Celebrating the 2025 Volunteer Award Recipients
At Golf Ontario, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. Their dedication, time, and passion fuel the success of our programs, events, and the vibrant golf community we continue to grow across the province. Each fall, we come together to celebrate these incredible individuals at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Days. During these celebrations, we honour milestone years of service and proudly present two of our highest volunteer accolades: the Volunteer of the Year Award and the Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award.
Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award
Sharon has volunteered with Golf Ontario since 2008. For over 15 years she has been a tremendous asset to the course rating team. She currently acts as the team leader for the Peterborough region and does so with infectious energy. She’s always on time for ratings, keeps the process running smoothly, and makes sure everyone is on the same page with her communication skills. Known for being detail oriented (a tremendous asset in the CR process) Sharon also finds time to play Oliver’s Nest Golf Course (her home club) and flirts with being a single-digit handicap!
Sharon’s dedication and positive attitude make her a pleasure to work with, and her commitment to Golf Ontario and the course rating program is exemplary. When she does retire from the course rating team lead, we are certain Sharon will continue to share her genuine love for golf with others and will be a lifelong ambassador for the game.
Sharon goes above and beyond; embodying the spirit, passion and dedication of the sport, which makes her an obvious choice for the Golf Ontario Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award. Thank you Sharon!
Volunteer of the Year Award
Since joining Golf Ontario as a volunteer in 2018, Judy Pouliot has distinguished herself as an exceptional leader and ambassador for the game. A nationally certified Level 3 referee, Judy has not only mastered the Rules of Golf but has also dedicated herself to educating and mentoring others.
Her leadership in delivering “Rules Ready” programming at clubs throughout the Kingston area has introduced countless golfers to the fundamentals of the game, while her instruction in the Level 2 Rules program has inspired many to pursue advanced certification. Judy’s impact extends well beyond education—her presence as a referee has been instrumental in the growth and success of Golf Ontario championships, in addition to her contributions at Golf Canada and GTA AM Tour events.
Judy is known for her professionalism, fairness, and warmth on the course. She fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment for athletes and volunteers alike, handling every ruling with integrity, kindness, and respect. Her passion for golf and unwavering commitment to the sport exemplify the very best of volunteerism. Judy Pouliot’s contributions have left a lasting mark on our championships and community, making her a truly deserving honoree.
As a Course Rater since 2018, Darrell Peters has been a fabulous support and model of volunteerism for Golf Ontario. In 2025 Darrell exhibited the Golf Ontario value of Brilliance via his commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and creativity in his work. Specifically, Darrell developed an AF1 tool (Automated Excel based form with programmed upload on data to the USGA CRS) which saves countless hours for our teams and has helped simplify rating process.
Darrell is also appreciated for his efforts with course rating in more than one region. All this while finding time to volunteer on the RINK hole at the Canadian Open, and carrying a single digit Handicap Index at his club: Markland Wood Golf Club. Thank you, Darrell, for embracing Golf Ontario’s mandate of Shaping Live by Connecting People to Positive Golf Experiences.
At the heart of Golf Ontario, our volunteers are the lifeblood in a variety of critical areas, including championships, rules, course rating, and governance on committees and our board of directors. They are the sport’s ambassadors and an essential part of our team, enabling us to deliver exceptional programming and experiences to golfers, partners, and industry stakeholders.
Interested in becoming part of the Golf Ontario volunteer family? Find out more about the opportunities and rewards on our Volunteering Resource page HERE.
Ontario Men’s Four-Ball Heads to Oakdale
Oakdale Golf and Country Club is set to host the Ontario Men’s Four-Ball Championship on October 6th. This prestigious, one-day competition will see 56 two-man teams battle for the championship title in four-ball format.
Established in 1959, the Ontario Men’s Four-Ball Championship has a long history at Oakdale Golf and Country Club—also the site of the 2023 RBC Canadian Open, where Canadian Nick Taylor secured a historic victory. The event has been held here every year since its inception, with the exception of 1963 and 1965.
QUOTE
“We are deeply honoured to have our final Golf Ontario provincial championship of the year hosted at the prestigious Oakdale Golf and Country Club. The club has been an incredible supporter of this championship for more than 60 years, and we’re excited to be on-site this Monday for another exceptional Ontario Men’s Four-Ball Championship.”
–Rob Watson, Tournament Director.
TEAMS TO WATCH
Last year’s winners, the father and son duo of Charlie and Cam Burke.
Daniel DiFrancesco and Traynor Turkiewicz, 2023 winners.
2022 champions, Ryan Kings and Josh Hunke.
National and provincial champion, Charles Fitzsimmons and Canadian radio icon Howard Glassman.
Legends Dave Bunker and Rob Cowan earned an exemption by winning the 2024 Ontario Men’s Senior Four Ball Championship and are competing together at Oakdale.
FAST FACTS
Venue: Oakdale Golf and Country Club
Date: Oct. 6
Field: 56 two-man teams
Format: 18-hole, four-ball
Pairings: HERE
Fun Fact: Past champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Mike Weir, Gary Cowan, Warren Sye, Kelly Roberts, Bill Morland and Phil Farley.
Limited Release: Dormie Workshop Custom Headcover
This isn’t just a headcover.
It’s a personalized Ontario license plate for your golf bag—a bold statement handcrafted just for you.
The Ontario Personalized Plate by Dormie Workshop combines top-tier Canadian leather craftsmanship with the nostalgic design of the province’s iconic plate. Featuring your custom lettering, the Yours to Discover slogan, and a green 2025 badge, this cover is more than protection for your driver—it’s your identity on the tee.
Only 100 will be made. Only Golf Ontario members can get one.
