Get Into The Swing! Register For Women’s Golf Events
We’re excited to invite you to this season’s Women’s Try Golf events! Whether you’re picking up a golf club for the first time or looking to refresh your skills, this series is perfect for you.
Registration is now open, and we’re constantly adding new events.
Click here for the full list of Women’s Golf Events
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Complimentary Golf Clubs: No clubs? No problem! We provide everything you need.
- Pre-Event Tips: Receive video tips before the event to start off on the right foot.
- Celebrate with Us: Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine after your round.
- Fun and Relaxed Atmosphere: Play a casual 9-hole round with no scorekeeping—just fun!
Our Try Golf events are all about making golf accessible and enjoyable. They offer a wonderful opportunity to meet other women who are also new to the sport. Bring your friends, make new ones, and enjoy a delightful day on the green.
The growth of women’s golf is inspiring, and we’re passionate about inviting even more women to experience the sport. We’re always exploring ways to facilitate continued engagement through the Women’s Participation Pathway, with the help of our partners and local facilities.
If you’ve been playing more often or have attended multiple Women’s Try events before, why not explore ‘next step’ opportunities with our partners Iron Lady Golf and LPGA Amateurs? They offer a diverse range of fantastic ways for you to TRY, LEARN, and PLAY even more frequently!
Are you ready to make this your best summer of golf yet? Join an Iron Lady Golf Summer League for weekly play with guaranteed tee times, league captains providing support, monthly tip sessions, and so much more. These leagues aren’t just about golf; they’re about forming meaningful connections, enjoying the sport in a supportive atmosphere, and, most importantly, having a great time!
Iron Lady Golf Leagues welcome players of all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting out or have a wealth of experience, whether you’re playing a leisurely round or keeping score, you’ll find your place here.
Join an Iron Lady Golf League
The LPGA Amateur Golf Association is the ultimate golf community for women, bringing together players from all walks of life, of all ages and abilities, in a friendly and inclusive setting. You’ll expand your network, forge new friendships, and share in the love of golf. With over 300 events across Ontario, we offer organized, social golf experiences along with educational opportunities to enhance your gameplay.
Our pay-as-you-play green fees ensure golf is accessible to all. Find out what’s happening at a local chapter near you at LPGA Amateurs Ontario.
Learn more and sign up
Golf Ontario’s Official Days Highlights Power of Volunteer Spirit
Last week, more than 125 dedicated volunteers joined forces for the Golf Ontario Official Days, which were held across the province.
These days marked the beginning of the 2024 championship season, uniting Golf Ontario staff and volunteers in celebration of the year’s start.
“Our volunteers are essential to our team; they’re the foundation of our mission. Their unwavering dedication allows us to continue shaping lives and offering enriching experiences through golf,” says Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane. “We’re honoured to acknowledge the significant influence our volunteers wield within the Golf Ontario community.”
The Official Days—which were hosted by member facilities Galt Country Club; Barrie Country Club; Copper Creek Golf Club and Cataraqui Golf and Country Club—saw participation from volunteers across three main roles: Tournament Officials, Referees, and Course Raters.
Tournament Officials:
These key volunteers oversee more than 100 qualifiers and championships annually. Their responsibilities include managing registration, overseeing starts, scoring, and maintaining the pace of play.
Referee:
Referees at provincial events must have completed at least Level 2 of the Golf Canada rules of golf education program. They should possess a deep understanding of the Rules of Golf and demonstrate the capacity to make decisions collaboratively under pressure.
Course Rater:
Upon affiliation with Golf Ontario, clubs receive an initial rating, which is re-evaluated as courses mature or undergo design modifications. Up to 70 courses annually may be appraised by a specialized Course Rating Team. Course raters need to be adaptable, methodical, and have a penchant for math or statistics. Comprehensive training is provided, encompassing both classroom and on-course instruction.
Interested in becoming a part of the Golf Ontario volunteer community? Discover the various opportunities and their benefits on our Volunteering Resource page HERE. To join our volunteer team, please complete the application form.
Team Ontario Alumni Triumph in Exciting Weekend of Golf
This past weekend was a celebration of victory for Team Ontario alumni.
Matthew Anderson clinched his first professional win at the ECP Brazil Open, part of the PGA TOUR Americas, where he also made history as the first Canadian victor. This triumph places him at the top of the Fortinet Cup rankings after three tournaments. Anderson, no stranger to success, previously won the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship in 2019.
Monet Chun added to the alumni accolades by securing the Big 10 Championship, marking her second victory at the University of Michigan and her fourth individual NCCA title. Chun’s impressive track record includes multiple Golf Ontario Championships wins and earning runner-up at the 2022 U.S. Women’s Amateur.
The Team Ontario program, established in 2009, is dedicated to fostering excellence across all aspects of life for its athletes. Participants benefit from comprehensive guidance on time and self-management, physical strength and conditioning, mental sports psychology, nutrition, as well as tactical and technical strategy.
In addition to Chun and Anderson, notable players to come through the program include Ashton McCulloch, Max Sear, Johnny Travale, Nicole Gal, Hailey McLaughlin and Katie Cranston.
Register Now for Spring Tune-Up Webinar
The first of a three-part Health and Wellness Webinar Series exclusively for Golf Ontario members is set to take place on May 2nd at 7:30 p.m.
Swing Lab Performance & Therapy, renowned for its expertise in golf performance and therapy, will lead the webinar over Zoom.
Golf Ontario members can register for the FREE webinar HERE.
Entitled the “Spring Tune-Up,” the webinar will look four main areas of interest:
- What is Body-Swing Connection?
- The importance of having a good warm up routine.
- How to warm up properly & fire your muscles to create a consistent movement pattern.
- What can you do in preparation for the upcoming golf season?
In addition to the live webinar, Swing Lab has also created supplementary PDF, which offers deeper insights into the webinar topic. The webinar will also be recorded so Golf Ontario can re-watch in the future.
Located in Richmond Hill, Ont., Swing Lab’s primary goal is to assist golfers in developing a consistent and efficient swing.
To register to for the FREE webinar, CLICK HERE.
National Facility Awards for Junior Golf Winners
A trio of Ontario facilities–Sawmill Golf Course, Deep River Golf Club and South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club–were named to the impressive list of winning clubs.
The National Facility Awards for Junior Golf is a program designed to acknowledge the crucial contribution of golf facilities and academies to the growth of young golfers throughout Canada. These awards celebrate the facilities that have notably influenced the progression of junior golf within their local communities throughout the 2023 season.
Sawmill was recognized with the “Junior Golf Opportunity Award,” which is awarded to the facility that provides exceptional access and membership opportunities for junior golfers.
The “Grassroots Junior Program of the Year,” which is awarded for excelling at creating new junior golfers through local programming, was given to Deep River.
South Muskoka was awarded with the “Tournament Host of the Year” for giving back to youth golf by embracing the opportunity to host junior competitions.
From September 1 to October 31, 2023, all individual members and facility members of Golf Canada were able to nominate facilities for each award category.
All nominations were reviewed and feedback about nominees was provided by members of the Golf Industry Advisory Council, Sport Committee, and Amateur Championships Committee. Final award selections were made by Golf Canada staff.
Nominations for the 2024 National Facility Awards for Junior Golf are expected to open in September 2024.
Celebrating Our Champions: Honouring Golf Ontario’s Volunteers
This National Volunteer Week, we at Golf Ontario are honoured to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of over 250 volunteers from across the province.
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.
Throughout the week, join us on social media as we showcase our remarkable volunteers. We’ll be sharing their inspirational stories and the fulfillment they derive from being an integral part of our community.
During National Volunteer Week, we’re excited to present a series of “Officials Days,” celebrating the dedicated volunteer officials who are instrumental in orchestrating our tournaments and competitions. This is a special time when they come together to inaugurate the 2024 season.
Interested in becoming part of the Golf Ontario volunteer family? Find out more about the opportunities and rewards on our Volunteering Resource page HERE.
Get Ready to Swing into Summer with Women’s Golf
With spring upon us, we’re thrilled about the upcoming golf season. We’re in the final stages of preparing our Women’s Try Golf schedule and can’t wait to share the exciting details with you.
This year marks the fourth season of our Women’s Try programs, and we’re delighted to introduce monthly Learn opportunities to the summer schedule. Our TRY events are all about welcoming the beginner golfer, while our LEARN events will offer the chance to build fundamental skills and deepen your understanding of the game.
The growth of women’s golf is inspiring, and we’re passionate about inviting even more women to experience the sport. We’re always exploring ways to facilitate continued engagement through the Women’s Participation Pathway, with the help of our partners and local facilities.
If you’ve been playing more often or have attended multiple Women’s Try events before, why not explore ‘next step’ opportunities with our partners Iron Lady Golf and LPGA Amateurs? They offer a diverse range of fantastic ways for you to TRY, LEARN, and PLAY even more frequently!
Are you ready to make this your best summer of golf yet? Join an Iron Lady Golf Summer League for weekly play with guaranteed tee times, league captains providing support, monthly tip sessions, and so much more. These leagues aren’t just about golf; they’re about forming meaningful connections, enjoying the sport in a supportive atmosphere, and, most importantly, having a great time!
Iron Lady Golf Leagues welcome players of all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting out or have a wealth of experience, whether you’re playing a leisurely round or keeping score, you’ll find your place here.
Make this summer unforgettable by joining an Iron Lady Golf League.
The LPGA Amateur Golf Association is the ultimate golf community for women, bringing together players from all walks of life, of all ages and abilities, in a friendly and inclusive setting. You’ll expand your network, forge new friendships, and share in the love of golf. With over 300 events across Ontario, we offer organized, social golf experiences along with educational opportunities to enhance your gameplay.
Our pay-as-you-play green fees ensure golf is accessible to all. Find out what’s happening at a local chapter near you at LPGA Amateurs Ontario, and join us today!
Golf offers a fantastic chance to bring friends and family into the game, whether they’re newcomers or interested in learning. It’s the perfect mix of fun, laughter, and sunshine.
We’re excited to see the joy golf will bring you this season!
#inviteher to Try golf!
From Lone Player to Community Leader: Chief Ted Williams’ Golf Journey
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.
Drive for a Cause: Join the 1000 Ball Challenge
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.
Golf Ontario Job Opportunity
A new, full-time job opportunity is available at Golf Ontario.
To learn more about the Coordintator, Handicap and Course Rating role CLICK HERE.
The role summary is as follows:
Responsible for coordinating and implementing Golf Ontario’s member service strategy, including effectively onboarding new member facilities and delivering core services to facilities, including course rating and handicapping.
The ideal candidate is a dynamic, team-oriented individual who has a genuine passion and sound understanding of the game of golf with a keen attention to detail and excellent communication skills. With experience and an understanding of handicapping and course rating, the candidate is motivated to promote and build our member facility service program at Golf Ontario, including delivering high quality customer service to all partners and member facilities while collaborating with a diverse Team of colleagues and volunteers.
Golf Ontario is a Provincial Sports Organization and the governing body for golf in Ontario. With more than 80 years of history and tradition, serving 125,000 members, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. We strive to partner with a connected golf community to inspire the game of golf for all Ontarians, including youth, women and underserved communities.
With our vision of Golf for All, Golf Ontario is committed to creating a diverse and safe environment within our organization and across the sport of golf.