Countdown to the 101st Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship
June 23, 2023
Corbyville, ON– The anticipation is building as the prestigious 101st Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship, one of the most significant events on the Golf Ontario calendar, is just around the corner. Set to take place at the esteemed Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort, a field of 156 competitors are ready to play to their strengths to determine who’ll take home the prestigious Ontario Men’s Amateur Crown.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship has a rich history, dating back over a century now, and has served as a launchpad for many aspiring golfers who eventually made their mark in the professional ranks. This championship has become synonymous with exceptional talent and a breeding ground for future champions.
The Venue: Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort
The picturesque Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort provides the perfect setting for this high-stakes tournament, having hosted the Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship in 2019. Its meticulously designed fairways, challenging bunkers, and undulating greens offer a true test of golfing prowess. With its reputation for being a challenging course, Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience for players and spectators alike.
President of Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort, Cale Fair had this to say regarding the upcoming event; “We here at Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort are excited to be hosting the 101st Men’s Amateur Championship. Our team has been hard at work preparing the course for this prestigious event and we are eager to showcase what we have to offer. We are grateful to have been selected for this year’s tournament and look forward to our continued relationship with Golf Ontario”
Notable Contenders
As 2022 Champion Peyton Callens has since turned professional, we will have a new champion lifting the trophy after four rounds.. A notable contender to keep an eye out for is Justin Matthews of Bigwin Island Golf & Country Club, who looks to maintain his momentum fresh off winning the 2023 Ontario Men’s Match Play Championship. The field also features three Team Canada members; Ashton McCulloch, Ben Maclean (Men) and Owen Kim (Next Gen). Among their ranks is Isaiah Ibit who won the 2023 (U19) Junior Boys Spring Classic and the 2023 NextGen Ontario Championship, he looks to add to his impressive 2023 season with another victory. This year’s competition will also feature Dave Bunker who is well-known in the amateur golf world for his impressive career that includes victories stretching many decades. Bunker is an individual who has the skills to win any competition and is surely a contender worth noting. Having won multiple Mid-Amateur and Men’s Amateur tournaments, to name a few, he is always in contention. Another returning champion is Garrett Rank, the highly decorated amateur golfer and NHL referee, who won this competition in 2018 will look to add to his trophy cabinet with this year’s tournament around the corner.
The Thrills Await
The 101st Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship promises to be a riveting affair, featuring gripping battles, clutch putts, and displays of extraordinary talent. The top amateurs in the province are ready to showcase their skills and compete for the prestigious Gary Cowan Trophy. Rounds 1 & 2 will see the morning wave of tee times beginning at 8:00 am followed by the afternoon groups at 1 pm. This year’s tournament is sure to be exhilarating. So mark your calendars and get ready to witness the drama unfold as these amazing golfers battle it out for glory at Black Bear Ridge Golf Resort.
About the Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship
The Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship was first played in 1923 at Lakeview Golf and Country Club. Featuring the best amateur golfers in the province, it is arguably the most prestigious event in the country. Many players have kick-started their journey to professional golf through the event.
Since the inaugural event, the Ontario Amateur has enjoyed an illustrious history of great champions including highly decorated amateur golfer and NHL referee Garrett Rank (2018), 2003 Masters Champion Mike Weir (1990 & 1992), Gerry Kesselring (1949, 1951, 1952, 1953), professional players Jon Mills (2001), Corey Conners (2010), Albin Choi (2012), Chris Hemmerich (2014) and Gary Cowan. Cowan holds the record for the most Ontario Amateur Championships with nine (1964, 1968, 1971, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981 & 1984).
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 most significant 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.
For more information, please contact:
Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario,
Rob Watson, Tournament Director
For tournament results, click here
McInnis Captures the 31st Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship
June 22, 2023
Burlington, ON – Calm winds and sunny conditions greeted players for the final round of the 31st Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, at the gorgeous Burlington Golf & Country Club. Players took advantage of the improving conditions as they battled to the finish line.
