Hundreds of Toronto youth will have the opportunity to experience golf this summer thanks to a generous donation through Golf Ontario’s Golf for All Fund. 

The $3,000 contribution from the Michael Cundari Memorial Fund will help provide subsidized Youth on Course rounds for young golfers who were unable to secure a City of Toronto Junior Golf Membership after unprecedented demand filled the program earlier this spring. 

Interest in the City’s junior golf program reached record levels in 2026, with more than 5,000 people online when registration opened. Approximately 300 memberships were claimed within the first 15 minutes, and by the end of registration, 670 memberships had been sold, leaving another 250 youth on a waitlist. 

Recognizing an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, Golf Ontario worked with the City of Toronto and the Michael Cundari Memorial Fund to create a solution. The donation will fund 700 Youth on Course rounds for waitlisted juniors this summer. 

“This is exactly the type of impact the Golf for All Fund was created to make,” said Craig Loughry, Senior Director, Membership & Member Services at Golf Ontario. “When we can remove barriers and help more young people experience golf, everyone wins. We’re incredibly grateful to the Michael Cundari Memorial Fund for choosing to invest in the next generation of golfers and helping ensure hundreds of kids have the opportunity to get on the course this summer.” 

The initiative also provides participating youth with access to a discounted Golf Ontario/Golf Canada membership, giving them continued access to the Youth on Course program, where rounds can be played for just $5 at participating facilities. 

While the impact will be felt on golf courses across Toronto this summer, the story began more than 25 years ago. 

The Michael Cundari Memorial Fund was established in memory of Michael Cundari, whose life was tragically cut short in an accident. Michael loved sports. Whether he was playing, watching or talking about them, competition and camaraderie were a big part of who he was. Golf was one of his greatest passions. Friends remember him as a left-hander with a memorable slice who simply loved being on the golf course. 

Away from sports, Michael was known for his kindness, generosity and compassion. He cared deeply about people, was a passionate advocate for animal welfare and believed in giving back to others. 

Following his passing, a group of close friends transformed their annual NFL and NCAA football pools into a fundraiser in his memory. What began to stay connected and honour their friend has grown into a grassroots initiative that has raised more than $100,000 over the past 25 years in support of local charities, youth sports programs, community initiatives and families facing difficult circumstances. 

For the friends who continue to organize the Memorial Fund each year, supporting youth golf is a fitting way to honour Michael’s legacy. Golf was one of his favourite pastimes and helping more young people discover the game reflects the values he carried throughout his life—kindness, generosity and bringing people together through sport. 

The Golf for All Fund was created to expand access to golf across Ontario by supporting programs that remove barriers to participation. Donations help create opportunities for youth, adaptive golfers and underserved communities to experience the many benefits the game has to offer. 

Golf Ontario extends its sincere appreciation to the Michael Cundari Memorial Fund and everyone who has supported its mission over the past 25 years. Their generosity will help ensure hundreds of young golfers can create memories on the golf course this summer while continuing a legacy built on kindness, friendship and giving back. 

Inspired by the impact of the Michael Cundari Memorial Fund? Learn more about the Golf for All Fund or make a donation by visiting the Golf for All Fund page on the Golf Ontario website. 

Every child deserves the opportunity to discover the game of golf.

That’s the vision behind a new Community Impact Partnership between Golf Ontario and the Durham Family Advisory Board (DFAB), which will launch Golf Fore All this summer—a program designed to introduce children facing financial, social and developmental barriers to the game in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment.

Beginning this summer, the eight-week program will provide 20 children between the ages of 8 and 13—including three children with autism—with weekly professional instruction, driving range sessions, on-course golf experiences and access to loaned equipment. More importantly, it will provide an opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills and discover a lifelong connection to the game.

For Golf Ontario, the partnership represents another step toward making the game more accessible and creating opportunities for more Ontarians to experience everything golf has to offer.

