Golf Ontario is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Stephen Ross of Dundas, Ont. — one of the most influential administrators in Canadian golf history.

The golf community extends sincere condolences to Stephen’s wife, Janet; his four children – Stephanie (Dan), Andrew, Christopher (Stephanie) and Nicholas; grandchildren Savannah, Scarlett, Samantha, Isaiah, Sadie, Skylee and Sienna; and the entire extended Ross family.

An obituary with service details will be shared at a later date, once it becomes available.

A respected golf industry leader, Stephen Ross devoted more than 30-years of his life to the Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada), shaping the sport’s development in Canada with vision, integrity, and unmatched dedication.

In 2012, Ross was inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame and in 2013, the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) honoured him with its Distinguished Service Award.

Born on June 22, 1954, in Newmarket, Ont., and a graduate of the University of Western Ontario’s Richard Ivey School of Business, Ross began his career with the RCGA in 1977 as Assistant Amateur Tournament Director. He went on to serve as Director of Amateur Tournaments from 1980 to 1988 before being appointed Executive Director in 1989—a role he held with distinction for 18 years until 2007.

At the time of his passing, Ross and his family owned and operated the Oak Gables Golf Club and Country Club near Hamilton, Ont., continuing his lifelong commitment to nurturing the game.

Golf Ontario extends their heartfelt condolences to the Ross family, Stephen’s industry colleagues, and all who were touched by his remarkable life and career.

Golf Ontario championships will feature a refreshed logo system in 2026, designed to celebrate tradition while creating a stronger, more unified championship identity across the province. 

The new framework introduces a clear visual distinction between our major championships and non-major events, while maintaining consistency across the provincial calendar. 

Elevating Our Major Championships 

Beginning in 2026, Golf Ontario’s major championships will be represented by a bold trillium-inspired mark — a symbol deeply connected to the province and the traditions of amateur golf in Ontario. 

The new major championship design: 
• Celebrates Ontario through the trillium silhouette 
• Creates a distinctive, premium championship identity 
• Delivers strong visual impact across signage, apparel, and digital platforms 
• Reflects the prestige and history of our flagship events 

This approach ensures major championships stand apart while remaining aligned within the broader Golf Ontario brand system. 

“Our goal was to create something that feels unmistakably Ontario while giving each major championship a mark players and host clubs can take pride in,” says Golf Ontario’s manager of brand and communications, Greg Mitchell. “The trillium mark allows us to celebrate tradition while delivering a modern identity that works everywhere our championships show up — from digital platforms to signage and apparel.”

A Distinct Identity for Non-Major Championships 

Non-major championships will feature a refined shield-style logo that complements the trillium mark while establishing a clear tier distinction between event levels. 

The shield design: 
• Creates visual consistency across the broader championship schedule 
• Allows flexibility for event names and host club integration 
• Maintains strong readability across digital and on-site applications 
• Reinforces a cohesive championship system province-wide 

The result is a championship family that is unified in structure but clearly differentiated in level — helping players, partners, and host clubs immediately recognize the significance of each event. 

“From the competitions side, consistency across events is incredibly important, but so is clearly distinguishing our major championships,” says Golf Ontario’s director of competitions and rules, John Lawrence. “This new system gives us that balance — a unified look across the province, with a defined visual identity that reflects the level of each event.” 

Built for Every Platform 

The new logo system has been optimized for use across all championship touchpoints, including: 

• Tournament websites and registration platforms 
• Tee and on-site signage 
• Championship apparel and merchandise 
• Player gifting and awards 
• Social and digital promotions 

Each mark has been designed for use on both light and dark backgrounds, ensuring clarity and readability in every application. 

Looking Ahead to 2026 

As preparations continue for the 2026 season, these new championship marks will begin appearing across event communications, websites, and tournament materials. 

We look forward to seeing them come to life at courses throughout Ontario — marking a refined and unified visual identity for Golf Ontario championships for years to come. 

On behalf of Golf Ontario’s Board of Directors and Executive Team, we are pleased to invite members to attend our 2026 Annual General Meeting, which will be held virtually on Monday, February 23, 2026.

The meeting will take place from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. EST and will include both the formal business of the Association and featured presentations highlighting the past year and the road ahead.