Each Ontario Personalized Plate is:
- Handcrafted by Dormie Workshop in Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Made with premium Italian full grain leather
- Personalized with up to 8 bold blue characters
- Embellished with Ontario’s “Yours To Discover” slogan
- Marked with the official 2025 green badge
- Lined with soft fabric to protect your driver
Orders ship in 4–6 weeks. Dormie Workshop will review all text—offensive language will not be produced.
Customize Yours Now
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.
Golf Ontario Announces 2025 Scholarship Recipients
For more than three decades, the Golf Ontario Scholarship Program has championed the dreams of student golfers across the province. What began in 1994 as a commitment to easing the financial pressures of post-secondary education has grown into a tradition of celebrating well-rounded student-athletes who excel in both academics and athletics. The program has created opportunities for hundreds of student golfers, thanks to the generosity of corporate partners and sponsors who share a commitment to advancing both education and the game of golf.
Through the generosity of its donors, Golf Ontario proudly awards scholarships named in honour of remarkable Ontarians: Ken McKenzie, Christine Fisher, Craig Revell, Helena Harbridge, Dave Mills, and Bill Bath, whose legacies continue to inspire the next generation of golfers. Supported by partners like Baka Communications, a steadfast advocate for amateur golf in Ontario, these scholarships recognize student-athletes who excel in academics, demonstrate a passion for the game, and pursue their goals with dedication and excellence. Each scholarship tells a story of commitment, passion, and the enduring impact of those who helped shape golf in Ontario.
Congratulations to all the 2025 scholarship recipients!
Full List of 2025 Scholarship Award Recipients:
- Jadelina Tep-Chhun – St.Thomas Golf & Country Club / Christine Fisher Memorial Scholarship
- University of Waterloo, Kinesiology
- Russel Aide – Black Bear Ridge Golf Course / Helena Harbridge Memorial Scholarship
- University of Arizona, Engineering
- Ben Sheridan – Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club / Ken McKenzie Scholarship
- Robert Morris University, Finance
- Wendy Li – Summit Golf & Country Club / Craig Revell Scholarship
- Boston University, Health Science
- Jaiden Brown – Dalewood Golf Club / Bill Bath Scholarship
- Eckerd College, Economics
- Female: Emma Hansen – Blue Springs Golf Club / Dave Mills Scholarship
- Elon University, Strategic Communications
- Male: Bennett Brazier – Beach Grove Golf & Country Club / Dave Mills Scholarship
- Monmouth University, Business Administration
- Eric Wen – Whistle Bear Golf Club / Golf Ontario Support Scholarship
- Fairleigh Dickinson University, Electrical Engineering
- Female: Avery Nordman – Canadian Golf & Country Club / BAKA Golf Ontario Scholarship
- Longwood University, Kinesiology
- Male: Liam Rice – Picton Golf & Country Club / BAKA Golf Ontario Scholarship
- Loyalist College, Pre-Service Firefighting Education & Training
About Golf Ontario Scholarship Program
To be eligible for one of the Golf Ontario awards or scholarships, recipients must have maintained at least a 75% academic average, enrolled in a post-secondary institution, be members of Golf Ontario, and are actively involved in golf. If you are interested in applying for next year’s batch of scholarships, please visit here to learn more about the process and benefits of Golf Ontario Scholarships.
Wishing our 2025 scholarship winners the very best as they pursue their education and continue making an impact in the world of golf!
2025 Ontario Public Amateur Championship Returns to Mill Run Golf Club
Mill Run Golf Club in Uxbridge will welcome Ontario’s best public players Aug. 27-28 for the 2025 Public Amateur Championship presented by Baka Mobile.. This championship offers a stage for public player golfers to compete at a high level and test their games on a championship layout.
Tournament Director Mason Cowan emphasized the importance of the Public Amateur Championship within Ontario’s golf community, “Unlike some championships that are exclusive to private club members, this event is designed for public players. It levels the playing field and ensures that talent from all backgrounds has the opportunity to compete in a professionally run, provincial-level event.”
Cowan added that Ontario has a strong base of golfers who develop their game on public courses, and this championship provides them with valuable exposure and opportunity, “This championship gives them a platform to showcase their skills and often serves as a stepping stone to higher-level competitions.”
Championship Format
A full field of 120 players will take on 36 holes over two days at this year’s championship. The men’s competition is divided into three flights: the “A” flight for gross scoring, and the “B” and “C” flights for net play, with “B” flight golfers also eligible to contend for the overall title.
The women will compete in their own division, with both gross and net champions recognized. This year also marks a milestone, with 14 women in the field, the highest number of female competitors in this championship’s history.
The structure of this tournament ensures every golfer has a meaningful opportunity to compete, regardless of experience or handicap. By recognizing both gross and net champions, the championship celebrates achievement across all skill levels.
Players to Watch / Defending Champions (2024)
- Joshua Taylor : Men’s A Flight Champion
- Jamie Howe : Men’s B Flight net Champion
- Joe Smith : Men’s C Flight net Champion
- Jenna Power : Women’s overall & net Champion
These players have already proven they can perform under pressure, and each will aim to build on last year’s success in pursuit of another championship.
Mill Run Golf Club: A Familiar Stage
Mill Run Golf Club in Uxbridge has a long history with the Public Amateur Championship, having hosted the event nine times, more than any other tournament venue.
Tournament Director, Mason Cowan, praised the course’s versatility, “The Grist/Wheel rotation ranges from 5,200 to 6,500 yards, accommodating all divisions. It offers players a variety of looks off the tee and into the greens, with challenges that include risk-reward doglegs, elevation changes, and multi-tiered greens.”
With a full field of talented public players, the 2025 Ontario Public Amateur Championship promises two days of exciting golf at Mill Run.
Stay Connected
For full tournament results and leaderboards: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11301121073539500252
For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook
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
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
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
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