Girls play May 21-23 at Sawmill GC

Boys are May 22-24 from Wooden Sticks

Fenwick/Uxbridge, ON –  The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships are back and ready to tee off this Victoria Day weekend and the 2022 Golf Ontario Championship Season! These Championships feature many of Ontario’s best under 19 male and female golfers who gained entry into the competition through one of our qualifiers earlier this Spring or by exemption based on past results. They will all be looking to take home the WD Randolph Millage Trophy.

Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Spring Classic Championship

From May 21-23, Sawmill Golf Course will welcome the Girls (U19) Junior Spring Classic Championship. The course, designed by Gord Witteveen and Nicol Thompson, opened for play in 1976 to humble beginnings. The layout took advantage of the existing natural features and planted many trees. For over forty-five years, they’ve continued to improve and now are considered one of Niagara’s most popular courses.

“Sawmill is honoured to host the Junior Girls Spring Classic and kick off the 2022 competitive golf season in Ontario.  We are becoming known for hosting awesome junior events due to the support of our Membership, enthusiastic volunteers, special sponsors, and our unique extras,” said Manager Carrie Julie.  “We are guaranteeing the best 60 girls in Ontario a tremendous experience.  After a wet spring in Niagara, the course has come along beautifully.  The players can expect premium conditions for this early in the season.  Bring on the girls next weekend – we can’t wait to host Ontario’s best!”

Last year, Lauren Zaretsky of Ladies’ GC of Toronto/Maple Downs G&CC, took home the gold after a terrific -7 (209) performance. Her skillful play put her 10-strokes ahead of second place.

Team Ontario will be in full swing this year, with all ten Team Ontario girls competing for the Spring Classic title. In 2021, Team Ontario saw 3 team members finish in the top three. Ashley Lafontaine, Alissa Xu, and Alessandra Nagayo will try to improve upon their 2021 finish while fellow member Peyton Costabile, is coming off a win at the 2021 Ontario Junior Girls (U19) Championship.

Tee times for Round 1 on Saturday, May 21st, begin at 11:00 am. To view full tee times, tournament info and follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here. 

Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic Championship

While the girls compete out in Fenwick, the boys will be competing in their own Spring Classic Championship returning to Wooden Sticks Golf Course in Uxbridge, May 22-24. Wooden Sticks is more than simply a place to golf. It is a tribute to this great game’s rich history and grand traditions, with 12 of the 18 holes at Wooden Sticks inspired by different famous golf holes. During a round, you will envision yourself playing off the road in Scotland, across a famous creek in Georgia, onto an island in Florida, and through pine forests in New Jersey.

“We’re looking forward to once again being the host club for the U19 Boys Spring Championship! Our course is in superb condition, and it is always wonderful to see so many talented, promising players at this event,” exclaimed Steve Wilson, Head Professional at Wooden Sticks Golf Club. The Juniors we see are always so thrilled to have the opportunity to play a Championship-worthy course under these conditions. We’re extremely proud to contribute to their development in this manner. Looking forward to seeing you all soon!”

At last year’s Spring Classic, Owen Kim, a Team Ontario member, defeated his fellow teammates Ryan Somerville (Summit Golf and Country Club) and Andre Zhu (National Pines Golf Club). Kim sunk a great 20+ foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to claim the win. The three Team Ontario golfers all finished eight-under (205) on the weekend, while Justin Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club) finished closely behind at six-under.

This year, Owen Kim returns to the Spring Classic, looking to repeat his performance with all ten Team Ontario boys in the mix as well. The annual long weekend classic will be exciting between them and many other skilled players in the field as they all look to add their names to an impressive list of previous champions.

Tee times for Round 1 on Sunday, May 22st, will get underway at noon. To view tee times and the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here. 

About the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships

The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship is contested annually usually over the Victoria Day long weekend and features many of Ontario’s best male and female junior golfers. The field of competitors gained entry to the competition through a qualifying process earlier in the season.

