Three years ago, Melodie joined Golf Ontario’s Women’s Try Golf program, having never picked up a club. With no experience or equipment of her own – despite having a family of golfers at home – she showed up excited and prepared to give it a try.  

“Women’s Try Golf has allowed me to try golf in a supportive environment with other beginners who want to experience fun in their learning,” says Melodie. “The emphasis on engaging with other women in a non-competitive way that promotes women’s health and growth with a twist of being social with cocktails and meal is fabulous and unique to what women need!”.  

The first season she casually attended a few Try Days, utilizing the program’s clubs and finding her swing in the game. By the next year, she had advanced to partaking in Learn Days – training alongside small groups, guided by expert coaches who helped her develop in specific areas of the game. Although she wasn’t playing full rounds just yet, Melodie was improving her play, and just as importantly, she was building meaningful friendships with women who also shared an interest in learning the sport.  

“I love and appreciate having the freedom to learn at my own pace and without comments and judgment,” she says. “My skills have improved with planned lessons with the program’s coaches, as well as from tips from other participants.” 

 Mallory Dayman, Golf Ontario’s director of participation explains, “Our goal is to reduce or eliminate the barriers women face when trying golf for the first time,” she says. “Our team works with our facilities and coaches so whether you are playing 9-holes at a Try event or developing your skills at a Learn event, it is a fun, welcoming and no pressure experience.” 

This past winter Melodie’s husband surprised her with her own set of golf clubs for their anniversary. For some, the perfect gift might come in a little blue box – but for Melodie, this gift was even better. 

“We have already been starting to golf as a family and I am grateful to have women golf clubs as I was very frustrated using my husband’s clubs as they were not the right fit,” Melodie says. 

With her new gear and growing confidence, she’s now taking private lessons. But what she looks forward to the most is playing with the friends she made through her Women’s Try Golf experiences. 

 “It’s been a blessing to get out there to connect on so many levels with other women alike,” she says.  

Now, with her experience through Golf Ontario’s Women’s Try and Women’s Learn events, she is considering joining a league to play at her own pace. What started as simple curiosity turned into a long-lasting passion – and proof that sometimes, the best gifts don’t sparkle, they swing.

Golf fans—this is your shot! We’re launching an exciting raffle for TWO (2) Club Connect Tickets to Saturday June 7th at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open, at TPC Osprey Valley. Not only do you get the chance to witness the world’s best golfers on Canadian soil, but your support goes towards advancing GOLF FOR ALL in Ontario.

The Prize: An Epic Day at the RBC Canadian Open

Get ready to experience golf like never before with the Club Connect access—an exclusive experience at the tournament’s iconic Hole 16.

Here’s what’s included:

• Saturday, June 7th tournament access
• Access to the Skybox at Hole 16
  • Full bar service from 11AM–6PM
  • Snack service from 3PM–6PM
• Entry to the Saturday night concert presented by SIRIUSXM, featuring the Sam Roberts Band

Total prize value: approx. $800

How to Enter

Support the 1000 Ball Challenge and secure your chance to win:

1. Visit 1000ball.ca/rbccoraffle
2. Make a $20+ contribution to the 1000 Ball Challenge
   • Support a team, individual, or the campaign directly
3. Each $20 = 1 raffle entry
   • $20 = 1 entry
   • $100 = 5 entries
   • $500 = 25 entries

The more you GIVE, the better your odds!

Why It Matters

Proceeds benefit the Golf For All Fund, powering inclusive golf programs across Ontario and making the game more accessible to everyone.

Key Dates

• Raffle Closes: End of Day June 1st
• Winner Announced: June 2nd
• Event Date: Saturday, June 7th, 2025

Enter Now!

Don’t miss this chance to experience the RBC Canadian Open like a VIP.
Visit 1000ball.ca/rbccoraffle to enter today!

Please visit 1000ball.ca/rbccoraffle for full raffle details. For any questions please reach out to fundraising@golfontario.ca.  

The 2025 Ontario Junior Girls’ Spring Classic concluded May 20th at FireRock Golf Club, with Nobelle Park of RattleSnake Point Golf Club capturing the title once again after a composed final round of 71. Park finished the 54-hole championship at 10-under-par (209), opening with back-to-back rounds of 69 before sealing the win on the final day.

