Disability golf has made a significant difference in my life. Four years ago, my brother encouraged me to sign up for the Ontario Open. At the time, I was struggling deeply with one of my lifelong disabilities. While you might look at me and not see someone with a disability—and growing up around only able-bodied people, I didn’t see myself that way either—I had been silently dealing with challenges that made many things, including golf, very difficult. Travelling by plane was out of the question, and even attending local tournaments in Ontario felt overwhelming.

About a week before my first round, my father passed away. My entire family was away at the time, and I was ready to withdraw. But my brother returned from his trip and convinced me to play. In that round, I was paired with Kurtis Barkley, the defending champion and a top-10-ranked golfer on the G4D Tour. Somehow, I shot my best-ever score—a 66, closing with birdie-eagle, with thoughts of my dad guiding that final putt.

After my first tee shot, Kurtis asked, “Have you heard about the G4D Tour?” He went on to explain how disability golf is growing, with the DP World Tour now hosting 8 to 10 events annually that showcase some of the best adaptive golfers in the world. I already knew I had surgery coming up to address the disability I’d been managing most of my life, and despite the grief I was carrying, I felt a sense of renewed opportunity.

My second-place finishes in both the Ontario and Canadian championships quickly pushed me into the top 30. My goal was to crack the top 10 and earn an invitation to play on the G4D Tour—something I’d long dreamed of, just to see how I’d measure up against the world’s best.

That fall, the R&A and the DP World Tour announced the inaugural G4D Open. I registered as soon as I could. My surgery was in December 2022, and while the disability is now more manageable, I hadn’t travelled in a long time. I kept the trip short—just a quick flight to the tournament and back.

The tournament was a great success. I finished in the top 15 and made new friends during both practice and competition. While I didn’t earn the high finish I’d hoped for or break into the top 10, I was proud of how I played and grateful for the sense of belonging I felt among fellow adaptive golfers.

From these experiences, I’ve learned that playing alongside others with disabilities has given me permission to take the time I need before every shot. Living with multiple invisible disabilities, I’ve always tried not to get in anyone’s way—not to let my hearing loss, hand dexterity challenges, or other conditions slow things down. During golf tournaments, that mindset would often cause me to rush, leading to mistakes. Disability golf has helped me realize it’s okay to take the time and space I need to perform my best.

Golf Ontario is proud to share a guest blog from Chris Willis—an adaptive golfer whose story speaks to the transformative impact of the game.

This week, Willis blogs from Woburn Golf Club in United Kingdom as he competes in the 2025 G4D Open, sharing his thoughts on what this event—and this path—has meant to him.

The countdown is on for one of the most distinguished events on Golf Ontario’s calendar—the 2025 Champion of Champions, set for Wednesday, May 14th at The Club at Bond Head.  This annual championship brings together many of the province’s top competitors for a day that celebrates achievement, competition, and provincial pride.

A Celebration of Club Champions

This year’s championship will welcome a full field of 240 players, with 120 playing on each course. Competitors will take on 18 holes of stroke play, with shotgun starts at 12:00 p.m. and 12:15 p.m. The North Course will feature the Men’s, Women’s, and Junior Boys’ divisions, while the South Course will host the Senior Men, Senior Women, and Junior Girls. ​With club champions from all corners of Ontario and talent spread across both courses, the stage is set for an exciting and memorable day of competition.

“The event celebrates our member club champions from each of their respective divisions,” says Rob Watson, Tournament Director. “It’s the largest one-day event we hold, with 236 golfers currently registered.”

Watson notes that the roster includes champions from six divisions: Men’s, Women’s, Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s, Junior Boys, and Junior Girls—highlighting the depth, diversity, and strength of competition within Golf Ontario’s membership.

👉Click here for full player roster: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11291891267035777202

Who to Watch

Returning champions:

• Lynn Lean of Spring Lakes Golf Club won the Senior Women’s division after a 12-over-par 84 in 2024 Champion of Champions.

• Julia Alexander-Carew of Credit Valley Golf and Country Club won the Junior Girls’ division after an even-par 72 in the 2024 Champion of Champions.

