The Special Olympics Ontario – Thunder Bay chapter is gearing up for their first-ever 1000 Ball Challenge! On September 13th, Thunder Bay will gear up to raise important funds at Northern Light Golf Complex. This fundraising initiative will help local athletes with disabilities access essential golf resources — including tee times, coaching, equipment, and travel — ensuring they have every opportunity to pursue their passion for the game.

“Special Olympics Ontario – Thunder Bay is making history as the first Northern Ontario team to take on the 1000 Ball Challenge,” said Raphael Root, Fund Development Manager at Golf Ontario. “This groundbreaking effort could open the door for even more opportunities across the region. Adaptive golf is key to our Golf For All vision, and through partnerships like this, we’re turning that vision into reality.”

The event also reflects a growing collaboration between Special Olympics Ontario and Golf Ontario, both committed to breaking down barriers and making golf more inclusive and accessible.

“Our program currently supports 37 registered athletes,” said Nancy Rissanen of Special Olympics Thunder Bay. “Being in Thunder Bay, travel for tournaments is a major expense. Fundraisers like this are key to making competition possible for everyone.”

“It’s vital that we work with organizations like Golf Ontario,” Rissanen added. “Everyone deserves the chance to be active and involved in sport. We’re proud to host this event and strengthen our golf program for athletes across the region.”

How to Get Involved

There are two great ways to support Special Olympics athletes in Thunder Bay:

• Donate to help the team reach their fundraising goal:
  www.1000ball.ca/o/special-olympics-ontario-thunder-bay 
• Create a team under the Thunder Bay Special Olympics page and collect pledges with friends, family, or coworkers!

Everyone who fundraises and joins the team is invited to take part in the event on September 13th at Northern Light Golf Complex, where each team will aim to hit 1,000 golf balls in support of local athletes.

This is more than just a challenge — it’s a chance to empower athletes and help grow the game of golf in Ontario.

Questions? Contact Raphael Root, Fund Development Manager at Golf Ontario, at rroot@golfontario.ca.

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!

There are golf tournaments. And then there’s the GTA AM Tour — now in its 22nd season and still raising the bar.

Led by Mark Young, the tour started as an opportunity for amateur golfers to play competitive rounds on elite courses around the province. But over the years, it’s become something much more: a vibrant, welcoming and remarkably polished community where players come to compete, connect and feel like pros—even if they’re carrying a 14 handicap.

“People might join us because they want access to amazing courses or to test themselves in a competitive environment,” says Young. “But what keeps them coming back—year after year— is the community. It’s the players, the sponsors, our tour team, the host clubs. Everyone contributes to something bigger.”

And that something bigger is built on intention and care.

“When someone signs up, I personally call them,” Young adds. “Whether they’re new or returning, it’s my chance to welcome them or catch up. I love that moment —it’s how we set the tone from the very beginning.”

A First-Class Experience, Built for Amateurs

From the moment players arrive at an event, the details speak volumes. Knife-flag banners line the driveway. Staff members greet players by name. Flights are structured for fair competition, with Golf Canada-certified referees on site and experienced spotters placed throughout the course. Tee times are spaced for pace-of-play efficiency, and every tournament has a distinct energy—polished, professional, but never stiff.

“You play like an amateur, but you’re treated like a pro,” says Young. “That’s our promise. That’s why we invest in every little piece of the experience—from the driveway to the scorecard.”

The tour is divided into four Flights by handicap, plus an Open Net Stableford format—allowing players of all levels to find the right fit. Each event also has more than $3,000 in prizing courtesy of tour sponsors. And when it comes to handicapping, the tour goes beyond the basics.

“We have a dedicated Handicap Committee that reviews every player’s index before an event,” Young explains. “These guys are sharp — they spot anomalies, dig into score patterns, and follow up directly when needed. Fair play is non-negotiable.”

Golf, Friendship and Growth

But for all its competitive structure, it’s the culture that sets the GTA AM Tour apart. It’s a place where players feel supported—where long-time veterans mentor newcomers, where rivalries are friendly, and where friendships that start on the tee box often stretch beyond the fairways.

“One of the most rewarding parts of what we do is watching relationships form,” says Young. “Some of our players met on the tour more than 20-years ago—and they’re still friends today.”

That same energy makes it a welcoming space for players just stepping into tournament golf.

“Playing competitive golf for the first time can be intimidating,” Young admits. “But our players tell us time and again—once they’re out there, they feel supported. They learn the ropes, they gain confidence and they start to love the challenge.”

It’s not just talk. One player, Peter, wrote that by his third event, “the nerves had disappeared,” and that he was learning more about rules and pace of play than he ever expected. That kind of growth is what the tour is all about.

