GAO Golf Ontario

The Comeback: Dawson Lew’s Standout Season 

Team Ontario’s Dawson Lew has quickly made a name for himself as one of the province’s rising stars in golf. Dawson has built an impressive resume at a young age, highlighted by his ability to bounce back from adversity and deliver such a standout season. 

Last summer, Dawson faced a major setback when he broke his leg in late August. The road to recovery tested his patience and determination, taking nearly four months before he could return to playing, and even longer before he felt competitive again. “It was pretty tough,” Dawson shared. “I just focused on what was ahead of me, first the recovery, then practice, and then just getting better each day.” His resilience paid off, leading to one of the best seasons of his career.

Among his many successes this year, one achievement stands out above the rest: winning the Canadian Junior Championship. “That was probably the biggest one of my career so far. Obviously, it gets me into the U.S. Junior Championship next year, which is nice.” “ It was a pretty big honour to be able to win that one and then etch my name on that trophy next to a couple pretty cool names in golf.”

As a proud member of Team Ontario, Dawson remains focused on continuous improvement and has many long-term goals in golf. He explained. “For me, it’s about the process, getting faster, gaining speed, and working at it every day.” With long-term aspirations of playing college golf and eventually competing on tour, Dawson is committed to the hard work it will take to get there. “Right now, I’m just focused on what I need to do at this moment and in the next couple of months.”

From injury recovery to winning a national title, Dawson Lew has shown resilience, dedication, and the mindset of a champion. His journey proves what perseverance can achieve, and Golf Ontario is proud to support him as he continues chasing his goals in golf.

Follow Dawson Lew’s World Amateur Golf Ranking profile

GAO Golf Canada Golf Ontario

Henderson Claims 14th LPGA Title After CPKC Women’s Open Win

Brooke Henderson captured her second CPKC Women’s Open title at Mississauga Golf and Country Club, making it one of the most meaningful wins of her career.

She closed with a 4-under 67 to edge Australia’s Minjee Lee by a single shot, ending a two-year stretch without a victory.

“This one I think might be the longest in between victories, so for that reason it makes it super special,” said Henderson. “To be able to win the Canadian Open, the CPKC Women’s Open, for the second time is so special.”

As a junior, Henderson won back-to-back Golf Ontario championships, capturing the Ontario Junior Girls’ Championship in 2011 and 2012, and later added the Ontario Women’s Amateur title in 2014.

The Mississauga win is her 14th LPGA Tour title and second CPKC Women’s Open, the first coming in 2018.

To read more, click HERE

GAO Golf Canada Golf Ontario

Charles Fitzsimmons secures third Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship victory

Charles Fitzsimmons is now a 3-time national champion, after holding on to win the 2025 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship by one shot at Seymour Golf and Country Club in North Vancouver, B.C.

Fitzsimmons shot a 3-over 74 to finish the tournament at 1-over to edge Dustin Franko (Delta, B.C). by one shot. Fitzsimmons posted rounds of 71-72-68-74-285 to become the fourth three-time winner of the national championship. 

“Still processing the win, it feels great,” said Fitzsimmons following his win on Friday. “Today was a real challenge, Dustin played solid and he and I were going back and forth, it was just pressure filled for every moment and a really good challenge. My games been close all summer and to be able to get the win here is really special.”

Fitzsimmons is a mental coach of Team Ontario, as he balances competitive play with his coaching duties. The win marks three Men’s Mid-Am titles for Fitzsimmons tying him with Dave Bunker (2008, 2009, 2010), Garrett Rank (2014, 2015, 2016) and Joseph Deraney (2018, 2019, 2023). The four trail only seven-time winner Graham Cooke and four-time winner Stu Hamilton on the all-time winners list.

“It’s pretty special to be named amongst that group of players that have won this tournament three times. I probably would have never dreamt I could have done that as a kid so to be here now still kind of feels like a dream. It’s really cool to be part of Golf Canada history that way,” added Fitzsimmons.

Fitzsimmons will receive direct exemptions into the 2025 U.S Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship at Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Ariz. from September 13 -18, the 2026 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship along with a 10-year exemption into the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship.

To view full leaderboards: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11312253993171864018?locale=en 

GAO Golf Ontario

Ontario Completes Inter-Provincial Three-Peat at 2025 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur

The R. Bruce Forbes Trophy will remain with Team Ontario for a third consecutive year following a come-from-behind victory at the 2025 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship at Seymour Golf and Country Club in North Vancouver, B.C.

Team Ontario entered Wednesday’s final round trailing Team Nova Scotia by four shots in the Inter-Provincial Team Championship, but posted a combined score of even par to finish at 2-over, three clear of the opening-round leaders.

Representing Ontario were Derek Dalziel of London, Ont., Kyle Gordon of Whitby, Ont., and Stephen Brown of Corunna, Ont. Dalziel led the way with a 1-under 70 that included a hole-in-one on the par-3 fifth hole, while Gordon’s 1-over 72, highlighted by a hole-out eagle on the par-4 17th, also counted towards the team’s total.

