June 25–28 | Deerhurst Resort, Muskoka ON
One of Golf Ontario’s premier major championships is heading to the heart of Muskoka, as the 103rd Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship tees off at Deerhurst Highlands, the acclaimed championship course located within Deerhurst Resort. As one of the most coveted titles in provincial amateur golf, the Men’s Amateur brings together Ontario’s top players for four rounds of high-stakes stroke play on a layout known for its elevation, beauty, and strategic challenge.
More than just a tournament, this year’s championship represents a major moment for both Golf Ontario and Deerhurst Highlands—a celebration of elite amateur golf on a course that’s recently undergone a bold revitalization.
“Hosting one of the province’s most prestigious amateur golf championships is a tremendous honour for Deerhurst Highlands and a defining moment for our entire team,” said Taylor Ophelders, Golf Operations Manager at Deerhurst Resort. “This championship is the most prestigious event ever held at the Highlands, and it reflects our deep commitment to excellence in both course conditioning and guest experience.”
The championship returns to Deerhurst Highlands for the first time since 2017, when the course hosted the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur. This year, the venue welcomes a stacked field of returning champions, breakout talents, and seasoned contenders looking to etch their names into the province’s amateur golf history.
“Deerhurst is a special venue, and with the strength of this year’s field, we’re expecting an incredible week of competition,” said Rob Watson, Manager of Competitions at Golf Ontario. “This championship represents the highest level of amateur golf in the province.”
A Deep and Talented Field
Among the notable names competing this year are:
• Cameron Pero, 2023 Ontario Men’s Amateur champion
• Garrett Rank, 2018 champion
• Charles Fitzsimmons, fresh off his third Ontario Men’s Match Play title and still seeking his first Amateur win. Fitzsimmons also boasts victories at both the Ontario and Canadian Mid-Amateur levels.
In recent years, several Ontario Amateur champions have turned pro and competed on the global stage:
• Sudarshan Yellamaraju (2017) – Korn Ferry Tour; RBC Canadian Open
• Matt Anderson (2019) – Korn Ferry Tour
• Cougar Collins (2020) – Also teed it up at the RBC Canadian Open
A Course Built for Championship Moments
Opened in 1990, Deerhurst Highlands was the first championship course in Muskoka, co-designed by Robert Cupp and Tom McBroom. The layout has stood the test of time, combining dramatic granite outcroppings, elevation shifts, and smart bunkering to create one of Ontario’s most compelling tests of golf.
“The layout at Deerhurst Highlands is a masterclass in thoughtful, championship-caliber design,” Ophelders explained. “It rewards great shot-making and punishes anything less, which is exactly what makes it such an exciting and worthy venue for top-level competition.”
Key holes to watch include:
• Hole 2: A brutally tight par four with an uphill, multi-tiered green that can turn birdie hopes into bogey reality
• Hole 5: A links-style par five that tempts aggressive play but punishes miscalculation
• Hole 10: A dramatic dogleg right flanked by a towering granite rock wall—Deerhurst Highlands’ signature hole
“The greens will be a defining factor this week,” Ophelders added. “They’re undulating, multi-tiered, and require exceptional precision. Scoring well at the Highlands demands power, imagination, and control.”
A New Era Begins
This year also marks the debut of a fully redesigned 3rd hole, a par three that has remained untouched since the course’s opening. The renovation—part of a long-term investment by Freed Golf—was guided by Tom McBroom and brings both aesthetic beauty and strategic depth to the front nine.
“It’s a bold update that adds a fresh strategic element,” said Ophelders. “This isn’t just a new hole—it’s the start of a new era for Deerhurst Highlands.”
The update includes a rebuilt green complex, reshaped approach area, and the installation of a modern capillary bunker system—all designed to enhance playability and course conditioning.
Championship Atmosphere
Excitement is already building across the resort as Deerhurst prepares to welcome players, families, and spectators.
“The atmosphere leading up to a major golf event like this is truly electric,” Ophelders said. “Our turf team, members, and staff are all incredibly proud to showcase what we’ve built here. There’s a real sense of pride around Deerhurst Highlands.”
With a revitalized layout, a talent-rich field, and a deep legacy in Ontario golf, the 103rd Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship at Deerhurst Highlands promises to deliver a defining moment in the 2025 season.
Stay Connected
Deerhurst Resort Page: https://deerhurstresort.com/events/golf-ontario-mens-amateur-championship/
Live Scoring, Pairings & Results
For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook
