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

Girls play May 21-23 at Sawmill GC

Boys are May 22-24 from Wooden Sticks

Fenwick/Uxbridge, ON –  The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships are back and ready to tee off this Victoria Day weekend and the 2022 Golf Ontario Championship Season! These Championships feature many of Ontario’s best under 19 male and female golfers who gained entry into the competition through one of our qualifiers earlier this Spring or by exemption based on past results. They will all be looking to take home the WD Randolph Millage Trophy.

Ontario Junior (U19) Girls Spring Classic Championship

From May 21-23, Sawmill Golf Course will welcome the Girls (U19) Junior Spring Classic Championship. The course, designed by Gord Witteveen and Nicol Thompson, opened for play in 1976 to humble beginnings. The layout took advantage of the existing natural features and planted many trees. For over forty-five years, they’ve continued to improve and now are considered one of Niagara’s most popular courses.

“Sawmill is honoured to host the Junior Girls Spring Classic and kick off the 2022 competitive golf season in Ontario.  We are becoming known for hosting awesome junior events due to the support of our Membership, enthusiastic volunteers, special sponsors, and our unique extras,” said Manager Carrie Julie.  “We are guaranteeing the best 60 girls in Ontario a tremendous experience.  After a wet spring in Niagara, the course has come along beautifully.  The players can expect premium conditions for this early in the season.  Bring on the girls next weekend – we can’t wait to host Ontario’s best!”

Last year, Lauren Zaretsky of Ladies’ GC of Toronto/Maple Downs G&CC, took home the gold after a terrific -7 (209) performance. Her skillful play put her 10-strokes ahead of second place.

Team Ontario will be in full swing this year, with all ten Team Ontario girls competing for the Spring Classic title. In 2021, Team Ontario saw 3 team members finish in the top three. Ashley Lafontaine, Alissa Xu, and Alessandra Nagayo will try to improve upon their 2021 finish while fellow member Peyton Costabile, is coming off a win at the 2021 Ontario Junior Girls (U19) Championship.

Tee times for Round 1 on Saturday, May 21st, begin at 11:00 am. To view full tee times, tournament info and follow along with the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here. 

Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic Championship

While the girls compete out in Fenwick, the boys will be competing in their own Spring Classic Championship returning to Wooden Sticks Golf Course in Uxbridge, May 22-24. Wooden Sticks is more than simply a place to golf. It is a tribute to this great game’s rich history and grand traditions, with 12 of the 18 holes at Wooden Sticks inspired by different famous golf holes. During a round, you will envision yourself playing off the road in Scotland, across a famous creek in Georgia, onto an island in Florida, and through pine forests in New Jersey.

“We’re looking forward to once again being the host club for the U19 Boys Spring Championship! Our course is in superb condition, and it is always wonderful to see so many talented, promising players at this event,” exclaimed Steve Wilson, Head Professional at Wooden Sticks Golf Club. The Juniors we see are always so thrilled to have the opportunity to play a Championship-worthy course under these conditions. We’re extremely proud to contribute to their development in this manner. Looking forward to seeing you all soon!”

At last year’s Spring Classic, Owen Kim, a Team Ontario member, defeated his fellow teammates Ryan Somerville (Summit Golf and Country Club) and Andre Zhu (National Pines Golf Club). Kim sunk a great 20+ foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to claim the win. The three Team Ontario golfers all finished eight-under (205) on the weekend, while Justin Matthews (Bigwin Island Golf Club) finished closely behind at six-under.

This year, Owen Kim returns to the Spring Classic, looking to repeat his performance with all ten Team Ontario boys in the mix as well. The annual long weekend classic will be exciting between them and many other skilled players in the field as they all look to add their names to an impressive list of previous champions.

Tee times for Round 1 on Sunday, May 22st, will get underway at noon. To view tee times and the leaderboard, visit our Golf Genius page here. 

About the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships

The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship is contested annually usually over the Victoria Day long weekend and features many of Ontario’s best male and female junior golfers. The field of competitors gained entry to the competition through a qualifying process earlier in the season.

To read more about the boy’s and girls’ results from last year, click here.

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 over 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.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season. Our complete 2022 Championship schedule can be found here.

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

Today, Golf Ontario is proud to announce two new key hires that have joined our staff. Nick Taylor joins us as Senior Director, Marketing starting April 14, 2022, and Alexia Tam has just begun serving as our Manager, Diversity Equity Inclusion, HR & Safeguarding.  

Nick Taylor (not the golfer:) joins Golf Ontario after building a diverse career across both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, with experience working in markets across Canada and worldwide.

Most recently, Nick served as the Director of Development for Athletics & Recreation at Ryerson University. His focus was on alumni & supporter engagement and managing a portfolio of donors and prospects from annual giving levels to significant and principal gift donors.