“At Golf Ontario, our mission is shaping lives through golf,” said Kyle McFarlane, Chief Executive Officer of Golf Ontario. “We believe this game has the power to build character, foster community and create opportunities that extend far beyond the fairways. That’s what drives our vision for a more inclusive, accessible and welcoming future for everyone who wants to be part of the game: Golf For All.”

DFAB’s Golf Fore All has been designed as more than a one-summer introduction to the game. Participants will begin with lessons, practice, on-course experiences and starter-kit equipment before progressing toward greater independence, with the long-term goal of transitioning into junior golf opportunities and sustained participation in the sport.

While DFAB will lead program delivery throughout Durham Region, Golf Ontario will provide fundraising infrastructure, charitable tax receipting through the Golf Canada Foundation, marketing and storytelling support, regional golf industry connections and strategic guidance to help the program grow sustainably.

“One of the ways we bring that vision to life is by partnering with community-led organizations to help turn their ideas into sustainable, high-impact programs,” McFarlane said.

For DFAB founder Paul Vorstadt, the partnership is about using golf as a platform to create lasting opportunities for children and families throughout Durham Region.

“We couldn’t ask for a better partner than Golf Ontario,” said Vorstadt. “From day one, they’ve shared our belief that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the game of golf, regardless of their financial circumstances. Their support, leadership and commitment have helped turn an idea into a program that will create opportunities for children and families across our community.”

Vorstadt believes the impact of Golf Fore All will extend well beyond the golf course.
“At DFAB, we don’t see golf as simply introducing children to another sport—we see it as opening doors,” he said. “Golf develops character, creates confidence and teaches life skills that will benefit kids long after their final round. Our goal is to give every child the opportunity not just to learn the game, but to grow through it.”

The partnership is the first under Golf Ontario’s Community Impact Partnership model, which brings together local organizations and the provincial association to create meaningful golf opportunities in communities across Ontario. By combining local leadership with provincial support, the initiative helps remove barriers, strengthen grassroots programming and create more pathways into the game.

As Golf Ontario continues to expand its Golf For All vision across the province, partnerships like this demonstrate what’s possible when organizations come together around a shared purpose: creating more opportunities for children to discover the game, build confidence and experience the lifelong benefits golf can provide.

Check out DFAB’s Golf Fore All Fundraising Page\

Golf Ontario is proud to introduce a new visual identity for the Golf For All Fund—one that reflects both the purpose of the fund and its role in shaping a more inclusive future for the game across the province.

A Symbol of Growth, Connection, and Opportunity

At the heart of the new identity is the maple key—a symbol that represents growth, movement, and the intentional spread of opportunity.

Often seen spinning and travelling before taking root, the maple key reflects how the game can reach new communities, create new pathways, and grow in ways that are both natural and purposeful.

More than a symbol of growth, the maple key represents structure and connection—how the Golf For All Fund is designed to unlock access, remove barriers, and create lasting impact across Ontario.

It also builds on Golf Ontario’s identity. While the association is represented by the maple leaf, the maple key offers a forward-looking evolution—one that connects heritage with the future of the game.

The Golf For All Fund maple key logo:

• Symbolizes growth, movement, and new beginnings
• Represents access, connection, and opportunity
• Builds on Golf Ontario’s maple leaf heritage in a modern, future-focused way
• Creates a distinct identity for philanthropy and community impact

Designed with Purpose

“Our goal was to create a mark that feels connected to our identity, while clearly representing the future of the game,” says Golf Ontario Manager of Brand and Communications, Greg Mitchell. “The maple key gave us a unique way to symbolize growth and new beginnings, while staying rooted in something that is unmistakably Ontario.”

Supporting the Future of the Game

At its core, the Golf For All Fund is about lasting impact—creating sustainable funding that expands participation and opens doors for those who have historically faced barriers to entry.

Whether driven by a passion for golf, youth development, community inclusion, or legacy building, the fund provides a meaningful way to invest in the future of the game—supported by strong governance and thoughtful stewardship.

