Our Senior Director of Marketing Nick Taylor, recently sat down to speak with Kevin McShan, a motivational speaker and journalist living with Cerebral Palsy, to discuss growing the game of golf in Ontario.

As the host of Let’s Have This Conversation, McShan strives to place all voices at the table of inclusion. He is a Motivational Speaker and Sports Journalist with Cerebral Palsy who wakes up every morning energized and excited to have authentic and meaningful conversations. He loves sports and motivating people.

In his words, “Our legacy is built by how many times we are willing to make a difference in the lives of others while no one else is watching. I’ve lived my entire life with cerebral palsy. However, rather than dwell on my personal restrictions, the greater gift I could ever give to the world is to celebrate my life and all of the life lessons I’ve been put on earth to teach and all of the wisdom I’ve been charged to share with others who simply can`t view the world through the same prism as I. Some people claim I’m an inspirational person. I simply view myself as persistently consistent.“

McShan is a St. Clair College Journalism Print and New Media Program graduate. His passion lies in telling the stories of people who can’t otherwise tell their own individual stories themselves.

One of his many accomplishments was receiving the 2012 Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal for my reporting on disability issues.

Follow him on Twitter here and his Youtube here

Lansdowne, ON – Matthew Javier (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) and Alissa Xu (Station Creek Golf Club) claim the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship after three rounds of fantastic play at Smugglers Glen Golf Course.

Javier was 3-under on his day and 5-under overall as he approached the 18th hole. Sitting one stroke behind leader Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club), Javier would sink a long birdie putt and give himself a share of the lead. However, after an unsuccessful attempt to reach the green in two on the par 5 hole, Smith, a Team Ontario member, would find himself with a 15-foot putt to send it to a playoff. Smith would narrowly miss the edge of the hole, securing the victory for Javier. Smith takes home the Silver Medal after a spectacular showing this week, shooting 5-under overall (211) and putting up two rounds of 69. Jax Sisson (Pointe West Golf Club)secured third place, shooting 4-under for the tournament.

Xu held the lead for the entire day, maintaining a minimum 2-strokes ahead of the field at all times. Xu finished the tournament even par (216) with a low score of 69 in round one. Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club) finished in second place, receiving the Silver Medal after a fantastic outing in today’s final round (71). Bronze Medalist Aryn Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club) also had a spectacular performance in today’s round, finishing 1-under (71).

Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2022 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys & Girls Championship. Thank you to Smugglers Glen Golf Club for hosting this amazing event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, StrackaLine, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, and Sport Travel.

For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius Page.

About the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ and Girls’ Championships

The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ Championship is a 54-hole competition featuring the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Mike Weir trophy. Notable past champions include Josh Whalen, Brandon Ng, Tim McCutcheon, Peter R. Knechtel, Bob Panasiuk, and Gary Cowan.

The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Girls’ Championship features the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Sandra Post trophy. Past event champions include Sandra Post, Jessica Shepley, Alena Sharp, Stephanie Sherlock, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, current Team Canada member Katie Cranston, and Grace St. Germain.

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.

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:

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
AAbraham@gao.ca

Team Ontario members lead the way in both boy’s and girl’s leaderboards

Lansdowne, ON – A tight race atop the leaderboard through two rounds of the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship at Smugglers Glen Golf Course.

Team Ontario member and recently crowned 2022 Junior Match Play Champion Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club) leaped into first place today after shooting his second 69 of the tournament. Smith currently sits at 6-under (138) and will be looking to claim his second championship victory of the week. Jax Sisson (Pointe West Golf Club) holds the second place spot at 4-under (140), while day one leader Rylan Hall (Whistle Bear Golf Club) stays within striking distance at 3-under (141).

Another Team Ontario member leads the pack in the girl’s division, as Alissa Xu (Station Creek Golf Club) holds a 2-stroke lead going into the final round. Closely behind her in second place sits Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club), who is 1-over (145), followed by Team O member Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club) at 3-over (147).

Congratulations to Michelle Ding (Station Creek Golf Club) on today’s particular highlight on the course. She made a hole-in-one on the second hole, a 148-yard par 3.

