Golf Ontario is proud to announce applications for the 2025 Scholarship Program will officially open on May 16, 2025, and will close on June 30, 2025.

This annual initiative supports Ontario student-athletes who demonstrate excellence both academically and within the golf community.

Scholarship Overview

Since 1994, Golf Ontario has awarded scholarships to hundreds of deserving students, thanks to the generous support of donors and partners. These scholarships aim to ease financial burdens and empower recipients to pursue their academic and athletic goals.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for a Golf Ontario scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a resident of Ontario
• Maintain a minimum overall academic average of 75%
• Hold an active Golf Ontario or Golf Canada membership
• Demonstrate active involvement in golf through competitive play, community engagement, volunteerism, or industry experience

Required Application Materials

Applicants are required to submit:

• A completed online application form
• A one-page personal essay titled “How Golf Has Shaped My Life”
• An academic transcript
• Proof of college or university acceptance or enrollment
• A letter of recommendation
• A resume
• An additional letter of reference

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Special Scholarship Awards

In addition to general scholarships, Golf Ontario offers several named awards honouring individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport:

• Ken McKenzie Award: Recognizes a student who embodies McKenzie’s dedication to junior golf development.
• Christine Fisher Memorial Student Award: Awarded to a female golfer demonstrating academic excellence and community involvement, with preference given to applicants from the Waterloo Region or those attending the University of Waterloo.
• Craig Revell Scholarship: Honours a student who exemplifies Revell’s respect for the game and academic achievement.
• Helena Harbridge Scholarship: Supports a student-athlete who has overcome adversity, reflecting Harbridge’s perseverance and dedication.
• Dave Mills Scholarship: Celebrates a student pursuing post-secondary education, reflecting Mills’ lifelong commitment to golf development.
• Baka Mobile Scholarship: Supports one male and one female junior golfer pursuing post-secondary education in Ontario.
• Bill Bath Scholarship Award: Recognizes a student from The Regional Municipality of Durham who demonstrates Bath’s passion for golf and community service.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted online from May 16 to June 30, 2025. Interested applicants can find more information and submit their applications HERE.

For questions or to learn more about supporting the scholarship program, please contact fundraising@golfontario.ca.

Golf Ontario remains committed to fostering the growth of student-athletes and looks forward to supporting the next generation of leaders in golf and beyond.

Disability golf has made a significant difference in my life. Four years ago, my brother encouraged me to sign up for the Ontario Open. At the time, I was struggling deeply with one of my lifelong disabilities. While you might look at me and not see someone with a disability—and growing up around only able-bodied people, I didn’t see myself that way either—I had been silently dealing with challenges that made many things, including golf, very difficult. Travelling by plane was out of the question, and even attending local tournaments in Ontario felt overwhelming.

About a week before my first round, my father passed away. My entire family was away at the time, and I was ready to withdraw. But my brother returned from his trip and convinced me to play. In that round, I was paired with Kurtis Barkley, the defending champion and a top-10-ranked golfer on the G4D Tour. Somehow, I shot my best-ever score—a 66, closing with birdie-eagle, with thoughts of my dad guiding that final putt.

After my first tee shot, Kurtis asked, “Have you heard about the G4D Tour?” He went on to explain how disability golf is growing, with the DP World Tour now hosting 8 to 10 events annually that showcase some of the best adaptive golfers in the world. I already knew I had surgery coming up to address the disability I’d been managing most of my life, and despite the grief I was carrying, I felt a sense of renewed opportunity.

My second-place finishes in both the Ontario and Canadian championships quickly pushed me into the top 30. My goal was to crack the top 10 and earn an invitation to play on the G4D Tour—something I’d long dreamed of, just to see how I’d measure up against the world’s best.

That fall, the R&A and the DP World Tour announced the inaugural G4D Open. I registered as soon as I could. My surgery was in December 2022, and while the disability is now more manageable, I hadn’t travelled in a long time. I kept the trip short—just a quick flight to the tournament and back.

The tournament was a great success. I finished in the top 15 and made new friends during both practice and competition. While I didn’t earn the high finish I’d hoped for or break into the top 10, I was proud of how I played and grateful for the sense of belonging I felt among fellow adaptive golfers.

From these experiences, I’ve learned that playing alongside others with disabilities has given me permission to take the time I need before every shot. Living with multiple invisible disabilities, I’ve always tried not to get in anyone’s way—not to let my hearing loss, hand dexterity challenges, or other conditions slow things down. During golf tournaments, that mindset would often cause me to rush, leading to mistakes. Disability golf has helped me realize it’s okay to take the time and space I need to perform my best.

