As the USGA Adaptive Open gets underway in Rockville, Maryland at Woodmont Country Club, Golf Ontario is proud to celebrate the incredible Canadian athletes competing on a big stage in adaptive golf.

On the women’s side, Natasha Stasiuk of SOO-Hamilton continues to set the standard for excellence. A dominant force in Canadian adaptive golf, Natasha has been Golf Ontario’s Women’s Adaptive Champion since 2019. Her consistent performance, mental strength, and love for the game have made her a role model for athletes across the country. Currently sitting in 5th place at the USGA Adaptive Open, Natasha’s determination and poise continue to shine as she competes.  

On the men’s side, Chris Willis is proudly representing Ontario with equal passion and purpose. Playing out of RedCrest Golf Club, Chris captured the Men’s Division title at the 2023 Ontario Adaptive Championship with a poised and powerful performance. Known for his sportsmanship, focus, and competitive spirit, Chris is making his mark as he tests his game on the international stage. His journey is a reflection of the growing strength and depth of adaptive golf talent in Ontario.

As July marks Adaptive Golf Month, it presents Golf Ontario with a perfect opportunity to share and celebrate the stories of athletes like Natasha and Chris – dedicated competitors who continue to break barriers, inspire others, and represent our province with pride.

Follow Along: 

To see how Natasha, Chris, and the rest of the field are performing, check out the USGA Adaptive Leaderboard for the latest scores and updates. 

Disability golf has made a significant difference in my life. Four years ago, my brother encouraged me to sign up for the Ontario Open. At the time, I was struggling deeply with one of my lifelong disabilities. While you might look at me and not see someone with a disability—and growing up around only able-bodied people, I didn’t see myself that way either—I had been silently dealing with challenges that made many things, including golf, very difficult. Travelling by plane was out of the question, and even attending local tournaments in Ontario felt overwhelming.

About a week before my first round, my father passed away. My entire family was away at the time, and I was ready to withdraw. But my brother returned from his trip and convinced me to play. In that round, I was paired with Kurtis Barkley, the defending champion and a top-10-ranked golfer on the G4D Tour. Somehow, I shot my best-ever score—a 66, closing with birdie-eagle, with thoughts of my dad guiding that final putt.

After my first tee shot, Kurtis asked, “Have you heard about the G4D Tour?” He went on to explain how disability golf is growing, with the DP World Tour now hosting 8 to 10 events annually that showcase some of the best adaptive golfers in the world. I already knew I had surgery coming up to address the disability I’d been managing most of my life, and despite the grief I was carrying, I felt a sense of renewed opportunity.

My second-place finishes in both the Ontario and Canadian championships quickly pushed me into the top 30. My goal was to crack the top 10 and earn an invitation to play on the G4D Tour—something I’d long dreamed of, just to see how I’d measure up against the world’s best.

That fall, the R&A and the DP World Tour announced the inaugural G4D Open. I registered as soon as I could. My surgery was in December 2022, and while the disability is now more manageable, I hadn’t travelled in a long time. I kept the trip short—just a quick flight to the tournament and back.

The tournament was a great success. I finished in the top 15 and made new friends during both practice and competition. While I didn’t earn the high finish I’d hoped for or break into the top 10, I was proud of how I played and grateful for the sense of belonging I felt among fellow adaptive golfers.

From these experiences, I’ve learned that playing alongside others with disabilities has given me permission to take the time I need before every shot. Living with multiple invisible disabilities, I’ve always tried not to get in anyone’s way—not to let my hearing loss, hand dexterity challenges, or other conditions slow things down. During golf tournaments, that mindset would often cause me to rush, leading to mistakes. Disability golf has helped me realize it’s okay to take the time and space I need to perform my best.

Golf Ontario is proud to share a guest blog from Chris Willis—an adaptive golfer whose story speaks to the transformative impact of the game.

This week, Willis blogs from Woburn Golf Club in United Kingdom as he competes in the 2025 G4D Open, sharing his thoughts on what this event—and this path—has meant to him.

Golf Ontario is proud to announce the launch of Adaptive Golf Month, a new, province-wide initiative taking place in July 2025 that will spotlight athletes, events, and programs advancing accessibility and inclusion in the sport of golf.   

This groundbreaking campaign is made possible thanks to an EnAbling Change program grant from the Ontario Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility.  

“Adaptive Golf Month is directly linked to our Vision of Golf For All and our commitment to supporting the adaptive golf community,” says Golf Ontario’s CEO, Kyle McFarlane. “With the support of our incredible partners and the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, we’re working to reduce barriers, grow awareness, and celebrate the remarkable athletes leading the way in adaptive golf.” 

Throughout July, Golf Ontario, alongside key partners including Special Olympics Ontario, ParaGolf Ontario, and ParaSport Ontario, will share a full calendar of activities and events across the province to inspire, educate, and expand golf access for individuals with disabilities.  

“On behalf of Premier Ford and our entire government, I want to congratulate Golf Ontario along with their partners for having this incredible vision of Golf for All,” said Hon. Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Adaptive Golf Month introduces this most special sport to a whole new audience of players that brings people together and connects everyone to this most amazing game.”

Adaptive Golf Month officially tees off on June 28 with a special launch event, setting the tone for a month of celebration and opportunities. The calendar includes opportunities to TRY and LEARN golf at inclusive community venues across the province. These no-cost introductory sessions will offer a fun environment for participants to access basic instruction, equipment, and guidance on how they can get connected to local adaptive golf programs.  

Adaptive Golf Month will be highlighted by several key competitions for adaptive athletes including ParaGolf Ontario’s Showcase at Orilllia’s Hawk Ridge Golf Club on June 28, the USGA Adaptive Open in Maryland from July 8–10, and the Special Olympics Ontario Summer Games in Brantford from July 11–14. The Ontario Adaptive Open returns to Weston Golf & Country Club on July 14–15, and the ParaSport Ontario Pro-Am and 1000 Ball Challenge – Adaptive Edition will round out the calendar at the end of the month.  

To further drive long-term impact, Adaptive Golf Month will also feature coaching seminars, golf facility staff training sessions, and facility awareness webinars. As part of their commitment to supporting facilities in Ontario, Golf Ontario aims to help better equip them to serve and support the adaptive golf community. Participating venues will receive toolkits, resources, and access to learning modules designed to help golf facilities establish and sustain inclusive programming.  

Golf Ontario is excited to welcome Chris Tamas as its Coordinator, Enabling Change Programs, to help drive the success of Adaptive Golf Month. A seasoned golf industry professional, Chris brings firsthand experience and a strong connection to the adaptive golf community, having competed in numerous adaptive championships throughout the years. Tamas will play a key role in supporting both athletes and facilities and ensuring alignment with Golf Ontario’s mission to Shape Lives by Connecting People to Positive Golf Experiences. 

“Adaptive Golf Month aims to create meaningful impact. It is more than just a month-long initiative—it’s a movement dedicated to raising awareness, fostering understanding, and creating lasting opportunities for the adaptive golf community,” McFarlane says. “By driving meaningful change, we are working to shape a more inclusive future for golf in Ontario.”  

For the full schedule, resources, and opportunities to get involved, visit www.golfontario.ca/adaptivegolfmonth and follow @TheGolfOntario on Instagram and Facebook.