Press Releases

Joshua Kingsmill named The Official Investment Advisor of The GTA AM Tour

RICHMOND HILL, ON (January 10, 2012 ) – The GTA AM Tour is proud to announce Joshua Kingsmill as The Official Investment Advisor of The GTA AM Tour. Joshua Kingsmill represents the first sponsor of its kind to join the diverse range of Tour sponsors, and one that will continue to expand upon the unique opportunities available to Tour members. The agreement is another wonderful step in the continued development and enrichment of the GTA Am Tour community.

“We are thrilled to have Joshua Kingsmill provide his services to Tour players throughout the 2012 season,” said Mark Young, Canadian Golf Tours Inc President. “We are striving very hard to develop a very well-rounded and unique golf-community for our Tour members, and Joshua Kingsmill truly enhances this community.”

As The Official Investment Advisor to the Tour, Joshua Kingsmill will be providing his skilful and time-tested investment services to Tour players. As a trusted player and sponsor Tour players will be provided with an opportunity to forge a more personal relationship with their investment advisor.

As part of a year-long contest, each player will receive one ballot just for signing up to receive Joshua’s weekly Kingervision “state of the markets” report. Players who undergo a portfolio review with Joshua will receive 7 ballots. Near the end of the season, a draw will be held and one lucky Tour player (and one of his friends) will join Joshua at Oviinbyrd Golf Club, in September, for a day of memorable golf and dining.

“Golf and the markets are two of my favourite activities. So I’m really excited to be a sponsor as part of this great community,” said Joshua Kingsmill. “While I can’t promise that entrusting me with your investments will mean lower golf scores on The Tour, I do promise to simplify the task of investing and will provide you with a piece of mind that your money is working optimally for you. See you out on the links!”

For more information please visit www.gtaamtour.com, and join The Tour today to take advantage of this great opportunity.

ABOUT JOSHUA KINGSMILL:

Joshua Kingsmill (www.joshuakingsmill.com) is at BMO Nesbitt Burns, a full service Wealth Management firm. Drawing on many years of investment experience both in Canada and London England, he has a passionate commitment to provide best-practice, thoughtful financial advice, strategies and solutions, aligned with each of his clients’ investment objectives.” Please contact Joshua at joshua.kingsmill@nbpcd.com.

Tour Patron Sponsorship Opportunity

We have created a new Patron sponsorship opportunity for Tour members. The Patron Sponsorship provides an opportunity to play 20 Tour rounds of golf (in your Flight). Patron Sponsors will receive a Marketing Agreement and invoice for their Sponsorship of The Tour.

In addition to 20 rounds of Tour golf and waiver of the Tour registration fee, Patron Sponsors will receive:

1) Your corporate logo on The Tour's website along with a link to your company's website;

2) An end of season "Patron's of The Tour" day of golf at Oviinbyrd Golf Club.

The price of Patron sponsorship is $5,000 (plus HST). There will be a maximum of 20 Patron Sponsor spots which will be filled on a first in first booked basis. If you are interested in becoming a Patron Sponsor, please call Mark Young.

ORDER OF MERIT TITLES DETERMINED BY FINAL STROKES OF THE SEASON

October 4, 2011 (Foot's Bay, ON) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour concluded its competitive season today up in Muskoka. The Tour Championship featured 80 of the Tour's top golfers, spread out over its four Flights; the combination made some of the most intensely competitive golf of the season. The two-day Championship proved to be quite the impactful event in the Tour's Order of Merit races, and demonstrated the great ability of the Tour's competitors to perform under pressure. Three of the Four Flights were anything but a lock coming into the event, and such knowledge would have most certainly weighed heavy on the nerves of each Flight's respective points leaders. And after some challenging weather during Monday's round, the Tour's best were treated with some wonderful weather on Tuesday, closing out a fantastic season, and opening the door for a low second-day score to win the Championship. The results were some of the most exciting finishes of the season, and some of the Tour's best golfing performances of the year.

The tightest races came from within the B Flight, where a four-way playoff was needed to determine the winner. After the first day, Brampton's Fred Snel, Mt. Hope's Jeff Springsted, Toronto's Bruce Findlay and Brampton's Brad Conley found themselves within a few strokes of each other, all in the top-five. An outright victory for any one of those players may have been enough to take home the season's Order of Merit race outright. However, on day-two, each one of these competitors nearly matched their counterparts and all four players had 36-hole totals of 171; a sudden death playoff ensued, with the Tour Championship, and Order of Merit race on the line. "It was very intense," noted Conley.

The playoff took place on the course's dramatic risk reward par-5 18th, and it was on this hole where Conley separated himself from his competitors: "my approach into the 18th and the putt to win were undoubtedly my best shots of the day." That finish proved to be the difference for Conley; those two shots gave him a playoff victory, in The Tour Championship, for the season-long Order of Merit title. "It feels so good to win under pressure," said a relieved, and very happy Conley.

In the A Flight, it was a bit of dicey second day for Scott Kapuscinski, but a strong enough round on the first day to get the job done. On the first day, The Toronto native fired an impressive 73 - his low-round of the season - which sent him home that evening with a five-shot lead. At that point, it seemed like everything was a lock. "It was very competitive," said Kapuscinski on his feelings after the first day.

On day two, Kapuscinski wavered a little bit, blowing up and shooting a much higher number (89) than his previous day's performance, but the cushion he made for himself on day-one provided him with enough of a lead to hang on. "My best shot was the putt on 18 to secure the win," said a very relieved Kapuscinski.

The victory today proved to also be the difference maker in Kapuscinski's run for the Order of Merit title. Victories, and top finishes, in the closing events of the season had built up his points and brought him within range of the title, and a top-performance at the Championship rewarded him with that title: "It is an absolute dream come true – I have aspired to this and didn't know that it could happen."

Chasing Kapuscinski throughout the Tournament were the Corvese brothers: Chris and Michael. The two finished in, second and third, in the Tour Championship. Whitby's Chris Corvese also finished the season in second place in the Order of Merit standings.

The Championship Flight was all but an official lock prior to the Championship, but that did not stop Waterloo's Rob Cowan from finishing the season with another impressive performance. Cowan shot a 72-69 for a two-day total of 141, and an impressive 24 shot victory over his nearest competitors. This was Cowan's fifth consecutive Order of Merit title, and he did so with a wire-to-wire season-long victory, having never given up the lead in the points race. "I knew I had a strong chance of winning the Order of Merit going into the event," said a modest Cowan, "but to win The Tour Championship was a little extra awesome – I was really happy with how I played over these two days."

Despite his strong lead throughout the season, Cowan was certainly tested and challenged on a weekly basis, which continued into the Championship. Multiple tournament winner Mississauga's Matt Gay, and Milton's Al Dairou finished in second and third place in The Tour Championship. Markham's Steve Thompson finished fifth in the Tour Championship, and second in the Order of Merit standings.

Lastly, in the C Flight, it was another strong finish that took home the Championship title. Huntsville's Jay White was in the hunt after a 92 on the first day, seven shots off the leader. But he really turned it on in the second round of the tournament by shooting an 84, the low score of his flight. This score gave White a two-day total of 176, and the Tour Championship title by six shots over Toronto's Jeremy Choi. Toronto's David MacLachlan finished in third with 183. "I really did not expect to do this today," said a happy White. "This was only my 15th round of the season, so it is such a huge accomplishment."

