Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Announced
UXBRIDGE — Golf Ontario is pleased to announce this year’s four new members of the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame. James Fraser, Thomas McBroom, Ken Tarling and Stacey (West) Mahoney will become the 76th, 77th, 78th and 79th members of the Hall at the official induction ceremony on May 3, 2017 at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge. In addition, Ian Hutchinson will be receiving the Lorne Rubenstein Award, which is presented annually to accredited members of the Ontario media for “major contributions to golf.”
2017 Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Inductees
James Fraser
Oakville resident James Fraser, 79, enters the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in the Builder category. Originally born in Montreal, QC, Fraser, has been working in the golf industry since the early 1960s at the club, provincial and national levels serving in numerous roles. While many of his roles have revolved around Rules, Fraser has also served as Governor (RCGA, Canadian Seniors’ Golf Association) and Director (Beaconsfield GC, Toronto Golf Club, Quebec Golf Association, Canadian Golf Foundation, Stanley Thompson Society and RCGA). In 2007 he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by Golf Ontario (Golf Association of Ontario), the RCGA Distinguished Service Award and International Association of Golf Administrators Distinguished Service Award. He is an honorary member of Beaconsfield GC, Quebec Golf Association, the International Association of Golf Administrators, and the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.
Thomas McBroom
Port Carling resident Thomas McBroom is known as one of Canada’s most respected golf course designers and enters the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in the Builder category. The majority of his work in his 25-year career has been in Ontario, yet McBroom has designed more than 60 courses across the country and even more internationally. Golf Digest has named six of his designs Best New Canadian Course and one (Memphremagog) as one of the Top 100 in the world. Two of his European courses have even cracked Europe’s Top 100. In addition, SCORE Golf Magazine has named 14 of his courses among the Top-100 in Canada. Today, McBroom, 64 and a member at both St. George’s and Oviinbyrd, is still active and while he has designs in North America, Europe and the Caribbean, he has set his sights on expanding with courses in China.
Ken Tarling
Entering the Hall in the Professional Golfer category is Sandford’s Ken Tarling. Originally from Saskatoon, Tarling turned pro in 1982. Throughout his career, Tarling captured 21 provincial titles, two national (2001 PGA of Canada Club Professional Championship and 2011 PGA of Canada Senior’s Championship), one Canadian Tour win and 12 international victories in eight countries. Now at the age of 58, Tarling is competing on the European Senior Tour. Tarling has also served as the President of the Canadian Tour, been on the PGA of Canada Board of Directors and taught at Humber College in the Professional Golf Management program. In 2012, he received an Honorary Life Membership with the Canadian Tour.
Stacey (West) Mahoney
While now a resident of Cary, North Carolina, Stacey (West) Mahoney, 58, carved a name for herself in Ontario as a junior golfer. She was a three time winner of the Ontario Junior Girls’ Championship (1975, 76, 77) a feat she replicated at the National level with the Canadian Junior Girls Championship (1974, 76, 77). After her junior career, Mahoney also captured the Canadian Ladies’ Amateur Championship in 1979. She found success as Low Amateur at the Peter Jackson Classic (Canadian Women’s Open) in 1977 and 1980. Mahoney also represented and captured many team honours during her career. She enters the Hall in the Amateur Golfer category.
Ian Hutchinson – Lorne Rubenstein Award
Ian Hutchinson is a veteran Canadian golf writer whose career began as a sports writer in 1978 before he began specializing in golf. His history in the game includes an extensive background with Canadian golf trade publications. Hutchinson is also a regular contributor to publications and websites in Canada and the United States. In 2008, Hutchinson started Golf News Now as a way of offering the industry immediate access to breaking news and new product introductions and to offer a central meeting place for information through links to company, association and media websites.
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.
Golf Ontario Strengthens Relations with St. Kitts Thanks to Team Ontario Training Camp and 2nd Annual Invitational
FRIGATE BAY, ST. KITTS — It has been a busy start to the year for Golf Ontario. Partnering with the St. Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA), Golf Ontario recently sent the Junior (U19) Provincial Team to the island for a training camp, followed by a group of guests for the second annual St. Kitts Invitational.
