Sawmill Golf Course to Host Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys and Girls Championship

Fenwick, ON – As the Golf Ontario season rolls along, we welcome the 2023 Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys and Girls Championship to Sawmill Golf Course from August 21-22. Ontario’s best up-and-coming male and female talents will take to the course and compete in 36-holes of stroke play.

This year’s competition looks to be promising as 90 players (60 boys and 30 girls) battle it out for their respective titles. This week also features special milestones as the Ontario Bantam Boys Championship enters its 100th year running while the Ontario Bantam Girls Championship enters its 20th year.

Leading the way for the bantam girls is Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club), who has had a phenomenal season so far, winning all major junior girls’ titles, including the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship just two weeks ago. The field will also include Evelyn Ma, who recently won the Ontario Peewee (U13) Girls’ Championship. Ava Gilbart (Summit Golf & Country Club) and Andrea Lai (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club) are also players to watch on the girls’ side.

The bantam boys also have some interesting names to watch out for, such as Max Li (Station Creek Golf Club), Bo Dong, Brayden Card (Galt Country Club) and Vasili Gianakas (The National Golf Club of Canada).

Sawmill Golf Course brings a challenge to all competitors involved, with narrow fairways to drive to and fast and large greens to make putts off of. Sawmill also has a memorable history of hosting Golf Ontario events, such as last year’s Junior Girls’ Spring Classic.

“The Sawmill family, that represents the Julie’s, our staff, and our members, are absolutely thrilled to host the 2023 Bantam Championship,” said Co-Director of Golf, Carrie Julie. “To be chosen to host the tournament is an honor and something we take very seriously from the welcome signs, to having the best volunteers, to the food offerings, and most importantly, to the golf course conditions.  Our team of staff and volunteers are ready to welcome Ontario’s best players and their families to Sawmill.”

The first round gets underway at Sawmill Golf Club on Monday, August 21st with the first tee-offs at 9:00 a.m. The boys tee-off from the first hole while the girls tee-off on the tenth. To view all round one start times, pairings and tournament results, visit the tournament website.

About The Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys’ Championship

The Ontario Bantam (U15) Boys’ Championship has a rich history of excellence. First contested in 1923, the championship features the province’s top male golfers, 15 and under, competing for the James H. Peacock Trophy. Past Champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Bob Panasiuk (1955) and Kelly Roberts (1966), as well as Team Canada National Amateur Squad member Johnny Travale (2015).

About The Ontario Bantam (U15) Girls’ Championship

The Ontario Bantam (U15) Girls’ Championship features the province’s top female golfers, 15 and under, competing for the Cathy Sherk Trophy. Many past champions have gone on to represent Team Ontario and Team Canada. Notable past champions include Jennifer Kirby, Augusta James, and Chloe Currie.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

For more information, please contact:

Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario

GMitchell@gao.ca

Alyssa Stoddart, Tournament Director

astoddart@gao.ca

Golf Ontario

2023 Indigenous Ontario Championship Recognizes Multiple Champions

With sunny skies and pristine fairways, the 2023 Indigenous Ontario Championship concluded today at Monthill G&CC. After 54 holes it was ultimately Ky Horn (Mohawks of Kahnawake) who captured the men’s overall championship and Cheryl Mitchell (Walpole Island First Nation) in the women’s overall division. 

The entire event turned out to be a memorable experience for everyone involved. From rain delays to mid tournament ceremonies, the 2nd annual Indigenous Ontario Championship featured over 41 first nations groups from across the country as well as participants from the USA.

Ky Horn (Mowhawks of Kahnawake) showed off some spectacular golf through the 3 day bout. He shot a great 218 and on the final day was able to secure the win shooting 75. In second was Ian Ford (Lac Seul First Nations) who ended his final day shooting 77. 

Women’s winner and two-time champion Cheryl Mitchell (Walpole Island First Nation) ended the tournament shooting a total of 236 with scores of 78, 79 and 79.  In second place was Melanie Burgess (Matachewan First Nation) just five strokes back over three days at 241.

