James Seymour’s Journey from Competitive Golf to Course Ownership
James Seymour’s story in golf began the way many great ones do with long summer days, a set of clubs, and a love for the game.
Growing up in Aurora, Ontario, Seymour spent countless hours at Kings Riding Golf Club alongside his three brothers.
“This is where my passion for the game first developed. What started as a childhood pastime eventually grew into a competitive career that would take me across Canada,” he says.
The Competitive Years
Seymour continued his golf career at Wilfrid Laurier University, where he earned a spot on the team as a walk-on in 2011 and 2012.
In 2013, he turned professional after qualifying for a PGA TOUR Canada event. Over the next several years, he competed across the country, earning status on PGA TOUR Canada in multiple seasons and continuing to develop his game at a higher level. Additionally, he has established himself as one of the top professionals in the province, consistently ranking among the top 10 players in the PGA of Ontario.
That competitive experience has carried through every stage of his career. He explains that one of the highlights as a player came in 2024 when he won the Ontario Zone Championship at Barrie Country Club, posting a two-round total of 10-under par.
Coaching Into Ownership
After years of competing, Seymour’s focus began to shift toward coaching and player development. During COVID, he started teaching private clients at smaller public facilities across Ontario, including Carrickmacross Golf Centre, now named Kirby Links Golf Course & Driving Range.
Spending more time working one-on-one with players and being around the facility gave him a closer look at how everything operates beyond just the game itself.
Seymour explains, “Ownership was never really on my radar until I started coaching at smaller public golf facilities. Through that experience, I saw the potential of operating a welcoming golf facility while building a professional golf academy.”
In 2024, at 34, he took the next step, becoming majority owner of Kirby Links with his three brothers. His brother Mike is now involved in the day-to-day operations, with his other brothers supporting the business.
Building Kirby Links
Since taking over in 2024, Seymour and his team have focused on improving both the facility and the overall experience. The property, now Kirby Links Golf Course & Driving Range, has expanded and upgraded across the course, driving range, and pro shop.
Located just off Highway 400 in Vaughan, the facility includes:
- 18 hole par-3 course
- A full grass driving range
- Clinics
- Lessons
- Junior programs
For Seymour, ownership has only deepened his connection to the game.
“I’m just as passionate about the game today as I was when I first started playing. If anything, I feel a greater responsibility to help people discover and enjoy golf while building a strong golfing community,” he explains.
“We’ve built an incredible team, and we’re fortunate to have such a supportive community of golfers. Seeing families, beginners, juniors, and regular players enjoying the facility makes all the hard work worthwhile”
At just 34, Seymour has already experienced the game from multiple angles: competitor, coach, and now owner. Today, his passion is centered on Kirby Links, where he’s committed to making the game more accessible, creating opportunities for others to get involved, and helping shape lives through golf!
Chris Willis and Natasha Stasiuk Defend Their Ontario Adaptive Open Titles
After two days of championship golf at Islington Golf Club, the 8th annual 2026 Ontario Adaptive Open has come to a close, showcasing a competitive field and the continued growth of adaptive golf in Ontario.
Held June 29-30, the championship brought together athletes from across the province to compete in a unified field over 36 holes.
Men’s Stroke Play Championship
Chris Willis of Pheasant Run Golf Club successfully defended his Men’s Stroke Play title, posting rounds of 70 and 68 for a two-day total of 138 (-6). After capturing the championship in 2025, Willis returned to the top of the leaderboard to earn back-to-back Ontario Adaptive Open titles.
Finishing in second was Reggie Millage of ParaGolf Ontario and Team Ontario coach, who posted rounds of 72 and 73 for a total of 145 (+1).
Russell Aide of Black Bear Ridge Golf & Resort finished third with a score of 149 (+5).
Men’s Net Stableford Division
In the Men’s Net Stableford Division, Matthew Maida of Islington Golf Club claimed first place on his home course, recording rounds of 38 and 40 for a two-day total of 78 Stableford points.
Chris Willis finished second with 74 points, while Kevin Pritchard of Granite Ridge Golf Club rounded out the top three with 72 Stableford points.
Women’s Division
Natasha Stasiuk of Rattlesnake Point Golf Club added another Ontario Adaptive Open title to her résumé, carding rounds of 83 and 78 for a two-day total of 161 (+15). The 2025 champion entered the week as the defending titleholder and once again finished atop the women’s leaderboard.
Tess Trojan finished second with rounds of 92 and 101, while AnnMarie Dhondt placed third after posting rounds of 112 and 112.
