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

Chief Ted Williams is a complex individual, yet his reason for taking up golf nearly 40 years ago—and why he continues to play today—is quite straightforward.

“Golf is enjoyable,” Williams concedes. “Now, what I find most rewarding about the sport is the opportunity to meet new people and cultivate relationships on the course.”

In his youth, Williams was an avid hockey and softball player. He ventured into golf at the age of 28 with a solo round at Lake St. George Golf Club in Washago, Ontario. For the initial six or seven years, Williams exclusively played alone.

“I used to have this pronounced left-to-right shot that I was somewhat self-conscious about, so I’d play alone, early in the morning,” Williams recalls. “I also had a young family and that meant if I wanted to play, I had to be out at dawn and back by breakfast time.”

Eventually, Williams grew increasingly fond of golf and, in 1993, was invited to participate in the club championship at Lake St. George. He had never played competitively, but without any preconceived notions or competitive history, he entered the championship—and won, igniting a remarkable streak of victories and notable finishes that continues to this day.

“The triumph at that first club championship in ’93 spurred my interest in competitive golf,” Williams reflects. “I dedicated myself to improving, to mastering the diverse shots and learning how to score even on off days.”

Williams reclaimed the Lake St. George club championship in 1999. He dominated the Hawk Ridge Golf Club championship for eight consecutive years and won the Horseshoe Valley club championship in 2011. He’s competed in numerous Ontario and Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur tournaments and even attempted to qualify for the PGA TOUR Champions Tour at age 50. While he didn’t qualify, he was the leading amateur finisher that week.

He has also competed in the Indigenous Ontario Championship and is an enthusiastic supporter, planning to participate again this year.

“The Indigenous Ontario Championship is a magnificent event for many reasons,” Williams states. “It celebrates the remarkable talent of Indigenous golfers throughout the province.”

Williams has been a steadfast supporter of Indigenous communities nationwide for many years. He was elected Chief of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation at the age of 27. Now, approaching 70 and with extensive corporate experience, he has returned as Chief of Rama First Nation, serving his community in various capacities.

Once predominantly a softball community, Rama First Nation has embraced golf.

“Just a decade ago, you could count on two hands the number of golfers in our community,” Williams acknowledges. “Today, we have over a hundred people of all ages enjoying the game.”

Williams credits the pandemic with introducing many in his community to golf, but believes there are additional factors that have sustained their interest.

“The pandemic certainly boosted golf’s popularity province-wide, and that’s reflected in our community,” he says. “Yet, our people have kept at it because the game is enjoyable and the golf course feels like a welcoming place, where they can connect with familiar faces from the community.”  

As he reflects on a lifetime of achievements, both on the course and within his community, Williams looks forward to nurturing the next generation of golfers, ensuring that the legacy of unity and enjoyment he helped to establish continues to flourish for years to come.

As April marks the observance of Celebrate Diversity Month, it presents Golf Ontario with a wonderful opportunity to share inspiring stories and honour the diverse backgrounds and contributions of our members, volunteers, players, and colleagues.