To read more about the boy’s and girls’ results from last year, 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 over 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.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season. Our complete 2022 Championship schedule can be found here.

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

Today, Golf Ontario is proud to announce two new key hires that have joined our staff. Nick Taylor joins us as Senior Director, Marketing starting April 14, 2022, and Alexia Tam has just begun serving as our Manager, Diversity Equity Inclusion, HR & Safeguarding.  

Nick Taylor (not the golfer:) joins Golf Ontario after building a diverse career across both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, with experience working in markets across Canada and worldwide.

Most recently, Nick served as the Director of Development for Athletics & Recreation at Ryerson University. His focus was on alumni & supporter engagement and managing a portfolio of donors and prospects from annual giving levels to significant and principal gift donors.

Before working in post-secondary education, Nick was part of a high-performing team at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (PMCF), serving as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Senior Director of Corporate & Community Partnerships. Over his seven years with PMCF, Nick designed and delivered Canada’s top-grossing single-day golf fundraiser for cancer research, known as Golf to Conquer Cancer, which raised $7 million. He also served the foundation as one of two executives driving the strategy behind the celebrated Princess Margaret Lottery.

In the eight years before joining PMCF, Nick was the Director of Marketing and Commercial Operations for Rugby Canada, a National Sport Organization and member of World Rugby. From 2005 to 2012, the organization experienced its most significant growth years on and off the field.

Nick’s professional experience includes ten years with globally recognized luxury retailer Tiffany & Co. (Canada). In addition, he worked in retail management and B2B corporate sales management with some of Canada’s best-managed companies and brands among his clients.

In joining the team at Golf Ontario, Nick hopes to complement the organization’s strengths and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve new heights of achievement for golf in Ontario.

“Having stepped away from the amateur sport sector ten years ago to serve one of the country’s largest healthcare foundations, the timing is right to return to amateur sport and all the wonderful values inherent with Golf Ontario,” said Taylor. “I am excited to be joining a team that has delivered significant results against their last strategic plan, as the shift towards the next four years starts to take shape.”

Alexia Tam is a Safe Sport and Athlete Welfare Expert who has demonstrated her commitment and passion for safe, inclusive and healthy sport for the last ten years. She has received several awards and scholarships for her academic contributions to the field of Safe Sport and her interest in the area has been augmented by collaboration with several sports organizations on the development of education, training, and policy implementation. In addition, she has shared her research and recommendations for best practices at several national and international conferences. Through her rich exposure to sport, as an academic, sports practitioner, a coach and an athlete, Alexia is committed to continuing to be an advocate for sport.

Alexia has collaborated with several sport organizations throughout her career with program development, stakeholder education, and program evaluation, including the Coaching Association of Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Coaches Association of Ontario. Alexia is also on the Board of Directors with Football Ontario and is joining us from Alpine Canada.

After spending nearly two decades as an athlete before turning her attention to coaching, Alexia knows what truly drives success in sport – both on and off the field of play. Her football career started over 15 years ago – when opportunities for women were far and few in between. Since her first day on the field, she’s been committed to bettering herself as an athlete, a coach, and now as a professional in the field. Alexia always says that sport has played an integral role in her identity formation and is excited to create spaces for athletes to make their own positive memories of sport.

Alexia holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology and a Master’s of Science from the University of Toronto and is currently completing her doctorate degree at Canterbury Christ Church University in the United Kingdom. 

“I am thrilled to be joining Golf Ontario to support their Safe Sport and DEI portfolio. Safe, inclusive and accessible sport is fundamental for all participants,” said Tam. “I am excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to engaging with the golf community in Ontario.”

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:

Peter MacKellar,
Manager, Marketing, Design & Communications – Golf Ontario
pmackellar@gao.ca

Photos Day 1 / Photos Day 2

MURRELS INLET, S.C.— Despite a valiant effort on a beautiful day two, Team Ontario couldn’t catch Team South Carolina, falling 44 ½ -27 ½ at the 2022 Can-Am Matches.

