Golf Ontario Reaches Remote Community: Marten Falls First Nation

Golf Ontario pride is spreading across the province—most recently to the remote northern community of the Marten Falls First Nation. Marten Falls is a small Oji-Cree community of 300 people, located deep in the boreal forest north of Hearst.

Due to the remote geographic location, the children in this community do not have the opportunity to participate in recreational sports as most do across the province. The lack of local golf courses or access to proper equipment makes it an ongoing struggle to introduce children to the game.

Gabe Recke-Smith, a teacher at Henry Coaster Memorial School, has taken the initiative of introducing the children in his classroom to the game of golf.

“I started introducing golf informally because I genuinely believe in what the sport can offer these kids: focus, patience, self-regulation, a relationship with the outdoors, and a skill they can carry with them for the rest of their lives,” says Recke-Smith. “Golf connects naturally to the values already present in this community: respect for the land, quiet discipline, and perseverance.”

While the game fits well within the community, a lack of equipment has made it difficult for the children to fully learn and enjoy it. Recke-Smith shared with Golf Ontario that while he attempted to use his personal clubs in the classroom, they did not fit the students properly. He emphasized the need for appropriate equipment to support learning.

Inspired by the enthusiasm of the students and the work already taking place in the classroom, Golf Ontario was proud to support Henry Coaster Memorial School with a donation of junior golf equipment. The contribution provided students with an opportunity to continue exploring the game and developing their skills with proper equipment.

“Marten Falls is a small and remote community—its youth share the same curiosity, passion and potential as golfers across the province,” says Golf Ontario’s manager of Participation, Madelyn Grossi. “Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating communities that are often far removed from the traditional golf opportunities.”

What began as one teacher introducing a new activity to his students has grown into a meaningful connection to the game. Golf Ontario is honoured to play a small role in supporting that journey and highlighting the impact that golf can have in communities of all sizes across Ontario.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT POSITIVELY IMPACTING GOLF IN ONTARIO

Evan Klein and Jay Campbell claim Men’s and Men’s Senior Ontario Match Play titles 

After four days of competitive play from June 1-4, the 2026 Ontario Men’s and Men’s Senior Match Play Championships concluded at Tarandowah Golfers Club, with both finals teeing off at 7:30am. on Thursday morning. 

Mens: 

The Men’s Match Play final featured Evan Klein (Cutten Fields) and Will Hindemit (The Club at North Halton), both entering the championship match following strong semifinal performances, Klein advancing with a 2&1 victory and Hindemit moving on after an impressive 4&3 win.

The final was tightly contested from start to finish, with neither player able to pull ahead by more than a hole. On the final hole, Evan Klein secured a 1 UP victory, earning the 2026 Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship and capping off a composed and consistent week of golf. 

Men’s Senior:

The Men’s Senior final brought together defending champion Mike Kray (RattleSnake Point Golf Club) and hometown competitor Jay Campbell (Tarandowah Golfers Club). Kray entered the match after a solid 4&3 semifinal win, while Campbell advanced with a narrow 1 UP victory.

What followed was a dramatic, back‑and‑forth battle that extended well beyond regulation. After 18 holes, the match remained tied, sending the players into a tense sudden playoff. The duo continued for three additional holes before Jay Campbell finally broke through on the 21st hole, securing the win and claiming the 2026 Ontario Men’s Senior Match Play Championship.

Campbell’s victory was made even more memorable by achieving it on his home course!

A strong week of Match Play golf

With two competitive finals and standout performances across both divisions, the 2026 Ontario Men’s and Men’s Senior Match Play Championships added another exciting chapter to the event’s history at Tarandowah. 

For final results, click HERE

Championship photo album

Ontario Women's Match Play Championship

2026 Ontario Women’s & Women’s Senior Match Play Championship Heads to Cataraqui

The 2026 Ontario Women’s & Women’s Senior Match Play Championship is set to return to Cataraqui Golf & Country Club from Saturday June 6th – Monday June 8th welcoming a strong field of the province’s top female amateurs and senior competitors for three days of match play action.

Match Play Format

The championship will once again feature one of golf’s most competitive and unpredictable formats. Each hole is played against a single opponent rather than the full field.

“Match play places a premium on adaptability and patience,” said Iain Reston, Head Professional at Cataraqui Golf & Country Club. “Players must balance aggressive play with smart course management depending on the situation of each hole and match.”

The championship will begin with 18-hole stroke play qualifying to determine the match play draws. A total of 44 players are registered to attempt to qualify for the Women’s Match Play Division, with the top 16 players from Saturday’s round advancing to match play competition.

The Women’s Senior division features 23 competitors attempting to qualify, with the top eight players from Saturday’s round advancing to match play.

