Team Ontario Leads at Can-Matches
Team Ontario holds a lead over South Carolina with a score of 13.5 to 10.5 after the first day of the 24th Can-Am Matches.
The opening day’s eight mixed four-ball matches at Wachesaw Plantation Club in Murrells Inlet, S.C., showcased Team Ontario facing off against their South Carolinian counterparts. The visiting juniors from Ontario seized an early advantage, securing 13.5 out of the available 24 points.
“Today’s matches were incredibly close, yet our cohesive teamwork allowed us to take the lead for the first time in years,” says Team Ontario’s Head Coach, Reggie Millage. “I’m immensely proud of our collective achievement today and look forward to the opportunities tomorrow’s matches will bring.”
Team Ontario’s early lead was bolstered by outstanding mixed-team performances from Angela Cai and Dawson Lew; Alexa Ouellet and Bode Stephen; and Bridget Yu and Rylan Hall.
FOR THE CAN-AM MATCHES LEADERBOARD, CLICK HERE.
The Ontario team, comprising the entire Team Ontario roster, will each participate in one of the 16 singles matches at the Wachesaw Plantation Club. A total of 48 points will be at stake during Sunday’s singles matches, with three points available per match (one point for the front nine, one for the back nine, and one for the overall match). The first team to reach at least 36.5 points will claim victory.
CLICK HERE FOR SUNDAY’S SINGLES MATCHES PAIRINGS.
Team Ontario last clinched the Can-Am Matches in 2019.
The roster for Team Ontario includes Alexa Ouellet; Angela Cai; Aryn Matthews; Bridget Yu; Kaprice Park; Nobelle Park; Shelby Hardwick; Wendy Li; Ben Sheridan; Bode Stephen; Chase Jerome; Dawson Lew; Graydon Laughlin; Jordan Hwang; Nathaniel Yoo; Luke Smith, and Rylan Hall.
Former Can-Am Matches participants include notable figures such as Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, Brittany Marchand, Augusta James, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, Bill Haas, Kevin Kisner, Lauren Stephenson, and Jensen Castle.
To follow Team Ontario’s progress in Sunday’s singles matches on social media, check out their profiles on Instagram, Facebook and X.
The 24th Can-Am Matches Tee Off This Weekend
The 24th Can-Am Matches, an annual face-off featuring junior golfers from Ontario against their counterparts from South Carolina, will commence this Saturday at the Wachesaw Plantation Club in Murrells Inlet, S.C.
The Ontario team, composed of 17 players, encompasses the entire Team Ontario Squad. Over the course of two days, they will participate in 24 matches: 8 mixed four-ball matches on Saturday followed by 16 singles matches on Sunday. To claim victory, the winning team needs to secure 36.5 points.
“All our athletes, coaches and staff are excited about this year’s Can-Am Matches versus South Carolina at the beautiful Wachesaw Plantation,” says Team Ontario’s Head Coach Reggie Millage. “This event is truly special because our Team Ontario athletes get to experience competing together as a team,” he says, adding, “the unique format, the special golf course and the unbelievable support from the members and staff at Wachesaw make this one of the most memorable events not only of the season, but in many cases, of these athletes’ entire junior careers.”
Team Ontario’s roster includes Alexa Ouellet; Angela Cai; Aryn Matthews; Bridget Yu; Kaprice Park; Nobelle Park; Shelby Hardwick; Wendy Li; Ben Sheridan; Bode Stephen; Chase Jerome; Dawson Lew; Graydon Laughlin; Jordan Hwang; Nathaniel Yoo; Luke Smith and Rylan Hall.
A Junior-Am event will precede the official start of the matches, allowing Can-Am Matches participants to play alongside event sponsors and members. This will be followed by a dinner and opening ceremonies at the Wachesaw Plantation Club.
For updates and standings, please visit the Can-Am Matches leaderboard by CLICKING HERE.