Although White's victory was a huge accomplishment, he started the tournament too far back in the points race to make a run at the title, putting emphasis on top finishes for those just trailing. Answering those calls were Toronto's Duane Gomes and Caledon's Robert Squirrell who finished fourth and sixth place, respectively, in the Tour Championship. The finishes by those competitors left them tied, in the points race, for the season-long title, which ultimately named both of them 2011 Order of Merit Champions.

Over the two days there were two long drive titles captured by Morgan Rubes and Bruce Findlay, and two closest-to-the-pin titles, which were won by Peter Tobin and Jay White.

In addition to the TaylorMade prizing awarded to the Tour's top finishers in the event today, there was also an abundance of draw prizing handed out from ECCO Shoes and The Mill Street Brewery. Dominic Marchesano, Neil Gahani, Troy Langley and Serge Marchuk each won a Mill Street Brewery draw; and Matt Perricciolo, Doug Remmer, Grant Brown and Bruce Findlay each won an ECCO Shoe draw.

For full field scores for the Tour Championship, please log on to your profile on the Tour's website at www.gtaamateurtour.com. The Tour's staff would like to congratulate its 2011 Champions, and thank them for such an exciting finish to the season; they look forward to seeing you at The Tour's member guest event at Meadowbrook G&CC on Monday October 17, 2011.

BIG FIELD YIELDS HOTLY CONTESTED TITLES AT THE MAZDA SUMMIT

CALEDON, ON (September 26, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour was at Devil's Pulpit GC to play The Mazda Summit. Today's event was the final event of the season before next week's two-day Tour Championship. Over 130 golfers took part in today's tournament, making it the largest field of the season. The large field was not only a testament to the competitive drive of the Tour's competitors, but also to the golf course. Devil's Pulpit's beautiful scenery atop the hills of Caledon, coupled with its challenging layout has made it one of the most popular tournament host courses in the past five seasons. The course was also complimented by warm fall temperatures today, which took the elements out of the equation when it came to scoring. With the big fields, in each flight, there was some close competition and several hotly contested titles.

With just under fifty golfers in the B Flight alone, each competitor certainly had to bring their A game if they stood a chance at standing out in such a massive field; and that is exactly what Thornhill's Derrick Davidson did. Davidson fired a solid 78 that was highlighted by an eagle on the 18th hole, which gave him the victory by a single stroke. "Just got it in under the wire" said Davidson on winning his last event of the season, which he attributed to "strong iron play – something that hasn't been the case all season."

Scarborough's Steve Zimmerman finished in second place today with a 79. Hometown, and home course, competitor Roland Hill finished in third with an 82.

In an equally large A Flight, Toronto's Scott Kapuscinski and Cambridge's Ken Small found themselves tied after 18 with scores of 77. The two played a sudden death playoff with Kapuscinski prevailing. This was Kapuscinski's second victory in the latter half of the season, and it came at a crucial time for him. He now sits third in the A Flight Order of Merit standings, and with a strong performance at next week's Tour Championship, he stands a great chance at taking home the season long title. Etobicoke's Bruce Cooke finished third, one shot out of the playoff.

In the Championship Flight, Brantford's Korey Pettit prevailed for the second time this month. For Pettit, this was his second win in as many starts, an impressive feat for the not-so-avid tour competitor. Pettit has played in only four tournaments this season, but has managed to take home two titles during those starts; proof that with some regular competition, in 2012, Pettit could become a dominant force out on the Tour.

Pettit's score of 75 was three shots better than Toronto's Jamie Kameka, Brampton's Dan Beverley, and Thornbury's Paul MacDonnell.

Winning the C Flight title today, and fighting off some of the Flight's biggest names, was Ancaster's Chris Kenny. Chasing Kenny's score of 86 was the Flight's current Order of Merit leader, Toronto's Mark Coons, and one of its best in the second half of the season, Burlington's Ron Cowan. Coons and Cowan tied for second, one shot behind Kenny.

Kenny admitted after his round that he "still feels he could play better." Perhaps a sign that Kenny will be saving some of his best golf for next week's Tour Championship.

Today's winners of the long-drive competitions were Jason Harding Kris Padman; Bruce Findlay and John Farrugia took home closest-to-the-pin honours.

In addition to the TaylorMade product award to each Flight's top finishers. The Tour also awards draw prizes at each event from ECCO Shoes Canada and The Mill Street Brewery. Today's two winners of the ECCO shoe draws were Bruce Cook and David Dewan. The Mill Street Brewery Draw winners were John Baty and Ken Stubbs.

For full field scores from today's event, log on to your Tour profile at www.gtaamateurtour.com. The Tour will be in Muskoka next week to play its final event of the season: The Tour Championship. With all Four Flights open, there is big pressure on next week's leaders to play well and take home the titles they have worked all season at capturing.

A FLIGHT PLAYOFF STIRS UP ORDER OF MERIT STANDINGS

CLEARVIEW, ON (SEPTEMBER 13, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour concluded The TaylorMade Major today at Mad River GC; fifty-four Championship and A Flight players teed-off in their final major tournament of the season. It was another warm fall day, however the wind had picked up a little, in comparison to yesterday, adding to the challenge for The Tour's top golfers. However, with the Tour Championship looming, everyone seems to have stepped their games up lately. And although both Flights have leaders with a strong hold on the title, everyone still seems to be fighting for a chance to be called 'The Order of Merit Champion.' Today that certainly proved to be the case as some tight scoring races stirred up the Order of Merit standings.

In the A Flight today, it was a playoff between Oakville's Bob Vickers and Whitby's Michael Corvese that caught everyone's attention. Corvese was a contender for last year's Order of Merit, and has been creeping his way up the standings all season long. The two players tied today with scores of 80; but it was Corvese who managed to keep his game hot, eventually winning the tournament in a sudden death playoff. "My putter was hot," said a happy Corvese. "It really helped me make some crucial up and downs."

Finishing in third place, in the A Flight, was Lakefield's Doug Remmer, who has had a strong second half of the season, and is only 12.5 points behind Robert Sterling, who has managed to hang on to the A Flight Order of Merit title for the majority of the season. However, with the season winding down and some of his chasers stepping up their games, he will certainly have to rise to the challenge to hang on to his lead.

In the Championship Flight, it was a Tour veteran and former regular threat who made a return to take home the title. Orangeville's Rick Robinson has played on the Tour for a few seasons, but has not played much this year. Robinson had a very streaky round, which featured five birdies and amounted to a 76, enough to win by a couple shots over Markham's James Bailie. For Bailie, it was another second place after being in the hunt at the last few tournaments, and coming up just short each time.

Toronto's Morgan Rubes and Newmarket's David Sreiberg tied for third with 80s.

Today's winner of the long-drive competition was Paul Lawerence; Jim Annett took home closest-to-the-pin honours.

In addition to the TaylorMade product award to each Flight's top finishers. The Tour also awards draw prizes at each event from ECCO Shoes Canada and The Mill Street Brewery. Today's winner of the ECCO shoe draw was Jeff Cooper. The Mill Street Brewery draw winner was Jim Annett.

For full field scores from today's event, log on to your Tour profile at www.gtaamateurtour.com. The Tour has next week off, but returns on the 26th of September to play The Mazda Summit at Devil's Pulpit GC.

