PGA of Ontario announces 2026 Award finalists
The PGA of Ontario is delighted to announce the 2026 Zone Award finalists.
The recipients of each award will be announced live on Wednesday, November 4th at The G.A.L.A. — Golf Achievement & Leadership Awards, a reimagined expression of our annual year-end celebration recognizing excellence across Ontario's golf industry.
We hope that you will join us at The G.A.L.A.! Reserve your individual seat or secure a full table to be part of one of Ontario golf's premier annual gatherings. A limited number of reserved tables will be held for Hall of Fame inductees, Zone Award finalists, and other honoured guests.
Reserve your spot by clicking here.
Your 2026 PGA of Ontario Zone Award Finalists:
Apprentice Professional of the Year
Brett McGugan - Sarnia Golf & Curling Club
Dale Millard - RiverBend Golf Community
Joe Rinker - Whistle Bear Golf Club
Class "A" Assistant Professional of the Year
Adam Fritz - Whistle Bear Golf Club
Shana Kelly - Kawartha Golf & Country Club
Louise Zylstra - Maple Downs Golf & Country Club
Club Professional of the Year
Connor Averell - Bigwin Island Golf Club
Matt Bacon - OslerBrook Golf & Country Club
Dan Roud - Lookout Point Country Club
Coach of the Year
Padraig Kelly - 59club Canada
Shana Kelly - Kawartha Golf & Country Club
Rich Storey - RattleSnake Point Golf Club
Executive Professional of the Year
Chris Medford - Peterborough Golf & Country Club
Warren Thomas - Cobble Beach Golf Links
Gary Ward - Mad River Golf Club
Junior Leader of the Year
Greg Baetz - GolfNorth Properties
Ryan Robillard - Elevate Performance Golf
Trevor Wallman - Summit Golf & Country Club
Professional Development Award
Amaya Athill - Golf Canada
Todd McGrath - The Thornhill Club
Ryan Robillard - Elevate Performance Golf
Retailer of the Year
Steve Bryant - Cutten Fields
Dustin Kerr-Taylor - Beacon Hall Golf Club
Adam Tobin - Whistle Bear Golf Club
Teacher of the Year
Naixin (Sophia) Li - So Golf Academy
Chris McClure - Humber College
Gareth Raflewski - RiverBend Golf Community
Congratulations to all finalists!
Secure your seat and join us on November 4 for the inaugural G.A.L.A. as we celebrate the 2026 season!
Everyone is Welcome!
Do I need to be a PGA Member to attend The G.A.L.A.?
No! The G.A.L.A. is open to anyone looking to celebrate the PGA of Ontario community. We warmly welcome family, friends, industry professionals, and partners to join us.
Planning to stay the night?
Our hotel partner and neighbour to the event venue, Holiday Inn & Suites by IHG Oakville, is holding a room block until October 16, 2026, under "PGA of Ontario GALA" at a rate of $179 + tax. Contact the hotel directly at 905-847-1000 or toll-free at 1-800-880-3188 to reserve your room.
For additional event details and FAQs, please visit The G.A.L.A. event page.