We welcome a very family-oriented course with
casual atmosphere back to the GO family

Nestled on the outskirts of Keene, Ontario, on the north shore of Rice Lake, lays a hidden treasure of golf, Bellmere Winds Golf Resort. The course features breathtaking views of the Lake at almost every turn, large undulating greens and dramatic elevation changes, and all surrounded by a family-friendly resort.

A unique destination combining gorgeous golf scenery, six-month cottage life opportunities, boating, swimming, campfires and more, Bellmere has recently rejoined the Golf Ontario family of facilities. Today they kick off our Friday Facility Feature, spotlighting some of our amazing member courses.

With 400 cottages, 375 member-owned and the remaining 25 available for stay-and-play packages, Bellmere provides a unique experience in Ontario. Built in three stages after the course was initially built, the first cottage phase is situated down on the water, Phase Two is just above the golf course up the hill, and Phase Three sits more inland. As an added bonus, cottage ownership comes with 6 (yes, six!) family member golf memberships. Options to buy cottages start from just $99,900 with payment plans available.

A Jack Lally design, the course shows off beautiful lake views on nearly every hole at different elevations. The front nine is sometimes narrow with fescue-lined fairways, while the back nine is wider open, perhaps more forgivable. Most will find the front a greater yet approachable challenge. The back nine begins with perhaps their signature hole, a fabulous par-5 elevated 10th tee drive looking down to the water, followed by the 11th and 12th played along the lakeside resort (Phase One).

Bellmere has recently gone through some renovations, including the bunkers. Out of play for the last few years because of COVID, they’ve been rejuvenated back to life, and fescue has been taken away in spots allowing more errant shots to be salvageable and a quicker pace of play. In addition, the greens are in good shape, rolled a few days a week, thanks to Superintendent Eric Van Gerwen.

Although also in his first year at Bellmere, Van Gerwen has over ten years of experience as a Greenskeeper. He’s worked at various notable courses such as Peterborough Golf and Country Club, Conestoga Golf & Country Club and Beach Hall Golf Club. With this experience working on golf courses, he has learned the necessary requirements to maintain a golf course in pristine condition and the keys to exceeding golfer expectations.

Additional features at the course include detailed GPS in all carts, four different tee decks for various skill levels, a newly constructed single hitting bay to warm up on, large putting green, member events, and an outdoor grill featuring burgers and pizza with gorgeous views of the lake and the scenic 10th tee. Future plans for the course include additional irrigation and cart path upgrades.

QUICK SHOTS:

Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: (Gold) 6696 / (Blue) 6203 / (White) 6022 / (Red) 5275
Bunkers: 36

Visit their website here to learn more about Bellmere Winds Golf Resort, including membership purchases, cottage ownership, and stay-and-play packages.

BELLMERE WINDS GOLF RESORT

1235 Villiers Line
Keene, ON K0L 2G0
Phone: 705-295-3000
Website: bellmerewindsgolfresort.com
Facebook / @BellmereWinds
Instagram / @BellmereWindsResort

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 or to have us out to photo/drone/visit your course, please contact:

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

Toronto, ON – The 2022 Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship returned to Oakdale Golf and Country Club to conclude Golf Ontario’s provincial competitive season. After an hour frost delay, the 63rd running of the event played out under blue skies on a beautiful fall day composed of 60 teams looking to come out on top. The men took on the host site of the upcoming 2023 RBC Canadian Open, which featured quick greens and tough pins.

After 18 gorgeous holes, Josh Hunke and Ryan Kings of Deer Ridge Golf Club, with a strong five-under (67) on the strength of 4 birdies and an eagle on eight, led the pack and emerged victorious. The tournament always proves to be very competitive, with this year being no different, with only a three-shot difference separating the top sixteen duos.

Friends from playing at Deer Ridge Golf Club, both players were very complimentary of each other after the round. Hunke said, “his (Kings) sand shot on 17 that found the bottom of the cup for birdie was a huge moment on the day.” Kings added they had a classic ham-n-egger round and that Hunke also made some big putts for the team.

Following closely behind in second place was a trio of teams at 4-under, including Brett Geiser and Gordon Gibson (Cedar Brae GC), Harris Bundy and Craig Hosie (Scarboro G&CC, Granite GC) and Keegan Tyers and Adam Smalley (St. Georges GC). Behind them were four duos at 3-under and nine teams at 2-under, showcasing an incredibly talented field and proving what a competitive tournament this continues to be.

