The GAO Skills Combines are of a series of assessments in Full Swing, Short Game, Putting and Physical Fitness Screening and that are conducted by PGA of Canada Regional and Provincial Coaches. Each participant that attends the skills combine gets a complete report of their test results as well as a chart that shows how their results compares to other athletes in Ontario of the same age & gender.

Please visit gao.ca/combines

INNISFIL— The Golf Association of Ontario’s (GAO) Baka Wireless Public Player Championship concluded on Sept. 2, at National Pines Golf Club in Innisfil. When all of the scores were in, it was 2011 champion, Arnold Johnson, who hoisted the trophy for a second time.

This year, the championship was divided into three categories: the A Flight, for the overall gross championship, and two net flights, B and C. Players were placed into one of the three flights based on their handicap ratings heading into the event.

Johnson, from Brampton, began the day at four-over, five shots back of leader Jean-Henri Lavoie, also from Brampton. The 47-year-old Johnson started the day in the fifth from last group. He had a tough start and was two-over at the turn. However, he would settle down on the back nine and thanks to birdies on the 15^th and 18^th holes, he finished the day even. That brought his tournament total to four-over (76-72), good enough for the win.

“This wasn’t expected at all, I just came out and played the golf course,” said Johnson. “I have won this before, but today was special because I have been suffering from a wrist ailment this season. I just had it fixed three weeks ago, so this was a comeback and it was quite a joy to play well and win.”

Johnson went on to talk about what went well and what his frame of mind was during the final round. “I was finally able to make some putts. Yesterday the greens were a bit slower but today I was able to live with them. The good putting definitely helped. I figured I needed to be two or three under to have a chance. I just wanted to keep it close, I didn’t think 72 would do it but it did.”

Capturing the silver medal was Oshawa’s Jay Finley. Finley finished the day four-over (76) to go along with his opening round of one-over (73), which was good enough to grab second by just one stroke at five-over for the tournament.

Five players shared the bronze medal at six-over for the championship. The group included: Toronto’s Chris Willis (78-72), Cobourg’s Lucas Pichl (74-76), Mississauga’s Dawson Pitcher (75-75), Lavoie (71-79) and Mississauga’s Gary Young (73-77).

In the Net B Flight, it was Oakville’s David Everest who came away with the title. Everest had an opening-round net score of one-under (71) and followed it up with a three-under (69) second round to win the flight by a stroke at four-under.

Taking the Net C Flight was Toronto’s John Baty. Baty had an opening round net score of four-under (68), but outdid himself on the second day finishing with a net 13-under (59) to win the title at 17-under for the tournament.

For complete tournament information, including the final leaderboards, see the tournament site at: http://gao.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gao15/event/gao1587/index.htm

The GAO would like to thank the staff and volunteers at National Pines Golf Club for their help in running the event. Thanks also to title sponsor Baka Wireless and the GAO volunteers for their continued support of golf in the province.

 About the Baka Wireless Ontario Public Player Championship

The Baka Wireless Public Player Championship has been contested since 1958. It was suspended between 1984 and 1995. This year’s event is a two-round competition with a gross championship and two net flights. Former champions include: Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Gerry Kesselring, Ken Trowbridge, Dave Bunker and Lucas Kim. Craig Loughry holds the record for the most victories with four.

The GAO was saddened to learn of the passing of Elaine Summers on Aug. 24. Summers began volunteering with the GAO in 2001. She served as the Huronia District Coordinator, District Coordinator Committee Chair, District Committee Representative on the Board and Tournament Official.

Over the years, she took on numerous projects including helping create the District Adult Training Program model that is offered across the province. The GAO sends their condolences to Elaine’s family.

Obituary via Adams Funeral Home

Passed away at her home on Monday, August 24, 2015 with family by her side. Elaine Summers (nee Smith) at the age of 74, beloved wife of Bill for 57 years. Cherished mother of Craig (Kathy) and Todd (Edina). Loving grandmother to Jake, Evan, Scott and Kris. Loved sister of Gaile Smiley (the late Mike) and Suze Walsh (Paul). Elaine will be forever loved and cherished by her brother in-law Bryan Summers, sister in-law Bette Summers and all who had the privilege to know her. A private family Service will take place. Memorial donations to the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre Radiology Department would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to ADAMS FUNERAL HOME, Barrie. Messages of condolence may be forwarded through adamsfuneralhome.ca

FREEDOM 55 FINANCIAL ENHANCES INVESTMENT IN MACKENZIE TOUR – PGA TOUR CANADA AND CANADIAN GOLF

Freedom 55 Financial’s impact on Canadian golf will expand in 2015 and beyond. In conjunction with their growing support for the game, the season-ending event on Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada will have a new name and greater profile along with enhanced awards for the top Canadian players on TOUR.

