Golf for All Golf Ontario team ontario

Golf Ontario Announces 2024 Team Ontario

Uxbridge – Golf Ontario proudly announces the 2024 Team Ontario Roster which features 16 of the provinces top performing U19 golfers. The selected athletes have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and results, earning them their place on the 2024 Team. Four members will return from the 2023 team, and will be eagerly joined by twelve new athletes.

The 2024 Team has four returning athletes that include Aryn Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club), Alexa Ouellet (Weston Golf & Country Club Ltd.), Jordan Hwang (Emerald Hills Golf & Country Club), and Graydon Laughlin (Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club). These Team Ontario veterans had some great achievements in 2023, two wins for Alexa at the Ontario Women’s Four Ball and Super Camp & Junior Tour Championship, Jordan advancing to Match Play at the U.S Junior Amateur Championship, a breakthrough season for Aryn with four top 10 finishes all while making the cut at Canadian Women’s Am and Canadian Junior Girls and 3 top 10 finishes from Graydon including the NextGen Atlantic Championship.  

Team Ontario has six new additions joining on the female side, who all had top-rated success in the 2023 Championship season. For the first time in Team Ontario history there will be twin sisters, Nobelle and Kaprice Park (RattleSnake Point Golf Club) who finished 2nd (Nobelle) and 4th (Kaprice) in the U17 Junior Golf Pathway Rankings. Joining the Park sisters Bridget Yu (Golf Canada Club) with a second-place finish at the NextGen Atlantic Championship. Alongside them is Shelby Hardwick (Summit Golf & Country Club) with 7 top 10 finishes, Wendy Li (Summit Golf & Country Club with a T11th at the Ontario Junior Girls’ Championship and 7th place finish at Super Camp and rounding off the team is Angela Cai (National Pines Golf Club) who finished T2nd at the Ontario Juvenile Championship and is the top ranked AJGA player on the team. 

The new additions to the boy’s Team includes six players with some strong achievements over the course of this past season including being the top-ranked players on the Junior Golf Pathway. Starting off the boy’s lineup is Ben Sheridan (Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club) with 5 top-10 finishes this season. Joining him is Nathaniel Yoo (Meadowbrook Golf Club), who has had a great return to junior golf and finishing his season off with a 4th place finish at the Ontario Super Camp Championship. Alongside them, Dawson Lew (Players Club – Markham) with a victory under his belt at the National Team Challenge and a T15 at the Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship, and Rylan Hall (Whistle Bear Golf Club) with 4 top 10’s this season. Finishing off the team on the boys side is Chase Jerome (Royal Ottawa Golf Club) with a 1st place finish at the NextGen Fall Series East Championship and Bode Stephen (Cataraqui Golf & Country Club) with a second place finish in the NextGen Atlantic.

The team will be led by Head Coach Reggie Millage, PGA of Canada Class “A” professional as he heads into his 11th season as Coach of Team Ontario. Millage is excited to share, “The anticipation of every new season of Team Ontario is energizing and exciting. There is something unique this year though as we have assembled one of the youngest teams I can remember. With so many new great young athletes it’s really going push the ceiling higher of what this group can accomplish in junior golf and beyond.” Supporting Millage is Mental Performance Coach Dr. Charles Fitzsimmons, Physical Performance Coach Dr. Nick Martichenko, who will help enhance the athlete’s skill through fitness, nutrition, and mental performance. Dr. Charles Fitzsimmons is not only one of the top Mental Performance Coaches in Ontario, he is also a 2 time Canadian Mid-Am Champion. Alongside Charles is Dr. Nick Martichenko who helped Professional Tennis Player Denis Shapovalov get to the #10 player in the world. It is no doubt that the team is in great hands.