LEADERBOARD  /  PHOTOS

Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, starters, referees, scorers, and volunteers for their continued support of the 2022 season. Thank you, especially to Oakdale Golf and Country Club and your staff, volunteers, and members for being wonderful hosts and supporting this event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners; Baka, 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, Nikon, and Sport Travel.

About The Ontario Men’s Better-Ball

The Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship has been played since 1959. All but two of the championships have taken place at Oakdale G&CC. The tournament is open to teams whose members both have up-to-date Golf Canada Handicap Factor of 8.4 or less at the time of online registration through the completion of the Championship. Each team’s combined Handicap Factor must not exceed 12.8 at the time of online registration through the completion of the Championship. Previous event winners include: Gary Cowan, Bill Morland, Nick Weslock, Kelly Roberts, Warren Sye, Matthew Ion Young, Albin Choi, Garrett Rank and Simon McInnis.

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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Media contact:

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

Championship Contact:

Rob Watson, Manager Competitions, Golf Ontario
RWatson@gao.ca

Toronto, ON – On Monday, October 3rd, the 63rd Ontario Men’s Better Ball Championship returns to Oakdale Golf & Country Club, the site of the 2023 and 2026 RBC Canadian Open, as Ontario’s best teams square off in this long-standing event. 

With its three nines, Oakdale is a magnificent course, rambling over rolling land, with the picturesque Black Creek running throughout the design. The players will take on the Thompson (front nine) and Homenuik (back nine). “Hosting this prestigious Championship is an absolute honour for our Club,” said Ian Crebbin, Director of Golf. “Oakdale has always provided a stern test for competitors and will surely provide some memorable moments. On behalf of the Club, we look forward to hosting all participants.”

Some notable names are the 2021 Champions, Jonn Drewery (Westmount G&CC) and Derek McGrath (Galt CC), who carded an amazing nine-under (63), and no doubt will try to repeat this year. Other big names in the mix include 2022 Ontario Men’s Match Play Champion Charles Fitzsimmons (and 2022 Canadian Men’s Mid-Am Champion), 2020 Ontario Men’s Mid-Am Champion Ryan Tsang, and recently crowned 2022 Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball winners Cam Hreljac and Chris Lee (also winners of this event in 2003). Meanwhile, Oakdale hopes a few members will win the Championship, a feat first accomplished by current members Howard Mandelbaum and Michael Katz in 1996.

Teams will attack the course with a shotgun round starting at 10 am. More information on the Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship can be found on our Golf Genius page here. 

About The Ontario Men’s Better-Ball

The Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship has been played since 1959. All but two of the championships have taken place at Oakdale G&CC. The tournament is open to teams whose members both have up-to-date Golf Canada Handicap Factor of 8.4 or less at the time of online registration through the completion of the Championship. Each team’s combined Handicap Factor must not exceed 12.8 at the time of online registration through the completion of the Championship. Previous event winners include: Gary Cowan, Bill Morland, Nick Weslock, Kelly Roberts, Warren Sye, Matthew Ion Young, Albin Choi, Garrett Rank and Simon McInnis.

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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Media contact:

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

Championship Contact:

Rob Watson, Manager Competitions, Golf Ontario
RWatson@gao.ca

Golf Ontario, the Provincial Sport Organization for Golf, is currently seeking interested individuals to serve on the Board of Directors for a three-year term commencing February 2023.

The Board currently consists of 11 directors serving staggered 3 – year terms, with an option to extend for a second 3 – year term. Based upon the tenure of the existing directors, the Board anticipates requiring a minimum of 3 new directors in 2023, 2 new directors in 2024, and 1 new director in 2025.

With over 80 years of history and tradition, serving 100,000 members, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. We strive to align with all golf stakeholders through a connected golf community while encouraging both youth and adults to play more golf more often. Our mission is to shape lives through golf by leading, creating, and promoting positive golf experiences. The Board is responsible for determining Golf Ontario policy; for protecting the long-term growth and health of the organization; for developing, monitoring and evaluating the strategic goals; for approving the annual budget; and for authorizing and taking responsibility for the funding of the organization. Golf Ontario’s key priorities for the next strategic plan period include:

1. Formalizing our DEI strategic action plan
2. Growing our Public Player membership category and value for the recreational golfer
3. Building stronger relationships with our facilities through our Regional Support Strategy
   If you have a strong passion for and understanding of the sport of Golf, we would like to hear from you. We are searching for strategic thinkers with particular experience in the following areas: Government Relations, Technology, and Fundraising. We are committed to making golf more accessible and welcoming to diverse populations and would encourage like-minded individuals to apply.