“Having the junior team here was a main event for St. Kitts,” said Raquel Brown, SKTA CEO. “You had Canadian teenagers interacting with kids from St. Kitts, explaining golf and giving them a different perspective on the sport. It was a great way for us to start off the year!”
“I am glad to see that there were even more persons this year for the Invitational. It means that we are growing,” said Lindsay Grant, Minister of Tourism, International Trade, Industry and Commerce. “I believe that over the years the Invitational will continue to grow. We have a wonderful partnership with Golf Ontario.”
The Ontario contingent on the island began on Dec. 31 with the junior team traveling to St. Kitts for their first winter training camp of the season. The junior team, led by Reggie Millage, Head Provincial Coach, took part in a seven-day camp, which saw them play and train at the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club.
“The experience was great,” said Millage. “We received first-class treatment from the moment we got off the plane and the rooms at Royal St. Kitts Hotel were great accommodations for the team.”
Each day the team utilized the nearby beach for their morning training, something that was a big hit with the players. Afterwards, the team took to the course for morning rounds, followed by training at the club’s practice facilities in the afternoon.
“It was refreshing to have the junior Ontario team here in St. Kitts,” said Bruce Wilson, Director of Golf at the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club. “They are very disciplined and some of the most respectful and courteous juniors that I have had the pleasure of working with. I wish them the best of luck in their golf careers.”
As part of Golf Ontario’s goal of helping the island to grow the game of golf, the team took part in a two-hour junior golf skills clinic. Thirty local kids from the island took part in the clinic, run by the Team Ontario players.
“It was awesome to see our kids interact with the team. It helps them realize that with some time and effort, they have the potential to reach that level of golf. The St. Kitts kids haven’t had the expose to other young golfers to see what they can become. It was really nice for them to see and it gives them a challenge to work towards,” added Wilson.
As the team departed the island on Jan. 7, the next group of Ontarians arrived ready for the second annual St. Kitts Invitational. The two-day event made its debut in December of 2015. The 2017 tournament saw 22 individuals (11 teams) compete, doubling the field of the inaugural event. They were joined by a pair of teams from the island.
Defending champion Dave Ramsumair, with teammate Sylvia Jones, won this year’s event. Ramsumair, a Canadian now living on the Island, and Jones accumulated 96 points to win the two-day net stableford competition.
Receiving the award for Top International Team were Hamilton’s Jim and Sheila Drury who scored 88 points in the two-day event.
In addition to the tournament, the group enjoyed the accommodations of the St. Kitts Marriott, who hosted the annual awards banquet. During their stay on the island, the group experienced dining at some of the island’s best restaurants, which gave them a true taste of St. Kitts. The trip also included a visit to sister island Nevis for a round at the Four Seasons Nevis Golf Course.
In all, the guests seemed to enjoy what the island had to offer. “The trip has been great!” said London’s Paul and Anita Pouliot. “Lots of nice people, beautiful golf courses and lovely weather. We have had a really good time and are happy we came.”
“It has been seamless!” added Jim and Sheila Drury. “Going from the airport to hotel to golf course it has been a very good experience. The courses and people have been really nice.”
As the group departed on Jan. 14, it was clear that the relationship between Ontario and St. Kitts is helping to grow the game on the island. “I want to say thank you to Golf Ontario for 2017. We want this event to grow and we think golf is the perfect avenue to get Canadians to St. Kitts. Visitors come to golf but get to see the destination in its truest form. The fact that the junior training camp and Invitational did so well gives St. Kitts a different perspective for golf,” added Brown.
Golf Ontario would like to thank the SKTA for their efforts in organizing the trips. Thanks to the Royal St. Kitts Hotel and Marriott Resort for providing accommodations and Royal St. Kitts Golf Club and Four Seasons Nevis Golf Course for use of their facilities. Stay turned for the announcement of the 2018 St. Kitts Invitational.
