Golf Ontario Brings Back Champion of Champions presented by Durham Artificial Grass
Uxbridge, ON- With the 2023 Golf Ontario season in full swing, the organization will welcome back the prestigious Golf Ontario Champion of Champions Tournament presented by Durham Artificial Grass, on May 15th at Deer Creek.
This highly anticipated tournament features the largest field of competitors of all the Golf Ontario championships this season with competitors representing over 100 clubs from across the province. The respective club champions are some of the best amateur golfers from across Ontario, and will compete for the title of Champion of Champions. With a 12:00 NOON shotgun start time, the North Course at Deer Creek will be home to the men’s, women’s and junior boys, whereas the South Course will feature the senior men’s, senior women’s and junior girls’ divisions.
The Champion of Champions tournament has a long and storied history in Ontario, dating back to the mid-1900s. Over the years, it has become one of the most highly regarded amateur golf tournaments in the province, attracting top players from across Ontario. In addition to the thrill of competition, the tournament also provides a unique opportunity for golfers to meet and connect with others who share their passion for the game. Participants will have the chance to network with fellow golfers and industry professionals, while also enjoying the camaraderie and sportsmanship that is so often associated with the sport.
To qualify for the Champion of Champions tournament, golfers must have won their respective club championship or an equivalent event in the previous year. The tournament is open to male and female golfers of all ages and is played in a stroke play format. With the inaugural tournament dating back to 1946 many individuals have captured the title, some of which include Ontario Golf Hall of Fame members Bill Morland, Gerry Kesselring, Warren Sye, and Stu Hamilton, as well as Big Break Indian Wells champion David Byrne.
Returning after a three year hiatus, the importance of the Golf Ontario Champion of Champions presented by Durham Artificial Grass cannot be understated and CEO Kyle McFarlane had this to say in preparation for the event; “We are thrilled to host the upcoming Champion of Champions tournament, and thank Durham Artificial Grass for their partnership. The event promises to be an exciting showcase of golfing talent from across Ontario. This championship holds a special significance as it provides an opportunity to celebrate the club champions from our incredible member facilities. We are excited to bring together such a talented and passionate group of golfers, and we cannot wait to see who will emerge as the ultimate champions.”
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on the competitors as they prepare for what promises to be a challenging and rewarding experience at Deer Creek. With the level of talent and dedication on display, it’s sure to be a tournament to remember.
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
To follow tournament scoring, click here.
Noble Estates Wine & Spirits announced as “Official Wine & Spirits Partner” of Golf Ontario
Uxbridge – Golf Ontario announced today that they are welcoming Noble Estates Wine & Spirits to their partnership portfolio as the ‘Official Wine & Spirits Partner’ of Golf Ontario.
Noble Estates has been a leading mid-size wine and spirits agency in the province of Ontario since 1990. Representing some of the best wine and spirits producers around the world, the company offers full-service sales and marketing with a team of sommeliers and wine experts. Their curated portfolio includes many exclusive wines that they deliver directly to the consumer’s home, office, or cottage. Noble Estates strives to exceed client expectations by continually adjusting to their needs and bringing the world of wine and spirits to your glass.
“With such a diverse portfolio of wine and spirits from across Canada and around the world, we are thrilled to partner with Craig and his team at Noble Estates Wine & Spirits. As our Women’s Try Golf Series continues to grow in popularity, and we continue to host important tournaments and championships across the province, we look forward to sharing all that this partnership can offer to our participants and members alike.” said Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer with Golf Ontario.
In announcing the new partnership, Craig De Blois of Noble Estates said, “We are excited to partner with Golf Ontario and share our world-class wines with their participants and members. Golf and wine both celebrate passion and enjoying life, so we are looking forward to adding to the fun of the game with our fine wines.”
About Noble Estates Wine & Spirits
Noble Estates was founded in 1990 by Philip and Debra Mirabelli. In December 2013, the company was purchased by Craig de Blois, who together with his team, is building on the very successful first 25 years. Noble is recognized as having a dynamic sales force, and is proud to represent many of the top wine and spirits producers from around the world, offering full service sales and marketing.