Golf Ontario is proud to share a guest blog from Chris Willis—an adaptive golfer whose story speaks to the transformative impact of the game.

This week, Willis blogs from Woburn Golf Club in United Kingdom as he competes in the 2025 G4D Open, sharing his thoughts on what this event—and this path—has meant to him.

The countdown is on for one of the most distinguished events on Golf Ontario’s calendar—the 2025 Champion of Champions, set for Wednesday, May 14th at The Club at Bond Head.  This annual championship brings together many of the province’s top competitors for a day that celebrates achievement, competition, and provincial pride.

A Celebration of Club Champions

This year’s championship will welcome a full field of 240 players, with 120 playing on each course. Competitors will take on 18 holes of stroke play, with shotgun starts at 12:00 p.m. and 12:15 p.m. The North Course will feature the Men’s, Women’s, and Junior Boys’ divisions, while the South Course will host the Senior Men, Senior Women, and Junior Girls. ​With club champions from all corners of Ontario and talent spread across both courses, the stage is set for an exciting and memorable day of competition.

“The event celebrates our member club champions from each of their respective divisions,” says Rob Watson, Tournament Director. “It’s the largest one-day event we hold, with 236 golfers currently registered.”

Watson notes that the roster includes champions from six divisions: Men’s, Women’s, Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s, Junior Boys, and Junior Girls—highlighting the depth, diversity, and strength of competition within Golf Ontario’s membership.

👉Click here for full player roster: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/11291891267035777202

Who to Watch

Returning champions:

• Lynn Lean of Spring Lakes Golf Club won the Senior Women’s division after a 12-over-par 84 in 2024 Champion of Champions.

• Julia Alexander-Carew of Credit Valley Golf and Country Club won the Junior Girls’ division after an even-par 72 in the 2024 Champion of Champions.

• Robert Gibson of Cedar Brae Golf Club won the Senior Men’s division after a 2-under-par 70 in 2024 Champion of Champions.
  

Stay Connected

For pairings, live scoring, and post-round results, follow along at https://www.golfontario.ca, and keep an eye on Golf Ontario’s social channels throughout the day for updates from the course.

In a ceremony steeped in pride and tradition, Canadian golf legends were celebrated as the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame etched a new chapter in history.

Four new inductees were honoured with a place in the Hall of Fame, while a renowned Ontario photographer accepted a prominent media award during the ceremony, which saw more than 100 in attendance at Wooden Sticks Golf Club.

Revered presenter and sports broadcaster Rod Black returned as the host of the ceremonies, steering the evening with warmth and festivity. The event began with Mike Lamontagne, Chair of Golf Ontario, taking the stage to officially welcome guests and open the ceremony.

In the Builder Category, Archie Berube, Grant Fraser, and Charles Blair Macdonald were honoured for their transformative contributions to the game of golf in Ontario.

Berube spent decades revitalizing the Northern Golf Association through rebelling leadership, cheerful engagement, and influential collaboration with Golf Ontario. Berube has been a driving force in Northern Ontario golf for over 25 years, as he continues to create a lasting legacy through his efforts and unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for future generations.

Fraser, a trailblazer in golf management education, created Ontario’s first Professional Golf Management program and founded Canada’s only online golf management institute. For over 30 years, he has shaped the next generation of golf industry leaders through national and international instruction, award-winning media contributions, and leadership roles with Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada, and the Canadian Junior Golf Association. His forward-thinking approach and passion for golf and education have made a profound impact on the growth and professionalism of the game in Ontario.

Macdonald, born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, was remembered as the “Father of Golf Course Architecture.” He designed the first 18-hole golf course and achieved major championship success as a player. Though his legacy is widely recognized across North America, his roots in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and his early contributions to the sport have left a lasting impact on the development of golf in the province. His vision and influence helped shape the foundation of modern golf in Ontario and beyond. 

In the Player Category, Alena Sharp was inducted as one of Canada’s most accomplished professional golfers. With a standout career on the LPGA Tour spanning over 20 years, she represented Canada at the 2016 Olympics and competed in more than 300 LPGA events. Her achievements and commitment have motivated countless future generations of female golfers in Ontario, Canada, and beyond.