Meeting Highlights

In addition to the official AGM agenda, attendees can look forward to:

• Messages from CEO Kyle McFarlane and Golf Ontario Board Chair Michael Lamontagne
• A “Year in Review” video montage celebrating the successes and key moments of the 2025 golf season across Ontario

AGM Materials & Notice of Meeting

The Notice of Meeting can be found on Page 5 of the complete AGM materials package. All materials will be available for download on our website.

The Notice of Meeting is located on Page No. 5 of the complete AGM materials package, available for download on our website by CLICKING HERE.

Registration and Proxy Voting

Members are asked to register their attendance and/or submit a proxy appointment using the secure credentials provided.

• Voting credentials will be emailed directly to the Voting Delegate on Monday, February 3, 2026
• Email sender: Golf Ontario
• Subject line: “AGM Proxy Ballot Request”
• Deadline to register or submit a proxy: 9:00 a.m. EST on February 20, 2026

Thank You

We thank our members and partners for their continued commitment to advancing the game of golf across the province. Your ongoing support plays a vital role in bringing Golf Ontario’s vision of Golf for All to life.

We look forward to your participation in the 2026 Annual General Meeting.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the golfer experience and supporting participation in the game across Ontario. Ontario-based AXGLO is known for its sleek design, durability, and functionality, offering both traditional push carts and battery-operated models trusted by golfers of all ages and skill levels—making walking the course more accessible, enjoyable, and efficient.

As part of the partnership, Golf Ontario members will have access to exclusive preferred pricing on AXGLO products, available directly through the AXGLO website. This member-only benefit reinforces Golf Ontario’s commitment to delivering tangible value to its membership, both on and off the course.

“As we continue to look for partners that align with our mission to grow the game and support golfers at every level, AXGLO is a natural fit,” said Chris Fry, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Golf Ontario. “Their focus on innovation, accessibility, and the walking game complements our commitment to making golf more inclusive and enjoyable for our members—while also delivering meaningful member benefits.”

In addition to the member offer, AXGLO will be on site at select Golf Ontario events throughout the summer, providing golfers with the opportunity to see, touch, and experience AXGLO products firsthand. These activations will take place across a range of Golf Ontario championships and member-focused events, allowing golfers to engage directly with the brand and learn more about the benefits of walking the course with a push cart.

Golf Ontario members can also connect with AXGLO in person this weekend at the Toronto Golf & Travel Show, where the brand will be showcasing its product lineup and sharing more about its partnership with Golf Ontario.

“We’re excited to partner with Golf Ontario and connect with golfers across the province,” said AXGLO’s Hanson Xie. “Ontario is home to a passionate walking-golf community, and we look forward to showcasing our products on site while offering exclusive value to Golf Ontario members.”

Walking the course is also one of the most accessible ways to enjoy the health benefits of golf. A full round can involve hours of low-impact physical activity, supporting cardiovascular health, balance, and mobility while promoting mental well-being through time spent outdoors. By making walking more comfortable and enjoyable, this partnership reinforces Golf Ontario’s commitment to golf as a lifelong, healthy activity for people of all ages and abilities.

Through the partnership, AXGLO will connect directly with Golf Ontario’s community of more than 135,000 members and over 500 member facilities across the province, supporting Golf Ontario initiatives while helping more golfers enjoy the game on their terms.

For details on the AXGLO member offer and upcoming on-site activations, visit golfontario.ca

The complete 2026 Golf Ontario Championship schedule is now available, including new event confirmations and registration details to help you prepare for the season ahead.

Whether you’re planning your competitive calendar or getting set to register, this guide has everything you need in one place.

What’s New Since the Initial Schedule Announcement

We’ve now confirmed additional details for the following 2026 championship events: 

• Ontario Junior Girls Spring Classic — Kawartha Golf & Country Club
• Ontario Super Camp Invitational — The Club at Bond Head – South Course

These events are now fully reflected in the championship schedule below

Each championship has a scheduled registration opening date. To help you stay on track, we’ve created a registration timeline for quick reference:

Player Checklist — Before Registration Opens

To ensure a smooth registration experience, please complete the following before your desired registration date: 

1. Check Your Golf Canada Score Centre Account
Your Score Centre login (username and password) is required to register. 

2. Verify Your Golf Canada Membership
Make sure your membership is active and does not expire before the championship dates. 