The role of a Golf Ontario Board member is to act as a trustee, always serving the best interests of the organization with integrity and an open mind. In-person Board meetings are hosted quarterly (travel reimbursement provided), and quarterly committee and work group meetings are held virtually. Board members establish and actively support the vision of golf for all, a mission to shape lives through golf, and strategic directions of the organization and exercise financial oversight and fiduciary responsibility for the organization on behalf of its members, among other responsibilities.

Expressions of Interest must include the following:

• Online application form and
• Current CV (Instructions for uploading your documents are included on the application form)

The submission deadline for positions for the coming year is November 11, 2022.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Golf Ontario is an equal opportunity organization committed to providing accessible practices. We will make all reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities in order to support their full participation in this process. We thank all individuals for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All expressions of interest will be kept in confidence.

Our 2022 Board of Directors

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.

LEADERBOARD / PHOTOS

Brampton, ON – As the weather flicked a switch on fall golf, the Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship took to the prestigious course at Brampton Golf Club for a 1:15 p.m. shotgun start this afternoon. With just 18-holes of competitive stroke play to determine the 2022 champions, Cam Hreljac and Chris Lee battled high winds to emerge victorious.

Taking home the championship title with a stellar round of 4-under (67), Cam and Lee, who also won the 2003 Ontario Men’s Better-Ball, battled the field to win by two strokes ahead of a tight leaderboard. Right behind the leaders at 2-under were a pack of four duos claiming silver medals. Greg Hotham and David Greenaway (Barrie Country Club), John Francis and Richard Turner (Rosedale Golf Club), Gawain Robertson and Adnan Moussaoui (Cataraqui Golf & Country Club), and lastly, Regan O’Halloran and Jerome Chinner (Coppinwood Golf Club), all came up just short with scores of 69.

In the post-win interview, the winning pair said with big smiles, “we’ve been playing together for over 30 years and are notorious ham n eggers. We hit the ball far and in play all day and gave ourselves many chances at birdies.” They added the wind played a significant factor, “16 was crazy, anything into the wind was a 3-4 club difference. It was tough staying warm out there.”

Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, rules officials, staff and members for supporting the 2022 Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship. To Brampton Golf Club and your team, thank you for being such excellent hosts and welcoming us once again. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners; Baka, 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, Nikon, and Sport Travel.

To view the 2022 Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship leaderboards, visit our Golf Genius page.

About the Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship

The Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship was first contested in 1982. It is open to players aged 55 and older as of the tournament date. The Oakdale Golf & Country Club graciously donated the championship trophy. Notable champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Famers Nick Westlock and Stu Hamilton.

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.

Media contact:

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

With large crowds lining the fairway and encircling the green, John Monture (Lower Mohawk Six Nations) captured the Men’s portion of the Inaugural Indigenous Ontario Championship in dramatic fashion on the fourth playoff hole. Playing the 18th for the fourth time in just over an hour, Monture would prevail, much to the delight of his local community and home course, Monthill Golf & Country Club. 

As exciting as the finish turned out to be, the entire Indigenous event proved to be an extremely memorable championship that will flourish and grow in the future. It was clear to everyone involved and on hand how much this tournament meant to the Indigenous people and the opportunity to rally around a sport, a community and their heritage. 

Entry into the 36-hole tournament was open to Indigenous community members (First Nations, Métis & Inuit). Two days of stroke play contained various divisions, including Men’s and Women’s Gross, Men’s and Women’s Net Stableford, while also recognizing the top junior and senior players. This event marked the first Open Provincial Championship in Canada for Indigenous golfers and featured participants from across North America representing 41 Indigenous communities. 

