TORONTO — Another Golf Ontario provincial championship season got underway on May 11, with the Men’s Better-Ball Championship from Oakdale Golf & Country Club. Despite the recent wet weather, the course was in fine shape and the players only dealt with cool and windy conditions on the day.

The field consisted of 54 teams (108 players) who all began at the 10 a.m. shotgun. Much like 2016, the day belonged to Kingston’s Peter Sauerbrei (Cataraqui Golf & Country Club) and Toronto’s Simon Reyers (Brampton Golf Club). The 2016 champions returned to the site of their victory a year a go and were able to tame the course again. The pair carded a seven-under (65) to earn a one-stroke win.

Afterwards the pair spoke about what it meant to repeat as champions. “This is a great event, I love this format,” said Reyers. “We are obviously thrilled to win this in back-to-back years. There are some great names on this trophy and we are happy to have ours on it again.”

The pair took advantage of the holes they needed to, while avoiding any damage during their bogey-free round. “We made par on the tough holes and birdied the easier ones and when you do that, it makes the round much easier,” added Sauerbrei.

Picking up the silver medal was Whitby’s Brendan Dunphy (Whitevale Golf Club) and Sudbury’s Tristan Renaud (Idylwylde Golf & Country Club). The pair finished the round at six-under (66).

Finishing in a tie for third was the team from Cedar Brae Golf Club of Thornhill’s Ryan Tsang and Markham’s Truman Tai along with the duo of Etobicoke’s Justin Allen (Weston Golf &Country Club) and Barrie’s Abe Holmes (Barrie Country Club). Both teams ended the day at five-under (67).

Golf Ontario would like to thank Oakdale Golf & Country Club, along with their staff, for once again hosting the event. Thanks also to the Golf Ontario volunteers for their continued support of golf in the province.

About The Ontario Men’s Better-Ball

The Ontario Men’s Better-Ball Championship has been played since 1959. All but two of the championships have taken place at Oakdale G&CC. The tournament is open to teams whose members both have up-to-date Golf Canada Handicap Factor of 8.4 or less. Previous winners of the event include: Gary Cowan, Bill Morland, Nick Weslock, Kelly Roberts, Warren Sye, Bill Swartz, Mike Weir and Albin Choi.

UXBRIDGE— Golf Ontario is excited to announce the addition of John Lawrence to its tournament team. Lawrence will officially take over as Manager of Competition beginning May 22.

“I’m excited to join one of Canada’s strongest provincial sport organizations in Golf Ontario,” said Lawrence. “I look forward to working with the staff and volunteers there in continuing to provide world class competitions.”

“We’re pleased John will be joining our Championships team,” said Craig Loughry, Golf Ontario Director of Golf Services. “His experience, knowledge, professionalism and dedication will help our goal of keeping our Championships best in class.”

Lawrence brings a tremendous amount of experience with him to Golf Ontario. For the past 17 years he has been with the Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) with his most recent role being Managing Director of Tour Operations. During that time, Lawrence has managed all aspects of the association’s tournament administration, which includes a schedule of more than 100 events annually.

“The past 17 years have been very rewarding. I’ve enjoyed working for the CJGA and managing a very successful team dedicated to providing an excellent tournament experience to junior golfers across Canada and around the world,” added Lawrence. “I would like to thank Earl Fritz, Brad Parkins and the rest of the board of directors for the opportunity that they provided me.”

During his time with the CJGA, Lawrence also managed teams at international competitions, developed the CJGA tournament manual and worked on securing sponsorship.

Lawrence is a graduate Humber College’s Professional Golf Management program, a Golf Canada Level 4 Rules Official, USGA Rules Certified and a member of Golf Canada’s Amateur Competitions Committee.

Golf Ontario would like to welcome Lawrence and wishes him success in his new role.

UXBRIDGE— The annual Ontario Golf Hall of Fame ceremony was held on May 3, from Wooden Sticks Golf Course in Uxbridge. This year, four deserving inductees entered the Hall and one member of the Ontario golf media was honoured with the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award.