The team started off their off season training this past weekend in Oakville at the Burloak Indoor Golf facility. Next week the Team will be heading down to Orlando, Florida, for the first opportunity to play on green grass together at International Junior Golf Academy, Bishop’s Gate. The team will spend the week focusing on training, team development and competing in their first tournament together. Following Florida Camp, the team will begin indoor training sessions at Humber College Golf Lab, followed by their second Florida camp in February. In March, Team Ontario will be heading to Myrtle Beach for another camp, and to compete in the Ontario Junior Players Invitational and Can-Am Matches. The team will conclude the off-season training with the final Spring camp as a team in Niagara. The athletes will receive continued support from coaching staff throughout the season.

Congratulations to all of the 2024 Team Ontario members. Golf Ontario, along with our members, volunteers, and partners, look forward to cheering the team on throughout the 2024 competitive season.

About Team Ontario

The Team Ontario program is a unique opportunity for identified athletes in Ontario. These athletes can expect to receive the very best in coaching services, training/competitive opportunities, and peer support as they continue their journey toward excellence in golf and life. Being selected to be part of the Team Ontario program is a tremendous accomplishment but the hard work and dedication doesn’t end at selection. The Team Ontario program places considerable emphasis on developing lifelong excellence in all facets. As such, athletes in the program will receive guidance on themes like time and self-management, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, tactical strategies, and technical feedback.

Mission: To develop Ontario’s best junior golfers into world-class players on and off the course

2024 Team Ontario Values: Hard Working, United, and Resilient

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

Team Ontario would like to thank partner Adidas, as their official clothing provider.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

11:11 Foundation Fundraising Golf for All Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario partners with 11:11 Foundation to launch Golf for All Fund

UXBRIDGE – Golf Ontario is thrilled to launch its Golf for All Fund with a $225,000 investment from founding partner 11:11 Foundation. The fund is a new initiative designed to financially support the association’s work of enhancing golf participation across the province.

“We are incredibly grateful to 11:11 Foundation for their commitment,” said Kyle McFarlane, CEO of Golf Ontario. “This generous investment serves as a catalyst for the Golf for All Fund – marking a pivotal moment in pursuing our vision to build a more inclusive and diverse golfing community in Ontario.”

Through initiatives that promote increased golf course access, affordable equipment and specially tailored programs for new golfers, Golf Ontario is facilitating the growth of golf as a unifying and community-building sport. With a steadfast commitment to breaking down barriers, the Golf for All Fund aims to expand the sport in underrepresented groups, including;

1. Youth Golf Programs: Recognizing that the future of golf lies in the hands of our youth, we support programs that introduce and nurture young golf talent.

2. Women and Girls in Golf: We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment to increase participation among women and girls.

3. Adaptive Golf Programming: We support programs that make golf accessible and enjoyable for individuals with unique abilities.

4. Indigenous Golf Initiatives: Working alongside key partners, we help establish pathways for Indigenous Peoples to enjoy the sport of golf.

“We are aligned with Golf Ontario’s belief that the opportunity to golf has long-lasting positive effects – and everyone of all abilities, ages and cultures deserves the chance to experience it,” says Kevin Cooper, President, Carriage House Wealth and Trustee of 11:11 Foundation.

The foundation’s commitment over three years marks a significant milestone for the sport of golf in Ontario. It launches endless possibilities for the Golf for All Fund to have a profound and lasting impact on shaping lives in the golfing community – where everyone has the opportunity to experience the benefits of the game.

Kevin Cooper (left) and Kyle McFarlane (right) joined by Golf Ontario Staff

Hitting 1000 balls for a good cause

Further fundraising efforts for the Golf for All Fund include Golf Ontario’s recently launched “1000 Ball Challenge” campaign, which has raised $30,000 since September.

This peer-to-peer fundraising initiative encourages individuals, teams and golf enthusiasts to support the Golf for All Fund by attempting to hit 1000 golf balls in one day.

Each event embodies the spirit of community, athleticism, and philanthropy, creating a win-win scenario where participants challenge themselves while contributing to the growth of golf in Ontario.

