SIMONS ISLAND, GA— It was a big day for Dundas’ Mackenzie Hughes on November 21, as he returned to the RSM Classic at Sea Island Resort to be one of four players competing in a playoff for the championship.

When all was said and done, Hughes sank an 18-foot par putt from off the green to claim his first PGA Tour victory with a four-day total of 17-under (61-67-68-69-265). In the process he became the first rookie in the past 20 years to go wire-to-wire for his first Tour win.

While it is the first PGA Tour win for Hughes, the 25-year-old does have a Web.Com Tour and a PGA Tour Canada win to his name. The win is not only a milestone for Hughes but also for the province of Ontario, which celebrates it’s first PGA Tour win since Mike Weir won the Fry’s Electronics Open in 2007.

“We are so proud of Mackenzie and his first win on the PGA Tour,” said Golf Ontario Executive Director Mike Kelly. “On behalf of everyone at Golf Ontario, we congratulate him and his family on this incredible accomplishment.”

Before turning professional in 2012, Hughes spent time competing in his home province as an amateur. Top three finishes at both the junior and amateur level earned him the right to represent the province on multiple occasions in inter-provincial competitions at Canadian championships. In 2012, not only did he win his second Canadian Amateur title, but Hughes also led Ontario to the Willingdon Cup as Inter-Provincial Team Champions.

In addition to competing in the inter-provincial championships, Hughes has also represented Ontario in the Can/Am Matches with the South Carolina Junior Golf Association. In 2012, he donned the maple leaf and represented Canada at the International Golf Federation (IGF) World Amateur Team Championships.

“As a junior and amateur golfer, Mackenzie has always been a tremendous ambassador for golf in Ontario and we wish him continued success on what promises to be a very successful career,” added Kelly.

Highlights from Golf Ontario’s inaugural Golf Jam, Sept. 11 at Hawk Ridge Golf Club in Orillia.

UXBRIDGE — Six players are returning to Team Ontario in 2017 and will be joined by 10 new faces as Golf Ontario is pleased to announce the newest installment of the squad. The 2017 team will see an even split of eight boys and eight girls.

After the 2016 season, the provincial team program was pleased to hear that a pair of team members had been selected to move up to Golf Canada’s National Development Squad. Golf Ontario is proud to see Richmond Hill’s Monet Chun and Langton’s Peyton Callens take the next step in their playing careers. Chun had been a member of the team since 2013, while Callens was a 2016 team member. Chun had numerous top finishes in 2016 including a win at CN Future Links Quebec. As for Callens, he too had a great season, highlighted by a win at the Investors Group Ontario Junior Boys’ Championship.

Returning to the team in 2017 are: Dunrobin’s Jake Bryson, Long Sault’s Ty Celone, Ontario Junior Girls’ Match Play Champion Markham’s Hailey McLaughlin, CN Future Links Ontario winner London’s Isabella Portokalis and Ontario Bantam Girls’ Champion Maple’s Alyssa DiMarcantonio. Also rejoining the team is Toronto’s Tyler Nagano who was a member in 2014.

New to the team in 2017 on the boys’ side will be: Ontario Juvenile Boys’ Champion Stoney Creek’s Johnny Travale, Mississauga’s Matthew Anderson, Mississauga’s Robbie Latter, Toronto’s Zack Mason and Guelph’s Anthony Occhiuto. As for the girls, new to the squad are: Ontario Peewee Champion Markham’s Victoria Zheng, Niagara Falls’ Emily Ward, Tilbury’s Hailey Katona, Toronto’s Cynthia Zhao and Toronto’s Sarah Beqaj.

Once again Reggie Millage will coach the team, his fourth season as Head Provincial Coach. He is joined by Strength and Conditioning Coach Nick Martichenko, Athletic Therapist Andrew Hoermann, and Mental Skills Coach Charles Fitzsimmons.

The team will once again be training throughout the winter at Peak Performance Golf in Vaughan. They will have a pair of fall camps, followed by winter warm weather camps and will conclude their off season with the Can/Am Matches, during March Break with the South Carolina Junior Golf Association at the Wachesaw Plantation Club in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.

