UXBRIDGE — Golf Ontario is pleased to announce the launch of a new Ontario Junior Ranking system. The new system features numerous changes from previous years including: the inclusion of results from all partner regional and national junior tours, updated points allocation for junior events meeting minimum standards, and an updated placing points allocation chart for different field sizes and competition types.

The Golf Ontario Junior Ranking system is structured with events that are categorized into maximum point values according to competition scope, length of event and relative strength of field. Point distribution for a given event will vary based on the total number of players in the field.

For 2016, the Golf Ontario Junior Ranking will include eligible events from April 30 to August 31. The top eight points scored will count towards the player’s respective age division 2016 Golf Ontario Ranking.   Public rankings will be maintained for Junior, Juvenile, and Bantam age divisions.

A key feature of the new system allows players to play ‘up’ an age division in events where separate recognized age divisions are contested, while still scoring points across all age divisions they are eligible for. This will better support players finding events that are best suited for their competitive needs, without sacrificing potential placement on their age-eligible season rankings.

In order to be eligible for the 2016 Golf Ontario Junior Ranking, players must be a permanent resident of Ontario, holding a valid OHIP card; be a member in good standing of Golf Ontario at a minimum level of a bronze membership; and have unquestioned status as an amateur golfer.

For junior tours to be partners on the Junior Rankings System they must sign on as partners with Golf Ontario, and adhere to the Golf Ontario ‘Tour Standards’. A list of recognized Golf Ontario Junior Tour partners will be maintained on the Golf Ontario website.   Partner tours will receive marketing and operational support from Golf Ontario.

“This an important day for Junior golf in Ontario. After years of work by Junior tour operators, and a workforce led by Mary Ann Hayward, we are now in a position to welcome all of our Regional and National Junior Tour partners into the Golf Ontario competitive pathway.   We know it takes great experiences at every stage of an athlete’s development to allow them to reach their fullest potential. The new rankings system and partnership with the Regional Junior Tours will help Golf Ontario better promote and celebrate these experiences.” said Golf Ontario High Performance Director, Andrew Moss.

More information about the new Junior Ranking system can be found on Golf Ontario’s website at: https://gao.ca/new-junior-rankings

Junior Ranking System Webinars

Golf Ontario High Performance Director Andrew Moss will be hosting Junior Ranking System information webinars next week (Wednesday, May 11 – 7p.m. EST and Thursday, May 12 – 8 p.m. EST). Both sessions will be recorded and posted for viewing on the Golf Ontario website.

Join the webinar from your computer, tablet or smartphone.   https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/961453493

To join the conference call: 416-645-1179 or toll free 1-888-289-4573 Access Code: 9818004.

UXBRIDGE— It was a night to honour the best in Ontario golf as Golf Ontario, along with Wooden Sticks Golf Course, hosted the 16^th annual Ontario Golf Hall of Fame ceremony on May 4.

This year, three inductees joined the list of who’s who in Ontario golf as journalist John Gordon, professional/teaching pro Patty Howard and former Golf Association of Ontario Executive Director Dave Mills joined the Hall as the 73^rd, 74^th, and 75^th members. In addition, journalist Bill ‘Skip’ Johns was honoured with the Lorne Rubinstein Media Award.

The event began with emcee Mark Zecchino, from TSN, welcoming all guests who packed the reception room at Wooden Sticks in Uxbridge.

Golf Ontario President Chris Osborne took to the stage next to congratulate all of the individuals being honoured. “We acknowledge all of tonight’s inductees’ contributions and accomplishments in the great game of golf, and through this induction ceremony wish to perpetuate the memory of their place in golf history.”

First up was the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award. Presenting the award was none other than Rubenstein himself who was honoured to give the award to his peer Bill ‘Skip’ Johns. Johns, a journalist for close to 60 years, brought smiles and laugher to the crowd as he did his best “athlete” acceptance speech before thanking all who made the award possible for him.