For further information about the Golf for All Fund please visit gao.ca/donate

Check out The 1000 Ball Challenge, please HERE

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

GAO golf Golf Canada Golf Ontario team ontario

Golf Ontario Announces Alexandra Taylor as New Manager of Junior Performance

Uxbridge, Ontario – Golf Ontario is delighted to announce the appointment of Alexandra Taylor as the Manager of Junior Performance. In this pivotal role, Alexandra will be responsible for managing the strategy for Golf Ontario’s Junior Performance program.

Taylor has been an integral member of the Golf Ontario team since 2021, supporting and implementing GO’s Regional Support Strategy as Regional Coordinator as well as assisting Team Ontario as a coach and mentor.

As the Manager of Junior Performance, Alexandra will manage all of our junior golf initiatives, including the delivery of the Junior Golf Pathway, Junior Tour relations, Player ID, Next Wave athlete development, and the coordination for Team Ontario. With a commitment to nurturing a positive and encouraging environment, Taylor will play a key role in shaping lives through golf.

“With a true passion for the game and a proven drive to support young athletes in reaching their highest potential, we are thrilled to have Alex take on this role,” said Golf Ontario’s Director of Competitions and Performance, John Lawrence.

Taylor expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating, “I am honoured and thrilled to take on the role of Manager of Junior Performance at Golf Ontario. Junior golfers represent the future of the sport, and I am committed to providing them with the best possible support and guidance to help them achieve their full potential. I am honoured to be appointed to this position and I am eager to contribute my skills and dedication to the success of junior golfers in Ontario. I believe through collaboration and innovation, we can elevate our program to new heights.”

Alexandra’s passion began as a junior where she competed in the Drive, Chip and Putt National Championships with her two older brothers. She then continued to develop as an athlete by competing on the Niagara Junior Tour, Ontario Summer Games team as well as Golf Ontario and Golf Canada Championships. After her junior golf journey, Alexandra was an NCAA golfer achieving 3 time All-Conference Golfer at Grand Valley State University in Michigan where her team participated in the NCAA DII National Championship three out of her four years. Alex continues to enjoy playing at a high level, competing in Provincial and National Amateur Championships.

Taylor is set to begin her new role, effective November 20th, 2023.

For more information about Golf Ontario’s junior golf initiatives and upcoming events, please visit https://juniorgolfpathway.ca/

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

Fundraising Golf Ontario golf talk canada youth development youth golf

Golf Talk Canada’s Generous Donation Advances Youth Development in Golf Ontario

Uxbridge, ON – Golf Ontario is thrilled to announce a generous $20,000 donation from Mark Zecchino and Golf Talk Canada. This substantial contribution will be used to support Youth Development programs throughout Ontario, bringing us one step closer to our vision of Golf for All.

Golf Talk Canada, the most widely followed Canadian golf program, stands as a proud partner of Golf Ontario. We are delighted that this trusted voice in the Canadian golf community has chosen to back initiatives like Youth on Course Ontario, First Tee, and Mobile Try Golf clinics. These programs all share a common goal: to provide access to golf and introduce the sport to a wider audience, regardless of background, financial circumstances, or abilities. The commitment from Mark Zecchino and his team underlines our collective belief that golf is a sport for everyone.

Mark Zecchino expresses his enthusiasm for this collaboration by saying, “It’s our pleasure to give back and support the work of Golf Ontario in advancing the game for future generations.”

For Kyle McFarlane, Chief Executive Officer of Golf Ontario, this generous donation highlights the potential for more partners in the golf community to make a substantial impact on growing the sport we all cherish.

“We are immensely grateful for Golf Talk Canada’s partnership,” stated McFarlane. “This investment will help us to continue delivering brilliant programs that have the power to positively shape the lives of young people throughout the province. It also provides us with the flexibility to innovate and create new golf programs.”

