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

Championship season is heating up as Ontario’s best female golfers get ready to tee it up at Peninsula Lakes Golf Club for the 2025 Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur Championships, two key titles on the provincial women’s golf calendar, taking place June 23 to 26. 

The event features 90 players competing in 72 holes of stroke play. After 36 holes, the top 50 in the Amateur division and the top 15 in the Mid-Amateur division move on to the final rounds, all aiming to make their mark over four days of elite provincial competition.

A Scenic and Strategic Championship Test

Peninsula Lakes Golf Club, located in Fenwick, Ont., is built on a former sand and gravel quarry, offering a distinctive layout with dramatic elevation changes and water features throughout the course. 

Peninsula Lakes is also a nationally recognized facility, earning a 4½ star rating from Golf Digest and ranking among GolfPass’s Golfer’s Choice 2023 – Best Hidden Gems in Canada.

​​The course’s mix of challenge and scenery makes it a great place to host four rounds of competitive amateur golf.

Names to Know at Peninsula Lakes

• Returning Champions:
  
  • 2024 Amateur Champion: Nobelle Park
  • 2024 Mid-Amateur Champion: Alexandra Taylor
  • 2023 Mid-Amateur Champion: Mary Ann Hayward
• Team Ontario Athletes Set to Compete: 
  
  • Nobelle Park
  • Kaprice Park
  • Alexis Card
  • Amelia McFarlane
  • Sadie Wu
  • Kaylan Green

With a strong mix of past champions and up-and-coming athletes, the 2025 field promises plenty of exciting competition.

Stay Connected

Live Scoring, Pairings & Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11300379951733197069

Full Player Roster: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11300379929587271921

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

June 18, 2025
Sarnia, ON – Cam Burke of Golf Canada Club – Ontario successfully defended his title, winning the 2025 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship on a rain-soaked final day at Sarnia Golf and Curling Club.

Burke, the 2024 champion, entered the final round tied atop the leaderboard at 6-under after posting the lowest score of Round 2 — a stellar 7-under-par (65). Despite multiple weather delays totaling more than three hours, Burke remained focused and composed. Battling through the challenging conditions, he held off the competition to complete the repeat and secure back-to-back Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championships.

In the Mid-Master division, Derek Dalziel of The Oaks Golf & Country Club was crowned the 2025 Mid-Master Champion.

The top 32 players have earned spots at the 2025 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, taking place at Seymour Golf & Country Club in North Vancouver, BC, from August 19–22, 2025.

For full results, click HERE

Stay Connected
Follow @thegolfontario on Instagram and Facebook for photos, highlights, and coverage throughout the championship season.

June 17, 2025

Sarnia, ON – Round two of the 33rd Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship took place earlier today at Sarnia Golf and Curling Club. All 144 players took to the course and battled to make the cut.

Heading into the final round of the 2025 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, Nate Lockey and Cam Burke are tied atop the leaderboard at 6-under. Lockey surged with a 4-under-par (68) in round two, setting himself up for a potential breakthrough win, while Burke, the defending 2024 Men’s Mid-Amateur champion, fired the lowest round of the day at 7-under-par (65), as he looks to become the back-to-back champion. 

Just one shot off the lead are Stephen Brown (Sarnia Golf & Curling Club) and Russell Bowie (Brampton Golf Club). Brown, playing on home soil, has delivered steady rounds and will look to lean on his local knowledge in the final stretch. Bowie, who opened with a stellar 7-under par (65), remains firmly in contention and continues to be one of the most consistent performers at the Men’s Mid-Amateur, still seeking his first title.

Two strokes back at 4-under are Charles Fitzsimmons (Summit Golf & Country Club), Ryan Tsang (Cedar Brae Golf Club), and Derek Dalziel (The Oaks Golf & Country Club). Fitzsimmons, the 2019 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur champion and 2022 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur champion, brings a wealth of experience and success. He will be looking to add to his well-respected resume in the final round. Tsang, the 2020 Ontario Mid-Amateur champion, is also well-positioned to make a charge toward a second title. Both he and Derek Dalziel have recorded back-to-back rounds of 70 and will need to go low on Wednesday to close the gap—Dalziel also currently leads the Mid-Master category.

The third and final round of the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship will begin at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, June 18) off both the 1st and 10th tees, as players look to make a push for the championship.

Stay Connected

Live Scoring, Pairings & Results

Full Player Roster

Round 2 Tournament Photos

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

Based in Ancaster, Ont., Steve Warrick is a dedicated volunteer who brings precision, passion, and a deep love for the game to his role as Course Rating Team Leader for the Hamilton region. With years of experience and a sharp eye for detail, Steve plays a vital part in ensuring the integrity and fairness of the game for golfers across the province. 

