Holyrood, Nfld. – Hannah Thomas and Bode Stephen won their respective divisions to claim the NextGen Atlantic Championship, on Thursday at the Wilds Resort in Holyrood, Nfld.  

Trailing by four shots entering the final round, Thomas from Calgary, Alta., produced a remarkable comeback, finishing with a final round 75 to finish atop of the leaderboard to secure the NextGen Atlantic Championship.  

“First off, I think just being able to hit the greens. If I didn’t do that today or any other day than it would have been very difficult. My long irons and drives were good because I kept hitting the ball on the fairway and then also being able to putt well really helped my game,” said Thomas.  

After opening the tournament with an 11-over 83, Thomas maintained her lead carding a 3-over, 75 on Thursday and finished the tournament at 25-over to secure her win by two shots over Ava Gilbart of Toronto, Ont. and Adrianna Salalila of Peterborough, Ont. 

“The beginning wasn’t my best, but I think today I really pushed through, and I was more concentrated than ever. It did take to the last hole, but I am really fortunate and very grateful that I used my focus skills to really push through to get this win,” stated Thomas. 

In the Junior Boys Division, Stephen of Kingston Ont., secured his victory on the first hole of a playoff, tapping in for birdie to edge out Brett Shaw of Stratford, P.E.I.  

Stephen was co-leader following Tuesday’s round and shot a 1-under 71 on Wednesday to take a four-shot lead into the final round. Shaw worked his way into the playoff by firing a 2-under 70 on Thursday, while Stephen recorded at 76 following a double bogey on 18.  

“ It feels really good to get the win. I had a lead coming into today and I am just happy to come and pull it off in the end,” said Stephen. 

Stephen added “I had actually struggled on eighteen all week, that’s the hole I had to go back and play a playoff hole on, and Brett also played really well today. All I was trying to do was focus on one shot at a time and play my game and I ended up hitting four good shots to make a birdie to tap in to make the playoff.” 

In the Junior Girls division, the top six players earned exemptions into the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, July 22-25, at Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver, B.C.  

NextGen Atlantic Championship – Advancing to Canadian Junior Girls Championship   

Pos.	Player	Residence	To Par
1	Hannah Thomas	Calgary, Alta.	+25
T2	Ava Gilbart	Toronto, Ont.	+27
T2	Adriana Salalila	Peterborough, Ont.	+27
4	Annika Parkash	Halifax, N.S.	+32
5	Jade Guo	Toronto, Ont.	+38
6	Ceilidh Spare	North Gower, Ont.	+43

In the Junior Boys division, the top six players earn exemptions into the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys championship, August 13-16, at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta.   

NextGen Atlantic Championship – Advancing to Canadian Junior Boys Championship  

Pos.	Player	Residence	To Par
1	Bode Stephen	Kingston, Ont.	+7
2	Brett Shaw	Stratford, P.E.I.	+7
3	Simon Mullen	Shorrts Lake, N.S.	+8
4	Hunter Crozier	New Dominion, P.E.I	+15
5	Braden Ahern	Moncton N.B.	+17
T6	Kooper MacKay	Wolfville, N.S.	+18
T6	Andy Dai	Markham, Ont.	+18

The 54-hole stroke play competition marked the last tournament in the NextGen Championship series and featured a starting field of 62 male and female competitors. There was a total of 47 Junior Boys and 15 Junior girls competing. 

About the NextGen Championships 

The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series which totals six competitions. From May-July, six championships will take place across Canada where the regions best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2024 national championships. NextGen championships provide junior golfers an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. 

Holyrood, Nfld. – The 2024 NextGen Championship season reaches its final stop at The Wilds Resort in Holyrood, Nfld. with the NextGen Atlantic Championship, July 15-18. 

The 54-hole stroke play competition gets underway with a practice round on Monday, July 15, and championship rounds begin on Tuesday, July 16. With a field of fewer than 80 players, the Junior Boys and Junior Girls divisions will play on without a cut line after 36 holes. All competitors will have a chance to make their mark on the championship, with the entire field advancing to the final day of play, which concludes on Thursday, July 18. 

The starting field will feature 62 male and female competitors – 47 Junior Boys and 15 Junior Girls – vying for exemptions into their respective Canadian Junior Championships later this summer.  