To learn more about how Golf Ontario is shaping lives through golf and to support our mission, please visit www.gao.ca/donate or contact Raph at rroot@gao.ca. Your support will help us make golf accessible to everyone and inspire the next generation of golfers.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world. From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

Golf Ontario

Ardito and Parker Claim the 41st Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship

138 Players were welcomed by beautiful fall weather at the 41st annual Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship which took place at the prestigious Brampton Golf Club for a 1:15 p.m. shotgun start this afternoon. With just 18-holes of competitive stroke play to determine the 2023 champions, Gary Parker and Bruno Ardito emerged victorious.

Taking home the championship title with a stellar round of -7 under (64), host club members Parker and Ardito (Brampton Golf Club), battled the field to win by one stroke ahead of a tight leaderboard. Right behind the leaders with a 65 6-under par claiming the silver medal was the team of Dan O’Donoghue and Chris Markle (Kawartha Golf Club & Dalewood Golf Club). Finishing in third place with a 66 5-under par was the duo of Clint Ward and Barry Fairhurst (Royal Ashburn Golf Club).

In the post-win comments, the winning pair said with big smiles, “We played well and just “ham ‘n egged” out there today and made lots of putts.” Parker & Ardito won the Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship back in 2019. With this win Parker and Ardito earned themselves a 5-year exemption into the championship and an exemption in the 2024 Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship at Oakdale Golf & Country Club.

Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, referees, staff and members for supporting the 2023 Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship. To Brampton Golf Club and your team, thank you for being such excellent hosts and welcoming us once again. Lastly, thanks to our sponsors and partners for supporting golf across Ontario

To view the 2023 Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship leaderboards, visit our Golf Genius page.

About the Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship

The Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship was first contested in 1982. It is open to players aged 55 and older as of the tournament date. The Oakdale Golf & Country Club graciously donated the championship trophy. Notable champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Famers Nick Westlock and Stu Hamilton.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world.  From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

Media contact:

Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing and Development Officer, Golf Ontario

ntaylor@gao.ca

Connor Doyle, Coordinator of Competition, Golf Ontario

cdoyle@gao.ca

Golf Ontario team ontario

Ouellet and Pain Go Wire to Wire  to Claim 4th Annual Ontario Junior Tour Championship

The third and final round in the fifty four hole Ontario Junior Tour Championship at FireRock Golf Club is complete, with Alexa Ouellet of Weston Golf & Country Club and Jager Pain of Station Creek declared champions of the 4th annual event.

Despite the forecast calling for a mostly cloudy day with periods of light rain, the first wave of players were treated to stunning pink and red skies as they warmed up on the range prior to the first pairings heading out from the first tee at eight am. Throughout the day, players dealt with mist, warm sun, light rain and a swirling wind.

Ouellet, who was the clubhouse leader each day, finished an impressive nine under par over fifty four holes of golf with scores of 68, 71 and 71. In second place was youngster Shauna Liu from Station Creek with scores of 72, 73, 68 for minus six and in third overall was Nobelle Park of RattleSnake Point at minus four following rounds of 73, 73 and 69.

There was far more movement up and down the leaderboard with the boys field, but Jager Pain was consistent over all three days and held his round one lead all the way to the final hole of play. Pain finished at minus four following rounds of 70, 70 and 72. His final round playing partners of Luke Smith (Thornhill Club) and Brayden Card (Galt Country Club) finished second and third respectively. Smith shot 73, 73 and 68 for two under par and Card was plus one after shooting 73, 72 and 72.

Ontario Provincial Head Coach Reggie Millage commented after the final round that “The results on both sides were really impressive. There were competitors chasing leaders across the board and it was a shootout on course. FireRock was set up under true championship conditions with yardage to match at over 6000 and 7000 yards respectively.”

View full results here.

Tournament photos available on our Facebook page .

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world.  From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

For more information, please contact:

Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer – Golf Ontario,

ntaylor@gao.ca

John Lawrence, Tournament Directorjlawrence@gao.ca

Golf Ontario

Ouellet Builds on Lead as Pain Holds On to Five Stroke Advantage at Ontario Junior Tour Championship

Round two of the Ontario Junior Tour Championship at Fire Rock GC was played under tough conditions yet again as the winds continued to pose challenges for competitors.

