We caught up with just some of the passionate girls and women across our community recently, and asked them to share what it means to them to be a woman in golf in Ontario, and if there was a moment in their golf experience that made a major impact on them.

We know that sport has the power to change lives. Girls who play golf tend to learn teamwork, self- reliance, resilience and confidence. All powerful skills that can create great leaders. I love watching young women playing golf and I’m very proud to be associated with both Golf Ontario and Golf Canada who provide so many opportunities for both young and older women to learn the sport, compete in the sport and to support the sport. We are so fortunate in Ontario to have many excellent female role models as players, as coaches, as volunteers, as golf course owners and even as golf course architects. And, as we all know, “if you can’t see, you can’t be it”. So on March 8th, let’s celebrate all that International Women’s Day means to golf and to all the opportunities that we have and can continue to create for female golfers. “Play like a Girl”

Growing up, media coverage for the LPGA tour was not very big. Only recently, it started to change and women in golf are beginning to gain the attention and recognition they truly deserve. As a woman in golf, I believe I have the opportunity to represent this community to further develop the game for future generations. The sport has given me many new opportunities to grow and learn invaluable skills. I hope to inspire other girls to become more involved in sports and continue the progress we are making for female athletes today.

I always felt like golf was always a very male dominated sport, I didn’t know many other female golfers and women’s golf was almost never broadcasted on TV. I’m glad to say that female golf is gaining its proper recognition now, and it means the world to me that I am a part of the generation where female golf is growing immensely. Golf means the world to me, and I am so proud that I am able to represent females in golf for Ontario. I hope that my fellow female competitors and I can continue being role models for the female golfers in the making.

Women in Sports have come a long way in the last few years with pay raises, more tournaments/tours, and more recognition on television. One of the sports that I have seen the most improvement in is golf. There is so much talent for women in sports and in golf right now, and I think we can prove to the world that we should be recognized. Women in Golf is an awesome movement to bring more women into this sport and help them feel belonged, and I think Golf Ontario is doing a great job by promoting this event every year and helping it grow. The more we can teach and get women interested in golf, the more we can help this sport grow in all parts of the world for everyone!

In my family tree, I am the only female athlete to have come far enough to play in provincial, national, and international tournaments at a junior age. I have tremendous support from my whole family and our friends. But, the most support I get is from my little cousins! They love to ask me about my tournaments and find out if I have won, and watch me play. They are so interested to learn and play golf when they grow up and go play in these high-level tournaments. When they ask me if I can teach them golf, and they say “I want to be like you when I grow up,” it inspires and motivates me to become better every day. I think to myself that one day I will be inspiring many more little girls to start playing golf, and grow this sport for the girls out there that can truly bring out their talent!

I joined my golf club shortly after graduating and I didn’t know a soul. Over the past 47 years, I have participated in many events, draws and competitions. I started without a handicap and I’m now a single digit golfer. Most importantly, I have met hundreds of people through golf some I include in my family circle. These lasting connections will last a lifetime.

I think it is very important for women in business to participate in golf. Personally I started to golf when I first started at a law firm and the men left to go golfing but the women were not invited. Many women miss out on important business development and mentoring opportunities when they don’t know how to golf. Learning to golf is not only enjoyable but can be very helpful in a woman’s longer term career objectives.

Golf has and continues to play a significant role in my life, in wonderful and meaningful ways. Starting back as a student, I fondly recall enjoying the landscape and sunshine of Ontario summers outdoors on the golf course on a beverage cart. In my professional career as a finance professional, I have had the fortune of occupying leadership roles at member golf facilities, and at present here at Golf Ontario. Our vision of Golf for All and mission to shape lives by connecting people to positive golf experiences are statements that resonate, and are congruent with my personal values and philanthropic desires. Our association’s path forward is exciting!

As a Woman working in Golf, I am driven to be a positive influence and supporter of others in both the accounting profession and in business management, particularly in sport. In my personal life, golf talk continues – my husband also works in the golf industry as a Turfgrass Professional, we met nearly 20 years ago on course, sharing many friends in this wonderful industry. Today we raise our two young children with an active lifestyle, and cherish the memories we make as a family together, often on the golf course.

