FAQ

Do I have to pay a membership fee to compete in GTA AM Tour events?

The 2024 Tour Registration fee is $189 (plus HST). The first 550 players to register will receive Sponsor products and services, at their first event, valued at approx. $250.

What is included with the membership fee?

The GTA AM Tour provides players with access to some of the finest Private and Public golf courses in Canada to compete in Tour-quality, professionally run one-day events in addition to Major Championships and a Tour Championship. The first 550 players who pay the Tour Registration fee will, at their first event, receive $250 in Sponsor products and services. See Tour Overview section of the website for more information.

If a player registers for the season and does not play at least two rounds of golf, and does not take a Sponsor Gift Bag (they will be offered at their first Tournament), they can send Mark Young an email at the end of the season and The Tour will refund their registration fee . 

When will my credit card be charged?

The Tour registration fee will be charged to your card when you register for the current season. A $25 non-refundable deposit will be charged to your credit card when you register for an event.  The balance of the Tournament Fee will be charged to your credit card three weeks prior to each event.

Players withdrawing inside of three weeks prior to an event will be subject to a minimum administrative cancellation fee of $90 plus HST. However, if the host course will not provide a refund, the player will be billed the entire cost of his or her green fee. Players who register less than one week prior to an event will pay an additional $10 (plus HST) administration fee. Any player who does not show for his or her tee time at a scheduled event will be subject to a minimum charge of $100. However, if the host course does not provide a refund, the player will be charged the full price of the event fee. If The Tour is unable to process a players’ credit card the player will be charged a minimum $25 processing fee. Please log into your Tour account and ensure The Tour has your current credit card information.

How do I update my credit card?

Once logged in to your player account and on your Dashboard, click “Update Your Card”, located directly below your next scheduled event. 

What if I need to withdraw from an event?

Players withdrawing inside of three weeks prior to an event will be subject to a minimum administrative cancellation fee of $90 plus HST. However, if the host course will not provide a refund, the player will be billed the entire cost of his or her green fee.

What does it cost to play in each tournament?

Fees for each event vary based on venue, tournament location and type of event.  Most Tournaments are one day events, however Major Tournaments are typically two rounds played over two days.  All event fees include registration and green fees, use of the host courses practice facilities, prizes and draws. Check the “Events Schedule” for more information.

DISCOUNTED EVENT FEES AT CLUBLINK COURSES FOR CLUBLINK MEMBERS

Tour players, who are also ClubLink members, will receive, courtesy of ClubLink, an event discount at non-Prestige level ClubLink venues.  The Tour will charge you the full amount (as the billing is automated) but will then refund you the difference between the event fee and $80 (Plus HST).  One week prior to the event, ClubLink members must send an email to the Host Club's Director of Golf and cc Mark Young.  The email is to request from the Director of Golf, his/her confirmation that they will not be charging The GTA AM Tour for you, the ClubLink Member, to play in the event.  On the day of the event, ClubLink members are required to check in with the Golf Shop and show their ClubLink identification.

How do I register for The Tour and events?

Register online by clicking the link Join The Tour to create your Tour profile.  Once your Handicap Factor has been set up and/or verified and you are assigned to a Flight, you can register for events on the Events Schedule page of the website. When you register for an event, you will immediately be charged a non-refundable deposit of $25 (Plus HST). Out of respect for your fellow Tour players, please ensure you intend to compete in the event prior to registering. 

How does the Notify Me List work?

When a player withdraws from an event that is full, you will receive an automated email if you have signed up for the Notify Me List. If you still wish to play, log into the website, withdraw from the Notify Me list and then register. Whoever gets there first takes the vacancy. If you are unable to secure the spot, you may go back onto the list and wait for the next opening.

Can I use my electronic measuring device (i.e. sky caddie, laser or cellphone GPS) during a tournament?

During GTA AM Tour events, a player may only obtain distance information from an electronic device.  Golf applications on cell phones are permitted, however, the app cannot provide the player with additional information such as slope, wind speed, temperature, etc.  Such action would be in breach of Rule 4.3.

Penalty for Breach of Rule 4.3: Penalty for first breach from single act or related acts: General Penalty. ​Penalty for second breach unrelated to first breach: Disqualification.  This penalty applies even if the nature of the breach was entirely different than the breach resulting in the first penalty.

Where and when are the starting tee times posted?