Each of Ontario’s past three victories have come with new team members, underlining the depth of talent across the province.

To view full leaderboards: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11312250173435988390?locale=en

GAO Golf Ontario

Team Ontario’s Dawson Lew Sweeps Junior & Juvenile Boys Titles at Canadian Junior Boy’s Championship

Team Ontario’s Dawson Lew made history at the Canadian Junior Boys Champion this week, as he became the 12th player ever to capture both the Junior & Juvenile Boys Championship titles in the same year.  

“To be etched on both trophies forever it’s a true honour,” said Lew following his round. “Not many people have done this before, and I think it’s a true privilege to have done it this week.”

Lew’s impressive play across four rounds: 66 – 65 – 70 – 68 – earned him a 269 total, finishing at 11 under par at Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club in Bathurst, N.B.. His victory places him among only a select group of golfers that have won both the Junior and Juvenile titles at a single Canadian Junior Boys Championship.

Lew’s 2025 season has been one to remember, highlighted by wins at Golf Ontario’s Junior Boys Spring Classic in May and a runner-up finish at the Men’s Amateur Championship in June.

To view full leaderboards: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11312250173435988390?locale=en

2025 Canadian All Abilities Championship GAO Golf Ontario

Stasiuk and Williams Lead Ontario Charge at Canadian All Abilities Championship

Ontario athletes delivered a statement performance at the 2025 Canadian All Abilities Championship, as Natasha Stasiuk and Josh Williams captured national titles in Kamloops, B.C., while fellow Ontarians Josh Hunke and Chris Willis rounded out a dominant showing with top-5 finishes.

Natasha Stasiuk (RattleSnake Point Golf Club) extended her remarkable streak by winning her fifth-consecutive title in the Women’s Gross Stroke Play division. With the win, she qualifies for her third U.S. Adaptive Open, where she’ll look to defend her 2024 title in the intellectual impairment category.

“Being a five-time champion means a lot to me,” said Stasiuk. “It’s nice to be rewarded for the hard work.”

Her national success came just weeks after claiming her sixth Ontario Adaptive Open title at Weston Golf and Country Club, where she also won the Women’s Net Stableford division.

Josh Williams (Tavistock) earned his first Canadian All Abilities Championship title. Williams moved into the lead early in the final round and never looked back. He has now qualified for the 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open, marking his second career appearance at the event.

“I’ve won a lot of tournaments, but none this high profile,” said Williams. “It hasn’t sunk in yet that I’m a national champion.”

Josh Hunke (Deer Ridge Golf Club) finished runner-up behind Williams. He opened with a 69 and followed with rounds of 71 and 72 to finish at four-under 212. The two friends, who live just 20 minutes apart, were paired together for the final round.

“If Josh even putted half decent, he would have won this tournament for fun,” joked Williams. “He’s going to be a problem in the future.”

Hunke also finished second at the 2025 Ontario Adaptive Open, where he shot 70 and 71 to finish at three-under-par.

Chris Willis (Pheasant Run Golf Club) capped off a strong Ontario showing with a fourth-place finish. He posted rounds of 72, 77, and 71 to finish at four-over 220. Earlier this season, Willis won his second Ontario Adaptive Open title with rounds of 67 and 71 to finish six-under.

To learn more or get involved in adaptive golf, visit: Golf Ontario Adaptive Open and Adaptive Golf Month.

GAO Golf Ontario team ontario

Protopapas and Xing Capture Junior Match Play Titles at Settlers’ Ghost GC

Barrie, ON Dimitri Protopapas of The Nest at Friday Harbour and Sarah Xing of Players Club – Ottawa were crowned the 2025 Junior Boys and Girls Match Play Champions.

In the Junior Boys category, No. 20 seed Dimitri Protopapas secured the win over Team Ontario’s No. 11 seed Joseph Totino (Summit Golf & Country Club) with a 3-hole lead and two holes remaining win, capping off three days of intense, multi-round match play.

Protopapas’ run was defined by poise and precision across a demanding stretch of match play—his ability to stay composed and deliver under pressure propelled him to the title past 63 other competitors.

In the Junior Girls category, top-seeded Sarah Xing capped off an exceptional week with a 2 & 1 victory over No. 2 seed Andrea Lai (St. Thomas Golf & Country Club Ltd) to claim the Match Play title. Xing remained steady throughout the final, holding off a determined push from Lai to close out the match on the 18th hole.

Xing’s road to the championship was dominant from start to finish. She opened with a tight 1-up win, then cruised to a 5 & 4 quarterfinal victory. In the semis, she continued her form with a 4 & 3 win to set up the final. Across three days of intense competition, Xing showcased elite course management, precision under pressure, and the composure of a champion to win over 31 other competitors.

