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
Ontario Leads the Way at Canadian Junior Boys Championship
From first tee to final putt, Team Ontario commanded the competition at Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club, capturing their third consecutive inter-provincial team title at the 2025 Canadian Junior Boys Championship in Bathurst, New Brunswick.
Steady Play, Big Results
Team Ontario’s Spencer Shropshire and Dawson Lew, accompanied by Andy Dai of Station Creek Golf Club, produced steady, composed rounds under pressure, posting scores of 135 and 136 to finish 9-under (271) over 36 holes. Their consistent play earned a four-stroke advantage over Team British Columbia, further solidifying Ontario’s dominance in junior golf.
Leading the way for Ontario was Dawson Lew, who not only anchored the team’s success but also holds the top spot in both the Junior Boys and Juvenile Boys individual leaderboards heading into the championship’s final rounds. This victory marks Lew’s second consecutive year as a key member of Ontario’s winning inter-provincial squad. Lew has also enjoyed a standout season individually, including:
- Winner, Ontario Junior Boys Spring Classic (May 2025)
- 2nd place, Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship (June 2025)
A Proud Chapter for Ontario Junior Golf
With another team inter-provincial title in the books, the victory highlights the province’s depth, talent, and commitment to developing junior golfers. From the teamwork of Team Ontario boys, Dawson Lew, Andy Dai and Spencer Shropshire, this championship is a true display of composure under pressure.
Looking Ahead
Ontario’s junior golfers continue to leave their mark on the national stage, setting the standard for excellence and inspiring the next generation of champions.
To view full leaderboards and follow along with the final round: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11312250173435988390
Copp and Lindholm Crowned 2025 Ontario U13 Champions at Cardinal Lakes
Welland, ON – The Ontario U13 Championship wrapped up in exciting fashion at Cardinal Lakes Golf Club, with Owen Copp claiming the Boys’ title and Riviera Lindholm delivering an impressive performance to secure the Girls’ championship.
Ontario U13 Championship Results
In the Boys’ division, Owen Copp of Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club led from start to finish, posting back-to-back rounds of 69 (-3) to secure a wire-to-wire victory. His two-day total of 138 (-6) gave him a comfortable four-shot win. Ivan Xue made a remarkable charge in Round 2, climbing seven spots on the leaderboard to claim second place at 142 (-2). A two-way tie for third saw Theo Wittemund and Noah Olver finish at 143 (-1).
In the Girls’ division, Riviera Lindholm of St. George’s Golf and Country Club delivered an equally dominant performance. After opening with a fierce score of 68 (-4), she followed it up with a steady 69 (-3) to finish at 137 (-7) and take home the title. Cocomi Wang of Angus Glen Golf Club pushed hard in the final round, briefly overtaking Lindholm on the back nine, before settling into second place at 140 (-4). Avery McGuire rounded out the podium with a total score of 142 (-2).
This year’s U13 Championship showcased the impressive skill and composure of Ontario’s youngest competitive golfers, setting the stage for bright futures ahead.
Building the Future of Ontario Golf
The Ontario U13 Championship serves as an important stepping stone in a young golfer’s journey. By offering early exposure to a provincial-level event, it helps competitors develop the skills, confidence, and competitive mindset needed for future success in the sport.
Thank You to Cardinal Lakes Golf Club
Golf Ontario extends a heartfelt thank you to Cardinal Lakes Golf Club for hosting the 2025 Ontario U13 Championship. Their commitment to providing an exceptional course and atmosphere played a key role in making this event a success.
Championship Photo Album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1347365127071711&type=3
For full scores and leaderboards: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11301061780542900311
Photos, highlights, and final round content: @thegolfontario on Instagram and Facebook.
Ontario U13 Championship Tees Off at Cardinal Lakes
The province’s top young golfers will gather in Welland, Ontario, for the 2025 Ontario U13 (Peewee) Championship, taking place August 12-13 at Cardinal Lakes Golf Club’s Heron Course.