Walking away with his first provincial title was Simon McInnis (Golf Ontario Member) after posting a solid repeat of yesterday’s (68), shooting five birdies and 3 bogeys. Tied for second place is Ben Thompson (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) and Phil Arci (The Pulpit Club). Ben Thompson (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) shot a four-over (74) with three birdies and three bogies knocking him off his two-round lead. After shooting a three-over (73) today Phil Arci (The Pulpit Club) had only one birdie today, four shy of his birdie count in rounds 1 and 2.
Simon McInnis (Golf Ontario Member), expressed he “feels great about the win”, stating “the golf course was phenomenal” and felt he had a good plan and stuck to it. McInnis said it was tough coming in but noted he was not the only competitor to have struggles throughout the day. With a tough battle to the end McInnis responded with a sure “No” when asked whether he had the feeling at any point that the Championship was going to be his to take home today.
McInnis thanked club staff members and fellow competitors and remarked “it was an honour to compete”.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, officials and volunteers for their support of the 2023 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Also, Golf Ontario would like to thank Burlington Golf & Country Club board of directors, members and staff for hosting and supporting the players and championship.
Lastly, a huge thank you to golf Ontario partners; Adidas, TaylorMade, Golf Talk Canada, Play Golf Myrtle Beach, Humber College, HUB International, BioSteel, Golf Genius, Modern Golf, Dormie, Durham Artificial Grass, Foresight Sports Canada, Baka, Nikon, Solo Golf, and Sport Travel. We are grateful for your continued support.
For more information on the championship and to follow the leaderboard, click here to view the official tournament page.
Click here for tournament photos.
About the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship
Since 1993, the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur championship has proven to be one of Ontario’s most sought-after and important Championship titles. The 54-hole competition caters to Ontario’s best golfers age 25 and older that have gained entry into the event through qualifying tournaments or an exemption. Despite its young history, the championship has developed a notable list of past champions including Garrett Rank (2015, 2018) and Golf Hall of Fame members Stu Hamilton (1993, 1998), Kelly Roberts (1997), and Dave Bunker (2007, 2011, 2014, 2021).
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 most significant 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.
For more information, please contact:
Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario,
John Lawrence, Tournament Director
For tournament results, click here
Thompson Continues to Lead After Round 2 of the 31st Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship
June 21, 2023
Burlington, ON – Warm temperatures and sunny skies greeted players today at the second round of the 31st Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship at Burlington Golf & Country Club. The course continued to hold its ground as players jockeyed for a position today.
Holding on to the leader position after thirty-six holes with a score of 70 was Ben Thompson (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) who continued his strong play with three birdies on the round. Remaining in second place is Phil Arci (The Pulpit Club) who despite having five birdies on the day shot an even par round of (70). Rounding out the top three is Russell Bowie (Brampton Golf Club Ltd) also remains in third place shooting back-to-back rounds of (69). The low round of the day goes to Simon McInnis (Golf Ontario Member) with two under par (68). Five shots back of the leader and lurking in the shadows is two-time Canadian Men’s-Amateur champion Cam Burke (Golf Ontario Member).
Get ready for an exhilarating showdown as an army of 70 competitors battled their way into the final round. The third and final round ignites at dawn from the 1st tee at 7:20 a.m. Be part of the action and stay in the know by visiting the official tournament website.
Click here for Round 1 tournament photos.
About the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship
Since 1993, the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur championship has proven to be one of Ontario’s most sought-after and important Championship titles. The 54-hole competition caters to Ontario’s best golfers age 25 and older that have gained entry into the event through qualifying tournaments or an exemption. Despite its young history, the championship has developed a notable list of past champions including Garrett Rank (2015, 2018) and Golf Hall of Fame members Stu Hamilton (1993, 1998), Kelly Roberts (1997), and Dave Bunker (2007, 2011, 2014, 2021).