Huge thanks to the DreamCatcher Charitable Foundation for teaming up with Monthill Golf Club to raise awareness. As a collective they were able to raise twenty-two thousand dollars for the foundation. Thanks to everyone who supported this effort. We’re incredibly grateful for your partnership in driving positive change.

The day wrapped up with closing ceremonies, including speeches and plenty of smiles and applause from the hundreds viewing from around the beautiful clubhouse. Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2023 Indigenous Ontario Championship. Many thanks to Monthill and their incredible team for hosting this memorable event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners for investing in the growth of the game and our vision of Golf For All. 

Make sure to visit the tournament website for the full leaderboard and information. For pictures please check out our Facebook album.

About the Indigenous Ontario Championship:

The Indigenous Ontario Championship is a 54 hole competition open to men and women of all ages. The championship features a Gross division and a Net Stableford division and also recognizes the top junior and senior players. Golf Ontario has worked closely with Indigenous leaders to ensure this event provides players and spectators with a memorable provincial championship experience. The championship will bring awareness to the growth of the game of golf and the impact it has on the communities.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

For more information, please contact:

John Lawrence, Director, Competitions and Performance, Golf Ontario
JLawrence@gao.ca

Kyrinis Crowned 2023 Ontario Senior Women’s Champion

Minesing, ON – On a perfect summer day at Vespra Hills Golf Club, Judith Kyrinis (Granite Golf Club) captured her fifth Ontario Senior Women’s Championship title. Kyrinis joins elite company as a five-time winner of this championship.  

Kyrinis stayed on top of the Championship Flight leaderboard from start to finish thanks to three fantastic rounds, which saw her make clutch putts at the right times. Kyrinis shot a 73 in the final round to clinch the victory, finishing three strokes ahead of both Terrill Samuel (Weston Golf & Country Club) and Mary Ann Hayward (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club).

Despite a close second place finish, both Samuel and Hayward ended up going to a sudden death playoff hole to determine the winner of the 60 & Above division. In the end, Samuel defeated Hayward by one shot and will be going home with some hardware after all.

Congratulations to other winners of the day, which include Lorraine Elijah (Echo Valley Golf Club), who won the A Flight Gross division after shooting a 76 in the final round. Elijah finished a convincing eight strokes up on Susan Bell (Summit Golf & Country Club). Elijah also won the A Flight Net division by one stroke on Vespra Hills’ own Ann Sullivan. Shelly Gianetto (Midland Golf & Country Club) finished as the winner of the 70 & Above division by one stroke ahead of Virginia L. Marshall (Westmont Golf & Country Club) and two strokes ahead of Roma Harris (Seaforth Golf Course).

Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2023 Ontario Senior Women’s Championship. We would also like to thank Vespra Hills Golf Club for hosting this meaningful event, as well as the support from their staff and board of directors towards the players throughout these three days.

Lastly, a huge thank you to all Golf Ontario sponsors; Adidas, TaylorMade, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, Solo Golf, and Tournkey. We are grateful for your continued support.

About the Ontario Senior Women’s Championship

The inaugural Ontario Senior Women’s Championship was conducted in 1962 and has been contested annually, featuring the province’s best female amateurs age 50 and over.

The event has had several notable past champions, including World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, who captured the title six times. Also, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Gayle Borthwick, also picked up the trophy six times. Recent winners include Ivy Steinberg (2008 and 2009), Terrill Samuel (2011) as well as Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Mary Ann Hayward (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2019) and 2017 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Champion Judith Kyrinis (2016, 2017, 2018).

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

For media coverage of the 2023 Ontario Senior Women’s Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums.

For more information, please contact:

Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario

GMitchell@gao.ca

Rob Watson, Tournament Director

rwatson@gao.ca

Skyesong and Horn lead heading into the final day of the Indigenous Ontario Championship

Six Nations, ON- Wet conditions and cooler temperatures greeted players today at the second round of the Indigenous Ontario Championship at Monthill G&CC. The weather did little to dampen the spirits of both the players and the attendees, as they showcased unwavering resilience that resulted in an action-packed day.After the second round completed, the men’s overall field was cut from 90 players to 45 and ties. On the other side, the women’s overall division was cut from 25 to 12 and ties.