About Cataraqui Golf & Country Club

A fixture on Ontario’s championship golf calendar, Cataraqui Golf & Country Club continues its tradition of welcoming elite amateur competition.

“Hosting the Ontario Women’s and Women’s Senior Match Play Championships once again is a tremendous honour for Cataraqui Golf & Country Club and a reflection of the Club’s longstanding reputation as one of the premier championship venues in the province,” said Iain Reston. “It speaks to the quality of our Stanley Thompson design, the condition and presentation of the golf course, and the commitment of our staff, volunteers, and membership to delivering a first-class championship experience.”

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Notable Players in the Field  

Women’s:

  • Amelia McFarlane – Team Ontario. 2025 Ontario U17 Girls Champion
  • Avery Nordman – Defending Women’s Match Play Champion
  • Carlee Meilleur – 2022 Ontario Women’s Amateur Champion, former member of Team Canada’s Next Gen & Team Ontario

Women’s Senior: 

  • Nachcha Perkins – Defending Women’s Senior Match Play Champion
  • Mary Ann Hayward – Has won the Eastern Provinces Championship 8 times. Member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, Ontario Golf Hall of Fame, and Quebec Golf Hall of Fame.

Stay Connected

Live Scoring, Pairings & Results:  https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/12385915246571735290 

Full Player Roster:  https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/12385927389115369727 

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

Golf for All NGA

NGA celebrates 100th season as Northern Ontario Amateur & Golf Ontario Qualifiers head to Sudbury 

The Northern Golf Association (NGA) marks its 100th season in 2026, and that milestone adds added significance to this weekend’s Northern Ontario Amateur & Golf Ontario Qualifiers, taking place June 6-7 at Timberwolf Golf Club in Sudbury. 

Now in its 97th running, the championship continues its long-standing tradition in Northern Ontario, with nearly 100 players competing across four divisions: Men’s Senior Amateur, Men’s Amateur, Men’s Mid-Amateur, and Junior Boys U19, for spots in provincial championship fields. 

Host Venue: Timberwolf Golf Club 

Timberwolf Golf Club returns as an NGA championship host for the second time, with the challenging par-72 layout stretching more than 7,100 yards. The Sudbury venue has also hosted multiple elite junior championships, including three Ontario Junior Boys (U19) Championships and the 2013 Golf Canada Junior Boys Championship. 

Championship History 

As the NGA celebrates its 100th season, NGA President Archie Berube reflected on the growth of the championship and its place in the region’s golf calendar. 

“The NGA is very proud to host the 97th Northern Amateur at Timberwolf Golf Club this weekend. The event has grown a lot over the past few seasons, and it’s encouraging to see golf continuing to thrive throughout our region,” says Berube. “As we celebrate the NGA’s 100th anniversary this year, the Northern Amateur serves as the perfect start to a season that recognizes our deep history and what lies ahead.” 

The championship’s rich history includes several of Northern Ontario’s most accomplished amateur golfers: 

  • Bill Morland: holds the championship record with 12 Men’s Amateur titles and six Men’s Senior Amateur titles. He is also a former Golf Ontario Men’s Amateur champion and a member of the Golf Ontario Hall of Fame. 
  • Dave Morland: captured five Men’s Amateur titles and two Men’s Senior Amateur titles. He is also a former Golf Ontario Men’s Amateur champion. 
  • Vince Palladino & Jim Lamontagne: share the second most Men’s Amateur titles in championship history with six each. 

Notable Names in the Field 

The championship field once again features a strong mix of experience and talent, including multiple past NGA champions who have proven themselves at this level: 

  • Don Martone: Men’s Senior Amateur defending champion, as well as winner of last year’s Canadian Men’s Senior Championship. 
  • Vincent Palladino: Men’s Amateur defending champion 

Stay Connected 

Learn more about the NGA’s 100th season at https://www.golfnga.com 

To view past NGA champions: https://www.golfnga.com/past-champions 
 

Follow results from the Northern Ontario Amateur & Golf Ontario Qualifiers:  

June 6: Opening Day 

June 7: Championship Play Continues 

Championships Men's Match Play Championship

2026 Ontario Men’s & Men’s Senior Match Play Championship Returns to Tarandowah

The 2026 Ontario Men’s & Men’s Senior Match Play Championship is set to return to Tarandowah Golfers Club from June 1- 4, bringing together many of the province’s top amateur golfers for four days of head to head competition.

Match Play Format 

The championship will once again feature one of golf’s most intense formats. Match play is decided hole-by-hole, where momentum can shift quickly and every match presents a new challenge.

Unlike Golf Ontario’s traditional stroke play championships, match play creates a different style of competition, with players competing directly against one opponent rather than the entire field.

