Team Ontario alumni help Canada win bronze at The Spirit
Team Canada won the bronze medal in the combined men and women’s team competition along with another bronze in the women’s team competition at The Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship at Whispering Pines Golf Club in Trinity, Texas.
Team Canada was represented by Vanessa Borovilos of Etobicoke, Ont., Lauren Kim of Surrey, B.C., Ashton McCulloch of Kingston, Ont., Justin Matthews of Little Britain, Ont.
McCulloch and Matthews are Team Ontario alumni, while Borovilos (with partner Alexa Oullett) is a past winner of the Ontario Women’s Four-Ball Championship.
In the combined team championship, Canada finished T4 at 36-under (196 women’s and 200 men’s) with Denmark. England won the combined competition firing a 44-under to take the gold medal. The Republic of Korea (Korea) and Spain finished tied for second at 39-under. Due to the ties, Korea and Spain shared the silver medal, while Canada and Denmark shared bronze.
Borovilos and Kim combined to shoot 20-under (66-63-67-196) to earn the bronze medal in the women’s team competition. Denmark finished at 23-under to win with Spain taking the silver medal at 21-under. On Friday, Canada was led by Borovilos carding six birdies and an eagle. Kim was equally as strong in Thursday’s opening round with five birdies.
In the women’s individual competition, Carla Bernat Escuder of Spain finished first with 21 points, 2024 World Junior Girls team and individual champion, Soomin Oh of Korea finished second with 20 points and Marie Madsen of Denmark finished third with 17 points. Borovilos finished T5 with 14 points and Kim finished T11 with 12 points.
McCulloch and Matthews combined to shoot 16-under (66-66-68-200) to finish 10th in the men’s team competition. Mexico and England finished tied for first at 28-under with Australia finishing third at 25-under.
Individually, Josiah Gilbert of Australia won the men’s gold medal finishing with 21 points. Omar Morales of Mexico finished second with 19 points and Gerardo Gomez (Mexico) and Dominic Clemons (England) finished tied for third with 18 points. Both McCulloch and Matthews finished T18 with 11 points.
The 11th playing of The Spirit was contested over 54-holes of stroke-play competition that brought together 20 countries. In addition to the combined team component, competitors battled in individual championships as well as men’s and women’s team competitions. In the individual competition, players were awarded points based solely on birdies and eagles during their round with one point for a birdie and two for an eagle.
For the final leaderboards from The Spirit, please click here.
A version of this content was originally posted on golfcanada.ca
Frost Delays – What Every Golfer Should Know
How often your morning is affected by frost delays depends not just on the weather, but a variety of factors. Here’s what every golfer should know about frost:
Crunchy grass is vulnerable to damage
Golf course turf is normally resilient to traffic, but when ice crystals form inside the plants, they become brittle. Walking or driving over frost-covered grass can rupture plant cells, leading to dead turf, or the plants may be weakened without immediately showing the effects. It can take grass more than a month to recover from this damage.
Location is everything
You look out the kitchen window and see no signs of frost, only to find a frost delay when you get to the course. Know that frost can linger in colder microclimates long after other areas have thawed. North-facing slopes, low-lying areas and areas sheltered from the wind are especially likely to remain covered with frost. When in doubt, call the golf shop to check on course conditions before leaving home.
Closely mown turf is at high risk
Frost damage can occur throughout the course, but it poses the greatest risk to closely mown turf. Putting greens are particularly vulnerable because they experience the most concentrated traffic. A foursome typically takes 300 steps or more per green; with frost present, each step could cause serious damage.
Looks can be deceiving
No signs of frost on the first tee doesn’t mean an immediate “all clear” sign. If frost remains in unavoidable early in the round, the course must remain closed. Also remember that once the frost is totally clear, the maintenance staff will still need time to catch up on course preparation before play can begin.
