Charles Fitzsimmons is now a 3-time national champion, after holding on to win the 2025 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship by one shot at Seymour Golf and Country Club in North Vancouver, B.C.

Fitzsimmons shot a 3-over 74 to finish the tournament at 1-over to edge Dustin Franko (Delta, B.C). by one shot. Fitzsimmons posted rounds of 71-72-68-74-285 to become the fourth three-time winner of the national championship. 

“Still processing the win, it feels great,” said Fitzsimmons following his win on Friday. “Today was a real challenge, Dustin played solid and he and I were going back and forth, it was just pressure filled for every moment and a really good challenge. My games been close all summer and to be able to get the win here is really special.”

Fitzsimmons is a mental coach of Team Ontario, as he balances competitive play with his coaching duties. The win marks three Men’s Mid-Am titles for Fitzsimmons tying him with Dave Bunker (2008, 2009, 2010), Garrett Rank (2014, 2015, 2016) and Joseph Deraney (2018, 2019, 2023). The four trail only seven-time winner Graham Cooke and four-time winner Stu Hamilton on the all-time winners list.

“It’s pretty special to be named amongst that group of players that have won this tournament three times. I probably would have never dreamt I could have done that as a kid so to be here now still kind of feels like a dream. It’s really cool to be part of Golf Canada history that way,” added Fitzsimmons.

Fitzsimmons will receive direct exemptions into the 2025 U.S Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship at Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Ariz. from September 13 -18, the 2026 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship along with a 10-year exemption into the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship.

To view full leaderboards: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11312253993171864018?locale=en 

McFarlane Secures First Provincial Title

Team Ontario’s Amelia McFarlane (Ottawa H&GC) captured her first provincial championship title at the U17 Championship, capitalizing on a hot start in the opening rounds. McFarlane finished with a total score of 212 (-1), securing scores of 66, 69 and 77 over the week of play. After putting herself in a strong position early, McFarlane was able to lean on that lead during the final day of play – showing composure in unfamiliar territory as she closed out the win.

Team Ontario coach Reggie Millage noted that McFarlane has been on the verge of a breakthrough for some time. Her strong opening rounds here, combined with momentum from a solid performance at the Canadian Junior Girls Championship, helped her capture her first provincial title.

Chasing her closely was Riviera Lindholm (St. George’s G&CC), who delivered an excellent final round. Lindholm’s steady play and ability to sink long-range putts up to the final hole kept the pressure on McFarlane throughout the day.

Other top finishers in the U17 Girls division include:

2nd: Riviera Lindholm (St. Georges G&CC)

T3: Evelyn Li (Brampton GC)

T3: Ava Gilbart (Summit G&CC)

Vivone Pulls Ahead on the Back Nine

Within the U17 Boys division, Michael Vivone (Royal Ottawa GC) rose to the occasion after starting the final round in fourth place. He finished with a total of 206 (-7), carding rounds of 65, 73 and 68. The round quickly turned into a tight battle, with a group of players all within reach of the lead and trading shots throughout the final holes of play.

It was on the back nine where Vivone found his rhythm, relying on clutch putting to separate himself from the field. “My putting on the front nine was a bit shaky, but I settled in well on the back nine” Vivone states. That recovery under pressure proved decisive, as he pulled ahead late in the final round to capture the U17 Championship title.

Other top finishers in the U17 Boys Division included:

2nd: Karson Hurlbert (Camelot G&CC)

T3: Dimitri Protopapas (The Nest at Friday Harbour)

T3: Grayson Carter (Listowel GC)

T3: Max Li (Summit G&CC)

Additional Championship Highlights

Beyond the leaderboard battles, the championship delivered additional memorable moments. Team Ontario’s Sadie Wu (Summit G&CC) made her mark in round one with her first hole-in-one, an achievement that energized the field and stood out as one of the week’s highlights.

Thank You

Golf Ontario extends our appreciation to Timber Ridge Golf Course for hosting the 2025 U17 Championship and providing an excellent stage for players to showcase their skills.

Championship Photos: HERE

For full scores and leaderboards: HERE

Photos, highlights, and final round content: @thegolfontario on Instagram and Facebook.

The R. Bruce Forbes Trophy will remain with Team Ontario for a third consecutive year following a come-from-behind victory at the 2025 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship at Seymour Golf and Country Club in North Vancouver, B.C.