With a sole focus on the Ontario market and the LCBO, we promise to deliver world class Sales and Brand Management to both our suppliers and the LCBO. We pride ourselves on building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with all of our suppliers and customers. Noble strives to exceed client expectations by continually adjusting to their needs.
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:
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer, Golf Ontario NTaylor@gao.ca
Victoria Pitsadiotis, Marketing Associate, Noble Estates Wine & Spirits VictoriaP@nobleestates.com
Golf Ontario Announces Ryan Finn as Chief Sport Officer
Following a comprehensive recruitment process, Golf Ontario is pleased to announce the hiring of Ryan Finn as the association’s Chief Sport Officer.
Finn’s career in golf spans over twenty-five years, and while originally from Milton, Ontario, it was in the state of Texas where he grew to become one of the most respected leaders in the golf industry in the US. With experience as a Tournament Director across golf operations and ultimately as Managing Director of Championships, Ryan is positioned to leverage his deep skill set at an essential time for Golf Ontario.
His responsibilities as Chief Sport Officer will include overseeing, managing and strategically developing critical functional areas, including membership focusing on facility relationships; junior performance and amateur competitions; grassroots and participation programs; and core member services, including Handicapping and Course Rating.
“Ryan brings a depth of leadership and industry experience. We are thrilled to have him join our team to elevate our participation, performance and membership activities,” said Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane. “He is a seasoned leader and passionate advocate for golf who will bring tremendous energy and enthusiasm to improving the golfer, facility and athlete experience here in Ontario.”
The opportunity to join Golf Ontario and champion the growth of golf was an opportunity Finn could not resist.
“Golf has had a tremendous impact on every part of my life in a positive way, and I am truly elated to be joining such a passionate team that is committed to connecting people to positive and memorable golf experiences. It is an exciting time for golf, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to play a role in elevating Golf Ontario and golf in Ontario.”
Before embarking on his professional pathway, Ryan was an NCAA golfer achieving PSAC All-Conference honours while completing his BA in Sports Management at Slippery Rock University, PA. He holds several certificates and designations, including USGA/PGA Rules of Golf (highest level accreditation) and USGA/PGA Tournament Administration. He has acted as Rules Chairman at the Spirit International Amateur Championship and officiated at events, including the; U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Amateur, U.S. Mid-Amateur and more.
Finn is set to join Golf Ontario in his official capacity, effective May 10th
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:
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer, Golf Ontario,
2022 Volunteer Awards presented during National Volunteer Week
During National Volunteer Week, April 16th-22nd, Golf Ontario hosted a series of Officials Days where the many volunteer officials that help deliver our tournaments and competitions gathered to kick off the 2023 season. It was during this week, and in front of their peers, that Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane presented the Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award and the 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award to Jim Davidson and Dennis McEntee respectively.
The Dick Grim Distinguished Service Award – Jim Davidson
The Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award is considered the highest honor recognizing individual service to the game of golf in Ontario. The award is named after Richard H. Grimm, who was affectionately known as “Mr. Canadian Open” for his service to the event from 1965 to 1993.
Golf Ontario’s Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual’s meritorious service as a volunteer. Recipients of this award embody the principles of integrity, dignity and commitment, which are central to the volunteer experience and to Mr. Grimm’s persona. This honor recognizes individuals who over a significant period of time have demonstrated outstanding leadership and involvement in the growth of Amateur Golf in Ontario. The recipient will also demonstrate a commitment to the vision and mission of Golf Ontario by promoting and upholding the values of the association and the game.
Jim is a deserving recipient having spent huge number of hours over the last half dozen years with Golf Ontario, Golf Canada and Golf Quebec. He is very involved with the junior program and player development. He set up a junior team to compete in OVGA events and both Ontario and Quebec summer games, he is a huge support for those athletes both in preparation and at events. He is also heavily involved in the changeover to Golf Genius and has been the main support. A dedicated referee with Golf Ontario, Golf Quebec and Golf Canada, working both amateur and professional events. He was responsible for getting two interns to support the OVGA over the last three years, writing and reporting the related government grants. He launched a junior girl’s golf league hosted at the Marshes Golf Club that includes instruction and golf for girls 12-18. He is an active OVGA board member for at least 6 years.