• Robert Gibson of Cedar Brae Golf Club won the Senior Men’s division after a 2-under-par 70 in 2024 Champion of Champions.
  

Stay Connected

For pairings, live scoring, and post-round results, follow along at https://www.golfontario.ca, and keep an eye on Golf Ontario’s social channels throughout the day for updates from the course.

In a ceremony steeped in pride and tradition, Canadian golf legends were celebrated as the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame etched a new chapter in history.

Four new inductees were honoured with a place in the Hall of Fame, while a renowned Ontario photographer accepted a prominent media award during the ceremony, which saw more than 100 in attendance at Wooden Sticks Golf Club.

Revered presenter and sports broadcaster Rod Black returned as the host of the ceremonies, steering the evening with warmth and festivity. The event began with Mike Lamontagne, Chair of Golf Ontario, taking the stage to officially welcome guests and open the ceremony.

In the Builder Category, Archie Berube, Grant Fraser, and Charles Blair Macdonald were honoured for their transformative contributions to the game of golf in Ontario.

Berube spent decades revitalizing the Northern Golf Association through rebelling leadership, cheerful engagement, and influential collaboration with Golf Ontario. Berube has been a driving force in Northern Ontario golf for over 25 years, as he continues to create a lasting legacy through his efforts and unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for future generations.

Fraser, a trailblazer in golf management education, created Ontario’s first Professional Golf Management program and founded Canada’s only online golf management institute. For over 30 years, he has shaped the next generation of golf industry leaders through national and international instruction, award-winning media contributions, and leadership roles with Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada, and the Canadian Junior Golf Association. His forward-thinking approach and passion for golf and education have made a profound impact on the growth and professionalism of the game in Ontario.

Macdonald, born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, was remembered as the “Father of Golf Course Architecture.” He designed the first 18-hole golf course and achieved major championship success as a player. Though his legacy is widely recognized across North America, his roots in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and his early contributions to the sport have left a lasting impact on the development of golf in the province. His vision and influence helped shape the foundation of modern golf in Ontario and beyond. 

In the Player Category, Alena Sharp was inducted as one of Canada’s most accomplished professional golfers. With a standout career on the LPGA Tour spanning over 20 years, she represented Canada at the 2016 Olympics and competed in more than 300 LPGA events. Her achievements and commitment have motivated countless future generations of female golfers in Ontario, Canada, and beyond.

Finally, Doug Ball, the legendary photographer, was recognized with the 2025 Lorne Rubenstein Media Award. Born in 1946, Ball constructed a tremendous career capturing defining moments in golf —from Tiger Woods’ 1997 Masters win to Mike Weir’s iconic 2003 Masters victory, a moment of tremendous pride for Ontario and Canadian golf. His profound connection to the sport and ability to preserve its most powerful stories through his lens make him one of the country’s most esteemed pictorial storytellers.

The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is proud to celebrate the devotion and pridefulness that each recipient carries, on and off the golf course. Their contributions, whether through leadership, education, playing excellence, or storytelling, have helped shape the past, present, and future of the game in Ontario. We honour their legacy and thank them for inspiring generations to come.

Founded in 2000 by the Ontario Golf Association and the Ontario Ladies’ Golf Association, The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognizing extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in the game of golf in Ontario. Their contributions, whether through leadership, education, playing excellence, or storytelling, have helped shape the past, present, and future of the game in Ontario.

Junior golf in Ontario isn’t just about tee times — it’s where young talent begins to take shape.

Across the province, regional tours allow junior players aged 6 to 18 to compete, improve their skills, and fall in love with the game. These programs, whether in the heart of the GTA, along the shores of Lake Erie, or in northern regions, are building more than just swings; they are also developing character. With an emphasis on skill development, sportsmanship, and personal growth, Ontario’s junior golf environment is shaping the next generation of champions on and off the course.