To vie photos from Team Ontario’s training camp and the St. Kitts Invitational visit our Facebook Photo Gallery Page.
Golf Ontario Announces 2017 Championship Schedule; Registration Opens January 23 at Noon
UXBRIDGE— The 2017 golf season is just around the corner and Golf Ontario is proud to announce it’s 2017 championship schedule, which will open for registration on January 23 at noon. Early registration comes with a discount, before prices increase 14 days before an event’s final entry deadline.
“We are once again excited to offer a full championship schedule to all golfers in Ontario,” said Golf Ontario Competitions Manager Larry Longo. “We are pleased to be heading to some of the best courses in the province in 2017 and thank those clubs for hosting our events.”
Once again, the schedule is highlighted by the Investors Group Ontario Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships, which will both be run from July 11-14. The men will take to Ambassador Golf Club in Windsor, while the women will tee it up at Galt Country Club in Cambridge.
The schedule features a full junior program, beginning with the Investors Group Spring Classics, May 20-22, at Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge (Boys) and Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Stouffville (Girls). The Investors Group Ontario Junior Boys’ and Girls’ Championships will also be contested during the same week, July 4-7. The boys will play The Rock Golf Club in Minett, while the girls will be at the Elmira Golf Club. One change this year for the juniors is that there will be no final qualifying. New exemptions have been created for juniors, largely base on Golf Ontario Junior Rankings (Junior/Juvenile/Bantam).
One more addition to the junior schedule is the introduction of a junior girls 9-Hole Learn to Compete series.
“Junior events have always been a staple of our championship schedule. By continuing to offer a variety of events to junior golfers, along with new initiatives like the 9-Hole Learn to Compete series, we hope to continue to grow the game at the grassroots level,” added Longo.
The Men’s Match Play Championship returns to the Lake Joseph Club in Port Carling (June 6-9). Lake Joseph hosted the event from 2007-2015 and Golf Ontario is please to be returning in 2017. On the women’s side, the Women’s and Junior Girls’ Match Play Championships will be contested together at Diamondback Golf Club in Richmond Hill, Aug. 8-9. There will be no on-site qualifying for these events this year, but rather participants and seeding will be based on final results from the Women’s Amateur and Junior Girls’ Spring Classic. This change means that in order to compete in the match play championships, players must participate in either the Junior Girls’ Spring Classic or Women’s Amateur.
The Investors Group Senior Women’s Championship will be once again be early in the schedule, as they will be at Wildfire Golf Club in Douro-Dummer, June 27-29. Meanwhile, the Investors Group Senior Men’s Championship will be held at Cedar Brae Golf Club, July 25-27. A change to the men’s championship is that the 60+ Division will now become a 65+ Division, a change that aligns with Golf Canada.
Team competitions officially open the season in Ontario with the Men’s Better Ball Championship at Oakdale Golf & Country Club on May 11. The George S. Lyon will see it’s second year in it’s new spot in the schedule, May 30, after moving from late in the season. This year’s field will be limited to the first 32 teams that register.
2017 should be another exciting golf season in Ontario. To register or view the 2017 schedule visit: https://gao.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gao17/schedule/full.htm?view=detailed&display=date
Happy Holidays from Golf Ontario
The Golf Ontario staff would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
Reminder, our office will be closed as of December 23 until January 9.
For all of our members, you can also now check out your Performance Report by simply logging into your Score Centre account.
We wish everyone the best and we’ll see you in the New Year for another golf season!
Golf’s Governing Bodies Announce New Local Rule: Local Rule: Accidental Movement of a Ball on the Putting Green
As golf’s governing body in Canada, Golf Canada, in conjunction with The R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA), has announced a new Local Rule which will come into effect January 1, 2017.
Along with the R&A and USGA, Golf Canada holds a unique position as the only other governing body that sits on the Joint Rules Committee.