This 36-hole stroke play event features a field of 81 competitors, 45 boys and 36 girls, all eager to test their skills against provincial competition.
Cardinal Lakes Golf Club provides a challenging venue for this year’s Ontario U13 Championship. Tournament Director Antony Cluroe praised the course’s ability to push young golfers to elevate their game:
“Cardinal Lakes Golf Club serves as an excellent host for this year’s Championship thanks to its exceptional course design and playing conditions,” says Tournament Director Antony Cluroe. “The course layout offers a fair yet demanding test for young competitors, featuring strategically placed bunkers, fescue, and penalty areas that challenge players to think critically and execute with precision. Success in the U13 Championship will hinge on smart course management and accurate shot-making.”
Players to Watch
This year’s field features several standout competitors who have already made waves in junior golf and will be ones to watch closely during the tournament.
Boys Division:
Owen Copp (Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club)
- 2025 OVGA Junior Spring Classic Optimist Boys Division Champion
- 2025 OVGA City & District U13 Division Champion
Bruce Wang (Golf Ontario Players Club – York South)
- 1st on 2025 Junior Golf Pathway Rankings for U13 Boys
Girls Division:
Riviera Lindholm (St. George’s Golf and Country Club)
- 2025 Ontario Champion of Champions Junior Girls Champion
- Runner-up at 2024 U13 Championship
- 1st on 2025 Junior Golf Pathway Rankings for U13 Girls
Katherine Xia (Players Club – Ottawa)
- 2nd on 2025 Junior Golf Pathway Rankings for U13 Girls
- Quarter-finalist at 2025 Ontario Junior Girls’ Match Play Championship
- Next Wave Junior Development Program athlete
Preparing Future Champions
This championship is an important step for young golfers, giving them a chance to experience competitive golf at the provincial level and develop the skills and mindset needed for success ahead.
Tournament Director Antony Cluroe highlights, “The opportunity to compete in the Ontario U13 Championship plays a vital role in preparing young athletes for their golf journeys. It offers an early introduction to the expectations, structure, and competitive atmosphere of a provincial-level event, helping players build confidence and adaptability for future championships”
With a talented field, a challenging course, and the promise of valuable experience, the Ontario U13 Championship is set to deliver two days of exciting competition in Welland!
Stay Connected
For full tournament results and leaderboards: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11301061780542900311
For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook
Judith Kyrinis: A Proud Thornhill and Golf Ontario Standout
Golf Ontario proudly recognizes Judith Kyrinis of Thornhill, Ontario, who has once again demonstrated her remarkable talent and competitive spirit by capturing the 2025 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. After an intense three-hole playoff against Nonie Marler, Judith secured her fourth national mid-amateur title in dramatic fashion.
Kyrinis finished the tournament at 1-over-par with rounds of 77, 70, and 73 for a total score of 220. Her steady play throughout the championship positioned her perfectly to force a playoff, where she rose to the occasion and claimed victory.
A Champion Through the Years
Judith’s victory at this year’s championship adds to an impressive legacy. She first won the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur title in 2016, then reclaimed it in 2019 and again in 2023. Her sustained success over nearly a decade is a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for the game of golf.
In addition to her national accomplishments, Judith has been a dominant force in provincial competition. She claimed back-to-back titles at Golf Ontario’s Women’s Senior Championship in 2023 and 2024, showcasing her consistent high-level performance within the province.
Representing Thornhill Club and Golf Ontario with Pride
A proud member of the Thornhill Club, Judith Kyrinis continues to represent Golf Ontario with distinction on the national stage. Her success highlights the strength of Ontario’s golf community and serves as an inspiration to players throughout the province, particularly women aspiring to compete at the highest levels. Judith’s dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship exemplify the values Golf Ontario holds dear, making her a true role model in the sport.
Looking Ahead
As Judith adds yet another championship to her impressive resume, Golf Ontario looks forward to following her continued success and the impact she will have both on and off the course in the coming years.
For the final leaderboard of the 2025 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11312217427162482894?locale=en