Before working in post-secondary education, Nick was part of a high-performing team at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (PMCF), serving as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Senior Director of Corporate & Community Partnerships. Over his seven years with PMCF, Nick designed and delivered Canada’s top-grossing single-day golf fundraiser for cancer research, known as Golf to Conquer Cancer, which raised $7 million. He also served the foundation as one of two executives driving the strategy behind the celebrated Princess Margaret Lottery.

In the eight years before joining PMCF, Nick was the Director of Marketing and Commercial Operations for Rugby Canada, a National Sport Organization and member of World Rugby. From 2005 to 2012, the organization experienced its most significant growth years on and off the field.

Nick’s professional experience includes ten years with globally recognized luxury retailer Tiffany & Co. (Canada). In addition, he worked in retail management and B2B corporate sales management with some of Canada’s best-managed companies and brands among his clients.

In joining the team at Golf Ontario, Nick hopes to complement the organization’s strengths and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve new heights of achievement for golf in Ontario.

“Having stepped away from the amateur sport sector ten years ago to serve one of the country’s largest healthcare foundations, the timing is right to return to amateur sport and all the wonderful values inherent with Golf Ontario,” said Taylor. “I am excited to be joining a team that has delivered significant results against their last strategic plan, as the shift towards the next four years starts to take shape.”

Alexia Tam is a Safe Sport and Athlete Welfare Expert who has demonstrated her commitment and passion for safe, inclusive and healthy sport for the last ten years. She has received several awards and scholarships for her academic contributions to the field of Safe Sport and her interest in the area has been augmented by collaboration with several sports organizations on the development of education, training, and policy implementation. In addition, she has shared her research and recommendations for best practices at several national and international conferences. Through her rich exposure to sport, as an academic, sports practitioner, a coach and an athlete, Alexia is committed to continuing to be an advocate for sport.

Alexia has collaborated with several sport organizations throughout her career with program development, stakeholder education, and program evaluation, including the Coaching Association of Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Coaches Association of Ontario. Alexia is also on the Board of Directors with Football Ontario and is joining us from Alpine Canada.

After spending nearly two decades as an athlete before turning her attention to coaching, Alexia knows what truly drives success in sport – both on and off the field of play. Her football career started over 15 years ago – when opportunities for women were far and few in between. Since her first day on the field, she’s been committed to bettering herself as an athlete, a coach, and now as a professional in the field. Alexia always says that sport has played an integral role in her identity formation and is excited to create spaces for athletes to make their own positive memories of sport.

Alexia holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology and a Master’s of Science from the University of Toronto and is currently completing her doctorate degree at Canterbury Christ Church University in the United Kingdom. 

“I am thrilled to be joining Golf Ontario to support their Safe Sport and DEI portfolio. Safe, inclusive and accessible sport is fundamental for all participants,” said Tam. “I am excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to engaging with the golf community in Ontario.”

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

As Golf Ontario’s valued stakeholders, staff, and Board of Directors welcome the 2022 season with open arms and a bright vision of Golf for All, we are delighted to announce the extension of President and Vice-President terms and the introduction of two new directors to the board. 

Respectively, Susan Vail and Leslie Ferrari have served on the board since 2017 and 2018. Elected to President and Vice-President of the Board of Directors in 2021, the extension of their terms for another year will allow Golf Ontario to continue its forward momentum in growing the game of golf with the support of their dedicated leadership. With our focus on Golf for All, Vail wants to build on the framework created in 2021 with the help of Korn Ferry. “We have a plan, a policy and committed staff and board members ready to help create welcoming environments for underserved groups. These groups include youth, women, people of colour, people with disabilities, indigenous peoples, the 2SLGBTQ+ community… and many others who have not yet had the opportunity to experience what golf has to offer,” explained Vail. “The bar was raised in 2021. Let’s do even more in 2022 to shape lives through golf!”

Joining the Board of Directors in 2022, we welcome David Herrera and Julian Franklin.

Head of People and Organization Analytics for Korn Ferry, David Herrera joins the Golf Ontario Board of Directors with more than 15 years of consulting experience. A passionate DE&I practitioner and subject matter expert, David has advised several organizations globally to become more diverse and inclusive to their talent and customers/clients.

“As a visible minority, immigrant, member of the LGBTQ+ community, and management consultant, I hope that I can bring my experience and perspectives to make Golf more accessible to all and continue to have a positive impact in our communities,” explained Herrera. 

While David is an amateur golfer, he has found passion in the game and supporting the development of communities and youth. He joins the board with ambitions to “develop an awareness of the benefits of golf and implement initiatives that will improve the accessibility of golf in Ontario.”