“This new identity helps bring the purpose of the Golf For All Fund to life,” says Director of Events and Fund Development, Mallory Dayman. “It represents the impact we’re working to make—creating opportunities for more people to experience the game and building a more inclusive future for golf across Ontario.”

The new identity will be featured across all Golf For All Fund initiatives, strengthening awareness and connection to a shared mission of growing the game for all.

Bringing the Fund to Life

In the months ahead, the Golf For All Fund will come to life through a series of initiatives designed to bring the golf community together in support of a shared goal: growing the game for all.

This includes the introduction of the Golf For All Trustee Program, alongside a slate of philanthropic events and experiences that will create meaningful opportunities for partners, donors, and participants to get involved.

More details will be shared in the coming weeks.

Looking for an easy, flexible way to raise funds through golf?

Golf Ontario invites clubs, teams, schools, leagues, workplaces, and community groups to take part in the 1000 Ball Challenge—a fun, low‑lift fundraising program designed to support golf programs right where you live.

Our goal is straightforward: help local groups raise money, grow participation and open the door to golf for more people, with fundraising support from Golf Ontario at the provincial level.

What Is the 1000 Ball Challenge?

The 1000 Ball Challenge puts a golf twist on the popular peer‑to‑peer fundraising model used in walk, run, and ride events.

Participants fundraise in support of golf initiatives that matter to them by hitting 1,000 golf balls — as a team or individually. You set the pace, the format, and the goal.

Simple to organize. Easy to customize. Built for golfers and groups.

What Golf Ontario Provides

To make things easy, Golf Ontario supports your campaign with:

• A dedicated online fundraising page
• Tax receipts for donations of $20 or more, issued through the Golf Canada Foundation
• Fundraising incentives and prizes to encourage participation and giving
• Ongoing administrative and promotional support throughout your campaign

You keep the funds you raise (less a small administrative percentage), so you can reinvest directly into golf programs and initiatives that matter most to your community.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re just exploring the idea or ready to launch, Golf Ontario’s fundraising team is here to help you every step of the way.

Learn More — Connect with Golf Ontario’s Fundraising Team

For more information, email the Golf Ontario fundraising team directly at fundraising@golfontario.ca

When Pam, a member of the LPGA Amateurs of Ontario Niagara Chapter, signed up for Golf Ontario’s 1000 Ball Challenge, she didn’t have her eye on the 1000 balls. For Pam, it was simply about showing support for a cause she believed in—growing the game of golf and helping build stronger connections between Golf Ontario and local chapters like her own.

“I didn’t donate with the intention or expectation of winning a prize,” Pam says. “It was just about supporting Golf Ontario and giving back. We’ve got a good relationship between (Golf Ontario) and the LPGA Amateurs, so it just made sense.”

The Challenge gave the Niagara Chapter a fun and meaningful way to get involved, with some funds coming back to support their growth and community.

“Some of the funds came back to us, so it helped our chapter grow. We thought it would be a fun way to support a worthy cause and get involved.”

But when Pam’s name was drawn as the 2024 Grand Prize Winner, she found herself with 1,000 golf balls—and a new challenge: what to do with them.

Turns out, sharing was the easy answer.

“They’ve gone to a lot of different places,” she says. “I donated some to our LPGA Amateurs Niagara Chapter—we’re using them as prizes—and I even left some at the indoor driving range the day we were hitting our thousand balls.”

Her generosity didn’t stop there. Pam gave golf balls to junior golfers, used them in gift baskets for charity events like the Charlie Challenge in Guelph, and even included them in birthday presents. 

She found ways to give back beyond golf, too—donating to a coworker’s fundraiser for his son’s autism therapy.

“I’ve known someone since they were born who’s now an avid junior golfer, so I gave them some too,” she adds. “It’s been barters, gifts, donations, and using them myself. They’re being spread around, and all my friends are benefiting.”

