South Carolina delivered a commanding performance to defeat Ontario at the 26th annual Can-Am Matches, held March 21–22, 2026, at Wachesaw Plantation Club in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. The hosts secured a decisive 42.5–29.5 victory, extending their series lead to 21–5.

The two-day competition followed a traditional format, opening with eight four-ball matches on Day 1 before shifting to 16 singles matches on Day 2. Each match was worth one point for a win, and matches tied after 18 holes awarded a half-point to each team. A total of 36.5 points was required to win.

Despite the final margin, Ontario produced notable individual performances. Kaprice Park and Joseph Totino each recorded nine birdies during the opening round, highlighting a strong showing in four-ball play. However, South Carolina’s depth and consistency across both formats ultimately proved decisive in capturing the win.

Team Ontario Roster:

Alexis Card (Galt Country Club) 

Andrea Lai (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club)  

Amelia McFarlane (Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club)  

Cindy Yan (Station Creek Golf Club)  

Kaprice Park (RattleSnake Point Golf Club)  

Riviera Lindholm (St. George’s Golf Club)  

Kaylan Green (Scarborough Golf & Country Club)  

Serena Zhang (Golf Ontario Player Club – Toronto South) 

Andy Dai (Golf Ontario Players Club- Toronto North) 

Dimitri Protopapas (The Nest) 

Evan Hall (Elmira Golf Club) 

Joseph Totino (Summit Golf & Country Club) 

Manav Bharani (Brampton Golf Club) 

Matthew Simpson (Lambton Golf & Country Club) 

Max Li (Summit Golf & Country Club) 

Michael Vivone (Royal Ottawa Golf Club) 

For the full leaderboard, CLICK HERE.

Social Media: @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook.

The 26th Can-Am Matches, an annual face-off featuring junior golfers from Ontario against their counterparts from South Carolina, begins this Saturday at the Wachesaw Plantation Club in Murrells Inlet, S.C.

The Ontario team, composed of 16 players, 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.

“The Can-Am Matches are a special event for our athletes,” said Team Ontario Head Coach Reggie Millage. “The chance to represent Ontario and Canada in a team setting, on a great course like Wachesaw Plantation, makes it an unforgettable experience. Our players have worked hard to earn their spot and are excited to compete for a trophy with such a proud history.”

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.

At last year’s Can-Am Matches, Ontario secured a 39-33 win, marking their first victory since 2019 and only the fifth in the event’s history.

TEAM NOTES:

Alexis Card (Galt Country Club) 

Andrea Lai (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club)  

Amelia McFarlane (Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club)  

Cindy Yan (Station Creek Golf Club)  

Kaprice Park (RattleSnake Point Golf Club)  

Riviera Lindholm (St. George’s Golf Club)  

Kaylan Green (Scarborough Golf & Country Club)  

Serena Zhang (Golf Ontario Player Club – Toronto South) 

Andy Dai (Golf Ontario Players Club- Toronto North) 

Dimitri Protopapas (The Nest) 

Evan Hall (Elmira Golf Club) 

Joseph Totino (Summit Golf & Country Club) 

Manav Bharani (Brampton Golf Club) 

Matthew Simpson (Lambton Golf & Country Club) 

Max Li (Summit Golf & Country Club) 

Michael Vivone (Royal Ottawa Golf Club) 

FAST FACTS:

Venue: Wachesaw Plantation Club. Murrells Inlet, S.C.

Dates: March 21-22

Can-Am Leaderboard

Social Media: @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook.

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.

Series Record: South Carolina leads 20-5

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.

Myrtle Beach, SC – At the 2026 Ontario Junior Players Invitational, contested at Legends Golf Resort in Myrtle Beach, both the Girls and Boys divisions delivered standout performances from Canada’s emerging junior stars.

In the Girls division, Kaprice Park of RattleSnake Point Golf Club captured the title at 4-under-par (217), highlighted by a clutch final-round 68 that separated her from the field. Riviera Lindholm of St. George’s Golf Club claimed second place with impressive consistency, posting three consecutive rounds of 73 to finish at 3-over-par (219). Ziqing (Judy) Lin of NBGA Public Players Club – South East rounded out the top three, recording rounds of 75, 74, 78 to finish at 11-over-par (227) and secure third place.

On the Boy’s side, Michael Vivone of Royal Ottawa Golf Club carried that same momentum, delivering a dominant closing performance to finish at 5-under-par (212) and claim the championship. Close behind, Andy Dai of Golf Ontario Players Club – Toronto North secured second place with consistency, carding three straight rounds of 71 for a 3-under-par total of 213. Rounding out the podium was Joseph Totino of Summit Golf & Country Club, who posted rounds of 71, 74, 73 to finish at 2-over-par (218) and take third place.

Golf Ontario would like to express its sincere gratitude to the volunteers, officials, and staff at Legends Golf Resort for their exceptional support and hospitality today. Their contributions were instrumental in delivering a world-class experience.

Stay Connected

Championship Photo Album

Visit the tournament website for full results

For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout tournaments, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook.