The culminating event, where players will once again race for position on the Order of Merit to finish in The Five and chase for Freedom 55 Financial Canadian Player of the Year, will now be known as the Freedom 55 Financial Championship with its $200,000 purse becoming the highest on TOUR. The extension will see the tournament – which is conducted in partnership with host organization Golf Canada – remain as the exciting capstone of the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada season through the 2020 season.

Freedom 55 Financial will enhance their support of Canada’s top young players by boosting prize money for Freedom 55 Financial Canadian Player of the Year to $25,000 from $10,000, and increasing Canadian Player of the Week prize money to $2,500 from $1,500.

“The goals and dreams of Canadians are important to our organization,” says Mike Cunneen, Senior Vice-President, Freedom 55 Financial/Wealth & Estate Planning Group. “With events and partnerships like these, we can continue to inspire freedom, confidence and optimism for the future in so many young athletes.”

“Freedom 55 Financial has been a tremendous partner for the TOUR. This expansion of this partnership is indicative of their commitment and will enable us to further build the stature of the event, grow its impact in the community and provide an even greater opportunity for our players to achieve their dreams of making it to the PGA TOUR,” said Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada President Jeff Monday.

Last year’s Freedom 55 Financial Championship saw an exciting conclusion to the 2014 season, where Vancouver, British Columbia’s Ryan Williams took home his first Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada win to also capture Freedom 55 Financial Canadian Player of the Year honours.

“Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada plays an important role in developing and showcasing this country’s best players and Freedom 55 Financial has been a driving force behind the TOUR’s success,” said Golf Canada CEO Scott Simmons. “The city of London has proven to be a terrific sports community and an ideal host for the TOUR’s marquee championship.”

Purchase your tickets here.

The Golf Association of Ontario was saddened to learn that former President Steve James passed away on Aug. 22. James was a former Rules Official and Board of Directors member (2002-08). In 2014, James received the GAO’s Honorary Life Director award. The GAO wishes their condolences to the James family.

Obituary from Obits For Life

Steve died peacefully with his wife present on Saturday August 22nd at Innisfree House hospice after a long battle with cancer. He was a generous and caring man and will be greatly missed by his wife Carole, sons Gregory (Miran) and Robert (Alana), and granddaughters Victoria and Cadence.

Steve was born in Ottawa on November 23rd 1941, and grew up in Sudbury. He received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Queen’s University in 1964. He and Carole lived in Toronto and Ottawa before moving to Waterloo in 1973 where he became a partner at what is now KPMG. He was also an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Twin Cities for many years.

Steve was a member of Westmount Golf & Country Club where he enjoyed golf, curling and many friendships. He also took on a leading role with the Golf Association of Ontario, serving as President in 2008. Carole and Steve spent many winters in the Jupiter, Florida area where golf could continue to be a year round obsession.

Cremation has taken place and a private family celebration of life will follow at a later date. We would like to thank all our friends and medical professionals for their wonderful care and support.

Condolences for the family and donations to Innisfree House or charity of one’s choice may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S. Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.

HUNTSVILLE— It was a long day for the Golf Association of Ontario’s (GAO) Juvenile Boys’ Championship when it wrapped up on Aug. 20 from Deerhurst Resort Highlands Course in Huntsville. The event saw another suspension in play during the final round, but by the end of the day all players were able to finish the round.

The day belonged to Almonte’s James Parsons. Parsons, from the Mississippi Golf Club, began the day with a one-shot lead. The 16-year-old, Team Ottawa member would see that lead through, finishing the day at even par (72). That brought his three-day total to one-under (71-72-72-215) and earned him the gold medal and juvenile boys’ trophy.

Parsons spoke afterwards about the win. “It feels pretty great! I was confident coming into the tournament that I could be a contender and to be in the final group was a great feeling. At the start of the day I was a little shaky, but heading into the last few holes I had a good lead, which calmed me down.”

The field and Parson battled tough conditions all week, but he said they didn’t really affect his game. “The weather wasn’t actually too bad, it just affected the first two holes that we played today. Both times that we came in, I knew I was playing well and even with the break, I could go out and perform the same way.”

Earning the silver medal was Thornhill’s Jason Chung. Chung, from the Diamondback Golf Club and a member of Team Ontario, rallied during the final round and was the only player to finish the round under par at two-under (70) for the day. That brought his tournament total to two-over (76-72-70-218).

Taking the bronze medal was another Team Ontario member, Vaughan’s Kelvin Lim. Lim, from Station Creek Golf Club, entered the day one shot off the pace at even for the tournament. However, he would finish the day three-over (75), dropping him to three-over for the tournament (72-72-75-219).

The GAO would like to thank Deerhurst Resort Highlands Course along with their staff and volunteers for helping to run the event. Thanks also to the GAO volunteers for their continued support of golf in the province.

For full tournament information, including the final leaderboard, see the tournament site at: http://gao.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gao15/event/gao1525/index.htm

About the Ontario Juvenile Boys’ Championships

The Ontario Juvenile Boys’ Championship is a 54-hole competition that features the province’s best junior golfers under the age of 17 competing for the Mike Weir Trophy. Notable past champions include: Josh Whalen, Brandon Ng, Tim McCutcheon, Peter R. Knechtel, Bob Panasiuk and Gary Cowan.

HUNTSVILLE— It was another soggy day at the Golf Association of Ontario’s (GAO) final round of the Ontario Juvenile Girls’ Championship on Aug. 20 from Deerhurst Resort Highlands Course in Huntsville. At 10:09 a.m. play was suspended for the second time during the event and the players remained in the clubhouse until 12:55 p.m.

The girls began the day on the back nine with two players well ahead of the field. Toronto’s Jennifer Yoon and Richmond Hill’s Monet Chun entered the day with just two shots separating Yoon, who was at three-under, and Chun at one-under. At the end of the day it was Yoon, 16 and a member at Station Creek Golf Club, who would hoist the trophy after a six-over (78) final round.

Yoon was able to limit any damage during the round considering the tough elements. She finished the tournament three-over (72-69-78-219). She spoke about how challenging the week was and what winning the title meant to her. “Winning this is great, it is my first provincial championship and it was just my 16^th birthday so this was a very nice present to myself. The weather this week was interesting, but in the end it didn’t matter because my score was great. The two suspensions of play were tough because I was very tired during the second round, especially playing 27 holes, and even today.”

Earning the silver medal was Chun. Chun, a member of Team Ontario and The Summit Golf & County Club, had some strong holes like her eagle on the par-five 14^th, but also some struggles and in the end, she was unable to catch Yoon. Chun finished the day six-over (78) to bring her tournament total to five-over (69-74-78-221).

Rounding out the podium with the bronze was Port Credit’s Chloe Currie. Currie, from the Mississaugua Golf & Country Club and a Team Ontario member, had the low round of the day as she carded a three-under (69). That brought her tournament total to seven-over (75-79-69-223).

The GAO would like to thank Deerhurst Resort Highlands Course along with their staff and volunteers for helping to run the event. Thanks also to the GAO volunteers for their continued support of golf in the province.

For full tournament information, including the final leaderboard, see the tournament site at: http://gao.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gao15/event/gao1526/index.htm

About the Ontario Juvenile Girls’ Championships

The Ontario Juvenile Girls’ Championship features the province’s best junior golfers under the age of 17 competing for the Sandra Post Trophy. Past champions of the event include Post, Jessica Shepley, Alena Sharp, Stephanie Sherlock, and Rebecca Lee-Bentham.

PETERBOROUGH— Michael Jackson went wire-to-wire at the Golf Association of Ontario’s (GAO) 2015 Investors Group Senior Men’s Amateur Championship that wrapped up on Aug.13, from the Kawartha Golf & Country Club in Peterborough.

Jackson, from Collingwood and the Georgian Bay Club, entered the day with a three-shot lead and would use his consistency to help maintain it. The 62-year-old sank a birdie on the ninth hole, to get to even at the turn. Jackson was three-over on the back nine, which ended his day at three-over (74), bringing his tournament total to five-over (71-73-74-218). The win marked the third time that Jackson has won the Ontario Senior Men’s Amateur Championship. Jackson also earned the 60+ Division title.