“I wish to extend my congratulations and those of Golf Ontario’s board members, staff and volunteers to this truly deserving group of inductees,” said Golf Ontario President John Gallinger as he welcomed those in attendance. “Whether as a Builder, Amateur or Professional, all of tonight’s inductees have shown extraordinary contributions to the game at the provincial, national or international levels.”

The evening began with the presentation of the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award, an award that recognizes major contributions to golf in Ontario and is named after Ontario Golf Hall of Famer and one of Canada’s best known golf journalists: Lorne Rubenstein. This year the award was given to Ian Hutchinson. Hutchinson’s career has spanned over 35 years and seen him cover a variety of sports. However, he eventually specialized in golf and it is because of those contributions he was named the 2017 Lorne Rubenstein Media Award winner.

“What a prestigious award to win. I said to Lorne that he set the bar for us, not only in standards of writing but in the way he conducts himself. He is always willing to talk and help out his colleagues,” said Hutchinson. “I looked at the past winners of this award and what a great lineup of golf writers to be joining!”

The first inductee to join the Hall was Oakville’s James Fraser. Fraser entered the Hall in the Builder category after an impressive career that saw him involved in numerous areas within the sport. Fraser held multiple roles around rules but also served associations provincially (in both Ontario and Quebec) along with nationally.

Fraser told the crowd about how he grew up with the game of golf and that once he started to attend events, he became interested in the rules side. Fraser followed that passion into the Hall of Fame career that he now possesses.

Port Carling ‘s Thomas McBroom also entered the Hall in the Builder category. McBroom, a well-known golf course architect has designed more than 60 courses in Canada and even more internationally. Many of his designs have been recognized on top lists nationally and internationally.

“I am obviously thrilled to be here tonight and to have so many good friends and good clients here,” said McBroom. “I thank you all for your support of the years. I have had a great career in golf and am happy to have been part of a great period where golf expanded.”

Entering in the Professional category was Sandford’s Ken Tarling. Tarling, who turned pro in 1982 captured 21 provincial titles, two national championships, a Canadian Tour win and 12 international victories in eight different countries.

Tarling thanked those in attendance for their involvement in his career and told them about how he became a professional. “Originally I wanted to be a head professional because I thought that was the life. It wasn’t until a Golf Ontario (Ontario Golf Association) camp where Ontario Golf Hall of Famer Sam Young said to me ‘I think you should try to become a tour player.’ He saw something in me and that changed my entire outlook.”

The final inductee of the evening was Stacey (West) Mahoney. Now living in Cary, North Carolina, Mahoney entered the Hall in the Amateur category. Mahoney had a tremendous junior career, which saw her win three Ontario Junior Girls’ titles, three Canadian Junior Girls Championships and the 1979 Canadian Ladies’ Amateur Championship in addition to the numerous team honours she received.

“I have been really lucky. I have been to every province in Canada, probably half of the states in the U.S., England, Australia and Fiji in my golf career on provincial and national teams,” said Mahoney.

With that the 2017 Ontario Golf Hall of Fame ceremony concluded and the inductees officially joined the other members of the Hall.

Golf Ontario would like to congratulate all of the inductees and thank all those who attended, including Golf Ontario partners who make events like the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame possible. Also, a big thank you to Wooden Sticks for their continued support in hosting the ceremony and housing the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame. Thanks as well to TSN’s Mark Zecchino for emceeing the event.

ABOUT THE ONTARIO GOLF HALL OF FAME

The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in the game of golf in Ontario. Founded in 2000 by the Ontario Golf Association and the Ontario Ladies’ Golf Association, the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is housed at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge. There are 79 members of the Hall of Fame.

MILTON— Golf Ontario took a new approach to their Annual General Meeting this year, April 21-22 at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club in Milton, by creating an Ontario golf industry weekend. The goal was to bring together the various associations that are involved with the sport in the province and to strengthen relationships. Nothing showcased that more than the Golf IN Ontario Awards Night on April 21.