The first inductee to be honoured was John Gordon. Gordon, a golf journalist for more than 30 years, was involved in many aspects of the golf industry. In addition to his contributions in print, radio, television and online journalism, Gordon also held roles with Golf Canada, the Ontario Golf Association (now Golf Ontario), the NGCOA and Clublink. Gordon also helped to form the Professional Golf Management Program at Georgian College and is a published author of eight books.

During his speech, Gordon spoke about his passion to make the game more accessible and affordable, but emphasized to people to have faith in the game and to stop and admire it for what it currently is.

Next, Patty Howard joined the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame. Howard was a multiple-time winner as a professional and went on to become a successful teaching pro. She held numerous positions in the industry, many of which were a first for females. Her accomplishments helped to pave the way for women in golf today.

Howard talked about her passion for the game and how it continues to burn even to this day. “People don’t remember what you did but rather how you made them feel,” said Howard. It was evident from the guests, including the coach bus of supporters that accompanied Howard, that she had made an impact on many people.

Last but not least, former Golf Association of Ontario (Golf Ontario) Executive Director Dave Mills took his place in the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame. Mills, who started out as a volunteer on the Ontario Golf Association Board of Directors, went on to become the association’s Executive Director and led the organization out of a period of financial instability. He spearheaded a merger with the Ontario Ladies’ Golf Association to create one of the largest golf associations in the world. To this day Mills continues to be involved with the association as a volunteer.

Mills took the opportunity to talk about his favorite memories with the association including his numerous trips to championships with junior teams and mischief the players would find themselves in.

With that another Ontario Golf Hall of Fame ceremony came to a close. Golf Ontario would like to congratulate all of the inductees and award winner and thank everyone who made the event possible. A big thanks goes to Wooden Sticks for hosting the event and for all who attended the special evening.

NIAGARA FALLS — Some decent spring weather greeted 65 junior golfers at the second annual Golf Ontario Team Ontario Cup. The event, held April 22-24 at the Grand Niagara Golf Club in Thorold, concluded with Ottawa’s Jake Bryson capturing the boys’ Overall and Juvenile division, while Windsor’s Shawn Sehra took the Bantam title. On the girls’ side, the Overall and Juvenile divisions were won by Richmond Hill’s Monet Chun and London’s Isabella Portokalis while Maple’s Alyssa DiMarcantonio took top honours in the Bantam division.

In addition to the individual awards, the competition awarded team trophies to the best regional teams. Five regional teams (Ottawa, York, Waterloo, Niagara and Essex-Kent) along with Team Ontario players contested a two-round individual stroke-play format competition, with the top four boys, and top three girls, contributing to their team standing. The team competition was only open to the five regional teams. Taking the boys’ team trophy was Team York, and the girls’ team trophy went to Team Essex-Kent.

Final Girls Team results:

Essex-Kent    491 (+59)

York                499 (+67)

Niagara        525 (+93)

Waterloo     537 (+105)

Ottawa         596 (+164)

Final Boys Team results:

York                606 (+30)

Essex-Kent    623 (+47)

Ottawa         628 (+52)

Waterloo     636 (+60)

Niagara        650 (+74)

In the individual competition, 16-year-old Bryson, battled tough conditions and an erratic driver on day one and finished with an even-par 72. He went head-to-head with teammate Ty Celone, from Long Sault, on the second day, and shot a two-under 70, to win the Overall and Juvenile divisions by one stroke.

Taking the Bantam boys division was Team Essex-Kent member Shawn Sehra with two steady rounds of five-over 77 to finish 10-over for the tournament.

On the girls’ side, Chun of Team Ontario, took the early lead with a steady even-par 72 to take a three-stroke lead after day one. Day two saw some exciting action as her Team Ontario teammate Portokalis went out on the front nine and shot a blazing six-under and closed for a personal best five-under 67. Portokalis held a two-stroke lead as Chun played the closing hole, but after two shots to the side of the par-five 18^th green, Chun proceeded to chip in for an eagle to tie Portokalis for the Overall and Juvenile titles.

Winning the Bantam girls division was Team Ontario’s DiMarcantonio with a two-day total of seven-over 151.