The Matches, held at the Wachesaw Plantation Club in Murrels Inlet, South Carolina, capped off two weeks of training for Team Ontario. Perfect temperatures greeted players on both days and set up some exceptional play despite some gusty periods.

Arriving March 4th, the Team had a great couple of weeks with plenty of practice and team-building, experiencing some of the best courses in Myrtle Beach. Team Ontario was fortunate to play Barefoot Golf Resort, Aero Club Short Course, The True Blue Golf Club, The Reserve Golf Club and Wachesaw Plantation Club. During that time, the Team worked on physical, mental, and technical training while also going through specific testing measures using tracking technology. Other activities during this trip included attending the General Hackler College Invitational from March 12th to 13th to watch NCAA Division 1 schools in action.  

The Can-Am Junior Team festivities teed off Friday with the Junior Am event, dinner, and opening ceremonies welcoming the athletes to Wachesaw Plantation Club. The juniors played a round with members and event sponsors in a pro-am style. Following this, March 19th and 20th saw two days of competitive and challenging golf between the two sides in a quest to claim the historic and prestigious title.

Saturday, the Juniors competed in Four-Ball Match Play with a significant change to the format that made the event even more exciting and unique. The Four-Ball Matches were mixed partners meaning Girl/Boy from Ontario versus Girl/Boy from South Carolina. Sunday brought the return of the classic single matches.

Day one produced some rusty play at times, and although the juniors fought hard throughout the round, saw Team Ontario drop in overall points 17-7.

“Playing in these Matches’ format, things can change drastically very fast,” noted Head Coach Reggie Millage. “I thought our play was decent. It shows we are getting closer and how strong our athletes are. It is a big boost to play well coming out of our winter when you consider South Carolina is in the middle of their season and playing year round.”

The deficit proved too big a hill to climb by the end of day two despite some stellar efforts. Justin Mathews took all 3 points while Emma Hansen, Payton Constible, Ashley Lafontaine, Zach Smith and Ryan Somerville secured 2 ½ points each.

Millage was happy to be back at the event despite the loss. “It was great to be back at Wachesaw after the hiatus to a great venue as always. The kids got to see some great golf and get into a competition they don’t any other time in junior golf.”

Golf Ontario would like to thank all of the courses and their staff and members for hosting the Team. Thanks also to their SCJGA for their continued support of the matches.

About the Can-Am Junior Team Matches (SCJGF)

In the 20 plus years, the Can-Am Junior Team Matches have seen over 125 South Carolina junior golfers who participated in these matches play competitive golf at the collegiate level. A select few of these youngsters have followed up their Can-Am competitions with NCAA National Championships, a FedEx Cup Title, and President’s Cup Team Member! Read more on their website.

About Team Ontario

The Team Ontario program is a unique opportunity for identified athletes in Ontario. They can expect to receive the very best in coaching services, training/competitive opportunities, and peer support as they continue their journey towards excellence in golf and life. Being part of the Team O program is a tremendous accomplishment, but the hard work and dedication don’t end there. The Team Ontario program places considerable emphasis on developing lifelong excellence in all facets, including time and self-management, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, tactical strategies, and technical feedback.

Stay Connected: @TheGolfOntario / @TeamOntarioGolf

For more information, please contact:

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing Communications – Golf Ontario
pmackellar@gao.ca

Reggie Millage, Head Coach – Team Ontario
rmillage@gao.ca

Team Ontario will shift gears from their two weeks of training camp into competition mode for this upcoming weekend. The team had a great couple of weeks with plenty of practice and team-building while experiencing some of the best courses in Myrtle Beach. Team Ontario would like to thank Barefoot Golf Resort, Aero Club Short Course, The True Blue Golf Club, The Reserve Golf Club and Wachesaw Plantation Club for their generous hospitality and resources this week. 