The top six players in the Junior Boys division will earn exemption into the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, August 13-16, at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta. The top six players (including ties) in the Junior Girls division will earn exemptions into the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO, July 22-25, at Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver. 

The Wilds Resort opened in 1998 and is designed by Robert Heaslip. The Wilds Resort features serene creeks, captivating sky views and an environmentally friendly connection with nature. This golf course’s hilly terrain and rolling fairways will challenge NextGen competitors to think critically, demanding a high level of accuracy and testing variety of shot selection.   

“As one of the premier resorts in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is an honour to host the NextGen Atlantic Championship here at The Wilds Resort. We believe competition brings out the best in individuals and provides an opportunity for growth and self-improvement,” states Kelly Finlay, General Manager at The Wilds Resort. “We take pride in supporting and helping to facilitate Golf Canada’s goal of encouraging our youth in being the best they can be and to have fun while doing it. We look forward to welcoming our athletes and their families to The Wilds Resort. We are excited to showcase our beautiful resort and province.” 

To follow the live leaderboard of the NextGen Atlantic Championship, click here. 

About the NextGen Championships 

The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series which totals six competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemption into their respective 2024 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. 

Joly, Que. – Justine Emond and Henry Dao have won the NextGen Quebec Championship at Club de golf Les Boisés de Joly in Joly, Que. 

The 54-hole stroke play competition marked the fifth tournament in the NextGen championship series and featured a starting field of 153 players (125 junior boys, 28 junior girls). After 36 holes, the field was reduced to the low 57 Junior Boys and 13 Junior Girls, including ties. 

In the Junior Girls Division, Justine Emond of St-Jerome, Que. fired a 3-over 74 on Friday to wrap up the tournament at 2-over to claim the championship. 

“It means a lot because it’s the last NextGen Tournament I will be able to play since its my last junior year and being able to qualify for the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship is an amazing feeling,” said Emond. 

Yeeun (Jenny) Kwon of Vancouver B.C who finished as runner up at 6-over par with Avery Nordman of Ottawa, Ont. finishing in third at 7-over. 

In the Junior Boys division, Henry Dao of Laprairie Que. ended the tournament on a high-note, with a 5-under 66 on Friday to secure the championship and finish five shots clear of Antoine Jasmin of Blainville Que. who closed the tournament at 1-under. With consistent play to begin the week, Dao grabbed the co-lead in the second round and held on, finishing 6-under par for the tournament with rounds of 70-71-66. 

“I really love this tournament because it brings out all the best junior golfers in Quebec. The reason why I won is my putting was on fire all week. I was making a lot of birdies and that’s why I carded the score I did,” said Dao. 

Rounding out the podium were Zach Bourgeois of Ste-Agathe-des-Monts Que. and Milan Abrieu of Bromont Que. who finished tied third at 1-over. 

The top eight players, including ties in the Junior Girls division have earned exemptions into the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, July 21-25, at Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver, B.C.  

NextGen Quebec Championship – Advancing to Canadian Junior Girls Championship   

Pos.	Player	Residence	To Par
1	Justine Emond	St-Jerome, Que.	+2
2	Yee (Jenny) Kwon	Vancouver, B.C.	+6
3	Avery Nordman	Ottawa, Ont.	+7
4	Stephanie Woo	Toronto, Ont.	+17
5	Keira Hou	Richmond Hill, Ont.	+18
T6	Kate Guo	Knowlton, Que.	+20
T6	Charlotte Boudreau	Verdun, Que.	+20
T6	Amelia McFarlane	Carleton Place, Ont.	+20

  

In the Junior Boys division, the top eight players earn exemptions into the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys championship, August 12-16, at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta.   

NextGen Quebec Championship – Advancing to Canadian Junior Boys Championship  

Pos.	Player	Residence	To Par
1	Henry Dao	Laprairie, Que.	-6
2	Antoine Jasmin	Blainville, Que.	-1
T3	Milan Abrieu	Bromont, Que.	+1
T3	Zack Bourgeois	Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, Que.	+1
5	Hogan Blais	Ottawa, Ont.	+2
6	Loïc Simard	Saint-Julie, Que.	+3
7	Cameron Robitaille	St-Hyacinthe, Que.	+4
T8	Oskar Ricketts	Pointe-Claire, Que.	+6

  About the NextGen Championships  

The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series which totals six competitions. From May-July, six championships will take place across Canada where the regions best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2024 national championships. NextGen championships provide junior golfers an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf.  