He joined Golf Ontario’s Course Rating team in 2019, shortly after retiring from his career. Encouraged by his daughter Alex Blaker (Golf Ontario’s Director of Business Operations), Steve saw it as the perfect opportunity to give back to a game that he loves.

Course rating plays a crucial role in maintaining fairness and consistency in the game. As Steve explains, “It’s a procedure used to determine the expected score of scratch and bogey players by evaluating course features like length, topography, and obstacles. The process ensures handicaps are transferable between courses, no matter how different they may be,” he says.   

One of the most rewarding parts of the role, he says, is discovering hidden gem courses and building lasting relationships along the way. 

“Some of the most memorable experiences have come from rating little-known courses I’d never have played otherwise, and connecting with great people at every stop,” he says 

Being part of the same organization as his daughter has made his volunteer journey even more meaningful.  

“Course rating has given me a better appreciation of what goes into determining a course rating and educates you more on the structure of a golf course, allowing me to become a better player because of it,” he says. “I am so glad Alex approached me back in 2019 to volunteer – I’ll do it as long as I am able to.” 

At the heart of Golf Ontario, our volunteers are the lifeblood in a variety of critical areas, including championships, rules, course rating, and governance on committees and our board of directors. They are the sport’s ambassadors and an essential part of our team, enabling us to deliver exceptional programming and experiences to golfers, partners, and industry stakeholders. 

Interested in becoming part of the Golf Ontario volunteer family? Find out more about the opportunities and rewards on our Volunteering Resource page HERE

Golf Ontario is thrilled to be partnering with the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario for the 1000 Ball Challenge! This powerful fundraising initiative will help power local golf programs for youth and children with the YMCA access essential resources like tee times, coaching, and equipment—ensuring they have every opportunity to grow their skills and passion for golf. Teams will attempt to hit 1000 golf balls in a single day while raising critical funds for this important cause!

On Friday, August 1, participants will take on the ambitious feat of hitting 1,000 golf balls in a single day at Hollinger Golf Club in Timmins, Ontario.

The goal? To raise $10,000 to support accessible golf opportunities for the Northeastern Ontario community.

“We’re teaming up with the YMCA to do something special here in the Timmins and area. YMCA has always been a fabric of our community by offering youth opportunities to succeed and develop healthy habits. This 1000 Ball Challenge is not just about hitting balls, it’s about helping more people get exposed to the game that generates so many positive values in young people. The game has given me an incredible sense of purpose and if we can lend a hand to raising money for the YMCA and the Golf for All program, we are really delivering on our message that we truly are Shaping Lives Through Golf,” said Owen Rigg, Regional Manager at Golf Ontario.

Where the Funds Go

Proceeds raised through the 1000 Ball Challenge directly support the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario’s golf programs for youth and children. These fund contribute to power the programs by helping with costs for tee times, equipment and coaching—creating pathways for kids to discover the game, develop essential life skills, and build confidence.

By providing these accessible opportunities, the YMCA is helping introduce the sport to kids who may never have had the chance to step onto a course. This mission aligns perfectly with Golf Ontario’s GOLF FOR ALL vision, which seeks to make the game more inclusive and welcoming across all communities. Together, the YMCA and Golf Ontario are working to ensure golf is not a game for a few—but a game for everyone.

How You Can Get Involved

Community members can support the cause in two meaningful ways:

• Donate directly to help us reach our fundraising goal:
  https://www.1000ball.ca/o/northeastern-ontario
• Create a team under the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario page and collect pledges yourself:
  https://www.1000ball.ca/o/northeastern-ontario

Those who fundraise and create a team are invited to join us on August 1 for a fun and inspiring day at the driving range!

For any questions on the 1000 Ball Challenge, please reach out to Raphael Root at rroot@golfontario.ca.

June 16, 2025
Sarnia, ON – 144 players teed off for Round One of the 33rd Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship at the scenic Sarnia Golf and Curling Club.

Holding the lead after Round One with an impressive score of 7-under-par (65) is Russell Bowie (Brampton Golf Club), who made seven birdies to post the lowest score of the day. Bowie has recorded two top-four finishes in the past four years at the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Now, in 2025, he’s aiming for redemption—hoping to write a comeback story of his own. Tied for second after firing 4-under-par (68) were Stephen Brown (Sarnia Golf & Curling Club) and Phil Arci (The Pulpit Club). Both players caught fire, racking up seven birdies apiece to stay firmly in the hunt.

After Round Two, the field will be cut to the low 60 scores and ties for the third and final round.

Aside from the leaderboard action, the highlight of the day belonged to Gary Brown, who aced the 7th hole. While most eyes were on the contenders, Brown delivered a memorable moment with his hole-in-one to cap off an exciting opening round.