TEAM NOTES:
Team Ontario (name, high school graduating year):
Boys:
- Rylan Hall, 2025
- Jordan Hwang, 2025
- Chase Jerome, 2027
- Graydon Laughlin, 2024
- Dawson Lew, 2027
- Benjamin Sheridan, 2024
- Luke Smith, 2025
- Bode Stephen, 2026
- Nathaniel Yoo, 2024
Girls:
- Angela Cai, 2026
- Shelby Hardwick, 2025
- Wendy Li, 2025
- Aryn Matthew, 2024
- Alexa Ouellet, 2024
- Kaprice Park, 2028
- Nobelle Park, 2028
- Bridget Yu, 2025
Team South Carolina (name, high school graduating year):
Boys:
- Chase Cline, 2024
- Jack Crousore, 2024
- Dallas Johnson, 2024
- Cade Kriscunas, 2025
- Thomas Lamar, 2024
- Matt Maloney, 2024
- Tip Price, 2024
- Bennett Scaletta, 2027
Girls:
- Claire Green, 2025
- Caroline Hawkins, 2026
- Grace Lindsey, 2025
- Hannah Lowery, 2025
- Madison Messimer, 2025
- Olivia Pellerin, 2024
- Olivia Roberts, 2025
- Bridget Wilkie, 2024
FAST FACTS:
Venue: Wachesaw Plantation Club. Murrells Inlet, S.C.
Dates: March 16-18
Social Media: @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook and X
Teams: Eight junior boys and eight junior girls from Team Ontario versus eight junior boys and girls from South Carolina
Format: Eight four-ball matches on Day 1 and 16 singles matches on Day 2. One full point is awarded for each victory, while a half-point is earned for matches that are all square after 18 holes. The first team to 36.5 points is the winner.
Pairings: First and second round pairings
Leaderboard: Live updates
Series Record: South Carolina leads 19-4
Notable Can-Am Matches Competitors: Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, Brittany Marchand, Augusta James, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, Bill Haas, Kevin Kisner, Lauren Stephenson and Jensen Castle.
Fun Fact: Wachesaw Plantation Club was home to an LPGA Tour event from 1997-2000.
Season Opener Survey
Golf Ontario is excitedly looking forward to the upcoming golf season and would like to remind everyone the Handicap Season is set to commence on April 15th. This signifies the start of a thrilling period for golfers throughout Ontario as we gear up for a new season on the greens.
To enhance our golf community’s experience, we’re reaching out for your cooperation by asking you to complete an important survey.
Opening Date Survey
Your insights into the local golf scene are invaluable. If you’re aware of any opening dates for golf courses in your area, we encourage you to share this information with Golf Ontario through THIS LINK.
While we already have knowledge of many opening dates, we recognize that these are prone to change due to weather conditions. Rest assured, all submitted opening dates will be shared with our community via Golf Ontario’s social media platforms and website.
Nobelle Park and Gabriel Mainella Winners at Ontario Junior Players Invitational
A perfect day for golf in Myrtle Beach, S.C., was underscored by the thrilling final round of the Ontario Junior Players Invitational at the scenic Moorland Course of Legends Golf Resorts.
In the girls’ competition, Nobelle Park of RattleSnake Point Golf Club, leading after the first round, proved unbeatable. The Team Ontario athlete sailed through her even-par final round to clinch the title. Her Team Ontario teammate, Aryn Matthews of Bigwin Island Golf Club, closely followed throughout the round but couldn’t narrow the gap despite posting a strong 72 on her scorecard. Alexa Ouellet of Weston Golf & Country Club, another Team Ontario member, finished in third place.
Park’s performance on the back nine, featuring birdies on the 15th and 16th, secured her victory at one-over par for the tournament.
On the boys side, Gabriel Mainella of Summit Golf & Country Club emerged victorious after a day-long battle with Bode Stephen from Cataraqui Golf & Country Club, claiming the boys division title. Jordan Hwang of Emerald Hills Golf & Country Club took third place, achieving the tournament’s lowest score of 69 in his final round.