  

Joly, Que. – A field of 156 of Canada’s top junior golfers will compete over 54 holes at an immaculate and strategic layout at Club de golf Les Boisés de Joly in Joly, Que. with exemptions into the Canadian Junior Boys and Girls Championships on the line in the NextGen Quebec Championship, July 2-5. 

The 54-hole stroke play competition gets underway with a practice round on Tuesday, July 2 with championship rounds beginning on Wednesday, July 3. After 36 holes, the field will be reduced to the low 57 Junior Boys and 13 Junior Girls, including ties, for the final round which wraps up on Friday, July 5.  

The starting field will feature 127 Junior Boys and 29 Junior Girls – vying for spots into their respective Canadian Junior Championship later this summer. 

The top eight players in the Junior Boys division will earn exemptions into the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, August 13-16, at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta. The top eight players (including ties) in the Junior Girls division will earn exemptions into the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, July 22-25, at Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver, B.C. 

Established as a beautiful 18-hole public course in the greater Quebec City area, the Club de golf Les Boisés de Joly was built in 2011. With a length of 6,662 yards, the course will deliver a test for NextGen competitors, while presenting views of towering trees, sparkling lakes and rolling hills. With its demanding layout and impeccable conditioning, golfers will encounter strategically placed bunkers, and tricky water features, all set against a stunning backdrop of woodlands and wildlife.   

“The NextGen tournament represents for us the pride of welcoming the young talents of tomorrow and promoting junior golf in the Quebec City area. We have the ideal facilities and golf course to host this type of event. We will do our best to ensure that all participants have a great experience,” said Director and Professional teacher of Club de golf Les Boisés de Joly, Martin Trudel. 

To follow the live leaderboard of the NextGen Quebec Championship, click here. 

About the NextGen Championships 

The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series which totals six competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2024 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. 

Thunder Bay, Ont. – Jeri Lafleche of Winnipeg, Man. claimed the lead on Friday and kept the same momentum throughout the whole tournament, while Ryan Mosher of Saskatoon, Sask. came out on top to win the 2024 NextGen Prairie Championship at Whitewater Golf Club in Thunder Bay, Ont.  

Overcast conditions rolled in for Sunday’s final round. Lafleche outlasted the field with rounds of 75-73-76, finishing at 8-over par and five shots clear of runner up Olivia Johnson of Calgary, Alta. Lafleche carded five bogeys on Sunday but was able to record 3 pars in a row on 16-18 to get the win. Lafleche was in the lead heading into the final round, and now has earned direct exemption into the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship. 

 “Winning this tournament means a lot, it’s a great start to the season and then travelling all this way, it’s nice to come home with the win,” said Lafleche. 

Sunday’s win is Lafleche’s first of the season. Lafleche said it was tough to keep her focus while playing in cold and windy conditions. 

“It was pretty tough on the front nine, I’m not going to lie with the wind being even colder and then sometimes you’re in the open and sometimes you’re in the cold, it’s not a constant temperature, but ended up working through it,” said Lafleche. 

In the Junior Boys Division, Mosher finished the tournament on a high note, with a 2-over 74 on Sunday. Mosher finished three shots clear of Josiah Tong of Heritage Pointe, Alta. to claim his spot into the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship. Mosher grabbed the lead in the first round with a 2-under 70 and finished with two solid rounds of 74-74 to claim the championship.  

 “It felt great. I had a couple hiccups with the driver but other than that my game was just on point. My putting was spectacular so I couldn’t have asked for a better three days of putting, irons were good and was able to aim at the pins which helped a lot,” said Mosher. 

Tong finished 5-over par to finish in second and secured his spot also in the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship.  

The top six players in the Junior Girls division have earned exemptions into the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, July 22-25 at Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver B.C. 