And it’s not only the players who notice.

“We’ve heard from superintendents at host clubs who say our players actually leave the course in better shape than a typical day of play,” Young says. “That means something. We’re proud of that.”

A Shared Mission with Golf Ontario

This season, the tour enters a new chapter through an industry partnership with Golf Ontario. With a strong base of players from both public and private clubs—many of whom also play in Golf Ontario championships—the alignment was a natural one.

“We recognize the value the GTA AM Tour provides to the amateur golf community. The tour creates a welcoming competitive environment for players to sharpen their skills, build confidence, and experience the thrill of tournament golf,” says Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane. “We’re proud to see many GTA AM Tour participants taking the next step by competing in our provincial championships—bringing with them the experience and competitive edge they’ve developed on tour.”

And that connection goes beyond words—it’s already turning into action.

As part of the partnership, the GTA AM Tour is embracing the 1,000 Ball Challenge, Golf Ontario’s fundraising campaign in support of junior golf and community impact initiatives. And in true tour fashion, it’s not just about participating—it’s about turning it into a competition.

Each Flight will form its own team and take part in a season-long Flight vs. Flight fundraising challenge to see who can rally the most support.

“We thought, why not bring our players together in a way that’s both meaningful and fun?” says Young. “This lets them show their competitive spirit while supporting the future of the game. That’s a win-win.”

Looking Ahead

With another season on deck, Young is already looking forward.

“I can’t wait to see the players again—to hear their stories, to see how they’ve worked on their game over the winter,” he says. “Our tour team pours their beings into every event, and that shows. We love what we do, and I think people feel that.”

Whether you’re a returning competitor or thinking about joining your first event, the GTA AM Tour offers more than just a tournament—it offers a community. A place to grow, compete, and belong. And now, with deeper ties to the provincial golf ecosystem, the future is brighter than ever.

Ready to Compete?

Join the GTA Am Tour at www.gtaamtour.com

Support Golf For All

Support Golf For All
Learn more about the 1,000 Ball Challenge and donate today at www.1000ballchallenge.ca

In 2024, the Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association (OGSA) turned drives into dollars—raising $8,677 through Golf Ontario’s 1000 Ball Challenge. Led by the OGSA Board of Directors, the effort supported not just one, but two impactful initiatives: the First Green program, and Golf Ontario’s broader Golf For All Fund.

The 1000 Ball Challenge is a province-wide fundraising campaign that calls on golfers, industry leaders, and community members to hit 1,000 golf balls and raise funds to build a more inclusive and accessible future for the sport. OGSA’s 2024 contribution demonstrates how strong industry leadership and a shared mission can drive meaningful change.

A portion of the funds raised will directly support the First Green program, which brings students onto golf courses for hands-on STEAM-based learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Led by superintendents, these experiences connect youth to the natural environment, sustainability, and future careers in golf course management.

The OGSA’s commitment also reflects strong partner and industry support for Golf Ontario’s Golf For All Fund—a campaign focused on removing barriers to participation, enhancing community outreach, and developing a more diverse and welcoming golf community across Ontario.

“Much like Golf Ontario, the OGSA and its members are dedicated to growing the game of golf—literally,” said the OGSA’s Executive Director, Courtney White. “As Golf Ontario develops players through Golf For All, the OGSA will expose youth to the exciting and viable career path of growing and maintaining golf courses.”

From irrigation systems to soil science, students who participate in a First Green field trip experience the golf course through a superintendent’s eyes—while exploring real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). With the funds raised in 2024, the OGSA will help golf courses across the province host First Green events during the 2025 season—offering support on a first-come, first-served basis to help overcome barriers like busing or supply costs.

“The funds raised will not only support Golf Ontario’s Golf For All Fund, but they will also support STEAM on the golf course through First Green,” said White. “Hosting classrooms on the golf course is one way to expose children to these opportunities. The funds will help cover materials or challenges like transportation so more schools can take part.”

Looking ahead to 2025, the OGSA hopes to expand participation beyond just the board of directors—inviting more members to build their own teams, support the cause and play a role in growing the First Green program. Every ball hit and every dollar raised brings students closer to engaging, hands-on learning experiences that can spark future careers in the golf industry.

“Programs like First Green are essential to maintaining golf’s impact on communities and the economy in the future,” said White. “We must invest in our communities and our youth.”

Whether you’re an OGSA member, an industry partner, or simply someone who believes in the power of golf to create change, there’s a way to make a difference through the 1000 Ball Challenge—by donating, forming a team, or supporting those who are swinging with purpose.