Ontario has an extensive network of junior golf tours, several of which have become important parts of their local communities. The Junior Tyson Tour, established in 1968, holds the distinction of being Canada’s oldest junior golf tour and it continues to provide a competitive and inviting atmosphere for young players in the London region. Similarly, the Hamilton Halton Junior Golf Tour, founded in 1984, was Ontario’s first structured junior tour and remains a premier platform for high-level competition among players aged 10 to 18.

Across the province, tours such as the Niagara District Junior Tour, Simcoe County Junior Golf Tour, Pepsi Titleist Junior Tour, North Eastern Junior Golf Tour, and Lambton Golf Tour, among many others, give junior golfers a regional stage to test their skills, elevate their game, and proudly represent their communities.

At the core of Ontario’s junior golf development is the Junior Golf Pathway, a structured program that guides young players from recreational beginnings to high-level competitive opportunities. Designed for athletes who want to improve, the pathway offers guidance on tournament selection, access to quality coaching, and support for long-term development in the sport. It includes four progressive levels: Emerging, Advancing, Competitive, and Performance. Each stage reflects a player’s development and level of commitment. As athletes gain experience and grow their skills, the pathway helps them transition from learning the fundamentals to competing at provincial, national, and even international levels. At every stage, the focus remains on building confident, well-rounded players who are prepared for success.

For Golf Ontario, junior tours are more than just a series of events, they are a vital part of shaping the future of the sport. As Alexandra Taylor, Manager of Junior Performance, explains, these tours form a foundational piece of the Junior Golf Pathway by providing the structure young players need to develop key skills and confidence. “Junior tours matter because they are where it all starts,” she says. “They help young players fall in love with the game, learn to compete, and begin charting their path, whether toward provincial teams, post-secondary golf, or a lifelong passion for the sport”. These tours play a central role in the Junior Golf Pathway by providing meaningful opportunities for competition, connection, and growth.

As Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane adds, the Junior Golf Pathway is designed to act as the bridge between early participation in regional tours and long-term development in the sport. “These tours offer structured, age-appropriate competition that allows athletes to test their skills, learn from their experiences, and measure their progress,” he says. “They’re often the first step for players aspiring to move through our Junior Golf Pathway and into provincial championships.” He emphasizes that the impact of junior tours extends beyond competition. “They also contribute to Golf Ontario’s mission of ‘Shaping Lives Through Golf,” McFarlane says. “Junior tours don’t just develop great golfers—they create moments that build character, confidence, and lifelong skills on and off the course.”

This vision aligns closely with Golf Ontario’s broader mission of shaping lives through golf and its commitment to ‘Golf for All’, ensuring that every young athlete has access to meaningful, inclusive experiences that foster personal development, a love for the game, and a lasting connection to the sport.

From the first tee to the provincial stage, Ontario’s junior golf tours and the Junior Golf Pathway provide young athletes with the tools to grow, compete, and thrive. Rooted in community and backed by a commitment to long-term development, these programs are not only shaping future champions but also creating positive experiences that last a lifetime. With every swing, junior golfers across the province are building the foundation for a strong, confident, and a connected future in the game.

To learn more or find a junior tour near you, visit https://juniorgolfpathway.ca/  

The spark of a new idea among friends at last year’s Canadian Women’s Mid-Am in B.C. has blossomed into a meaningful new tradition.

On May 11, a group of passionate and skilled women golfers will gather at Cutten Fields in Guelph for the inaugural Crown Invitational—an exciting event launching to reignite women’s mid-amateur golf in Ontario.

The Crown Invitational is rooted in love for the game, shared purpose, and spirited competition. It was created by a player-led committee of five committed women golfers—Alexandra Taylor, Jessie Mercer, Emily Phoenix, Mary Beth McKenna, and Meredith Fairbairn—who united around a common goal: to bring their vision to life. At the heart of their mission is a commitment to helping women reconnect with competitive golf.

“We were all together at the Canadian Mid-Am in B.C. when the idea came up—we just thought, why not host something ourselves?” says Taylor.

That moment of inspiration turned into the first step in making the event a reality. The committee envisioned a welcoming and accessible tournament for women who may have stepped away from competitive golf after their junior or collegiate years.