NextGen Prairie Championship – Advancing to Canadian Junior Girls Championship 

Pos.	Player	Residence	Score
1	Jeri Lafleche	Winnipeg, Man.	+8
2	Olivia Johnson	Calgary, Alta	+13
3	Sela Ogada	Calgary, Alta.	+16
4	Juanita Beatrix Tandoc	Toronto, Ont.	+17
5	Chloe Wills	Kyle, Sask.	+21
6	Sarah Du	King City, Ont.	+23

In the Junior Boys division, the top six players earn exemption into the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys championship, August 13-16, at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta.  

NextGen Prairie Championship – Advancing to Canadian Junior Boys Championship 

Pos.	Player	Residence	Score
1	Ryan Mosher	Saskatoon, Sask.	+2
2	Josiah Tong	Heritage Point, Alta.	+5
3	Nathan Lepore	Thunder Bay, Ont.	+8
4	Michael Yao	Richmond Hill, Ont.	+10
T5	Haden Wang	Richmond Hill, Ont.	+11
T5	Jameson Staab	Kitchener, Ont.	+11

About the NextGen Championships 

The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series which totals six competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2024 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. 

Thunder Bay, Ont.  The NextGen Prairie Championship, begins this week with a field of 84 Junior golfers set to compete at the Whitewater Golf Club in Thunder Bay, Ont.  

The starting field will feature – 64 Junior Boys and 20 Junior Girls competing for spots each into their respective Canadian Junior Championships this summer. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the top 53 Junior Boys and top 17 Junior Girls, including ties. 

“Hosting the Golf Canada NextGen Prairie Championship is a tremendous honour for Whitewater Golf Club and for the Thunder Bay community. This event not only showcases the talent and dedication of junior golfers from across the country but also highlights the exceptional quality of our course and the natural beauty of Northwestern Ontario,” states Director of Whitewater Golf Club, Matt Simmons. “We are excited to welcome these young athletes and provide them with a challenging and memorable experience & it’s an opportunity for our club to contribute to the growth of the game, support the next generation of golfing stars, and proudly represent our region on a national stage.” 

Practice rounds are scheduled for Thursday, June 6 before the official 54-hole tournament kicks off on Friday, June 7. The tournament will conclude on Sunday, June 9 and will determine who has qualified to compete in their respective Canadian Junior Championship later this summer.  

The Whitewater Golf Club stretches north from the banks of the Kaministiquia River and is known for its two McBroom designed courses – the Forest and River – which is one of the finest 18- hole golf courses in the province.  The golf course features a chipping, putting green and a 400-yard driving range, allowing all golfers to enjoy various aspects of the game. Off course additions are continuing to be developed with a planned community of 500 homes, a resort hotel, community amenities and new recreational activities.  

“We really look forward to hosting the 2024 NextGen Prairie Championship this week. Our team of Volunteers in place strive to run an efficient and quality NextGen Championship and we certainly can’t thank you enough for travelling to Thunder Bay,” said NextGen Prairie Tournament Host Chairman, Chris Gardner. “On a deeper level, this has been a long time coming for our community and we celebrate it with respect and gratitude. We really want to show you our Northern Touch with great hospitality and genuineness at its finest. To all the competitors, I wish you so much luck but most of all I wish you great memories to take away from this Championship. Play hard and go get it.” 

This week’s tournament marks the fourth stop on the NextGen Series schedule for the 2024 golf season. The NextGen Prairie Championship is one of Golf Canada’s six regional junior championships. Kye Fisher of Leduc, Alta. and Cala Korman of Killarney, Man. claimed their respective divisions in the 2023 NextGen Prairie Championship last season. 

To follow the live leaderboard of the NextGen Prairie Championship, click here. 

About the NextGen Championships 

The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series which totals six competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2024 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf 

Leduc, Alta. –  Sarah Armstrong and Charlie Gillespie have won the NextGen Western Championship at Leduc Golf Club in Leduc, Alta.  

The 54-hole stroke play competition marked the third tournament in the NextGen Championship series and featured a starting field of 156 players (105 boys, 51 girls). After 36 holes, the field was cut to the low 47 boys and 23 girls, including ties.