Cheryl Mitchell (Walpole Island First Nation), who also won the Golf Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship in 2003, held off a mid-round charge by Melanie Burgess (Matachewan First Nation), to cinch the Women’s Overall division after two matching 4-over (76) scores. Burgess took home the silver while Kathryn Corbiere (Moravian of the Thames First Nation) claimed the bronze with a strong 77. Savana Smith (Delaware Nation) took home the Women’s Net Overall title, racking up 64 Stableford points and capturing the Junior Girl’s division. Kathy Jamieson (Upper Cayuga Six Nations) won the Senior Women’s division. 

With Monture (Lower Mohawk Six Nations) winning gold in the Men’s overall division, Ian Ford (Lac Suel First Nation) secured silver and Conrad Naponse (Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation) and Ky Horn (Mohawks of Kahnawake) tied for the bronze. Monture remarked, “I’ve always been a member here the last 10-11 years, they’ve always me treated well, and for this to happen on Six Nations and to be from Six Nations, and on my home course, it means a lot to me.” Monture’s father, John Monture Sr (Upper Mohawk Six Nations), took home the Men’s Net and the Senior Men’s division to make the day even sweeter for the community. Lucas Rogers (Kettle Point First Nation) secured the Junior Boy’s category.  

The day wrapped up with closing ceremonies, thankful 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 inaugural 2022 Indigenous Ontario Championship. Many thanks to Monthill and their incredible team for hosting this memorable event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners; Baka, 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, Nikon, and Sport Travel. 

Please visit our Golf genius page here for more information on the tournament. 

About the Indigenous Ontario Championship: 

The Indigenous Ontario Championship will be played and hosted at MontHill Golf & Country Club, located in Six Nations, Ontario. This Championship, open to men and women of all ages, is a 36-hole competition featuring a Gross division and a Net Stableford division and 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. In addition, the Championship will bring awareness to the growth of the game of golf and the impact it could have 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter and like us on Facebook. Also, make sure to visit our website for further information. 

For more information, please contact: 

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

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

Brampton, ON – The last stop on September’s championship schedule play is the Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship, returning again from Brampton Golf Club. Happening this Thursday, September 22nd, 128 players will take to the beautiful course in hopes of ending the golf season with some strong play.

With a large field, it’s difficult to say which pairing will have the upper hand heading into the 40^th playing of this event. With twosomes like home course favourites Jeff Watson and Gary Parker (Brampton GC), 2021 champions David Wilson and Eamonn McConnell (Toronto GC), past Senior Men’s Amateur Champion David Greenaway and his partner Greg Hotham (Barrie CC), along with many more, there’s incredible talent right across the tee sheet. However, with just 18-holes of competitive stroke play, the winning duo will need consistent play and strong teamwork to walk away with the coveted hardware.

Head Golf Professional Mike Long said, “the club is very pleased to continue to host and support this championship. The golf course is in great shape. The greens are smooth, and the rough is fairly thick.” The meandering fairways into a river valley below will be a “fair but challenging test of golf that will challenge all competitors.”

Play gets underway with a shotgun start at 1:15 pm. Visit our golf genius page here for more information about the championship.

About the Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship

The Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship was first contested in 1982. It is open to players aged 55 and older as of the tournament date. The Oakdale Golf & Country Club graciously donated the championship trophy. Notable champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Famers Nick Westlock and Stu Hamilton.

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.

Media contact:

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

Tournament contact:

Rob Watson, Manager Competitions, Golf Ontario
rwatson@gao.ca

Leaderboards / Photos

Championship Co-chair Jesse Smith drove a beautiful ceremonial opening shot off the 10th tee early this morning and officially began play for the inaugural Indigenous Ontario Championship from Monthill Golf & Country Club. Smiles, laughter and applause, would outweigh the variable weather conditions, including two storm delays, to produce a successful and fun day one.

Entry into the 36-hole tournament is open to Indigenous community members (First Nations, Métis & Inuit). Two days of stroke play will contain various divisions, including Men’s and Women’s Gross, Men’s and Women’s Net Stableford, while also recognizing the top junior and senior players. This event marks the first Open Provincial Championship in Canada for Indigenous golfers and features participants from across North America representing 41 Indigenous communities.