With the race for the number one spot coming down to the wire, competitors will have one more chance to prove that they deserve the trophy in tomorrow’s final round. Tee times will begin at 7:30 am Thursday off of the first hole. 

For additional media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius Page.

About the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ and Girls’ Championships

The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ Championship is a 54-hole competition featuring the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Mike Weir trophy. Notable past champions include Josh Whalen, Brandon Ng, Tim McCutcheon, Peter R. Knechtel, Bob Panasiuk, and Gary Cowan.

The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Girls’ Championship features the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Sandra Post trophy. Past event champions include Sandra Post, Jessica Shepley, Alena Sharp, Stephanie Sherlock, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, current Team Canada member Katie Cranston, and Grace St. Germain.

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.

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:

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
AAbraham@gao.ca

Lansdowne, ON – Fantastic showings from our competitors on day one of the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship at Smugglers Glen Golf Course.

In the boy’s division, day one leader Rylan Hall (Whistle Bear Golf Club) put on a clinic at the course, shooting a 6-under (66) for his round. Hall cruised through the front nine today, sinking three birdies and an eagle. His strong round would set the pace for the rest of the day as he currently holds a 3-stroke lead heading into day two. Tied in second at 3-under (69) sit Jax Sisson (Pointe West Golf Club) and Team Ontario member Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club). Sisson and Smith ended their round with some momentum as they each fired a birdie on the 18th.

Team Ontario member Alissa Xu (Station Creek Golf Club) leads the girl’s division at the end of round one. Xu carded seven birdies on route to a (69) in round one. Xu is followed by familiar faces on the leaderboard, as Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club) and fellow Team Ontario teammate Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club) finished round one tied in second after shooting even pars (72) on the day.

Competitors will be ready to go at it again early tomorrow for round two. Tee times will begin at 7:30 am Wednesday off of the first hole. For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Juvenile Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius Page.

About the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ and Girls’ Championships

The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ Championship is a 54-hole competition featuring the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Mike Weir trophy. Notable past champions include Josh Whalen, Brandon Ng, Tim McCutcheon, Peter R. Knechtel, Bob Panasiuk, and Gary Cowan.

The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Girls’ Championship features the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Sandra Post trophy. Past event champions include Sandra Post, Jessica Shepley, Alena Sharp, Stephanie Sherlock, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, current Team Canada member Katie Cranston, and Grace St. Germain.

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.

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:

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
AAbraham@gao.ca

Lansdowne, ON – From August 23 – 25, Golf Ontario presents the 2022 Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys & Girls Championship at Smugglers Glen Golf Course.

“Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course is excited to host the 2022 Ontario Juvenile U17 Boys and Girls Championship. We appreciate this is not only the future of golf for Ontario but Canada as well,” said Jason Boyce, Director of Golf Operations at Smuggler’s Glen. “We are thrilled to see that all of Ontario’s young talent will be at Smuggler’s Glen August 22nd to the 25th.” The course is an inspiring blend of nature and design. The generous fairways and gently contoured greens set in a pristine forest environment are inviting and enjoyable. Brilliant white sand bunkers, refreshing river breezes and dramatic elevation changes will add excitement to each round.

The tournament will feature 30 girls and 60 boys, who will all compete to claim the 2022 Juvenile Championship title. Golfers will participate in 54 holes of stroke play competition, with a cut after the first 36 holes.

In the girl’s field, some key players to keep an eye on include past Golf Ontario Champions Lindsay McGrath (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club), Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club), Carlee Meilleur (Loyalist Golf & Country Club) and Swetha Sathish (Hidden Lake Golf Club). Also participating in this year’s event are Team Ontario members Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club), Alissa Xu (Station Creek Golf Club) and Tara O’Connor (Victoria Park Golf Club).

Key players to look out for the boys include many past Golf Ontario Champions, including last week’s Junior Match Play Champion Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club), as well as Matthew Javier (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) and Jager Pain (Golf Canada Club – Ontario). In addition, Team Ontario member Isaiah Ibit (Greyhawk Golf Club) will compete on the boy’s side.