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 most significant 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.
For more information, please contact:
Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario,
John Lawrence, Tournament Director
For tournament results, click here
Thompson Leads After Round 1 of the 31st Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship
June 20, 2023
Burlington, ON – High winds, quick greens, and thick rough made challenging conditions for the field of 144 players competing in round one of the 31st Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, at the scenic Burlington Golf & Country Club. While blue skies shone overhead all day, the competitors faced 40km+ winds and took to the course in hopes of an early hot start.
Holding the leader position after round one with an impressive score of five-under-par (65) is Ben Thompson (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) who made seven birdies and two bogeys to finish with the low score of the day. Sitting alone in second place shooting a three-under (67) for the day including five birdies and two bogeys is Phil Arci (The Pulpit Club). Four shots back in third place are; Eric Ross (Burlington Golf & Country Club), Kyle Rank (Elmira Golf Club), and Russell Bowie (Brampton Golf Club Ltd) each shooting a score of 69.
After round two, the field will be cut to the low 60 scores plus ties to continue to play into the third and final round. The second round of the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship will begin at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday morning) off both the 1st and 10th tees. For more information on the championship and to follow the leaderboard, click here for the official tournament website.
Click here for Round 1 tournament photos.
About the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship
Since 1993, the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur championship has proven to be one of Ontario’s most sought-after and important Championship titles. The 54-hole competition caters to Ontario’s best golfers age 25 and older that have gained entry into the event through qualifying tournaments or an exemption. Despite its young history, the championship has developed a notable list of past champions including Garrett Rank (2015, 2018) and Golf Hall of Fame members Stu Hamilton (1993, 1998), Kelly Roberts (1997), and Dave Bunker (2007, 2011, 2014, 2021).
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 most significant 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.
For more information, please contact:
Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario,
John Lawrence, Tournament Director
For tournament results, click here
Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship Day 3 Recap
June 19, 2023
A picture-perfect day greeted the final day of the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship from Cataraqui Golf & Country Club. The beautiful Monday morning showed us four great golfers battling to earn their spot in the final.
The morning semi-final matches saw Myranda Quinton (Blue Springs Golf Club) defeat Judith Kyrinis (Granite Golf Club) in a hard-fought battle 4 & 3. The second semi-final match saw Nyah Kelly (Kawartha Golf Club) take down the defending champion Raesa Sheikh (Golf Canada Club – Ontario) after 19 holes. Nyah was down 2 holes heading into 16 but fought back strong and won hole 16 and made a clutch par putt on 18 to force a playoff. Nyah then went on to hit a great wedge shot to 3 feet on the first playoff hole to clinch her spot in the finals.
The finals saw Myranda Quinton take on Nyah Kelly, who both came off impressive semi-final wins looking to claim the prestigious trophy. It was a very intense match which featured Myranda and Nyah going back and forth the entire way, sharing the lead multiple times throughout the match. Nyah eventually came out victorious with a clutch putt on 18 to secure the victory 1 up over Myranda.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the players, staff, and volunteers for their support of the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship. Thank you to Cataraqui G&CC and their staff for yet again hosting this wonderful competition.
About the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship
The Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship was first played in 1975 and has several notable past champions including World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, six-time champion Mary Ann Hayward, Terrill Samuel, and Heather Kuzmich.
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 most significant 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.
For more information, please contact:
Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario,
Connor Doyle, Tournament Director
For tournament results, click here
2023 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship Kicks off in Burlington June 20-22
June 19, 2023
Burlington, ON – Burlington Golf & Country Club welcomes all to the 2023 Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship June 20-22.
Built-in 1922, this beautiful waterfront golf course features 18 holes in a picturesque setting. In 2020 Burlington Golf & Country Club went through extensive renovations to the clubhouse’s interior. Renovations included new lounges, patios, and a dining room. Award-winning Canadian golf course architect, Doug Carrick, reconstructed holes 5, 6, 17, and 18.