John Monture (Lower Mohawk Six Nations) leads the way in the Men’s overall division after a blazing 7-under (65) opening round, including eight birdies. Close behind sits Ian Ford (Lac Suel First Nation) with a strong 4-under (68). Ford said, “getting to have an event that’s Indigenous focused is great for Native golf and Canadian golf as a whole, to hopefully have that ripple effect for years to come. You kind of hold it closer to your heart and it means a little bit more playing for your community.” Della Bomberry (Lower Cayuga Six Nations) holds a one-stroke lead in the Senior Men’s category over John Monture Sr (Upper Mohawk Six Nations) after his first round 4-over (76).

Cheryl Mitchell (Walpole Island First Nation) and Melanie Burgess (Matachewan First Nation) sit tied in the Women’s Overall division after matching opening 4-over (76) scores. Kathy Jamieson (Upper Cayuga Six Nations) holds a seven-stroke lead in the Senior Women’s division heading into round two.

Lucas Rogers (Kettle Point First Nation) currently has the lead in the Junior Boy’s category after an opening 6-over (78), while the top Junior Girl is Savana Smith (Delaware Nation). 14 year old Smith remarked after her round, “I think it’s actually really cool, being one of the first people to play this tournament… it’s really meaningful, knowing that we get an opportunity to just play.” As the youngest female player at the tournament, she added, “it’s kinda exciting actually, getting to compare myself to girls and women that are older than me.” 

Also playing in the Championship is Regional Deputy Grand Council Travis Boissoneau (Ojibways of Garden River), who travelled from Thunder Bay, ON. to partake in this memorable occasion. He remarked, “it’s a world-class event… and as for young people getting into the game, I think golf is a perfect example of how you can approach your life, you’re playing independently, no one to blame but yourself, and you have to take responsibility. Boissoneau added, “I think for Indigenous youth to have access to events like this and to be working with Golf Ontario, it’s truly a privilege, and it’s something for us to look forward to… I can see this growing and seeing more people golfing and getting into the game.”

Sunday’s opening ceremonies from Monthill featured a kid’s golf clinic and dinner for participants of the event, as well as key representatives from the Host Association Golf Ontario, members of the local Indigenous community, and distinguished guests representing the Provincial Government.

Round two gets underway Tuesday, with tee times beginning at 8:30 am off the first and tenth tees. Please visit our Golf genius page here for more information on the tournament.

About the Indigenous Ontario Championship:

The Indigenous Ontario Championship will be played and hosted at MontHill Golf & Country Club, located in Six Nations, Ontario. This Championship, open to men and women of all ages, is a 36-hole competition featuring a Gross division and a Net Stableford division and 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. In addition, the Championship will bring awareness to the growth of the game of golf and the impact it could have 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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter and like us on Facebook. Also, make sure to visit our website for further information.

For more information, please contact:

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

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

Leaderboard / Photos

Barrie, ON – In the 2022 Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship hunt, fifty-eight women battled gusting winds in Golf Ontario’s first shotgun start of the 2022 season. Shooting a cool 66 at the scenic Settlers’ Ghost Golf Club, young amateurs Vanessa Borovilos and Alexa Ouellet emerged victorious to win the 40^th annual title.

Both members of the Weston Golf and Country Club, Borovilos and Ouellet, have been competing against and playing together for roughly six years. “After every round, we would go and get ice cream sundaes. There’s a Chelsea Chocolates that we’ll be celebrating at tonight if it’s still open,” explained Borovilos. Ouellet added, “the conditions were very windy today, but it was supposed to rain, so I’m happy it held off.” Together, the duo pulled off six birdies to finish the championship with a total of six-under.

Trailing just three strokes behind the leaders, Kristy Henry (Mad River GC) and Joanne Noble (Weston G&CC) shot a 69 to claim silver, while defending champion Aryn Matthews (Bigwin Island GC) and partner Emma Hansen (Blue Springs GC) recorded one-under to take home bronze.

Claiming the Low Net portion of the championship, the team of Emma Benoit and Ally Ruston (Brooklea G&CC) shot seven-under for a crisp finish of 65. The duo of Helen Williams (Station Creek GC) and Meredith Stanford (Coppinwood GC) finished with a 68 for silver, followed by Kathie Houghton (Georgian Bay Club) and Julie Green (The Club at North Halton) for bronze.

Golf Ontario would like to thank all the players, staff, and volunteers for supporting the 2022 Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship. A big thank you to Settlers’ Ghost Golf Club for hosting this fantastic event. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners; Baka, 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, Nikon, and Sport Travel.