In the Junior Girls Division, Sarah Armstrong of Medicine Hat, Alta. fired a 1-over 72 on Sunday to finish the tournament at 10-over par to secure the championship. Armstrong was three-shots back heading into the final round and finished one shot clear of Jenny Guo of West Vancouver, B.C. 

“I’m very happy. This has been a great week. I’m very much looking forward to playing in the Canadian Junior and hopefully the Women’s Amateur out in B.C. It will be a great trip,” said Armstrong. 

Armstrong recorded rounds of 72-79-72-223, to win the tournament and claim her spot in the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship. In addition, joining Armstrong at the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship will be Guo of West Vancouver B.C who finished as runner up at 11-over par and Aastha Savadatti of Calgary, Alta. who placed third at 13-over. 

In the Junior Boys Division, Gillespie of Calgary, Alta. finished the tournament strong, with a 7-under 64 on Sunday to secure the victory and finished six shots clear of Josiah Tong of Heritage Pointe, Alta. to book his place in the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship. Gillespie grabbed the lead on the opening round and held on, finishing 11-under par for the tournament with firing rounds of 68-70-64-202.  

“Winning out here is huge, this is the biggest title I’ve won so I’m very excited about that. I played in my first Canadian Junior last year, so very excited to play again this year and hopefully to play a bit better,” said Gillespie. 

Tong finished 5-under to finish in second and secure his spot also in the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship. Joining Gillespie and Tong is Michael Song of Red Deer Alta. who finished third at 3-over.  

The top eight players, plus ties in the Junior Girls division have earned exemptions into the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, July 22-25, at Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver, B.C. 

NextGen Western Championship – Advancing to Canadian Junior Girls Championship  

Pos.	Player	Residence	Score
1	Sarah Armstrong	Medicine Hat, Alta.	+10
T2	Jenny Guo	West Vancouver, B.C.	+11
T3	Aastha Savadatti	Calgary, Alta.	+13
T3	Tessa Ion	Calgary, Alta.	+13
T3	Karrisa Yuehan Zhao	West Vancouver, B.C.	+13
6	Sydney Bisgrove	Calgary, Alta.	+15
7	Kali Yeske	Calgary, Alta.	+16
T8	Charlotte Tam	Burnaby B.C	+20
T8	Olivia Johnson	Calgary, Alta.	+20

In the Junior Boys division, the top eight players earn exemptions into the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys championship, August 13-16, at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta.  

NextGen Western Championship – Advancing to Canadian Junior Boys Championship 

Pos.	Player	Residence	Score
1	Charlie Gillespie	Calgary, Alta.	-11
2	Josiah Tong	Heritage Pointe, Alta.	-5
T3	Michael Song	Red Deer, Alta.	+3
T3	Brett Jones	Calgary, Alta.	+3
T5	Max Osten	Delta, B.C.	+4
T5	Tobias Buffam	Calgary, Alta.	+4
T5	Ryan Gillis	Calgary, Alta.	+4
T5	Tate Bruggeman	Edmonton, Alta	+4

About the NextGen Championships 

The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series which totals six competitions. From May-July, six championships will take place across Canada where the regions best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2024 national championships. NextGen championships provide junior golfers an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. 

156 of Canada’s top Junior golfers will compete over 54 holes in Leduc, Alta., vying for exemptions into the Canadian Junior Boys and Junior Girls Championships taking place at Innisfail Golf Club and Marine Drive Golf Club respectively 

Golf Canada’s 2024 championship season continues Friday, May 24, at Leduc Golf Club in Leduc, Alta. with the NextGen Western Championship.  

The 54-hole stroke play gets underway with a practice round beginning on Thursday, May 23, with the championship rounds taking place from May 24th-26th. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the top 47 Junior Boys and top 23 Junior Girls, including ties, looking to compete in the final round which wraps up on Sunday, May 26.   

In the field, there will be 156 male and female competitors– 105 Junior Boys and 51 Junior Girls – competing in hopes of advancing to the Canadian Junior Championships later this season. Witnessing a strong field of junior golfers at Leduc Golf Club for the NextGen Western Championship, will create unforgettable moments, cementing pathways for the next generation of junior golfers. Among those vying for exemption into the Canadian Junior Championship later this summer, notables to watch are Jerry Li of Vancouver, B.C. who secured the NextGen Pacific Championship last season and Rosie Bee Kim of Edmonton, Alta. who won the NextGen Fall Series East Championship last season.  