In the women’s overall division, Alexis Skyesong of (Alexis Nakoda Sioux Nation) moved into first place after shooting a 1-over (73) which included four birdies. Moving down into second play was Cheryl Mitchell of (Walpole Island First Nation) as she finished her second round with a 7-over (79). Kathryn Corbiere of (M’Chigeeng First Nation) maintained her spot in third place having shot a 9-over (81).

Heading over to the men’s overall division, after getting off to a slow start, Ky Horn of (Mohawks of Kahnawakewas) was able to bounce back and keep his lead after shooting a 3-over (75). His second round featured two birdies and an eagle. Staying in second place is Ian Ford (Lac Seul First Nations) after shooting 1-over (73). Ford looks to stake his claim at the title come the final round tomorrow. Moving up into third place is last year’s men’s overall champion, John Monture of (Mohawk – Six Nations of the Grand River) who shot a 3-over (75) to jump ahead in the leaderboard.

In recognizing the achievements of the competitors, awards were given to various sub categories. Winning the award for the Junior Boys division was Lucas Rogers of (Kettle and Stony Point). On the women’s side, Savana Smith of (Delaware Nation) captured the title for Junior Girls and the Women’s Net overall. Kathy Jamieson of (Six Nations) was recognized for winning the Senior Women’s division.

The final round gets underway tomorrow morning with tee times beginning at 8am off the first tee. Make sure to visit the tournament website for the full leaderboard and tee times. For pictures please check out our Facebook album.

About the Indigenous Ontario Championship:

The Indigenous Ontario Championship is a 54 hole competition open to men and women of all ages. The championship features a Gross division and a Net Stableford division and also recognizes the top junior and senior players. Golf Ontario has worked closely with Indigenous leaders to ensure this event provides players and spectators with a memorable provincial championship experience. The championship will bring awareness to the growth of the game of golf and the impact it has on the communities.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for the full leaderboard. For pictures please visit our Facebook album.

For more information, please contact:

John Lawrence, Director, Competitions and Performance, Golf Ontario
JLawrence@gao.ca

Kyrinis Stays in First Place After Two Rounds at Ontario Senior Women’s Championship; Day 2 Recap

Minesing, ON – Despite a cloudy and gloomy second day at Vespra Hills Golf Club, the camaraderie and friendly competition in the field made up for it in round two of the Ontario Senior Women’s Championship. In a round that was crucial before tomorrow’s finale, players competed at their hardest in an attempt to climb the leaderboards.

On the back of a terrific second round performance, Judith Kyrinis (Granite Golf Club) takes a commanding lead in the Championship Flight division into tomorrow’s final round after shooting an even par 70 in round two. Kyrinis leads Terrill Samuel (Weston Golf & Country Club) by five strokes and Mary Ann Hayward (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club) by nine. Hayward shot 76 today while Samuel, who leads the 60 & Over division by four strokes, shot a 74 on the day.

The A Flight division has become very intense. Rising to the top of the leaderboard was Vespra Hills’ own Ann Sullivan, who bounced back tremendously in the second round, shooting a 75 after shooting an 86 yesterday. Sullivan leads by two strokes over Lorraine Elijah (Echo Valley Golf Club) and Susan Bell (Summit Golf & Country Club), who are both tied for second after Bell shot an 87 while Elijah also had a great second round shooting 75.

The 70 & Over division is also tightening up as Shelly Gianetto (Midland Golf & Country Club) and Virginia L. Marshall (Westmont Golf & Country Club) share a tie for the lead. Not far behind them is Roma Harris (Seaforth Golf Course), who trails by just one stroke.

The third and final round of the Ontario Senior Women’s Championship gets underway at Vespra Hills Golf Club with the first tee-off set for 7:30 a.m. tomorrow morning. To view round three starting times, pairings and tournament results, visit the tournament website powered by Golf Genius.