“This means my hard work has paid off,” said Park. “Working out and keeping my game together during the winter means that I did everything right—and it really builds my confidence.”

Kaprice Park, also of RattleSnake Point, placed second at 3-under-par (216), followed by Cindy Yan of Golf Canada ClubHouse in third at 2-under-par (217).

Known for its elevation changes, tight fairways, and demanding greens, FireRock provided a true championship test. Park navigated the course with confidence and consistency, pulling ahead with steady play down the stretch. 

The Spring Classic once again showcased the impressive depth of talent emerging through Ontario’s junior golf ranks. From experienced competitors to rising stars in the U17 division, the field demonstrated maturity, resilience, and high-level shot-making throughout the week. Park’s back-to-back victories underscored both her dominance and the overall strength of competition—highlighting a bright future for junior golf in the province.

For full results, click here.

Follow @thegolfontario for more highlights, photos, and player features.

Wyndance Golf Club’s Dawson Lew delivered a clutch final-round 66 at Wooden Sticks Golf Club to win the 2025 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic, finishing at an impressive 11-under-par.

Lew’s stellar Tuesday performance pushed him past a competitive field, narrowly edging out the runner-up by a single stroke to claim the title. His consistency and composure under pressure were key in securing his latest victory.

In addition to winning the overall title, Lew also led the U17 category — finishing an impressive nine strokes ahead of the next closest competitor in that age group.

With the top-five finish, Lew, alongside Spencer Shropshire, Luke Smith, Rylan Hall, and Eric Zhao, has officially earned a spot in the 2025 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, set for August 12–15 at Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club in Bathurst, New Brunswick. Notably, all three podium finishers — Lew, Shropshire, and Smith — are members of Team Ontario.

Already a two-time champion — holding titles as the Ontario Juvenile Boys’ Champion and MJT Team Challenge winner — Lew’s latest win at the 2025 Spring Classic continues to solidify his status as one of the province’s top junior talents.

For the full leaderboard, Click Here.

With early-season momentum building, Ontario’s rising young golf stars are set to make their mark as the Junior Spring Classics return to the spotlight.

Two Venues, One Mission:

From May 18th-20th, 2025, Junior Spring Classics return at two distinct venues: FireRock Golf Club will host the Junior Girls, while Wooden Sticks Golf Club welcomes the Junior Boys.

FireRock’s course challenges players with mature trees, elevation changes, and a layout that demands strategic tee shots, while Wooden Sticks offers a creative test with holes inspired by some of golf’s most iconic designs.

“The Ontario Junior Girls Spring Classic is more than a competitive event; it is a cornerstone of Ontario’s Junior Golf Pathway” says Mason Cowan, Coordinator of Competitions. “It allows them to find confidence in their game early in the year. It’s also an honour to play in a provincial championship. These junior girls should be proud of this accomplishment and carry that momentum beyond the Spring Classic.”

Past Champions, Future Stars: 

The tournament has a history of showcasing emerging talent who progress to represent Ontario and Canada at higher levels. Notable past junior girls participants include:

• Michelle Xing: Team Canada member
• Shauna Liu: Team Canada member and Ontario Junior Girls’ Spring Classic past champion (2023)
• Nobelle Park: Team Ontario & Team Canada member, Defending Junior Girls’ Spring Classic Champion, 2025 Ontario Junior Players Invitational Champion

On the boys’ side, past participants include: 

Luke Smith, Spencer Shropshire, Chase Jerome, Dawson Lew, Jordan Hwang, Rylan Hall, Bode Stephen, Gabriel Mainella, Joseph Totino – all Team Ontario athletes.

Click here for pairings and leaderboard:

• Junior Boys : https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11289063469460015309
• Junior Girls:  https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11289174334209313123

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

Zael Miransky is going above and beyond in this year’s 1000 Ball Challenge, raising nearly $6,000—the highest total to date of any participant.

The 1000 Ball Challenge is part of Golf Ontario’s Golf For All Fund, an initiative dedicated to breaking down barriers and expanding access to golf across the province. The fund supports programming for youth, girls and women, Indigenous communities, and adaptive golfers.

Zael’s outstanding efforts have not gone unnoticed.

“We’re thrilled to see passionate participants like Zael take on the 1000 Ball Challenge and reach their fundraising goals,” said Raphael Root, Fund Development Manager at Golf Ontario. 