Tournament Director John Lawrence had this to say regarding the upcoming event “We’re happy to be coming back to Burlington to one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the Greater Toronto Area, great field of competitors this year.”
Over 500 golfers attempted to qualify for this championship across the province and it will be a fierce competition with several champions in the ranks such as last year’s champion David Lang of Donalda Club defending his title again as well as returning champion Dave Bunker who won in 2007, 2011, 2014. John Monture, the 2022 Indigenous Ontario Championship winner will be competing and one to watch. Round one gets underway Tuesday the 20th, with tee times beginning at 8:00 am, with the afternoon group starting at 1:00 pm.
Please visit our Golf Genius page here for more information on the tournament.
About the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship
Since 1993, the Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur championship has proven to be one of Ontario’s most sought-after and important Championship titles. The 54-hole competition caters to Ontario’s best golfers age 25 and older that have gained entry into the event through qualifying tournaments or an exemption. Despite its young history, the championship has developed a notable list of past champions including Garrett Rank (2015, 2018) and Golf Hall of Fame members Stu Hamilton (1993, 1998), Kelly Roberts (1997), and Dave Bunker (2007, 2011, 2014).
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 most significant 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.
For more information, please contact:
Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario,
John Lawrence, Tournament Director
For tournament results, click here
Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship Day 2 Recap
June 18, 2023
Kingston, ON – The Round of 16 kicked off Day 2 of the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship in what was a beautiful day at Cataraqui Golf and Country Club The day featured dominant victories, clutch putts and multiple playoffs to decide matches. A day which began with 16 competitors ends with only four moving on to tomorrow’s Semi-Finals.
The Round of 16 saw reigning champion Raesa Sheikh (Golf Club Canada – Ontario) win her match convincingly at 6 & 5, while Judith Kyrinis (Granite Golf Club) put together a hall-of-fame performance and won her match 7 & 6. Isabella Portokalis (Sunningdale Golf & Country Club) defeated Lexi McKay (King Valley Golf Club) in a very close match in 21 holes. Alexandra Taylor (Cherry Hill Golf Club) and Myranda Quinton (Blue Springs Golf Club) went back and forth, each hitting many clutch shots during their match. Alexandra Taylor fell short in her playoff to Myranda Quinton who hit a fantastic putt on 19 to keep the playoff alive and went on to win their match on hole 20.
Going into the quarter-finals Raesa Sheikh (Golf Club Canada – Ontario) & Judith Kyrinis (Granite Golf Club) continued their dominance both claiming their spot in the semi-finals with a 5 & 3 victory. Nyah Kelly (Kawartha Golf Club) won in convincing fashion with a 5 & 3 victory of her own claiming her spot in the semi-finals. Myranda Quinton (Blue Springs Golf Club) started off slow in her match but battled back strong to win her match against Aryn Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club) 2 & 1.
The Semi-Finals start tomorrow at 8:00 am with Raesa Sheikh (Golf Canada Club – Ontario) taking on Nyah Kelly (Kawartha Golf Club) in what will be a very competitive match as they each look to punch their ticket in the Finals. Our 2nd Semi-Final match will see Judith Kyrinis (Granite Golf Club) taking on Myranda Quinton (Blue Springs Golf Club), both coming off strong performances today and looking to claim their finals spots as well. The finals are set to take place in the afternoon at 12:30 pm. For media coverage of the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship, please visit the Golf Ontario Facebook page to view our photo albums. To follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius Page
About the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship
The Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship was first played in 1975 and has several notable past champions including World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, six-time champion Mary Ann Hayward, Terrill Samuel, and Heather Kuzmich.
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 most significant 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.