About the Ontario Senior Women’s Championship

The inaugural Ontario Senior Women’s Championship was conducted in 1962 and has been contested annually, featuring the province’s best female amateurs age 50 and over.

The event has had several notable past champions, including World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, who captured the title six times. Also, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Gayle Borthwick, also picked up the trophy six times. Recent winners include Ivy Steinberg (2008 and 2009), Terrill Samuel (2011) as well as Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Mary Ann Hayward (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2019) and 2017 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Champion Judith Kyrinis (2016, 2017, 2018).

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

For media coverage of the 2023 Ontario Senior Women’s Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums.

For more information, please contact:

Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario

GMitchell@gao.ca

Rob Watson, Tournament Director

rwatson@gao.ca

Mitchell and Horn lead after Round 1 of the Indigenous Ontario Championship

Six Nations, ON- The eagerly anticipated 2023 Indigenous Ontario Championship kicked off with a flourish earlier today at Montill G&CC, showcasing both remarkable golfing skills and a deep connection to tradition. Over 110 Indigenous golfers from across North America came together to compete in a championship that celebrates their heritage and passion for the game. The opening round provided a captivating display of talent, camaraderie, and cultural pride.

Leading the way in the men’s overall division is Ky Horn of (Mohawks of Kahnawake) after a tremendous 4-under (68) opening round including three birdies and one eagle. Having only made one bogey the whole round, Horn looks to maintain his momentum going into the second day of the Indigenous Ontario Championship. Close behind is Ian Ford of (Lac Seul First Nations) finishing his first round at even par. Having made four birdies and four bogeys in his first round, Ford looks to find consistency in his game heading into tomorrow. Aiden Deng of (Muskoday First Nation) and George Kosch (Abenaki) are currently tied for third place having both shot 2-over (74).

Switching over to the women’s overall division, defending champion Cheryl Mitchell (Walpole Island First Nation) leads the way after shooting an opening round six-over (78) with two birdies and eight par’s. One shot behind in second place is Skyesong Alexis of (Alexis Nakoda Sioux Nation) who shot a 7-over (79) to finish her first round. In third place is Kathryn Corbiere of (M’Chigeeng First Nation) who looks to stake her claim at the top spot going into tomorrow after shooting an 8-over (80) in round one.

Round 2 gets underway tomorrow morning with tee times beginning at 8am off the first and tenth tees. Make sure to visit the tournament website for the full leaderboard and tee times. For pictures please check out our Facebook album.

About the Indigenous Ontario Championship:

The Indigenous Ontario Championship is a 54 hole competition open to men and women of all ages. The championship features a Gross division and a Net Stableford division and also recognizes the top junior and senior players. Golf Ontario has worked closely with Indigenous leaders to ensure this event provides players and spectators with a memorable provincial championship experience. The championship will bring awareness to the growth of the game of golf and the impact it has on the communities.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook. Make sure to visit our website for the full leaderboard. For pictures please visit our Facebook album.

For more information, please contact:

John Lawrence, Director, Competitions and Performance, Golf Ontario
JLawrence@gao.ca

Opening Round of Ontario Senior Women’s Championship Comes and Goes; Day 1 Recap

Minesing, ON –A bright and sunny day at Vespra Hills Golf Club saw the first round of the Ontario Senior Women’s Championship commence. Ontario’s top 65 female golfers 50 and over took to the course in tight and competitive play.

On top of the Championship Flight leaderboard after day one is Judith Kyrinis (Granite Golf Club), who came to play in round one shooting a 71. Not far behind is Terrill Samuel (Weston Golf & Country Club), who trails by just one stroke after shooting a 72 on the day. Despite being second in both divisions, Samuel does lead the 60 & Above division by two strokes on Mary Ann Hayward (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club), who shot a 74 in the first round.

Susan Bell (Summit Golf & Country Club) leads in the A Flight division after shooting a 76 today. Leading the 70 & Above division is Virginia L. Marshall (Westmont Golf & Country Club), who shot an 84 in the first round.

The second round of the Ontario Senior Women’s Championship gets underway with the first tee-off set for 7:30 a.m. tomorrow morning. To view round two starting times, pairings and tournament results, visit the tournament website powered by Golf Genius.