Following two challenging years, Herrera believes that “2022 should be a year of building bridges and stronger communities, and golf should be one of many enablers of this.”

A Canadian Marketing Hall of Fame member, Julian Franklin is a business leader with 20+ years of client and agency experience in consumer goods and the sporting industry. Julian’s expertise includes strategic planning, communications, and marketing. His career is distinguished by marketing leadership roles in Canada and the United States, where he has worked for industry-leading organizations.

“I am hoping to bring a perspective of someone whose affinity and passion for the game has grown as an adult,” expressed Franklin. “This perspective brings an understanding of how important a sport like golf can be to help shape our personal and professional outlooks.”

Julian’s corporate governance experience is extensive. He is also a Founding Member of POCAM (People of Colour in Advertising & Marketing). This association advocates the inclusion and advancement of Black, Indigenous, & People of Colour (BIPOC) within Marketing. 

In joining the board, he aims to help “increase the participation and positive impact of golf at the youth and adult levels, for racialized and marginalized communities across Ontario.” 

Please click here to learn more about Golf Ontario’s Board of Directors.

ABOUT GOLF ONTARIO:

The Golf Association of Ontario, operating as “Golf Ontario”, is the 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 Communications – Golf Ontario
pmackellar@gao.ca

Brianna Christopher,
Assistant, Marketing Communications – Golf Ontario
bchristopher@gao.ca

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Duffield. A long-time volunteer and rules official and the 2007 President of the Golf Association of Ontario, Bill’s commitment to golf was unmatched.

Bill was the recipient of the Syl Apps Special Achievement Award in 2008.

Our condolences to Bill’s family and friends.

Brockville/Uxbridge, ON – On May 18th to 20th, Brockville Country Club and Wooden Sticks Golf Club will host the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships. The Championships are open to boys and girls who are 18 and younger, and have qualified in previous tournaments.

Junior Spring Classic (U19) Boys Championship

Over the long weekend, Brockville Country Club will be hosting the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Boys Championship. The Brockville Country Club was founded in 1914, and with considerable elevation changes, many narrow fairways, and challenging par 3’s, the 18-hole course can be deceptively challenging.

“It’s an old course with lots of twists and doglegs,” said Doug Wark, Director of Sport Operations at Brockville. “It’s a course golfers have to understand due to the importance of positioning. It’ll be exciting to see how the players adapt.”

Last year, Matthew Anderson of Credit Valley Golf & Country Club took home the gold medal, shooting -2 (214), while Cameron Kellett of St. Thomas Golf and Country Club, Laurent Desmarchais of Vallée du Richelieu, and Brendan Dunphy of Whitevale Golf Club finished in a three-way tie for 2nd with a total score of -1 (215).

With Anderson moving on past the junior ranks, the top spot is up for grabs. Dunphy will be returning in the 2019 tournament, looking to turn his previous second place finish into a championship run.

Another notable golfer playing over the long weekend is Michael Ikejiani from Barrie Country Club. Ikejiani is coming off a hot start to the season, winning the Junior Boys division of the Ontario Champion of Champions Tournament on May 14th. Ikejiani led the charge, shooting -3 (68), which was the most commanding lead in the entire tournament. It is safe to assume he is hoping to continue his success at the Junior Spring Classic.

Players will be facing off on the difficult course for a chance to win the WD Randolph Millage Trophy. The top 3 Ontario boys will get exempt into the Ontario Junior Boys Championship, and the low Ontario boy will get a spot in the Canadian Junior Boys Championship. The Canadian Junior Boys Championship is set to take place on August 12th-15th, and will be held by Covered Bridge Golf and Country Club in Hartland, New Brunswick.

Tee times are set for 12:00pm, with split tees starting at the first, and tenth hole.

Junior Spring Classic (U19) Girls Championship

While the U19 boys are out in Brockville, the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Girls Championship will be held at Wooden Sticks Golf Course in Uxbridge. Wooden Sticks has brought together some of the most recognizable golf landscapes from the PGA and sculpted them into the scenery of the local area to produce 18 holes that will challenge all competitors. With golf holes inspired by Augusta, St. Andrews, Pine Valley, Carnoustie, TPC Sawgrass, and Oakmont, it is surely a course that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

“We’ve hosted this event over the past couple of years for the boys, so we are excited to host the girls this year,” said Steve Wilson, Head Golf Professional at Wooden Sticks. “There’s so much talent in this tournament, it’s without a doubt going to be an exciting weekend.”

Last year, the Girls Spring Classic was a tight race. Emily Zhu from National Pines Golf Club, finished in first with a score of +8 (224). Zhu was closely trailed by Team Ontario member Hailey McLaughlin from Granite Golf Club who finished +9 (225), and then Taylor Kehoe from West Haven Golf & Country Club who finished +11 (227).

