2026 Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Class Inducted
The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame welcomed guests to Wooden Sticks Golf Club on May 6 for its annual induction ceremony, celebrating individuals who have made exceptional contributions to and achieved outstanding success in the game of golf across Ontario.
Sports broadcaster Rod Black returned as host of the ceremony for the fourth straight year, helping welcome members of Ontario’s golf community as they celebrated the newest Hall of Fame inductees.
Lorne Rubenstein Media Award
This award recognizes excellence in Golf Media and honours individuals who have made a lasting impact through storytelling and coverage of the game.
The recipient of the 2026 Lorne Rubenstein Media Award:
Jeff Brooke, a widely respected and influential golf journalist: awarded for his outstanding contributions to the game’s media landscape. Over more than 25 years at The Globe and Mail, along with his work for Global Golf Post, SCOREGolf, and Matchplay Golf Marketing, he has become one of the sport’s most trusted and insightful voices. His writing and editorial leadership have earned repeated recognition from the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.
Brooke reflected on the personal significance of receiving this award.
“It’s super special primarily because the award is named after the Lorne Rubinstein team, who I’ve been friends with for 20-plus years”
Although a career in golf journalism was never part of the original plan, Brooke credits Rubinstein for helping shape his path in the industry, saying “he opened all the doors for [him] in golf”.
His lasting connection to the sport and his ability to capture its most powerful stories through his writing have made him a trusted voice in Canadian golf. Brooke’s impact and professionalism make him a standout and worthy recipient of the Lorne Rubenstein Media Award.
The Player’s Category
In the player category, individuals are celebrated for Extraordinary competitive performance in amateur or professional golf.
Laura Matthews joins the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame as a member in the player category, recognized for a career that left a lasting mark on golf in Ontario.
Matthews reflects on her experience growing up with the game of golf, and how exactly golf in Ontario shaped her life.
“Golf in Ontario gave me a place to grow up and learn the game. It gave me amazing people to grow up with, help me along the way, and shape my life to be where I am today.”
She earned major provincial and national titles and more than a decade representing Canada on the international stage. She played a central role in multiple international team victories and was a driving force behind University of Georgia’s NCAA championship season. Matthews later carried that same dedication into coaching, leading top NCAA programs and earning recognition for her leadership. Her achievements as a player and a coach, along with her lasting influence on the sport, make her a truly deserving inductee into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame.
The Builder Category:
The builder category highlights individuals who make a significant contribution to the development, promotion, or administration of golf in Ontario.
Ian Giles is honoured for decades of leadership that have strengthened the game of golf across Ontario.
“It’s an absolutely mind-boggling experience,” said Giles. “I’m absolutely humbled by it. I could never have imagined it could happen to me.”
His contributions span every level of the sport, from guiding club operations and supporting junior development to playing a key role in provincial governance, including helping lead OGA through its joining. Ian also contributed nationally as a long‑time Golf Canada governor, championship chair, and highly respected Level 4 Rules Official. Giles’ devotion, knowledge, and years of volunteer service make him a very deserving member of the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame.