Finally, Doug Ball, the legendary photographer, was recognized with the 2025 Lorne Rubenstein Media Award. Born in 1946, Ball constructed a tremendous career capturing defining moments in golf —from Tiger Woods’ 1997 Masters win to Mike Weir’s iconic 2003 Masters victory, a moment of tremendous pride for Ontario and Canadian golf. His profound connection to the sport and ability to preserve its most powerful stories through his lens make him one of the country’s most esteemed pictorial storytellers.

The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is proud to celebrate the devotion and pridefulness that each recipient carries, on and off the golf course. Their contributions, whether through leadership, education, playing excellence, or storytelling, have helped shape the past, present, and future of the game in Ontario. We honour their legacy and thank them for inspiring generations to come.

Founded in 2000 by the Ontario Golf Association and the Ontario Ladies’ Golf Association, The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognizing extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in the game of golf in Ontario. Their contributions, whether through leadership, education, playing excellence, or storytelling, have helped shape the past, present, and future of the game in Ontario.

Junior golf in Ontario isn’t just about tee times — it’s where young talent begins to take shape.

Across the province, regional tours allow junior players aged 6 to 18 to compete, improve their skills, and fall in love with the game. These programs, whether in the heart of the GTA, along the shores of Lake Erie, or in northern regions, are building more than just swings; they are also developing character. With an emphasis on skill development, sportsmanship, and personal growth, Ontario’s junior golf environment is shaping the next generation of champions on and off the course.

Ontario has an extensive network of junior golf tours, several of which have become important parts of their local communities. The Junior Tyson Tour, established in 1968, holds the distinction of being Canada’s oldest junior golf tour and it continues to provide a competitive and inviting atmosphere for young players in the London region. Similarly, the Hamilton Halton Junior Golf Tour, founded in 1984, was Ontario’s first structured junior tour and remains a premier platform for high-level competition among players aged 10 to 18.

Across the province, tours such as the Niagara District Junior Tour, Simcoe County Junior Golf Tour, Pepsi Titleist Junior Tour, North Eastern Junior Golf Tour, and Lambton Golf Tour, among many others, give junior golfers a regional stage to test their skills, elevate their game, and proudly represent their communities.

At the core of Ontario’s junior golf development is the Junior Golf Pathway, a structured program that guides young players from recreational beginnings to high-level competitive opportunities. Designed for athletes who want to improve, the pathway offers guidance on tournament selection, access to quality coaching, and support for long-term development in the sport. It includes four progressive levels: Emerging, Advancing, Competitive, and Performance. Each stage reflects a player’s development and level of commitment. As athletes gain experience and grow their skills, the pathway helps them transition from learning the fundamentals to competing at provincial, national, and even international levels. At every stage, the focus remains on building confident, well-rounded players who are prepared for success.

For Golf Ontario, junior tours are more than just a series of events, they are a vital part of shaping the future of the sport. As Alexandra Taylor, Manager of Junior Performance, explains, these tours form a foundational piece of the Junior Golf Pathway by providing the structure young players need to develop key skills and confidence. “Junior tours matter because they are where it all starts,” she says. “They help young players fall in love with the game, learn to compete, and begin charting their path, whether toward provincial teams, post-secondary golf, or a lifelong passion for the sport”. These tours play a central role in the Junior Golf Pathway by providing meaningful opportunities for competition, connection, and growth.

As Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane adds, the Junior Golf Pathway is designed to act as the bridge between early participation in regional tours and long-term development in the sport. “These tours offer structured, age-appropriate competition that allows athletes to test their skills, learn from their experiences, and measure their progress,” he says. “They’re often the first step for players aspiring to move through our Junior Golf Pathway and into provincial championships.” He emphasizes that the impact of junior tours extends beyond competition. “They also contribute to Golf Ontario’s mission of ‘Shaping Lives Through Golf,” McFarlane says. “Junior tours don’t just develop great golfers—they create moments that build character, confidence, and lifelong skills on and off the course.”

This vision aligns closely with Golf Ontario’s broader mission of shaping lives through golf and its commitment to ‘Golf for All’, ensuring that every young athlete has access to meaningful, inclusive experiences that foster personal development, a love for the game, and a lasting connection to the sport.

From the first tee to the provincial stage, Ontario’s junior golf tours and the Junior Golf Pathway provide young athletes with the tools to grow, compete, and thrive. Rooted in community and backed by a commitment to long-term development, these programs are not only shaping future champions but also creating positive experiences that last a lifetime. With every swing, junior golfers across the province are building the foundation for a strong, confident, and a connected future in the game.

To learn more or find a junior tour near you, visit https://juniorgolfpathway.ca/  

The spark of a new idea among friends at last year’s Canadian Women’s Mid-Am in B.C. has blossomed into a meaningful new tradition.