3. Update Your Profile Information
Confirm that your date of birth, address, phone number, and email are current in the Score Centre — this information syncs automatically with your tournament profile. 

4. Make Sure Your Handicap Index Is Current
Post season scores so your handicap index is up to date. Scores must have been posted within the past year to maintain eligibility for championship play.

Need Help Accessing Your Account?

If you need assistance with logging in or resetting your password: 

On the Score Centre login page, click “Forgot your password or username?”and follow the prompts.

If you still require support, contact Golf Ontario Member Support: membership@golfontario.ca

Stay Informed

We’ll continue to share updates, registration reminders, and highlights across our channels as more information becomes available.

Winter doesn’t have to mean stepping away from the game. Our Indoor Women’s Golf events are designed to help you keep progressing, stay active, and stay connected during the off-season.

If you joined us at an outdoor Women’s TRY or LEARN event last season, these indoor sessions are a natural next step. They build on what you’ve already started and help you maintain your swing and confidence until outdoor golf returns.

About the Events

Indoor Women’s Golf events are hosted at indoor facilities across Ontario. You’ll find the same supportive and social environment as our outdoor programs, just indoors. Sessions are relaxed, welcoming, and focused on continued development.

What to Expect

• Small-group, guided sessions led by professional coaches
• Time on modern golf simulators to reinforce fundamentals
• Interactive station rotations focused on confidence and consistency
• One free beverage during social time

Indoor Women’s Golf Schedule

• Thursday, February 12 — SO Golf Academy, Markham
• Wednesday, February 18 — Deer Creek, Ajax
• Tuesday, March 3 — The Clubhouse, London
• Thursday, March 5 — Tangle Creek, Thornton
• Monday, March 9 — Niagara Golf Lounge, Niagara
• Thursday, March 12 — SO Golf Academy, Markham
• Wednesday, March 18 — Deer Creek, Ajax
• Tuesday, March 24 — The Clubhouse, London
• Thursday, March 26 — Ace Track Golf, Aurora
• Wednesday, April 1 — Fore Golf Hamilton, Hamilton
• Monday, April 13 — Niagara Golf Lounge, Niagara
• Thursday, April 16 — Tangle Creek, Thornton
  

Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

For questions or more information, contact participation@golfontario.ca.

Learn more about Women’s Golf in Ontario and stay involved all year long.

Golf may be a seasonal sport outdoors—but in Ontario, golf never really stops.

As we kick off 2026, Golf Ontario is excited to spotlight the rapid growth of Off-Course opportunities across the province, helping golfers stay connected, competitive, and improving all winter long.

Play Golf Year-Round with Ontario’s Indoor Golf Community

Since launching in November 2025, Golf Ontario’s Off-Course Membership category has grown to include 60+ indoor golf facilities across Ontario. These facilities offer everything from state-of-the-art simulators to welcoming practice bays—giving golfers the chance to keep swinging, regardless of the weather.

Whether you’re looking to maintain your feel, work with a coach, or enjoy some friendly competition, indoor golf offers a flexible and fun way to stay engaged during the off-season.

Explore Winter Events on the Ontario Golf Events Hub

Ontario’s indoor golf scene is already buzzing. Nearly 40 winter events—and counting—have been submitted to the Ontario Golf Events Hub, including:

• Indoor leagues
• Coaching and lesson programs
• Tournaments and one-day competitions
• Skill-based challenges and practice sessions

With events happening across the province, golfers of all skill levels can find opportunities close to home.

Explore upcoming winter events on the Ontario Golf Events Hub

Find an Indoor Golf Facility Near You

Looking for a place to play or practice? Golf Ontario’s Indoor Golf Facility Directory makes it easy to find Off-Course member facilities near you, all part of Golf Ontario and Golf Canada’s growing indoor network.

Search the Indoor Golf Facility Directory

Make Winter Your Competitive Advantage

Winter golf isn’t just about staying sharp—it’s about building momentum for the season ahead. Indoor leagues, lessons, and events provide a great way to stay active, improve your skills, and stay connected to Ontario’s golf community year-round.

Don’t let winter slow your game down. Use the off-season to make 2026 your best golf season yet.

