Golf Ontario

Teeing Up 90 Years of Family, Fun, and Fairways: The Father & Three Sons Classic 

Rooted in tradition and driven by family, the Father & Three Sons Classic is where generations come together through the game they love. 

In 2025, the Father & Three Sons Classic celebrates an incredible milestone: its 90th anniversary. What began in 1935, has grown into a beloved experience and meaningful tradition for families that bring fathers and their sons together for a weekend of friendly competition, shared laughs, and lasting memories. 

Michael Boyer and his sons, Jason, Ryan and Brandon will host this year’s event at Monterra Golf at Blue Mountain, a perfect setting to celebrate 90 years of good golf and great company

Open to families with a father and three (or more) sons, the event embraces all ages and abilities – with players ranging in age from 9 to 87 years old, and from beginners to seasoned golfers. Whether it’s your only round of the year or one of many, the Classic offers an inclusive and memorable experience for everyone involved. 

Though it first began as a formal competition, the tournament has evolved into a yearly celebration for families. With relaxed pairings and a focus on fun over scorecards, it’s less about the leaderboard and more about making memories together. 

Ken Lancaster serves as treasurer of the Father and Three Sons Golf Classic committee—a board formed in 2022 and made up of four fathers and three sons, dedicated to preserving the tournament’s legacy and guiding its future.

 “It is all about family,” says Lancaster. “What an amazing time to spend with my sons, and just as special to see other fathers doing the same.”

“What drew me to the event was that it was for my dad,” says Cam Lancaster, one of Ken’s sons. “I had never seen a brotherhood like we’ve built with the Father and Three Sons.”

That sense of connection is what sets the tournament apart. “Unlike other golf events, which are based on geography or club affiliation, this one is open only to families with a father and at least three sons who enjoy golf,” says committee chair Gary Issacs. “That’s what unites us, but every family comes from different places and walks of life.”

“Other events are largely about scoring,” says committee member Ernie Coetzee. “This tournament is primarily about family, and about a shared experience with other families that have become friends.”

As the Father & Three Sons Classic celebrates its 90th anniversary, it reflects the community, history, and connection that make golf matter, while supporting Golf Ontario’s mission to grow the game and bring people together!

The 2025 tournament takes place on August 15.

To learn more or register your family, visit: fatherandthreesons.ca

GAO Golf Ontario Match Play Championship

2025 Ontario Men’s & Senior Men’s Match Play Championship Tees Off at Tarandowah

The 2025 Ontario Men’s & Senior Men’s Match Play Championship returns to Tarandowah Golfers Club from June 2–5, uniting Ontario’s top 96 amateur golfers for a premier showcase of skill and strategy in a match play format.

Among this year’s competitors, Josh DiCarlo (Men’s Division) and Darren Shaw (Senior Men’s Division) headline the field as the defending champions, both aiming to repeat their impressive 2024 victories.

Tarandowah’s challenging layout has proven to be an ideal setting for this format. “Tarandowah was built for a Match Play Championship,” said Mason Cowan, Coordinator of Competitions at Golf Ontario. “Golfers will need to keep their ball in the fairway to stay out of trouble. Wind can play a major factor into a lot of shots as well. A true links style course, that can pose a challenge for all competitors.”

Cowan also emphasized what he hopes players take from the experience:

“It’s an honour to play best on best, and they’ve earned their way into this event by playing great golf. Tarandowah is a tough course that can test a player’s mental toughness.”

This year’s field is stacked with past champions and rising stars.
In the Men’s division, keep an eye on:
• Cam Pero – 2023 Men’s Amateur Champion
• Charles Fitzsimmons – Two-time past Match Play Champion
• Zachary Smith – 2024 Runner-Up & former Team Ontario athlete

In the Senior Men’s division, top contenders include:
• Dave Bunker – Three-time Men’s Match Play Champion and multi-time Golf Ontario titleholder
• Adam Creighton – 2024 Senior Amateur Champion
• David Greenaway – 2019 Senior Amateur Champion

The match play format adds a unique intensity to the event.
“Match Play is a style of golf that really challenges competitors to maintain mental toughness,” Cowan added. “Players are constantly experiencing highs and lows in a match play round, hole-by-hole. Factoring in the great layout Tarandowah has to offer, this will be another exciting Men’s & Senior Men’s Match Play Championship.”

