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.”

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.

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 12^th.

“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.

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.