 The top eight golfers in the Junior Boys Division will earn direct exemption into the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, happening August 12-16 at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta. The top eight players in the Junior Girls Division (including ties) will also earn direct exemptions into the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls championship, presented by BDO, happening July 21-25 at Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver, B.C. In addition, the top five finishers in each division will also earn a spot in the 2024 Notah Begay III Canadian Championship at the Kanawaki Golf Club from July 29-30. 

Leduc Golf Club began as a nine-hole golf course in 1961. Leduc Golf Course has presently overgone numerous changes over the years, now evolving into a challenging 18th hole golf course. The golf course features tree lined fairways, several challenging water hazards that intersect the fairways, an-all grass tee driving range and a full-service food and beverage facility. In addition, the club is proud to offer a fair challenging test of golf highlighting an easy walking golf course with captivating scenery landmarks overlooking the 18th green. Leduc Golf club is working hard to enhance more future tournaments, promoting exciting events and continuing to welcome the public to have a memorable experience by enjoying a round of golf.  

 ”We are excited to be hosting the NextGen Western Championship this year, with the help of our membership and local support, we are looking forward to a world class event. Our club is committed to the growth of junior golf, it truly is the future of our club and the game and there isn’t a better way to shine a spotlight on the incredible talent some of these golfers have and we wish them all the best of luck in the tournament,” said Rick Brown, Vice President at Leduc Golf Club.  

To follow the live leaderboard of the NextGen Western Championship, click here. 

About the NextGen Championships 

The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series which totals six competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2024 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf. 

Komoka, Ont. – Michelle Xing of Richmond, Hill, Ont. grabbed the lead on Friday and didn’t look back, while Jager Pain of Woodbridge, Ont. outlasted the field to win the 2024 NextGen Ontario Championship at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont.

Cold and rainy conditions rolled in for Saturday’s final round and even delayed play for a period of time in the morning. Xing came back from the delay to finish with three consecutive rounds under par, 69-70-68, good for 12-under and five shots clear of Julia Alexander-Carew of Oakville, Ont. to win the Junior Girls division. Xing recorded six birdies on Saturday including three in a row from holes 14 through 16.

“I was putting well for the most part. No three putts, great lagging. I was making sure to get those long putts close to make sure I was cleaning up the shorter ones,” said Xing about her performance during the week.

Saturday’s win is Xing’s third of the season. The Team Canada NextGen member credited her putting and short game and just focusing on her own performances out on the course for her success this season.

With the win, Xing has secured her spot in the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO, from July 22-25 at Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver, which came as a surprise.

“I didn’t know about the exemption until 10 minutes ago, so it’s awesome and I’m looking forward to playing and hopefully playing better than I did last year,” said Xing following her round.

Seven other girls have also qualified for the national championship by finishing in the top eight.

NextGen Pacific Championship – Advancing to Canadian Junior Girls Championship

Top 8 plus ties qualify

1. Michelle Xing (Richmond Hill, Ont.)	-12
2. Julia Alexander-Carew (Oakville, Ont.)	-7
T3. Nobelle Park (Oakville, Ont.)	-4
T3. Aryn Matthews (Little Britain, Ont.)	-4
T5. Angela Cai (Oakville, Ont.)	-3
T5. Joline Truong (Mississauga, Ont.)	-3
7. Kayla Black (Mississauga, Ont.)	-1
8. Leonie Tavares (Mirabel, Que.)	E

In the Junior Boys Division, Pain made quite the climb over three days. After Thursday, he sat seven shots back of the lead with an opening round of 73 to put him T17. On Friday he pulled to within two shots of the lead thanks to a round of 5-under 67, carding five birdies and an eagle. Pain said his confidence grew after a difficult opening round.

“I struggled on the greens on the first day, but just practiced some putting fundamentals and had a lot more confidence the last couple of days,” said Pain.

Saturday’s final round saw Pain battle with Dawson Lew and Matthew Rastogi, both of Toronto. Lew took the lead into Saturday with Rastogi one shot behind. The final group competed down the stretch with Pain pulling ahead of the group for good after the 15th hole. He finished with a 2-under 70 for rounds of 73-67-70 to win the championship.