The evening was a chance for Golf Ontario, the PGA of Ontario, Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association (OGSA), and Golf Canada to recognize their award winners from the past year in front of the Ontario golf industry.

In all, 19 of the award winners were in attendance and recognized by the various associations for their achievements.

“It was an exciting night to celebrate together the many people who make the sport of golf in Ontario so great!” Said Golf Ontario Executive Director Mike Kelly. “It was an impressive group of volunteers, players, PGA professionals and course superintendents all of whom champion and serve the golf industry in communities across Ontario. Congratulations to all!”

The evening appeared to be a hit with the individual award winners as well. Many were excited to be sharing the spotlight with the other winners from across the province.

“This event is really fabulous,” said PGA of Ontario Golf Professional of the Year Dustin Kerr-Taylor. “To be here and celebrate with all of the award winners from 2016 is great. We are all trying to do one thing and that is grow the game. It was interesting to mingle with everyone and to hear the successes they are having in their associations. I am hoping to translate some of those successes into what I am doing as a golf professional.”

“This is pretty exciting,” added Christopher Kertsos, Golf Ontario Senior Men’s Order of Merit winner. “It is the first time for me to be ranked number one for the seniors. It is nice to see everyone here from all corners of the industry. It is great to see what Golf Ontario has done here tonight.”

Golf Ontario would like to congratulate all of the award winners from all of the golf associations in Ontario.

PGA of Ontario Winners

Adam Tobin – Retailer of the Year

Adam Steinschifter – Candidate for Membership of the Year

Sean Casey – Junior Leader of the Year

Henry Brunton – Teacher of the Year

Dustin Kerr-Taylor – Golf Professional of the Year

Gareth Raflewski – Coach of the Year

Jason Helman – Professional Development Award

Iain Reston – Class A Professional of the Year

OGSA Award Winners

Patrick Greenman – OSGA Recognition – Ontario Women’s Mid Am/Sr. Championship

Peter Kinch – OSGA Recognition – Ontario Mid Amateur Championship

Jim Burlington – OSGA Recognition – Ontario Junior Girls’ Championship

Dave Girard – OSGA Recognition – Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship

Greg McFarlane – OSGA Recognition – Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship

Chad Adamson – OSGA Recognition – Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship

Brooks Young – Shelburne G & CC – Ontario Bantam Boys Championship

Dan Magrin – OSGA Recognition – Ontario Summer Games Championship

Phil Auger – OSGA Recognition – Ontario Senior Men’s Championship

Perry Beausoleil – OSGA Recognition – Mackenzie Tour National Capital Open

Tom Kinsman – OSGA Recognition – LPGA Manulife Financial Classic

Richard Creed – OSGA William Sansom Distinguished Service Award

Pelino Scenna – OSGA 50 Year Member

Cecil-Roy French – OSGA 50 Year Member

Paul Dermott – OSGA 50 year Member

Ontario Order of Merit Rankings

Juvenile Boys

1. Peyton Callens
2. Kelvin Lim
3. Zack Mason
4. Robbie Latter
5. Johnny Travale

Junior Boys

1. Sam Meek
2. Peyton Callens
3. Ty Celone
4. Minwoo Park
5. Tyler Nagano

 Juvenile Girls

1. Monet Chun
2. Chloe Currie
3. Isabella Portokalis
4. Emily Ward
5. Jasmine Ly

Junior Girls

1. Grace St-Germain
2. Monet Chun
3. Chloe Currie
4. Isabella Portokalis
5. Alexandra Naumovski

Women’s Amateur

1. Grace St-Germain
2. Monet Chun
3. Mary Ann Hayward
4. Crystina Kertsos
5. Samantha Spencer

Women’s Mid Amateur

1. Judith Kyrinis
2. Mary Ann Hayward
3. Casey Ward
4. Ivy Steinberg
5. Marion Reid

Men’s Amateur

1. Garret Rank
2. Maxwell Sear
3. Blair Hamilton
4. Josh Whalen
5. Austin James

Men’s Mid Amateur

1. Garret Rank
2. Philip Arci
3. Charles Fitzsimmons
4. Ryan Kings
5. Matthew Sim

Women’s Senior

1. Judith Kyrinis
2. Mary Ann Hayward
3. Ivy Steinberg
4. Terrill Samuel
5. Marion Reid

Men’s Senior

1. Christopher Kertsos
2. Larry Cooper
3. Lars Melander
4. Robert Gibson
5. Nick Digiandomenico

Golf Ontario Volunteer Awards

Jim Arbuckle – Volunteer of the Year

Ralph Franchino – Distinguished Service Award

Elaine Jackson – District Volunteer of the Year

John Turner – Honorary Life Director

Future Links Order of Merit Rankings (Ontario players)

CN Future Links National Junior Boys Order of Merit

2. Peyton Callens

6. Sam Meek

7. Kelvin Lim

CN Future Links National Junior Girls Order of Merit

2. Monet Chun

3. Grace St-Germain

5. Chloe Currie

8. Isabella Portokalis

10. Ellie Szeryk

MILTON— Golf Ontario held its Annual General Meeting on April 22 at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club in Milton. At the AGM, the 2017 Board of Directors was announced along with President and Vice President.

Filling the role of President for 2017 will be John Gallinger (Meadowbrook Golf & Country Club), who says he is excited about the opportunity. “On one hand, it will be a little intimidating because I am following in the foot steps of a lot of great leaders. In my three years on the Board I have seen both Jim King and Chris Osborne who are both great leaders and charismatic speakers. So from that perspective, I hope I can live up to the standards they have set. On the other hand, I have lots of confidence. We have a great team, the staff, the Board, including three new members who bring a lot of unique life experience, so it is going to be a lot of fun. We have a lot of good things going on in golf and a lot of good things going on with Golf Ontario.”

Gallinger has served on the Golf Ontario Board for the past three year but has been involved with golf throughout his life. As a player, he played university golf at the University of Waterloo and continues to participate in Golf Ontario events to this day. He has sat on numerous Golf Ontario committees including: Finance, which he also Chaired, Governance and Junior Golf Drive. Gallinger has also represented Ontario at the Golf Canada Provincial Council and served on the Golf Canada Foundation Board of Directors.

What makes Gallinger a great fit for the role might be his professional experience. Now running his own consulting company, Gallinger previously served as CEO for Standardbred Canada, a national not-for-profit association. “I have been in Golf Ontario Executive Director Mike Kelly’s position and know what it is like to run the organization and report to a board of volunteer members,” added Gallinger

As for his goals for the coming year, Gallinger realizes that all accomplishments must be a team effort. “My goal would be, if I can take the words from Chris Osborne, to leave it (Golf Ontario) in a better place than it was when I came in. I recognize that is not just me; it is the board, the staff and everyone working collectively. No one person makes a big change, so I see my role as being the facilitator of the group and I hope to be successful in that role.”

Taking on the role of Vice President will be Tim Cain (Glenn Abbey Golf Club). Cain joined the board last year and has already shown his commitment to Golf Ontario in moving into the new role.

Returning to the Board in 2017 are: Howard Atkinson (Goodwood Golf Club), Anthony Dunn (The Marshes), Jason Harris (Orr Lake Golf Club), Mark Hayes (Rattlesnake Point Golf Club), Ivy Steinberg (Granite Golf Club), and Kent Trainor (GO Public Player). Chris Osborne will serve as Past President.

New to the board this year will be: Jay Aspin (GO Public Player), Barbara Beaudoin (Hamilton Golf & Country Club), and Susan Vail (Dunnville Golf & Country Club).

Golf Ontario would like to welcome the new board members as well as thank the departing members: Peter Zakarow (Beacon Hall GC), Carol-Ann Goering (Toronto Golf Club) for their service.

UXBRIDGE— Golf Ontario is pleased to announce the 2018 St. Kitts Playcation, January 13-20, 2018. Entering its third year, the Golf Ontario St. Kitts member trip continues to grow and provide Golf Ontario members and guests with a unique experience to one of the Caribbean’s newest and most exciting golf destinations.

