UXBRIDGE, Ont. – 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 re-connection 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.

ACTON, Ont. – Situated on the highest point in the Niagara region overlooking Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, the Niagara River and the city of Niagara Falls, Lookout Point Country Club is an impressive venue unto itself.

The 1922 Walter Travis designed gem is home to World Golf Hall of Fame member Marlene Streit, as well as Canadian golfing greats Cathy Sherk, Bill Kozak and Rod Spittle.

Later this year, Lookout Point Country Club will also play host to the inaugural Hyundai PGA Scramble of Canada national final.

Taking place Sept. 29-Oct. 1, the national final features 25 teams—comprised of four amateurs and a PGA of Canada professional—playing in a 36-hole Ambrose Scramble format.

“We’re very excited and proud to be taking the inaugural Hyundai PGA Scramble of Canada national final to such a wonderful venue in Lookout Point Country Club,” said PGA of Canada president Constant Priondolo.

The Hyundai PGA Scramble of Canada is a new national series of events taking place at more than 200 golf facilities around the country beginning this June.

The series of events expects to draw nearly 20,000 amateur golfers—who will form their own team of four players— from across the country. Teams will look to make it through local and regional qualifying with the ultimate goal of playing in the national final this fall at Lookout Point Country Club with a PGA of Canada professional playing on their team.

Each participant must have a valid Golf Canada Handicap Factor in order to participate. 

Every golfer who plays in a Hyundai PGA Scramble of Canada local event will receive gifting and prizing from supporting partners.

In addition to the 36-hole championship, Hyundai PGA Scramble of Canada national final promises to be a golf trip of a lifetime, which includes a festival of special events, prizing, activations and a chance to interact with the latest Hyundai vehicles.

For more information about the Hyundai PGA Scramble of Canada and how to register to participate, check out the championship’s website here.

STOUFVILLE, Ont. – Granite Golf Club is embracing cycling—on and off the course.

This season, Granite Golf Club which is located just north-east of Toronto, will be among the first private golf clubs in Canada to offer Golf Bikes as a means of allowing golfers to play a quick round while providing valuable exercise.

“Granite Golf Club prides itself on looking forward, while still embracing the traditions of the game,” says General Manager
Murray Blair. “We feel the Golf Bike is a great fit for a club with an active, engaged, and energetic membership. The opportunity to
put your clubs in the back, jump on a bike and cycle for a quick morning or evening round really elevates the experience.”

The Golf Bike was conceived 15 years ago by avid cyclist Todd May as a means of combining his passions of biking and playing
golf. A prototype was first demonstrated in 2010 and the concept was presented at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando
three years ago. The bike has made significant inroads since its commercial introduction.

“With The Golf Bike, I have combined the benefits of [cycling and golf], bringing the elements of fun, fitness and speed of play
to the greatest game ever played,” May says. “This new spin on an old tradition will provide the avid golfer with the ability to play
at the speed of a cart while getting paid back with fun and fitness.”

Members will be able to use the Golf Bike by simply transferring their clubs to the attached bags, and heading out on the course.

Golf Bikes cuts the average time of a round to around three hours, an important element when lifestyle demands often limit the
amount of time players can allocate for the game they love.

Granite Golf Club is also starting a cycling club this spring, open to members of the golf club, as well as the historic
Granite Club in Toronto. Members will take to the picturesque roads that surround the club, an area that is already very popular
with Toronto-area cyclists wanting to escape the city and explore the countryside on two wheels. There is even on site bike
storage for members who do not want the hassle of transporting their bike back home following their ride.

“ With flexible membership offerings and a relaxed, refined familyoriented culture, Granite Golf Club is really expanding the notion of
what people consider a member club,” says Blair. “This is what the modern club member wants—unique and interesting experiences they
can participate in with friends and family. And that’s exactly what Granite provides.”

For more information on Granite Golf Club, visit www.granitegolfclub.ca.

OAKVILLE, Ont. – Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru is pleased to announce a one-year agreement with adidas Canada, who have signed on as the exclusive apparel partner of the program.

Committed to growing women’s participation, Golf Fore the Cure boasts over 100,000 participants throughout 12 seasons. During that period, the program has raised over $5.4 million dollars for the Canadian Cancer Society and Québec Breast Cancer Foundation in support of breast cancer research.