Our gracious host, the South Carolina Junior Golf Association, welcomes Team Ontario back to Wachesaw Plantation Club for two days of competition this weekend to defend their 2019 title. Following two years of cancelled Can-Am Junior Team Matches, Team Ontario’s Head Coach, Reggie Millage, discussed the exciting opportunities these athletes have to gain from this experience. “The Can-Am Matches are always one of the most anticipated events on the calendar for the athletes, coaches and staff at Golf Ontario,” explained Millage. “The last two years have been very challenging, making this year’s Matches even more special. I believe we are even more grateful and appreciative to have these opportunities.”

The Can-Am Junior Team festivities will tee off today with the Junior Am event, dinner, and opening ceremonies to welcome the athletes to Wachesaw Plantation Club. Juniors will play a round with members and event sponsors in a pro-am style. Following this, March 19th and 20th will see two days of competitive and challenging fun between the two sides in a quest to claim the historic and prestigious title.

Saturday, the Juniors will compete in Four-Ball Match Play with a significant change this year to the format that will make the event even more exciting and unique. The Four-Ball Matches will be mixed partners meaning Girl/Boy from Ontario versus Girl/Boy from South Carolina. Sunday will bring the return of the classic 1v1 matches.

*Team Ontario in Green Bold Below

DAY 1 MATCHES (SATURDAY)

Match 1 – 11:00 a.m. 

O’Connor / Ibit v. Messimer / Faulkner 

Match 2 – 11:10 a.m. 

Li / Ellis v. Paolucci / Walmet 

Match 3 – 11:20 a.m. 

Costabile / Diogenous v. Altman/Harrison 

Match 4 – 11:30 a.m. 

Gallagher / Weber v. Siehl / Price 

Match 5 – 11:40 a.m. 

Kelly / Matthews v. Franks / Lenning 

Match 6 – 11:50 a.m. 

Lafontaine / Pero v. Rawl / Adams 

Match 7 – 12:00 p.m. 

Nagayo / Latter v. Roberts / Gregory 

Match 8 – 12:10 p.m. 

Xu / Somerville v. Anderson / Sullivan 

DAY 2 MATCHES (SUNDAY)

Match 9 – 8:30 a.m. 

Lindsay McGrath v. Paige Paolucci 

Match 10 – 8:38 a.m. 

Emma Hansen v. Abby Franks 

Match 11 – 8:46 a.m. 

Payton Costabile v. Hannah Altman 

Match 12 – 8:54 a.m. 

Sarah Gallagher v. Alexia Siehl 

Match 13 – 9:02 a.m. 

Nyah Kelly v. Isabella Rawl 

Match 14 – 9:10 a.m. 

Alissa Xu v. Madison Messimer 

Match 15 – 9:18 a.m. 

Alessandra Nagayo v. Sydney Roberts 

Match 16 – 9:26 a.m. 

Ashley Lafontaine v. Adrian Anderson 

Match 17 – 9:34 a.m. 

Luke Smith v. Burch Harrison 

Match 18 – 9:42 a.m. 

 Michael Weber v. Hugh Faulkner 

Match 19 – 9:50 a.m. 

Cameron Pero v. Tip Price 

Match 20 – 9:58 a.m. 

Zach Smith v. Luke Walmet 

Match 21 – 10:06 a.m. 

Thomas Latter v. Andrew Gregory 

Match 22 – 10:14 a.m. 

Justin Matthews v. Zach Adams 

Match 23 – 10:22 a.m. 

Andreas Diogenous v. Major Lenning 

Match 24 – 10:30 a.m. 

Ryan Somerville v. Rowan Sullivan 

To follow along with the Team Ontario’s South Carolina experience and the Can-Am Junior Team Matches, check out the Team’s (@TeamGolfOntario) Twitter and Instagram accounts for live updates and coverage. 

About the Can-Am Junior Team Matches (SCJGF)

In the 20 plus years, the Can-Am Junior Team Matches have seen over 125 South Carolina junior golfers who had participated in these matches go on to play competitive golf at the collegiate level. A select few of these youngsters have followed up their Can-Am competitions with NCAA National Championships, a FedEx Cup Title, and President’s Cup Team Member! Read more on their website.