Tournament leaders put pressure on Order of Merit leaders

CLEARVIEW, ON (SEPTEMBER 12, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour's B and C Flight played their final major event of the season today at Mad River GC: The TaylorMade Major. With the season-ending Tour Championship approaching quickly, top finishes in this week's major tournament could have been make-it or break-it points for several of The Tour's top competitors. The venue for today's event could not have suited the event better; the variety of challenges and beautiful scenery found at Mad River were complimented by the near-perfect early fall weather conditions. The size of today's field was also a testament to the desire to be out at this course, but also of the importance that this event will play in the Order of Merit's final standings. Just over 60 B and C Flight players were on the course today, and like last week, there was some crucial shuffling in the Order of Merit standings.

In the B Flight, it was first-time Tour competitor Dan Peroff who won. The Ajax-native, fired a solid 81 to win by only one shot. Peroff's round was a steady one, making several pars, and managing to go the entire day without posting a really high number. Peroff even had a little help from the Tour staff; Dani Noble helped him find a ball on hole five where he managed to scramble his way to a par.

Finishing in second place today was Markham's Dante Carlos, which was crucial to him taking a run at the title. Carlos now sits 40 points behind the current leader in the Order of Merit standings and will have a shot with strong finishes in the final events of the season. Bolton's Victor Ranieri finished in third with an 83.

In the C Flight, it was a bittersweet victory for Toronto's Ben Briglio. The C Flight competitor has played well this season, and today's major victory found him in third place in the Order of Merit standings; however, his strong play has pushed his game to a new level, and he will be competing in the B Flight for the duration of the season. Briglio was very confident in his round today, "I was even par after eight holes – I knew if I kept that going I would have a good chance from there."

Briglio's round was so impressive that he managed to tie the B Flight winner's score of 81, and beat his nearest competitor, Markham's Dien Chin, by five shots. Toronto's Bob Sikorski and Caledon's Robert Squirrell finished in third and fourth place respectively. The top-four finishes from Sikorski and Squirrell were crucial to them having a chance at catching the current Order of Merit leader: Toronto's Mark Coons.

Today's winner of the long-drive competition was Wesley Gardner; Victor Ranieri took home closest-to-the-pin honours.

In addition to the TaylorMade product award to each Flight's top finishers. The Tour also awards draw prizes at each event from ECCO Shoes Canada and The Mill Street Brewery. Today's winner of the ECCO shoe draw was Bob Sikorski. The Mill Street Brewery draw winner was Cam Bradley.

For full field scores from today's event, log on to your Tour profile at www.gtaamateurtour.com. The Tour will return to Mad River tomorrow, as the Championship and A Flights will conclude the TaylorMade Major.

Three-way playoff highlights The Mazda Classic

Newmarket, ON (August 30, 2011) – The GTA Amateur Tour returned to Silver Lakes G&CC today to complete The Mazda Classic. Fifty-four Championship and A Flight players teed off today to complete the event started a couple weeks ago by the B and C Flight. Today's conditions were absolutely perfect with the sun shining and warm late summer temperatures. The great weather conditions were matched by lush course conditions; together they made for an ideal day on the course. Although the conditions were ripe for every golfer on the course, there were a select few that really made the most of the situation.

Today's biggest highlights came from within the A Flight where a three-way playoff was needed to help determine the Champion. Finishing their first 18 with scores of 78 were Brampton's Wade Lunn, Mississauga's Robert Sterling and Markham's Kevin Liang. The three golfers headed back out to the course for a sudden death playoff, where Liang had his best hole of the day: "I hit a perfect three iron off the tee to 150, hit a nine iron in to three feet and sunk the putt – it was some of the best golf I have played all day."

Liang's playoff performance was truly spectacular and certainly was worthy of today's title. For Sterling, the victory could have certainly been a bit of insurance for his Order of Merit standings, but the second-place finish was still enough to help him hang on to the lead. Aurora's Paul Just and Markham's Shai Verma tied for fourth, one shot out of the playoff.

In the Championship Flight, it was a long time Tour member that has been long overdue that managed to put together a spectacular round to win his first event. Welland's Bob Weir has been a tour member since the Tour's second year of operation, and always been a regular competitor. Today he put together a masterful round of 73 to win the title by five shots over Mississauga's Matt Gay. Markham's James Bailie finished in third, six shots behind Weir.

This season's events at Silver Lakes have also welcomed several golfers trying to 'play-in'. The Play-Ability-Test was held at the two events at Silver Lakes over the past couple weeks. Amongst those trying to play in, nine golfers were successful. The Tour would like to congratulate Cory Southon, Michael Gowan, Amanda Milward, Andrew Warrington, Chase Chatwell, Maureen Chon, Tom Fraser, Ryan Goodridge and Randy Robbins on becoming Canadian Professional Golfers Association members.

James Kassabian took home the long-drive title; Mark Madsen won closest-to-the-pin.

In addition to the TaylorMade product award to each Flight's top finishers. The Tour also awards draw prizes at each event from ECCO Shoes Canada and The Mill Street Brewery. Today's winner of the ECCO shoe draw was Paul Just. The Mill Street Brewery draw winner was James Rim.

For full field scores from today's event, log on to your Tour profile at www.gtaamateurtour.com. The Tour will be at Piper's Heath GC, near Milton, on Tuesday of next week to play The Nature Valley Crunch.

Meadowbrook G&CC hosts The ECCO Challenge

MARKHAM, ON (AUGUST 29, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour returned to Meadowbrook G&CC today to complete The ECCO Challenge. Two weeks ago, the tournament started with the Championship and A Flight taking to the course; today, 46 B and C Flight golfers teed off to complete the event. Once again, Meadowbrook was in spectacular condition, and ready to challenge and delight the competitors taking part in today's event. It has been a busy and interesting month for the B and C Flight, with several players elevating their games to try and make a late-season run at the Order of Merit title. Today was no different, with a couple of Tour veterans finding their game, capturing their flight's titles at such a crucial point in the season.

After being so close, so many times this season, Toronto's Duane Gomes final put together the round that captured him a C Flight title. Gomes shot an 82 to win by three shots over Ancaster's Chris Kenny. Hometown rival, Toronto's Kris Padman, who has played strong golf lately, finished third six behind Gomes. This win came at such a pivotal time for Gomes, who has been in the Order of Merit hunt for the entire season. The win today brought him to within striking distance of the current leader: Toronto's Mark Coons.

It was not all talent helping him today, as Gomes admitted: "I had a couple lucky breaks – including a huge bounce off a tee shot on 16, after that I knew someone was helping me and I had a good feeling going the rest of the way in."

In the B Flight, it was a former Order of Merit champion that found his game and took home the title. After winning the C Flight Order of Merit in 2007, Brampton's Fred Snel moved up to the B Flight where he continued to improve and develop his game to become a consistent threat in the B Flight. Today he won his second B Flight title of the season by shooting an impressive 77, blowing away his nearest competition, Brampton's Brad Conley, by seven.

"Everything was working pretty well – it was all in sync," said a happy Snel. "This was a good round, I feel I need to be a little more consistent, and shoot a little less like a hockey player."