More light goes a long way
Shade extends frost delays by preventing sunlight from melting the frost. Pruning or removing trees that shade primary playing surfaces can improve the course’s overall health and reduce the duration of frost delays. This is especially true on the first few holes, where the shade from a handful of trees can keep an entire course closed.
This content was originally posted on USGA.org
Keep Swinging! Join Our Women’s Indoor Golf Events
As the outdoor season wraps up, it’s time to keep the momentum going indoors! Thank you for an amazing season of Trying, Learning, and Playing Golf with us. Your enthusiasm has made this year unforgettable.
We’re excited to announce our Indoor Golf Schedule—the perfect way to refine your skills and stay sharp for next season. Just like our Outdoor Learn Days, these events are designed to be fun, social, and skill-building.
What’s Included:
- Access to state-of-the-art golf simulators
- Rotations through interactive stations led by professional coaches
- A FREE beverage to enjoy during social time
Don’t let the off-season slow you down! Spots are limited, so secure yours today and stay ready to hit the course next spring.
For the full list of indoor women’s golf events, check out: https://www.gao.ca/womens-golf/
Year-round dedication powers the next generation of golf talent
By Dalton Finkbeiner
Golf season is winding down for most recreational players across the country. For high-performance athletes, however, the grind never stops.
That is the case for members of Team Ontario, who recently wrapped up their first camp of the so-called “off-season.”
Team Ontario athletes engage with the provincial high-performance coaches year-round. During the summer months, athletes compete in tournaments across the province and participate in Team Ontario training days. Throughout the fall and winter, the program hosts camps in the United States, primarily in Florida. The team has camps scheduled in the Sunshine State next February and March. The final session south of the border takes place in Myrtle Beach and culminates with the Can-Am Matches against South Carolina.
“Our camps allow our coaching team to really dive into the four pillars of performance,” said Team Ontario’s head coach, Reggie Millage. “We focus on mental performance, physical strength and conditioning, injury prevention and technical and tactical approach.”
The camps are among the many draws of being part of a provincial program. Ahead of the Junior Golf Drive, a fundraising tournament held at Stouffville, Ont.’s Granite Golf Club in September, Team Ontario athletes said the extra sessions help them improve on and off the course.
“It’s really fun, the camps are obviously great,” said Angela Cai, who hails from Oakville, Ont., and plays out of RattleSnake Point Golf Club in nearby Milton. “We get to go to really cool places like Florida and Myrtle Beach. I have definitely improved, mentally especially. I have become aware of my mental state on the course. My swing has also improved, which is a bonus.”
“All the coaches have provided me with different information and different ways to look at the game, ways I have not thought of before,” added Bode Stephen, who plays out of Cataraqui Golf & Country Club in Kingston, Ont. “It has really helped to improve my game all around.”
One key aspect of the provincial program is allowing golfers to thrive in a team environment. Golf’s individual nature leaves few opportunities to practise and socialize with other players, something high-performance programs aim to fix.
“Having that team environment has been really fun,” said Stephen. “The team aspect of it is cool because of the individual aspect of golf; you don’t get that team environment very much, so it’s a cool experience.
“Bringing them together allows them the opportunity to push each other and learn from one another,” explained Millage. “Golf is hard and can be a lonely game at the top level, so the support network of having teammates there with you not just now but bonded together for years to come as they continue their journey in the sport.”
There is always a question of when the best time is for athletes to specialize in a certain sport. And while provincial and national coaches hope athletes prioritize golf, there are major benefits to participating in other activities that can help players down the line.
“Having other experiences as an athlete in other sports is such an asset to be an elite golfer,” said Millage. “The physical literacy, being in a team environment and dealing with adversity will help them now and into the future.”
Level 2 Rules of Golf Program Now Open for Registration!
Golf Ontario’s Level 2 Rules of Golf Program provides an in-depth, intuitive approach to understanding the key concepts, procedures, and outcomes of today’s game, with a focus on practical application for referees, tournament administrators, and golfers. Designed for those looking to become provincial referees, PGA professionals, or enhance their rules knowledge, the program covers Rules 1-25 and includes weekly webinars led by Level 3 Certified Referees. Participants will also explore the use of Clarifications from the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf and complete reading assignments and quizzes. To achieve certification, participants must score at least 80% on the exam, with eligible costs for travel, hotel, and registration available through Golf Ontario’s Volunteer – Rules Certification Expense Policy.
Why Join the 2025 Level 2 Rules of Golf Program?
The Level 2 program is designed for individuals with an involvement in tournament administration or individuals who have a desire to become a provincial Referee, PGA professionals, or golfers who wish to further their Rules knowledge. Level 2 certification is required for those participants proceeding to Level 3.
How to Register
Registration for the 2025 Level 2 Rules of Golf Program is now open, and spots are filling up fast! If you’re looking to deepen your golf knowledge and become an expert on the rules, don’t miss this chance. Click here to register today and take the next step in mastering the game!
1,000 Thank-Yous for Making the 1000 Ball Challenge a Success!
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.
One Week Left to Chip In: 1000 Ball Challenge closes on October 31st
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
Father-Son Duo Triumphs at Ontario Men’s Better Ball Championship
Cam and Charlie Burke were crowned the Champions at Oakdale Golf & Country Club, capturing the Ontario Men’s Better Ball Championship.
Coming in hot off this year’s Ontario and Canadian Men’s Mid-Am championship wins, Cam and his father Charlie emerged victorious after defeating Connor Rochon and Owen Allen (Weston Golf & Country Club) in an intense six-hole playoff. Both teams had a better-ball score of 6-under-par 66.
Ty Wadsworth and Brad Wadsworth (Bellmere Winds Golf Resort) tied for third place with Gordon Gibson and Brett Geiser of Cedar Brae Golf Club with a score of 5-under-par for a total of 67.
56 teams (112 players) participated in the one-day event. Established in 1959, the Ontario Men’s Better Ball Championship has a long history at Oakdale Golf & Country Club.
For all final results, CLICK HERE.
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Oakdale Set to Host Men’s Better Ball
Oakdale Golf and Country Club is set to host the Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship on October 7th. This prestigious, one-day competition will see 56 two-man teams battle for the championship title in the better-ball format.
Established in 1959, the Ontario Men’s Better-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 Better-Ball Championship.”
–Rob Watson, Tournament Director.
TEAMS TO WATCH
2022 Men’s Better-Ball champions, Ryan Kings and Josh Hunke.
John Drewery and Derek McGrath, 2021 Men’s Better Ball winners.
2018 Men’s Better-Ball champions, Matt Ion-Young and Simon McInnis (last year’s Men’s Mid-Am winner).
The No. 1-ranked Men’s Mid-Am player from the BioSteel Golf Ontario Amateur Order of Merit Rankings, Charles Fitzsimmons and Canadian radio icon Howard Glassman.
This year’s Ontario and Canadian Men’s Mid-Am champion Cam Burke is teaming up with his dad, Charlie.
FAST FACTS
Venue: Oakdale Golf and Country Club
Date: Oct. 7
Field: 56 two-man teams
Format: 18-hole, better-ball
Leaderboard: 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
Golf Ontario Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers at Annual Appreciation Days
At this year’s Volunteer Appreciation Days across Ontario, Golf Ontario paid tribute to the incredible efforts of our more than 250 volunteers.
As part of the three celebrations (which took place in September at Craigowan Golf Club, Wooden Sticks Golf Course and Brockville Country Club), we proudly revealed the 2024 recipients of the Volunteer of the Year Award and the Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award.
These prestigious awards honour individuals whose dedication has made a significant and lasting impact on golf in Ontario. Their unwavering support continues to drive Golf Ontario’s mission to ‘Shape Lives Through Golf.’
Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award Recipient: Sally Cirtwill
Sally, a Level 3 National Golf Canada Rules Official, has been a dedicated volunteer with Golf Ontario since 1998. As she considers stepping back from her role, this year may mark her final season as one of our most esteemed referees.