Tee times will be posted on The Tour’s website 4-5 days prior to an event.  In addition, individual players will receive an email 4-5 days prior to the event with their tee time, playing partners, and general information pertaining to the event, i.e. directions, local rules, etc.

What is the tee off sequence at events?

For all one day events and the second day of two day events, players tee off the first tee in threesomes in the following order: Champ Flight, A Flight, Open Net Stableford Flight, B Flight, C Flight, and Recreational Flight. On the first day of two day events, players may tee off in a shotgun format. Please see Event Info page for each event teeing format. Individual tee times will be emailed to players 4-5 days prior to the event. Your tee time will be dependent on your Flight, the number of Tournament players, time of year and, sometimes, weather. However, The Tour typically begins teeing players off between 7am and 8am.

Where should I go when I get to the tournament?

The GTA AM Tour has a Registration Table set up for players to check in, receive Local Rules information and a copy of the Tournament Pin Sheet. Please check in at least one half hour before your tee time and be available at the Starter's Tent ten minutes before your tee time.

Are power carts included?

There are a few events where power carts are included (see the Event Schedule); however, power carts are available to players to rent from the golf course if players so choose. Unvaccinated players may be required to pay a cart fee for two riders if a fully vaccinated player, with whom they are paired with, requests to ride alone.

Are caddies and/or spectators permitted?

Caddies and spectators are permitted at GTA AM Tour events and MUST walk the course, unless their player is riding a cart with a seat available, and a cart fee has been paid for two people.  Extra carts are not permitted, and caddies & spectators may not ride with their player's competitor.  Caddies must not slow down pace of play and must know and adhere to the etiquette and Rules of Golf.

How are tee times determined for Majors?

Legends on the Niagara Major - One day, 36 Hole Event - Two rounds on the same course.

Carrying Place Major - Two Day 36 Hole Event - Day One and Two will see players tee off the first tee in threesomes every ten minutes.  

The Nest / National Pines Major - Two Day 36 Hole Event - Day One will see players tee off the first tee in threesomes at The Nest Golf Club and Day Two will see players tee off the first tee in threesomes at National Pines Golf Club.

The tee time for the first round will be emailed at least five days prior to the tournament.  Tee times for the second day will be emailed to players after round one is completed.  Please see the event pages for details on starting times and power carts for each round. 

What is The Tour's weather policy?

In the case of inclement weather, the GTA AM Tour will, in conjunction with the host course, make a decision regarding the event at the course and not beforehand. Please arrive for your scheduled tee time.  Weather conditions can and do vary drastically. Please see INCLEMENT WEATHER & DANGEROUS CONDITIONS section under Communications of the Players Handbook for more information on inclement weather.  In the event the Tournament is cancelled, The Tour will notify registered players via email as soon as possible. 

How many events do I have to play in during the season?

There is no minimum, so players can enter to play in as many events as they choose. The season long Order of Merit (see below) uses points earned in your best 10 events plus the Tour Championship if the player is eligible and chooses to participate. Tour players who have played at least five (5) Tour rounds in the current season may participate in The Tour Championship and are eligible for Order of Merit Points and event prizing.  Majors count as two rounds. If a player does not have five rounds, he/she may still play in The  Tour Championship, in the Recreational Flight.

What are the prizes?

See Prizing section of the website 

What is the Order Of Merit Race and how do I earn points?

The GTA AM Tour also features a season long Order of Merit competition in which points are awarded to every player, based on the order of finish in each event (see chart below). Overall Champions in each Flight will be announced after the Tour Championship and will be based on the player's BEST 10 EVENTS prior to the Tour Championship, PLUS any points earned at the Tour Championship.  Points awarded at the season Majors will be increased by 50% and will be doubled for the Tour Championship. In the event of a tie, Order of Merit places will be decided by the player's 11th BEST EVENT. If still tied, the player who has competed in most events will be awarded the place.

There will be a total of 12 winners for the Season Long Order of Merit.  Prizing will be awarded as follows:

	Flight Name	Awarded Positions
	Champ. Flight	Top 3 Golfers
	A Flight	Top 3 Golfers
	B Flight	Top 3 Golfers
	C Flight	Top 3 Golfers

Can my Order of Merit Points be transferred between Flights?

Points can be transferred between gross score competition Flights (Champ, A, B and C). 

Is anyone eligible to play in The Tour Championship?

