Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to the game you love? 

Golf Ontario is now recruiting passionate volunteers for the 2026 season to help us deliver world-class championships and live our mission of ‘Shaping Lives by Connecting People to Positive Golf Experiences.’ 

Whether you can lend a few hours each month or take on a more regular commitment, your time and enthusiasm make a real difference. Our volunteers are the backbone of more than 100 qualifiers and championships each year, helping ensure that every event runs smoothly and professionally. 

Volunteer Roles 

Tournament Officials 

Tournament Officials assist in administering Golf Ontario Qualifiers and Championships throughout the season. These volunteers play key roles in registration, starting, scoring and monitoring pace of play. 
 
Each tournament is supported by Certified Referees, but Tournament Officials are essential for event execution and player experience. 
 
Assignments typically begin in late March, with efforts made to match volunteers to nearby events to minimize travel. New officials are often paired with experienced volunteers for training and mentorship. 

Referees 

Certified Referees play a critical role at Golf Ontario Provincial Qualifiers and Championships, as well as at events run by partner organizations such as the PGA of Ontario, Ontario Colleges, and Ontario Universities. 
 
To serve as a Referee, volunteers must have successfully completed at least Level 2 of Golf Canada’s Rules of Golf Education Program and demonstrate a strong understanding of the Rules of Golf. 
 
Referees work closely with fellow officials to apply the rules consistently, make confident decisions under pressure, and ensure fair play across all events. 
 
If you’re interested in becoming a Referee but haven’t yet completed the required training, you can start by applying as a Tournament Volunteer. Active Golf Ontario volunteers are eligible for rules education subsidies to support their certification journey. 

From Our Volunteers 

“As a volunteer with Golf Ontario, I feel that I am part of a professional organization dedicated to growing the game of golf. Golf Ontario has provided the resources, training, and support necessary to keep us engaged and feeling valued. I love the game, and volunteering with Golf Ontario is an extension of that passion.” 
— Theresa, Kralovensky Golf Ontario Volunteer 

How to Get Involved 

We’re currently welcoming applications from across Ontario, with particular need in the Niagara, London, Waterloo and Simcoe regions. 

Application deadline: December 19, 2025 
Learn more and apply: www.golfontario.ca/volunteering 
Questions? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@golfontario.ca 

Based in Ancaster, Ont., Steve Warrick is a dedicated volunteer who brings precision, passion, and a deep love for the game to his role as Course Rating Team Leader for the Hamilton region. With years of experience and a sharp eye for detail, Steve plays a vital part in ensuring the integrity and fairness of the game for golfers across the province. 

He joined Golf Ontario’s Course Rating team in 2019, shortly after retiring from his career. Encouraged by his daughter Alex Blaker (Golf Ontario’s Director of Business Operations), Steve saw it as the perfect opportunity to give back to a game that he loves.

Course rating plays a crucial role in maintaining fairness and consistency in the game. As Steve explains, “It’s a procedure used to determine the expected score of scratch and bogey players by evaluating course features like length, topography, and obstacles. The process ensures handicaps are transferable between courses, no matter how different they may be,” he says.   

One of the most rewarding parts of the role, he says, is discovering hidden gem courses and building lasting relationships along the way. 

“Some of the most memorable experiences have come from rating little-known courses I’d never have played otherwise, and connecting with great people at every stop,” he says 

Being part of the same organization as his daughter has made his volunteer journey even more meaningful.  

“Course rating has given me a better appreciation of what goes into determining a course rating and educates you more on the structure of a golf course, allowing me to become a better player because of it,” he says. “I am so glad Alex approached me back in 2019 to volunteer – I’ll do it as long as I am able to.” 

At the heart of Golf Ontario, our volunteers are the lifeblood in a variety of critical areas, including championships, rules, course rating, and governance on committees and our board of directors. They are the sport’s ambassadors and an essential part of our team, enabling us to deliver exceptional programming and experiences to golfers, partners, and industry stakeholders. 

Interested in becoming part of the Golf Ontario volunteer family? Find out more about the opportunities and rewards on our Volunteering Resource page HERE