“Not only are they earning incredible golf incentives, but they’re also helping advance ‘Golf For All’ across Ontario. We encourage more fundraisers to follow Zael’s lead and help make a lasting impact through golf. We’ll be cheering Zael on this summer as he takes on the incredible feat of hitting 1,000 golf balls.”

Mark Young, Director of the GTA AM Tour, echoed that sentiment:

“Zael is an excellent example of what The GTA AM Tour Community is all about. People within The tour community understand, on some level, that it is about something larger than any one of us. To that end, I believe there is an understanding that it really is about ‘other’ and not about the individual.”

When asked what “Golf For All” meant to him, Zael shared a personal perspective that perfectly captured the spirit of the initiative:

“Golf For All means inclusivity. As possibly the most expensive sport in the world, but with some of the best common values, Golf For All is an opportunity to share in the privilege and joy of a game rooted in personal growth, self-learning and personal achievements. While team sports are great, there is nothing quite like the feeling of being up against only yourself, surrounded by nature.”

Zael’s motivation wasn’t tied to a specific cause or connection, but to a love for the game—and a desire to help others discover that same passion:

“There wasn’t any special personal reason. As someone who has fallen in love with the game and the sport, I can’t think of a better way to show my appreciation and love for it than expanding it to a wider audience.”

“I will say I have an 11-month-old, though. And I can’t wait until I can share the love of the game with him. For those who don’t have parents who are privileged enough to be able to get them out golfing, I thought to myself, what better way to honour being a new dad than to help kids who can’t afford to play get out there.”

Zael’s dedication to the 1000 Ball Challenge shows how one golfer’s passion can inspire others to give back and help make the sport more accessible. Whether you’ve been playing for years or are new to the game, this challenge is a powerful way to connect with the golf community in Ontario and support the Golf For All mission while earning incredible golf rewards!  

As Zael gears up to hit 1,000 balls, we invite you to step up and get involved. 

Make an impact like Zael and take on The 1000 Ball Challenge Today!

Mark your calendars! On Monday, September 8, 2025, the Junior Golf Drive is BACK, offering an unforgettable day of golf at the prestigious Granite Golf Club in Uxbridge, Ontario.

After breaking records last year, thanks to our generous supporters and participants, we were able to raise over $100,000 to support junior golf programs across the province. This year, we’re aiming even higher, continuing our mission to nurture the next generation of golfers through initiatives like the Junior Golf Pathway, Next Wave Program, and Team Ontario.

A highlight for many participants was the chance to tee it up alongside a Team Ontario or Next Wave athlete. Playing with some of Ontario’s top junior talent created a memorable and inspiring experience – offering not only great golf, but meaningful connections with the next generation of champions.

Please join us for this highly anticipated event which features 18-holes of golf with carts, registration gifts, breakfast, three-course lunch meal, prizes, and an incredible online auction with exclusive golf experiences.

Don’t miss this opportunity to play on one of Ontario’s finest courses while supporting a worthy cause. Register your foursome today at juniorgolfdrive.ca and be part of a movement that’s shaping the future of golf in Ontario.

Six winners were crowned Wednesday at The Club at Bond Head for the 2025 Ontario Champion of Champions.

This championship featured a field of 230+ players—the largest of the season—drawn from various clubs throughout Ontario, with each participant a club champion from their respective home club. 

The event took place on the North and South courses at The Club at Bond Head, with competitors competing for titles in various divisions including Men’s, Women’s, Junior Boy’s, Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s, and Junior Girl’s.

Winners

Will Hindemit of The Club at North Halton won the Junior Boys’ Division after an 3-under-par 68. 

Riviera Lindholm of St. George’s Golf and Country Club won the Junior Girls’ Division after an 2-under-par 71. 

Jamaal Moussaoui of  Cataraqui Golf and Country Club won the Men’s Division after a 2-under-par 69.

Julia Alexander-Carew of Credit Valley Golf & Country Club won the Women’s Division after a 4-over-par 74.

Mark Brewer of Whitevale Golf Club won the Senior Men’s Division after a 1-under-par 71.

Carolyn Gallinger of Meadowbrook Golf Club won the Senior Women’s Division after a 4-over-par 77.

For the FULL LEADERBOARD, CLICK HERE.