“Golf Fore the Cure has a long track record of growing participation in the sport and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Lesley Hawkins, Brand Director of adidas Golf. “We are excited to enter into this partnership and are honoured to be the exclusive apparel partner for a program centred around such a great cause.”

As a Pink Partner of Golf Fore the Cure, adidas Canada will provide uniforms for each site coordinator and National Event participant, a $100 online gift card to the leading fundraiser at each event, full outfits for the top-three fundraising teams and a cash investment towards the program.

“adidas has a lengthy history of supporting recreational sport and we are thrilled to align the brand with Golf Fore the Cure,” said Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada’s Chief Sport Officer. “The iconic adidas mark represents a fantastic opportunity to engage more women in our sport and we look forward to a very successful partnership.”

There is no cost to you or your club to participate! Click here to register for Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru.

MOKA, Trinidad & Tobago – Team Canada Men’s Development Squad won a one-hole playoff on Friday to finish second place and punch their ticket to the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup in Japan this upcoming June.

Canada’s struggles in Friday’s closing round made for an interesting finish down the stretch at St. Andrews Golf Club. The foursome let a seven-stroke advantage slip away to enter a playoff with host nation Trinidad & Tobago, eventually going on to win a nail-biting one-hole playoff.

The Mexican squad also earned a spot in Japan by cruising to a 13-stroke victory with an aggregate total of 652 (+4). They were led by Luis Carrera, who closed at 213 (-3) as the only competitor to score under-par for the tournament.

The Canucks were paced by Coquitlam, B.C., product A.J. Ewart, who led the team at 219 (+3) despite struggling with a final-round 80. Vaughan, Ont., native Tony Gil came in at 220 (+4) while teammate Jack Simpson of Aurora, Ont., ended with a 230 (+14). Quebec’s Charles-Éric Bélanger rounded out the squad, posting a 240 (+24).

The 2016 event will be contested in Japan from June 14–17. It is the world’s only junior golf championship in which 20 national teams—including winners of regional qualifiers held across six continents and 60 national teams—compete for the world championship trophy.

In 2015, the Men’s Development Squad placed sixth 15 strokes behind champion Japan. The best Canadian finish came in both 1994 and 2002 when the team took home runner-up honours.

GULF BREEZE, Fla. – Team Canada Amateur Squad member Hugo Bernard continued his red-hot play on Tuesday, rallying with a final-round 70 (-2) to close out the come-from-behind victory at the Argonaut Invitational.

The Mont-St-Hilaire, Que., product surged up the leaderboard following Monday’s second round at Tiger Point Golf Club, firing a tournament-low 66 (-6) on the day to leapfrog 17 spots up the leaderboard and put him in the driver’s seat for the win.

With his first collegiate victory in sight, Bernard’s final-round 70 was enough to shut the door on the competition and build a three-stroke cushion over second place.

The win highlights a string of impressive results in Bernard’s freshman campaign with the Div II Saint Leo Lions. Prior to Tuesday’s victory, the 21-year-old rattled off three consecutive Top-5 finishes in just four events on the squad.

“Hugo’s been working extremely hard on his game and is progressing nicely,” said Derek Ingram, Team Canada Men’s Head Coach. “I’m really pleased to see that all of his hard work is paying off with some great results across the board.”

Collectively, the Lions finished runner-up at 11-over par, three strokes behind champion Missouri – St. Louis.

Bernard, last year’s Canadian Men’s Amateur runner-up, will look to continue his streak when the Lions tee-it-up next at the Sunshine State Conference Championship from Apr. 17–19.

Click here for full scoring.

MOKA, Trinidad & Tobago – Four members of Team Canada’s Men’s Development Squad are set to compete in the qualifying event at St. Andrews Golf Club from Apr. 6–8 to secure one of two available spots into the 2016 Toyota Junior Golf World Cup.

The qualifying format will be a 54-hole stroke-play event, with each team’s three lowest daily scores contributing to the aggregate total. The Canadian foursome will square off against Mexico, Guatemala and Puerto Rico.

The Canucks will be led by Vaughan, Ont., native Tony Gil, who returns to the qualifier for a second straight year after posting Canada’s lowest total score in 2015. He will be joined by teammates Charles-Éric Bélanger (Québec), A.J. Ewart (Coquitlam, B.C.) and Jack Simpson (Aurora, Ont.).

