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

Photos from various events that Golf Barrie has attended.

The 15th Annual General Meeting of the Members and Awards/Recognition Ceremony Saturday January 23rd, 2016 at Weston Golf & Country Club. Please click here for more information and to register.

In total, the Golf Association of Ontario crowned 12 Leaderboard Champions (six men and six women) during the 2015 season. In addition, the GAO selected over 125 prize winners who received great items from TayorMade, Turkish Airlines, Muscle Milk, and TED Books. The GAO is truly thankful to all of the sponsors for their support of the vTOUR.

As the 2015 edition of the GAO vTOUR closed out, the GAO is very happy to announce that the Grand Prize winner of a trip for two to participate in the GAO 2Ball Invitational this December in St Kitts, courtesy of the St Kitts Tourism Authority, is Nancy Vince from the Ladies Golf Club of Toronto.

Congratulations to Nancy, the GAO looks forward to hosting you and your guest in St Kitts. There are still a few places available to join the 2Ball Invitational and more information can be found here.