Team Ontario entered Wednesday’s final round trailing Team Nova Scotia by four shots in the Inter-Provincial Team Championship, but posted a combined score of even par to finish at 2-over, three clear of the opening-round leaders.

Representing Ontario were Derek Dalziel of London, Ont., Kyle Gordon of Whitby, Ont., and Stephen Brown of Corunna, Ont. Dalziel led the way with a 1-under 70 that included a hole-in-one on the par-3 fifth hole, while Gordon’s 1-over 72, highlighted by a hole-out eagle on the par-4 17th, also counted towards the team’s total.

Each of Ontario’s past three victories have come with new team members, underlining the depth of talent across the province.

To view full leaderboards: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11312250173435988390?locale=en

Golf Ontario is proud to announce that Carriage House Wealth is returning as the presenting sponsor of the Junior Golf Drive, happening Monday, September 8 at Granite Golf Club.

“We’re excited to have Carriage House Wealth back as the presenting sponsor of the Junior Golf Drive. Kevin Cooper and his team share our passion for developing high-performance junior golf, and their support ensures our young athletes have the resources and training to succeed,” says Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane. “Together, we’re making sure tomorrow’s golf champions are made right here in Ontario.”

The Junior Golf Drive plays a vital role in supporting Ontario’s top junior golfers with funding for training, travel, and competition.

The results are already showing. In 2025, Team Ontario members captured such events as the Canadian Junior Boys’; Ontario Women’s Match Play; Ontario Junior Boys’; Ontario Spring Classic; numerous AJGA events and the Can-Am Matches title—a true testament to how dedicated support for high-performance junior golf is helping athletes succeed on the national and international stage.

Hosted at the exclusive Granite Golf Club, the Junior Golf Drive offers a rare opportunity to experience one of Ontario’s most sought-after private courses while supporting the next generation of champions. Participants will enjoy a memorable day on the course alongside some of Ontario’s most promising young talent.

Spots are still available. Don’t miss your chance to play Granite Golf Club and support junior golf.

Register your foursome at juniorgolfdrive.ca or email fundraising@golfontario.ca today.

Golf Ontario has officially announced its roster for the 2025 Canada Summer Games, with four standout junior golfers set to represent the province in St. John’s, Newfoundland from August 18–25. The golf competition will run August 19–22 at the historic Bally Haly Golf & Country Club, a course steeped in Newfoundland golf history. 

The Canada Games are a national showcase of youth athletic talent, and earning a spot on Team Ontario is a major milestone for any athlete. The event brings together the country’s best in a multi-sport environment that fosters competition, camaraderie, and lifelong memories. 

The Ontario golfers arrived on August 17, followed by a training day on August 18. Competition begins the next day, culminating with the Closing Ceremonies on August 24. The team returns home August 25. 

Ontario Golf Roster – 2025 Canada Summer Games 

Carlee Meilleur – Golf Ontario Players Club (Leeds-Grenville County) 

Evelyn Ma – Station Creek Golf Club 

Ashton Rinaldi – Barrie Country Club 

Matthew Simpson – Lambton Golf & Country Club 

These four athletes have earned their place through hard work and consistent performance. Each will carry the Ontario flag with pride as they compete against Canada’s best junior golfers. 

Coaching Staff 

Head Coach – Carla Munch 

A veteran of the national coaching scene, Carla Munch leads the team with decades of experience. A PGA of Canada Professional, she has guided the University of Waterloo Women’s Golf Program since 2004 and currently serves as Managing Partner and Head Pro at Cambridge Golf Club. 

Munch is no stranger to the Games, having coached Ontario in 2013, 2017, and 2022. She has also represented Canada at multiple FISU World University Games and was awarded the PGA of Canada’s Ben Kern Coach of the Year (2019). Her recent induction into the Cambridge and Waterloo Region Sports Hall of Fame highlights her impact on the sport. 

Team Manager – Cole Miranda 

Cole is currently enrolled in the Sport Business and Recreation Management Program at The University of Waterloo. He has completed the PGA of Canada’s Community Golf Coach Program and was the 2024 Tee it Up Junior Golf Tour Champion. Cole serves as an assistant coach at many junior golf camps and clinics at Cambridge Golf Club and maintains a 4 handicap. 