With both Zhu and Kehoe not returning to the tournament, McLaughlin is the only medal winner from last year returning this season, giving her a good opportunity to claim the top spot.

The girls will be facing off at Wooden Sticks for a chance to win the WD Randolph Millage Trophy.

Tee times are also set for 12:00pm, with all players starting at the first hole.

To read more about both the boys and girls results last year, CLICK HERE

About the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championships

The Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship is contested annually over the Victoria Day long weekend and features many of Ontario’s best male and female junior golfers.  The field of competitors gained entry to the competition through a qualifying process earlier in the season.

The three day tournament will challenge the focus, stamina, and skills of all the participating golfers. We wish all attending both Brockville and Uxbridge good luck, and we’ll see you on the course!

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 95,000 individual members and 400 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.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @thegolfontario for live updates on the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Championship and other tournaments this season.

Ryan MacKenzie

rmackenzie@gao.ca

UXBRIDGE— Golf Ontario is proud to announce the return of The 12 Days of Golf in support of the Future Links Golf In Schools program. In 2016, the fundraising campaign debuted and was met with overwhelming support, managing to raise more than $30,000.

With the holiday season right around the corner, Golf Ontario is ready to again help shoppers find the perfect gift for the golfer on their list. The 12 Days of Golf will once again officially begin on December 1st and run until December 12^th.

“The 12 Days of Golf gives all Ontario golfers the chance to purchase exclusive tee times and play some of the best courses in the province,” said Mike Kelly, Golf Ontario Executive Director. “This is a great way to treat the golfer on your holiday list and it is all thanks to the generosity of our great member clubs!”

Angus Glen, Copper Creek Golf Club and Muskoka Bay Golf Club are just some of the exciting courses that will be up for grabs. Golf Ontario has made it their goal to make the 12 Days of Golf online auction a one-stop shop for people looking for gifts for golf enthusiasts. Once a foursome has been purchased it will be sent directly to the purchaser in time for the holidays.

The best part about the campaign is that all of the proceeds will go towards the Future Links Golf In Schools Program in Ontario.

“The Future Links Golf In Schools program is a great grassroots program that Golf Canada and Ontario run in the province. Introducing young people to all that golf has to offer helps to shape our youth by reinforcing values like integrity, respect and perseverance,” added Kelly.

When the 12 Days of Golf begins on December 1, multiple foursomes will be available for auction every three days. The items will only be in the auction for those three days before being replaced by a new set of foursomes. Bidders are encouraged to check back regularly to see what foursomes are available. All items will have a minimum bid, depending on the course, and will have a Buy It Now feature, in case there is an item that is a must have.

Golf Ontario would like to thank the participating courses for supporting this outstanding initiative.

The auction will be accessible through Golf Ontario’s main webpage (gao.ca/12days) and will also be live on Golf Ontario’s eBay page at: http://www.ebay.ca/usr/golfontario.

About Golf In Schools

The national Future Links Golf in Schools program is offered in the province by Golf Ontario in partnership with Golf Canada, PGA of Canada, and Physical and Health Education Canada (PHE Canada).

The goal of Future Links Golf in Schools is to introduce students and teachers to the game of golf in a fun and exciting environment, and to link them to local golf facilities where they can transition into the sport.

Future Links Golf in Schools includes equipment and programming that can be delivered by school teachers, community golf coaches, and local golf professionals at schools or golf facilities.

Below is a list of Ontario golfers who have signed their National Letter of Intent to attend NCAA schools during the 2017 early signing period. If you are or know of a student who has recently committed to an NCAA school to pursue their education and golf career please let us know by email (dmatte@gao.ca).

Matthew Anderson, Mississauga- University of San Francisco (San Francisco, CA)

Johnny Travale, Stoney Creek, Kent State (Kent, OH)

Dylann Armstrong, North Gower, Ball State (Muncie, Indiana)

Grace St-Germain, Ottawa, University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, Arkansas)

Tyler McDowell, Whitby, Northern Illinois University (DeKalb, IL)

Kristen Giles, Georgetown, Drake University (Des Moines, IA)

Joe MacNeil- Severn, Lindenwood University (St Charles, MO)

Peyton Callens, Langton, Texas A&M (College Station, TX)

Anthony Occhiuto, Guelph, University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit, MI)

Alexandra Naumovski, Hornby, Coastal Carolina University (Conway, SC)

Emily Ward, Niagara Falls, University of Richmond (Richmond, VA)

Abby White, Simcoe, Chadron State College (Chadron, NE)

Curtis Hughes, Belle River, Bowling Green (Bowling Green, OH)

Golf Ontario congratulates all Ontario golfers who have committed to a school during this signing period and wishes them the best as they further their academic and athletic careers.