For more information, please contact:
Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario,
Connor Doyle, Tournament Director
For tournament results, click here
Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship Day 1 Recap
June 17, 2023
Kingston, ON – The opening day of the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship kicked off with an exciting first day, showcasing the exceptional skills and intense competition that fans eagerly awaited. Cataraqui Golf & Country Club lived up to its name by challenging golfers whilst also rewarding their efforts. With high winds and sunny skies, players from all over the province battled each other to earn a spot in the Round of 16 in the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship.
As we saw the day unfold the likes of Judith Kyrinis Ontario Golf Hall of Famer showed off her veteran skills and finished the day shooting 74 which landed her as the #2 seed heading into tomorrow. Judith said she got there by “old boring Judith golf, fairways greens”. Reigning Champ Raesa Sheikh qualified with an impressive score of 78 as she looks to retain her title. Our low qualifier for the day was Rozlyn Rooke of Blue Springs Golf Club with an impressive score of 72 and she will be the #1 seed for the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship.
Day 2 of the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship will begin at 7 a.m. with #1 seed Rozlyn Rooke taking on #16 seed Zhana Navato. Our spotlight Round of 16 matches will see Team Ontario Alumni and Kennesaw State University teammates Alessandra Nagayo and Nyah Kelly going head-to-head at 7:24 a.m. Alessandra shot 75 earning her the #5 seed, and teammate Nyah shot 78 earning her the #12 seed. We are in for another exciting day of golf tomorrow.
About the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship
The Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship was first played in 1975 and has several notable past champions including World, Canadian and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Stewart Streit, six-time champion Mary Ann Hayward, Terrill Samuel, and Heather Kuzmich.
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 most significant 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.
For more information, please contact:
Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario,
Connor Doyle, Tournament Director
For tournament results, click here
Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship Pre-Release
June 16, 2023
Kingston, ON – Cataraqui Golf and Country Club is gearing up to host the Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship from June 17 – 19. The field features 38 of the best female players across Ontario who are eagerly looking to claim victory in this prestigious event.
A Golfing Gem, nestled amidst the picturesque scenery of Kingston, Ontario, Cataraqui Golf and Country Club stands as a testament to golfing excellence. Ranked among the top 100 courses in Canada, this meticulously designed masterpiece by renowned architect Stanley Thompson offers a challenging yet harmonious golfing experience. Iain Reston (Head Golf Professional) said, “The green sites on this golf course are just spectacular, small greens that are tricky to read are one of the hallmarks of this golf course.” Its small, deceptive greens and intricate layout demand precision, strategic thinking, and careful course management from players of all skill levels.
June 17th marks the 18-hole qualifying day, where competitors will compete to claim their spot in the 16-player match play portion of the event. With only the top performers earning coveted positions, expect an intense battle as these skilled golfers showcase their abilities.
Defending champion Raesa Sheikh (Public Player Member), will return to defend her hard-earned title. After a sensational victory last year, Sheikh proved herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her precision, strategic prowess, and ability to perform under pressure make her a formidable opponent for any golfer in the field.
Joining Sheikh in the field are numerous competitors eager to dethrone the defending champion. Ontario Golf Hall of Fame member Judith Kyrinis (Granite Golf Club), adds a touch of experience and class to the tournament. Known for her remarkable skill and unwavering focus, Kyrinis is sure to be a contender throughout the championship.
Team Ontario Member Aryn Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club), last year’s runner-up, returns full of motivation looking to claim the title that narrowly eluded her. With a strong performance and an intimate understanding of Cataraqui, Matthews will look to emerge victorious.
The Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship boasts a rich heritage, dating back to 1975. Throughout the tournament’s storied history, remarkable champions such as Marlene Stewart Streit, Mary Ann Hayward, and Heather Kuzmich have emerged. It serves as a platform for showcasing the remarkable talent within women’s golf while paying tribute to those who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Cataraqui Golf and Country Club for their unwavering commitment to hosting the annual Ontario Women’s Match Play Championship. Their dedication and support have played a crucial role in making this prestigious tournament a resounding success year after year. And if you would like to follow along with scores you can click to follow along!