Volunteer of the Year – Dennis McEntee
The Golf Ontario Volunteer of the Year Award has been designed to recognize and honour a GO volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding performance and contributions. The GO volunteer of the year will be someone who has played an instrumental role in promoting the growth and development of golf while preserving the integrity and traditions of the game.
Dennis began volunteering with Golf Ontario in 2019 when he helped out at the Ontario Open. From that moment on, he immediately joined our volunteer team with Golf Ontario as a tournament official. For the past couple years Dennis has gotten involved anywhere he can and always brings a positive, and welcoming attitude to any position he is asked to do.
This past season Dennis has continued that and has worked more tournament days than any other tournament volunteer this season. He has done qualifiers and multiple championships. Many where he travelled to those events, staying overnight. And when doing so he would always do full days for us, whether it would begin at registration, moving to starting as well as scoring. On top of all the events Dennis has been at this year, he also offered to start and score at the PGA Championship of Canada at Beacon Hall in June.
Dennis has also helped the tournament team “off the course” as well this season. An avid wood worker. While at home in between events he worked, Dennis made us 4 sandwich board signs for our clocks to sit on at our events. And Dennis made us 6 wood boxes to transport our tee markers in.
Dennis has been a pleasure to work with this year. He is a delight to the players. They enjoy the friendly interactions with him at the 1st tee, and he follows that up seeing them again at scoring.
Golf Ontario appreciates the contributions of so many passionate volunteers that are an extension of our professional staff, and work together with us as we strive to deliver world class competitions.
For information on how you can volunteer with Golf Ontario and play a role in shaping lives through positive golf experiences, visit our Volunteer information page here.
April is Celebrate Diversity Month
In alignment with Golf Ontario’s vision of Golf for All, we are committed to implementing structures, policies and procedures having the highest governance standards to yield organizational growth, safety of the sport and leading the adoption and implementation of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Ontario Golf.
The month of April is “Celebrate Diversity Month”, a month that was initiated nearly twenty years ago to recognize and honour the diversity around us every day. We welcome our community to join us and spend time this month reflecting on and celebrating differences and similarities surrounding us all.
Across our organization, our staff have been on a learning journey that has included the opportunity to acknowledge the different dimensions of diversity within our team and across our community.
The following image, available online through Korn Ferry is a tool that can be used to reflect on what may contribute to our diverse work force and extended community.
Our own Chief Executive Officer, Kyle McFarlane has chosen to share his personal dimensions of diversity, based on this tool, with the community in recognition of the month ahead.
Kyle McFarlane (he/him/his)
I am a 43 year, cisgender, Caucasian, heterosexual male.
I’m a member of Generation X, married and a father of 3. I enjoy sports and outdoor activities including golf, baseball and running.
I’m an extrovert, and visual learner. I aim to communicate directly and honestly while respecting others, and cooperating well with people.
I’m of Irish & Scottish descent, English-speaking, reside in Whitby and work in Uxbridge. I hold a Bachelor’s degree from Brock University and a Master’s degree from the University of Memphis.
I’ve worked in professional and amateur sports for 25 years, and am in my 19th year with Golf Ontario, I enjoy coaching, leadership opportunities and collaborating with others.
While we recognize the importance of our diverse community, Golf Ontario is celebrating Diversity Month, this month, and will remain focused on serving the diverse members of our community by delivering safe and welcoming positive golf experiences for all. We will soon be launching our ED&I and Safe Sport webpages as a continued and intentional step in this evolving process.
If any members of our community wish to share their own dimensions of diversity during the month ahead, or to share personal experiences in and around the game of golf where diversity has played a positive role in that experience, feel free to tag us on social media @thegolfontario and use the hash tag #GolfForAll in the post.
