2024 PGA of Ontario Zone Championship presented by GOLFTEC at Barrie Country Club
The Ontario Zone Championship presented by GOLFTEC unfolded over two scorching days at the picturesque Barrie Country Club on July 8th and 9th, 2024. An immense thank you to the Barrie Country Club staff for their impeccable hospitality and beautiful course conditions.
Monday's play saw temperatures soar to a sweltering 34 degrees Celsius. After the first round, the field was cut to low 60 and ties, setting the stage for great competition.
Before things got too serious on day two, our wonderful sponsor, GOLFTEC, put on a thrilling Super Skins game on the Train Track course after round 1 play. A total pot of $2800 cash was up for grabs and handed out on-course to our players. Thanks to the support of GOLFTEC, this Super Skins contest has become a staple activation at our Zone Championship, leveling the playing field and offering an opportunity for participants to loosen up after round one and walk away with cash in-hand for their successes.
The weather took a slight turn on Tuesday morning, with light rain gracing the greens as players warmed up on the range and practice greens. Fortunately, by the time the first groups teed off, the sun had broken through, promising an exciting day of golf ahead.
There were six players (Seymour, Hadley, Ash, King (G.W), McLean and King (Danny)) tied for 2nd at 4-under (68) heading into day two.
Michael Resciniti led the pack heading into round two with a stellar 6-under (66) on day one, teeing off in the final group alongside Jeff Ash and Danny King, a 4x past champion in 2004, 2005, 2008 & 2015.
James Seymour, determined and hungry for his first major win, teed off in the second-to-last group with veterans Brian Hadley, also a 4x past champion in 2012, 2013, 2016 & 2018, and Alan McLean, the defending champion.
McLean was looking to defend his title, and Hadley and King were looking to break the record of most PGA of Ontario Zone Championships titles, going into the event with four previous victories each.
These were two promising groups to say the least, with no more than a 2-stroke difference amongst the top players heading into day two. It was anyone’s game really.
Throughout the day, the leaderboard saw constant shifts and surprises. James Seymour made his move with a remarkable streak of four consecutive birdies on holes 4, 5, 6, and 7. As he continued to make steady pars and timely birdies, Seymour found himself at the top of the leaderboard, battling nerves and expectations.
By the time Seymour approached the final stretch, he maintained a slim lead, fueled by his strategic play and unwavering focus, and opting to avoid checking scores of the groups ahead. On the 18th green, Seymour lined up his birdie putt and sank it, sealing his victory with a final score of 10-under, 134 (68, 66), as spectators and fellow competitors applauded and cheered around the green and from the patio.
Behind Seymour, Brian Hadley finished strong at 8-under, 136. G.W. King's eagle on 17 propelled him forward to secure third place at 7-under, 137. Alan McLean, Ryan Curran, and Gordon Burns tied at 6-under, 138, showcasing the competitive spirit that defines this championship year after year.
Reflecting on his victory, Seymour admitted he had been oblivious to his lead until the final moments. Seymour shared his joy on social media, celebrating his first individual championship title in this historic association. With a nod to the challenges of balancing a new business and starting a family, Seymour expressed gratitude for the support that propelled him to victory and exclaimed, “this just feels right!”.
The tournament showcased two fantastic days of golf. Looking forward, McLean aims to reclaim his title next year, while Hadley and King remain focused on surpassing the record of four Zone Championship wins each. Seymour, now a defending champion, will be determined to retain his title.