Golf Association of Ontario – UXBRIDGE — Since 1996 the Golf Association of Ontario (GAO) 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 GAO Scholarships are that recipients maintain at least a 75% academic average, are enrolled in a post secondary institution, are members of the GAO and are actively involved in the game of golf. 

Thanks to GAO 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 the GAO into a full-time career, and

Casey Ward

Casey Ward received a GAO 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 the GAO’s Provincial and Regional teams spring training camps in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  

Shaun Hall

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

Jaime Steedman

In 2005 Steedman received a GAO Scholarship while she was attending the University of Waterloo. She graduated in 2006 with an honours degree in Political Science. “Being awarded a GAO 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 GAO scholarship, but she also spent time as a GAO 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 GAO scholarships and to apply go to: https://gao.ca/supporting-the-game/financial-assistance/gao-scholarship-program/

ABOUT THE GOLF ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO

The Golf Association of Ontario (GAO) is Ontario’s Provincial Sport Organization focused on enhancing participation, elevating performance and supporting the passion of golfers in Ontario. With over 100,000 individual members and 450 member clubs, the GAO is one of the largest golf associations in the world.  From rating courses and keeping the integral rules of the game intact, to growing the game at the grassroots level and getting the game of golf into our school systems, to keeping the Ontario golf community aware of all relevant issues and hosting the best amateur tournaments in Canada, the Golf Association of Ontario is a passionate group dedicated to making golf better for everyone in Ontario. We share a love and passion for golf, while preserving its past, fostering its future, and championing golf’s best interests for everyone who enjoys the sport.

For more information, please contact:

Darren Matte, Communications and Marketing Coordinator

Golf Association of Ontario

905-852-1101 ext. 234

dmatte@gao.ca