About Team Ontario

The Team Ontario program is a unique opportunity for identified athletes in Ontario. They can expect to receive the very best in coaching services, training/competitive opportunities, and peer support as they continue their journey towards excellence in golf and life. Being selected to be part of the Team O program is a tremendous accomplishment but the hard work and dedication don’t end there. The Team Ontario program places considerable emphasis on developing life long excellence in all facets including time and self-management, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, tactical strategies, and technical feedback.

Stay Connected: @TheGolfOntario / @TeamOntarioGolf

For more information, please contact:

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing Communications – Golf Ontario
pmackellar@gao.ca

Reggie Millage, Head Coach – Team Ontario
rmillage@gao.ca

Uxbridge, ON – March has arrived, which means it’s time to let the madness begin… Golf madness, that is! As the 2019 defending champions of the Can-Am Junior Team Matches, Team Ontario will start their journey down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on March 4th for just over two weeks of training camp and competition. 

Our gracious host, the South Carolina Golf Association, will welcome Team Ontario back to Wachesaw Plantation Club for three days of competition to defend their 2019 title. Following two years of cancelled Can-Am Junior Team Matches, Team Ontario’s Head Coach, Reggie Millage, is excited for the athletes to gain this golf experience. They’ll put their skills to the test against the top eight junior boys and girls from South Carolina. “The Can-Am Matches are always one of the most anticipated events on the calendar for the athletes, coaches and staff at Golf Ontario,” explained Millage. “The last two years have been very challenging, making this year’s Matches even more special. I believe we are even more grateful and appreciative to have these opportunities. I can’t wait to get back to one of my favourite places at Wachesaw Plantation and reconnect with all the wonderful people that make this event happen.”

Starting March 5th, our partner Play Golf Myrtle Beach and the stunning Barefoot Golf Resort will host Team Ontario for thirteen days of training camp. During this time, the Team will work on physical, mental, and technical training, while also going through specific testing measures using tracking technology. Other activities during this trip include attending the General Hackler College Invitational from March 12th to 13th to watch NCAA Division 1 schools in action. 

All twenty Team Ontario athletes will attend the training camp and Can-Am Matches. From the girls’ side is, Alessandra Nagayo, Alissa Xu, Ashley Lafontaine, Emma Hansen, Krystal Li, Lindsay McGrath, Nyah Kelly, Peyton Costabile, Sarah Gallagher, and Tara O’Connor. Andreas Diogenous, Cameron Pero, Isaiah Ellis, Isaiah Ibit, Justin Matthews, Luke Smith, Michael Weber, Ryan Somerville, Thomas Latter, and Zach Smith will all be present on the boys’ side. 

Head Coach Reggie Millage will join these athletes along with Sports Psychologist Charles Fitzsimmons, Dr. Bradley Murray, Director of Competitions and Performance John Lawrence, Junior Performance Coordinator Evan Arsenault, Regional Coordinator Alexandra Taylor, and Manager of Marketing and Communications Peter MacKellar. In addition, Ontario Golf Academy’s (Whistle Bear Golf Club) Development Coach and former Team Ontario athlete Alyssa Getty, PGA, will also be making the journey to Myrtle Beach.

The Can-Am Junior Team Matches will tee off on March 18th with the Junior Am event, dinner, and opening ceremonies to welcome the athletes to Wachesaw Plantation Club. Juniors will play a round with members and event sponsors in a pro-am style for the Junior Am event. Following this, March 19th and 20th will be best-ball matches and single matches. More details and coverage will be published as training camp and competition gets underway.

To follow along with the Team Ontario’s South Carolina experience and the Can-Am Junior Team Matches, check out the Team’s (@TeamGolfOntario) Twitter and Instagram accounts for live updates and coverage. 