A satisfied Jackson spoke about winning the title for the third time. “It’s always a pleasure win and a pleasure to get out with the guys and have our competition. We may call it friendly, but winning is what we come out here to do. I came in with a game plan; I didn’t want to go for par-five greens in two because I knew I would be above the hole. My plan was to put a wedge in my hands on par fives and stay below the hole.”

Jackson said that a key putt on the back nine was what he considered the turning point. “What settled me was making a birdie on the 12^th hole. It was downhill and maybe a 25-footer, so that settled me. I knew I had some distance at that point.”

Picking up the silver was Richmond Hill’s Michael Mealia. Mealia, from the Bayview Golf and Country Club, entered the day at eight-over after the first two rounds. After an even front nine, he found himself four-over with two holes to play. However, he finished with birdies on the final two holes to finish second with a tournament total of 10-over (77-73-73-223).

Sharing the bronze at 11-over were Oakville’s Lars Melander (80-69-75-224), from Hidden Lake Golf Club, and London’s Dave Bergeron (74-73-77-224), from Sunningdale Golf Club.

In the 70+ Division it was St. Catharines’ Les Westlake who took home the trophy. Westlake, from the St. Catharines Golf & Country Club, finished the tournament at 16-over (76-75-78-229), to grab the title in his first year of eligibility.

Team Ontario for the Canadian Senior Men’s Amateur Championship, Sept. 1-4 at Desert Blume Golf Club in Medicine Hat, Alberta, was named following the round. Joining Jackson and Mealia, after winning a playoff on the 18^th hole, was Melander.

In addition, the top eight finishers earned the right to represent Ontario at the 2016 Ontario-Michigan Matches to be hosted by Michigan. Earning a spot on the team were: Jackson, Mealia, Melander, Bergeron, Paris’ Robert O’Hagan, Brampton’s Rick Dodds-Hebron, Whitby’s Barry Fairhurst, and Caledon’s Marty Quincey.

The GAO would like to thank the Kawartha Golf & Country Club, their volunteers and staff for hosting the event. Thanks also to the GAO volunteers and title sponsor Investors Group for their continued support of golf in the province.

For full tournament information, including final leaderboards, see the tournament site at: http://gao.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gao15/event/gao1523/index.htm

About the Investors Group Senior Men’s Championship

The Investors Group Ontario Senior Men’s Championship is contested annually and features Ontario’s best male amateur golfers age 55 and older. 2015 marks the 80th playing of the event, and notable past champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Stu Hamilton and Nick Weslock, Herb Carnegie, and Ed Ervasti.

CAMLACHIE— The Golf Association of Ontario’s (GAO) Investors Group Bantam Championship concluded on Aug. 12 from the Sawmill Creek Golf Resort and Spa in Camlachie. The event began with 56 boys and 29 girls looking to claim the 2015 championships. At the end of the day, Stoney Creek’s Johnny Travale walked away with the boys’ title, while Markham’s Hailey McLaughlin took home the girls’ championship.

Travale, 14, from Glendale Golf & Country Club, came into the final round with a two-shot lead after his opening round of three-under (68). He got off to a blistering start during the final round and was four-under at the turn. However, he would get into trouble early on the back nine with a double bogey on 11 and a triple on 12. He would settle down and got back on track. He finished the day one-over (72) to end the tournament at two-under, taking the title.

After the win Travale spoke about how he got back on track during the final round. “I thought that I still had a good shot at winning, even though I didn’t know what my fellow competitors were doing, but I knew if I kept a solid frame of mind I would be able to pull through.”

“There was a lot of hard work that went into winning this,” added Travale. “I worked hard during the winter and continued during the summer so its nice to see it all pay off.”

Sharing the silver medal were Beamsville’s Jason Patrick Maloney and Courtice’s Justin Posteraro at three-over. Maloney, from Twenty Valley Golf & Country Club, began the day seven shots back of the lead after his four-over (75) first round. Thanks to a one-under (70) during the final round, the only round under par for the day, he catapulted into the silver-medal position.

As for Posteraro, he posted a one-under (70) during the opening round to sit two-back of the lead. He would go on to card a four-over (75) during the second round, but was able to hang on to earn a share of the silver.