Women’s Net Stableford Division
Natasha Stasiuk also led the Net Stableford competition with a total of 61 points. Tess Trojan placed second with 59 total points.
The Women’s Division also marked a milestone for the championship, with four competitors in the field this year, the largest women’s field in the event’s history and a positive reflection of the continued growth of adaptive golf in Ontario
A Championship Effort
The Ontario Adaptive Open continues to provide a platform for athletes to compete at a high level while highlighting the strength and depth of the game.
Golf Ontario extends our appreciation to Islington Golf Club for hosting the 2026 Ontario Adaptive Open and providing an excellent stage for players to showcase their skills!
Final Results & Full Leaderboard
Stay Connected
Follow @thegolfontario on Instagram and Facebook for more highlights and coverage throughout the season.
The Stage is Set at Sawmill for Ontario Junior Boys Amateur Championship
The province’s best young talent is set to tee it up at Sawmill Golf Course in Fenwick, Ont., as the Ontario Junior Boys Amateur Championship returns from Monday, June 29 to Thursday, July 2.
A full field of 144 players will compete over 72 holes of stroke play, with a 36-hole cut narrowing the field in striving for one of Ontario’s most prestigious junior titles.
A Field to Watch
This year’s championship brings together some of the top junior players in the province, including familiar names with proven success at this level.
- Spencer Shropshire: the 2025 champion, returns after a standout performance last year at Lindsay Golf & Country Club, where he closed with a remarkable -10 final round to capture the title. Shropshire is currently a member of Team Canada’s NextGen program and is committed to the University of Michigan (2028).
- Gabriel Mainella: the 2024 champion also makes his return. Mainella is a Team Ontario Alumni and an Division I athlete at Longwood University, recording a win during his freshman season.
A Strategic Test at Sawmill
Sawmill Golf Course will put an emphasis on decision-making, asking players to be precise and committed with every shot.
“Players will be forced to think about their shots off the tee this week,” says Tournament Director, Mason Cowan. “Sawmill is a course where a lot of risk-reward shots come into play. We’re playing the Junior Boys over 6,500 yards, which ultimately provides blind landing areas or trouble if they’re not careful.”
More than just the Competition
While the focus will be on the players, the championship is also a reflection of the people and work behind the scenes that make the event possible.
Sawmill’s commitment to junior golf runs deep. Jeremy and Carrie Julie, Director & Manager at Sawmill, have long supported the development of the game, welcoming top talent from across Ontario and hosting events at every level. Their leadership has helped establish Sawmill as a club that consistently delivers championship quality experiences.
Home to one of Canada’s largest junior programs, Sawmill’s impact is evident not only in its reputation, but also in this year’s field, with four club players competing in the championship.
From course preparation to player experience, the course has been maintained to championship standards throughout the season. The club’s commitment and attention to detail have set the stage for a great week of championship golf!
Stay Connected
Live Scoring, Pairings & Results
For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook.
2026 Ontario Adaptive Open Heads to Islington Golf Club
The 2026 Golf Ontario Adaptive Open will take place June 29-30 at Islington Golf Club in Etobicoke, marking the first time the club will host the championship as Golf Ontario continues to promote accessibility and inclusion through Adaptive Golf Month.
A Championship That Stands Apart
Open to both amateur and professional players, the Adaptive Open is one of the only championships where competitors of all backgrounds are eligible to compete.
Unlike many adaptive golf events, the Ontario Adaptive Open does not separate players into classifications. Instead, it brings all competitors together in a unified field, highlighting ability, resilience, and the shared passion for the game.
Tournament Director John Lawrence believes this approach is central to the event’s identity.
“Everyone out here is simply an athlete,” said Lawrence. “We treat this like any other championship. It’s about showcasing skill, competition, and the different ways players adapt to excel in the game.”
Players to Watch
The 2026 field features several notable competitors:
- Josh Hunke, enters the championship ranked 17th in the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD).
- Chris Willis, the defending Adaptive Open champion, returns after capturing last year’s title. Competing at the professional level, Willis will be a major presence again this week.
- Reggie Millage, a PGA of Canada Class “A” Professional, adds depth to the field with his playing experience and role as Head Provincial Coach for Team Ontario.
- On the women’s side, last year’s champion Natasha Stasiuk highlights a group of four female competitors competing in this year’s event. Stasiuk will look to defend her title against a growing female field.