Opening round action begins on August 23rd at 7:30 am. Check out our Golf Genius webpage for tee times and leaderboard information.
 

About the Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ and Girls’ Championships

The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Boys’ Championship is a 54-hole competition featuring the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Mike Weir trophy. Notable past champions include Josh Whalen, Brandon Ng, Tim McCutcheon, Peter R. Knechtel, Bob Panasiuk, and Gary Cowan.

The Ontario Juvenile (U17) Girls’ Championship features the province’s best junior golfers under 17, competing for the Sandra Post trophy. Past event champions include Sandra Post, Jessica Shepley, Alena Sharp, Stephanie Sherlock, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, current Team Canada member Katie Cranston, and Grace St. Germain.

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.

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:

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
AAbraham@gao.ca

Port Hope, ON – Tight and exciting competition played out on the final day of the 2022 Ontario Junior Boys & Girls Match Play Championship from Port Hope Golf and Country Club.

The final four boys featured matchups between Adam Brenton (Galt Country Club) and Domenic De Luca (The National Golf Club of Canada), and Team Ontario Member Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club) versus Gregor Lawson (Shelburne Golf & Country Club). Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club) and Rozlyn Rooke (Blue Springs Golf Club), and Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club) against Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club), formed the girl’s matches.

De Luca would win his semi-final matchup 2UP, after battling back and forth for the lead with Brenton. Smith would go on to win his semi-final matchup on a playoff hole after being down early to his opponent Lawson.

Liu and Rooke also settled their match in a playoff. Liu would sink the putt on the 3rd hole to secure the victory and a spot in the final. Michelle Xing would move onto the finals following an exhilarating ending to her match with Hansen. 

De Luca got off to a great start in the boys’ final matchup. He would take an early two hole lead before Smith began to crawl his way back and take a lead of his own. The lead changes would continue until the boys found themselves even after 17 holes of play. On the 18th, Smith played a perfect tee shot and approach, followed by a two-putt for the win.

The girl’s final match was just as exciting as Xing and Liu bounced back and forth with the lead, unable to settle the match in regulation. On the first playoff hole, Xing stuck her approach close to the pin and would go on to secure her second Golf Ontario Provincial Championship in less than a month.

For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Junior Boys and Girls Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. For Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Match Play Championship results, visit this Golf Genius Page. Results for the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship can be found on this Golf Genius Page.

Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2022 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys & Girls Match Play Championship. Thanks to Port Hope Golf & Country Club for hosting this incredible event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners; Adidas, Taylor Made, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, StrackaLine, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, and Sport Travel.

About the Ontario Junior Boys & Girls (U19) Championship

The Junior Boys’ Match Play Championship has been contested since 1998, featuring Ontario’s top amateur male golfers age 18 and under. Results from four qualifiers determine the field. Notable past champions include Matt McQuillan, Justin Shin, Stephane Dubois, and Jon Boncoddo.

The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship is contested annually and features Ontario’s top 32 amateur female golfers aged 18 and under. Players can earn their way into the championship through the Jr. Girls Spring Classic and the Ontario Jr. Girls Championship. Notable past champions include Alena Sharp, Stefi Markovich, Christina Yoon, Elizabeth Tong and Grace St-Germain.

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.

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:

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
AAbraham@gao.ca

Port Hope, ON – Golfers fought through their rounds of 16 and 8 today, on day 2 of the 2022 Ontario Junior Boys and Girls Match Play Championship at Port Hope Golf and Country Club.

Team Ontario member Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club) cruised through his matches today, finishing the round of sixteen 6 & 5 and later the round of eight 3 & 2. Facing Smith in the final four tomorrow is Gregor Lawson (Shelburne Golf & Country Club). With his round of 8 match all square after 18 holes, Lawson would win on the first playoff hole and secure his spot in the semi-finals. The other semi-final matchup tomorrow features Domenic De Luca (The National Golf Club of Canada) and Adam Brenton (Galt Country Club). De Luca would win his quarter-final matchup 2UP, while Brenton secured his win with a putt on the 18th hole.