Snel's 77 may be enough to push him into a higher Flight, but for now he sits in second place in his Flight's Order of Merit standings, 30 points behind the current leader: Markham's Jeff Lundy. Toronto's Cyril Ma finished in third place today, and currently sits in the eleventh spot in the Order of Merit standings.

Cyril Ma took home the long-drive title; Dante Carlos won closest-to-the-pin.

In addition to the TaylorMade product award to each Flight's top finishers. The Tour also awards draw prizes at each event from ECCO Shoes Canada and The Mill Street Brewery. Today's winner of the ECCO shoe draw was Fergus O'Rafferty. The Mill Street Brewery draw winner was Wilf Phillips.

For full field scores from today's event, log on to your Tour profile at www.gtaamateurtour.com. The Tour will be at Silver Lakes G&CC tomorrow to play The Mazda Classic.

Multiple winners crowned at The Knight's Inn Slam

BRANTFORD, ON (AUGUST 23, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour was at The Brantford G&CC today to play The Knight's Inn Slam. All four flights took part in today's event at the historic and beautiful Brantford-area course. Having hosted many of Ontario's premier events in the past, The Brantford G&CC is no stranger to tournament golf, and the course was set-up to test The Tour's competitors. One hundred golfers took part in today's tournament, making it one of the Tour's largest fields this month – a sign that the season's Order of Merit races are heating up, and everyone is trying to put themselves in position to make a run at the Tour Championship. And as things heat up in the Order of Merit races, we saw a return of several of this season's past Champions.

After two consecutive second place finishes, Rob Cowan found his form again to come out on top in the Championship Flight. Cowan fired a one-over 73, to win the event by three shots over Mississauga's Matt Gay. The win came at a crucial time for Cowan, and gave him a solid cushion in the Order of merit standings. He now has a 132.5 point lead over Markham's Steve Thompson, who finished in fourth today with a 79. Hamilton's Dominic Marchesano finished in third with a 78.

In the A Flight, it was another multiple winner that emerged victorious. After having won earlier this season, Lakefield's Doug Remmer got his game together again to win his second A Flight title of the season. "It feels very good and gratifying," said a happy Remmer.

Remmer's win today brought him into contention in the Order of Merit race; he trails current leader, Robert Sterling by 27.5 points. Strathroy's Frank Nirta finished in second place today with a score of 82, two behind Remmer. Mississauga's Gerry Beasley, Toronto's Scott Kapuscinski, and Newmarket's Peter Labelle finished tied for third with 83s.

In the C Flight, it was a yet another multi-winner that came out on top; however, this player's wins came back-to-back: Burlington's Ron Cowan. The C Flighter is fairly new to the Tour and has had quite a bit of success since joining; another win for Cowan will push him into the B Flight, which he admitted he "is OK with – I always play better with a little bit of competition."

Cowan's score of 87, beat his nearest competitors, Mississauga's Hoang Nguyen and Toronto's Kris Padman, by two shots.

The tune changed a little in the B Flight, where first-time winner Brad Conley took home first place. The Brampton-native has been a Tour member for three seasons, but his win today was his first ever. Conley's win today was redemption for a playoff lose he suffered earlier in the season. "I just kept the ball in play," said a very content Conley.

Conley's score of 85 gave him a very slim margin of victory, capturing the title by only a single shot over hometown rival Brampton's Andrew Itwaru and Toronto's John Baty.

Today's winners of the long-drive competitions were Fred Snel and Doug Remmer; Mike Bondy and Cam Bradley took home closest-to-the-pin honours.

In addition to the TaylorMade product award to each Flight's top finishers. The Tour also awards draw prizes at each event from ECCO Shoes Canada and The Mill Street Brewery. Today's two winners of the ECCO shoe draws were James Bailie and Steve Kowalyshyn. The Mill Street Brewery Draw winners were Chris Kenny and Jeremy Goetz.

For full field scores from today's event, log on to your Tour profile at www.gtaamateurtour.com. The Tour will return to Silver Lakes G&CC and Meadowbrook G&CC next week to complete The ECCO Challenge and The Mazda Classic, respectively.

 

RETURN TO FORM FOR TWO FORMER CHAMPIONS

NEWMARKET (AUGUST 16, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour returned to one of its most visited courses on Tuesday, Silver Lakes G&CC, to play The Mazda Classic. The lush Newmarket-area course is always one of the greenest and well kept courses on the Tour, regardless of the weather conditions endured over the summer. Today the B and C Flight took to the course, with nearly 60 players in competition. It was a tight race in both flights with some of these season's hottest players lurking around the top of the leader board. However, even with the pressure of each Flight's top players in the hunt, two of the Tour's past Champions prevailed.

In the B Flight, it was long-time Tour member, Markham's Toru Tagawa who took home first-place honours. Tagawa has been a Tour member since 2005, and has always been a threat amongst his Flight. "I felt so happy to find out that I could still play a strong enough game to be at the top of the B Flight leader board."

Tagawa's score of 80 held off Toronto's Bob Fisher by a single shot; Fisher was in the hunt for his third consecutive win, and with an ace on the third hole, things started really well for him. Tied with Fisher was Scarborough's Norm Vince, who has also played some great golf in 2011.

Fisher's second place finish today really helped bring him to the top of the leader board in the B Flight's Order of Merit standings. The 275 points he has amassed in the last three Tour events have brought him to within 30 of the current leader: Markham's Jeff Lundy.

In the C Flight, it was another return to form for Caledon's Robert Squirrell. After winning a C Flight events earlier in the season, Squirrell cooled off, only to find his game again today, posting an 85 to win by a stroke. On his win, Squirrell remarked, "It feels very gratifying given all the work I have put in with lessons and practice." With his win Squirrell will be moving up to the B Flight, which he said is "a compliment."

Tied for second with 86s were Toronto's Ben Briglio and Mississauga's Hoang Nguyen. Toronto's Kris Padman finished in fourth with an 87.

For full field scores from today's event, log on to your Tour profile at www.gtaamateurtour.com. All four flights from the Tour will be at Brantford G&CC next week to play The Knight's Inn Slam.

Back-to-back winners highlight The ECCO Challenge

MARKHAM (AUGUST 15, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour’s Championship and A Flight were at Meadowbrook G&CC today to play The ECCO Challenge. With a style of course similar to last week’s host course, Cedar Brae G&CC, the Tour’s top contenders were no doubt ready to tackle the mature Markham-area course; the emphasis was on driving and putting again this week, as tall mature tree lined fairways intimidated the players as they made their way to quick rolling greens. Fifty-two players took part in the event today, and the outcome was very similar to last week’s Championship and A Flight events.

In the Championship Flight, it was another one-shot, one-under victory for James Kassabian. The 23-year old Toronto-native has played in only two events this season and has won them both, back-to-back. Adding to the impressiveness of Kassabian’s feat is the fact that in both events he has managed to hold off the current Order of merit Leader, Waterloo’s Rob Cowan, who finished the day second, one shot behind Kassabian.

“I thought I might have a chance if I finished under-par,” said Kassabian, on his thoughts on the Eighteenth tee; and finishing just under-par was what Kassabian did. “My putter was on today, it really helped on those greens.”

Finishing in third with a 75 was Brampton’s Dan Beverley, who has been playing strong golf lately, finding himself near the top of the leader board.