For me this means so much more than just women playing the great game of golf. I would love to see in future years more women in the business of golf, whether that be reporting, managing or even creating golf courses. I am most excited to see Golf Ontario venture into creating hype over working in golf and all the benefits that come along with the game!

I will never forget the time when we hosted the 2019 University College National Championship and a players parents came up to me to say how their daughter couldn’t believe that it was a woman in charge of running the facility. Throughout the week I had many young ladies ask me about my career path and how I came to hold my position in golf. This was encouraging for me as they now can see someone who they can relate to in a senior leadership position as well as opening the conversation surrounding female empowerment in sport.

This International Women’s Day, Golf Ontario celebrates and acknowledges all the many contributions made by these young girls and women that are just a small part of the fabric of our golf community across Ontario. We thank them for being part of our mission to shape lives by creating positive golf experiences for all.

Uxbridge, ON – The Board of Directors of Golf Ontario (GO) today announced that Kyle McFarlane will replace Mike Kelly as the next CEO of the organization beginning on March 1^st, 2023.

Dr. Susan Vail, President of the Board, said, “Following the completion of a comprehensive search process which included a deep field of talented candidates, it is my distinct pleasure to share the exciting news that Kyle McFarlane will assume the leadership of Golf Ontario.”

Since 2004, Kyle has demonstrated tremendous dedication to the organization across his multiple roles most recently as Chief Sport Officer. Over the course of his career with the association he has been directly involved in significant growth in the operational and financial breadth of Golf Ontario. He has helped strengthen core and value-added services to members, led the development of new initiatives to introduce more golfers to the game and supported the launch of systems for our best athletes to achieve their highest potential.

Kyle brings a breadth of knowledge and experience that is valued within the sector. As a respected member of the industry, Kyle has developed credibility and in turn strong relationships with Golf Ontario members and industry partners alike. He is well positioned to work collaboratively with partners to positively impact the health of the game and the industry.

In accepting the role, Kyle shared that “For almost two decades, I have had the pleasure to be involved in the evolution of Golf Ontario into a recognized world class operation. This opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time as I’m fully prepared for a new challenge, and am energized to take on the responsibility of leading Golf Ontario through the 2023-26 Strategic Plan.”

Kyle’s passion for golf started at an early age and continues to this day. He is a sports enthusiast and actively involved in his community. Kyle graduated from the University of Memphis with a Master’s degree in Sport Commerce.  He currently resides in Whitby with his wife Lisa and their three children Nolan, Jake and Maya.

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,

NTaylor@gao.ca

Golf Ontario is proud to announce the addition of the Ontario Junior Players Invitational presented by Play Golf Myrtle Beach to the 2023 Golf Ontario Championship Schedule. The tournament scheduled March 13-14 at River Hills Golf & Country Club in Little River, South Carolina, is exclusively for 60 Junior (U19) Boys & Girls from Ontario.

The Ontario Junior Players Invitational provides Ontario junior players an opportunity to participate in a competition to prepare them for the upcoming golf season. Tournament invitations will be sent to the top players on the 2022 Junior Golf Pathway Rankings.  There will also be an opportunity for juniors outside the rankings to participate through a performance based application process.

For more information about the championship, please go to the Official Tournament Website or contact Tournament Director Connor Doyle at cdoyle@gao.ca

APPLY TO THE TOURNAMENT HERE

In addition to the tournament on March 13-14, Golf Ontario will be offering a limited training experience with Team Ontario athletes and coaches during the 2023 March Break. Details will be announced on tournament website on January 30^th.

Written by: Taylor Blatchley

There is a reason the term superintendent includes the word “super.” Golf course
superintendents often work behind the scenes, which usually results in them not getting enough credit for their work. On September 13th, it is “Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day,” where we recognize the hard work it takes to keep golf

Don Blatchley is the superintendent of Sawmill Golf Course and has worked there for 42
years. He started working there in 1979. I interviewed him on his role as a
superintendent and how it has changed and developed over the years.

How did you get into this line of work?
Don: My family golfed at Sawmill, and I asked George for a job when I was out of high
school.