Every season on course brings fresh questions — and sometimes confusion — about how to apply the Rules of Golf during play. In 2025 the United States Golf Association (USGA) Rules team fielded nearly 20,000 queries from golfers just like you via phone, email and the USGA Rules of Golf app. From relief scenarios to accidental deflections and tricky in-play situations, the most common questions reveal where many players seek clarity on the Rules.

Whether you’re playing a weekend round with friends or chasing your best score in competition, understanding these situations can help you make better decisions — and keep your round moving. Here’s your guide to the most asked rules scenarios from 2025 and clear explanations straight from the USGA.

1. How to Take Free Relief from a Cart Path
One of the top questions golfers asked involved free relief from a cart path or other immovable obstruction. The Rules allow you to find the nearest point of complete relief — that’s the spot where your stance, swing and ball lie are no longer interfered with — and drop within one club-length of that spot, no closer to the hole. This spot must be in bounds and not in a bunker, penalty area or on the putting green.

2. Relief from Red and Yellow Penalty Areas
Penalty areas often cause uncertainty. For a ball in a yellow penalty area, you have two options: play under stroke and distance from your previous spot, or take back-on-the-line relief by dropping a ball on an imaginary line back from the hole. For a red penalty area, there’s a third option — lateral relief, allowing a drop within two club-lengths of where the ball last crossed the edge of the penalty area.

3. Accidental Deflections — No Penalty
If your ball in motion is accidentally deflected by your cart, your clubs, or even yourself, there is no penalty. The ball is played from where it comes to rest. This rule helps keep play fair and moving even when unexpected contact occurs during a stroke.

4. What Happens If You Move Your Ball During a Practice Swing?
Intent matters. If you accidentally move your ball during a practice swing on the putting green or in the teeing area, there’s no penalty. Outside those areas — like in the fairway or bunker — you incur one penalty stroke and must replace the ball on its original spot before continuing.

5. Play the Ball as It Lies — Course as It Is Found
The Rules reinforce two fundamental principles: play the ball as it lies and play the course as it is found. That means you can’t press down turf near your ball, move sand to improve a lie, or break branches to enhance your backswing if doing so improves your play. Some course care actions — like raking footprints in a bunker away from your ball — are allowed because they don’t improve your position.

At Golf Ontario, we believe that understanding the Rules of Golf enhances every player’s experience—on and off the course. Whether you are just interested in learning the Rules, a tournament player, a club professional, or a volunteer aspiring to become a provincial Referee, Golf Ontario is committed to providing educational services and tools for everyone to be Rules Ready. For more information about the Rules of Golf, CLICK HERE.

Golf Ontario is pleased to offer a first look at the 2026 Championship Schedule, showcasing a season built on momentum, expanded pathways, and greater access for athletes across Ontario. Spanning juniors to seniors, the lineup reflects our commitment to delivering competitive experiences that are meaningful, inclusive, and accessible to golfers throughout the province.

Championship Opportunities Across Ontario

The 2026 schedule reflects both the growth in participation and the ongoing evolution of Ontario’s competitive pathway. Spanning March through October, the calendar provides a balanced mix of major championships, developmental events, and inclusive competitions that honour the diversity of Ontario’s golfing community.

“As we look ahead to the 2026 season, I’m incredibly excited about the momentum building across our Competitions calendar,” says Golf Ontario’s Director of Competitions & Performance John Lawrence. “Golf Ontario produces a highly diverse championship schedule, delivering world-class competitions for golfers across the province. Our 2026 member facilities are ready to unveil yet another exceptional season, and we cannot thank them enough for their contributions.”

Key Championship Updates for 2026

Ontario U15 & U13 Championships Combine at Erie Shores’ Centennial Year

To celebrate its 100th Anniversary, Erie Shores Golf & Country Club will host the newly combined Ontario U15 & U13 Boys’ and Girls’ Championship.

Key updates include:

• 120-player field (84 U15 | 36 U13)
• U13 Champion crowned after 36 holes
• U15 Championship expands to 54 holes for the first time—an important step in the competitive pathway
• U13 competitors complete National Testing ID, reinforcing early-stage development focus
• Two local open qualifying opportunities will be added to the schedule, with additional exemptions allocated through junior tours

This combined format brings two cornerstone junior competitions together, while creating a stronger developmental progression during Erie Shores’ milestone season.