In the A Flight, it was another strong finish for Newmarket’s Peter Labelle. It was another close finish for Labelle, who – unknowingly – needed to make a tricky up-and-down on the eighteenth to salvage the win by one shot over hometown rival, Newmarket’s Dave Loft and Brampton’s Wade Lunn. Labelle is hoping to continue his hot streak by making it a three-peat at his former home course next week.

“I was really driving the ball well – 260 without even breaking a sweat,” said a satisfied Labelle. “I loved that course too – it is perfect.” Labelle was so happy with the course that he actually joined the club after his round today.

In fourth today with a 79 was Markham’s Rick Wright.

Rob Cowan took home both the long-drive and closest-to-the-pin honours.

In addition to the TaylorMade product award to each Flight’s top finishers. The Tour also awards draw prizes at each event from ECCO Shoes Canada and The Mill Street Brewery. Today’s winner of the ECCO shoe draw was Jon Moore. The Mill Street Brewery draw winner was Adam Smalley.

Hot putters tame quick greens at The PJ Dermody Masters

SCARBOROUGH, ON (AUGUST 8, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour returned to the course today, after a two week hiatus, to play The PJ Dermody Masters at Cedar Brae G&CC. The North-Scarborough area course has become a regular part of the Tour's rotation over the past few seasons. The course's tight driving and lightning fast greens always prove to be part of the challenge and the appeal of the course; and today's field of 110 was a testament to the positive reputation that the course has developed over the past few seasons. Cedar Brae G&CC certainly puts the pressure on players to have a well rounded game if they want to succeed. With only one or two shots separating the winner's from second place, those well-rounded games were certainly at a premium today.

With a score of 81, Toronto's Bob Fisher kept his hot streak alive, winning his second consecutive B Flight title. "My putting was phenomenal," said a very happy Fisher. "I took an old putter from my basement that I haven't used in seven years, and the rest was history."

Fisher drained several long putts out there on the course today, and managed to tame those lighting quick greens. The win has now put him within 90 points of the current Order of Merit leader: Jeff Lundy. Today's second and third place B Flight finishers were Brampton's Fred Snel and Ajax's Bob Chapman.

In the C Flight, Ron Cowan came from nowhere to capture the title. The 62 year old Burlington native played in his first Tour event (ever) today and squeezed out a victory with an 84. Again, it was the hot putter that did the trick: "My putter was on fire out there today – I didn't even have to worry about the driver until the back nine because I was chipping and putting so well."

Cowan's victory was by a slim margin though, with Grimsby's Steve Kolenko right behind him with an 85. Mississauga's Hoang Nguyen finished in third with an 86.

In the A Flight it was another first-time winner. Newmarket's Peter Labelle stood over his first putt on the eighteenth green thinking if he made it, he would take home the title: "I would have been 79, and if I made that I thought I would have a chance – those greens were great out there, they were PGA quality."

Unknowing some of that pressure could have been off, because all Labelle needed was a two-putt for 80 to win. Labelle has been an avid competitor this season, and it finally paid off today with his first win. Port Perry's Peter Norrie and Brooklin's Paul Lawerence finished in second and third place, respectively.

With some of the Tour's top competitors on his heels, Toronto's James Kassabian stepped into the spotlight to become the newest winner on The Tour. This was Kassabian's first and only event that he has ever played in, and he did it in style holding off the current, and defending, Championship Flight Order of Merit Champion: Waterloo's Rob Cowan. Kassabian's score of 71 gave him a one shot victory over Cowan. In third place with a 74 was Brampton's Jean Henri Lavoie.

Today's winners of the long-drive competitions were Kevin Liang and Robin Hutchins; Matthew Perricciolo and Jeremy Choi took home closest-to-the-pin honours.

In addition to the TaylorMade product award to each Flight's top finishers. The Tour also awards draw prizes at each event from ECCO Shoes Canada and The Mill Street Brewery. Today's two winners of the ECCO shoe draws were Ron Cowan and Ian Frauts. The Mill Street Brewery Draw winners were John Plumpton and Dave Loft.

For full field scores from today's event, log on to your Tour profile at www.gtaamateurtour.com. The Tour will be at a couple courses next week Silver Lakes G&CC and Meadowbrook G&CC to play The ECCO Challenge and The Mazda Classic, respectively.

 

Close finishes highlight The Sundog Summit

Collingwood, ON (July 25, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour made returned to Collingwood today to play The Sundog Summit. Oslerbrook Golf and Country Club played host to the Tour today for the first time in the Tour’s history, and was very well received by the players. The Graham Cooke designed course makes excellent use of the natural landscape, and the escarpment that towers over it. Just over 80 golfers made the trek up to Collingwood for today’s tournament that featured all four flights. It was close finishes in all four Flights with one-shot victories in two, and playoffs needed in two others.

The first of the two playoffs came in today’s B Flight. Eighty-threes by Burlington’s Terry Fitzgibbon and Toronto’s Bob Fisher were enough to stay ahead of the pack, and put them alone atop their leader board. And although Fitzgibbon played his heart out, Fisher was due. In a short sudden death playoff, Fisher closed out Fitzgibbon to win his first Tour event after competing for seven seasons. Toronto’s John Baty finished in third one-shot behind Fisher and Fitzgibbon.

The second playoff of the day was in the C Flight, where another Tour veteran cashed in on a long overdue win. Blue Mountain’s own Wilf Phillips and Toronto’s Kevin Allen found themselves tied for the lead after shooting a pair of 90s. However Phillips had destiny and local-knowledge on his side, and managed to beat Allen in just one sudden-death playoff hole. Chasing the pair was Caledon’s Robert Squirrell, who has been playing solid golf lately.

In the A Flight, it was quite the opposite. A Tour-newbie was the one who managed to put together the top score. Toronto’s Morgan Rubes shot a brilliant 77 to win his Flight’s title by a single shot. Rubes is another local player, who normally competes out of Collingwood’s Georgian Bay Club, and undoubtedly used his local knowledge to help lead himself to victory. Toronto’s Mike Reynolds and Pickering’s Stuart Vandersluis finished in second and third place, respectively.

It was another single shot victory in the Championship Flight with Brampton’s Dan Beverley posting a solid 74. Beverley was playing a strong game today, with hot approaches helping him, and he knew it too. “I knew I was coming in with a good score,” said a confident Beverley.

This was an important victory for Beverley, who has put himself within striking distance of the lead in the Championship Flight’s Order of Merit. Milton’s Al Dairou finished in second; Burlington’s Chris Dowling finished third with an 80.

Today’s winners of the long-drive competitions were Geoff Gates and Mark Giacomelli; Paul Dermody and Joshua Kingsmill took home closest-to-the-pin honours.

In addition to the TaylorMade product award to each Flight’s top finishers. The Tour also awards draw prizes at each event from ECCO Shoes Canada and The Mill Street Brewery. Today’s two winners of the ECCO shoe draws were Mike Reynolds and WIlf Phillips. The Mill Street Brewery Draw winners were Cole Leibel and Isabelle Newton.

For full field scores from today’s event, log on to your Tour profile at www.gtaamateurtour.com. The Tour will be off next week, but will return on Monday August 8 to play the PJ Dermody Masters at Cedar Brae G&CC.