“The idea was to create a mid-am invitational that could bring women back into competitive golf—especially those who played in college or as juniors,” she explains.

With 13 players registered for this year’s inaugural event, the field will feature four groups—meeting the team’s initial goal and laying the foundation for future growth.

“There are 13 registered this year. Our goal was four groups—and to build on that each year,” adds Taylor.

The format is designed to balance structure and inclusivity. A and B teams will be assigned for the better ball competition, with an additional individual scoring category.

“We’ll have A and B teams for the better ball, plus an individual category as well,” says Taylor.

Cutten Fields has a long-standing tradition of hosting major tournaments. But to Steve Bryant, Director of Golf, this event holds personal significance.

“We’re usually the ones who host major tournaments,” Bryant said, “but we’re always happy to help out—especially when a Cutten Fields member like Mary Beth steps forward.”

Mary Beth McKenna, a Cutten Fields member and the event’s lead organizer, said the idea came from recognizing the lack of opportunities for women to continue playing competitive golf after university.

“Life becomes busy after school,” she shared, “and there are limited opportunities for women to remain actively involved competitively.”

From the setting at Cutten Fields to the thoughtfully crafted format, every element of the event has been intentionally designed. The goal is to create a supportive and fun environment that encourages women to return to competition—without the stress of rankings or qualifications.

The Crown Invitational and its mission reflect Golf Ontario’s vision of Golf For All—”We shape lives by connecting people to positive golf experiences”—by offering welcoming, inclusive spaces for golfers of all backgrounds, abilities, and life stages. This event exemplifies what it means to build a sense of belonging in golf: breaking down competitive barriers and welcoming women back to the course to play the game they love.

The Invitational paves the way for continued participation and long-term growth in the women’s game. Even in its first year, the Crown Invitational is poised to become a lasting, player-first tradition—seamlessly combining camaraderie and competition for women in golf.

We’re excited to announce that the 2025 Women’s Try and Learn schedule is now live.

Whether you’re brand new to golf or looking to dust off the clubs after some time away, our Try and Learn events offer the perfect, welcoming environment to tee it up. No previous experience or equipment is needed — just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to have fun!

What to Expect:

• A fun, relaxed atmosphere designed for beginners
• Professional instruction to help you build confidence
• Friendly, supportive group settings
• Equipment provided (or bring your own if you prefer)
• A chance to make new friends and discover the joy of golf

Our 2025 schedule features Try and Learn events across Ontario, making it easy to find a location that’s convenient for you.

View the Full 2025 Women’s Try and Learn Schedule

Spaces are limited and spots fill up fast — don’t wait to register!

Scarborough, ON — This past weekend, Golf Ontario launched the season in style with the inaugural 1000 Ball Challenge Kickoff Event at Toronto’s premier indoor golf facility Metro Golf Sportsplex. The energy, excitement, and community spirit that filled the venue made it clear: the 1000 Ball Challenge is ready to soar to new heights in 2025.

A Day of Fun, Competition, and Giving Back

Over 100 passionate golfers gathered for a thrilling day packed with lively golf action, contests, incredible prizes, music, and a delicious lunch. The atmosphere buzzed with enthusiasm as players teed off and connected over their shared love for the game — all while supporting a great cause. Every dollar raised from the event will directly benefit Golf Ontario’s GOLF FOR ALL Fund, helping to break down barriers and create more inclusive golf opportunities across the province.

“It was amazing to see so many people come together to support the GOLF FOR ALL Fund and kickoff the 1000 Ball Challenge with such energy,” said Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane. “A great turnout, and the positive spirit throughout the day was truly inspiring.”

Participants left not only with memories of great shots and friendly competition but also with the pride of knowing they were making a difference in the future of golf.

Celebrating Our Contest Winners

Congratulations to all our contest winners who brought their best swings and skills to the competition!

• Doane Grant Thornton – Winner of the Target Contest
• Doane Grant Thornton – Winner of the Women’s Longest Drive
• RISE Bogey League – Winner of the Men’s Longest Drive

Your performances added an extra layer of excitement to an already incredible day!