In the Mid-Master category, Graham Bell (The Players Club – London), Andrew Dagneau (The Players Club – Kitchener), and Derek Dalziel (The Oaks Golf & Country Club) each carded an impressive 2-under-par (70). All three have put themselves in a strong position heading into Round Two.

The second round of the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship begins at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, June 17), with players teeing off from both the 1st and 10th tees as they look to survive the 36-hole cut.

Stay Connected

Live Scoring, Pairings & Results

Full Player Roster

Round 1 Tournament Photos

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

Ontario’s Top Mid-Amateurs Set to Compete at Sarnia Golf & Curling Club

June 16–18 | Sarnia, ON

The 2025 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship will take place June 16–18 at Sarnia Golf & Curling Club, bringing together many of the province’s top amateur golfers aged 25 and older. Over three days and 54 holes of stroke play, competitors will navigate a challenging layout. 

“We’re excited to be back at Sarnia Golf & Curling Club, an established Stanley Thompson design with a deep golf history,” says John Lawrence, Tournament Director at Golf Ontario. “The course always provides a true championship test.”

Past Champions 

This year’s field features a strong mix of past champions and rising talent.

Notable former winners include Garrett Rank (2015, 2018), along with Ontario Golf Hall of Famers Stu Hamilton(1993, 1998), Kelly Roberts (1997), and Dave Bunker (2007, 2011, 2014, 2021). Charles Fitzsimmons and Cam Burke, both consistent contenders will also be in the mix.

“The Men’s Mid-Am always brings a unique intensity,” said Lawrence. “With such a seasoned group, there’s an elevated level of competitiveness. Every shot matters.”

More Than One Title on the Line

In addition to the overall championship, the event also includes the Mid-Master division, contested by players aged 40 and older.

“There’s great excitement around the Mid-Master division,” said Lawrence. “Players take a lot of pride in competing for that trophy, and the added layer of competition makes the event even more compelling.”

 A Community and Club Steeped in Golf History

The championship’s return to Sarnia Golf & Curling Club brings the spotlight back to a respected course known for its strategic layout and deep-rooted golf culture.

“Our course is fair but challenging,” said Jamie Parkinson, Head Golf Professional at Sarnia G&CC. “Many of the Mid-Am participants have played in our Men’s 2-Day Invitational and know what a treat it is to play here.”

Sarnia Golf & CC also has a proud legacy in this event: club members Dan Houlihan and Graham Hill are both past Mid-Am champions.  Hill will tee it up again this year.

“The community is really excited to host,” added Parkinson. “We have some talented local players in the field, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see one of them in contention.”

With strong local support, a competitive field, and a classic venue, this year’s Mid-Am promises to be one of the highlights of the summer golf season.

Stay Connected

Live Scoring, Pairings & Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11292327413817592206

Full Player Roster: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11292327384960780650

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

Golf Ontario is thrilled to announce the return of the 1000 Balls for the 1000 Ball Challenge Raffle – your chance to win 1,000 TaylorMade TP5/x golf balls! That’s 84 dozen packs, valued at over $7,000, enough to keep your bag stocked for years.

This raffle supports the 1000 Ball Challenge a fundraiser to grow the Golf For All Fund, helping make golf more inclusive and accessible across Ontario. Even better? Your raffle entry can also count toward helping a 1000 Ball Challenge participant reach their peer-to-peer fundraising goal. That’s a win for you, and a win for them.

How to Enter

Raffle tickets can be purchased here: https://www.golfontario.ca/1000ballraffle/

Raffle Ticket Prices:
1 for $20
3 for $50
10 for $100

Raffle Closes: October 31, 2025
Winner Announced: November 3, 2025

Don’t miss your chance to be part of something special. Support GOLF FOR ALL in Ontario, and walk away with 1,000 brand-new TP5/x golf balls!!

Questions? Please reach out to fundraising@gao.ca

KINGSTON, ON – The 2025 Ontario Women’s and Senior Women’s Match Play Championship wrapped up at the historic Cataraqui Golf & Country Club, where two players emerged victorious after a weekend of high-level head-to-head competition.

In the Women’s Match Play Championship, Avery Nordman of Canadian Golf & Country Club claimed the title after a thrilling final match against Kelly Zhao, securing a 2 & 1 victory.

Entering the bracket as the 8th seed, Nordman battled through each round, including a hard-fought semifinal match against Sadie Wu, before sealing the championship Monday afternoon. 

Over in the Senior Women’s division — making its official debut this year — Nachcha Perkins  (Golf Ontario Players Club – Halton Hill) made history as the inaugural Ontario Senior Women’s Match Play Champion winning 7 & 6. 

Entering the tournament as the top seed, Perkins delivered consistent, composed play throughout the event. Her dominant final match performance against Lise Jubinville secured a decisive 7 & 6 win and imprinted her name in the record books.

For full results, click HERE.