In the girl’s division, Team Ontario’s Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club) finished 1UP after a tight finish on 18. She will face 2022 Bantam Champion Michelle Xing (Station Creek Golf Club), who played some fantastic golf today, finishing her quarter-final round 5 & 4. The other match will feature Rozlyn Rooke (Blue Springs Golf Club) and Shauna Liu (Station Creek Golf Club) after strong performances in their quarter-final matchups.

The semi-finals and finals will be played tomorrow, with tee times beginning at 8:00 am. For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Junior Boys and Girls Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. For Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Match Play Championship information, visit this Golf Genius Page. Information for the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship can be found on this Golf Genius Page.

About the Ontario Junior Boys & Girls (U19) Championship

The Junior Boys’ Match Play Championship has been contested since 1998, featuring Ontario’s top amateur male golfers age 18 and under. Results from four qualifiers determine the field. Notable past champions include Matt McQuillan, Justin Shin, Stephane Dubois, and Jon Boncoddo.

The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship is contested annually and features Ontario’s top 32 amateur female golfers aged 18 and under. Players can earn their way into the championship through the Jr. Girls Spring Classic and the Ontario Jr. Girls Championship. Notable past champions include Alena Sharp, Stefi Markovich, Christina Yoon, Elizabeth Tong and Grace St-Germain.

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.

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:

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
AAbraham@gao.ca

Port Hope, ON – There was thrilling competition on day one of the 2022 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys & Girls Match Play Championship from Port Hope Golf & Country Club.

The boys participated in two rounds of golf today, concluding the rounds of 64 and 32. Both rounds consisted of some fantastic play, with many tightly contested results. Number one seed Luke Smith (The Thornhill Club) cruised through his matches, finishing the first match 5 & 4 and the second 6 & 5. On the other side of the bracket, 42nd seed Dylan Weber (Galt Country Club) and 27th seed Marshall Bath (Oshawa Golf & Country Club) completed their upsets and made their way through to the round of 16.

In the girl’s division, Team Ontario members Emma Hansen (Blue Springs Golf Club) and Tara O’Connor (Whistle Bear Golf Club) coasted through their competition, ensuring a spot in the round of 16. Avery Nordman (Canadian Golf & Country Club) claimed her place in the round of 16 in dominating fashion, finishing her match 8 & 6.

A very special congratulations to Andrew Rouble (Players Club – Kitchener), making his first ever hole-in-one on the par 3 sixth. Rouble would go on to win both of his matchups today, claiming his round of 64 win in playoff holes.

In tomorrow’s round, both the boys and girls will participate in the round of 16 and the quarterfinals. Tee times begin at 8:00 am on Wednesday, off the first hole. For media coverage of the 2022 Ontario Junior Boys and Girls Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums.

For Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Match Play Championship information, visit this Golf Genius Page. Information for the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship can be found on this Golf Genius Page.

About the Ontario Junior Boys & Girls (U19) Championship

The Junior Boys’ Match Play Championship has been contested since 1998, featuring Ontario’s top amateur male golfers age 18 and under. Results from four qualifiers determine the field. Notable past champions include Matt McQuillan, Justin Shin, Stephane Dubois, and Jon Boncoddo.

The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship is contested annually and features Ontario’s top 32 amateur female golfers aged 18 and under. Players can earn their way into the championship through the Jr. Girls Spring Classic and the Ontario Jr. Girls Championship. Notable past champions include Alena Sharp, Stefi Markovich, Christina Yoon, Elizabeth Tong and Grace St-Germain.

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.

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:

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
AAbraham@gao.ca

From Golf Canada

NIAGARA FALLS, ONT. – 42 players across ten provinces and one territory will compete for gold at the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games this week at The Niagara Park’s Commission’s Legends-on-the-Niagara (Battlefield Course) in Niagara Falls, Ont.

The Canada Summer Games, returning for the first time since 2017, opened on August 6. The golf portion will run from August 17-20, with gold, silver and bronze medals being presented at the awards ceremony following Saturday’s final round.