On May 11, a group of passionate and skilled women golfers will gather at Cutten Fields in Guelph for the inaugural Crown Invitational—an exciting event launching to reignite women’s mid-amateur golf in Ontario.

The Crown Invitational is rooted in love for the game, shared purpose, and spirited competition. It was created by a player-led committee of five committed women golfers—Alexandra Taylor, Jessie Mercer, Emily Phoenix, Mary Beth McKenna, and Meredith Fairbairn—who united around a common goal: to bring their vision to life. At the heart of their mission is a commitment to helping women reconnect with competitive golf.

“We were all together at the Canadian Mid-Am in B.C. when the idea came up—we just thought, why not host something ourselves?” says Taylor.

That moment of inspiration turned into the first step in making the event a reality. The committee envisioned a welcoming and accessible tournament for women who may have stepped away from competitive golf after their junior or collegiate years.

“The idea was to create a mid-am invitational that could bring women back into competitive golf—especially those who played in college or as juniors,” she explains.

With 13 players registered for this year’s inaugural event, the field will feature four groups—meeting the team’s initial goal and laying the foundation for future growth.

“There are 13 registered this year. Our goal was four groups—and to build on that each year,” adds Taylor.

The format is designed to balance structure and inclusivity. A and B teams will be assigned for the better ball competition, with an additional individual scoring category.

“We’ll have A and B teams for the better ball, plus an individual category as well,” says Taylor.

Cutten Fields has a long-standing tradition of hosting major tournaments. But to Steve Bryant, Director of Golf, this event holds personal significance.

“We’re usually the ones who host major tournaments,” Bryant said, “but we’re always happy to help out—especially when a Cutten Fields member like Mary Beth steps forward.”

Mary Beth McKenna, a Cutten Fields member and the event’s lead organizer, said the idea came from recognizing the lack of opportunities for women to continue playing competitive golf after university.

“Life becomes busy after school,” she shared, “and there are limited opportunities for women to remain actively involved competitively.”

From the setting at Cutten Fields to the thoughtfully crafted format, every element of the event has been intentionally designed. The goal is to create a supportive and fun environment that encourages women to return to competition—without the stress of rankings or qualifications.

The Crown Invitational and its mission reflect Golf Ontario’s vision of Golf For All—”We shape lives by connecting people to positive golf experiences”—by offering welcoming, inclusive spaces for golfers of all backgrounds, abilities, and life stages. This event exemplifies what it means to build a sense of belonging in golf: breaking down competitive barriers and welcoming women back to the course to play the game they love.

The Invitational paves the way for continued participation and long-term growth in the women’s game. Even in its first year, the Crown Invitational is poised to become a lasting, player-first tradition—seamlessly combining camaraderie and competition for women in golf.

Looking for your next scramble? Want to join a fun local league? Curious about tournaments or charity events happening near you? We’ve got you covered.

Golf Ontario is proud to introduce the new Ontario Golf Events Hub — a one-stop online calendar where golfers can explore events happening at golf clubs all across the province.

From member/guest tournaments to mixed scrambles, charity classics to league nights — if it’s happening at an Ontario course, you’ll find it here.

Why the Hub?

Ontario’s golf community is buzzing with activity, but until now, there hasn’t been a centralized place where golfers could easily find out what’s going on. The Hub solves that — making it easier for you to find great events, play more golf, and support local clubs.

With more than 250 events already on the Hub, clubs that use Golf Genius can publish events directly to the Hub, and those who don’t can still participate with a quick form submission.

Want to Add an Event?

Are you organizing a charity tournament, league night, or fun scramble at your local club? Golfers and Golf Ontario members can help grow the calendar too.

If your club hasn’t submitted the event yet, you can send us the details and we’ll follow up. Just use this form:

Submit an Event to the Hub

It’s a great way to help more players discover the game — and make sure your event gets the attention it deserves.

How to Use It

Just visit the Ontario Golf Events Hub and browse events by: Date; Region; Club; Event type (scramble, league, charity, etc.).

Help Spread the Word

Are you a member at a club? Ask your pro shop or tournament organizer to get their events on the Hub! It’s free and open to all Golf Ontario member facilities.

Let’s tee up more opportunities to connect, compete, and celebrate this amazing game — together.

With record numbers of rounds being played, doing your part to take care of courses is more important than ever. As a golfers regardless of skill level or experience, you need to be good stewards. Here’s look at a few basic areas where a little awareness and effort will help keep courses in good shape.