Things were interesting on the girls’ side as the final round saw multiple lead changes. In the end it would be McLaughlin, from Cedar Brae Golf & Country Club, who emerged victorious. McLaughlin, 13, and a member of the York Regional Team, started the day in the second to last group, three-shots off the pace, after an opening round of seven-over (78).  She would go on to have the low round of the day, thanks to five birdies on the final six holes, posting a one-under (70) to capture the title at six-over for the tournament.

Afterwards, McLaughlin spoke about her strong finish to the tournament. “I was one-over through nine but was playing better than I had the day before. I really stepped up my putting and was sinking putts all day.”

“This feels like a dream but it is actually happening! I never thought I would make it this far, but at the same time I kind of did. I just had to have a lot of faith in myself,” said McLaughlin.

First-round leader, and 2015 Ontario Peewee Champion, Alyssa DiMarcantonio picked up the silver medal at eight-over for the tournament. DiMarcantonio from Maple and Station Creek Golf Club finished four-over (75) during the opening round. She duplicated that on day two with another four-over (75).

Three players shared the bronze medal at 15-over for the tournament. The group included Strathroy’s Taylor Kehoe (77-80), Windsor’s Jasmine Ly (81-76) and London’s Isabella Portokalis (78-79).

The GAO would like to thank Sawmill Creek Golf Resort and Spa, along with their staff and volunteers, for helping to run this event. Thanks also to the GAO volunteers and title sponsor Investors Group for their continued support of golf in the province. For full information, including the final leaderboards, see the tournament sites at: http://gao.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gao15/event/gao1522/index.htm(boys) and http://gao.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gao15/event/gao1586/index.htm(girls).

About the Investors Group Ontario Bantam Championship

The Investors Group Ontario Bantam Boys’ Championship was first contested in 1923 at the Summit Golf & Country Club. The first Ontario Bantam Girls’ Championship was held in 2003. The event is open to players 14-year-old and younger as of Aug. 1. Participants on the boys’ side qualified through one of four qualifiers held earlier this summer. Notable past boys champions include: Tony Gil, Matt LeMay, Bill Hutcheson, Kelly Roberts and Tim McCutcheon. As for past girls’ champions, the list includes: Jennifer Kirby, Augusta James and Christina Foster.

CAMBRIDGE— The Golf Association of Ontario’s (GAO) inaugural Peewee Championship concluded on Aug. 7 from the Puslinch Lake Golf Course in Cambridge.

The championship, open to male and female players under the age of 13, began with 58 of the province’s top young players. At the end of competition, Burlington’s Peter Blazevic and Maple’s Alyssa DiMarcantonio were the first to hoist the trophies.

Things were close coming into the final round on the boys’ side with Toronto’s Nicholas Lin entering the day with the lead at one-under. However, with so many players within striking distance, it was anyone’s title to win. Lin finished the day seven-over and slipped into a tie for fifth. The best round of the day went to Blazevic, 11-years-old and a member at the Trafalgar Golf & Country Club, who finished even. That second round score, along with his opening round four-over (74), earned him the win at four-over for the tournament (74-70-144).

A trio of players all shared the silver medal at five-over. Toronto’s Beni Long finished the second round three-over (72-73-145), Windsor’s Shawn Sehra ended the day four-over (71-74-145), and Richmond Hill’s Jeffery Fang also carded a three-over final round (72-73-145).

Things were a little less dramatic on the girls’ side as DiMarcantonio, 12, from Station Creek Golf Club, entered the day with a nine-shot lead after an opening round of one-over (71). She would improve on that impressive performance during the second round with an even par (70) to win the title by 16 shots (71-70-141).

Finishing second was Pickering’s Ava Koukofikas. Koukofikas finished the opening round 13-over (83), but rebounded nicely in the second round with a four-over (74) to earn the silver (83-74-157).

Taking the bronze was Brampton’s Brooke Rivers. Rivers shot an eight-over (78) during the second round, adding to her 10-over (80) first round (80-78-158).

The GAO would like to thank Puslinch Lake Golf Course, their staff and volunteers for hosting the event. Thanks also to the GAO volunteers for their continued support of golf in the province.

For complete tournament information, including final leaderboards, see the tournament site at: http://gao.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gao15/event/gao1589/index.htm.

About the Ontario Peewee Championship

The Ontario Peewee Championship is making its debut in 2015. The championship is hosted by the Puslinch Lake Golf Course, which has a history with the GAO, hosting the Ontario Bantam Championship from 1999 to 2012.  The tournament is open to males and females who are younger than 13 years of age as of Aug. 1.