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 most significant 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.
For more information, please contact:
Greg Mitchell, Coordinator; Brand, Communications & Marketing Golf Ontario,
Connor Doyle, Tournament Director
For tournament results, click here
Historic RBC Canadian Open Full of Surprise & Delight – Set to Inspire a New Generation
Uxbridge – If golfers and golf supporters across Ontario are feeling a little bewildered today, it is understandable given the way the final stages of the 2023 RBC Canadian Open unfolded under grey and rainy skies at Oakdale Golf & Country Club Sunday evening.
Despite the start to the week with news from the PGA coming completely out of left field, and potentially impacting Canada’s National Open Championship in many ways, once the first ball dropped in the cup on Thursday morning, the field of 21 Canadians (including 11 Ontario natives) went to work chasing an elusive title that had evaded Canadian’s for 69 years prior. We now know the outcome of that effort, and congratulate Nick Taylor, the Winnipeg born resident of Abbotsford BC who won the title following a four hole playoff with Tommy Fleetwood in dramatic fashion by holing out a 72 foot eagle putt in front of a raucous local crowd on 18.
Looking back on the week including the Pro-Am day Wednesday, there was so much on offer for fans of the game from across Ontario to enjoy and celebrate. It was wonderful to see so many children and families from local schools and communities that were welcomed onsite Wednesday to get up close to the stars of the game in a less formal environment. Kudos to our partners at the Golf Canada Foundation and First Tee Ontario for taking the opportunity to both engage with the community, and raise significant funds to support the growth of the game at the community level at this year’s Open. We loved seeing the grandstand overlooking the 18th green full of fans who generously donated each day to experience the best seat in the house! It certainly paid dividends on Sunday!
While inspiring a generation of newcomers to take up the game could certainly be an outcome of the First Tee programming at the event, the incredible play of so many Ontario natives competing in the field would certainly have fueled the passion amongst the nearly 2000 competitive golfers that are part of the Junior Golf Pathway, including fourteen members of Team Ontario. It was not so many years ago that Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes wore the green of Golf Ontario as members of the program. Clearly they have demonstrated that a pathway not only exists to the top tier of the game on the international stage, but that holding court as the leader in a field of this size is achievable in the coming years for them. This tournament, and the results of the 2023 PGA season clearly show that, with four wins on the tour in the bag for Canadians (including Conners and Hughes).
The atmosphere was electric all week, particularly at the 14th hole dubbed “The Rink Hole”. After Hughes put his shot under five feet from the cup on Friday, he motioned to the crowd to make some noise while his caddy quickly put on a Leaf’s jersey to energize the crowd. Another moment was even more wild when Adam Hadwin actually asked the crowd to make noise while he hit his tee shot up the 172 yard par three hole.
Regardless of what brought you to Oakdale and the Open, no matter if you followed a particular player or group, or if you spent your time in the Fan Fare zone or in a hospitality suite, you were treated to one moment of surprise and delight after another thanks to the competitors, and of course to our partners at Golf Canada, who raised the bar yet again in delivering a memorable and successful event to officially kick off the summer of golf here in Ontario. We extend our tremendous appreciation and congratulations to Golf Canada and their staff across the entire organization for all that they do during Open week to grow the game, entertain us, and fuel our passion for the game.
For us at Golf Ontario, if you share our sense of community coming out of this historic event, we welcome you to engage with us in many different ways. We invite you to become a member of Golf Ontario/Golf Canada and leverage the many exclusive rewards and benefits available to you as a Public Player member. We ask you to consider investing in the next generation of players to follow Corey Conners and Brooke Henderson by making a donation to the Golf Ontario Legacy Fund. Most of all, we encourage you to enjoy this great game. If you are more motivated than ever to get out on course and work on your game, visit one of the over five hundred member facilities across Ontario, and be part of our great community this summer and beyond.
View the RBC Canadian Open leaderboard online here.
Join Golf Ontario today here.