“Golf Ontario is excited to put forward this year’s Team Ontario squad,” said Andrew Moss, Golf Ontario Director of High Performance. “Our expanded support of junior golf through Team Ontario activities builds on the ongoing local development being delivered by home PGA Professionals and personal coaches.”

2017 Team Ontario

About Team Ontario

Golf Ontario’s Team Ontario program is a high performance training program for the top junior aged golfers in Ontario. Athletes are selected in the fall each year and the program runs during the winter into the Ontario golf season. Team Ontario athletes receive the very best in coaching services, training/competitive opportunities, and sport science support. Being selected to Team Ontario is a tremendous accomplishment and offers unparalleled support and guidance to the participating athletes and their families.

UXBRIDGE — Golf Ontario would like to request that members ‘save the date’ for the 2017 Annual General Meeting. This year the meeting is moving to the spring to be more accessible to all members. The meeting will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at RattleSnake Point Golf Club in Milton. The format will also have new features including an awards reception to celebrate the 2016 Order of Merit winners. Complete details and registration information to come in early 2017.

A look at Ontario Golf in Schools programs with a basic background on how teachers can run the program themselves!

SCARBOROUGH— The lifeblood of Golf Ontario is truly the volunteers that make running events and services possible. On October 11, from Cedar Brae Golf & Country Club in Scarborough, those volunteers were celebrated with the annual Volunteer Appreciation Day. The volunteers got to walk the red carpet as they were recognized for all of their contributions, culminating with the presentation of the District Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award, and Honorary Life Director Award.

“To me, one thing that is irrefutable is that volunteers are the greatest resource we have,” said Golf Ontario President Chris Osborne, as he addressed those in attendance. “Thank you to all of our volunteers because without you we can’t do anything. We can’t run events, we can’t rate golf courses and we certainly can’t help juniors. The folks in this room are what makes the association run and I hope we always do a good job in letting you know how much we appreciate all of your efforts.”

Honorary Life Director— John Turner

Honourary Life Directors are recognized for their outstanding achievements through their involvement as a Committee and Board Member. This year Golf Ontario chose to recognize an individual who has made tremendous contributions to the association and golf in the province, John Turner.

Turner continues to support Golf Ontario as a Rules Official, Rules Educator and membership analyzes. He has served on the Golf Ontario Board of Directors, from 2010-2015, and as the Officials Development Chair. Turner has also spent time on the Finance, Sport and Membership committees. In addition, Turner has conducted online rules seminars to help educate and prepare officials for certification or re-certification.

He remains active at Golf Ontario championships as a Rules and Senior Rules Official.

Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award— Ralph Franchino

The Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award is considered the highest honour recognizing individual service to the game of golf in Ontario. The award is named after Richard H. Grimm, who was affectionately known as “Mr. Canadian Open” for his service to the event from 1965 to 1993. Golf Ontario’s Dick Grimm Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual’s meritorious service as a volunteer. Recipients of this award embody the principles of integrity, dignity and commitment, which are central to the volunteer experience and to Mr. Grimm’s persona.

The 2016 recipient is Ralph Franchino. A Golf Ontario Course Rater and Course Rating Team Leader for more than 15 years, Franchino has had tremendous relationships with the clubs he has rated and has always finished his rating assignments in a timely manner. He always welcomes new team members and takes extra time to help train and make each individual an effective rater. Franchino is a mentor for whomever he comes in contact with.

“I am very honoured to be associated with the noble Mr. Canadian Open,” said Franchino. “Personally, I believe this belongs to all of the volunteers because all of the ones I have met are so dedicated to promoting Golf Ontario and the game of golf.”

Volunteer of the Year— Jim Arbuckle

The Golf Ontario Volunteer of the Year Award has been designed to recognize and honour a Golf Ontario volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding performance and contributions while preserving the integrity and traditions of the game.

This year’s recipient is Jim Arbuckle. Arbuckle has been a volunteer for eight years as a Course Rater and occasional Tournament Official, when his schedule as a Course Rater permits. This year, Arbuckle stepped up to take on additional responsibilities for the Course Rating team, helping with team leader roles. Arbuckle is always willing to help and has acted as an additional Course GPS volunteer in the Waterloo district.

“This is overwhelming!” Said Arbuckle. “To me this means that I am part of a larger organization in Golf Ontario. I have a great team that I work with and they are part of this award. I have a great team at Golf Ontario that I work with as well.”