“We’re excited to see even more participation in 2025, and we invite anyone who believes in golf’s potential to join us,” said White.

To learn more about the 1000 Ball Challenge or the First Green program, visit 1000ball.ca or ogsa.ca.

To donate to the OGSA’s 1000 Ball campaign, CLICK HERE.

The Special Olympics Ontario – Ottawa chapter is gearing up for an exciting and impactful event: the 1000 Ball Challenge! This fundraising initiative will help Special Olympics athletes afford essential resources like tee times, coaching, and equipment, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue their passion for golf.

On May 24th, Special Olympics Ontario – Ottawa athletes will take on the ambitious feat of hitting 1,000 golf balls in a single day at the scenic Canadian Golf & Country Club in Ottawa. Their goal? To raise $20,000 to support their journey in the sport.

How to Get Involved

Community members can show their support in two key ways:

Donate directly to help Special Olympics athletes reach their fundraising goal. Here: www.1000ball.ca/o/special-olympics-ontario-ottawa

Create a team under the Special Olympics team page (www.1000ball.ca/o/special-olympics-ontario-ottawa) and collect pledges yourself!

Those who fundraise and create a team are invited to join the festivities on May 24th from 12-4 PM at the Canadian Golf & Country Club (7800, Golf Club Way, Ashton, ON).

This is more than just a challenge—it’s an opportunity to empower athletes and help them reach their full potential in the sport they love.

For any questions, please reach out to Raph at rroot@gao.ca.

Let’s rally together and make a difference—see you at the driving range!

Golf Ontario is excited to partner with Metro Golf Sportsplex to launch the 2025 season of the 1000 Ball Challenge with an electrifying kickoff event! After smashing fundraising records in 2024, we’re looking forward to hosting an unforgettable day of golf, music, food, contests, and incredible prizes—all in support of the GOLF FOR ALL Fund – a fund to financially support the advancement of critical golf programs in Ontario.

“The 1000 Ball Challenge was a fantastic event that brought our golf community together while making a real difference for our Junior Development programs at Hamilton Golf & Country Club. The energy, excitement, and camaraderie throughout the event were incredible, and the funds we raised are directly helping us develop the next generation of golfers.

I highly recommend this challenge to fellow golf professionals looking for a unique and engaging way to support their own programs. It’s a fun and rewarding experience that benefits both your club and the future of the game!”

– Brad Lawrence, Associate Golf Professional, Hamilton Golf & Country Club

Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
⏰Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍Location: Metro Golf Sportsplex (125 Milner Ave, Scarborough, ON)

How to Participate

1. Register as an individual or team for the 1000 Ball Challenge.
2.  Fundraise a minimum of $200 before April 26 to secure your spot.
3. Come to the Metro Golf Sportsplex on April 26 and join the fun!

Exciting Contests & Prizes

Longest Drive Challenge (Men’s & Women’s): Win a foursome at Wooden Sticks Golf Club

Target Contest: Win a foursome to Cranberry Golf Course
First to Hit 500 Balls: Score a $250 Adidas Gift Card
Plus raffles and more prizes to be announced!

Your Impact

Funds raised will support Golf Ontario’s Golf For All Fund, advancing golf programming for all in this province.

If you are a non-profit or have golf initiatives you are passionate about – please inquire about the 1000 Ball Challenge fundraising share.

🔗 Register today and start fundraising! Visit www.1000ball.ca/kickoff

For questions, contact Raph at rroot@gao.ca.

Don’t miss this thrilling season kickoff—challenge yourself, give back, and get a head start on the season! ⛳

Golf Ontario is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the 1000 Ball Challenge, which raised an incredible $77,835! Thanks to the unwavering support of our golf community, generous donors, and dedicated participants, all the funds raised this season will make a profound difference in advancing golf participation for more people in Ontario for many years to come.  

We would also like to extend a special congratulations to Pam Jeacock from LPGA Amateurs of Ontario, the lucky winner of the 1000 Ball for the 1000 Ball Challenge Raffle! We are thrilled to celebrate this moment with you and appreciate your support. 

Please see the highlight reel below, which contains all the incredible accomplishments our participants achieved this season!  

Once again, thank you for your generosity, enthusiasm, and commitment to turn this program into a remarkable success. We look forward to elevating the 1000 Ball Challenge next season and continuing to bring GOLF FOR ALL to more communities in 2025.  

As we approach the conclusion of this year’s 1000 Ball Challenge, Golf Ontario wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and supported this one-of-a-kind golf fundraiser such a success this season! 

Whether you hit the greens yourself, encouraged others, or supported from the sidelines, your contributions have made a real impact! 

