Golf Tournament. Rank was the first Canadian to win the event since Vancouver’s Jim Nelford in 1977, and the first non-US born victor since New Zealand’s Danny Lee in 2008. He credits the momentum and confidence he took from the final round of the Porter Cup as the push he needed going into the Western Am.

Rank spoke about the year ahead. “I’m looking forward to the Korn Ferry Tour start (an exemption from winning Western Am) and hopefully testing myself at the highest levels.”

Garrett would like to thank his team and all the support he has received. Also big thanks to Westmount GC, Elmira GC, the University of Waterloo, Dave Smallwood, James Skrypec, Dr. Rich Ennis, Drew Symons, Derek Ingram, Golf Canada and of course Golf Ontario.

Ontario Amateur Men Order of Merit Ranking

1. Garrett Rank
2. Thomas Giroux
3. Charles Fitzsimmons
4. Matthew Anderson
5. Sam Meek

Ontario Amateur Mid-Am Men Order of Merit Ranking

1. Garrett Rank
2. Charles Fitzsimmons
3. Dave Bunker
4. Phil Arci
5. David Lang

Emily Zhu – Juvenile U17 Girls, Junior U19 Girls, Women’s Amateur
The Richmond Hill, Ont., native had a strong 2019 campaign highlighted by wins at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship and the AJGA Natural Resource Partners Bluegrass Junior. Zhu also notched two runner-up finishes at the 2019 Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship and the 2019 Duke of York Young Champions Trophy and a runner-up finish in the Canada Junior Girls’ division. She also represented Canada at the past three World Junior Girls Championships.

Zhu said her highlights of the year were winning the Canadian Jr Girls Championship and finishing 2nd at the Ontario Women’s Am. “It was one of my goals this year to win the Canadian Jr. Girls Championships and I did it. It was a surprise for me to finish so well at the Ontario Women’s Am and I hope I can go on to win it next year”. She also added, “my chance to participate in the CP Women’s Open was incredible as it was my first official LPGA event so I’m very thankful and honoured to have had the opportunity to play.”

One moment in particular that stood out for her this season was the week of the Canadian Jr. Girls Championship where she felt very focused and played so well. Zhu is looking forward to playing in the Canadian Jr Girls Championship again next year and hopes she can claim the prestigious Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship as well.

She would like to thank Golf Canada for the Team Canada program and coaching it provides, especially Head Coach, Matt Wilson for helping her. Zhu would also like to thank her dad for everything he has done, not only supporting her but coaching as well and bringing her to individual tournaments.

Ontario Amateur Women Order of Merit Ranking

1. Emily Zhu
2. Sarah Dunning
3. Tiana Cruz
4. Kelsey Sear
5. Grace St-Germain

Sarah Dunning, Women’s Mid-Am
Claiming top spot in the Women’s Mid-Am category for the first time was conveniently enough also our 2019 Ontario Women’s Mid-Am Champion, Sarah Dunning from Westmount Golf and Country Club. Dunning, a Waterloo, Ont. native, played a solid 3 rounds at Black Bear Ridge Golf Course to capture the title over big names like Kyrinis, Hodgson and Hayward. She also won the Golf Canada University College Women’s Championship back in May at Firerock Golf Club.

“I enjoyed the 2019 golf season. I was fortunate to play well and win two events”, said Dunning.  “As this was my first year as a mid-am I noted the contrast between mid-am and previous amateur competitions I participated in.  The atmosphere is competitive but there is camaraderie with your competitors. Everyone loves the game.  I look forward to next season and would encourage anyone of mid-am age to return to competition, it was really fun.”

Dunning would like to thank all of the volunteers, caddies, and rules officials who gave their time.

Ontario Mid-Am Women Order of Merit Ranking

1. Sarah Dunning
2. Judith Kyrinis
3. Mary Ann Hayward
4. Julia Hodgson
5. Natasha Lehman

Ashley Chinner – Senior Men
Topping the Senior Men’s leaderboard this year was Ashley Chinner from Coppinwood Golf Course. The Brooklin Ont., native was the 1996 Canadian PGA Champion, Low Canadian at the 1998 Bell Canadian Open and still remains a constant threat at all Ontario Senior tournaments.

Chinner had one highlight in particular this year he enjoyed the most. “Playing in the final group at Taboo in the Ontario Seniors was a very enjoyable experience but, the final round in the Canadian Seniors with Lars was definitely the highlight, a tough day grinding out pars at Cedarbrae put a smile on both of our faces.”

He also mentioned receiving his Golf Ontario bag at Taboo was pretty enjoyable too. “I was just happy with my consistency… makes me look forward to 2020 opening day already.”

Chinner thanks his Team at Signature Risk (work) for holding down the fort while he was out playing.  He also thanks Golf Ontario, all the staff and the Golf Club’s that gave up their courses for competition this season and finally, his wife Stephanie, who walked every round rain or shine.

Ontario Senior Men Order of Merit Ranking

1. Ashely Chinner
2. Joe Miszk
3. David Greenaway
4. Robert Gibson
5. Lars Melander

Judith Kyrinis- Senior Women
The 2019 Ontario Golf Hall of Fame inductee caps off another impressive season by claiming the Senior Women’s division in the Order of Merit for the fourth time.

Starting her season off with the thrilling Hall of Fame acclaim, Kyrinis, felt her highlight after that was without a doubt making birdie on 18 to win her 2nd Canadian Mid-am/Senior title as a validating moment.  “For all the work we put in, that was a pretty cool moment to do that“.