“We’re very excited to be involved in the Canada Summer Games and to be here in the beautiful city of Niagara Falls,” said Tournament Director Josée Matte. “The opportunity to be part of a multi-sport games is such a valuable experience for young athletes, and we know that on and off the golf course, the Games deliver a first-class experience for athletes to create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Québec comes to Niagara as the defending champions across the board. In 2017, Céleste Dao and Christopher Vandette – now both members of Team Canada – won their respective divisions in the individual competition, while also contributing to Quebec’s gold medal in the male and female team events. Anne-Léa Lavoie (Québec, Qué), Malik Dao (Notre-Dame-Île-Perrot, Qué), Léonie Tavares (St-Jérôme, Qué) and Guillaume Paquette (La Minerve, Qué) will look to defend for La Belle Province.

This year, the male and female team divisions will be replaced by a mixed gender division, where two males and two females from each of Canada’s ten provinces will team up in their bid for the gold medal. In each of the four rounds, the low male and the low female scores will count toward that province’s score for the day. The team with the lowest total score after four rounds will be awarded the gold medal.

Prior to Québec’s sweep in 2017, British Columbia owned the top step on the podium. At the inaugural golf tournament in 2009, B.C. won all four gold medals in golf and did it again with a repeat performance in 2013 in Sherbrooke, Qué. The squad from the west coast will once again be sending a strong contingent to the Games, headlined by Lauren Kim (Surrey, B.C.), who played in the U.S. Women’s Open earlier this summer, and Cooper Humphreys (Vernon, B.C.), who won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2022 Toyota Junior Golf World Cup.

Yukon will be the lone territory represented at Legends-on-the-Niagara at this year’s Games. 15-year-old’s Drake Cooper and Jase Johnstone, both out of Whitehorse, will tee it up tomorrow.

Notable alumni include this year’s Canadian Women’s Amateur champion and recent U.S. Women’s Amateur runner-up Monet Chun; 2018 and 2019 Canadian Junior Boys champion Christopher Vandette; 2017 Canadian Junior Girls champion Céleste Dao; 2016 Canadian Men’s Amateur champion and NCAA DII Individual National Champion Hugo Bernard; 2011 Canadian Women’s Amateur champion and former LPGA Tour member Rebecca Lee-Bentham; and 2010 Canadian Junior Boys champion and 6-time RBC Canadian Open participant Albin Choi.

Doug Carrick was responsible for the design of Legends’ Battlefield Course, which is situated next to the historic site of the War of 1812’s Battle of Chippawa. It includes four signature holes, all wrapped around a beautiful 7 hectares (19 acre) man-made lake. The centrepiece of the facility, which links everything together, is a spectacular clubhouse designed by Canadian Architect Peter Berton. This building truly captures the spirit of the Niagara area, and it embodies NPC’s vision of a world-class golfing venue that exists in concert with Niagara’s natural and historic setting.

In July of 2004, the Battlefield Course played host to the best women golfers in the world when the Canadian Women’s Open was held at Legends. The course continues to host prestigious golf championships, including the Canadian Women’s Tour Ontario stop in both 2012 and 2014 and the Canadian Junior Boys Championship in 2014.

Niagara 2022 marks the 28th edition of the Canada Summer Games and only the third time in its history that it’s been hosted in Ontario. The last running of the national event was in 2019 in Red Deer, Alta., while the most recent summer edition was held in Winnipeg, Man.

For tee times and results click here. For other information on the 2022 Niagara Games click here.

CHAMPIONSHIP FAST FACTS

• B.C. has won eight gold medals since golf became part of the Canada Summer Games in 2009 and has the most medals overall with 14 (eight gold, five silver, one bronze).
• In 2013, British Columbia dominated the team competitions in Sherbrooke, Que., winning the girls’ event by 17 strokes and the boys by 12.
• Maple Ridge, B.C.’s Kevin Kwon won the 2013 men’s individual event finishing 13 strokes clear of silver medalist Etienne Papineau (Bromont, Qué.) en route to establishing a new Canada Games record with a four-round score of 279 (-13).
• In 2017, Kade Johnson set the low single-round score at the Canada Summer Games on the 66; that same year Sarah-Eve Rhéaume set the low single-round score on the female side with a 68.
• Only four provinces have medaled in golf at the Canada Summer Game: British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Ontario.
• The lowest single day team score is 138 for male and 140 for female, both set by Québec at the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg, Man.