Golf Ontario Announces 2023 Ontario Adaptive Championship at Weston G&CC
Golf Ontario is pleased to share that on the occasion of the 5th Anniversary of the event, the 2023 Ontario Adaptive Championship will be held at the prestigious Weston Golf & Country Club on July 17-18, 2023.
The Ontario Adaptive Championship was originally launched in 2019 as a provincial competition to showcase Ontario’s best golfers with a disability, and will be held for the fifth time this season. Focusing on player development, the event will ensure a proper pathway for high preforming athletes. The world ranked event will see men and women compete in low gross and net categories.
Annually ranked in the top 100 courses in Canada, Weston Golf & Country Club is no stranger to hosting major events including Arnold Palmer’s first PGA Tour win at the 1955 Canadian Open. More recently they hosted the Ontario Junior Girls Spring Classic in 2010 & 2011.
“Weston’s membership couldn’t be prouder to host this year’s Ontario Adaptive Championship,” said Alan Crossley, President Weston G&CC. “We are looking forward to sharing our course, which is steeped in history and heritage, while being able to cheer on and watch the inspiring play of these dedicated athletes. We are pleased to be able to continue our tradition of giving back to the community of golf through our on-going efforts to promote and enhance the game for all.”
Immediate past champions of the event, Natasha Stasiuk and Kurtis Barkley will surely be looking to repeat as Champions for the 5th time, having also won the event each year since inception. With a growing field of competitors each year and 2023 being a special anniversary held at such a prestigious facility, the 2023 Championship is a highly anticipated event on the calendar.
Regarding the evolution of the event, Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane said, “In alignment with Golf Ontario’s vision of Golf for All, we are motivated to increase opportunities for individuals of all abilities. With a focus on promoting inclusive environments, the term ‘Adaptive’ will now be used in place of ‘Disability’ for all related Golf Ontario programming, including new adaptive participation opportunities to connect more people to positive golf experiences.”
One of the key factors considered in moving forward with the new term of ‘Adaptive’ is that, “…it focuses on the modification of sport rather than on disability of the athlete…”1 and “…it provides an opportunity for the pursuit of excellence in sport through a full spectrum of settings for participation.”2
For more information about the championship, please go to the Official Tournament Website or contact the Tournament Team at tournaments@gao.ca .
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.
Ibid 1,2 (Winnick & Porretta, 2017)
For more information, please contact:
John Lawrence,
Director, Competitions & Performance – Golf Ontario
Nick Taylor.
Chief Marketing & Development Officer – Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario Proudly Announces New Manager of Fund Development
Today, Golf Ontario is proud to announce a critical new hire that will join our staff on Monday, March 20th to support our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan Golf For All.
Raphael Root joins Golf Ontario in this important revenue generating role to support the immediate investment in, and long term sustainability of our strategic pillars across Participation, Performance, Membership and Organizational Strength. He will prioritize the establishment of this new department and related operational strategies and best practices within the portfolio if work.
Raphael is a fundraising and sport professional with over 7 years of robust experience in sports and non-profit industries. He comes to Golf Ontario from The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation where he supported the Donor Experience and Stewardship Impact team as well as the Corporate & Community Partnerships team. During his time with the Foundation, he helped manage fundraising for the Journey to Conquer Cancer which is a family-friendly run/walk event that raised over $965,000 for cancer research. Then after, he moved to the Donor Experience team where he helped deliver impact by stewarding and recognizing countless major giving donors.
Raphael is also a veteran on the operational side of sports entertainment with more than 7 years of experience with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE). Bringing fans to their feet by creating unforgettable experiences for various properties including the Toronto Marlies, Toronto Raptors and Raptors 905.
Raphael holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto and a Post-Graduate degree in Sport & Event Marketing from George Brown College. The energy of being around competition and sports at a world-class level is what drives Raphael. He is looking forward to the opportunity to help advance the sport of Golf in Ontario.
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer shared that, “Raphael is joining our team at the perfect time. With our Strategic Plan launched this winter, and new leadership at the Executive and Board levels, he will have a tremendous opportunity to leverage that leadership expertise, and share the story around our vision and mission with prospective donors and existing supporters as we put the pieces in place to support immediate impact on our programming and long term sustainability and growth of the organization.”