Men’s Senior Match Play Expands to a Round of 64

For the first time in its history, the Men’s Senior Match Play Championship will expand from a 32-player field to a Round of 64.

This enhancement increases player access and strengthens the competitive landscape for senior golfers. The larger field also elevates the Player of the Year Rankings, awarding points to more athletes and deepening competitive depth across the senior category.

Ontario Summer Games Return

The Region of Waterloo will host the 2026 Ontario Summer Games, bringing this marquee junior team competition back onto the Golf Ontario calendar.

Each Junior Golf Pathway Member Junior Tour will field a team of 6 boys and 3 girls, competing across a 54-hole, 3-round championship, awarding both team and individual titles.

The event remains a key pillar in Golf Ontario’s Junior Golf Pathway, showcasing top emerging players from across the province.

Featured Host Sites & Milestones

Otter Creek – Host of the 104th Ontario Men’s Amateur

Otter Creek Golf Club returns to host its third major provincial championship in six years, following the 2020 Ontario Men’s Amateur and 2024 Ontario Junior Boys’ Amateur.

Recent bunker restorations and course conditioning improvements have elevated the championship-standard presentation of the course, supporting the decision to return in 2026.

Notable past champions at Otter Creek include PGA TOUR player Cougar Collins and past Team Ontario standout Gabriel Mainella, underscoring the course’s track record as a proving ground for elite amateur golfers.

Islington Golf Club – First-Time Host of the Ontario Adaptive Championship

Islington Golf Club will host the Ontario Adaptive Championship for the first time in 2026, marking an important milestone in Golf Ontario’s commitment to inclusive competition and expanded playing opportunities for athletes of all abilities. With a strong championship pedigree and a welcoming environment for competitive golf, Islington becomes a key new venue in the continued growth of adaptive golf in Ontario.

2026 Championship Milestones

• Oakdale Golf & Country Club – 100th Anniversary
• Hosting the Men’s Four-Ball for the 67th time

• Sawmill Golf Course – 50th Anniversary
• Hosting the 2026 Ontario Junior Boys’ Amateur

• Maple City Country Club – 5th time hosting the Ontario Junior Girls’ Amateur

• Indigenous Ontario Championship – 5th Annual Event

• Pointe West Golf Club – Hosting its 3rd Major Championship in 7 years

• Ontario Women’s Amateur held in the Ottawa Valley for the first time in its event’s history

• Season launches March 17–18 in Myrtle Beach with the Ontario Junior Players Invitational
• Registration now live

Key Schedule Dates

Monday, January 26
Full 2026 Championship Schedule released
Qualifier Schedule (dates & host sites) posted

Monday, February 2
Tournament websites updated & available
Eligibility information posted for all championships and qualifiers

Friday, February 13 at 12:00 p.m.
Registration opens for championships and qualifiers
Staggered entry schedule continues as additional host sites are finalized

Golf Ontario is thrilled to celebrate the momentum heading into an outstanding 2026 season. Our commitment to delivering exceptional championship experiences—for athletes, families, coaches, and member facilities—continues to guide our mission of Shaping Lives Through Golf.

For more information about the 2026 Golf Ontario Championship Schedule, please email tournaments@golfontario.ca

With more than a century of history and a membership of over 135,000 golfers, Golf Ontario is one of the most established and influential golf associations in the world. Our organization is dedicated to growing the game, strengthening the provincial golf community, and working closely with golfers, clubs, and industry partners to inspire people of all ages to play more golf, more often.

If you’re motivated to help shape a more inclusive and impactful future for the sport, we invite you to get involved. Whether your interests lie in community engagement, athlete development, events, or expanding access to the game, Golf Ontario offers meaningful opportunities to make a difference.

Our 2026 internship positions range from Editorial & Content to Junior Performance and Tournament Operations. They are now posted on the Golf Ontario Job Opportunities page. Each role provides hands-on experience and the opportunity to contribute directly to our programs and championships.

Applicants are encouraged to apply before January 5th and to carefully follow the instructions outlined in each posting. If you need assistance, please contact us at HumanResources@golfontario.ca

Visit our Job Opportunities page, explore the available roles, and submit your application today. Begin your journey toward an exciting summer in the golf industry.