#ThankASuper

Which part of being a superintendent do you find most satisfying?
Don: That moment when people approach you and comment on the condition and
quality of the golf course. When you change something, no matter how small or large,
and people notice. That’s the best part.

Which part of being a superintendent do you find most challenging?
Don: Making sure the greens, tees and bunkers are in the best shape possible.
Especially the greens because they are the heart of the entire course. If the greens are
not in perfect condition, people will know. New challenges exist now that didn’t exist a
few years ago. You have to keep adapting as the environment and conditions change.

What was it like working as a superintendent in the 1970s, compared to the 1990s
and present time in 2022? How has it changed?
Don: The main difference I can think of is the technology available. In the 1970s and
early 1980s, all your fertilizer and fungicide were granular. Now, it is all spray based. The
only sprayer we had back then was tractor-mounted. Technology has advanced through
the years to the point where the current sprayers are computerized and regulate
and control the amount of spray they put out. The equipment used now at golf courses
drastically reduces the time required to perform tasks. Back in the day, top
dressing the greens would take us around a week to do, and now we can do it in less
than a day. All of the equipment has changed from when I started. Fairway mowers,
rough mowers, and greens mowers are all more advanced and designed for maximum
efficiency. The only downside to better technology is that when something goes wrong,
it takes longer to fix it, or you may need to call in a specialist because of the electronics
involved. Irrigation used to be done manually as well. I would spend hours at night
watering, whereas now everything is automated and all I have to do is click a few keys
on the computer. The course itself looks very different too. Bunkers have been added
and removed, and I’m pretty sure there isn’t a single bunker in its original location. The
same applies to the tee decks. As for the trees, let’s just say that I used to be able to
see the clubhouse from the shop, and now I can’t. In the 1970s, they were just twigs
sticking out of the ground.

What was the most difficult on-course situation you’ve ever faced at Sawmill?
Don: Snow mould on the fourth green. This was a long time ago, the winter was long,
and we could not get snow mould protection down early enough because the golf
season ended so abruptly, and the snow stayed on the ground. We did not have the
equipment available to aerate; all we could do was put new plugs into the affected
areas. I’m not talking about a few patches here and there. What I’m talking about is
hundreds of plugs. I don’t even remember exactly where we got the plugs from because
it was so long ago. But that was one of the most difficult situations I remember having to
handle.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone wanting to get into golf course
work, what would you say?
Don: Make sure you’re passionate about it. A lot of times, the work will seem like it is
twenty-four seven. Issues have a way of suddenly appearing at the worst time possible.
Usually at the beginning or end of the week and never in the middle. Sometimes you’ll
have to drop everything to deal with a golf course situation, which is how it is.
There could be a broken irrigation line during a drought, disease on the greens or a
pump that breaks down, leading to you hand watering for a week straight. Some things
just can’t wait until the following day. It’s challenging but rewarding work; if you love
what you do, it’s worth it.

What is your passion or favourite hobby?
Don: Golf.

What’s your favourite sports team or individual?
Don: Toronto Maple Leafs

What do you like to watch on TV?
Don: Nascar. I used to watch it a lot more than I do now because all the good drivers
are retired.

What is your favourite thing about working at Sawmill?
Don: The people and the owners. The owners have always treated me like family; some of the members have been there as long as I’ve been working there, so it’s a real
family environment.

Remember to use the hashtag #ThankASuper today on social media and show your
appreciation for our golf course superintendents.

Our Senior Director of Marketing Nick Taylor, recently sat down to speak with Kevin McShan, a motivational speaker and journalist living with Cerebral Palsy, to discuss growing the game of golf in Ontario.

As the host of Let’s Have This Conversation, McShan strives to place all voices at the table of inclusion. He is a Motivational Speaker and Sports Journalist with Cerebral Palsy who wakes up every morning energized and excited to have authentic and meaningful conversations. He loves sports and motivating people.

In his words, “Our legacy is built by how many times we are willing to make a difference in the lives of others while no one else is watching. I’ve lived my entire life with cerebral palsy. However, rather than dwell on my personal restrictions, the greater gift I could ever give to the world is to celebrate my life and all of the life lessons I’ve been put on earth to teach and all of the wisdom I’ve been charged to share with others who simply can`t view the world through the same prism as I. Some people claim I’m an inspirational person. I simply view myself as persistently consistent.“

McShan is a St. Clair College Journalism Print and New Media Program graduate. His passion lies in telling the stories of people who can’t otherwise tell their own individual stories themselves.