For media coverage of the 2023 Ontario Senior Women’s Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

For more information, please contact:

Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario

GMitchell@gao.ca

Rob Watson, Tournament Director

rwatson@gao.ca

Vespra Hills Golf Club to Host the 61st Ontario Senior Women’s Championship

Minesing, ON – The 61st edition of the Ontario Senior Women’s Championship heads to Vespra Hills Golf Club August 14-16. The championship will feature 65 of Ontario’s best female golfers 50 and over competing in 54-holes of stroke play.

This week also marks a special milestone as this is the first Golf Ontario event that is being hosted at Vespra Hills Golf Club. The championship will be played on two of Vespra Hills’ three nine-hole courses, Homestead and Sand Hills. “The members, employees, and ownership are very excited and proud to host the top senior women golfers in Ontario for their annual championship,” said General Manager, Chris McNair. “We have a unique course here that has become our member’s favourite place to play for many years now.  We look forward to opening the doors this week for others to come and enjoy it as well. The course may not be the longest that the players will encounter this year, however, our narrow fairways and smallish greens may just add an extra challenge for these top players to try and navigate successfully.”

McNair mentions that Vespra Hills has four members representing them in this championship, Jacqueline Kavanagh, Libbie Simpson, Beth A. Wilmott and Ann Sullivan. “We have a strong women’s membership here, and we will be cheering on four of our own over the three days ahead,” he said. “We have a good number of young women and junior girl golfers as well, and it has been intriguing to hear their questions on who is playing, how to watch, and I can see there’s a healthy curiosity on how the championship will unfold.”

The Ontario Senior Women’s Championship, which debuted in 1962, has a decorated history of notable past champions, including World Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member, Marlene Stewart Streit, who captured the title six times. Also, the Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Famer, Gayle Borthwick, picked up the trophy six times. Recent winners include Ivy Steinberg, Terrill Samuel, as well as Golf Ontario Hall of Fame members Mary Ann Hayward and 2017 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Champion Judith Kyrinis.

Speaking of Mary Ann Hayward (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club), she will be one player to watch out for as she looks to win her sixth Ontario Senior Women’s Championship. Just one month ago, Hayward once again claimed the Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship for the 15th time at Donalda Club. She’ll have plenty of competition as the field will also feature another recent champion, Judith Kyrinis (Granite Golf Club). Kyrinis is a four-time Ontario Senior Women’s Champion, who just two weeks ago was victorious again, leading from start to finish at the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Another name to look out for is Terrill Samuel (Weston Golf & Country Club), who is a two-time winner of this championship and won the R&A Senior Women’s Amateur in 2022.

Play gets underway from Vespra Hills Golf Club on Monday, August 14th with the first tee-off set for 7:30 a.m. To view round 1 starting times, pairings and tournament results, visit the tournament website powered by Golf Genius.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

For more information, please contact:

Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario

GMitchell@gao.ca

Rob Watson, Tournament Director

rwatson@gao.ca

2nd Annual Indigenous Ontario Championship returns to Monthill G&CC

August 12th, 2023

Six Nations, ON- The Indigenous Ontario Championship returns to Monthill G&CC from August 14-16 in the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. This tournament marks the second year of this championship taking place for over 100 indigenous golfers from across North America. Upon the success of the Inaugural Indigenous Ontario Championship, the format for the tournament has been switched from a 36-hole event, into a 54-hole competition which will feature gross and net stabelford categories.

Located at 4925 Hwy 6 in Caledonia, Ontario, Monthill Golf & Country Club was selected once again as the host site of this important Championship event due to its strong ties to the community via original owners Jerry Montour and the late Ken Hill. The pair of Six Nations business leaders acquired the original Sundrim Golf Course in 2014 and renamed it Monthill. Following considerable investment in the facility, in 2021, Monthill transitioned to a semi-private golf club, now regarded as one of the premier golf destinations in Southern Ontario.