Ted Pease, General Manager of Tarandowah, also shared his excitement:

“Tarandowah provides a great challenge for all golfers and is truly a top-tier match play venue. The course is in great shape, and we hope all competitors enjoy their experience here.”

Stay Connected

Live Scoring, Pairings & Results: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11289510399092771225 

Full Player Roster: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11289510362753321323 

For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook.

Adaptive Golf Ontario Parasport Games

Golf Debuts at the 2025 Ontario Parasport Games at Cardinal Lakes  

From May 31 to June 1, Welland, Ont., welcomes athletes from across the province for the 2025 Paragames Ontario Championship, held as part of the Ontario Parasport Games. 

Hosted at the scenic Cardinal Lakes Golf Club, the event will showcase skill, resilience, and passion of para-athletes, celebrating both high-level competition and the inclusive spirit of the game of golf. 

The Ontario Parasport games are a multi-sport event bringing together athletes with disabilities to compete in various sports. For the first time in the games’ history, golf will be included, marking a major step forward for inclusivity in the sport. 

According to James Murphy, executive director of Parasport Ontario, support from provincial sport organizations like Golf Ontario plays a crucial role in the continued development of para-athletics. 

“It’s important for sport organizations like Golf Ontario to support events like this to showcase their commitment to adapted sport and inclusion,” says Murphy. “From grassroots programming to performance pathways, this tournament is an essential step in creating meaningful competitive opportunities for para-athletes.” 

John Lawrence, director of competitions at Golf Ontario, agrees that the addition of golf to the games is a major milestone. 

“This is a unique opportunity, and it’s the first time we’ve played golf in these games,” Lawrence says. “Playing in a golf championship is exciting on its own, but to be a part of something bigger like a multi-sport event adds a whole new level of experience for these athletes.”  

This year’s championship also builds on Golf Ontario’s long-term commitment to growing opportunities for para-athletes.  

“In Ontario, there’s currently one provincial championship, which is the Adaptive Open, but now this adds another competitive experience for players,” Lawrence adds.  

The impact of the championship is expected to reach beyond sport and into the community. 

“It is the hope people are able to go out and watch these amazing para golfers in action at Cardinal Lakes,” says Dan Kennedy, executive director of Sport Niagara. “This will hopefully translate to more people in the Niagara community getting inspired by what they see and what can be possible with the right support, guidance and adaptation and removing any barriers to participation,” he says, adding, “this is the lasting legacy that will hopefully occur from the games and showcasing this provincial excellence in paragolf and many other great parasports at these Ontario Parasport Games.” 

For more on the Ontario Parasport games and the full schedule of events, visit www.niagara2025ontarioparasportgames.ca     

For more information about the 2025 Para Golf Championship, CLICK HERE

1000 Ball Challenge GAO Golf Ontario

Special Olympics Ontario – Thunder Bay Takes on the 1000 Ball Challenge to Fundraise for Athletes to Fundraise for Golf Programs

The Special Olympics Ontario – Thunder Bay chapter is gearing up for their first-ever 1000 Ball Challenge! On September 13th, Thunder Bay will gear up to raise important funds at Northern Light Golf Complex. This fundraising initiative will help local athletes with disabilities access essential golf resources — including tee times, coaching, equipment, and travel — ensuring they have every opportunity to pursue their passion for the game.

“Special Olympics Ontario – Thunder Bay is making history as the first Northern Ontario team to take on the 1000 Ball Challenge,” said Raphael Root, Fund Development Manager at Golf Ontario. “This groundbreaking effort could open the door for even more opportunities across the region. Adaptive golf is key to our Golf For All vision, and through partnerships like this, we’re turning that vision into reality.”

