Natasha Stasiuk takes solo lead in Women’s division, three tied for the lead in the Men’s division after opening round of 2024 Canadian All Abilities Championship – Golf Canada

Stasiuk and Emma Bittorf co-lead the Women’s Net Stableford Championship and Ian St John leads the
Men’s Net Stableford Championship

Brighton, Ont. – There are familiar names atop the leaderboard following the opening round at the 2024 Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO.

Natasha Stasiuk leads the Women’s Gross Stroke play division and co-leads the Net Stableford division. While in the Men’s Gross Stroke play division, there is a three-way tie with Josh Hunke, Reggie Millage and defending champion Chris Willis tied for the lead. Ian St John leads the Men’s Net Stableford division following play on Tuesday at Timber Ridge Golf Course in Brighton, Ont.

A field of 57 players, regardless of disability classification, are competing over 54-holes in four different divisions in the national championship: Women’s Gross Stroke Play; Women’s Net Stableford; Men’s Gross Stroke Play; and Men’s Net Stableford.

In the Women’s Gross Stroke Play Championship, Stasiuk of Oakville, Ont. is in search of her fourth straight national championship after shooting a 10-over 81, to take a 12-shot lead into Wednesday’s second round.

Stasiuk is happy to be in Brighton and defending her title this week, “the golf course is very challenging with tough pins. Things were going very well until the 16th hole, but I still managed to shoot an 81. My goal will be to shoot under 80 and I hope to achieve that the next two rounds. Sleep and healthy foods will be the key to keep things going positively.”

Emma Bittorf of Strathmore, Alta. sits second at 22-over (93) and Tess Trojan of St. Catharines, Ont. is third in the Women’s Stroke Play division following a 28-over 99 on Wednesday.

Bittorf and Stasiuk are currently tied for the lead in the Women’s Net Stableford competition after earning a total of 31 stableford points in the opening round. Trojan, the three-time Women’s Stableford defending champion is third with 27 points.

In the Men’s Gross Stroke Play Championship, defending champion Chris Willis of Aurora, Ont., Reggie Millage of Milton, Ont. and Josh Hunke of New Hamburg, Ont. are all tied at 3-over following rounds of 74. They collectively own a three-shot lead over two others tied for fourth at 6-over.

Willis, who is playing in his third Canadian All Abilities Championship is coming off two top 10 finishes in Major Championships, the G4D British Open and the U.S. Adaptive Open says he has high hopes to have a strong tournament this week.

“The course is fun. The greens are huge with lots of tiers, so approach shots will be tricky. While the course has started soft a couple of days with warm weather and this course will firm up and play even tougher.”

Willis added, “the adaptive golf community is growing quickly in Canada, events like this showcase people with disabilities and how they can achieve, perform, and compete at a high-level. I’m very happy to be a part of this rapidly growing community.”

Hunke, opened and closed his round with birdies on Tuesday and reflected on a great day with amazing playing partners on a tricky course, “Timber Ridge is in good shape and the greens are tricky to figure out. I hit it well but just could not find the bottom of the cup. With a couple more rounds and the help of my caddie Bob, we should be able to dial that in. Looking forward to the next two days of competition golf.”

Co-leader Millage also found the approach shots and greens difficult, “today was a battle. I was a little uncomfortable on some tee shots and Timber Ridge gives us all we can handle around the greens. I made a lot of pars today and some from some tricky places so that allowed me to get away with a decent score.”

In the Men’s Net Stableford competition Ian St John of Ireland leads after earning 39 stableford points on Tuesday to hold a three-point lead over Hunke (36 points). Kevin Delaney of Windsor, Ont. (35 points) sits in third, while Vic McClelland of High River, Alta. (34 points) is fourth. There is a tie for fifth with Geoff Beecroft of Newcastle, Ont. and Dave Marchand of Camrose, Ont. at 33 points.

The stableford scoring format of the Canadian All Abilities Championship awards set points based off a golfer’s net score for the hole. The points are awarded as follows: Albatross (5 points), Eagle (4 points), Birdie (3 points), Par (2 points), Bogey (1 point), Double Bogey or higher (0 points). The golfers with the highest total of accumulated points over 54-holes will win their respective divisions.

The fourth playing of the national championship features competitors from Canada, the United States, Australia, Ireland and Sweden with neurological, intellectual, sensory, and physical impairments and the largest field in tournament history. First conducted in 2021 at Humber Valley Golf Course in Toronto, Ont., the competition supports Golf Canada’s commitment to create a more inclusive and respectful sport environment across the Canadian golf community.

For the full leaderboard following the opening round of the 2024 Canadian All Abilities Championship, presented by BDO, please click here.