Golf Ontario would like to thank Islington Golf Club for their generosity and support in hosting this year’s championship. Their commitment plays an important role in delivering a high-quality championship experience.
Stay Connected
Live Scoring, pairings & results
For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook.
Looking for a School Golf Fundraiser? Durham College Found Success with the 1000 Ball Challenge
When the Durham Lords golf team signed up for Golf Ontario’s 1000 Ball Challenge this spring, the objective was straightforward: raise funds to support their student-athletes.
What they discovered was a fundraising model that delivered far more than financial support.
The event brought players together, engaged the local golf community and generated funding that will directly benefit the program’s growth. For collegiate and high school golf programs looking for new ways to support their athletes, Durham College’s experience offers a blueprint worth considering.
“The 1000 Ball Challenge was a great fit for our program because it combines golf, teamwork and community engagement in a unique way,” said Durham College Head Coach Lucas Pichl. “It provided our student-athletes with an opportunity to challenge themselves while raising funds that directly support their development.”
The idea gained traction after Durham coaches and players learned more about the initiative through Golf Ontario staff and examples from previous participants. From there, the program worked collectively to organize the event, promote fundraising efforts and encourage support from alumni, family members and community partners.
The result was more than just a successful fundraising campaign.
Why It Worked
For many school golf programs, fundraising often feels like another responsibility on an already full plate. Durham’s experience highlighted three key benefits that made the 1000 Ball Challenge worthwhile.
It Was Easy to Rally Support Around
Because the challenge is simple and easy to understand, players, parents, alumni and supporters quickly got behind the initiative. Coaches and student-athletes worked together to spread the word and build momentum leading into the event.
Golf Ontario Handles the Heavy Lifting
One of the biggest advantages for Durham College was the support provided by Golf Ontario throughout the process.
Participating teams receive a customized online fundraising page, promotional posters, QR codes, charitable tax receipt administration, event support and ongoing guidance from the Golf Ontario team. Programs also retain 80 per cent of the funds they raise, creating a simple and effective way to generate meaningful support for student-athletes.
Rather than building a fundraiser from scratch, coaches can focus on engaging their players, supporters and community while Golf Ontario manages much of the administrative work behind the scenes
The Impact Is Tangible
Funds raised through the challenge help address needs that often fall outside traditional athletic department budgets.
For the Durham Lords, that includes additional team apparel, rain gear, training aids, equipment and player development opportunities that enhance the overall student-athlete experience.
“Every dollar raised has a direct impact on the quality of the student-athlete experience,” said Pichl.
It Strengthened Team Culture
Perhaps the most valuable outcome wasn’t financial at all.
The challenge created an opportunity for players to work toward a common goal while supporting one another throughout the day.
“Our players had a fantastic experience,” said Pichl. “The challenge was physically demanding but also incredibly rewarding. It pushed them to stay focused, work together and support one another throughout the day.”
Beyond the golf itself, the event created lasting memories and gave players a sense of pride knowing they were helping support the future success of their program.
More Than a Fundraiser
As participation in school golf continues to grow across Ontario, coaches are constantly looking for ways to create opportunities for their athletes while managing the costs associated with travel, competition, apparel and equipment.
The 1000 Ball Challenge offers a unique solution because it combines fundraising, team building and community engagement into a single event.
“The benefits extend well beyond the funds raised,” said Pichl. “It strengthens team culture and builds connections within the golf community.”
Pichl believes the challenge is something other school golf programs should seriously consider.
“We would encourage other collegiate golf programs across Ontario to get involved because the benefits extend well beyond the funds raised.”
Interested in Bringing the 1000 Ball Challenge to Your School?
Golf Ontario provides participating teams with:
- A dedicated online fundraising page
- Promotional materials and QR codes
- Charitable tax receipt administration
- Event support and guidance
- An 80 per cent share of funds raised
Whether you’re a collegiate golf team, high school program or golf academy, the 1000 Ball Challenge offers a proven way to raise funds while strengthening team culture and engaging your community.
Ready to bring the 1000 Ball Challenge to Your School Golf Team?
For coaches searching for new ways to support their athletes, Durham College’s experience demonstrates what’s possible when fundraising, team building and community engagement come together.
The next success story could be yours.
Ontario Juniors Commit to Collegiate Golf
Golf Ontario continues to see strong representation at the next level, with many athletes who have competed in Golf Ontario championships and several current and former Team Ontario players earning opportunities to continue their golf careers in post-secondary programs.