Mainella’s win was highlighted by five birdies, including a two-under par on the back nine, enabling him to win by a single stroke over Stephen, with both players scoring 69 on the final day. Mainella shared his excitement about the victory, saying, “obviously a big tournament and my first win… it’s a tough stretch of holes down the back and I kind of got nervous…but excited I got the win.
Tournament Director, Connor Doyle, highlighted the excellent start to the season, noting the excitement of the tournament’s conclusion.
Golf Ontario expressed gratitude towards Legends Golf Resort and its staff for their outstanding hospitality during the past week.
The 77-player field featured many of Ontario’s top junior golfers, all of whom were looking to take home the championship title from the challenging and beautiful Moorland Course at the Legends Golf Resorts.
This year’s event saw an extension to 54 holes, an increase from last year’s 36 holes. Furthermore, participants have the opportunity to earn points towards the World Amateur Golf Ranking and Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings.
For the full leaderboard and final round tee times, CLICK HERE.
FAST FACTS
- Seven of the Top 10 girls are Team Ontario members.
- The lowest girls’ score was 69, achieved by Alexa Ouellet (Team Ontario).
- Six of the Top 10 boys are Team Ontario members.
- The lowest boys’ score was 69, achieved by Jordan Hwang (Team Ontario).
- The 12th hole was the toughest, with an average score of 4.88.
- The 7th hole was the second toughest, averaging 3.65.
- The easiest hole was the 16th, with an average score of 3.94.
- The course’s scoring average was 78.27.
- The Moorland Course was once ranked as the 37th toughest golf course in America by Golf Digest.
Ontario’s Top-Ranked Juniors Tee Off in Myrtle Beach
Golf Ontario kicked off its 2024 championship schedule with the Ontario Junior Players Invitational Monday in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Team Ontario’s Nobelle Park of Rattlesnake Golf Club and last year’s second-place finisher, leads in the girls’ division thru 36 holes. Park delivered commendable scores of 74 and 73, securing a two-stroke advantage over her Team Ontario teammate Aryn Matthews of Bigwin Island Golf Club, who posted scores of 72 and 77, finishing at 3-over par.
In the boys’ division, Next Wave athlete Gabriel Mainella of the Summit Golf & Country Club, climbed to the top of the leaderboard with solid rounds of 74 and 73, bolstered by eight birdies on the first day. He enters the final round with a one-stroke lead over Team Ontario’s Bode Stephen of Cataraqui Golf & Country Club, who carded rounds of 72 and 75 to stand at 5-over.
The 77-player field features many of Ontario’s top junior golfers, all of whom are looking to take home the championship title from the challenging and beautiful Moorland Course at the Legends Golf Resorts.
The competitions biggest change this year is the extension to 54 holes, an increase from last year’s 36 holes. Furthermore, participants have the opportunity to earn points towards the World Amateur Golf Ranking and Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings.
“It was great to see how well the players handled the 36 holes today, we should be in for an exciting finish,” Ontario Players Invitational Tournament Director Connor Doyle says.
The tournament concludes on Tuesday with the final 18 holes, starting at 8 a.m. from both the 1st and 10th tees.
For the full leaderboard and final round tee times, CLICK HERE.
QUOTABLES
“I’m nervous for tomorrow … but I hope play wel l… it’s tough competition.”
— Nobelle Park, Team Ontario Athlete,
“Today was definitely fun. I started off the day really well with an even par… but quickly kind of on the back stretch … lost a little bit in the second round.”
— Aryn Matthews, Team Ontario Athlete
“The conditions were tough, it was windy and cold in the the start of the morning. Feel like I did really good at the start. Pushed through the windy conditions.”