Golf Canada will be implementing this Local Rule as part of their Standard Local Rules which will be formally ratified at their annual general meeting by the Rules and Amateur Status Committee. The Local Rule will be available for any committee in charge of a competition to use starting Jan. 1, 2017. It will be adopted by the USGA and The R&A in all of their championships, qualifying competitions and international matches. Golf Ontario has also opted to make this part of its Standard Local Rules and will be effective in all its qualifying and championships in 2017.
If a committee wishes to introduce this Local Rule, the following wording is recommended: “Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1 are modified as follows:
When a player’s ball lies on the putting green, there is no penalty if the ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved by the player, his partner, his opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment.
The moved ball or ball-marker must be replaced as provided in Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1.
This Local Rule applies only when the player’s ball or ball-marker lies on the putting green and any movement is accidental.
Note: If it is determined that a player’s ball on the putting green was moved as a result of wind, water or some other natural cause such as the effects of gravity, the ball must be played as it lies from its new location. A ball-marker moved in such circumstances is replaced.
Further reading:
R&A – Click here for The R&A News Release including video
13th Day of Golf Set to Offer Ultimate Golf Experience
Golf Ontario’s 12 Days of Golf has already been a huge success, raising thousands of dollars for the National Golf in Schools program here in Ontario. Even though today is the 12th Day, the campaign isn’t ready to close up shop for the holidays just yet.
Thanks to Golf Ontario’s partner, TaylorMade Golf Canada, the 13th Day is ready to roll out what can only be described as an ultimate conclusion to the 12 Days of Golf. Beginning tonight at midnight, four special packages will be posted in the 12 Days of Golf auction.
Included in the package will be:
• A brand new TaylorMade M1 or M2 driver (TBD at fitting)
• Custom fitting of the TaylorMade driver at the fitting centre in Woodbridge or at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville
• A dozen TaylorMade TP5 golf balls
• One spot to Play Like the Pros at Glen Abbey, July 31st, 2017 (The day after the final round of the RBC Canadian Open, with Sunday pin placements)
• A foursome, with carts and two meals, to Wooden Sticks Golf Club in Uxbridge
“We wanted to conclude the 12 Days of Golf on a significant note,” said Tracey McElrea, Golf Ontario Director of Business Development. “We think that this package provides a once in a lifetime opportunity that the diehard golfer won’t want to miss.”
Golf Ontario would like to extend a special thanks to TaylorMade Golf Canada for their generous contribution to the 12 Days of Golf. Thanks also to all of the golf courses for their generous donations and to everyone who has bid in the auction. For more information on the 12 Days of Golf visit: gao.ca/12Days.
Golf Ontario’s 12 Days of Golf Hits Midway Point
Today marks the midway point of Golf Ontario’s 12 Days of Golf fundraising campaign in support of the Golf in Schools program in the province. Golf Ontario has seen tremendous support from clubs donating foursomes and individuals bidding on auction items that, on average, have sold for $300, what incredible value!
Golf Ontario is excited to announce that there will be a special 13th Day of Golf, thanks to our partner TaylorMade Golf Canada. In conjunction with TaylorMade’s announcement of their 2017 product line, on Dec. 5, four special TaylorMade golf product/experience packages will be available for bidding on Dec. 13th. That means that if you liked what you saw at their product release, you will want to head to the auction for your chance to be one of the first golfers in the country to get your hands on some these new products!
In addition to the special products from TaylorMade, there are still great courses ready to make their debut in the 12 Days of Golf auction. Courses like; Glen Abbey, the site of numerous RBC Canadian Opens; Angus Glen GC a former Canadian Open, LPGA and World Junior Girls host site; and Mississaugua G&CC, 2016 World Junior Girls host, will all be up for bid in the next few days.
Add to that numerous courses in the Muskoka region like: Taboo, Muskoka Bay Club and Deerhurst along with Le Maître in Mont Tremblant, Quebec. The 12 Days of Golf not only gives you the chance to play amazing courses, but an excuse to have a mini getaway.