About the Can-Am Junior Team Matches (SCJGF)

In the 20 plus years, the Can-Am Junior Team Matches have seen over 125 South Carolina junior golfers who had participated in these matches go on to play competitive golf at the collegiate level. A select few of these youngsters have followed up their Can-Am competitions with NCAA National Championships, a FedEx Cup Title, and President’s Cup Team Member! Read more on their website.

Stay Connected: @TheGolfOntario / @TeamOntarioGolf

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 further information, visit our website.

For more information, please contact:

Peter MacKellar,
Manager, Marketing Communications – Golf Ontario
pmackellar@gao.ca

Brianna Christopher,
Assistant, Marketing Communications – Golf Ontario
bchristopher@gao.ca

Former Executive Director of Golf Ontario, Warren ‘Skip’ Williams, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2019 at 82 years of age. Skip was born in Hamilton, Ontario, and after moving to Victoria B.C at a young age, he quickly became a natural athlete. He excelled at swimming and hockey, but it was golf where he really shone. He eventually made his way back to Ontario, where he worked at numerous well known golf courses in various capacities, eventually becoming head pro. He also won a handful of professional tournaments along with the long drive championship in 1972.

Warren was always very supportive of growing programs for junior golfers. Many of the golfers who are now in Golf Ontario’s Hall of Fame were junior golfers during Warren’s time, and many honed their skills at his junior camps. He devoted his time to developing the junior golfer’s skills, and had a vision for what they could become.

Warren’s love for golf also led him to be the Executive Director of the Ontario Golf Course rating system designed by the USGA. He was also part of the group that started the IAGA. “Skip played a key role in the development of the International Association of Golf Administrators,” said Dave Mills, former Executive Director at Golf Ontario. “He was a golfer, a character and a friend to golf throughout Ontario, Canada and North America. He will be fondly remembered by many golfers and golf clubs.”

After leaving the OGA, he and his wife Joanne spent the winter months in Lakeland, Florida where he continued to hone his golf skills on a daily basis. He was a very lucky man to be able to play the sport he loved so much, and the sport that loved him back.

Warren’s impact on the game of golf is undeniable, and his life will be remembered by it for years to come. He will be missed dearly by his family, friends, and all of the Golf Ontario family.

Ryan MacKenzie

rmackenzie@gao.ca

On April 25th, Innisfil Creek Golf Club and Golf Ontario visited Cookstown Central Public School to teach their students about golf. In celebration of the ‘Adopt a School’ program, every time this year Innisfil Creek brings in a pro alongside Golf Ontario to get the youth in their area more comfortable with the sport.The day consists of teaching the students proper golf stance, how to putt, chip, drive, and even what to do when someone yells ‘fore’.

“What do you do when you hear someone yelling that there’s a golf ball coming at you?” asked one of the instructors.

“Try and catch it?” responded one of the students. It was safe to say that this was quickly corrected.

With five different classes coming in at different time slots, the day was packed with fun. Skills were quickly developed and excitement grew more and more with every class.

“It’s such a treat to be around the children, and seeing them have a good time,” said Nick Torkos, owner of Innisfil Creek Golf Club. “It’s a beautiful thing to see such a great response.”

The ‘Adopt a School’ program was made to partner golf clubs with schools, so that they can introduce the sport to younger demographics and build interest from a young age. Clubs pay a $500 fee and Golf Ontario matches the club with a nearby school. Golf Ontario and the partnered club then host events on a yearly basis to introduce and promote the sport to the students. Not to mention, the school gets to keep a set of practice clubs and balls to use during recess.

“We’ve been a part of this initiative for five years, and when we first heard about the program, we were really excited,” said Torkos. “We felt that the golf industry had not done enough to promote golf at these younger levels.” Torkos explained that most camps at golf courses don’t start until the ages of eleven, so it’s hard to get the younger ages invested in the sport.

Children develop interests much earlier than the age of eleven, so when they become old enough to join the camps, they have already developed other hobbies that take up their time. Therefore, visiting them at an earlier age at their schools will develop an interest at an earlier age, and promote the sport for years to come.