Another highlight she felt was being tied for low Am at the US Women’s Senior Open at Pine Needles, as the course was such a challenge for all that week.

“With all this snow right now, I’m looking forward to green grass in 2020! Seriously though, just the opportunity to tee it up against the best and test yourself. Sometimes you can surprise yourself and some days are disappointing but that’s golf, Kyrinis added. “Always keep learning.”

She credits any success she’s had in recent years to a great team of Coaches that have helped her achieve some amazing experiences in golf. Kyrinis would like to send huge thanks out to Matt and Liz Hoffman, Dave Woods and Jeff Hammond. “Of course I am also blessed to have an extremely supportive husband and family!”

Ontario Senior Women Order of Merit Ranking

1. Judith Kyrinis
2. Mary Ann Hayward
3. Marion Reid
4. Ivy Steinberg
5. Allyson Harrison

Bennett Ruby – Junior (U19) Boys
Leading the way for Junior Boys was Team Ontario member and Waterloo Ont. resident, Bennett Ruby. Ruby, who recently was named to Team Canada’s Junior Development Squad, claimed 8 top 10 finishes to claim the honours for the Order of Merit category.

When asked about a highlight of his season, Ruby had a similar answer to Latter. “The highlight of my season was winning the Can-Am matches with Team Ontario. Although I had a few other good finishes the Can-Am matches were by far the biggest highlight. Can-Am is something that I get really excited for every year and being able to win my doubles match with my best bud Dylan Henderson and also win my singles match to help the team win is something I’ll never forget.”

Ruby also mentioned his first round 67 at the Canadian Junior Championship as a moment that stood out. Although he was 5 shots back at the end of the day, Ruby really felt in control of his game at that point of the season.

He would go on to say, “In 2020 I am most looking forward to playing some bigger amateur events and playing on a bigger stage with Team Canada.”

Ruby would like to thank his parents for the support that they have given him throughout his junior career. Between the coaching, travel, hotels, physical training, physio etc. it really means a lot to him how much they’ve supported him and felt none of his success would have been possible without them. He added, “I’d also like to thank my coaches Nick Starchuck and Ralph Bauer for all of the work that they have put in with me and for improving my game. Lastly I’d like to thank the coaches at Team Ontario. Reggie, Nick, Charles, and Jessie. I really appreciate all the time that the coaches put into that program to help improve my game.”

Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Order of Merit Ranking

1. Bennett Ruby
2. Thomas Latter
3. Robbie Latter
4. Jeffrey Fang
5. Bavake Sihota

Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Order of Merit Ranking

1. Emily Zhu
2. Taylor Kehoe
3. Brooke Rivers
4. Hailey McLaughlin
5. Victoria Zheng

Thomas Latter – Juvenile (U17) Boys
Winning this tough category for the season was Team Ontario member and Mississauga, Ont. resident, Thomas Latter from Credit Valley Golf and Country Club. Latter had 7 top 10 finishes including second place in the Ontario Junior Boys (U19) Match Play Championships to secure top spot in this Order of Merit category.

He had one definite highlight on his 2019 season, “winning the Can-Am matches in March down in South Carolina with Team Ontario was awesome.”

The moment that stood out the most for Latter was playing in the final round of the Canadian Juniors in New Brunswick with his older brother Robbie who was playing in his final Junior Tournament. Bennett Ruby was also their third which made it even more meaningful for him.

Latter is already looking forward to the 2020 season as well.  “In 2020 I hope to continue developing as a golfer and as a person.”

He would like to thank his Coaches, Reggie Millage and Dave Moro, and would also like to thank his parents who are very supportive.

Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys Order of Merit Ranking

1. Thomas Latter
2. Jeffrey Fang
3. Luke DelGobbo
4. Kavith Ranchagoda
5. Peter Blazevic

Ontario Juvenile (U17) Girls Order of Merit Ranking

1. Emily Zhu
2. Taylor Kehoe
3. Brooke Rivers
4. Victoria Zheng
5. Sarah Gallagher

Owen Kim – Bantam (U15) Boys
Owen Kim, from Oakville Ont., had a very successful 2019 season including 6 top 10’s. Playing out of Cedar Springs Golf Club, Kim most notably finished second at the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Championship from Greenhills Golf Club and third place at the Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys Championship.

Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys

1. Owen Kim
2. Andre Zhu
3. Alex Long
4. Isaiah Ellis
5. Beni Long

Brooke Rivers – Bantam (U15) Girls
In 7 events this season, Brampton Ont. native Brooke Rivers captured 4 top 10 finishes.  Building on momentum last year when she captured the 2018 Ontario Bantam (U15) Girls’ Championship, Rivers would find much success again in 2019.Highlights from this season include first at the Future Links Quebec Girls, fourth at the Canadian Junior Girls, third in the Ontario Junior Spring Classic (U19) Girls Championship from Wooden Sticks Golf Club and runner-up at the Ontario Women’s Match Play from Cataraqui Golf and Country Club.

Ontario Bantam (U15) Girls

1. Brooke Rivers
2. Nicole Gal
3. Ella Weber
4. Krystal (Zhuotong) Li
5. Kelly Zhao

More information on the Order of Merit can be found at gao.ca/excelling-performing/order-of-merit-rankings/

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.

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For more information, please contact:

Peter MacKellar
Manager, Marketing & Communications
(e) PMacKellar@gao.ca

Mallory Dayman
Manager of Sport
(e) MDayman@gao.ca