— Gabriel Mainella, Next Wave Athlete
FAST FACTS
Seven of the Top 10 Girls are Team Ontario Athlete
Lowest Girls Score of the day: Team Ontario’s Alexa Ouellet, 69
Six of the Top 10 Boys are Team Ontario
Lowest Boys score was 72: By 5 players
Course scoring average was 81.6
Team Ontario athlete and third-place finisher at last year’s Junior Players Invitational, Jordan Hwang of Emerald Hills Golf & Country Club, currently sits third again.
Social Handles: @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook and X
Championship Season Kicks Off in Myrtle Beach
Golf Ontario’s 2024 championship schedule kicks off in Myrtle Beach, S.C., with the Ontario Junior Players Invitational.
The 77-player field features many of Ontario’s top junior golfers, all of whom are looking to take home the championship title which will be contested March 11-12 at impressive Moorland Course at the Legends Golf Resorts.
This year marks the event’s second installment, featuring significant updates. Notably, the competition will extend over 54 holes, an increase from last year’s 36 holes. Furthermore, participants will now have the opportunity to earn points towards the World Amateur Golf Ranking and Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings.
John Lawrence, Golf Ontario’s Director of Competitions and Performance, expressed enthusiasm about this year’s enhancements to the events. “Launching our championship season with the Ontario Junior Players Invitational is thrilling,” Lawrence says. “Expanding the championship to 54 holes and including ranking points elevates the players’ experience, mirroring the collegiate competition atmosphere.”
The invitational will see players take on 36-holes on Monday, with the final 18-holes coming on Tuesday.
This year’s field includes all 16 Team Ontario members as well as 10 Next Wave athletes. The field is rounded out by an impressive group of players who were offered invites based on their 2023 performance.
For first round pairings, CLICK HERE.
FIELD NOTES
Among the 78-players in the 2024 Ontario Junior Players Invitational, there are:
Team Ontario: All 16 members of Team Ontario are in the invitational’s field. They are: Alexa Oueullet; Angela Cai; Aryn Matthews; Bridget Yu; Kaprice Park; Nobelle Park; Shelby Hardwick; Wendy Li; Ben Sheridan; Bode Stephen; Chase Jerome; Dawson Lew; Graydon Laughlin; Jordan Hwang; Nathaniel Yoo; Rylan Hall.
Next Wave: 10 of the 15 athletes from the recently announced 2024 Next Wave program.
Top Junior Golf Pathway Ranking Players: Boys—Jordan Hwang, No. 4, U19 and U17; Chase Jerome, No. 1, U15. Girls—Nobelle Park, No. 2, U19, U17 and U15.
Youngest Players: Ava Gilbert, 12. Max Li, 13.
PLAYER NOTES
Brampton Golf Club’s Manav Bharani, winner of the 2023 Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys Championship makes his Players Invitational debut.
2023 Ontario Super Camp and Junior Tour Champion, and Team Ontario athlete Alexa Ouellet of Weston Golf and Country Club.
Last year’s runner up, the No. 2-ranked player on the 2023 Junior Golf Pathway Rankings and Team Ontario athlete Nobelle Park of Rattlesnake Golf Club.
Team Ontario athlete and third-place finisher at last year’s Junior Players Invitational, Jordan Hwang of Emerald Hills Golf & Country Club.
FAST FACTS
Championship Venue: The Moorland Course at The Legends Resort
Championship Dates: March 11-12
Field: 78 players
Format: 54-hole, stroke play
Leaderboard Link: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/9986953813031962870
Fun Fact: Golf Digest once rated the Moorland Course the 37th toughest golf course in America.
Social Handles: @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook and X
Golf Ontario Announces Next Wave Junior Development Program
Golf Ontario proudly introduces the 2024 Next Wave Junior Development Program, designed to nurture and elevate the skills of Ontario’s young golfers.
This thoughtful initiative aims to blend specialized training with ongoing support, providing a solid foundation for the province’s future stars to shine in the competitive golf landscape.