Cole is an accomplished athlete and was named the Graduating Athlete at his high school. He currently plays Junior hockey for the Welland Canadians in the GOJHL and enjoys skiing in the winter months. 

The 2025 U17 Championship will showcase some of Ontario’s brightest young talents, with a field stacked with champions and rising stars. Players with provincial and national success will battle over three rounds, from August 19-21, at Timber Ridge Golf Course – a setting that demands strategy, patience and precision.  

Located in Brighton, Ont., Timber Ridge sets the stage with its picturesque parkland layout and 18 demanding holes. With more than 80 strategically placed bunkers, rolling fairways, and tiered greens, the course will push players to think strategically and manage every shot with precision. 

Beyond the scorecard, this championship promises a true test of resilience. Tournament Director Mason Cowan says, “The lessons from the course will teach players to stay patient and level-headed for years to come, beyond the game of golf.” The mental battles required to navigate Timber Ridge’s challenges will shape these young athletes not only as golfers but also as competitors who carry composure and confidence well into the future. 

Boys to watch: 

Dimitri Protopapas :

• Ontario Junior Boys Match Play Champion
• T-5 at 2025 Ontario Junior Boys’ Amateur

Bode Stephen :

• Team Ontario Athlete 
• AJGA Forest Lake Championship Champion (2025) 
• T-5 at 2025 Ontario Junior Boys’ Amateur 

Chase Jerome:

• 6th at 2025 Ontario Men’s Amateur 
• T-7 at 2025 Ontario Junior Boys’ Amateur 

Joseph Totino :

• Team Ontario Athlete 
• Ontario U15 Champion (2024) 
• Runner-up at Ontario Junior Boys’ Match Play 

Girls to watch:

Additional Team Ontario Athletes: Kaprice Park, Amelia McFarlane, Sadie Wu. 

Next Wave Athletes: Karson Hurlbert, David Kowalewski, Lucas Gilbert, Landon Van Loon, Conner Kanellis, Brennan Turner, Andrew Sudicky, Zach Lederer, Michael Vivone, Andrea Lai, Regan Andrusyk, Narisse Daye, Katherine Xia, Ava Gilbart, Kaeleigh Chung, Ceilidh Spare, Cadence Tanouye and Grace Kim.  

Stay Connected 

For full tournament results and leaderboards, click HERE

For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook   

Team Ontario’s Dawson Lew made history at the Canadian Junior Boys Champion this week, as he became the 12th player ever to capture both the Junior & Juvenile Boys Championship titles in the same year.  

“To be etched on both trophies forever it’s a true honour,” said Lew following his round. “Not many people have done this before, and I think it’s a true privilege to have done it this week.”

Lew’s impressive play across four rounds: 66 – 65 – 70 – 68 – earned him a 269 total, finishing at 11 under par at Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club in Bathurst, N.B.. His victory places him among only a select group of golfers that have won both the Junior and Juvenile titles at a single Canadian Junior Boys Championship.

Lew’s 2025 season has been one to remember, highlighted by wins at Golf Ontario’s Junior Boys Spring Classic in May and a runner-up finish at the Men’s Amateur Championship in June.

To view full leaderboards: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11312250173435988390?locale=en

From first tee to final putt, Team Ontario commanded the competition at Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club, capturing their third consecutive inter-provincial team title at the 2025 Canadian Junior Boys Championship in Bathurst, New Brunswick. 

Steady Play, Big Results

Team Ontario’s Spencer Shropshire and Dawson Lew, accompanied by Andy Dai of Station Creek Golf Club, produced steady, composed rounds under pressure, posting scores of 135 and 136 to finish 9-under (271) over 36 holes. Their consistent play earned a four-stroke advantage over Team British Columbia, further solidifying Ontario’s dominance in junior golf.

Leading the way for Ontario was Dawson Lew, who not only anchored the team’s success but also holds the top spot in both the Junior Boys and Juvenile Boys individual leaderboards heading into the championship’s final rounds. This victory marks Lew’s second consecutive year as a key member of Ontario’s winning inter-provincial squad. Lew has also enjoyed a standout season individually, including:

• Winner, Ontario Junior Boys Spring Classic (May 2025)
• 2nd place, Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship (June 2025)

A Proud Chapter for Ontario Junior Golf

With another team inter-provincial title in the books, the victory highlights the province’s depth, talent, and commitment to developing junior golfers. From the teamwork of Team Ontario boys, Dawson Lew, Andy Dai and Spencer Shropshire, this championship is a true display of composure under pressure. 