One of his many accomplishments was receiving the 2012 Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal for my reporting on disability issues.

Follow him on Twitter here and his Youtube here

Tottenham, ON – Woodington Lake Golf Club once again welcomes the Ontario Disability Championship from July 25th to 26th. The fourth year of this unique Championship showcases some of the top athletes with disabilities. This helps ensure an inclusive pathway and better competition opportunities for the highest performing athletes with disabilities. 

This year is a special week at Woodington Lake, which also includes the first 2022 Ontario Hall of Fame ceremony on Sunday, July 24th, followed by the Disabilities Championship, and then leads into the PGA Tour Canada event, the Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Ontario Open July 27thto 31st.

For Mike Kelly, CEO of Golf Ontario, this event is an important pillar of Golf Ontario’s strategic plan. “Golf For All is a very important theme that is central to our strategic plan. This Ontario Disability Championship is a critical way for us to raise awareness about golfers with disabilities and to showcase some of the amazing talent at this Championship. “It is particularly exciting that this event allows participants to play for fun in a net division or the gold medal and accumulate World Ranking Points,” added Kelly.

The Championship consists of 36-holes of stroke play, as both the Men and Women will battle for their respective titles across four divisions: Men’s Gross Champion, Women’s Gross Champion, Men’s Net Champion, and Women’s Net Champion. 

Returning to try and win their fourth consecutive Ontario Disability title is Natasha Stasiuk (Heron Point Golf Links) and Kurtis Barkley (Cedar Glen GC), respectively. 

The action begins July 25th at 8:30 am. For tee times and leaderboard information, check out our Golf Genius webpage.

About the Ontario Disability Championship

Since 2019, Woodington Lake Golf Club has hosted the Ontario Disability Championship. Played over a 36-hole competition for Men and Women, the Ontario Disability Championship is an inclusive event in which athletes with disabilities compete in a provincial championship environment. The Championship promotes awareness and participation for golfers with disabilities and provides a platform for future talent identification. In addition, the Ontario Disability Championship is a counting event on the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD).

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, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

For more information, please contact:

Peter MacKellar, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Golf Ontario;
PMacKellar@gao.ca

Adam (AJ) Abraham, Assistant, Marketing Communications, Golf Ontario;
AAbraham@gao.ca

Golf Ontario will join Golf Canada in relocating their corporate headquarters to Caledon, Ont. and supporting its vision to establish a home campus for Canadian golf

From Golf Canada

July 20, 2022 – Golf Canada and Osprey Valley have announced a major partnership and bold vision to build a new Home for Canadian Golf – a momentous project that will see the National Sport Federation relocate its corporate base of operations to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont.

In addition to Golf Canada’s national headquarters and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, the vision for the Canadian golf campus on the grounds of TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley will feature the national headquarters for First Tee – Canada, which will include a publicly accessible community putting green and an indoor training centre.

Golf Ontario and the Club Management Association of Canada (CMAC) have committed to relocating their corporate headquarters to Caledon, Ont., collaborating with Golf Canada to embrace the golf community and develop a dynamic home campus for Canadian golf. The PGA of Canada has also committed to a strategic partnership with Golf Canada to assist in executing grassroots components and coaching and training activities.

The invitation for Canadian golf industry partners as well as government stakeholders, and long-time global affiliates at the R&A, PGA TOUR, and LPGA Tour to plug into the Home for Canadian Golf, will be a signature moment in the advancement of the sport of golf in Canada.

“Our vision to be a world leader in golf contemplates more than just a physical building—culture, collaboration, and innovation are critical elements,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Establishing a new headquarters and a Canadian golf campus with our partners to meet, play, train, plan, celebrate and collaborate represents a transformative moment to advance the sport. The vision that the Humeniuk family and the leadership group at Osprey Valley have invited us to be a part of with this world-class property is progressive and incredibly exciting.”

TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley is a renowned 54-hole golf facility in Peel Region, located in the heart of Caledon, Ont. The property is currently undergoing a significant privately funded expansion and commercial development that includes the construction of a new clubhouse and conference amenities as well as improvements to the practice facility and guest experience with accommodations and hosting facilities onsite.

For Osprey Valley President Chris Humeniuk, partnering with Golf Canada and industry partners to bring a Canadian golf campus to life is part of the ongoing story of Osprey Valley becoming a signature destination for Canadian golf and an effort to uplift the game of golf in Canada.

“We’re thrilled by the vision presented by Laurence and the entire Golf Canada team and are elated to collaborate with partners who share our vision of elevating golf to new heights in this country,” said Humeniuk. “Our family has long dreamed of Osprey Valley as a great Canadian golf destination. We believe this announcement is a wonderful addition to the momentum we’ve been fortunate to experience in recent years.”

TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley has welcomed a number of signature events in Canadian golf, including the Osprey Valley Open on PGA TOUR Canada as well as Golf Canada’s Junior Skills Challenge National Event. The facility has also hosted qualifier events for both the RBC Canadian Open and the US Open and has committed to hosting the 2026 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO.

In 2021, the Humeniuk Family Foundation and TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley made a major chapter-founding gift to Golf Canada Foundation that aligns with the property serving as the national headquarters for First Tee – Canada.

Phase one of the Home for Canadian Golf project—which will include the corporate headquarters, a reinvigoration of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, and a 30,000-square-foot community putting green inspired by the Himalayas Putting Course in St. Andrews – will break ground in 2023 with expected completion by 2025.

The vision for phase two includes the development of First Tee – Canada National Headquarters that will support coaching education and programming for First Tee chapters across Canada. The indoor short game complex will double as a national talent identification centre for the next generation of Canadian players, bolstering Golf Canada’s goal to advance 30 Canadians to the LPGA and PGA Tours by 2032.

For the leadership group at Golf Ontario and the Club Management Association of Canada, joining forces on the Canadian golf campus was an opportunity for deeper collaboration across the sport.

“We are thrilled to rally and support this tremendous project and a new home for Canadian golf, helping to unify and provide the golf community a true base which will no doubt create efficiencies, inspire collaboration, and help introduce more participants to our great sport,” said Golf Ontario CEO Mike Kelly.

“Our purpose is to develop, promote and support the profession of club management by providing educational and networking opportunities for our members, including golf, city, multi-sport, yacht, faculty and social clubs,” said Suzanne Godbehere, CEO of the Club Management Association of Canada. “Integrating CMAC’s operation into the Canadian golf campus really is a special opportunity for thought sharing with our partners.”

The PGA of Canada and their members will plug into the Canadian golf campus with the delivery of grassroots programs as well as training, education, and coaching upon the completion of phase two.

“Having a destination for PGA of Canada professionals to come together for education and junior golf program development, including First Tee – Canada training, will be a huge boost for the growth of our sport,” said Kevin Thistle, CEO of the PGA of Canada. “Collaboration and innovation with partners have always been driving forces in Canadian golf, and there is no doubt that a campus environment will bolster these experiences.”

Cost for phase one of the Home for Canadian Golf project is estimated at approx. $20M and the financial funding model will be led by Golf Canada along with a donation from Osprey Valley. Phase two of development is expected to cost $10M and will only proceed upon successful fundraising campaigns supported by the Golf Canada Foundation and private donors as well as through naming rights, contributions from industry partners, and government support.

The Home for Canadian Golf project aligns with a multi-million-dollar Drive Campaign launched by the Golf Canada Foundation to fund First Tee – Canada headquarters, chapters, and programming, along with enhancements to Team Canada’s high-performance program. To date, $36.9M of the $70M fundraising goal has been secured through major gift donations.

“We’re excited to partner with the Humeniuk family, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, and Golf Canada on a new Home for Canadian Golf,” said Golf Canada Foundation CEO Martin Barnard. “Not only will this become home for the Foundation, but it will also anchor the Drive Campaign, unprecedented in Canadian sport. Our major donor Trustees have a long history of supporting up-and-coming Canadian players and have now also put substantial support behind launching First Tee in Canada, ensuring broad access for all young Canadians to the character-building life lessons the sport of golf can provide.”