Golf Carts

Carts help golfers get around the course, but they can also cause damage – especially when people don’t follow a course’s cart rules. Cart policies can change daily, so make sure to ask about them before teeing off. There are a lot of reasons why a course may not want you driving in certain areas – some issues are obvious and some may not be. Wet or newly grassed areas surrounded by cart signs should clearly be avoided, but tire ruts show up in these spots more often than they should. Courses may also want you to avoid extremely dry areas, or they may ask you to stay on the path in late fall or winter when grass is hardly growing and can’t handle traffic.  

No two courses are exactly alike, so the rules will vary. Follow any ropes, stakes or directional signs – they are there for a reason. Avoid turf areas that appear thin, weak or wet. Try to spread out when driving through high-traffic areas and keep all four tires on the path as much as possible. Don’t drive through naturalized areas, don’t get too adventurous on steep slopes, and don’t get too close to tees or greens. Beyond these basics, erring on the side of caution is always a good approach. 

Repairing Divots

Taking a divot is part of the game but the scars should be carefully repaired. The goal is to leave a smooth surface and encourage the grass to heal. In general, if a divot is mostly intact, replace it and tamp down with your foot to smooth it out and restore contact between the roots and the soil. If there are gaps around the replaced divot, fill those with divot mix to help the grass fill in and create a smooth surface for playing. Some courses may prefer that you use mix rather than trying to replace divots. This could be because the grasses on that course tend to explode into pieces after a shot rather than forming a nice divot that is likely to heal. Sometimes the environment or weather isn’t conducive to replaced divots healing so it’s better to fill the hole with mix. 

There are many factors that influence divot recovery, which is why policies can vary. The bottom line is to leave places where you take a divot as smooth as possible for the next player and to encourage recovery. If you can refrain from taking divots on your practice swings and avoid hitting practice shots on the course, that helps decrease the total number of divots that need to heal. Another good habit is to fill your divot and one more.

Ball Marks

While fairly small, a ball mark can leave a lasting impact on a putting surface if it is not repaired. Unrepaired ball marks disrupt surface smoothness, and the negative impact can last for weeks. The proper repair technique has several key points to consider. Start by using any pointed tool, including a golf tee. Insert the tool behind the ball mark and gently push toward the center, then work around the edges of the mark gently pressing the turf back in toward the middle. Don’t lift or twist the turf because that can damage the roots. Once you have worked the turf back into place with the repair tool, gently tamp the area with your putter to smooth the surface. While you have your ball mark repair tool handy, see if you can repair one or two more marks that may have been missed. 

Bunker Raking

After hitting a bunker shot, try to leave the sand as smooth, or smoother than when you found it. Knowing the basics of bunker raking and putting in a little effort is all it takes. Enter the bunker from the low side and try to bring a rake with you so you don’t have to search for one after hitting your shot. Use the rake to smooth and level any disturbances you create in the sand. As you exit the bunker, avoid pulling a clump of sand up against the edge as this can damage the grass and create awkward lies for other players. 

Follow the course’s policy on where to put the rake when you’re done. If they don’t have a specific policy, the USGA recommends placing them outside bunkers and away from where they are likely to interfere with play. Before exiting the bunker, knock any sand off your shoes to keep it from winding up on greens or fairways where it can disrupt play and potentially damage mowing equipment.

Keeping Staff Safe

The maintenance staff does their best to take care of the course while avoiding play, but there are times when golf and maintenance will cross paths – especially with how busy courses have been. When you encounter staff, always ensure they see you before hitting in their direction. They may be focused on their task or unable to hear you yell “fore” at first, so give an extra shout or wave if you aren’t sure they noticed you. After the staff responds, be patient while they move out of the way. 

Going the Extra Mile

Beyond the basics, here are a few other things you can do during your next round to leave the golf course better than you found it.

• Pick up broken tees and discard them in waste containers to keep them from cluttering the course and damaging mowers.
  
• If a garbage can is full, hold on to your trash rather than piling it high for wind and birds to disperse across the course.
  
• Do not leave cigars or cigarette butts on playing surfaces and keep those sunflower seeds off the greens.
  
• Ropes and stakes are there for a reason, so walk through designated openings and not over or on top of the rope, which will loosen and pull the stakes over.
  

It is the maintenance staff’s job to care for the course, but golfers need to do their part as well. During your next round, set a good example by using the tips in this article and encourage others to make the effort as well. 