This year, a total of 27 junior athletes have committed to collegiate golf programs, including 13 competing at the NCAA Division I level.
NCAA D1 Commitments
Junior Boys:
- Matthew Simpson (Team Ontario, Lambton Golf & Country Club) – Loyola University Maryland
- Dimitri Protopapas (Team Ontario, The Nest at Friday Harbour) – Central Michigan
- Spencer Shropshire (Team Canada NextGen, Hawk Ridge Golf Club) – University of Michigan
- Jager Pain (Team Canada NextGen) – University of Virginia
- Lucas Gilbart (Summit Golf & Country Club) – Long Island University
- Hunter Policicchio (Sarnia Golf & Curling Club) – Indiana Tech University
- Will Hindemit (The Club at North Halton) – Louisiana Tech
- Nathan Le-Nguyen– Lehigh University
- Barron Mundy – University of Louisville
Junior Girls:
- Michelle Xing (Team Canada NextGen) – UCLA
- Claire Roberts (Whistle Bear Golf Club) – University of Tennessee Chattanooga
- Carlee Meilleur (Golf Ontario Players Club) – University of South Florida
- Angela Cai– Brown University
Other Commitments
- Ashton Rinaldi – Davenport University
- Zack Moore – Davis & Elkins College
- Brayden Card – UBCO Heat
- Ryan Broderick – LeMoyne-Owen College
- Jackson Pracey – Wagner College
- Jackson Murphy – UBCO Heat
- Ryan Seymour – Bishops
- Byron Etheridge – Rocky Mountain College in Montana
- Jack Bennett – Northwestern Oklahoma State University
- Sydney Gibson – Daytona State
- Sadie Wu – Williams College
- Vera James – Western University
- Paige Sefton – Wayne State University
- Ceilidh Spare – Weatherford College
- Ty Tischler – Christian Brothers University
These commitments reflect the depth of talent within Ontario’s junior golf system and highlight the continued success of athletes developing through Golf Ontario competitions and high-performance programs.
Fitzsimmons Claims Second Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship at Manitou Ridge
McKELLAR, ON – The 34th Golf Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship concluded on Wednesday, June 17, after three rounds of play at Manitou Ridge Golf Club.
This championship brought together some of the province’s top amateur golfers aged 25 and older to test their skills across the unique terrain of Northern Ontario.
The Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship has crowned many of the province’s best golfers throughout its history. Several past champions returned to the field this week, including Ryan Tsang, David Lang, Ryan Kings, Charles Fitzsimmons and defending champion Cam Burke. The championship’s rich history is filled with memorable moments and exciting finishes – and this year was no exception.
Championship Play
Monday marked the start of official play, as players took to the course at Manitou Ridge Golf Club. Kyle Gordon set the pace early, taking an early lead with a score of 68 after the opening round of play.
Tuesday’s second round narrowed the field; a cut was made after two rounds of play. Gordon maintained his position at the top of the leaderboard, while Fitzsimmons climbed into a share of the lead. The pair entered the final round tied at 6-under par with matching 36-hole totals of 138, setting the stage for an exciting finish.
Wednesday began with rainy conditions, but the weather did little to impact the excitement of play. Gordon and Fitzsimmons remained close throughout the day, with Gordon holding the lead at 5-under par heading to the 18th hole.
Fitzsimmons capitalized on the final hole to secure the championship title and claim his second Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship. After a back-and-forth final round, he finished one stroke ahead to complete the comeback victory.
“Winning is always a really special thing; winning a provincial championship is even more special,” said Fitzsimmons. “It’s been seven years since my first one, so it was a bit of a long stretch there, and I’ve been close a couple of times, so to get it done here, it means a lot.”
Reflecting on the final round, Fitzsimmons emphasized the importance of perseverance.
“Winning golf tournaments is hard,” he said. “That was the kind of thought I had going through my mind on the back nine. I hit a couple of tough shots and Kyle played really well for a long stretch there, but I just kept saying it’s hard to win golf tournaments; stay in there, see what you can do.”
Final Leaderboard
- 1. Charles Fitzsimmons (Beacon Hall Golf Club) finished at 4-under par with rounds of 70-68-74 for a three-round total of 212.
- T2. Tyler Stone (Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club) finished at 3-under par with rounds of 75-67-71 for a total of 213.
- T2. Kyle Gordon (Coppinwood Golf Club) finished at 3-under par with rounds of 68-70-75 for a total of 213.
Championship Highlight Moments
The championship featured several memorable moments throughout the three rounds of play.