The Canadian contingent will be under the guidance of Lead Development Squad Coach, Robert Ratcliffe.

“We’ve had some strong success in this qualifying event in the past and the boys have practised hard to continue that trend,” said the PGA of Canada Class “A” member. “The course is set up well for our game and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

In last year’s qualifier, Canada cruised to a six-stroke victory and went on to place sixth at the World Cup. The best Canadian finish came in 1994 when the team took home runner-up honours.

The 2016 event will be contested in Japan from June 14–17. It is the world’s only junior golf championship in which 20 national teams—including winners of regional qualifiers held across six continents and 60 national teams—compete for the world championship trophy.

Click here for live qualifier scoring.

Development Squad’s Grace St-Germain has signed a letter of intent to join the Daytona State Falcons in August of 2016.

The Falcons are listed as a Div I school under the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)—an association dedicated to America’s two-year collegiate programs.

“This is a great fit for Grace all-around,” said Ann Carroll, Women’s Development Squad coach. “The training facilities at Daytona are phenomenal and it will compliment her game perfectly as she looks to take her game to the next level.”

Hailing from Ottawa, St-Germain will carry a long list of accomplishments to the Falcons, including a runner-up finish at the 2015 Quebec Women’s Amateur and a pair of victories at the 2014 Quebec Women’s Amateur and Canadian Junior Girls Championship.

She will fall under the guidance of long-serving Head Coach and well-known teaching professional Laura Brown, who has been at the helm for all 16 of the team’s seasons.

Click here to learn more about the Falcons.

Officially a Falcon!So excited to have signed with Daytona State College! Thank you to everyone who has supported me pic.twitter.com/2nXh6nsggD

— Grace (@gracestgermain) April 3, 2016

VANCOUVER – Development Squad member A.J. Ewart birdied his final two holes on Sunday to earn a one-stroke victory in the U19 division at the Canadian Junior Golf Association’s (CJGA) B.C. Junior Open presented by Pacific Rim Intercollegiate Golf.

Holding the 18-hole lead, the Coquitlam product kept up the pace in Sunday’s final round to close out the wire-to-wire victory at 4-under par (70-70). The Team Canada rookie fended off the battling Henry Lee of Coquitlam, who closed the tournament one-stroke back of Ewart at 3-under. Both competitors ended as the only two athletes to finish under-par at the University Golf Club.

The win marks Ewart’s first CJGA victory of his young career. The Pitt Meadows Golf Club member will look to ride his momentum into action next week when he joins Team Canada teammates to compete at the Toyota World Junior Qualifier in Trinidad.

On the girls’ side, Delta native Amanda Minni led the pack with a closing score of 2-over par (73-73) to lock up the victory in the U19 division. She built up a two-stroke cushion over co-runner-ups Mary Parsons—also of Delta—and Ye Ji Lim of Langley.

The Women’s Development Squad were also in action in Vancouver. In the Juvenile group (U17), Richmond’s Kathrine Chan ran away with a score of 1-under par for a five-stroke victory over teammate and Surrey native Hannah Lee. The win also marks the first CJGA win for the 16-year-old Chan, who currently sits at No.14 on the CN Future Links National Junior Order of Merit .

Hometown native and Development Squad member Tiffany Kong finished the U19 division tied for sixth at 7-over par (78-73).

Click here for full scoring.

CALGARY – Alberta Golf has announced its competition schedule, including host clubs and dates, for the 2016 championship season. A total of 12 provincial amateur championships will be conducted – along with qualifying events – that lead to entry into Canada’s national amateur championships.

“Nearly 1,500 talented Albertan and regional golfers will gather at some of Alberta’s top golf facilities to compete for a provincial golf championship,” said Alberta Golf’s COO, Jack Lane.

“It is Alberta Golf’s honor and privilege to conduct these championships in partnership with our host clubs, committed sponsors and the hundreds of devoted volunteers from communities across Alberta. We are pleased that our championships offer an opportunity for all members to compete, whether that be for the simple enjoyment of the challenge, or for our athletes who are hoping to add their name to the history books.”

The complete 2016 schedule and registration information can be found here.