Most Valuable Contributor

In addition to the on course championship, the event also featured a banquet on April 23, at the Marriott Gateway on the Falls hotel, where each team presented their Most Valuable Contributor (MVC) award.

The MVC award goes to the male and female on the team that best exemplifies: leadership, integrity, sportsmanship, team spirit and work ethic. Award winners are voted on by their teammates. Winning the awards for their squads were:

Team Essex-Kent – Brooke Mackinnon (Chatham), Shawn Sehra (Windsor), presented by Head Coach Randy McQueen

Team Niagara – Taylor Simoneau (St. Catharines), Matthew Gibson (Jordan), presented by Head Coach John White

Team Ottawa – Karianne Lefebvre (Ottawa), Tyler Read (Brockville), presented by Head Coach Adam Holden

Team Waterloo – Jillian Friyia (London), Dylan Henderson (Waterloo), presented by Head Coach Mike Martz

Team York – Madelin Boyd (Oshawa), Zack Mason (Toronto), presented by Head Coach Jeff Overholt

Team Ontario – Alexandra Naumovski (Brampton), Sam Meek (Peterborough), presented by Head Coach Reggie Millage

Ontario Summer Games Exemptions

Based on the results from the Team Ontario Cup, 15 exemptions were awarded for the upcoming Ontario Summer Games, August 9-12, in Mississauga. Gaining exemptions through their results at the Team Ontario Cup were, for girls: Karianne Lefebvre, Vaijayanti Bharkhada, Kyra Vandervoort, Shannon Coffey and Taylor Simoneau. As for boys, the following earned exemptions: Cameron Belanger, Ethan Johnston, Zack Mason, Eric (Joohyung) Byun, Eli Mathew, Carter Snowden, Luc Warnock, Shawn Sehra, Jason Maloney and Mathew Gibson.

Golf Ontario would like to thank our volunteer officials – Ian and Ruth Giles and Randy Millage, and the staff at both the host club Grand Niagara and Marriott Gateway on the Falls, for all of their efforts in pulling off this great event. For full individual and team results click here: https://gao.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gao16/event/gao16221/contest/1/leaderboard.htm

World’s top female juniors to gather in Ontario from September 25-30

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – The stage has been set for the world’s best female junior golfers to put their skills on display at the third annual World Junior Girls Championship. Mississaugua Golf & Country Club in Mississauga, Ont., will play host to the tournament from September 25-30 as the world’s premier 18-and-under players gather to compete in both team and individual competition.

“We are thrilled to announce Mississaugua Golf & Country Club as the host of this year’s World Junior Girls Championship. The tournament is a great opportunity for Golf Canada to showcase another of the nation’s tremendous courses and to further the development and skill of this talented group of young women,” said Tournament Director Mary Beth McKenna.

Mississaugua Golf & Country Club boasts more than a century of rich history, having played host to a number of the country’s most prestigious championships. The course exemplifies the challenge and craftsmanship of renowned architect Stanley Thompson, who was instrumental in designing Mississaugua’s last round of major modifications in 1928. Stretching out over the Credit River, the 240-acre course has welcomed the RBC Canadian Open on six occasions – most recently in 1974.

Conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario and supported by the International Golf Federation and the R&A, the 2016 edition of the World Junior Girls Championship will bring together 48 of the top 18-and-under female golfers from around the globe with 15 different countries slated to participate. As hosts of the event, Canada will feature two three-member teams in the competition.

“We could not be more excited to once again bring the World Junior Girls Championship to Ontario,” said Mike Kelly, Executive Director of Golf Ontario. “Mississaugua Golf & Country Club is an exceptional venue that will serve as a fantastic backdrop for this competition. We greatly appreciate the support of our generous sponsors and partners without whom this championship would not be possible. We look forward to seeing the Mississauga golfing community rally around this wonderful event.”

The inaugural World Junior Girls Championship in 2014 saw teams from across the globe take on Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ont. Mika Liu of Beverly Hills, Calif., captured individual honours in leading Team USA to victory. Playing in her final event as an amateur, Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., finished fourth as Canada One claimed bronze.