Heat wave continues to blast players at The Digital Cement Major

PICKERING (JULY 19, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour was back on the course today to play the second round of The Digital Cement Major. Yesterday the Championship and A Flight competed on the Pickering-area course, and today the B and C Flights had their opportunity. The heat wave continued today, as nearly 70 hit the course to try and claim the season’s second major title. Ties for first place highlighted the day with the need for a playoff to settle were needed to a Flight’s champions.

With a pair of 84s, Markham’s Jeff Lundy and Richmond Hill’s Mike Kierstead found themselves tied for the lead in the B Flight; an impressive feat given the size of the B Flight (nearly 50 golfers). Both players have been near the top of the leader board all season, and it was only fitting that the two would be finish tied for first today at the second major of the season.

However, because of Kierstead’s absence once all the score cards were collected, the victory was conceded to Lundy; he instantly went to the top of the B Flight’s Order of Merit standings, and with an impressive 120-point lead over Woodbridge’s Brandon Nguyen, who finished tied for third today with Toronto’s Cyril Ma.

Close competition was the name of the game in the C Flight as well; hometown player, Pickering’s Fernand Pelletier, and Milton’s Barry White finished out their days with matching 88s. The two headed back out to the course to play a sudden death playoff. It was a tight match that went back and forth over two holes, but eventually Pelletier prevailed.

The win is a bit bittersweet for Pelletier, who will make the move to the B Flight after successfully defending his title, and taking home his third victory of the season.

Toronto’s Jeremy Choi and Duane Gomes finished in third and fourth place, respectively.

Today’s winner of the long-drive competition was John Borromeo; Cyril Ma took home closest-to-the-pin honours.

In addition to the TaylorMade product award to each Flight’s top finishers. The Tour also awards draw prizes at each event from ECCO Shoes Canada and The Mill Street Brewery. Today’s winner of the ECCO shoe draw was Victor Ranieri. The Mill Street Brewery draw winner was Joel Berger.

For full field scores from today’s event, log on to your Tour profile at www.gtaamateurtour.com. The Tour will be at Oslerbrook on Monday of next week for The Sundog Summit.

Whitevale hosts The Digital Cement Major

PICKERING (July 18, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur held the first half of its second major tournament, of the season, today at Whitevale GC: The Digital Cement Major. Championship and A Flight players tackled the course today; the B and C Flights will have their chance tomorrow. Whitevale is private club located just North of Pickering, and has become a regular stop for the Tour over the past few seasons, having hosted some many prestigious events, including The Tour Championship. Mastering Whitevale takes a great deal of precision, and a steady putter. However, today’s competitors were also given the challenge of having to deal with the current heat wave in the GTA, which would have certainly put a premium on endurance, focus and resilience. Although it was a relatively small field today, the competition was tight in both Flights.

In the Championship Flight, it was a return to form for a past winner. Markham’s Steve Thompson was a winner at Wildfire in 2010, and today he took home his first Major title with an even-par 72. Thompson stated simply “loved the course and thought the greens were absolutely awesome.”

Surely Thompson’s hot putter - “a rare occurrence,” he stated, probably helped him like the greens so much.

A putt proved to be all the difference for Thompson. All that separated him from second-place, Burlington’s Chris Dowling, was a single shot. Port Perry’s Christian Elliot finished third with a 74.

The A Flight featured a fairly familiar face in the winner’s circle today: Whitby’s Chris Corvese. The six-time tournament winner had a very strong season in the A Flight last year, and today marked his second victory, in 2011. Corvese admitted he “loves the course – I played it a lot as a kid.”

Corvese coupled his local knowledge of the course with consistent tee shots to really give himself a lot of opportunities to score.

Those opportunities to score gave Corvese a two-stroke victory over a tie for second between hometown rivals Mississauga’s Neil Gehani and Robert Sterling.

Today’s winner of the long-drive competition was John Hanah; Dominic Marchesano took home closest-to-the-pin honours.

In addition to the TaylorMade product award to each Flight’s top finishers. The Tour also awards draw prizes at each event from ECCO Shoes Canada and The Mill Street Brewery. Today’s winner of the ECCO shoe draw was Jamie Kameka. The Mill Street Brewery draw winner was Doug Brow.

For full field scores from today’s event, log on to your Tour profile at www.gtaamateurtour.com. The Tour will return to the course tomorrow to complete The Digital Cement Major.

Consistent play takes home titles at The TaylorMade Open

HUNTSVILLE, ON (JULY 12, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour travelled to Huntsville today to play The TaylorMade Open. All four flights were featured at this event hosted at Deerhurst Resort; seventy golfers made the trek up north for today’s tournament. Deerhurst has been a host to The Tour on many occasions, and its very traditional Muskoka layout always impresses its visitors; challenging elevation changes and tight driving holes put a premium on shot placement and precision golf if one hopes to score on this course. Once again, it was close finishes across the board today with each flight’s winners narrowly defeating their competition.

In the Championship Flight it was under-dog Peter Tobin who took home the title; Tobin had the highest handicap factor off all the Championship Flight players that teed off today, making his victory even more impressive. The Toronto-native said that he “got-off the tee really well and was really focused out there.”

Chasing Tobin was last week’s Championship Flight winner Washago’s Tyson Louth, who finished one behind Tobin in a tie for second with Hamilton’s Dominic Marchesano.

Consistent play, and staying out of trouble, proved to be the difference in the A Flight, as well. Toronto’s Shai Verma shot an 81 in today’s round to take home the title by one shot over a three-way tie for second between Markham’s Rick Wright, Toronto’s Joshua Kingsmill and Richmond Hill’s Steven Costa.

Verma’s consistent play was mostly off the tee, noting the best part of his game “keeping it in play all day – I finished my round with the same TaylorMade Penta as I started with.”

In the B-Flight, and striping it off the tee today, for a victory, was Bruce Findlay. Today’s victory was Findlay’s first ever, and it came in just his first season on Tour. Findlay’s enjoyment of the course may have been a contributing factor in his victory, as he noted simply, “I really liked the challenge of the course – I can’t wait to get back up here again.”

Findlay’s 83 beat his competition a little more handily, with his closest competitor being Aurora’s Bruce MacDonald, who shot 86. Toronto’s Isabelle Newton and Etobicoke’s Brian Greatrix finished tied for third with 87s.

In the C Flight, it was a bit of a homecoming victory for Toronto’s Mark Coons. Despite having not played the course in nearly 20 years, Coons admitted that “this course (Deerhurst Highlands) used to sort of be my home course, it’s one of my favourite courses, and I have a lot of local knowledge.”

That local knowledge led Coons to an 87, and a two shot victory over Scarborough’s Norm Vince, who has been near the top of the leader board in many of this season’s events. Pickering’s Ferdinand Pelletier finished in third with a 93.

Today’s winners of the long-drive competitions were John Harrington and Derek Davidson; David Johnston and Mark Coons took home closest-to-the-pin honours.

In addition to the TaylorMade product award to each Flight’s top finishers. The Tour also awards draw prizes at each event from ECCO Shoes Canada and The Mill Street Brewery. Today’s winner of the ECCO shoe draw was Tyson Louth. The Mill Street Brewery Draw winner was Doug Remmer.

For full field scores from today’s event, log on to your Tour profile at www.gtaamateurtour.com. The Tour will return to Whitevale GC, near Pickering, on Monday and Tuesday, of this coming week, to play the second major of the season: The Digital Cement Major.