“Match play requires players to approach their game differently,” said Antony Cluroe, Tournament Director. “It is a proper match and there is a lot more strategy in terms of the overall format that players must consider”

The Men’s Senior division has expanded to 64 players for the first time this year, matching the Men’s division and bringing the championship field to a total of 128 competitors.

About Tarandowah Golfers Club

Tarandowah Golfers Club has earned a strong reputation as a championship‑ready venue in Ontario and will once again provide a challenging test for players throughout the week. 

“The links style course is a strong test for match play and it will be interesting to see how each player approaches their respective matches,” said Cluroe.

General Manager Ted Pease says the club is proud to once again welcome the province’s top amateurs. 

“We are proud to host events which feature some of the best players in the province in a very prestigious tournament. We feel that Tarandowah is perfectly capable of challenging these players and it plays a significant role in attracting some of the best players to take on our course.”

Pease also adds to what makes this course a distinctive test. 

“The golf course was designed by Martin Hawtree and this is his only original design in Canada. The links design is instantly recognizable in the shaping, bunkers, and firm fast conditions which are representative of true links golf. Tarandowah offers a truly unique and memorable golfing experience.”   

Notable Players in the Field  

Men’s: 

  • Charles Fitzsimmons – Three-time Men’s Match Play Champion – including 2025 Champion.
  • Peter Blazevic – 2025 runner-up 

Men’s Senior: 

  • Mike Kray – 2025 Men’s Senior Match Play Champion
  • Darren Shaw – 2024 Men’s Senior Match Play Champion
  • Steve Fredericks – 2023 Men’s Senior Match Play Champion

Stay Connected

Live Scoring, Pairings & Results 

Full Player Roster 

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

Inaugural Indigenous Interclub Brings New Tradition to Southwestern Ontario

The inaugural Indigenous Interclub took place on Sunday, May 24, at Indian Hills Golf Club in Lambton Shores, marking the beginning of what organizers hope will become a lasting tradition in Southwestern Ontario

The event was coordinated by Rob Mason and Amanda Cookson, Golf Ontario’s Regional Managers for Southwestern Ontario, and brought together players and communities in a celebration of Indigenous culture, connection, and the game of golf. 

Southwestern Ontario is one of the most culturally rich regions in the province, home to more than 20 Indigenous communities. Many golf courses in the area sit on or beside land stewarded by Indigenous peoples for generations. As Amanda explains, “Launching this event now felt like the right moment to acknowledge that connection, celebrate it, and create a space where golf can bring communities together in a meaningful way.” 

This year’s inaugural event included three serviced member facilities: Monthill, Indian Hills, and Wardsville Golf Club.Team Wardsville captured the inaugural title after winning both matches on the day.

Rather than following the familiar path of trophies and plaques, Rob and Amanda chose to introduce a tradition that carries deeper cultural meaning by commissioning a local Indigenous artist to create an annual print awarded to the winning team. 

“Rob Mason and I wanted this to be a true celebration of how golf can bring not only people but entire communities together,” Amanda says. “Choosing an Indigenous art print allowed us to honour that intention in a more meaningful way than a traditional trophy ever could.”

The shift away from a standard trophy really reflects what the interclub is meant to be. It’s not just a competition, it’s a way to focus on Indigenous voices, bring cultural representation into the event, and start a tradition that can grow each year. 

About the Artwork

This year’s artwork was created by Mike Cywink, an Anishinaabe muralist and storyteller. His work has helped reshape Indigenous representation across Western and London, and he is also a member and passionate golfer at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka. 

Mike’s piece reflects connection, movement, and community, values that align closely with what this event represents. The artwork reflects the Interclub’s commitment to honouring Indigenous culture, building community, and celebrating sport with purpose.

Looking Ahead

Amanda and Rob support 217 golf facilities across Southwestern Ontario, divided into five subregions. Their long‑term vision is to see each subregion host its own Indigenous Interclub, culminating in a single championship each fall. 

As Amanda puts it, “Our role is to help make the connections. The facilities and communities come together, and the golfers lead the experience.”

Their hope is that this event becomes a tradition that grows stronger each year, creating new relationships, opportunities, and stories across the region!

Learn more about Golf Ontario’s ongoing work with Indigenous communities here: Golf Ontario’s Indigenous Golf

Never Miss a Golf Ontario Email

Golf Ontario is aware that some members — particularly those using Bell.net and Sympatico email addresses — may be experiencing issues receiving Golf Ontario emails in their inboxes.

In some cases, important messages may be landing in junk or spam folders instead.

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Championship and event updates
Registration confirmations
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Important Golf Ontario announcements

To ensure you continue receiving Golf Ontario emails, we recommend taking a few quick steps to add Golf Ontario as a trusted sender.