ABOUT THE CANADA GAMES

Held every two years, alternating between winter and summer, the Canada Games are the country’s marquee event for amateur sport representing the highest level of national competition for thousands of up-and-coming Canadian athletes. As the best in their age group, these young competitors come to the Games having trained long and hard to be among those chosen to represent their respective province or territory. From August 6 to 21, the Niagara Region will welcome more than 5,000 participants (including athletes, coaches and support staff) to compete in the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games. The competition will feature 18 different sports, including an inaugural rugby sevens competition (women’s only) and the return of lacrosse after a 37-year absence from the Games (1985). The 28th edition of the Canada Games will also mark the third time in history the event has taken place in the province of Ontario and the first time in 21 years.

ABOUT GOLF CANADA

Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada, representing more than 300,000 golfers and 1,435 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.

Media Contacts:

Evan Milner
Intern, Media & Public Relations
Golf Canada
C: 514-710-7731
E: emilner@golfcanada.ca

Peter MacKellar, 
Manager, Marketing and Communications,
Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Port Hope, ON – The 2022 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys’ and Girls’ Match Play Championship at Port Hope Golf & Country Club is next up on the championship schedule from August 16-18. A field of 64 boys and 32 girls (96 players total) will seek out to conquer the 1 on 1 challenge of match play.

“Match play has a long history and tradition of providing an exciting way to compete in the game of golf. The newly remodelled Port Hope G&CC is ideal for this competition,” says Jason Miller, the Golf Course Architect. “As there is a great variety of risk/reward shots required at this course, the green’s complexities will provide yet another level of excitement. Set against Lake Ontario, the golf course layout will test the golfer and their gamesmanship and bring back some of that same competitive spirit of golf that started in 1894. It will be a superb facility for these very competitive junior golfers.”

The match play format for the boys will consist of a split tee start for the first matches and then the round of 32 will occur in the afternoon, following the girl’s round of 32. The round of 16 will take place on Wednesday morning, with quarter-final matches that afternoon. Action from the semi-final matches will begin on Thursday, followed by the final matches of the championship.

The junior girls will start with the round of 32 on Tuesday afternoon, with the round of 16 and quarter-final matches taking place on Wednesday. Semi-final matches will begin on Thursday morning, with the final round of the two remaining competitors playing in the afternoon for the match play title. Team Ontario girls to watch include Emma Hansen and Tara O’Connor.

Players to watch on the boy’s side include our 2022 Bantam Boys Champion Jager Pain and Team Ontario members Andreas Diogenous, Isaiah Ellis, Isaiah Ibit and Luke Smith. The girl’s side will also feature our current 2022 Bantam Girls champion Michelle Xing. She will look to keep up her hot play against the strong field, including Emma Hansen and Tara O’Connor from Team Ontario and 2022 Women’s Match Play runner-up Aryn Matthews.

Match play action will get underway at 8 am on Tuesday, August 16, with the Boys teeing it up first. The Girls will start their first round matches at 12:32 pm. For Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Match Play Championship information, visit this Golf Genius Page. Information for the Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship can be found on this Golf Genius Page.

About the Ontario Junior Boys & Girls (U19) Championship

The Junior Boys’ Match Play Championship has been contested since 1998, featuring Ontario’s top amateur male golfers age 18 and under. Results from four qualifiers determine the field. Notable past champions include Matt McQuillan, Justin Shin, Stephane Dubois, and Jon Boncoddo.

The Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Match Play Championship is contested annually and features Ontario’s top 32 amateur female golfers aged 18 and under. Players can earn their way into the championship through the Jr. Girls Spring Classic and the Ontario Jr. Girls Championship. Notable past champions include Alena Sharp, Stefi Markovich, Christina Yoon, Elizabeth Tong and Grace St-Germain.

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.

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:

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
AAbraham@gao.ca