For media coverage of the championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook Page to view our photo albums. To view the full leaderboards, visit our Golf Genius Page.

About the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship

First played in 1953, the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship is contested annually and features two-woman teams competing in a better-ball 18-hole format. In total, 34 teams and 68 players participated in the 2021 event.

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 further information.

For more information, please contact:

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

A new pathway to championship golf was officially launched tonight while the sun was slowly setting outside the beautiful Monthill Clubhouse in Caledonia, Ontario. Over 175 guests were immersed in Haudenosaunee culture and joined together to celebrate the inaugural Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship.

A collaboration only eight months in the making between Golf Ontario, Monthill Golf & Country Club and the people of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, the event held to formally launch this first of its kind championship did not disappoint.

Master of Ceremony Delby Powless, the Chair of the Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation and friend to the community, welcomed all in attendance and, throughout the evening, acted as a gracious host on behalf of the local organizing committee. His first order of business was to introduce Cam Hill & Eddie Thomas, who set the stage for a traditional welcome prayer which was quickly followed by three ceremonial dances to the delight of the crowd.

Chief Mark Hill of Six Nations of the Grand was the first speaker to address dinner guests following the lively cultural dances. Chief Hill spoke passionately about the proud culture of the people of the Six Nations, one of the largest communities in Canada. He remarked how fitting it was that everyone was gathered together tonight due to Golf Ontario’s leadership and collaborative efforts, working hand in hand with the Co-Chairs of the Championship Organizing Committee, Jesse Smith and Stephen Tooshkenig, as well as a wider team at Monthill.

Following Chief Hill’s remarks, Golf Ontario CEO Mike Kelly shared his enthusiasm for the inaugural championship. Kelly expressed how the event represented yet another step toward an environment where Golf For All is not just a statement in a strategic planning document but a North Star that the organization will continue to work towards every day. As well, having been the first Provincial Sport Organization within Canadian Golf to launch a similar championship for differently-abled golfers, the Indigenous Ontario Golf Championship has already inspired at least one other Provincial association to follow suit in the coming months.

Sharing best wishes from the Premier of Ontario, Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, acknowledged the tremendous spirit of collaboration between Golf Ontario, Monthill and the local community.  Tibollo went on to say that he would take the news back to his colleagues at the legislature about how much had been accomplished through the partnership. In concluding his remarks, he further recognized that his previous experience with Golf Ontario, when in the portfolio of Tourism, Culture and Sport, was a sign of great things for this new championship and years of great advancements in this space to come.

After a delicious meal prepared by Monthill’s Head Chef, featuring locally sourced ingredients such as; buffalo mozzarella, “The New Farm” organic greens, grass-fed local beef and “Barrie Hill Farm” green beans, Smith, Monthill’s Head Pro and Director of Instruction, a Co-Chair of the organizing committee, led three local professional athletes through a Q&A about their journey from the local community to the heights of NCAA Championships and National League titles in the sport of lacrosse. While each of the three panellists is incredibly accomplished in their professional sports pursuits, they took several opportunities to share how golf has also been an important part of shaping who they are or in allowing them to find clarity of mind away from the demands of their team training, travel and competition.

It was the words shared by the panellists that, while echoing words from previous speaker Chief Hill and MC Powless, seemed to resonate most with the audience as they spoke. They spoke of gratitude for the land they live and play on, the opportunities to compete in sports, and the people who supported them in their journeys. When asked how they prepared for the rigours of competition, they all spoke about finding peace and clarity of mind, which was instilled in them from a young age. One of the players, having signed what will likely be his final professional contract, when asked what he thought life might hold for him when he does retire from professional competition, was quick to say he would be playing more golf. Here at Monthill. In the community that supports him and where he plans to instill the same shared values of his community in his two young sons, the next generation of potential leaders from within this proud Haudenosaunee community.

Competition begins Monday, September 19th, in the two-day, 36-hole championship that will crown the first-ever Indigenous Ontario Golf Champion.

About the Indigenous Ontario Championship:

The Indigenous Ontario Championship will be played and hosted at MontHill Golf & Country Club, located in Six Nations, Ontario. This Championship, open to men and women of all ages, is a 36-hole competition featuring a Gross division and a Net Stableford division and 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 could have 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.

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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 further information.

For more information, please contact:

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

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