“The 2017 trip was great!” said guests Paul and Anita Pouliot of London, Ontario. “We met lots of nice people, played some beautiful golf courses and had lovely weather. We had a really good time and were happy we went.”

Building on the successful format in the previous two trips, the 2018 St. Kitts Playcation will be similar, but as guests will tell you, Golf Ontario always has a few surprises planned.

The trip will once again feature the St. Kitts Invitational, a friendly two-round, two-person team, modified net stableford tournament at the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club. In addition to the tournament rounds, guests receive a practice round and a fourth round to be used at their leisure. The trip also includes a full day on the sister island of Nevis, which includes golf at the fabulous Four Season Resort Golf Course.

Luxury accommodations for the trip are provided by the Marriott St. Kitts. In addition, guests receive a welcome dinner at one of St. Kitts’ top restaurants, as well as an awards dinner, hosted by the Marriott, after the completion of the Invitational.

Cost of the trip is $5900 CAD, per couple, which includes round trip flight out of Toronto’s Pearson Airport.

For more information visit gao.ca/stkitts or contact Jason Hraynyk (jhryanyk@gao.ca or 905-852-1101 ext. 233).

For booking, please contact Vinnie Vatts at TravelAir (vinnie@etravelair.com or 416-964-1950 Ext 100).

View photos from the 2017 St. Kitts trip here!

UXBRIDGE— Golf Ontario is proud to announce the two teams that will represent the province in the Senior Women’s Ada Mackenzie Matches, against the New York State Golf Association, and the Senior Men’s Ontario/Michigan Matches versus the Golf Association of Michigan.

Both sets of matches will take place in May beginning with the Ada Mackenzie Matches, May 14-16 at Ravenwood Golf Club in Victor, NY. The Men’s Ontario/Michigan Matches will take place May 24-25 at Pointe West Golf Club in Amherstburg, Ontario.

Ada Mackenzie Matches

The Ada Mackenzie team will be made up of: Mary Ann Hayward, Judith Kyrinis, Ivy Steinberg, Marion Reid, Cheryll Damphouse, Diane Dolan, Chris Critelli, Allyson Harrison, Theresa deLuis, and Nannette Cuddy. The team is made up of the top 10 from the 2016 Golf Ontario Senior Women’s Championship.

The Ada Mackenzie Matches have been conducted since 1960 and are an annual team event with Upper New York. The format for the competition consists of two match-play rounds. The first day consists of Chapman-format team matches. Chapman format is where both players drive, then hit each other’s tee shot for the second shot, before the best ball is selected and players play alternately on the selected ball for the remainder of the hole. The second day sees morning Better-Ball matches, followed by the trophy presentation to the victorious team. Ontario is the defending champion at the event.

Ontario/Michigan Matches

Representing Ontario in the Ontario/Michigan Matches will be: Larry Cooper, Lars Melander, Christopher Kertsos, Robert Gibson, Jim Briggs, Rick Valin, Tim Southcott, and?John Husband. Players were selected based on finishes in the 2016 Golf Ontario Senior Men’s Order of Merit.

First contested in 2011, the format for the Ontario/Michigan Matches is a two-day Ryder Cup style, team event with the top eight senior men from Ontario competing against the top eight senior men from Michigan. The first day on will consist of four best-ball matches and the second day will consist of eight singles matches.

Golf Ontario wishes the teams the best of luck in both competitions and thanks them for representing their province.

By Scott MacLeod- Ontario Golf News

Come Monday there will be three Canadian pros taking on the Augusta National Golf Club (ANGC) as part of the field for The Masters for 2017. Before they took up the spotlight though, it was time for it to shine on another trio of Canadians of the amateur variety. Juniors, in fact.

Three young Ontario girls qualified for the finals of this year’s Drive, Chip & Putt Championship Finals at Augusta National. They did their nation proud with their performances.

Carlee Meilleur (Landowne, ON), Mia Wong (Markham, ON), and Savannah Grewal (Mississauga, ON) each took to the famed golf course in Augusta, Georgia to compete and it was all televised around the world on The Golf Channel.