“We’re so proud and excited to introduce the Next Wave Junior Development Program and all the 15 young athletes who will be part of the program in 2024,” says Golf Ontario’s Chief Sport Officer, Ryan Finn. “We truly believe this program aligns with everything we’re already doing with the Junior Golf Pathway, but also adds another layer of development that is directly aimed at junior golf athletes who are looking to advance in their competitive journey.”
The 2024 Next Wave Junior Development Program includes members (with their personal coaches in parentheses):
- Sierra Kowlayshyn, Sawmill Golf Course (Travis Glass, PGA of Canada)
- Ava Gilbert, Summit Golf & Country Club (Sean Burke, PGA of Canada)
- Kirsten Lee, Brampton Golf Club (Sean Casey, PGA of Canada)
- Cole Thompson, Lookout Point Country Club (Adam Steinschifter, PGA of Canada)
- Ben Julie, Sawmill Golf Course (Doug Lawrie, PGA of Canada)
- Matthew Simpson, Lambton Golf & Country Club (Sean Casey, PGA of Canada)
- John Yang, Summit Golf & Country Club (Trevor Wallman, PGA of Canada)
- Tristan Zhang, Summit Golf & Country Club (Trevor Wallman, PGA of Canada)
- Josh Ye, Summit Golf & Country Club (Trevor Wallman, PGA of Canada)
- Aiden Pavey, Hidden Lake Golf Club(David Banks, PGA of Canada)
- Bo Dong, Angus Glen Golf Club (Dong Hee Lee)
- Sadie Wu, Station Creek Golf Club (Dong Hee Lee)
- Gabriel Mainella, Summit Golf & Country Club (Tyler Marchand, PGA of Canada)
- Landon Van Loon, Upper Canada Golf Course (Tristan Mullally, PGA of Canada)
- Michael Vivone, Royal Ottawa Golf Club (Derek MacDonald, PGA of Canada)
Targeted towards junior-aged athletes competing in local, regional, and provincial championships, the program is dedicated to helping them fulfill their aspirations of becoming members of Team Ontario, Team Canada, and earning spots on collegiate golf teams. The program is centered around the mental, physical, technical, and tactical facets of golf, the program offers early access to specialized team training; setting the stage for their future achievements.
Next Wave athletes will enjoy exclusive benefits, such as: Coaching support from Team Ontario Head Coach, Reggie Millage; sessions with Team Ontario Mental Performance Coach, Dr. Charles Fitzsimmons, strength and conditioning coaching by Dr. Nick Martichenko; Next Wave athlete clothing from adidas Golf Canada; and access to the TaylorMade Performance Lab.
Additionally, Next Wave athletes can sign up for exclusive Team Ontario programs like Training Days, March Break Training Camp, and the Spring Training Camp.
Selection for the program is based on the athletes’ competitive performances and rankings in the U13, U15, and U17 divisions of the Junior Golf Pathway from the last season.
Golf Ontario looks forward to the prospects the Next Wave Junior Development Program offers to Ontario’s emerging golf stars and the association extends gratitude to TaylorMade Golf Canada, Adidas Golf Canada, and Humber College for their support of this transformative initiative.
Rules of golf more accessible via Mobile App
Accessing the Official R&A Rules of Golf has become easier as Golf Canada has integrated them into its popular Golf Canada Mobile App.
This inclusion allows golfers of all levels and abilities to quickly reference the Official Rules of Golf and find answers to common situations that emerge on the course through the Player’s Rule Finder.
With nearly 30 diagrams and over 50 how-to videos, golfers will reduce confusion and uncertainty by learning the ins-and-outs of the game directly from the R&A. Along with the USGA, the R&A has been golf’s leading governing body responsible for the rules of the game.
“The integration into the Golf Canada Mobile App allows more straightforward access to the rules of golf,” said Mary Beth McKenna, Director, Amateur Championships and Rules, Golf Canada.