Golf Ontario would like to extend a sincere thank you to the volunteers, officials, and Settlers’ Ghost staff for their support and hospitality throughout the week. Their efforts were instrumental in delivering a world-class experience.

Stay Connected

For full Boys results, click HERE

For full Girls results, click HERE

Championship Photo Album

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

GAO Golf Ontario Ontario Junior Boys' Match Play Championship Ontario Junior Girls' Match Play Championship

Ontario’s Top Juniors Prepare for Match Play Showdown at Settlers’ Ghost

Ontario’s rising junior golfers are ready to shine as the Junior Boys and Girls Match Play Championships take place July 21–23 at Settlers’ Ghost Golf Club in Barrie, Ontario.

Located just outside of Barrie, Settlers’ Ghost is known for its scenic rolling fairways, blind tee shots, and small, fast greens—making it a true test of course management and mental resilience. With its varied elevation and challenging pin placements, the layout is ideal for the match play format, demanding strategic shot-making and rewarding confident play.

“Match Play is a style of golf that really challenges competitors to maintain mental toughness”, said Tournament Director, Mason Cowan.

“This format encourages aggressive play and heightens drama, as competitors often go for daring shots to win a hole outright. There’s often a psychological edge, with players adjusting their thought processes in real time, based on their opponent’s performance. With its fantastic layout featuring blind shots and small, challenging greens, Settlers’ Ghost is perfectly suited for a match play format, setting the stage for an exciting and strategic competition”.

Players to Watch – Boys Division

  • Spencer Shropshire – 2025 Junior Boys’ Amateur Champion (shot 62 to tie the Lindsay G&CC course record on the final day) / 6th in Boys U19 JGP Rankings
    Gabriel Mainella – Team Ontario athlete (2024 Junior Players Invitational & Junior Boys’ Amateur Champion)
  • Dimitri Protopapas – T-5 at the 2025 Ontario Junior Boys’ Amateur
  • Rylan Hall & Joseph Totino – Team Ontario Athletes

Players to Watch – Girls Division

  • Riviera Lindholm – 1st in the U15 & U13 JGP Rankings / 2nd in the U19 & U17 JGP Rankings
  • Sarah Xing – 2024 Ontario U13 Girls’ Champion

For pairings and leaderboard:

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

GAO Golf Ontario Junior Girls' Championship

Serena Zhang Crowned 2025 Ontario Junior Girls Amateur Champion

Serena Zhang of Blue Springs Golf Club captured the 2025 Ontario Junior Girls Amateur Championship at Loyalist Golf and Country Club with a statement 5-stroke victory.

Building off her earlier win at the CISAA Senior Girls Golf Championship, Zhang once again demonstrated her calm under pressure attitude, adding a provincial title to an already standout season.

Zhang closed out the week at 4-under-par (68-72-71-73—284), flying past the competition and finishing five strokes ahead of Evelyn Ma (Station Creek Golf Club) and Avery Nordman (Canadian Golf & Country Club), who placed second and third, respectively. Zhang held the lead from start to finish, never relinquishing her position atop the leaderboard.

Ma fired a 2-under 70 on the final day to finish at +1 overall, while Nordman carded a strong 71 to secure solo third at +3.

Beyond the leaderboard, a highlight came from Sophie Foulds (Royal Ottawa Golf Club), who recorded a hole-in-one on the par-3 2nd hole. She finished the week tied for 10th at +10.

Golf Ontario extends a sincere thank you to the volunteers, officials, and Loyalist Golf & Country Club staff for their outstanding hospitality and dedication in hosting a first-class championship.

For full results, click HERE

Championship Photo Album

Stay Connected

Follow @thegolfontario on Instagram and Facebook for more highlights and coverage throughout the season.

GAO Golf Ontario Women's Senior Championship

Kyrinis Makes History, McBride Claims Redemption at 2025 Women’s Senior Championship

Stouffville, ON — The 2025 Women’s Senior Championship came to a thrilling close at Spring Lakes Golf Club, where two standout performances delivered a memorable final day of competition.

Judith Kyrinis of The Thornhill Club etched her name in the history books, winning her seventh Ontario Senior Women’s Championship title — the most in tournament history. With this victory, Kyrinis surpasses legends Marlene Stewart Streit and Gayle Borthwick, who each held six titles. Her dominant performance solidifies her status as one of Ontario’s all-time greats in senior amateur golf.

In the A Flight division, Ruth McBride of Bridgewater Country Club captured her long-awaited victory. After finishing in second place last year, McBride returned with focus and determination, delivering a composed final round to earn the A Flight crown and cap off her redemption story.

Golf Ontario would like to extend a sincere thank you to the dedicated volunteers, tournament officials, and the entire team at Spring Lakes Golf Club for their outstanding support and hospitality throughout the week. Their efforts played a pivotal role in delivering a top-tier championship experience for all competitors and guests.

Stay Connected

Live Scoring, Pairings & Results

Championship Photo Album

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