There are golf tournaments. And then there’s the GTA AM Tour — now in its 22nd season and still raising the bar.
Led by Mark Young, the tour started as an opportunity for amateur golfers to play competitive rounds on elite courses around the province. But over the years, it’s become something much more: a vibrant, welcoming and remarkably polished community where players come to compete, connect and feel like pros—even if they’re carrying a 14 handicap.
“People might join us because they want access to amazing courses or to test themselves in a competitive environment,” says Young. “But what keeps them coming back—year after year— is the community. It’s the players, the sponsors, our tour team, the host clubs. Everyone contributes to something bigger.”
And that something bigger is built on intention and care.
“When someone signs up, I personally call them,” Young adds. “Whether they’re new or returning, it’s my chance to welcome them or catch up. I love that moment —it’s how we set the tone from the very beginning.”
A First-Class Experience, Built for Amateurs
From the moment players arrive at an event, the details speak volumes. Knife-flag banners line the driveway. Staff members greet players by name. Flights are structured for fair competition, with Golf Canada-certified referees on site and experienced spotters placed throughout the course. Tee times are spaced for pace-of-play efficiency, and every tournament has a distinct energy—polished, professional, but never stiff.
“You play like an amateur, but you’re treated like a pro,” says Young. “That’s our promise. That’s why we invest in every little piece of the experience—from the driveway to the scorecard.”
The tour is divided into four Flights by handicap, plus an Open Net Stableford format—allowing players of all levels to find the right fit. Each event also has more than $3,000 in prizing courtesy of tour sponsors. And when it comes to handicapping, the tour goes beyond the basics.
“We have a dedicated Handicap Committee that reviews every player’s index before an event,” Young explains. “These guys are sharp — they spot anomalies, dig into score patterns, and follow up directly when needed. Fair play is non-negotiable.”
Golf, Friendship and Growth
But for all its competitive structure, it’s the culture that sets the GTA AM Tour apart. It’s a place where players feel supported—where long-time veterans mentor newcomers, where rivalries are friendly, and where friendships that start on the tee box often stretch beyond the fairways.
“One of the most rewarding parts of what we do is watching relationships form,” says Young. “Some of our players met on the tour more than 20-years ago—and they’re still friends today.”
That same energy makes it a welcoming space for players just stepping into tournament golf.
“Playing competitive golf for the first time can be intimidating,” Young admits. “But our players tell us time and again—once they’re out there, they feel supported. They learn the ropes, they gain confidence and they start to love the challenge.”
It’s not just talk. One player, Peter, wrote that by his third event, “the nerves had disappeared,” and that he was learning more about rules and pace of play than he ever expected. That kind of growth is what the tour is all about.
And it’s not only the players who notice.
“We’ve heard from superintendents at host clubs who say our players actually leave the course in better shape than a typical day of play,” Young says. “That means something. We’re proud of that.”
A Shared Mission with Golf Ontario
This season, the tour enters a new chapter through an industry partnership with Golf Ontario. With a strong base of players from both public and private clubs—many of whom also play in Golf Ontario championships—the alignment was a natural one.
“We recognize the value the GTA AM Tour provides to the amateur golf community. The tour creates a welcoming competitive environment for players to sharpen their skills, build confidence, and experience the thrill of tournament golf,” says Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane. “We’re proud to see many GTA AM Tour participants taking the next step by competing in our provincial championships—bringing with them the experience and competitive edge they’ve developed on tour.”
And that connection goes beyond words—it’s already turning into action.
As part of the partnership, the GTA AM Tour is embracing the 1,000 Ball Challenge, Golf Ontario’s fundraising campaign in support of junior golf and community impact initiatives. And in true tour fashion, it’s not just about participating—it’s about turning it into a competition.
Each Flight will form its own team and take part in a season-long Flight vs. Flight fundraising challenge to see who can rally the most support.
“We thought, why not bring our players together in a way that’s both meaningful and fun?” says Young. “This lets them show their competitive spirit while supporting the future of the game. That’s a win-win.”
Looking Ahead
With another season on deck, Young is already looking forward.
“I can’t wait to see the players again—to hear their stories, to see how they’ve worked on their game over the winter,” he says. “Our tour team pours their beings into every event, and that shows. We love what we do, and I think people feel that.”
Whether you’re a returning competitor or thinking about joining your first event, the GTA AM Tour offers more than just a tournament—it offers a community. A place to grow, compete, and belong. And now, with deeper ties to the provincial golf ecosystem, the future is brighter than ever.
Ready to Compete?
Join the GTA Am Tour at www.gtaamtour.com
Support Golf For All
Support Golf For All
Learn more about the 1,000 Ball Challenge and donate today at www.1000ballchallenge.ca