Director of Golf Operations Brendan Painter had this to say regarding the upcoming tournament; “We are extremely excited to be hosting the Indigenous Ontario Championship once again at Monthill Golf and Country Club. Upon the success of the Inaugural championship, we look forward to what this year can bring. This tournament is a great way to showcase the abilities of First Nations golfers and raise awareness of the skill that will be on display this coming Monday. In addition, this tournament is great for the First Nations community and we look forward to our continued relationship with Golf Ontario”.

Men’s overall defending champion John Monture (Mohawk) who is a member at Monthill looks to capture the championship once again at his home course with this year’s tournament in sight.

Cheryl Mitchell (Walpole Island First Nation), who also won the Golf Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship in 2003 captured the women’s overall championship last year and looks to repeat her success with this year’s tournament.

Round one gets underway on Monday, August 14 with tee times beginning at 8:00 am from holes 1 and 10 respectively. Please visit our Tournament information page for more details.

About the Indigenous Ontario Championship:

The Indigenous Ontario Championship is a 54 hole competition open to men and women of all ages. The championship features a Gross division and a Net Stableford division and also recognizes the top junior and senior players. Golf Ontario has worked closely with Indigenous leaders to ensure this event provides players and spectators with a memorable provincial championship experience. The championship will bring awareness to the growth of the game of golf and the impact it has on the communities.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

For more information, please contact:

Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario

GMitchell@gao.ca

John Lawrence, Tournament Director

jlawrence@gao.ca

Cardwell & Liu Win 2023 Ontario Junior Boys & Girls Match Play Championships

Port Hope, ON – The final day of the 2023 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys & Girls Match Play Championship from Port Hope Golf & Country Club saw Tanner Cardwell (Oshawa Golf & Curling Club) and Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club) put together incredible performances to crown themselves as your 2023 Ontario Junior U19 Boys & Girls Match Play Champions.

The day began with the boys’ semi-finals, which first saw Ty Werynski (Bridgewater Country Club) complete a tremendous comeback against Ben Sheridan (Ottawa Hunt & Country Club). Werynski was down three strokes against Sheridan to start, but kept himself in the match with some clutch shorts, and eventually eliminated Sheridan by winning 4&2. Cardwell had a phenomenal semi-final himself, thanks to his ball striking, he defeated Aiden Pavey (Hidden Lake Golf Club).

The finals would come down to Cardwell vs. Werynski, who both brought their best golf of the week. Both competitors went back-and-forth all round long from taking multiple stroke leads to pulling back even. As a result, it all came down to the 18th hole, where Cardwell sank a 10-foot putt for par to win their match 1 Up and crown himself the 2023 Junior U19 Boys Match Play Champion.

The girls’ semi finals took place in the morning with great matchups. Rozlyn Rooke (Blue Springs Golf Club) had to withdraw after 5 holes which had sent Natasha Korman (Hamilton Golf & Country Club) into the finals. In the other match, we saw Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club) win her match comfortably securing a spot in the finals winning 6&4 over Serena Zhang.

It would be Liu vs. Korman in the finals, and as both combatants headed out to continue their route to victory. In the end, Liu was able to hold off the Korman as it came down to two extra holes to claim her third provincial title of the 2023 season. Liu’s incredible season has now seen her win the 2023 Ontario Junior U19 Girls Match Play Championship, 2023 Ontario Junior U19 Girls Spring Classic and 2023 Ontario Junior U19 Girls Championship.

Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2023 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys & Girls Match Play Championship. We would also like to thank Port Hope Golf & Country Club for once again hosting this important event, as well as the support from their staff and board of directors towards the players throughout these couple of days.

Lastly, a huge thank you to all Golf Ontario sponsors; Adidas, TaylorMade, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, Solo Golf, and Tournkey. We are grateful for your continued support.

For media coverage of the 2023 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys and Girls Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To view all results of the Junior Boys’ Match Play, click here. To view all results of the Junior Girls’ Match Play, click here.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the most significant golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

For more information, please contact:

Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario

GMitchell@gao.ca

Connor Doyle, Tournament Director

cdoyle@gao.ca