Even after all that, Pam still has 48 dozen balls left—more than enough for a few more acts of kindness.

Reflecting on the experience, Pam says the Challenge was a rewarding test of perseverance, teamwork, and fun.

“Hitting a thousand balls sounds like a lot—and it is—but it was such a fun experience. Only four of us did it, and we really leaned into it. We were even hitting indoors the day Raff presented the balls. There was a whole set of circumstances, but we made it work.”

So, what would she tell someone thinking of taking on the 1000 Ball Challenge?

“Do it! It’s a fun way to give back. You’re supporting a great cause, you get to challenge yourself, and the community around it is amazing.”

As for winning?

“I was shocked,” she laughs. “I remember thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, what am I going to do with all these balls?’ But it’s been incredible. Being able to share them has brought me a lot of joy.”

Pam 1000 Ball Challenge story is proof that one good swing can go a long way—and sometimes, the real win is in what you give back.

By purchasing a ticket for Golf Ontario’s 1000 Ball for the 1000 Ball Challenge Raffle, you’re directly supporting the GOLF FOR ALL Fund—an initiative focused on expanding golf programs across Ontario. Your contribution helps grow the game by creating more inclusive and accessible golf experiences for all.

Take inspiration from Pam, last year’s grand prize winner, who used her 1,000 golf balls to give back to her community. This year, you could be next. 

Buy your raffle ticket today and you could be the big winner! 

ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN 1000 GOLF BALLS

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. 

LPGA Amateurs is made up of over 15,500 women of all golf abilities and provides playing and learning opportunities for women of all ages through local and national events.

The association is taking further action to grow women’s participation programs by raising money through the 1000 Ball Challenge and the Golf For All Fund.

The 1000 Ball Challenge allows individuals or teams to support expansions of Ontario golf opportunities and experiences while testing their endurance by hitting as many golf balls as possible.

The Golf For All Fund aims to increase access to the game of golf and introduce it to a wider audience by funding for the participation and programing of Girls and Women, Indigenous, Adaptive and Junior Performance.

LPGA Amateurs have set an ambitious goal they hope to achieve before the end of the golf season. They have divided four regional teams and 20 different representatives, all with their own 1000 Ball Challenge pages.

One team that has stood out is Team HamBurGirls, who represent the Hamilton-Burlington region. Their team goal was to raise $5,000, but the current total at $6,001 tops that goal drastically.

“Our Association has the relationship it does with both Golf Canada and Golf Ontario, and supporting women in golf is such an important issue for us,” said Deb Kucheran, LPGA Amateur of Hamilton-Burlington region president.

If the LPGA Amateurs’ goal is reached, 50 percent of funds will go directly to all LPGA Chapters, while the other 50 will go toward the Golf For All Fund.

Both the LPGA Chapter and Golf For All Fund will put the raised money towards expanding women’s golf opportunities across the province, which according to Kucheran includes adding more women’s golf programs to more regions and educating golf courses to accept women in golf.

“It’s time for equality in golf,” she said.

When Kucheran and the rest of the LPGA Amateurs Ontario governing body learned that each Chapter would get back 50 percent of what they donated, the thought of making her own regional team was instant.

“I set up Team HamBurGirls and then recruited team members by advertising in our newsletters, social media and just asking members,” she said.

With $1,000 more than the team goal raised, Kucheran hopes the money will make it easier to provide members with golf experiences.

“As our LPGA Amateurs’ seven Chapters in Ontario depend only on member fees for income, fundraising is extremely important to be able to provide the members value for their membership dollar,” she said.

Visit the LPGA Amateur Golf Association’s 1000 Ball Challenge page to donate to a team or individual.

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

Chief Ted Williams is a complex individual, yet his reason for taking up golf nearly 40 years ago—and why he continues to play today—is quite straightforward.

“Golf is enjoyable,” Williams concedes. “Now, what I find most rewarding about the sport is the opportunity to meet new people and cultivate relationships on the course.”