District Volunteer of the Year— Elaine Jackson and Colleen French

Golf Ontario’s District Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes volunteers who embody the spirit of volunteering and have shown dedication by making significant contributions in promoting, supporting and expanding golf within their district community.

This year, Golf Ontario honoured a pair of individuals with the award: Elaine Jackson and Colleen French. Jackson has been a volunteer in the Kingston District for four years. She negotiates with the clubs for tournaments, gets reduced entry fees for members and more importantly for juniors. Jackson has successfully added net flights to all district tournaments and has encouraged clubs to do likewise. Jackson is at every tournament and does registration, scoring and award presentations.

“This award means that I have been recognized by my peers and Golf Ontario for doing a great job, and that means a lot to me,” said Jackson.

French has successfully managed the Scarboro District for the past five years. She helped to establish an array of events that encourages all golfers within the district. For the last few years, they have run a Men’s Four-Ball event to try and build male participation within the district. Colleen is always willing to help where needed.

Golf Ontario would like to congratulate all of the award winners and send a special thank you to all of the Golf Ontario volunteers who make everything the association does possible.

UXBRIDGE— It is the end of an era at Golf Ontario as after 13 years, Director of Rules and Competitions, Dave Colling, has announced his retirement effective September 30.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my 13 years with Golf Ontario, but I am now looking forward to spending more time, especially in the summer, with my wife, children and grandchildren,” said Colling.

Colling and his staff were responsible for running Golf Ontario’s provincial championships, which were always top class and regarded as some of the best in the industry. Colling was instrumental in building the stature of Golf Ontario’s championships. He modernized the way Golf Ontario tournaments are now run, including the implementation of online registration and live scoring.

The announcement caps a career spanning more than 40-years in the golf industry. Colling also spent time as Executive Director of the Canadian PGA (PGA of Canada) and founded Ontario Golf News.

“We can’t thank Dave enough for his commitment to Golf Ontario and the sport in general over many, many years and wish him the very best,” added Mike Kelly, Golf Ontario Executive Director.

Colling was a dedicated member of the Golf Ontario team and always went above and beyond. While Golf Ontario is sad to see Colling go, we thank him for all of his contributions and wish him a happy retirement.

PETERBOROUGH— After being a member at the Kawartha Golf & Country Club for more than three-quarters of a century, 99-year-old Fraser Dunfield received a special honour on September 23, as the club unveiled a Verdin Clock commemorating Dunfield and his late wife Jean’s contributions to the club. Dunfield, who can still be found teeing it up multiple times each week, was part of a special ribbon cutting ceremony that saw a great turn out of friends, family and members.

Dunfield, who was born in Toronto, came to Peterborough when he took a job with General Electronics (GE) in 1936. After a meeting with GE Manager Carl Salmonsen, during a round of golf at Kawartha G&CC, Dunfield fell in love with the course.

Before joining Kawartha, Dunfield had success as a competitor winning the Humber Valley Junior and Weston Men’s titles. That success continued at Kawartha G&CC as he won numerous Midland League Championships, Club Championships (1937, 1940, 1943,1952), and City Championships (1947, 1949).

Dunfield also contributed to the game off the course as a director and governor with the Ontario Golf Association (Golf Ontario). He also spent 14 years as a Board Director, 33 years on executive committees, and 1965 as Club President at Kawartha G&CC.

In 1977, the club recognized him with an Honourary Life Membership and in 1993, Dunfield was inducted into the Peterborough Sports Hall of Fame. Dunfield has always been an important part of the club, something that can be seen annually as the club’s Men’s Match Play Championship awards the winner the Dunfield Cup. With the latest addition to the club, the clock in his honour, it serves as just another piece of recognition for a member whose presence has added to the rich history of the Kawartha G&CC.

Saso shoots 70 to claim individual medallist

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – The sun beamed through at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club to crown the Philippines as World Junior Girls team champions. Yuka Saso battled through a gusty day to claim individual medallist honours at the third edition of the annual event.

“I feel happy and honoured to win this trophy and this tournament,” said the 15-year-old Saso. “I feel happy [to be the gold medalist] because I was not expecting it, with this being [the Philippines’] first time in this tournament. Winning with this group is special because we have known each other since we were kids, so it makes me really happy.”