So remember to check back each day as items change at midnight! And make sure to visit the auction on Dec. 13th for epic items that you wont want to miss out on. More details about the special 13th Day are still to come, make sure to follow Golf Ontario social accounts to see more. For more information visit gao.ca/12days.
Team Ontario shares unique experience at Variety Village
To open their first training camp as a full squad, Golf Ontario’s U19 Team Ontario visited Variety Village in Scarborough on December 3. The team had a fun morning of team bonding and adaptive games lead by Archie Allison, Director, Access and Awareness at Variety Village.
In addition, the group experienced a special treat as they got to learn the basics of wheelchair basketball by surprise guest Wheelchair Basketball Canada’s Head Coach Steve Bialowas.
“It was an awesome morning that brought the team closer together as they shared experiences they will remember for a long time,” said Team Ontario Head Coach Reggie Millage. “Hopefully it also gave them some perspective on some of the obstacles that other athletes in ParaOlympic sports have to overcome.”
12 Days of Golf in support of the Golf In Schools Program Begins Today!
UXBRIDGE— Golf Ontario’s 12 Days of Golf Online Auction has officially begin! Kicking off on December 1st, this initiative creates an incredible opportunity to access foursomes at some of the most prestigious golf clubs in Ontario.
The campaign will run from Dec. 1st to the 12th with new items appearing each day. Bidders will have one day to bid on items before they are replaced with a new set.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the National Golf In Schools program in Ontario. A program that helps to introduce kids to golf through physical education classes.
“We have had tremendous support from Ontario golf clubs who have donated foursomes to the auction,” said Golf Ontario Director of Business Development Tracey McElrea. “The impact of their generosity will enable thousands of children to engage in our Golf in Schools program.”
Here is just a sample of the foursomes that will be available to bid on: Glen Abbey GC, Wildfire GC, Rattle Snake Point GC, Wyndance GC, Devil’s Pulpit, The Country Club, Grey Hawk GC, Essex G&CC, Greystone GC, The Lake Joseph Club, Mississaugua Golf & Country Club, The Briars GC and many more.
In addition, there will be some surprise items in the auction that are sure to excite even the most particular golfer. Just incase playing those courses isn’t enough for winning bidders, each foursome will be accompanied by a dozen TaylorMade golf balls. Once a foursome has been purchased, it will be wrapped exquisitely and couriered right to the purchaser’s address so that it is ready in time for the holidays.
More information on the 12 Days of Golf, including a link to the auction, can be found at gao.ca/12days.
About Golf In Schools
The national 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 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.
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.
Golf Ontario launches the 12 Days of Golf in support of the Golf In Schools Program
UXBRIDGE— With the holiday season right around the corner, Golf Ontario is ready to help shoppers find the perfect gift for the golfer on their list. Golf Ontario is proud to announce the 12 Days of Golf fundraising campaign, which will officially begin on December 1st and run until December 12th.
“This is a great way for golfers to purchase exclusive tee times to the best golf courses in Ontario,” said Golf Ontario Director of Business Development Tracey McElrea. Devil’s Pulpit, Wildfire Golf Club and Brampton Golf Club are just some of the exciting courses that will be up for grabs. “Our goal is to make this a one-stop shop for people looking for gifts for golf enthusiasts. Once a foursome has been purchased, it will be wrapped exquisitely and couriered right to the purchaser’s address so that it is ready in time for the holidays.”
The best part about the campaign is that all of the proceeds will go towards the Golf In Schools Program.
“We are pleased to be putting the proceeds towards the Golf In Schools Program in Ontario,” added McElrea. “The Golf In Schools Program helps to shape the lives of young people and reinforces values like integrity, respect and perseverance through the game of golf, all of which are core values of Golf Ontario.”
When the 12 Days of Golf begins on December 1, multiple foursomes will be available for auction each day. The items will only remain live in the auction for one day, so bidders are encouraged to check back each day to see what foursomes are available. Once the first day is complete, a new set of foursomes will be posted. 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 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 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.
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.