The 2026 Ontario Junior Players Invitational will bring some of Ontario’s top junior golfers to Legends Golf Resort – Parkland Course in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on March 17–18, 2026. This year marks the 4th annual Ontario Junior Players Invitational, providing a competitive, 54-hole collegiate style championship for the athletes over two days.

This competitive event features 88 athletes, providing a high-level-early-season test for Ontario’s rising junior golf talent. Notably, this field features 15, 2026 Team Ontario Members, and 12 Golf Ontario NextWave athletes. The Parkland Course at Legends Golf Resort is known for its classic design, tree-lined fairways, and challenging layout, making it a great stage for elite junior competition.

Players to watch:

Boys:

Michael Vivone – 2025 Ontario U17 Boys’ Champion, 2026 Team Ontario Member

Dimitri Protopapas – 2025 Ontario Junior Boys’ Match Play Champion, 2026 Team Ontario Member

Bryce Burridge – 2025 Ontario U15 Boys Champion

Girls:

Riviera Lindholm – 2025 Ontario Super Camp Invitational Champion, 2025 Ontario U13 Champion

Amelia McFarlane – 2025 Ontario U17 Girls’ Champion, 2026 Team Ontario Member

Alexis Card – 2025 Ontario U15 Girls’ Champion, 2025 Golf Canada NextGen Quebec Champion, 2026 Team Ontario Member

Set to take place in the early Spring and making the most of Myrtle Beach’s coastal climate, the event will give juniors a chance to launch their season at one of the year’s top competitions.

For the full field and tee times, CLICK HERE.

Golf season is right around the corner, and while we’re all looking forward to getting back out on the course, there’s still time to keep the swing feeling good before the fairways open up.

Our Indoor Women’s Golf events are designed to do exactly that. These relaxed, small-group sessions bring golfers together for an evening of learning, practice, and social time in a welcoming environment.

With guidance from professional coaches and time on modern golf simulators, you’ll have the chance to work on your fundamentals, build confidence, and connect with other women who share a love for the game.

Remaining Indoor Women’s Golf Schedule

• March 18 — Deer Creek — Ajax
• March 24 — The Clubhouse — London
• March 26 — Ace Track Golf — Aurora
• April 1 — Fore Golf Hamilton — Hamilton
• April 13 — Niagara Golf Lounge — Niagara
• April 16 — Tangle Creek — Thornton

What to Expect

• Small-group sessions with professional coaches
• Practice time on modern golf simulators
• Rotating stations focused on confidence and consistency
• A free beverage during social time

It’s a great way to shake off the winter rust and get excited for the season ahead.

Stay tuned: Our Outdoor Women’s Participation schedule will be released on April 22.

Questions? Reach out anytime at participation@golfontario.ca.

We’re working to make your membership experience even better this season — with more relevant events, offers, and opportunities tailored to how you play the game.

UPDATE YOUR MEMBER PROFILE

Win Prizes From Our Partners

Premium Golf Equipment
Golf and Lifestyle Apparel
Unique Golf Experiences Across Ontario
Golf Accessories

Update your profile by March 31. All winners will be selected from all completed member profiles.

Why Update?

Personalized Member Updates
Events and Opportunities Tailored to Your Interests
Exclusive Partner Offers

Thanks for being part of the Golf Ontario community. We look forward to a great season ahead — and seeing you back out on the course soon.

UPDATE YOUR MEMBER PROFILE

Today on International Women’s Day, Golf Ontario celebrates the women who play, lead, and grow the game across our province.

From Women’s Try and Women’s Learn programs to our Women’s qualifiers and championships, we’re proud to support opportunities for women of all ages to experience the game.

Thank you for the passion, leadership, and community you bring to golf. We remain committed to expanding opportunities and ensuring more women discover the positive impact golf can have in their lives.

As spring arrives and Ontario’s junior golf season begins, players across the province are preparing for a busy championship schedule filled with qualifying rounds, multi-day tournaments, and long competitive days on the course.

For many young athletes, performance isn’t just about practice and swing mechanics — it’s also about managing energy over 18 holes.

One trend becoming increasingly common among competitive golfers is a return to walking.

Walking helps players stay connected to the rhythm of the round, maintain focus between shots, and reduce the physical fatigue that can build late in the day. Across junior events and everyday competitive play, more golfers are choosing to walk rather than ride — particularly during practice rounds and tournament preparation.

Modern push carts have played a big role in that shift.

Today’s designs allow golfers to walk comfortably without the strain of carrying a full bag, keeping equipment organized while conserving energy for when it matters most. For developing players competing throughout Ontario’s championship season, small advantages in comfort and consistency can add up over multiple rounds.

Golf Ontario partner Axglo designs push carts built specifically for walking golfers, offering compact storage, smooth maneuverability, and stability across a wide range of course conditions.

Whether preparing for junior championships this spring or simply looking to enjoy more rounds on foot, walking the course remains one of the simplest ways golfers can support both performance and enjoyment of the game.

Golf Ontario members can receive 20% off Axglo push carts as part of the partnership benefits program. For your discount code, email marketing@golfontario.ca

Explore the Axglo lineup: https://axglo.ca/collections/golf-push-carts

Course Ratings happen quietly in the background, but its impact is felt by every golfer, every day. They provide the foundation for fair handicapping, equitable tournament play, and consistent competition across all skill levels.