For decades, Sally has generously devoted her time and energy, traveling countless miles to ensure our events run smoothly.
Earlier this season, the parent of a Golf Ontario Junior Player, who is now competing at the amateur and collegiate level, shared a heartfelt message. He mentioned that Sally has talked about retiring for years, but he believes this time she may truly mean it. He expressed deep gratitude for Sally’s kindness and professionalism, stating that she will be greatly missed by his family and many others when she does decide to retire.
Sally’s presence at events is always a highlight, with players, parents, and friends eager to greet her warmly. She embodies the essence of Golf Ontario’s mission—creating meaningful connections and enriching lives through golf.
Her unwavering passion, commitment, and love for the game make Sally a standout choice for the prestigious Golf Ontario Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award.
When she does retire, Sally will no doubt relish more summer days spent at home, enjoying her love of fishing and getting back on the golf course herself.
The Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award is named in honour of Richard H. Grimm, known as “Mr. Canadian Open” for his contributions from 1965 to 1993. The award, first presented in 2005, recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to amateur golf in Ontario through volunteerism. Recipients demonstrate leadership, integrity, and dedication while embracing Golf Ontario’s mission and values.
Volunteer of the Year Award: John Sharp
John Sharp has been a dedicated volunteer with Golf Ontario since 2011, serving as a Level 3 Rules Official. He exemplifies the spirit of the game and reflects Golf Ontario’s core values. John’s interactions with players are always positive and encouraging, all while maintaining professionalism. He consistently arrives early for his volunteer shifts and stays late to help with any unfinished tasks, demonstrating remarkable dedication and organizational skills during championship preparations.
John is well-connected within the golf community and is warmly greeted by many when he steps onto a course—a testament to the respect and admiration he has earned over the years.
One of John’s standout qualities is his openness and willingness to guide new volunteers, offering advice and support as they begin their journey with Golf Ontario. He extends this same mentorship to the summer interns, even assisting with course markings at events near him, regardless of whether he’s scheduled to volunteer.
John is also a great team player, regularly organizing dinners with fellow officials and volunteers, fostering camaraderie among the team.
Through his actions, John truly embodies Golf Ontario’s mission of shaping lives through positive golf experiences.
Volunteer of the Year Award: Margaret McCornock
Marg has been a dedicated and long-serving volunteer with Golf Ontario since 2012.
Her journey as a volunteer began with Golf Quebec in 2007 as a golf course rater, quickly rising to the position of rating leader by 2010. When many courses transitioned to Golf Ontario in 2012, Marg seamlessly continued her role as a rating leader, bringing her expertise to a new audience.
In addition to her work as a course rater, Marg also served on the Ottawa Valley Golf Association Board of Directors as the Director of Course Rating and Handicaps for a decade, from 2012 to 2022. Even after stepping down from this position, she continues to lead course rating teams for both Golf Ontario and Golf Quebec.
Marg’s leadership and commitment have been exceptional throughout her tenure. Her vast experience and knowledge in course rating have been instrumental in developing a skilled team of over 10 raters in the Ottawa Valley, with many others waiting to learn from her. Drawing from her teaching background, Marg has been an enthusiastic mentor, helping new raters grow into their roles with patience and dedication.
At the start of each rating season, Marg organizes refresher courses for both new and experienced raters, ensuring that the team is up-to-date with the latest information from the Course Rating System Guide and the provincial rating sessions. She also played a key role in the adoption of new technologies, offering on-course training to raters—both seasoned and novice—on how to use tablets to record rating data, while emphasizing the importance of understanding the reasoning behind the data collection.
For her work ethic, leadership, teaching ability, willingness to embrace new technologies, and her commitment to completing challenging course rating assignments—averaging three ratings a month during the summer—Marg is truly deserving of the title Golf Ontario Volunteer of the Year 2024.
Volunteer with Golf Ontario
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.