Weston Golf & Country Club and Team Ontario member Alexa Ouellet added to her day one lead after another solid round and now sits atop the leaderboard with a six stroke lead at minus seven after two days over Shauna Liu of Station Creek. Making moves throughout the day, RattleSnake Point’s Lindsay McGrath shares third place with her fellow club mates the Park sisters, Kaprice and Nobelle.

In boys action, Station Creek’s Jager Pain mirrored his efforts from day one going minus two for 70 once again. Several players made some moves behind Pain, most notably Aiden Pavey (Hidden Lake GC) and Kevin Teichroeb (Kingsville Golf & CC) who jumped fourteen spots each to sit T4 joined by Chase Jerome (Royal Ottawa GC) who dropped two strokes on day two. Between the aforementioned players is Brayden Card of Galt CC who picked up two strokes and holds second place followed by Luke Smith of The Thornhill Club in third who shot 73 for the second day in a row.

The final round starts at eight am Wednesday, with all to play for in both fields. The conditions on course here at FireRock Golf Club have been tough, particularly holding onto the fast greens while battling swirling winds around the course.

Commenting on play from day two, Provincial Head Coach Reggie Millage shared that he “…applauded the efforts of those who showed resilience in making positive moves up the leaderboard, and also noted the difficulty in shooting the low round two days in a row as Ouellet and Pain have both done.”

Follow the action through live scoring updates here.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world.  From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

For more information, please contact:

Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer – Golf Ontario,

ntaylor@gao.ca

John Lawrence, Tournament Director

jlawrence@gao.ca

Golf Ontario

Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship Returns to Brampton Golf Club

The last stop on September’s championship schedule is the Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship, returning again to Brampton Golf Club this Thursday, September 28th as 64 teams will take to the beautiful course with hopes of ending the golf season on a high note with a victory.

With a large field, it’s difficult to say which pairing will have the upper hand heading into the 41st playing of this event. 2019 champions and home club favourites Bruno Ardito and Gary Parker (Brampton GC), 2021 champions David Wilson and Eamonn McConnell (Toronto GC), past Senior Men’s Amateur Champion David Greenaway and his partner Greg Hotham (Barrie CC), along with many more. There is incredible talent right across the tee sheet, however with just 18-holes of competitive stroke play, the winning duo will need consistent play and strong teamwork to walk away with the coveted hardware.

Head Golf Professional Mike Long said, “the club is very pleased to continue to host and support this championship. The golf course is in great shape. The greens are smooth, and the rough is fairly thick.” The meandering fairways into a river valley below will be a “fair but challenging test of golf that will challenge all competitors.”

Play gets underway with a shotgun start at 1:15 pm. Visit the Tournament Website for more information about the championship including pairings and results.

About the Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship

The Ontario Senior Men’s Better-Ball Championship was first contested in 1982. It is open to players aged 55 and older as of the tournament date. The Oakdale Golf & Country Club graciously donated the championship trophy. Notable champions include Ontario Golf Hall of Famers Nick Westlock and Stu Hamilton.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 520 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world.  From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

Media contact:

Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing and Development Officer, Golf Ontario

ntaylor@gao.ca

Tournament contact:

Connor Doyle, Coordinator, Competitions, Golf Ontario
cdoyle@gao.ca

Golf Ontario

Pain and Ouellet Lead After Round One of the Ontario Junior Tour Championship

The fourth annual Ontario Junior Tour Championship got underway Tuesday at FireRock Golf Club following two days of skills testing at the Super Camp presented by Foresight Sports Canada.

While the region received more rain in the overnight hours, strong winds blew any bad weather away as players set out on course just prior to eight in the morning. The first wave saw the boy’s field off through twelve groups followed by another ten groups of girls.