The program relies on courses like Innisfil Creek to deliver the program. Innisfil has developed deep connections with their sponsored schools, visiting them twice a year and providing them opportunities throughout the summer, which is what the program is all about.

Photos from the day can be found here.

Ryan MacKenzie

rmackenzie@gao.ca

Jasmine Ly started out the front nine -1 with an eagle and a bogey and finished off the back nine +1 with two bogeys and a birdie in order to finish her round with a 72 “I worked really hard this entire year to get these last rounds, the harder ones” – Jasmine Ly. She went 72-70-74-72 to win the championship with a total of 288.

At the awards ceremony, Jasmine thanked the coaches, parents, competitors, and course volunteers for an amazing week.  She talked about how she was grateful for her win, and that staying positive and grateful was one of the ways she was able to win the championship, “I try to stay grateful for everything, and there are going to be negative things that go on during a golf round, but I remember all the things that I’m grateful for” – Jasmine Ly

In second place was Taylor Kehoe of West Haven Golf and Country club who also shot a 72 today, and went 70-73-76-72. Sarah Beqaj of Toronto Golf Club went 72-67-78-76 for third.

The top three (3) 2018 Ontario Junior Girls’ Championship finishers comprise the Ontario Junior Girls’ Team. The team will represent Ontario at the Canadian Junior Girls’ Championship. The team will be made up of Jasmine Ly, Sarah Beqaj, and Hailey McLaughlin.

The host club, Maple City Golf and Country Club had 4 Junior Girls who participated in the event, Brooke MacKinnon who placed 9^th, Tess Scaman, Maddux Swayze, and Karolyn Rombouts.

Golf Ontario would like to thank the competitors, their families, and everyone who attended and supported this championship.  We would also like to thank our title sponsor of this event Investors Group, as well as the Maple City Golf and Country Club for their excellent course and hospitality in hosting this event.

About the Investors Group Junior Girls’ Championship

The Investors Group Ontario Junior Girls’ Championship is contested annually and features Ontario’s best amateur female golfers age 18 and under. Established in 1927, The event has a wealth of notable past champions including World Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Streit, Sandra Post, Sue Hilton, Alena Sharp, Jennifer Kirby and Brooke Henderson.

View updated results of the championship here.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook, @TheGolfOntario for updates of the Investors Group Ontario Junior (U19) Girls’ Championship.

Amber Morley

Marketing and Communications

Amorley@gao.ca

Former LPGA Tour Player Stephanie Sherlock was inducted into the Barrie Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday night.

Please read more here from the Barrie Examiner

The central responsibility of the Board is to provide good governance, stewardship and related policies for the Association. It oversees management of the business and affairs of the Association, taking into account the interests of the various stakeholders (including various government ministries, golf associations, sponsors, employees, etc.) It appoints and supervises the Executive Director to run the day-to-day operations of the Association.

In fulfilling their role, board members are legally obliged to:

• Act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Association, and
• Exercise care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances.

The board carries out its responsibilities directly and through committees in performing the following duties.

• Compliance with the provisions of the Association’s By-Law
• Establishing the criteria for selection of Directors
• Establishing committees, setting their mandates, and selecting members
• Approving recommendations for inductions into the Hall of Fame
• Establishing Association governance by-laws, policies and practices and annually review these with a view to incorporating improvements
• Maintaining an orientation program for new Directors and continuing education program for all Directors
• Assessing the effectiveness of the Board as a whole, the president, committees, and committee chairs
• Delegating duties and responsibilities to the Executive Director
• Meeting regularly to ensure Board responsibilities are executed in a timely manner
• Conducting in-camera sessions as necessary
• Ensuring the Board functions independently of Management and remains completely objective with respect to its governance and oversight responsibilities
• Executive Management and Human Resources
• Strategic Planning
• Financial stewardship and systems integrity
• Hiring, communicating with and setting goals for and evaluating the ED
• Performance monitoring
• Risk Management and critical events
• Stakeholder relations and communications