“Golfers will be able to determine the specific rule-related situations they encounter on the course more easily through the Player’s Rules Finder interface. In addition to the rules of golf, there are resources on committee procedures and the Rules of Amateur Status, amongst other helpful tools. To provide access to even more Canadian golfers, the app is available in both English and French,” added McKenna.
With more than 300,000 Canadian golfers using the Golf Canada Mobile App on an annual basis to post scores, find courses from coast-to-coast, build scorecards, discover course maps, and specific GPS distances, the inclusion of the Rules of Golf will allow Canadian golfers to access first-hand situational knowledge by applying golf’s official rules during their round.
To view the Rules of Golf on the Golf Canada Mobile App, select “More” then scroll down and click on “Rules of golf”.
Also included in the latest version of the Golf Canada Mobile App is an enhanced scorecard graphic. This feature builds on the August 2023 app feature release aimed to help golfers stay connected off the course, highlighted by the ability for golfers to post images and videos to document their rounds.
Increase the fun, shoot lower scores, impress your group by flashing your newfound golf knowledge and share your scorecards.
Join Canada’s largest golf community by downloading the Golf Canada App today. It’s free and available in the App Store and Google Play.
Did you know that the Golf Canada App is just one of the many benefits of being a Golf Ontario Member? If you’re not already a member and looking to become one, CLICK HERE to learn more about all the amazing benefits.
The Golf Ontario 2023 Yearbook
In the wake of the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) hosted by Golf Ontario, we are thrilled to unveil our 2023 Yearbook. This edition is a testament to our enduring commitment to the “Golf for All” vision, offering an in-depth exploration of the core pillars our strategic framework emphasizes: Participation, Performance, Membership, and Organizational Strength.
Kyle McFarlane, the CEO of Golf Ontario, elaborates in the yearbook, “These pillars form the foundation, guiding us toward our mission of Shaping Lives Through Golf and shared commitment to elevated golfing experiences in our province.”
The 2023 Yearbook also honours and celebrates the contributions of Golf Ontario volunteers, member facilities, partners, and our board of directors, among others.
To immerse yourself in the 2023 Yearbook, simply CLICK HERE or on the image provided below.
Golf Ontario Renews Baka Communications Partnership
Golf Ontario is excited to announce the continuation of its longstanding partnership with Baka Communications, celebrating 20 years of unwavering collaboration. This renewal underscores Baka’s role as the presenting partner for the Ontario Public Amateur Championship and its support for the Public Player membership program.
Since initiating their partnership in 2004, Baka Communications has passionately supported amateur golf in Ontario, aligning its mission with Golf Ontario’s dedication to nurturing golf’s growth at the grassroots level. The Ontario Public Amateur Championship stands as a pinnacle event in the golf calendar, offering a competitive platform with both gross and net flights, and showcasing Baka’s commitment to fostering competition and sportsmanship within the amateur golf scene.
“Our partnership has not only endured over time but has also adapted to the evolving dynamics of the sport,” says Baka Communications President, John Marion. “Baka is honoured to continue as the presenting partner for the Ontario Public Amateur Championship, support the Public Player membership program, and contribute to Golf Ontario’s broader fundraising initiatives.”
Beyond the championship and membership program, Baka Communications will support Golf Ontario’s 1000 Ball Challenge, aiding in fundraising efforts for golf programs and initiatives across the province. Additionally, Baka will sponsor a yearly Golf Ontario scholarship to assist an aspiring student-athlete golfer from Ontario, demonstrating Baka’s commitment to developing golf talent both on the course and in the classroom.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Baka Communications for the 20th year,” says Golf Ontario’s CEO, Kyle McFarlane. “Their consistent support has been crucial in elevating the quality of our events and programs,” he says, adding, “we anticipate another year of fruitful collaboration, as we work together to promote golf’s growth and positively impact lives through the sport.”
The enduring partnership between Baka Communications and Golf Ontario reaffirms their joint commitment to the advancement of golf, building upon two decades of success, and contributing to a lasting legacy within the Ontario golf community.