There was a tight race to the leaderboard in the boys division, with a number of players within two to three strokes of each other at the top. Ultimately it was Jager Pain from Station Creek Golf Club who signed the lowest scorecard of the day at minus two for 70 (par 72 for boys), closely followed by Chase Jerome of Royal Ottawa Golf Club at one under par 71. Nathaniel Yoo of Meadowbrook Golf & Country Club sits third and six more players share positions T4 and T6 at one and three over par respectively.

It was a different story on amongst the girls as Team Ontario member Alexa Ouellet of Weston Golf & Country Club finished her first round at minus five 68 (note par 73 for girls play), followed by Shelby Hardwick (Summit Golf & CC) and Shauna Liu (Station Creek GC) at minus 1 for 72 and three players T4 at 73 even par in Wendy Li (Summit Golf & CC) and sisters Kaprice & Nobelle Park (Rattlesnake Point GC).

Provincial Head Coach Reggie Millage shared “Anything under par today under those tough conditions was impressive, so I was very pleased with the final results of the day. We are only a third of the way through the tournament, so there is lots of golf still to play and anything can happen in round two and three.”

Round two action will commence Wednesday morning at 7:50 am with the girls going out in the first wave.

Follow the action through live scoring updates here.

About Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is Ontario’s Provincial sports organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance, and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 500 member clubs, Golf Ontario is one of the largest golf associations in the world.  From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact to growing the game at the grassroots level and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, Golf Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to Shaping Lives Through Golf.

Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario

To stay informed on Golf Ontario’s championship play, events, and additional updates, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

For more information, please contact:

Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer – Golf Ontario,

ntaylor@gao.ca

John Lawrence, Tournament Director

jlawrence@gao.ca

Golf Ontario

Inaugural Ontario Junior-Am Presented by Foresight Sports Canada a Great Success

Golf Ontario would like to thank all of the sponsors, partners and foursome participants for their support of the inaugural Ontario Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament – presented by Foresight Sports Canada and held at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka on Monday afternoon.

Despite some rain in the area on Sunday evening, skies cleared in plenty of time for guests to warm up on the range (sponsored by John Weber and Take 5 Productions) ahead of their scheduled tee times.

Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane greeted each foursome at the first tee to thank them for their support, and send them off with a junior boy or girl selected from across the almost seventy athletes assembled for Super Camp and the Tour Championship.

Playing under a scramble format, it was the foursome representing Golf Canada that emerged victorious with a low score of 56, followed closely by two groups tied at 57. Congratulations to Golf Canada Regional Director Mike Dinner, and his team who were joined by junior player Graydon Laughlin of Ottawa.

There were two proximity contests during play with a close to the pin and long drive contest for both men and women. Congratulations to Dan Larsen and Nancy Bertrand for winning the long drive contests and to Pete Willems and Jennifer Meek for winning the close to the pin contests. Contest winner received a Stealth Driver and sixty degree wedge respectively for the two contests, courtesy of Golf Ontario partner TaylorMade Canada.

Additional draw prize winners were selected randomly from the field and six golfers received a Step-Kick Caddy courtesy of Durham Artificial Grass.

Following the welcome address from McFarlane and Provincial Head Coach Reggie Millage, and the prize presentations, guests enjoyed a wonderful three course meal prepared by the team at FireRock and sponsored by Humber College PGM. Dinner was accompanied by a selection of wine from partner Noble Estates Wine & Spirits and a host bar supported by Hospitality Partner Golf Genius.

In conjunction with the fundraising tournament, an online auction took place in the days leading up to the event, which closed for bidding at 7:30 pm Monday evening. Congratulations to all the successful bidders, and thank you for your support. Winners will be contacted shortly to arrange delivery of their auction lot. A special thank  you also goes out to all those that donated to the auction from member facilities, coaches engaged in the Super Camp and various participants and sponsors.

A survey will be shared with all participants in the coming days, so that we can gather feedback on how to continue to enhance the event experience next year as we grow this important fundraising event in support of junior performance pathways.

We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!