The win ensures that Pain has secured his spot along with seven others in the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO taking place August 13-16 at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta. The eighth and final spot into the Canadian Junior Boys Championship was decided by a four-way playoff, where Luke Smith of Toronto prevailed.

“I haven’t been playing in many qualifiers lately, so it’s nice to get an exemption under my belt through playing well and executing the way I wanted to,” said Pain after securing his place at the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship.

NextGen Pacific Championship – Advancing to Canadian Junior Boys Championship

Top 8 players qualify
*Won in a playoff

1. Jager Pain (Woodbridge, Ont.)	-6
T2. Dawson Lew (Toronto, Ont.)	-4
T2. Matthew Rastogi (Toronto, Ont.)	-4
4. Antoine Jasmin (Blainville, Que.)	-2
T5. Ben Sheridan (Ottawa, Ont.)	E
T5. Joseph Totino (Toronto, Ont.)	E
7. Rowan MacDonald (Cantley, Que.)	+1
T8. Luke Smith (Toronto, Ont.) *	+2

The 54-hole stroke play competition began on Thursday, May 9. After 36 holes, the field was cut to the top 51 Junior Boys and top 25 Junior Girls, including ties. The starting field featured 156 male and female competitors – 108 Junior Boys and 48 Junior Girls – vying for spots into their respective Canadian Junior Championship later this summer.

The next stop on the NextGen Championship is scheduled for May 24-26 at Leduc Golf and Country Club in Leduc, Alta. for the NextGen Western Championship.

For the final leaderboard from the NextGen Ontario Championship, please click here.

About the NextGen Championships
The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series which totals six competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2024 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf.

156 of Canada’s top junior golfers to compete over 54 holes in Komoka, Ont. with exemptions into the Canadian Junior Boys and Junior Girls Championships on the line.

Golf Canada’s 2024 championship season continues on Thursday, May 9, at FireRock Golf Club in Komoka, Ont. with the NextGen Ontario Championship.

The 54-hole stroke play competition gets underway with a practice round on Wednesday, May 8, and championship rounds beginning on Thursday, May 9. After 36 holes, the field will be cut to the top 49 Junior Boys and top 22 Junior Girls, including ties, for the final round which wraps up on Saturday, May 11.

The starting field will feature 156 male and female competitors – 108 Junior Boys and 48 Junior Girls – vying for a spot into their respective Canadian Junior Championship later this summer. Among those competing in Komoka include Team Canada – NextGen member, Luke Smith of Toronto and Joline Truong of Mississauga, Ont. who finished T35 at the 2023 Canadian Junior Girls Championship.

The top eight players in the Junior Boys division will earn exemptions into the 2024 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, presented by BDO, August 13-16, at Innisfail Golf Club in Innisfail, Alta. The top eight players (including ties) in the Junior Girls division will earn exemptions into the 2024 Canadian Junior Girls Championship, presented by BDO, July 22-25, at Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver.

FireRock Golf Club opened in 2004 and is designed by Thomas McBroom. FireRock features captivating landforms, framed by natural grass and trees, ragged handmade bunkers, environmentally significant Savannah grasses and the Oxbow River valley, intertwining with existing gravel spoil piles. Last season, FireRock Golf Club hosted the Canadian University/College Championship.

“We eagerly anticipate the NextGen Ontario Championship as a momentous opportunity to showcase our passion for the sport and provide a memorable experience for young talents. With dedication and enthusiasm, we’re ready to set the stage for the next generation of golf excellence,” said Amanda Cookson, Director of Golf at FireRock Golf Club. “A heartfelt thank you extends to the numerous volunteers whose tireless efforts will be instrumental in making this championship a resounding success.”

To follow the live leaderboard of the NextGen Ontario Championship, click here.

About the NextGen Championships

The NextGen Championships are a high-performance junior golf series which totals six competitions. From May to July, six championships will take place across Canada where the region’s best junior golfers will compete to earn exemptions into their respective 2024 national championships. NextGen Championships provide junior players an opportunity to develop and showcase their skills at the highest level of tournament golf.