Looking Ahead

Ontario’s junior golfers continue to leave their mark on the national stage, setting the standard for excellence and inspiring the next generation of champions. 

To view full leaderboards and follow along with the final round: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11312250173435988390

St. Catharines, ON – August 10, 2025
This past Sunday, the Special Olympics Ontario – St. Catharines Golf Team, the Chippawa Chippers, came together at the Legends on the Niagara driving range to take on the 1000 Ball Challenge. Twenty enthusiastic Special Olympics athletes participated, determined to hit 1,000 golf balls in support of their own golf programs.

The team has already raised an incredible $5,670 and counting. These funds will help ensure athletes have continued access to golf courses, tee times, practice facilities, and coaching.

A Day Full of Fun and Teamwork

The weather was hot, but it did not seem to affect the athletes as they worked together and completed the challenge in just under two hours. An incredible feat! During the session everyone participated in a friendly long drive and target contests.  With Otto Lutz and Tess Trojan taking the crown home for the long drive competition and Mikey Rocco winning the target contest!

Raphael Root, Fund Development Manager at Golf Ontario, shared, “Having these athletes come together for an afternoon at the driving range, having fun really shows that golf has the power to shape people’s lives. We are so excited to do this again with the Chippawa Chippers and more Special Olympics Ontario groups going forward.”

Heartfelt Thanks

A special thank you to the entire Chippawa Chippers team and their coach Mike Trojan for their inspiring efforts, as well as Chris Garner and Cam Zeppa from Legends on the Niagara for generously allowing the use of the driving range. Your support made this unforgettable day possible!

Still Time to Give!

Although the event has wrapped, fundraising for the Chippawa Chippers continues. The fundraising page will stay open until October 31, so if you missed your chance to donate, there’s still time to support this incredible team of athletes!

Visit the fundraising page and contribute today: https://www.1000ball.ca/t/chippawa-chippers

Ready to Create Your Own Memorable Day on the Range?
The Chippawa Chippers showed how the 1000 Ball Challenge brings people together, fuels community spirit, and celebrates the game of golf while raising important funds.

If your golf group is looking to raise funds for your own programs, the 1000 Ball Challenge is a fun and impactful way to make it happen. Learn more and sign up today at www.1000ball.ca.

Welland, ON – The Ontario U13 Championship wrapped up in exciting fashion at Cardinal Lakes Golf Club, with Owen Copp claiming the Boys’ title and Riviera Lindholm delivering an impressive performance to secure the Girls’ championship.

Ontario U13 Championship Results

In the Boys’ division, Owen Copp of Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club led from start to finish, posting back-to-back rounds of 69 (-3) to secure a wire-to-wire victory. His two-day total of 138 (-6) gave him a comfortable four-shot win. Ivan Xue made a remarkable charge in Round 2, climbing seven spots on the leaderboard to claim second place at 142 (-2). A two-way tie for third saw Theo Wittemund and Noah Olver finish at 143 (-1).

In the Girls’ division, Riviera Lindholm of St. George’s Golf and Country Club delivered an equally dominant performance. After opening with a fierce score of 68 (-4), she followed it up with a steady 69 (-3) to finish at 137 (-7) and take home the title. Cocomi Wang of Angus Glen Golf Club pushed hard in the final round, briefly overtaking Lindholm on the back nine, before settling into second place at 140 (-4). Avery McGuire rounded out the podium with a total score of 142 (-2).

This year’s U13 Championship showcased the impressive skill and composure of Ontario’s youngest competitive golfers, setting the stage for bright futures ahead.

Building the Future of Ontario Golf

The Ontario U13 Championship serves as an important stepping stone in a young golfer’s journey. By offering early exposure to a provincial-level event, it helps competitors develop the skills, confidence, and competitive mindset needed for future success in the sport.

Thank You to Cardinal Lakes Golf Club

Golf Ontario extends a heartfelt thank you to Cardinal Lakes Golf Club for hosting the 2025 Ontario U13 Championship. Their commitment to providing an exceptional course and atmosphere played a key role in making this event a success.

Championship Photo Album:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1347365127071711&type=3

For full scores and leaderboards: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11301061780542900311

Photos, highlights, and final round content: @thegolfontario on Instagram and Facebook.