Throughout this campaign, we’ve seen incredible dedication and energy from our participants across Ontario such as the LPGA Amateurs of Ontario, Hamilton Golf and Country Club, Terry Johnston, Ontario Golf Superintendents Association and Golf Fore All Abilities and many more! 

As the fundraising portion of the event wraps up on October 31 2024, we encourage everyone to make a final push. Whether it’s sending out a few more donation requests or making a last-minute contribution, there’s still time to make a difference. Every dollar raised will help support Golf Ontario’s Golf For All Fund, as well as each group’s own fundraising initiatives.   

Remember, your support not only goes to these incredible causes but it can also give you a chance to WIN the epic 1000 Ball for the 1000 Ball Challenge Raffle.  Learn more by clicking the link!  

We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together thus far. Thank you to all our participants and donors!  You’ve made the 1000 Ball Challenge a success. Let’s finish strong and make these last few days count! 

Thank you to all the Driving Ranges that have generously donated their space for our participants:  

• Within Range Burlington 

• Borden Golf Club 

• Watson’s Glen Golf Club 

• Hamilton Golf and Country Club 

• Lakeridge Links Golf Club 

• Eagles Nest Golf Club 

• Lookout Point Country Club 

• Bathgate Golf Centre 

• Deer Creek Golf Club 

• Dalewood Golf Club  

Golf Ontario is launching an exciting new raffle that every golfer will want to be a part of.

For a donation of just $20 to the 1000 Ball Challenge, you can enter for a chance to win 1,000 TaylorMade TP5/X golf balls—a prize valued at $7,000! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to stock up on top-quality golf balls while supporting a great cause.

What is the 1000 Ball Challenge?

The 1000 Ball Challenge is Golf Ontario’s bold fundraising initiative designed to drive golf participation across the province. This unique challenge inspires golfers to rally their friends and family, hit 1,000 golf balls in a single day, and raise much-needed funds to support the growth of the game. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just getting started, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact while having fun. Learn more and get involved at 1000 Ball Challenge.

How to Enter:

Supporting the 1000 Ball Challenge is easy and rewarding! For every $20 donation, you’ll receive one entry into the raffle for the grand prize of 1000 TaylorMade TP5/X golf balls.

You can donate directly to a team or individual taking part in the challenge or contribute to the overall campaign at www.1000ball.ca/raffle.

Remember, the more you donate, the better your chances of winning.

The lucky winner will be announced after at season’s end.

Don’t wait—make your donation today and take your shot at winning 1,000 TaylorMade TP5/X golf balls!

Mikey “Rocco” DiRaddo, a Special Olympian golfer, is making waves by launching Golf Fore All Abilities earlier this year—a vision he’s held for a long time. 

Golf Fore All Abilities aims to bring golf opportunities to youth in schools across the Niagara region, with plans to continue expanding for weeks and months to come. 

Now, Rocco is taking the next step to support Golf Fore All Abilities by launching a fundraising initiative through the 1000 Ball Challenge and the Golf For All Fund.  

His goal is to raise $5,000 by the end of the golf season to help kickstart golf programming in the Niagara area. 

“Reaching this goal would mean a lot to me and to the nonprofit organization I’ve started,” Rocco shared. “It would help us get the ball rolling for future events and allow us to positively impact others through sport. It would also support both my program and Golf Ontario’s work in adaptive golf.” 

The 1000 Ball Challenge invites individuals or teams to support the expansion of golf opportunities in Ontario while testing their endurance by hitting as many golf balls as possible. Meanwhile, the Golf For All Fund focuses on increasing access to golf and introducing the game to a wider audience, with funding allocated for programs supporting Girls and Women, Indigenous communities, Adaptive Golf, and Junior Performance. 

“My idea for this challenge came from my experiences as a Special Olympic golfer in Ontario,” Rocco explained. “In June, I had the opportunity to play in a tournament in Uxbridge, where I met incredible people with various disabilities. That experience inspired me to do more.” 

Proceeds from the 1000 Ball Challenge will be split equally, with 50% going to the Golf For All Fund and the other 50% supporting summer programming for Golf Fore All Abilities in the Niagara Region. 

“Golf Fore All Abilities will use these funds to continue running our adaptive golf program and reach more people with various disabilities,” Rocco added. 

Rocco will be taking on the 1000 Ball Challenge at Lookout Point Country Club on Saturday, October 12. You can support his efforts by visiting Mikey Rocco’s Golf Fore All Abilities 1000 Ball Challenge page to make a donation. 

For any questions or assistance with creating or joining teams, please reach out to Raphael Root at rroot@gao.ca.