The Town of Caledon has already extended its support towards becoming a hub community for Canadian golf with a recommendation to the Regional Municipality of Peel to approve a $2.5M investment towards bringing the project to life.

“I am thrilled that Caledon will be the new home of Golf Canada’s National Headquarters and the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum,” said Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson. “In addition to the significant economic benefits to our community, the campus will also feature the youth development program, First Tee, an accessible program designed to empower and inspire youth through sport – This is GREAT news for Caledon.”

Hicks Design Studio has been selected by Golf Canada as the architect of record to bring the Canadian golf campus to life.

The announcement of the Home for Canadian Golf follows several years of due diligence by Golf Canada to explore a long-term solution and forward-looking vision for the relocation of its corporate headquarters as well as the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, which are currently located on the grounds of Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.

Once complete, the Home for Canadian Golf will be a multifaceted, world-class tourist facility that will support community recreational benefits; drive inclusivity and community among equity-deserving youth; and become a foundational pillar that supports grassroots participation and high-performance golf.

About Golf Canada

Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada, representing more than 304,000 golfers and 1,435 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to increase Canadian participation and excellence in golf. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.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.

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 Contacts:

Dan Pino
Sr. Director, Communications, Golf Canada
416-434-5525
dpino@golfcanada.ca

Brian Decker
Director, Marketing & Communications, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley
905-220-9590
bdecker@ospreyvalley.com

Peter MacKellar
Manager, Marketing, Design & Communications, Golf Ontario
pmackellar@gao.ca

As the Regional Support Strategy expands to Eastern Ontario Golf Ontario is proud to announce Carol Ann Baxter as Regional Manager for the Greater Ottawa Region. Carol Ann joins Golf Ontario on June 6, 2022, as we expand our reach across the province in the delivery of our Regional Support Strategy. A facility owner (Archie’s Family Golf Centre) in the region, Carol Ann understands the challenges and needs of operators intimately. She will be able to leverage the many relationships she has built over the years in the Greater Ottawa Region to ensure the successful introduction of the RSS with facilities and stakeholders in the region. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Carol Ann to the team. I look forward to the launch of the Regional Support Strategy in the Greater Ottawa Region under her leadership,” exclaimed Kyle McFarlane, Senior Director, Golf Operations. “The RSS is about building relationships between facilities, associations and stakeholders and I’m extremely confident that Carol Ann brings the experience and skillset to make that happen.” 

As a PGA and LPGA golf professional Carol Ann brings a wealth of industry experience. She formally served as the  Regional Director for Eastern Ontario-Outaouais Chapter with the National Golf Course Owners Association and currently holds the role of Executive Director of the PGA of Canada – Ottawa Zone.

“To have the opportunity to facilitate the development and delivery of Golf Ontario’s Regional Support Strategy is an honour,” added Baxter. “My life and life’s work have revolved around golf on so many different levels and I am truly passionate about the game and the business. This platform will allow me to advance Golf Ontario programs and initiatives designed to support the growth and sustainability of golf in the Region and those responsible for delivering them.” 

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:

Peter MacKellar,
Manager, Marketing, Design & Communications – Golf Ontario
pmackellar@gao.ca

Today, Golf Ontario is proud to announce an important new hire that has joined our staff. JJ Alexander began as Course Rating Coordinator on May 24^th.  JJ joins Golf Ontario in this important service role to our member clubs and facilities and brings well over twenty years of experience to the role as a PGA of Canada Class A Golf Professional. Most recently serving as the Head Golf Professional at Lookout Point Country Club, JJ brings comprehensive experience and knowledge working the course rating system and was instrumental in the introduction of hybrid tees at the club.

“We are extremely excited to have JJ join the Golf Ontario member services team, his industry experience and knowledge of the course rating system will be a tremendous asset for not only Golf Ontario but also for all the clubs that he works,” said Kyle McFarlane, Senior Director, Golf Operations.

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:

Peter MacKellar,
Manager, Marketing, Design & Communications – Golf Ontario
pmackellar@gao.ca