The event also reflects a growing collaboration between Special Olympics Ontario and Golf Ontario, both committed to breaking down barriers and making golf more inclusive and accessible.

“Our program currently supports 37 registered athletes,” said Nancy Rissanen of Special Olympics Thunder Bay. “Being in Thunder Bay, travel for tournaments is a major expense. Fundraisers like this are key to making competition possible for everyone.”

“It’s vital that we work with organizations like Golf Ontario,” Rissanen added. “Everyone deserves the chance to be active and involved in sport. We’re proud to host this event and strengthen our golf program for athletes across the region.”

How to Get Involved

There are two great ways to support Special Olympics athletes in Thunder Bay:

Everyone who fundraises and joins the team is invited to take part in the event on September 13th at Northern Light Golf Complex, where each team will aim to hit 1,000 golf balls in support of local athletes.

This is more than just a challenge — it’s a chance to empower athletes and help grow the game of golf in Ontario.

Questions? Contact Raphael Root, Fund Development Manager at Golf Ontario, at rroot@golfontario.ca.

championship GAO Golf Ontario Junior Girls' Spring Classic

Nobelle Park Captures 2025 Ontario Junior Girl’s Spring Classic Title at FireRock

The 2025 Ontario Junior Girls’ Spring Classic concluded May 20th at FireRock Golf Club, with Nobelle Park of RattleSnake Point Golf Club capturing the title once again after a composed final round of 71. Park finished the 54-hole championship at 10-under-par (209), opening with back-to-back rounds of 69 before sealing the win on the final day.

“This means my hard work has paid off,” said Park. “Working out and keeping my game together during the winter means that I did everything right—and it really builds my confidence.”

Kaprice Park, also of RattleSnake Point, placed second at 3-under-par (216), followed by Cindy Yan of Golf Canada ClubHouse in third at 2-under-par (217).

Known for its elevation changes, tight fairways, and demanding greens, FireRock provided a true championship test. Park navigated the course with confidence and consistency, pulling ahead with steady play down the stretch. 

The Spring Classic once again showcased the impressive depth of talent emerging through Ontario’s junior golf ranks. From experienced competitors to rising stars in the U17 division, the field demonstrated maturity, resilience, and high-level shot-making throughout the week. Park’s back-to-back victories underscored both her dominance and the overall strength of competition—highlighting a bright future for junior golf in the province.

For full results, click here.

Follow @thegolfontario for more highlights, photos, and player features.

GAO Golf Ontario Spring Classic

Dawson Lew wins Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic

Wyndance Golf Club’s Dawson Lew delivered a clutch final-round 66 at Wooden Sticks Golf Club to win the 2025 Ontario Junior (U19) Boys Spring Classic, finishing at an impressive 11-under-par.

Lew’s stellar Tuesday performance pushed him past a competitive field, narrowly edging out the runner-up by a single stroke to claim the title. His consistency and composure under pressure were key in securing his latest victory.

In addition to winning the overall title, Lew also led the U17 category — finishing an impressive nine strokes ahead of the next closest competitor in that age group.

With the top-five finish, Lew, alongside Spencer Shropshire, Luke Smith, Rylan Hall, and Eric Zhao, has officially earned a spot in the 2025 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, set for August 12–15 at Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club in Bathurst, New Brunswick. Notably, all three podium finishers — Lew, Shropshire, and Smith — are members of Team Ontario.

Already a two-time champion — holding titles as the Ontario Juvenile Boys’ Champion and MJT Team Challenge winner — Lew’s latest win at the 2025 Spring Classic continues to solidify his status as one of the province’s top junior talents.

For the full leaderboard, Click Here.

Golf Ontario team ontario

Next Up: 2025 Junior Spring Classics 

With early-season momentum building, Ontario’s rising young golf stars are set to make their mark as the Junior Spring Classics return to the spotlight.