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.
For more information please contact:
Nick Taylor, Chief Marketing & Development Officer, Golf Ontario,
Emily McKee & Isaiah Ibit Crowned Champions at the Inaugural Ontario Junior Players Invitational Presented by Play Golf Myrtle Beach
The inaugural Ontario Junior Players Invitational Championship presented by Play Golf Myrtle Beach at River Hills Golf & Country Club sees Emily McKee of St. George’s G&CC and Isaiah Ibit of Camelot G&CC emerge as Champions in the Girls and Boys U19 Overall divisions respectively.
Additional divisions recognized were the U15 Girls won by Nobelle Park and U17 Girls won by overall champion Emily McKee. The U15 Boys low score was attained by Dawson Lew (Wyndance GC) and U17 low score went to Luke Smith.
Despite the risk of frost earlier in the morning, competitors were on the range as much as two hours prior to the start of the final round under bright blue skies and temperatures of six degrees. The day’s pairings went off on split tees in the early afternoon, experiencing slightly warmer conditions up to nine degrees as play commenced.
With ten boys starting the day within five shots of Smith, and three girls chasing McKee and Zhao just four shots back, there was great anticipation around which players could challenge for the title of Inaugural Tournament Champion.
As the first few holes were completed, it looked like it was Luke Smith maintaining form from the first round, but it wasn’t long before Ibit started to make his move up the leaderboard, ultimately recording five birdies and only one bogey in the round. After a first round 77 (+5) on Monday, he finished day two with a 68 (-4) and total two day score of 145 cementing a two shot margin over Luke Smith at 147 followed by Zachary Smith (Brampton GC) and Jordan Hwang (Emerald Hills G&CC) at 150.
The in-form player in the U19 Girls Overall division was McKee, as she started the day where she left off Monday evening and never let up. With scores of 72 (E) Monday and 74 (+2) today, she finished at 146 and a two stroke margin over Nobelle Park (RattleSnake Point GC) who made an impressive move up the leaderboard in the final round, and four strokes ahead of Alexa Ouellet (Weston G&CC) at 150.
At the conclusion of play, Tournament Director Connor Doyle remarked on the movement across both divisions on day two. “What an exciting finish to a successful inaugural tournament. Thank you to Play Golf Myrtle Beach for helping make this tournament possible. Every player played their heart out this week and they should be proud of their results.”
During the awards presentation officiated by newly minted CEO Kyle McFarlane, Scott Tomasello of Play Golf Myrtle Beach thanked all competitors for venturing down to Myrtle Beach and later, offered his congratulations to the champions saying, “We’re thrilled to have showcased Myrtle Beach golf to these talented juniors. Congratulations to Emily & Isaiah on their respective victories.”
For more information on the 2023 Ontario Junior Players Invitational presented by Play Golf Myrtle Beach, including the final results, visit our Golf Genius page.
Learn more about Play Golf Myrtle Beach offerings online.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
Championship Contact:
John Lawrence – Director, Competitions and Performance, Golf Ontario
Media contact:
Nick Taylor, Senior Director, Marketing, Golf Ontario
Exciting Start to Ontario Junior Players Invitational presented by Play Golf Myrtle Beach at River Hills G&CC
Day one of competition at the Ontario Junior Players Invitational Championship is in the books. In the Girls U19 Overall division of the competition, for the better part of the round, it was a battle for the lead between Station Creek’s Kelly Zhao and Emily McKee out of St. George’s G&CC, with Alexa Ouellet (Weston G&CC), Joline Truong (Trafalgar G&CC) and Nobelle Park (RattleSnake Point GC) following close behind. Ultimately it was Zhao and McKee who finished the day on even par and leading the field into the final day tomorrow.
Over in the Boys U19 Overall division, while he needed all eighteen holes to take the lead into day two, Luke Smith of The Thornhill Club has a one shot lead at plus one over Zachary Smith from Brampton Golf Club. There are nine more players within four shots or better of the leader, including Andreas Diogenous (Whistle Bear GC) at four over par, who had shared the lead with Zachary Smith for much of the round. The final day of competition would appear to be up for grabs with so many players chasing the leader.