In his youth, Williams was an avid hockey and softball player. He ventured into golf at the age of 28 with a solo round at Lake St. George Golf Club in Washago, Ontario. For the initial six or seven years, Williams exclusively played alone.

“I used to have this pronounced left-to-right shot that I was somewhat self-conscious about, so I’d play alone, early in the morning,” Williams recalls. “I also had a young family and that meant if I wanted to play, I had to be out at dawn and back by breakfast time.”

Eventually, Williams grew increasingly fond of golf and, in 1993, was invited to participate in the club championship at Lake St. George. He had never played competitively, but without any preconceived notions or competitive history, he entered the championship—and won, igniting a remarkable streak of victories and notable finishes that continues to this day.

“The triumph at that first club championship in ’93 spurred my interest in competitive golf,” Williams reflects. “I dedicated myself to improving, to mastering the diverse shots and learning how to score even on off days.”

Williams reclaimed the Lake St. George club championship in 1999. He dominated the Hawk Ridge Golf Club championship for eight consecutive years and won the Horseshoe Valley club championship in 2011. He’s competed in numerous Ontario and Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur tournaments and even attempted to qualify for the PGA TOUR Champions Tour at age 50. While he didn’t qualify, he was the leading amateur finisher that week.

He has also competed in the Indigenous Ontario Championship and is an enthusiastic supporter, planning to participate again this year.

“The Indigenous Ontario Championship is a magnificent event for many reasons,” Williams states. “It celebrates the remarkable talent of Indigenous golfers throughout the province.”

Williams has been a steadfast supporter of Indigenous communities nationwide for many years. He was elected Chief of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation at the age of 27. Now, approaching 70 and with extensive corporate experience, he has returned as Chief of Rama First Nation, serving his community in various capacities.

Once predominantly a softball community, Rama First Nation has embraced golf.

“Just a decade ago, you could count on two hands the number of golfers in our community,” Williams acknowledges. “Today, we have over a hundred people of all ages enjoying the game.”

Williams credits the pandemic with introducing many in his community to golf, but believes there are additional factors that have sustained their interest.

“The pandemic certainly boosted golf’s popularity province-wide, and that’s reflected in our community,” he says. “Yet, our people have kept at it because the game is enjoyable and the golf course feels like a welcoming place, where they can connect with familiar faces from the community.”  

As he reflects on a lifetime of achievements, both on the course and within his community, Williams looks forward to nurturing the next generation of golfers, ensuring that the legacy of unity and enjoyment he helped to establish continues to flourish for years to come.

As April marks the observance of Celebrate Diversity Month, it presents Golf Ontario with a wonderful opportunity to share inspiring stories and honour the diverse backgrounds and contributions of our members, volunteers, players, and colleagues.

Golf Ontario is thrilled to invite you to the heart of our community spirit and dedication – the 1000 Ball Challenge!

This year, we aim not just to meet but to exceed our collective potential in supporting the wonderful game of golf across our province. Inspired by our shared passion for golf and commitment to making it accessible to everyone, the 1000 Ball Challenge stands as a testament to what we can achieve together.

Why Your Participation Matters

All funds raised will directly fuel the GOLF FOR ALL FUND, supporting critical areas like:

Women and Girls Golf
Youth Development
Adaptive Golf
Indigenous Golf

How It Works

Reach your fundraising goal of $5,000, then showcase your endurance by hitting 1000 golf balls at your chosen location. Whether individually or as a team, your effort will ripple across our community, inspiring and making a significant impact.

Rewards & Recognition

To honour your remarkable fundraising achievements, we’re excited to present rewards as you reach each fundraising milestone. Rewards are cumulative, the more you raise the more you earn.

Plus, your stories will be featured to inspire others, showing the real impact of our collective efforts.

Join the Conversation

Share your journey using #1000BallChallenge on social media. Let’s make this challenge a trending testament to our love for golf and community.