Two Venues, One Mission:

From May 18th-20th, 2025, Junior Spring Classics return at two distinct venues: FireRock Golf Club will host the Junior Girls, while Wooden Sticks Golf Club welcomes the Junior Boys.

FireRock’s course challenges players with mature trees, elevation changes, and a layout that demands strategic tee shots, while Wooden Sticks offers a creative test with holes inspired by some of golf’s most iconic designs.

“The Ontario Junior Girls Spring Classic is more than a competitive event; it is a cornerstone of Ontario’s Junior Golf Pathway” says Mason Cowan, Coordinator of Competitions. “It allows them to find confidence in their game early in the year. It’s also an honour to play in a provincial championship. These junior girls should be proud of this accomplishment and carry that momentum beyond the Spring Classic.”

Past Champions, Future Stars: 

The tournament has a history of showcasing emerging talent who progress to represent Ontario and Canada at higher levels. Notable past junior girls participants include:

  • Michelle Xing: Team Canada member
  • Shauna Liu: Team Canada member and Ontario Junior Girls’ Spring Classic past champion (2023)
  • Nobelle Park: Team Ontario & Team Canada member, Defending Junior Girls’ Spring Classic Champion, 2025 Ontario Junior Players Invitational Champion

On the boys’ side, past participants include: 

Luke Smith, Spencer Shropshire, Chase Jerome, Dawson Lew, Jordan Hwang, Rylan Hall, Bode Stephen, Gabriel Mainella, Joseph Totino – all Team Ontario athletes.

Click here for pairings and leaderboard:

For updates, highlights, and live scoring throughout the tournament, follow along @thegolfontario on Instagram, Facebook

1000 Ball Challenge GAO Golf Ontario

Zael Miransky Leads the Way in the 1000 Ball Challenge

Zael Miransky is going above and beyond in this year’s 1000 Ball Challenge, raising nearly $6,000—the highest total to date of any participant.

The 1000 Ball Challenge is part of Golf Ontario’s Golf For All Fund, an initiative dedicated to breaking down barriers and expanding access to golf across the province. The fund supports programming for youth, girls and women, Indigenous communities, and adaptive golfers.

Zael’s outstanding efforts have not gone unnoticed.

“We’re thrilled to see passionate participants like Zael take on the 1000 Ball Challenge and reach their fundraising goals,” said Raphael Root, Fund Development Manager at Golf Ontario. 

“Not only are they earning incredible golf incentives, but they’re also helping advance ‘Golf For All’ across Ontario. We encourage more fundraisers to follow Zael’s lead and help make a lasting impact through golf. We’ll be cheering Zael on this summer as he takes on the incredible feat of hitting 1,000 golf balls.”

Mark Young, Director of the GTA AM Tour, echoed that sentiment:

“Zael is an excellent example of what The GTA AM Tour Community is all about. People within The tour community understand, on some level, that it is about something larger than any one of us. To that end, I believe there is an understanding that it really is about ‘other’ and not about the individual.”

When asked what “Golf For All” meant to him, Zael shared a personal perspective that perfectly captured the spirit of the initiative:

“Golf For All means inclusivity. As possibly the most expensive sport in the world, but with some of the best common values, Golf For All is an opportunity to share in the privilege and joy of a game rooted in personal growth, self-learning and personal achievements. While team sports are great, there is nothing quite like the feeling of being up against only yourself, surrounded by nature.”

Zael’s motivation wasn’t tied to a specific cause or connection, but to a love for the game—and a desire to help others discover that same passion:

“There wasn’t any special personal reason. As someone who has fallen in love with the game and the sport, I can’t think of a better way to show my appreciation and love for it than expanding it to a wider audience.”

“I will say I have an 11-month-old, though. And I can’t wait until I can share the love of the game with him. For those who don’t have parents who are privileged enough to be able to get them out golfing, I thought to myself, what better way to honour being a new dad than to help kids who can’t afford to play get out there.”