All Tour players are welcome to register for and to play at The Tour Championship.  However, spots will be awarded to players, in priority, using the following criteria:

1. Players who are amongst the top seven in their respective flight OOM ranking after the final Nest at Friday Harbour tournament.  Players must be on the Notify Me List to be considered.
2. Players who have played a minimum of five (5) Tour rounds during the season on a first-come, first-serve basis. (Note: Participation in both rounds of a 2-day major counts as two (2) rounds).
3. Any remaining available spots will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Note: There will not be a recreational flight at the Tour Championship.

How do I figure out what Flight I am in?

Players will be assigned to one of 5 competitive Flights based on their handicap index:

	Flight Name	Index
	Champ. Flight	up to 4.9
	A Flight	5.0 – 8.9
	B Flight	9.0 – 13.5
	C Flight	13.6 – 25.9
	Open Net Stableford Flight	up to 25.9
	R Flight	-

What are the yardages played per Flight?

Subject to the course, per Flight yardages will be as follows (please refer to the event page to view the yardage for each specific course):

	Flight Name	Yardage Range
	Champ. Flight	6,300 – 6,700
	A Flight	6,200 – 6,500
	B Flight	6,000 – 6,400
	C Flight	5,800 – 6,200
	Open Net Stableford Flight	6,000 – 6,400

*at Ladies Golf Club, all Flights will play from the GTA AM Tour Blue tees (6,000 yds)

Are women permitted to play on The Tour?

There are three ways women can compete on Tour: 

1. Women can play in one of the  competitive Flights (CH, A, B, or C). In order to compete in one of these Flights, six strokes will be added to a woman's Handicap Index to have them play in the correct Flight and from the correct yardages. 
2. Women can play in the Open Net Stableford Flight
3. Women can play for fun in the Recreational Flight 

Who is eligible to play in the Open Net Stableford Flight?

The Open Net Stableford Flight is for players with a Handicap Factor between 25.9 and under. All Open Net Stableford Flight players will play from the B Flight tees, in the range of 6,000-6,400 yards and will tee off following the A Flight. Players competing in the Open Net Stableford Flight will do so in a Net Stableford format.  This point system sees players receiving one point for a net bogey, two points for a net par, three points for a net birdie, four points for a net eagle and five points for a net double eagle.  The player with the highest points accumulation will win the event. Ties will be resolved as per The Tour's card matching protocol on a net score basis

Where can I find out more about the tournament rules?

You can find many of the rules explained on the Tour Resources page.

Am I required to have a Golf Canada Handicap Index?

Yes, all players need to have an up-to-date, verified Golf Canada index in order to be flighted appropriately. If you do not already have an index, contact The Tour and inquire about joining the Tours Handicap Club (which, by the way, is just the same as joining the Golf Ontario Public Players' Program).

What does The Tour do to maintain the integrity of players’ handicap indexes?

As part of The GTA AM Tour's mandate to provide a fair and equitable playing field for all players, we regularly conduct reviews of the handicap indexes of our players. This measure, as well as multiple opportunities for peer review on our website, is an important part of what makes The Tour an equitable and special place to compete.

How do I sign up to get a Handicap Index?

The preferred method to obtain an official Handicap Index is for players to join through Golf Canada at the following link: https://ecomm.golfcanada.ca/home. Once registered, players must contact Patricia Bandurka (patricia@gtaamtour.com) to be added to the GTAAT club roster as a multi-member.

Now that I have a profile, how do I get a Handicap Index?

Once you have a profile, you can begin posting scores.  Sign into your account to post scores as hole-by-hole.  At least three acceptable scores are required before a Handicap Index can be computed.

What is Equitable Stroke Control (ESC)?

When scores are posted as hole-by-hole, ESC is automatically calculated. ESC is the downward adjustment of individual hole scores for handicap purposes. This process is in effect to make handicaps more representative of a player’s potential ability.  ESC sets a maximum number that a player can post on any hole. The maximum score a player can post on any hole is net double bogey.

How many scores does it take to have a Handicap Index?

The minimum number of scores that need to be posted to calculate a Handicap Index is three. 
Remember: these scores must be from clubs that have official Course and Slope Ratings.

What is a Handicap Differential?

A Handicap Differential is the difference between a player’s adjusted gross score and the Course Rating of the course on which the score was made.  The Handicap Differential is calculated using the following formula:
[(Adjusted Gross Score – Course Rating) x 113] / Slope Rating
The result of the formula is then rounded to the nearest tenth (one decimal place)

What do Course Slope and Rating mean?