- One of the week’s standout moments came on the 10th hole, where Torey Peet recorded a rare albatross.
- Jackson Bowery recorded the championship’s lowest single-round score, carding a 66 in the third round of play.
Beyond the competition, players and spectators embraced the true Northern Ontario experience, with frequent wildlife sightings throughout the week – including a curious bear wandering throughout the course and driving range.
Thank You Manitou Ridge
Throughout the championship, competitors praised the outstanding conditions at Manitou Ridge, particularly the quality of the greens, which remained in excellent condition despite changing weather conditions.
Golf Ontario extends a sincere thank you to everyone at Manitou Ridge for their generosity, hospitality and dedication in hosting this year’s Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship.
Stay Connected
For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook.
Major Championship Season Tees Off at Manitou Ridge: 34th Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship
McKELLAR, ONT – Golf Ontario’s major championship season kicks off June 15-17 as the province’s top amateur golfers head to Manitou Ridge Golf Club for the 34th Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship.
One of Golf Ontario’s most competitive championships, the Mid-Am annually attracts more than 500 qualifying attempts before narrowing the field to the province’s best golfers aged 25 and older. This championship will crown both the Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master (40+) divisions, with players also competing for exemptions into national championships and spots on Ontario’s interprovincial team.
A Championship Test at Manitou Ridge
This year’s championship will take place at Manitou Ridge Golf Club, offering players the opportunity to test their strategy, accuracy and finesse as they navigate the field. Designed by Canadian architect Thomas McBroom, Manitou Ridge is consistently recognized among Canada’s top 100 golf courses and offers one of the most unique championship tests in Ontario.
Located in McKellar, the course winds through the natural terrain of the Canadian Shield and is known for its elevation changes, rocky landscape and scenic views. Players will need to balance power and precision throughout the course as they compete for provincial titles and national championship exemptions.
“Hosting this championship is a tremendous honour for Manitou Ridge,” said Head Professional Alex Catherwood. “Our membership takes great pride in our facilities, and we are excited to showcase our course to some of the best mid-amateur golfers in the province.”
What Players are Competing For
In addition to provincial titles, competitors will be battling for opportunities on the national stage. The top 35 finishers will earn quota spots into the 2026 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, while the top three players will represent Ontario on the interprovincial team.
Players to Watch
Cam Burke
The defending champion returns seeking a third consecutive Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur title after victories in 2024 and 2025. Burke also captured the 2024 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship.
Kyle Gordon
Entering the championship with strong momentum, Gordon recently won the Cherry Hill Invitational and an RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifier. He also finished runner-up at last year’s Mid-Amateur Championship.
Charles Fitzsimmons
Team Ontario coach, Charles Fitzsimmons, returns to the field after being named Golf Ontario’s 2025 Men’s Mid-Amateur Player of the Year. The 2019 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Champion is also a three-time Ontario Men’s Match Play Champion and remains one of the most accomplished players in the field.
The depth of the field continues with reigning Mid-Master Champion Derek Dalziel, 2025 Canadian Senior Men’s Champion Don Martone, 2025 Ontario Men’s Senior Match Play Champion and 2025 Ontario Men’s Senior Championship runner-up Mike Kray, and Jonn Drewery, who recently captured the 2026 Ontario Men’s Champion of Champions title.
Notable Names in the Field
There are many strong competitors with experience and understanding of the challenges that will unfold throughout the major championship.
Past Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Champions
- Cam Burke (2025, 2024)
- David Lang (2022)
- Dave Bunker (2021, 2014, 2011, 2007)
- Ryan Tsang (2020)
- Charles Fitzsimmons (2019)
- Garrett Rank (2018, 2015)
- Ryan Kings (2017)
- Kelly Roberts (1997)
- Stu Hamilton (1998, 1993) – Golf Ontario Hall of Fame member
Championship Schedule
Championship play is set to begin Monday, June 15, through Wednesday, June 17. After two rounds of play, the field will be reduced to the low 60 players and ties.
With provincial championships, national exemptions and interprovincial team positions on the line, Ontario’s best mid-amateur golfers will have plenty to play for as Golf Ontario’s major championship season begins at Manitou Ridge.
Stay Connected
Live Scoring, Pairings & Results
For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook.
Ontario Takeover: Provincial Talent Dominates 2026 RBC Canadian Open
Golf Ontario proudly recognizes the outstanding group of athletes with provincial ties who have earned exemptions into the 2026 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. This year’s list reflects the strength of Ontario’s player development pathway, with several past Team Ontario members and Golf Ontario Men’s Amateur champions earning their place in Canada’s national open.