Add Golf Ontario to Your Safe Sender List

Please add:

  • @golfontario.ca

to your contacts or safe sender list.

This helps ensure Golf Ontario emails—including championship updates, membership notices, event information—arrive directly in your inbox.

If You Find a Golf Ontario Email in Junk or Spam

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Stay Connected with Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario continues to expand its digital communications, including championship updates, participation programs, member benefits and more.

Taking a moment to whitelist Golf Ontario emails helps ensure you never miss important information throughout the golf season.

Thank you for helping us stay connected with golfers across Ontario.

The Ultimate Team Golf Trip — Open to All Handicaps

Golf Ontario, in partnership with Golf Away Tours, is proud to present the first ever Mex-Y-Can Cup — The Canada vs. Mexico Ryder Cup-style golf challenge. This December, players with all different handicaps will compete to defend the nation’s golf honor at the five-star all inclusive Iberostar Resort, in Mexico. 

Only 20 spots are available to experience this perfect blend of real competition and unforgettable fun in the sun, on the course and off it. 

THE COURSE

The competition takes place at the Playa Paraíso Golf Club at the Iberostar Resort in Riviera Maya — former home of the PGA of Canada Head Pro Championship and one of the most celebrated layouts in all of Mexico. It includes lush jungle fairways, challenging greens, and a pedigree that matches the occasion. 

SEE WHAT THE COURSE OFFERS HERE

THE RESORT

When you’re not competing for national glory, you’ll be living your absolute best life at the five-star, all-inclusive Iberostar Selection Paraíso Lindo — an all-suite beachfront resort right on the Caribbean. World-class dining, top-shelf drinks, nonstop entertainment, and that turquoise water doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.

Perfect for golfers. Perfect for the non-golfers coming along for the ride 

Perfect, full stop.

PRICING AND PAYMENT INFORMATION

  • Twin / Shared occupancy = $3,395 / person
  • Single occupancy price = $4,610
  • Non golfer price = $2,095 (shared occupancy price with a golfer)

A non-refundable deposit of $1,380 CAD per person is due upon booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to the trip.

Room upgrades may be available upon request – Please ask Golf Away Tours if interested.

VIEW THE FULL DETAILS HERE

Junior Boys' Spring Classic

Brayden Card Captures 2026 Ontario Junior Boys Spring Classic Title

Brayden Card of Whistle Bear Golf Club captured the 2026 Ontario Junior Boys Spring Classic title Tuesday, May 19 at Wooden Sticks Golf Club, prevailing in a dramatic four-hole playoff to finish atop the leaderboard at 8-under-par (208).

Card opened the championship with a steady first round 69, placing himself firmly in contention early in the tournament. He followed it up with another round of 69 on day two, keeping pace near the top of the leaderboard heading into the final round.

Entering Tuesday’s finale, Jackson Murphy held the lead after pacing the field through the opening two rounds, but Card stayed within close distance throughout the day. In the third and final round, Card delivered a composed 70 to force a playoff with Murphy after the pair finished tied at 208.

The two competitors battled through four playoff holes before Card ultimately secured the championship victory, capping off a consistent three-round performance of 69-69-70.

With the win, Card joins an impressive list of past champions at the Ontario Junior Boys Spring Classic and continues to establish himself as one of the province’s top junior talents.

Jackson Murphy finished with rounds of 65‑68‑75 for a 208 total, while Matthew Simpson of Team Ontario took third place at 209 after shooting 74-67‑68.

In the Juvenile U17 division, Team Ontario’s Joseph Totino delivered a solid performance across all three rounds to claim the Juvenile title. He opened with an impressive 68, followed by a 73 in round two, and closed with a solid 71 to finish at 3‑under (212). Totino’s steady approach and ability to take advantage of scoring opportunities carried him to the top of the U17 field.

For full results: 2026 Ontario Junior Boys’ Spring Classic Event: Tournament Results

Photo Album: Click Here.

Team Ontario’s Kaprice Park Triumphs at Junior Girls’ Spring Classic


Peterborough, ON – Team Ontario athlete Kaprice Park of Rattlesnake Point Golf Club captured the trophy at the 2026 Ontario Junior Girls’ Spring Classic, held at Kawartha Golf Club, with an impressive 5-under-par performance. Park, who recently secured victory at the 2026 Ontario Junior Players Invitational Championship, continued her strong form with rounds of 71, 70, and 70 for a three-day total of 211.


Finishing in second place was Kaylan Green of Scarboro Golf & Country Club. Green recorded rounds of 70, 75, and 70 to finish at 215.


Rounding out the top three was Riviera Lindholm of St. George’s Golf Club, who posted scores of 71, 70, and 77, finishing with a total of 218.

Stay Connected

Championship Photo Album

Visit the tournament website for full results

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