Burns holds lead and captures Xonic Golf Spring Open!

RAINY, WINDY CONDITIONS CAN'T STOP GORD BURNS  AS HE WINS THE XONIC GOLF SPRING OPEN AT WHITEVALE GOLF CLUB

Thank you for competing in the the 2022 Xonic Golf Spring Open and Senior Spring Open on Monday May 16th and Tuesday May 17th at Whitevale Golf Club in Pickering, Ontario.

Despite very challenging weather conditions with heavy rain and 35-40 km winds, we had a great turnout at our inaugural tournament of the season.

Our title sponsor for the tournament was Xonic Golf and CEO Eileen Jurczak was on hand to meet and greet our members during the tournament.  “Xonic was excited to be this year’s title sponsor at the PGA of Ontario's Spring Open", said Jurczak. "It was great to see so many of our amazing PGA Pros braving the cold, windy and rainy weather for this fabulous game."

BATTLING THE ELEMENTS

The playing conditions made a tough course even more difficult.  

Gord Burns battled his way through the wet course taking the lead with a sizzling 68 in Round 1, heading into the final round with a 2 stroke lead over Victor Ciesielski. “I just really tried to keep the ball on the grid and the fairway today, pars were good, I sprinkled in more birdies with pars and it ended up being all good”, said Burns after his round which included 5 birdies and 12 pars.

The next day, the rain held up, but the wind did not, on a cold sunny morning as blustery conditions at Whitevale made for another challenging day for the golfers.

Our defending champion of the Spring Open, Danny King registered the lowest score of the day coming in at even par 72, good for a 6th place finish. Burns held his own with the elements finishing his round at 2-over 74 which allowed him to win the event.

“This is big, you’re playing against the top players in our Association and it was nice to come out on top”, said Burns. “It was tough the last few days, today (Round 2) pars were even better than yesterday (in Round 1). The wind was whipping out there so it was tough, every hole was a battle, I’m happy to finish out the tournament and happy to win”.

TRICKY GREENS

Burns credited his putting game and his ability to read the greens on his way to 23 pars and 8 birdies over the two days. “The greens were fast and drier in Round 2, the wind was blowing so you had to account for some wind in your putts. I was just trying to be close to par all day and try to close it out”, Burns added.

Ciesielski finished in second place, five strokes behind Burns at 3 over, while Ron Kenesky captured third place with a 73 and 75 on both days.

TIMING'S IMMACULATE

Ken Tarling shot a 76 to win our Senior’s Spring Open, impressively on his birthday! Could Ken have timed his win any better? The 2011 PGA of Ontario player of the year and PGA of Ontario Hall of Fame member battled the conditions with all golfers and shot a consistent 38 on the front and back nine.

“It’s a nice present to have, they don’t come very often anymore because I’m getting older so I cherish everyone that I get”, said an elated Tarling. "It's great any chance you have to win a tournament, happy I was able to get through the day".

His win was even more impressive considering he wasn't even sure he would be ready to play in the tournament.

"I've had problems with my back since last week so glad I was able to get through, especially playing with the group of guys like Danny King and Dan Campbell so we had a lot of fun together".  There was a three-way tie for 2nd place in the Senior Spring Open between with Alan McLean, Mark Kappes and Rick Willan finishing one stroke behind Tarling.  

Congrats to Piero Poletto on winning the closest to the pin compliments of Merit Travel Golf Vacations!

Full tournament results are available by clicking here.

Congrats to all on a great two days and we look forward to seeing you at our next tournament!

Our next event is the G&G Brands Pro / Pro Team Series presented by Merit Travel Golf Vacations at Nobleton Lakes Golf Club on May 30th, 2022.

Registration closes on May 23, click here to REGISTER.

Keep an eye out on our social pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more coverage of the event.

Continue to monitor your Professional Recognition Points HERE.

For updated Player of the Year standings click  HERE.