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

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!

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

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.

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 13^th 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. 13^th. 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. 13^th for epic items that you wont want to miss out on. More details about the special 13^th Day are still to come, make sure to follow Golf Ontario social accounts to see more. For more information visit gao.ca/12days.

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.