Zael’s dedication to the 1000 Ball Challenge shows how one golfer’s passion can inspire others to give back and help make the sport more accessible. Whether you’ve been playing for years or are new to the game, this challenge is a powerful way to connect with the golf community in Ontario and support the Golf For All mission while earning incredible golf rewards!  

As Zael gears up to hit 1,000 balls, we invite you to step up and get involved. 

Make an impact like Zael and take on The 1000 Ball Challenge Today!

Champion of Champions GAO Golf Ontario

Winners Crowned at 2025 Champion of Champions

Six winners were crowned Wednesday at The Club at Bond Head for the 2025 Ontario Champion of Champions.

This championship featured a field of 230+ players—the largest of the season—drawn from various clubs throughout Ontario, with each participant a club champion from their respective home club. 

The event took place on the North and South courses at The Club at Bond Head, with competitors competing for titles in various divisions including Men’s, Women’s, Junior Boy’s, Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s, and Junior Girl’s.

Winners

Will Hindemit of The Club at North Halton won the Junior Boys’ Division after an 3-under-par 68. 


Riviera Lindholm of St. George’s Golf and Country Club won the Junior Girls’ Division after an 2-under-par 71. 


Jamaal Moussaoui of  Cataraqui Golf and Country Club won the Men’s Division after a 2-under-par 69.


Julia Alexander-Carew of Credit Valley Golf & Country Club won the Women’s Division after a 4-over-par 74.


Mark Brewer of Whitevale Golf Club won the Senior Men’s Division after a 1-under-par 71.

Carolyn Gallinger of Meadowbrook Golf Club won the Senior Women’s Division after a 4-over-par 77.

For the FULL LEADERBOARD, CLICK HERE.

View photos from the event here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1272215357920022&type=3

Golf Ontario The Club at Bond Head

Legacy on the Links: Milestone Spotlights from Across Ontario: The Club at Bond Head

Golf Ontario congratulates The Club at Bond Head in Beeton, Ontario, on its 20th anniversary. Since opening in 2005, the club has established itself as a standout golf destination in Ontario golf, offering two distinct championship courses designed by Hurdzan-Fry. For the past 2 decades, Bond Head has been crucial in forming Ontario’s golf scene thanks to its panoramic views, innovative course design, and consistent commitment to hosting significant events.   

Early acclaim helped set the tone for Bond Head’s legacy, with the club earning national recognition as “Best New Course in Canada” by Travel & Leisure Golf and being named one of the “Top New Courses” by Golf Digest.

To commemorate this milestone year, Bond Head will maintain its tradition of organizing and hosting top-tier competition. In 2025, the club will host a number of events, including Golf Ontario’s prestigious Champion of Champions on May 14, a province-wide celebration of club champions, as well as several junior and amateur competitions throughout the season. These events demonstrate the club’s continuous dedication to developing the game and providing a platform for talent at all levels.

Bond Head’s unique dual-course design offers golfers two separate championship experiences on one property. The South Course is broad and open, modelled after classic links-style golf, but the North Course is more tree-lined, with numerous hills and dramatic elevation changes. This contrast provides golfers with a distinct option and contributes to the club’s status as a must-visit location for players of all skill abilities. 

In October of 2024, the club further showed its creative side by hosting the “400some”:  a one-of-a-kind event organized by Random Golf Club and Golf Town. The idea was simple but bold, to bring 400 golfers together to play the same hole at the same time. It wasn’t a competition, but a celebration of community, inclusivity, and the joy of the game. The event drew players of all skill levels and backgrounds, turning a regular fairway into a shared experience. It was a memorable moment that reflected Bond Head’s commitment to innovation and its ongoing efforts to make golf more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

As The Club at Bond Head celebrates 20 years of impact, it continues to reflect the values at the heart of Ontario’s golf community – excellence, inclusivity, and innovation. Its commitment to hosting events, welcoming all levels of play, and embracing bold ideas aligns closely with Golf Ontario’s Golf for All vision.