First-timers take home titles at The PrivPlay Open

VINELAND, ON (JULY 5, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour returned to the course today, after a two-week hiatus, to play the PrivPlay Open at Twenty Valley G&CC. Just under 90 golfers took part in today’s event that featured all four flights. It was a sweltering day today, as temperature and humidity soared, adding to the challenge of the already difficult Niagara-area course. Twenty Valley G&CC has only recently joined the Tour’s regular circuit of courses, and has been a welcomed addition over those seasons. The course’s beautiful scenery atop the Niagara Escarpment, coupled with rolling greens and hills offer up a challenge to every Flight. However, today there were a handful of golfers that met the challenge accordingly, and managed to handily take home their first tournament titles.

The closest of competition today came from within the B Flight where Toronto’s Jonathan Cohen beat out his closest competition by a couple shots to take home the title. This was Cohen’s first event on Tour and commented on his shock: “I had no expectations out there today and was so happy – this was the first tournament I have ever played in.” What a great way to start his competitive golfing career.

Finishing second with an 83 was Mississauga’s John Carbone. Toronto’s Bruce Findlay was in third with an 84.

The lowest round of the day, the only score under par, came from the Championship Flighter Tyson Louth. The 20-year old from Washago posted a 70 to win the title by four strokes. Louth is also amongst the first-timer’s club; today was his first round out on the Tour this season, and he is also one of a few Tour golfers to shoot under par in 2011.

Toronto’s Peter Willis finished second with a 74. Burlington’s Bernie Starchuk finished third with a 77.

Another impressive multi-shot victory came from A Flighter Robert Sherkin. The Toronto-native is also amongst this unique group of golfers who took home their Flight’s title in their first event. Sherkin admitted that there was “nothing stellar about his game today – I just played steady golf.”

Brampton’s Kevin Forbert and Oakville’s Richard Lowden finished in second and third place, respectively.

In the C Flight, it was a slightly more familiar face who managed to take home the title: Caledon’s Robert Squirrell, a long-time tour member and active participant. Nonetheless, today Squirell’s score of 83 gave him his first win of his career after several years of competition. Squirell attributed his victory to “quick greens that were managed by a hot putter.”

Holland Landing’s Troy Langley and Welland’s Jon Casey finished in second and third place, respectively.

Today’s winners of the long-drive competitions were Jordan Batton and Brad Conley; Domenic Marchesano took home closest-to-the-pin honours.

In addition to the TaylorMade product award to each Flight’s top finishers. The Tour also awards draw prizes at each event from ECCO Shoes Canada and The Mill Street Brewery. Today’s two winners of the ECCO shoe draws were Dan Beverly and Alan Gray. The Mill Street Brewery Draw winners were Bill Greenwood and Andrew Itwaru.

For full field scores from today’s event, log on to your Tour profile at www.gtaamateurtour.com. The Tour will return to the course next week to play The TaylorMade Open at Deerhurst Highlands in Huntsville.

TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour announces LG as The Tour’s Official TV Sponsor

RICHMOND HILL (JUNE 22, 2011) – The Tour is very pleased to announce LG as The Official TV of The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour. This is the Tour’s first TV sponsor in its eight year history, which marks a truly unique and dynamic addition to the Tour’s growing family of sponsors. The sponsorship-relationship helps with the Tour’s mission of helping players to elevate their games by providing some fantastic technology that will undoubtedly have the players looking at their swings in a whole new way.

“We’re truly ecstatic to have LG as part of our sponsorship family,” said Canadian Golf Tours Inc President, Mark Young. They are one of the world’s top manufacturers in cutting edge electronics, and they truly bring an exciting and fun element to our events – I cannot wait to see their technology in action!”

The “technology” that Young is referring to is LG’s new state-of-the-art 3-D TVs that will help display Tour player’s swings as part of a new service offered at select Tour events over the course of the season. At the Tour events on June 6, July 12 and September 26, The Tour and LG will set-up a 3-D video camera and 55” 3-D TV, which will allow players to view their screen in a whole new way. At the end of the season, one lucky Tour competitor will have their name drawn as the recipient of a brand new 42” 3-D TV from LG.

“LG is excited to get the word out to this elite group of golfers about our new Cinema 3D TVs. The new light-weight batter-free glasses make it easier than ever to watch TV in 3D, and you can up-convert any content into 3D keeping your options as wide as we wish every fairway were! I’ll see you guys at Deerhurst, keep it in the fairway, if not, at least have fun out there” Bring a picture of ANY LG product to the Deerhurst and/or Devil’s Pulpit events to earn a ballot into the draw for the 42” Cinema 3D TV (Total 2 more possible ballots per player). The prize will be drawn immediately following the completion of the event.

Sign-up today to be amongst the group of lucky Tour players who will have this unique opportunity to see their swing in 3-D!

The LG brand was established in 1995. The company is a global leader in electronics, information and communications products, with more than 82,000 employees working in 77 countries around the world, and annual worldwide revenues of more than US $40 billion. LG Canada is comprised of five business units - Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Home Entertainment, Business Solutions and Commercial Air Conditioning. The company has offices in Toronto and Vancouver. LG Canada is focused on delivering award-winning products known for blending style and technology. These innovative products include cell phones, flat screen TVs, laptop computers and home appliances. For more information please visit www.lg.com.

Familiar Faces take home titles at The ECCO Summit

GEORGETOWN, ON (June 20, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour was at North Halton G&CC today to play The ECCO Summit. The Georgetown-area course has been a regular stop on the Tour’s schedule over the past few seasons, and always proves to be a challenge. The tight and narrow shot-maker’s course, with undulating greens, puts an emphasis on strong ball striking and the precision of one’s short game if they hope to take home the title. Today, all four flights competed adding up to a field of just over 100 golfers, one of the largest Tour fields to compete at North Halton. It was close in each of the Flights, but certainly experience seemed to pay off today with many familiar faces finding their way into the winner’s circle.

The Championship Flight was the smallest flight of the day, and beating the closest competition by three shots was Brampton’s Dan Beverley. The former Tour Championship winner’s score of 75 was the low of the day, and added to his impressive tally of Tour victories. Beverley, who had just come off an injury commented on how “nice it felt to win after being off for some time.”

In second and third place today were Scarborough’s David Nolan and Morriston’s Mike Bondy, respectively.

In the largest field of the day, Whitby’s Chris Corvese returned to form to edge out Brampton’s Wade Lunn and Toronto’s Matt Froggatt in a playoff. The par-3 ninth played host to the one-hole playoff and was where Corvese carefully played his way to victory. The three players tied the day with scores of 80. Corvese was a known threat in the A Flight last season, and almost always in the top-five. He commented on how experience really paid off today: “I have played the course three times now – and love it – and have realized how knowing your way around really helps.”

It was another close battle in the B Flight with Mount Hope’s Jeff Springsted sneaking by the closest competition by a shot. This is Springsted’s first year on Tour, and first victory. He too noted the importance of playing a ‘safe’ game: “I feel like all I hit today was wedges and 8-irons – this course really makes you think.”

Careful play led Springsted to an 81, one better than Scarborough’s Steve Zimmerman and two better than Markham’s Jeff Lundy.