New and Familiar Faces

This year’s kickoff event saw an amazing 30 groups registered and welcomed over 100 golfers to Metro Golf Sportsplex. Even more exciting, 36 individuals attended their very first Golf Ontario event, showcasing the growing enthusiasm and reach of the 1000 Ball Challenge. The vibrant mix from those in the Golf Ontario circle like Senior Men’s Champion Rob Gibson, Adaptive Champion Chris Willis and chapters from the LPGA Amateurs of Ontario and first-timers helped create an unforgettable atmosphere full of energy, camaraderie, and fun.

Thank You to Metro Golf Sportsplex

A huge thank you Jim Tsakalos and Jenn Topos and all the staff at the Metro Golf Sportsplex for hosting us at their world-class indoor golf facility. The venue’s spacious layout, cutting-edge technology, and welcoming environment set the perfect stage for an event of this calibre.

This week, Golf Ontario is proud to celebrate National Volunteer Week 2025 and its theme: Volunteers Make Waves. The theme highlights the incredible impact of volunteer efforts across Canada—just like a wave, volunteering is a powerful force for change.

At Golf Ontario, we know that our success simply wouldn’t be possible without the dedication, passion, and professionalism of our volunteers. From supporting our Championships and Qualifiers to ensuring Ontario’s courses are accurately rated, your contributions make a lasting impact on golfers and communities across the province.

This past season, volunteers stepped up in many important roles:

• Tournament Officials helped manage more than 100 qualifiers and championships, overseeing everything from registration to scoring and pace of play.
• Referees—who complete Golf Canada’s Level 2 rules education—brought their deep knowledge of the Rules of Golf to ensure fair competition.
• Course Raters visited up to 70 courses annually, helping maintain accurate course ratings across Ontario through both classroom and on-course training.

As we head into another exciting golf season, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for everything you do. Your commitment, energy, and love for the game help us continue to Shape Lives Through Golf. One volunteer can make a difference—but together, you create a wave of positive change.

Thank you for making waves with us!

Looking for your next scramble? Want to join a fun local league? Curious about tournaments or charity events happening near you? We’ve got you covered.

Golf Ontario is proud to introduce the new Ontario Golf Events Hub — a one-stop online calendar where golfers can explore events happening at golf clubs all across the province.

From member/guest tournaments to mixed scrambles, charity classics to league nights — if it’s happening at an Ontario course, you’ll find it here.

Why the Hub?

Ontario’s golf community is buzzing with activity, but until now, there hasn’t been a centralized place where golfers could easily find out what’s going on. The Hub solves that — making it easier for you to find great events, play more golf, and support local clubs.

With more than 250 events already on the Hub, clubs that use Golf Genius can publish events directly to the Hub, and those who don’t can still participate with a quick form submission.

Want to Add an Event?

Are you organizing a charity tournament, league night, or fun scramble at your local club? Golfers and Golf Ontario members can help grow the calendar too.

If your club hasn’t submitted the event yet, you can send us the details and we’ll follow up. Just use this form:

Submit an Event to the Hub

It’s a great way to help more players discover the game — and make sure your event gets the attention it deserves.

How to Use It

Just visit the Ontario Golf Events Hub and browse events by: Date; Region; Club; Event type (scramble, league, charity, etc.).

Help Spread the Word

Are you a member at a club? Ask your pro shop or tournament organizer to get their events on the Hub! It’s free and open to all Golf Ontario member facilities.

Let’s tee up more opportunities to connect, compete, and celebrate this amazing game — together.

Golfers across Ontario and beyond have an exciting opportunity to tee it up at top courses—while supporting the very people who keep those courses in great shape.

The Rounds for Research auction, spearheaded by the GCSAA and supported locally by the Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association (OGSA), is now open for bidding. The auction features rounds donated by golf courses from across North America, including several here in Ontario.

When you bid on rounds at Ontario courses, proceeds directly benefit OGSA and its ongoing work in turf research, education, and advocacy—ensuring the long-term sustainability of the game we all love.

Visit the auction site now and bid on some amazing courses here in Ontario.