The second edition of the tournament was staged at Ottawa’s The Marshes Golf Club. The team representing the Republic of Korea completed a wire-to-wire victory to secure the team title. Hye-jin Choi, a native of Paju-si, South Korea, registered a seven-stroke victory with a 12-under performance.

In addition to the 72-hole team and individual competitions, the World Junior Girls Championship will be a celebration of the sport with a specific focus on the development and promotion of junior girls golf. In the days leading up to tournament play, Golf Canada will host a PGA of Canada coaches clinic and a girls skill development clinic.

“This world-class competition provides us with the opportunity to foster the continued growth and collaboration between the world’s governing bodies in the sport,” said Scott Simmons, CEO of Golf Canada. “We are proud to once again conduct this championship in support of these fine athletes and to aid in raising the profile of junior girls golf.”

The competition’s first round will begin on Tuesday, September 27. The tournament’s closing ceremonies will immediately follow the conclusion of play on Friday, September 30.

ABOUT THE WORLD JUNIOR GIRLS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

The World Junior Girls Golf Championship is an annual event conducted by Golf Canada in partnership with Golf Ontario. The international competition features three-player teams of 18-and-under athletes. As host country, Canada will field two of the tournament’s 16 teams competing over 72 holes for both individual and team honours. The event receives funding from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport; the Golf Canada Foundation (Women’s Golf Fund); Sport Canada; and the R&A. Admission and parking for the World Junior Girls Golf Championship is free. For more information, visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.

GOLF ONTARIO supports the Association’s commitment to leading and supporting a new golf community in Ontario.

UXBRIDGE – Golf Ontario is being unveiled in conjunction with the launch of the association’s new five-year strategic plan. Following an extensive process, which began in 2014, the new Strategic Plan points to a reinvention of the current state of the association and a reconnection with golfers and industry partners focused on a clear vision, mission and set of values. Golf Ontario will ultimately break down the walls of bureaucracy and introduces a more welcome community for all golfers and the golf industry as a whole.

“Golf is a game for life enjoyed by tens of thousands of Ontarians. Golf Ontario will be the driving force to introduce more people to golf while enhancing the experience of those who have already discovered this great game,” stated Christian Osborne, Golf Ontario President. “In conjunction with Golf Canada, all partners and stakeholders, Golf Ontario will invest, support and grow golf through community based grassroots strategies. Golf can be for everyone regardless of age, race, ability or means. I am excited for the future and especially the leading role Golf Ontario will play.”

The Strategic Planning process involved reaching out to multiple stakeholder groups within the industry to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the association, and how the association could improve in the future. The analysis of both primary and secondary research resulted in a new vision, a new mission, new values and new strategic pillars that will provide Golf Ontario a road map for the next five years. It is Golf Ontario’s aspiration to become the best Provincial Sport Organization in Canada by 2020 by evolving the sport and establishing a structure to ensure golf’s success into the future.

“We strive to align with all golf stakeholders through a connected golf community which will drive more people to play more golf, more often and most importantly while starting at a younger age,” said Golf Ontario Executive Director Mike Kelly. “All strategic pillars point to Golf Ontario becoming refocused on leading and supporting our industry partners to the benefit of golfers across the province.”

The revised, refined and refocused vision and mission, along with the newly developed strategies and tactics, position the Golf Ontario brand in its leadership role for golf across Ontario.

Vision: Golf is and will always be the most popular sport in Ontario

Mission: To provide leadership and support for all Ontarians to enjoy golf as a lifelong sport

Strategies:

1. Transform our relationship with golfers in Ontario
2. Build communities of golf across Ontario
3. Provide leading high performance junior player development programs
4. Support the development of golf with a diversified revenue generation strategy
5. Transform the organization to deliver on the new plan and meet its mission

These strategies will be supported by a new governance structure which will see certain traditional operational committees evolve into Golf Advisory Teams (GAT). The GAT’s will be led by senior staff and made up of industry representatives and content experts in specific areas. These teams will ensure that all new or revised programs and initiatives align with the strategies and tactics within the new plan and include insight for Golf Ontario’s industry partners.

