What started as a last-minute road trip turned into a once-in-a-lifetime golf pilgrimage for three University of Guelph students, now famously known as the Ontario Boys.

Over the past month, Caleb Patry, Liam Fischer, and Beck Ljungberg—teammates on U of G’s golf team—have become something of a sensation among golf fans, players, and even media outlets, after an impromptu journey saw them touch down at some of the sport’s most iconic venues, including The Players Championship in Florida and The Masters in Augusta, Georgia.

“Honestly, it’s been a dream,” said Fischer, speaking from the road somewhere in West Virginia as the trio made their way back home. “We hit all the major spots we’ve wanted to see our whole lives.”

A Social Media Swing That Landed

It all began when Patry replied to a social media ticket giveaway for the 2025 Players Championship. He snagged a couple of extra passes and tossed the offer into the golf team’s group chat. Fischer and Ljungberg jumped on board—though not without a few hiccups.

“We left at 2 p.m. Saturday and got to Florida by 11:30 a.m. Sunday,” Fischer said.
“There were passport issues, overnight drives… we ran on adrenaline.”

It wasn’t long before the trip took off online. Golf fans across North America began following their journey as the “Ontario Boys.” A quick stop at Walmart for DIY T-shirts sealed the name—and the legend.

Viral in the Golf World

From walking the grounds at TPC Sawgrass to rubbing shoulders with Rory McIlroy, the Ontario Boys found themselves recognized by fans almost as much as the pros.

U.S. media outlets caught wind of the story, and the trio suddenly found themselves part of golf’s biggest conversations. They played a round at Sawgrass, attended TGL events, and even met their idols.

But just when they thought the ride had peaked, it got better.

Augusta Bound — Thanks to a Fellow Canadian

After Patry jokingly said that attending The Masters would be the only way to top it all, Corey Conners, a PGA Tour pro from Listowel, Ontario, stepped in. Conners, who had been following their story, secured them practice round passes for Augusta.

They arrived in Georgia just in time for Monday’s rain-soaked practice, but despite the washout, the mood stayed sky-high.

“We didn’t even make it through the gates that day,” Fischer said, “but we still called it the best day of the trip.”

Tuesday delivered perfect weather and even more memories. The Ontario Boys followed their favorite players, got a photo with all four Canadians in the field—Conners, Nick Taylor, Taylor Pendrith, and 2003 Masters champion Mike Weir—and soaked in the atmosphere of golf’s most prestigious tournament.

Lessons Beyond the Leaderboard

At a Golf Canada event held the same week, they spent time with Pendrith and Conners again. It was a moment that brought surprising clarity.

“I used to see them as superheroes,” Ljungberg said. “But they’re just regular guys. Really down to earth.”

The sentiment resonated deeply. For three young golfers chasing their own dreams, the trip served as both motivation and a reality check.

More Miles to Go

With their social media accounts growing and invitations rolling in, the journey doesn’t end here. In May, the trio is slated to attend a charity golf event in South Carolina. In June, they’ll be at the RBC Canadian Open in Toronto before heading to British Columbia to represent the Gryphons at the Canadian University/College Championship.

But no matter how far they travel, the heart of the trip remains simple.

“This whole trip brought us closer,” Patry said. “That’s what 70 hours in a car will do.”

Originally planned as a quick dash to Florida, the odyssey turned into something much bigger: a testament to the power of saying “yes,” chasing dreams, and the sheer magic of the game.

Or, as Fischer put it with a grin, “Probably the best three weeks of our lives.”