Golf Ontario is responsible for conducting and issuing Course and Slope Ratings across the province, it’s valuable to understand how the process works and why it matters.

Understanding Course Rating and Slope Rating

Course Rating and Slope Rating might not be something golfers think about every day, but they shape the fairness and accuracy of play at your club.

• Course Rating measures the difficulty of the course for a scratch golfer (a player with a handicap of 0) under normal playing conditions.
• Bogey Rating measures the difficulty of the course for a bogey golfer (a player with a Handicap Index of approximately 20.0 -24.0).  The Bogey Rating is not commonly promoted but is essential when calculating the Slope Rating.
• Slope Rating compares the relative difficulty for a bogey golfer versus a scratch golfer.  It is effectively the slope of the line (rise/run) between the Course & Bogey Ratings when plotted on a graph.

Together, these ratings are core components of the World Handicap System, ensuring golfers of different skill levels can compete equitably.

How and When Course Ratings Are Conducted

Course Ratings are administered by trained volunteers from your Provincial Golf Association using standardized procedures from the World Handicap System.

• Ratings are valid for up to 10 years, but most courses are re-rated on an 8–9 year schedule.
• A re-rating is triggered sooner if major changes occur—such as altering yardages, redesigning holes, adding or removing hazards, or making substantial modifications to greens, bunkers, or tee boxes.

During a rating visit (or part of a pre-rating visit), teams:

• Measure and verify yardages for each tee
• Rate each tee for both genders (for both the scratch and bogey golfer)
• Consider factors that impact the effective playing length of the hole, including elevation, roll and doglegs/forced layups.
• Analyze landing zones based on shot distance and accuracy patterns and assess how obstacles affect difficulty.
• Assess obstacles, including bunkers, water hazards, rough, trees, penalty areas, and green speed.

Preparing for a Course Rating Visit & What to Expect Afterwards

Club staff play a key role in supporting a successful rating process. Ahead of the visit:

• Your Provincial Association or a Course Rating Team Leader will reach out to verify information about the course, which could include:
• Any changes made to the course since the last rating,
• Course maintenance practices (mower heights, watering schedules, etc.).
• A date will be scheduled for the Course Rating Team to visit the course (this may also include a pre-visit where initial measurements are collected).

Once the rating is completed:

• The Course & Slope Rating will be calculated for each set of tees (for each gender).
• These ratings are reviewed by the Course Rating Team and Provincial Golf Associations before being released to the club.
• The Golf Canada Score Centre is updated with the new ratings
• As part of the Course Rating process, you will also have access to recommended Stroke Index Allocations, which are based on Course Rating data.

Why Accurate Ratings Matter to Your Club

Course maintenance practices can impact the accuracy of the Course & Slope Ratings, so it is important for course set up and conditions to reflect the normal conditions as much as possible.  Any significant differences should be communicated to the Provincial Golf Associations to determine if an adjustment is required.

Accurate Course and Slope Ratings are more than just numbers—they’re the foundation for fairness, trust, and compliance:

• They ensure handicaps reflect true playing ability, and that a Handicap Index is portable for competition outside of your club.
• Helps Maintain fairness and credibility in tournaments
• Your club stays in good standing with your Provincial Golf Association and the World Handicap System.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your Course & Slope Ratings —or think a re-rating might be necessary—email our Course Ratings team for guidance, clarification and next steps.

On Monday, February 23, 2026, Golf Ontario proudly welcomed three new members to its Board of Directors during the 2026 Annual General Meeting.

Brent Brandham, Dr. Nadine Lamarche, and Tamara Brown were officially introduced and appointed, bringing with them a wealth of experience, leadership, and passion for the game of golf across Ontario.

Brent Brandham previously served on the Skate Ontario board from 2017 – 2024. He is excited to bring that experience and the lessons learned there to help shape the future of the sport that is his true passion – Golf. Brent has also been working in the insurance industry with the entirety of his career focused on Sports risk management. Working with over 100 Provincial and National associations across the country, Brent has helped these organizations shape their risk management protocols and keep athletes safe.

Dr. Nadine Lamarche is a Professor at Durham College in the Faculty of Business. Her doctoral research, “Enhancing Student Engagement and a Sense of Belonging in First-Year Post-Secondary Students,” reflects her commitment to designing meaningful experiences that foster connection, belonging, and long-term student success. Nadine has been a PGA of Canada Golf Professional for over 25 years.

Tamara Brown is a visionary Chief of Staff and executive at Adobe in the Digital Employee Experience organization. Renowned for creativity, cross-functional influence, and the ability to operationalize complex frameworks, she leads enterprise strategy execution, turns data-driven insight into action, and fosters cultures of innovation and collaboration.

Golf Ontario looks forward to the leadership and insight these new directors will bring as the organization continues to serve its member clubs and golfers across the province.

Please join us in welcoming Brent Brandham, Dr. Nadine Lamarche, and Tamara Brown to the Board of Directors.