Along with the strategic plan and brand, comes a new visual identity for the association.

“The new Golf Ontario logo is clean and crisp. It maintains certain elements that establish professionalism that one would expect from a provincial sport organization, and it clearly brings together ‘golf’ and ‘Ontario’ so that all who come into contact with it know exactly what it represents,” stated Kyle McFarlane, Director of Marketing and Communications for Golf Ontario. “We feel it’s also very approachable and the removal of the words “Association of” will help remove any stigma that Golf Ontario is only for private clubs and their members. As part of our goal to create a more welcoming golf community we are making it easier for golfers to relate to our brand.”

The new visual identity will make its way into all Golf Ontario programs in 2016 including ‘Golf Barrie’ our first of many golf communities to be built across the province. Golf Ontario invites all golfers, industry partners and Ontarians to visit GAO.ca to learn more about the new Strategic Plan.

UXBRIDGE — Since 1996 Golf Ontario has been awarding scholarships to deserving student golfers throughout the province. In the 10 years since the program was established more than $480,000 has been awarded.

The program is supported by partners including: including the Estate of Ken McKenzie, Investors Group, the Craig Revell memorial Award Fund, the Helena Harbridge Award Fund and the Christine Fisher Memorial Student Award Fund.

Requirements for Golf Ontario Scholarships are that recipients maintain at least a 75% academic average, are enrolled in a post secondary institution, are members of Golf Ontario and are actively involved in the game of golf.

Thanks to Golf Ontario Scholarships, many recipients have gone on to do great things in the golf industry. Recipients such as: Picton’s Casey Ward – an amateur competitor who is now giving back to the game by volunteering, Whitby’s Shaun Hall – who turned an internship with Golf Ontario into a full-time career, and Jaime Steedman the Head Teaching Professional at the Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto. 

Casey Ward

Casey Ward received a Golf Ontario Scholarship in 2007 and graduated from Queens University in 2011 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Honours Kinesiology. “It was an honour to be recognized for both academic and on-course performance from an organization that had played an important role in my development, and continues to this day,” said Ward.

Receiving the scholarship encouraged Ward to find ways to give back to the game of golf. After completing a Masters in Kinesiology, specializing in Biomechanics, at Cal State Fullerton, Ward went on to conduct golf footwear research for Nike. Recently, she participated as a support team member for Golf Ontario’s Provincial and Regional teams spring training camps in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Shaun Hall

After receiving a Golf Ontario Scholarship in 2010, Shaun Hall graduated from Durham College in 2013 after completing the Sports Management Program. “I was very honoured and grateful to be award with a Golf Ontario Scholarship.  I knew that there were a number of very qualified applicants, and felt honoured that I was selected to be one of them,” said Hall.

As an Intern with Golf Ontario, Hall realized that a career in the golf industry was within his grasp. After using Golf Ontario’s support to go back to school, Hall joined Golf Ontario on a full-time basis as Handicapping and Course Rating Coordinator. He still maintains his relationship to the industry by working for Golf Ontario.

Jaime Steedman

In 2005 Steedman received a Golf Ontario Scholarship while she was attending the University of Waterloo. She graduated in 2006 with an honours degree in Political Science. “Being awarded a Golf Ontario Scholarship meant a lot to me.  The financial assistance was incredibly appreciated, and needed. It meant that I could continue to focus on my studies and varsity golf with a little less financial stress,” said Steedman.

Not only did Steedman receive a Golf Ontario scholarship, but she also spent time as a Golf Ontario intern and credits her experiences with the association to where she is today. Currently, Steedman is the Head Teaching Professional at the Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto. She has been involved in the golf industry for over 12 years now, and previously was an Associate Professional & Jr. Academy Coordinator at the Hamilton G&CC and was a Teaching Professional & Jr. Girls’ Coach at the Glen Abbey Academy in Oakville.

For more information on Golf Ontario scholarships and to apply go to: https://gao.ca/supporting-the-game/financial-assistance/gao-scholarship-program/