2026 Exemptions
Among the 13 players receiving exemptions, nine are Canadian, including several with deep roots in Golf Ontario programming:
- Dawson Lew: Past Team Ontario athlete (2024-2025), Team Canada NextGen member (2026), and 2025 Ontario Junior Spring Classic champion.
- Ashton McCulloch: Former Team Ontario standout and one of Canada’s top emerging professionals.
- Justin Matthews: Another graduate of the Team Ontario system, continuing his rise through the professional ranks.
- Sudarshan Yellamaraju: Former Ontario Men’s Amateur Champion (2017)
- Corey Conners: A past Golf Ontario Men’s Amateur champion and two‑time PGA tour winner.
- Mike Weir: 2003 Masters champion and former Golf Ontario Men’s Amateur champion (1990, 1992).
These players represent the success of Ontario’s development pathway, from junior golf to the professional stage.
Ontario’s depth of talent was even on display at the final qualifier, where Toronto native Eric Zhao (2007), the 2025 Ontario Men’s Amateur Champion, tied for first with a 4‑under‑par 67 to earn his place in the field.
Spotlight: Dawson Lew’s Continued Rise
While the 2026 exemption list is filled with Ontario success stories, Golf Ontario is especially proud to highlight the progress of Dawson Lew, born April 9, 2009, and a dedicated member of Coppinwood Golf Club.
Lew’s development through the Ontario system has been one of the most impressive:
- 2025 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic Champion: Fired an impressive 11‑under‑par at Wooden Sticks to secure the title.
- Willingdon Cup Victory: Played a key role in helping Team Ontario capture the prestigious national team championship at the Canadian Men’s Amateur.
- Junior Inter‑Provincial Team Championship (Silver Cup): Contributed to Team Ontario’s win, securing a second national team trophy in the same season.
- Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship Runner‑Up: Finished 7‑under (281) through 72 holes at Deerhurst Highlands.
Golf Ontario is thrilled to acknowledge Lew’s latest milestone. This prestigious opportunity places Lew alongside PGA tour professionals and highlights the steady progress of Ontario’s player development pathway. His invitation recognizes his strong performances, work ethic, and the support of the coaches, teammates, and programs that have shaped his journey.
Golf Ontario congratulates Dawson on this achievement and looks forward to supporting him as he continues to represent our province and country on the national stage.
Amelia McFarlane and Stefi Markovich claim Women’s and Women’s Senior Ontario Match Play titles
The 2026 Ontario Women’s and Women’s Senior Match Play Championships wrapped up at Cataraqui Golf and Country Club following three days of competitive play from June 6-8. With semifinal and championship matches contested on Monday, players battled through challenging conditions and tightly contested matches to determine this year’s champions.
Women’s:
The Women’s Match Play final featured Amelia McFarlane (Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club) and Mackenzie Cloutier (Club de golf Le Blainvillier), both advancing after hard-fought semifinal matches. Cloutier secured her spot in the final with a 20-hole victory, while McFarlane earned a narrow 1 UP win to move on.
The championship match proved to be just as competitive, with momentum shifting throughout the round. McFarlane held a slim lead late in the match, going 1 UP through holes 15 to 17, before Cloutier battled back to square the match on the 18th hole. The pair headed to an extra hole, where Amelia McFarlane ultimately secured the victory on the 19th hole, claiming the 2026 Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship. McFarlane’s win also highlights her status as a Team Ontario athlete and caps off an impressive weekend of play!
Women’s Senior:
The Women’s Senior final brought together Lise Jubinville (Hylands Golf Club) and Stefi Markovich (Lookout Point Country Club Ltd), following strong semifinal performances. Jubinville advanced with a 2&1 victory, while Markovich earned a convincing 3&2 win to secure her place in the final.
The final match, which teed off at 12:30 p.m., was closely contested throughout. Both players demonstrated steady play, but it was Stefi Markovich who maintained her composure down the stretch, ultimately securing a 1 UP victory to capture the 2026 Ontario Women’s Senior Match Play Championship.
A memorable finish at Cataraqui
With dramatic finishes in both divisions and several matches extending beyond regulation, the championship showcased the depth of talent in Ontario’s women’s game. Cataraqui Golf and Country Club provided a strong test throughout the week, setting the perfect stage for two deserving champions.
For final results, click HERE