The native of Santa Rosa put forth another steady showing with a trio of birdies en route to a 2-under 70 final round. With a four-day total of 2-under 286, she completed the competition as the lone player to finish under-par. Alongside teammates Harmie Nicole Constantino of Taguig and Sofia Angela Legaspi from Quezon City, the trio combined to total 2-over 578 across the championship’s four rounds.

“This is the best feeling,” said Constantino, when asked about the team victory. “It is unexplainable to me, because no one expected it. We played our games and it turned out really well. We never had any doubts, we came here to win and we did.”

The significance of the tournament and the victory was not lost upon the 15-year-old Legaspi.

“It really means a lot to win this big event. It gives us a lot of experience and confidence. It also helps to get us college scholarships, so it is a big deal. The win could also inspire younger golfers in the Philippines to work hard and travel to events like this.”

The contingent representing last year’s winners, Team Korea, finished second – nine-strokes shy of the Philippines. The winners of the inaugural World Junior Girls Championship in 2014, Team USA, claimed third.

Jennifer Chang of Cary, N.C., opened the day with a share of sixth alongside Caterina Don of San Pietro Val Lemina, Italy. A 2-under performance propelled the 17-year-old Chang into the runner-up position, while a 71 moved the 15-year-old Don into third.

Céleste Dao from Notre-Dame-de-L’Île-Perrot, Que., and Richmond Hill, Ont., native Monet Chun shot identical 75s to finish with shares of 18^th as the top Canadians.

“Despite some difficult weather, we have had an exciting and memorable week,” said Tournament Director Mary Beth McKenna. “From our Junior Girls Skills Clinic and Coaching Summit with the PGA of Canada to a fantastic Junior-Amateur event with the Mississauga community and the tournament itself – we have showcased our sport in a positive light. I know all of our players have learned and grown through this competition and have gained some invaluable international experience.”

Additional information on the 2016 World Junior Girls Championship can be found on the tournament’s official website at www.worldjuniorgirls.com.

Philippines stays atop leaderboard in team competition

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – Threatening skies cast over Mississaugua Golf and Country Club during the second day of competition came to pass during the third round. Howling winds and waves of rain wreaked havoc throughout a tough day at the World Junior Girls Championship. Yuka Saso of the Philippines conquered the difficult conditions to retake sole possession of the lead in the individual competition.

A steady 1-over 73 showing with a pair of birdies has Saso at even-par 216. The 15-year-old holds a three-stroke advantage over teammate Harmie Nicole Constantino of Taguig, Du Mohan of Fujian, China and Hee-Jung Lim of Paju, Korea.

“I am happy and honoured to have the lead,” said Saso, a native of Santa Rosa. “I wasn’t expecting it though.”

For a third consecutive day, Saso, Constantino and teammate Sofia Angela Legaspi of Quezon City, hold the lead in the team competition at a combined 1-over 433.

“It wasn’t anybody’s expectation for us to be on top at the moment,” said Constantino, mirroring her teammate’s sentiments. “It was a challenge being an underdog coming into the tournament, [and proving] that you are more than that.”

While team competitions can offer a different dynamic in golf tournaments, Constantino appreciates the opportunity to not only play with teammates, but also familiar friends.

“It feels good,” said the 15-year-old. “I have known Yuka since I was eight and we have been together since, so it feels good to be with her now.”

The trio representing Korea – the defending team champions – holds second at 9-over, while 2014 winners Team USA sit third at a combined 13-over.

Jennifer Chang of Cary, N.C., reiterated the importance of past experience when looking ahead to the final round.

“They have played this event before, so I definitely want to get some tips and learn from them and see what I can do to make the team better,” explained the 17-year-old, in reference to her teammates – 2014 individual champion Mika Liu of Beverly Hills, Calif., and Elizabeth Wang of San Marino, Calif., who played in 2015. “[A podium finish] is very important to us. To come out and represent the United States is big, so we want to make our country proud.”

Leading the Canadians in the field with shares of 15^th at 11-over are Monet Chun of Richmond Hill, Ont., and Céleste Dao from Notre-Dame-de-L’Île-Perrot, Que.

The final round of tournament play will see players tee off at 8 a.m. Additional information from the competition is available here.