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

As the golf season kicks into gear during the spring, it’s important to be mindful of certain course conditions, renovations, and guidelines that may affect your game and your ability to post scores for handicap purposes. Here are the main points to consider:

Course Conditions to Watch Out For:

Unplayable Bunkers
During the spring, bunkers may be affected by rain or snowmelt. If a bunker is considered unplayable or too wet to play from, check for local rules or temporary relief options provided by the club. For example, you may be allowed to take free relief from a flooded or unplayable bunker.

Temporary Water
If your ball is in an abnormal ground condition (temporary water), you may be allowed to take relief, typically under the “temporary water” rule, which allows you to drop the ball without penalty if the conditions make it unplayable. The location of your ball within this area needs to be known or with virtual certainty in order to take relief

Aeration Holes

Aeration holes are commonly found in the spring but are not classified as ground under repair, so free relief is generally not allowed. However, relief may be permitted if a Model Local Rule is in place. Be sure to check with your golf course before your round to confirm if this rule applies.

Course Renovations/Temporary Construction

During the spring, courses often undergo maintenance, which could involve the use of temporary greens or tees. How are scores to be posted when Temporary Tees/Greens are used?

The Rules define a putting green as any area specifically prepared for putting. This includes both the normal green and any temporary ones created with paint or mow lines in the fairway. In both cases, the same Rules apply.

The same principle holds for teeing areas, whether it’s the standard tee box or a designated spot in the rough nearby.

Hole Closures
Sometimes, specific holes may be closed for maintenance or safety reasons, particularly during the spring.  If the case, here’s how you would post your score for handicap purposes:

A score from an incomplete round or when one or more holes have not been played may only be used for handicap purposes if, among other things:

• The round has been played over at least the minimum number of holes required for either a 9-hole or an 18-hole score to be acceptable; and
• The reason for not completing the round was valid

If these two conditions are met, a 9-hole or 18-hole Score differential will be created either using a player’s Expected score or Net Par for the hole or holes not played.

Expected Score

The procedure for calculating a Score Differential using an expected score can be summarized as follows:

1. An expected Score Differential for the hole or holes not played is calculated, based on a given Handicap Index and a course of standard difficulty.

2. A Score Differential for the holes played is calculated using the player’s actual scores and the rating value of the holes played.

3. The Score Differential from the holes played is combined with the expected Score Differential to produce either a 9-hole or 18-hole Score Differential.

*Expected score can only be calculated if the round is entered Hole-by-Hole in the system*

Net Par

In certain circumstances, a score of net par can be used for a hole or holes not played, in place of the expected score. The procedure for calculating a Score Differential using Net Par can be summarized as follows:

Adjusted Score = Par (for the hole) + Additional handicap strokes received

Course Conditions and Impact on Handicap Index Calculation

Your Handicap Index reflects your demonstrated ability to play in relation to the difficulty of the course. Spring conditions can vary, which might affect your scoring and thus your Handicap Index. Here’s how it can:

Soft Conditions May Impact Scoring
When course conditions are soft like fairways and greens, this can lead to no, or little roll making the course play much longer (in some cases nearly 300 yards). If tees are not moved to account for the loss of roll and other course conditions, scores posted may not reflect how the course was playing in relation to its course/slope rating. This would also impact the calculation of each players Handicap Index that played in these conditions.

Wind and Rough May Affect Scores
Windy conditions and thick (wet) rough can make it much more difficult to play/score well. Unpredictable wind or soggy thick rough can lead to more errant shots and penalties, making it harder to keep your score low.

Acceptability of Scores for Posting

To post an acceptable score, certain conditions must be met. Here’s what you need to know:

• Authorized Format of Play
• Minimum Holes
  To post a valid score, you need to play at least 9 holes for a 9-hole score and complete 10 holes to post an 18-hole score. In cases of early course closures or specific conditions (like weather), scores might be adjusted or shortened, but you’ll need to check course rules to confirm.
• Playing with Others
• Adherence to the Rules of Golf
• Current/Valid Course Rating and Slope Rating
• During the Active Golf Season (April 15^th in Ontario)

Remember Your Responsibilities as a Player

• Act with Integrity
• Make the Best Score Possible
• Submit All Acceptable Scores

Spring golf conditions can be unpredictable, but they present opportunities for growth and challenge. Being aware of course conditions, renovations, and the guidelines for posting scores ensures you’re prepared and can keep your game and handicap accurate as the season begins. Always play by the rules, act with integrity, and take into account how changing conditions can affect your game and score.