View photos from the event here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1272215357920022&type=3

Golf Ontario congratulates The Club at Bond Head in Beeton, Ontario, on its 20th anniversary. Since opening in 2005, the club has established itself as a standout golf destination in Ontario golf, offering two distinct championship courses designed by Hurdzan-Fry. For the past 2 decades, Bond Head has been crucial in forming Ontario’s golf scene thanks to its panoramic views, innovative course design, and consistent commitment to hosting significant events.   

Early acclaim helped set the tone for Bond Head’s legacy, with the club earning national recognition as “Best New Course in Canada” by Travel & Leisure Golf and being named one of the “Top New Courses” by Golf Digest.

To commemorate this milestone year, Bond Head will maintain its tradition of organizing and hosting top-tier competition. In 2025, the club will host a number of events, including Golf Ontario’s prestigious Champion of Champions on May 14, a province-wide celebration of club champions, as well as several junior and amateur competitions throughout the season. These events demonstrate the club’s continuous dedication to developing the game and providing a platform for talent at all levels.

Bond Head’s unique dual-course design offers golfers two separate championship experiences on one property. The South Course is broad and open, modelled after classic links-style golf, but the North Course is more tree-lined, with numerous hills and dramatic elevation changes. This contrast provides golfers with a distinct option and contributes to the club’s status as a must-visit location for players of all skill abilities. 

In October of 2024, the club further showed its creative side by hosting the “400some”:  a one-of-a-kind event organized by Random Golf Club and Golf Town. The idea was simple but bold, to bring 400 golfers together to play the same hole at the same time. It wasn’t a competition, but a celebration of community, inclusivity, and the joy of the game. The event drew players of all skill levels and backgrounds, turning a regular fairway into a shared experience. It was a memorable moment that reflected Bond Head’s commitment to innovation and its ongoing efforts to make golf more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

As The Club at Bond Head celebrates 20 years of impact, it continues to reflect the values at the heart of Ontario’s golf community – excellence, inclusivity, and innovation. Its commitment to hosting events, welcoming all levels of play, and embracing bold ideas aligns closely with Golf Ontario’s Golf for All vision.

Golf Ontario is proud to announce applications for the 2025 Scholarship Program will officially open on May 16, 2025, and will close on June 30, 2025.

This annual initiative supports Ontario student-athletes who demonstrate excellence both academically and within the golf community.

Scholarship Overview

Since 1994, Golf Ontario has awarded scholarships to hundreds of deserving students, thanks to the generous support of donors and partners. These scholarships aim to ease financial burdens and empower recipients to pursue their academic and athletic goals.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for a Golf Ontario scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a resident of Ontario
• Maintain a minimum overall academic average of 75%
• Hold an active Golf Ontario or Golf Canada membership
• Demonstrate active involvement in golf through competitive play, community engagement, volunteerism, or industry experience

Required Application Materials

Applicants are required to submit:

• A completed online application form
• A one-page personal essay titled “How Golf Has Shaped My Life”
• An academic transcript
• Proof of college or university acceptance or enrollment
• A letter of recommendation
• A resume
• An additional letter of reference

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Special Scholarship Awards

In addition to general scholarships, Golf Ontario offers several named awards honouring individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport:

• Ken McKenzie Award: Recognizes a student who embodies McKenzie’s dedication to junior golf development.
• Christine Fisher Memorial Student Award: Awarded to a female golfer demonstrating academic excellence and community involvement, with preference given to applicants from the Waterloo Region or those attending the University of Waterloo.
• Craig Revell Scholarship: Honours a student who exemplifies Revell’s respect for the game and academic achievement.
• Helena Harbridge Scholarship: Supports a student-athlete who has overcome adversity, reflecting Harbridge’s perseverance and dedication.
• Dave Mills Scholarship: Celebrates a student pursuing post-secondary education, reflecting Mills’ lifelong commitment to golf development.
• Baka Mobile Scholarship: Supports one male and one female junior golfer pursuing post-secondary education in Ontario.
• Bill Bath Scholarship Award: Recognizes a student from The Regional Municipality of Durham who demonstrates Bath’s passion for golf and community service.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted online from May 16 to June 30, 2025. Interested applicants can find more information and submit their applications HERE.

For questions or to learn more about supporting the scholarship program, please contact fundraising@golfontario.ca.

Golf Ontario remains committed to fostering the growth of student-athletes and looks forward to supporting the next generation of leaders in golf and beyond.