Following first round play, Tournament Director Connor Doyle said, “It is great to have so many talented Ontario juniors in Myrtle Beach competing in our inaugural tournament. All the player’s hard work in the off season paid off, as we had many excellent scores showcased on the leaderboard. With a close leaderboard after today, we are in for an exciting final round tomorrow.”
The day began under grey skies and cool 9 degree temperatures, as the fifty one junior golfers from across Ontario trickled in to River Hills Golf & Country Club throughout the morning to get some range time in before the first pairings headed out at 12:30. With no indication of significant wind or rain in the forecast, and gradually warming temperatures that reached a high of 16 degrees, the day unfolded to provide good conditions for the field to test themselves.
Officially kicking off Golf Ontario’s 2023 Championship season, the Ontario Junior Players Invitational presented by Play Golf Myrtle Beach is the only event held outside the province, but the Myrtle Beach area feels like home for many of the athletes, coaches and rules officials who spend time in the area in our traditional off-season. Speaking on behalf of the Championship Presenting Sponsor and Official Partner of Golf Ontario, Scott Tomasello said, “We’re thrilled to celebrate our partnership with Golf Ontario and all golfers in Canada with this tournament. We hope to see these juniors play well this week and come back to visit Myrtle Beach in their future endeavors.”
For more information on the 2023 Ontario Junior Players Invitational presented by Play Golf Myrtle Beach, including the leaderboard and day two pairings, visit our Golf Genius page.
Learn more about Play Golf Myrtle Beach offerings online.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
Championship Contact:
John Lawrence – Director, Competitions and Performance, Golf Ontario
Media contact:
Nick Taylor, Senior Director, Marketing, Golf Ontario
Ontario Junior Players Invitational presented by Play Golf Myrtle Beach
With participating players and coaches on the ground in North Myrtle Beach for the last couple of days, the inaugural Ontario Junior Players Invitational presented by Play Golf Myrtle Beach will officially get under way on Monday at the beautiful River Hills Golf & Country Club.
While today’s forecast is calling for a 90% chance of up to 15mm of rain, which will challenge any players engaged in pre-tournament training, the forecast for Monday and Tuesday looks good with high temperatures of 17 and 13 degrees respectively.
Fifty-one athletes from across Ontario have assembled to participate in this first year event, including fifteen members of Team Ontario, three Next Wave players and a large contingent of Junior Golf Pathway competitors.
Director of Competitions & Performance, John Lawrence said, “We are excited to be here at River Hills Golf Club, with the full support of presenting sponsor Play Golf Myrtle Beach, as we deliver the first ever Ontario Junior Players Invitational. Our strategy over the next four years at Golf Ontario, includes the expansion and enhancement of the performance development pathway, and this new event signals our commitment to that growth.”
Given the breadth of talent involved in the event, any number of players could surface at the top of the leaderboard when play gets underway in the two day tournament on Monday. Certainly the members of Team Ontario will be pushing their way to the top as they will have been be put through their paces under the guidance and support of Provincial Head Coach Reggie Millage, Dr. Charles Fitzsimmons and Dr. Nick Martichenko, as well as staff from Golf Ontario’s Performance team.
Past performance at the tail end of the 2022 season might indicate that Luke Smith, two time member of Team Ontario and the U19 Junior Golf Pathway 2022 number one ranked boy, as well as Kelly Zhao, the U19 JGP 2022 number one ranked girl, a first year member of the Provincial team, could be players to watch for.
For more information on the 2023 Ontario Junior Players Invitational presented by Play Golf Myrtle Beach, visit our Golf Genius page.
Learn more about Play Golf Myrtle Beach offerings online.
Stay Connected on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @TheGolfOntario
Championship Contact:
John Lawrence – Director, Competitions and Performance, Golf Ontario
Media contact:
Nick Taylor, Senior Director, Marketing, Golf Ontario