Completing play first, in the girls 7-9 category, was Carlee Meilleur. She came out strong in the driver and chipping portion of the event but struggled a bit with the putts on the treacherous ANGC surfaces. She ended play in a very respectable tie for 5th place.

Eleven year-old Mia Wong of Markham competed in the 10-11 Girls Category and worked her way to a 9th place finish, with her strongest showing in the putting.

Capping the day was the performance of Savannah Grewal of Mississauga, Ontario. She came into the final event, the putting, with a slim lead. Ultimately she needed to get her last putt within five feet of the hole and managed to have it stop at 4? 10? past the cup. It was enough to secure victory by a mere two inches.

She was presented with her division-winning trophy by 2007 Masters Champion Zach Johnson.

Later in the day Grewal posted some comments to her Instagram account. She said, in part: “Words can’t describe how grateful I am right now. Being able to win the #drivechipandputt on the 18th green at Augusta National is a dream come true. I was proud to represent Canada and become the first Canadian to ever win the #drivechipandputt competition. Thanks to everyone who has supported me and encouraged me throughout the years and everyone who helped make this possible. Congrats to all my fellow competitors for the great achievements.” 

Congratulations to all the competitors and the organizers involved. As it has been for four years now, it is great way to start The Masters week.

Complete Results

UXBRIDGE— From August 6-12, Winnipeg, Manitoba will host the 2017 Canada Summer Games. More than 4,000 athletes are set to take part in 16 sports, including Golf, during the course of the week. Southwood Golf and Country Club will play host to golf during the games. Each province and Territory can send a team of three boys and three girls, under 19 years of age, to compete in the individual and team 72-hole competitions.

Golf Ontario has outlined its selection criteria, which will include a Prep Camp, April 22-23 at Grand Niagara Golf Club in Niagara Falls. This invitational camp will be used as the first look at the potential athletes that can be selected to the 2017 Canada Summer Games team for Ontario. The two-day camp will consist of physical and technical testing along with two rounds of 18 holes.

In addition to the camp, the rest of the selection criteria includes results from: the 2017 Ontario Junior Spring Classic, Future Links Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia, Ontario Junior Boys’ and Girls Championships, International Invitational Events, and Ontario Order of Merit rankings up to July 20^th.

A long list of athletes have the potential to make up Team Ontario at the 2017 Canada Summer Games. Names will be submitted to the selection committee on June 23rd. The final team will be chosen no later than July 7th.

For more information on Golf Ontario’s Canada Summer Games team visit: https://gao.ca/excelling-performing/team-ontario/canada-summer-games/. For more on the Canada Summer Games, see the Winnipeg 2017 website at: http://www.2017canadagames.ca/.

UXBRIDGE— Golf Ontario is once again calling for volunteers to be part of its 2017 Golf Advisory Teams (GATs). Created in 2016, GATs are an innovative way for Golf Ontario staff to gather advice and guidance from experts and program participants on matters related to a particular area that supports the Golf Ontario strategic plan.

In 2017, Golf Ontario will have the following GATs: Communications, Golfers, Facilities and Next Gen. Each team will have a staff lead who will appoint members of the committee in consultation with the Golf Ontario Executive Director. Members will range from three to eight depending on GAT. GATs will meet a minimum of twice during the year with the goal of providing a list recommendations.

The GAT model aims to support the Golf Ontario Strategic Plan. The GATs will help to accomplish the goal of becoming the Best Provincial Sport Organization in Canada; innovate golf by providing industry leading services; drive more people to play the sport and encourage more children to get into the game; support golf clubs/facilities and all people involved in the game by aligning golf organizations, creating positive partnerships and ensuring that golf remains the most popular sport in Ontario.

To see the core functions of each of the four GATs visit: https://gao.ca/about-us/gats/. To volunteer for a GAT submit the following form: https://www.cognitoforms.com/GolfOntario1/_2017GolfAdvisoryTeamExpressionOfInterest