Course Rating is an evaluation of the playing difficulty of a course for a scratch golfer. This evaluation is based on normal course and weather conditions, playing distance and other obstacles to the extent that they affect the scoring ability of a scratch golfer.

Slope Rating indicates the measurement of relative difficulty of a course for players who are not scratch golfers compared to the Course Rating.  Slope Rating is computed from the difference between the Bogey Rating (playing difficulty for the bogey golfer) and Course Rating.

What scores do I have to post for Handicap purposes?

Fair handicapping depends upon full and accurate information regarding a player’s potential scoring ability as reflected by a complete scoring record.  Every player must be responsible for posting ALL acceptable scores, on the day the round was played, as outlined below. Please note that the Tour will automatically post all rounds from Tour events to your record.

• All scores where at least nine holes have been played under The Rules of Golf on courses with a Course and Slope Rating.
• Scores from both match play and stroke play must be posted for handicap purposes.
• A player who is disqualified from a competition, but has an acceptable score, must still record an ESC adjusted score for handicap purposes.

What score do I post for holes that I didn’t finish?

When a hole is started but not finished (including conceded strokes), the player must record for handicap purposes the most likely score. The most likely score consists of the number of strokes already taken plus, in a player’s best judgment, the number of strokes that it would take to complete the hole from that position more than half the time. When recording this score, the number should be preceded by an “X” (ex. X-4).

Please note: These adjusted hole scores may not exceed the player’s Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) limit (as defined in Section 4-3 of the Golf Canada Handicap Manual.

What score do I post for holes that I didn’t play?

When between 10 and 17 holes are played, the player must indicate which hole(s) were not played by entering a zero "0" in the Golf Canada website or by leaving that hole blank (no input, advance to next hole) in the Golf Canada smartphone app. The system will automatically produce an 18-hole score based on the Score Differential of the holes that were played.

How are 9 hole scores treated?

When a player posts a 9-hole score, the system will automatically calculate an 18-hole Score Differential for the round. This will be based on the player's 9-hole Score Differential and expected Score Differential based on their current Handicap Index.

Does the Tour require hole by hole score posting?

The GTA Am Tour requires that all players use the hole-by-hole method of posting scores, on the day the round was played, as this method facilitates superior peer review - an important aspect of the Tour.
This method automatically calculates Equitable Stroke Control (ESC).

What is a CURRENT and ACCURATE Handicap Index?

CURRENT: Players must post scores from ALL rounds played (nine or eighteen holes, including match play), ALL competitive events (other than GTA AM Tour events) and ALL other rounds. Scores MUST be entered as soon as possible after a round is completed and must be entered on the date the round was played. All scores must be accurately entered prior to any GTA Am Tour event.

ACCURATE: All scores entered must be from the slope and rating for the correct set of tee blocks played. All Tournament Scores must be entered as Tournament Scores. All scores must be entered utilizing Equitable Stroke Control or ESC. The required method of posting scores is the Hole by Hole Method which automatically calculates ESC.

When is the active season for Ontario?

The active season in Ontario is from April 15th – October 31st. Active seasons for other provinces/states may be different. Players should pay particular attention to the requirement to post rounds, if they play in the winter in a jurisdiction with an active season during the time the round is played.

Who should I talk to about a Handicapping issues?

Please contact the Tour’s Handicap Committee Chair.

Can I post scores from a course that doesn’t have a course rating or slope?

On the Golf Canada website, you are only able to post scores from rounds played on a course with a Course and Slope Rating (or equivalent if rounds are played internationally) however, the Tour has implemented a policy so that we can address this situation, based on the length of course played. Effective playing length is the prime factor in the calculation of course rating.  To facilitate the most equitable input of scores, the Tour will calculate course and slope rating, using a formula that is based on a numerical analysis and graphing of a number of courses of varying lengths. If you play a course that is not registered with Golf Canada, and therefore does not have a valid course slope and rating, please email Matt MacKay (matt@gtaamtour.com) either a photograph of your scorecard, including yardage played, or a scanned/emailed version of your hole by hole score. It is the responsibility of each player to notify The Tour of these rounds.

I have a question about The Tour - who should I contact?

Please visit the Contact section of the website and you may direct your inquiry to the appropriate Tour Team member.  For general inquiries, please email info@gtaamtour.com