In the C Flight, it was certainly a familiar face in the C Flight today with Markham’s Dante Carlos taking home another title. This is Carlos’ third consecutive win on the Tour, an impressive feat, and proof that he’s ready to move up to the next level. An excited Carlos said he “can’t wait to get out there again, and wants to play every event the Tour has to offer.” When you’re winning the way he is, it’s hard not to want to be out there.

Carlos’ victory was by a very slim margin today, beating Toronto’s Mark Coons’ 87 by one shot. Toronto’s Bob Sikorski finished third with an 88.

Today’s winner of the long-drive competition was Brandon Nguyen; Mark Coons took home closest-to-the-pin honours.

In addition to the TaylorMade product award to each Flight’s top finishers. The Tour also awards draw prizes at each event from ECCO Shoes Canada and The Mill Street Brewery. Today’s two winners of the ECCO shoe draws were Jeremy Choi and Steve Wright. The Mill Street Brewery Draw winners were Doug Murless and Julian Fosbery.

For full field scores from today’s event, log on to your Tour profile at www.gtaamateurtour.com. The Tour will return to the course in a couple weeks to play The PrivPlay Open at Twenty Valley G&CC.

 

Tour returns to Osprey Valley for The TaylorMade Major

ALTON, ON (JUNE 14, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour has been at Osprey Valley GC over the past two days playing its first major of the season: The TaylorMade Major. All four flights competed in the two-day event at the 54-hole property, located just outside of Orangeville. Osprey Valley has played host to GTA Amateur Tour events for years now, and offers such variety to the Tour’s competitors that it is hard to leave the property disappointed. The course has played host to several of The Tour’s two-day majors now, and each year the different courses offer up unique challenges to each of the four flights. The last two days were no different; Championship and A Flight competitors were challenged by the difficult links-style Heathlands course, while B and C Flight golfers tackled the waste bunkers of the Hoot course.

The Championship Flight proved to be quite the nail biter, coming down to one putt on the 36^th hole of the tournament. Waterloo’s Rob Cowan had to watch as Acton’s Andrew Tressel drained his putt on the 36^th hole to take home the first major title of the season. This was a big win for the 21-year-old who proved he is one Tour competitor to watch out for this season.

Waterloo’s Rob Cowan started his day one behind Tressel, and tied him on the second day to fall one shot short of tying for the title. In third was Guelph’s Stephen Wright.

In the A Flight, it was second-day heroics that paved the way for victory. Following up on his 87, with an impressive 73 (low score of the tournament) was Lakefield’s Doug Remmer. His day started five back of the leader, and with numerous players between him and the lead; things did not look great for Remmer. However, he turned his game up on the second day of the tournament to break out and take home the title by two shots.

In second place with a two-day total of 160 was Brampton’s Kevin Fobert. Scarborough’s David Nolan finished third with 163.

It was a wire-to-wire win for Woodbridge’s Brandon Nguyen. After a first round of 78, Nguyen had given himself a decent lead, but had many that were within striking distance if they got hot. However, Nguyen answered the call and bettered his first round 78 with a 76 in the second to blow out the competition, and beat his nearest competitor by 11 shots.

In second place with a two-day total of 165 was Brampton’s Bill McLean. Markham’s Jeff Lundy finished third.

The steady play continued this week for Markham’s Dante Carlos. His first round score of 84 found him tied with Toronto’s David MacLachlan, and he would certainly need to post a similar score on day-two if he was going to take home the title. And on Monday, Carlos did just that; he shot an impressive 81, the low score of the flight.

Carlos’ two-day total of 165 gave him a five-shot victory over Scarborough’s Norm Vince. MacLachlan finished tied for third with Caledon’s Robert Squirrell.

For full field scores from this year’s first major tournament, log on to your tour profile at www.gtaamateurtour.com. The Tour returns to the course next week to play The ECCO Summit at North Halton G&CC in Georgetown.

Four Flights under 80 at The Buck Productions Kawartha Shootout

LAKEFIELD, ON (MAY 31, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour returned to one of its player favourites today to play The Buck Productions Kawartha Shootout: Wildfire GC. All four flights competed in today’s event, adding up to one of the largest fields of the season. The Kawatha-area course, just outside of Lakefield, is a hidden gem, and is always very well received by Tour competitors who are making their first visit to the course. The warm summer weather came in strong this week, and must certainly have been a welcomed change for Tour competitors after battling through a very wet and rainy opening month. That weather certainly must have helped with the scoring today too, with all four flights featuring scores below 80.

The lowest winning score of the day came from within the Championship Flight, a 74 by Toronto’s Peter Willis. The 32-year old is in his fourth year of competition with the Tour, and has really started to become a strong threat within the Flight after a strong finish to his 2010 season, and a great start to 2011. Scores like that will certainly keep him ahead of the pack, in more than one way.

Chasing Willis today, finishing in second, with a 75 was Hamilton’s Domenic Marchesano. Peterborough’s Jurgen Vander Velden and Hamilton’s Cam Fawns tied for third with 77s.

The third lowest score of the day (76) was enough for Stuart Vandersluis to take home the A Flight title. The Pickering-native is new to the Tour in 2011, and has had a strong start, capping off a strong May with a victory early in June. The win has certainly helped him climb the ranks in the Tour’s points race, and bring him well into contention for this year’s A Flight title.

It was another close race in the A Flight with Toronto’s Scott Kapucinski trailing Vandersluis by only two shots. Toronto’s Don Zacharopolous and Oakville’s Ian Murray tied for third with 79s.

In the B Flight, it was another impressive performance from Toronto’s David Tollefson. After taking home a title not long ago in May, Tollefson has certainly put his stamp on the B Flight early in the season. This strong play has certainly been a message from Tollefson that he has stepped up his game this season, and is looking to make a big impression on the Tour. The third victory of the season, from Tollefson, shows how much he has improved his game, and will be making his next Tour start in the A Flight.

Tollefson’s score of 78 handily defeat his closest competition, Aurora’s Bruce MacDonald, by four shots. Richmond Hill’s Mike Kierstead and Whitby’s Ian Ervine tied for third with 83s.

Despite all the heroics of the previous three Flight winners, the most impressive score of the day had to have come from C Flighter Dante Carlos. The Markham-based player shot a solid 79, blowing away the competition and joining an elite group of C Flight golfers who have managed to post sub-eighty rounds in competitive play. Carlos’ score was certainly the icing on the cake of what was a great day of Tour golf.

Finishing in second, seven shots behind Carlos was Toronto’s Duane Gomes. In third, with an 87 was Toronto’s Mark Coons.

In addition to the TaylorMade product award to each Flight’s top finishers. The Tour also awards two draw prizes at each event from ECCO Shoes Canada and The Mill Street Brewery. Today’s winners of the ECCO shoe and Mill Street Brewery Draw were Domenic Marchesano and Rick Wright, respectively.

For full field scores from today’s event, log on to your Tour profile at www.gtaamateurtour.com. The Tour will return to the course next week to host its first major tournament of the season, at Osprey Valley GC: The TaylorMade Major.

TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour returns to Angus Glen

MARKHAM (May 15, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour returned to Angus Glen today with the B and C Flights completing The Howard Johnson Challenge. Seventy players competed in today’s event, with several of each Flight’s most notable competitors amongst those that teed off. Despite the grey skies, and the occasional rain, the Tour’s dedicated competitors continued on Angus Glen’s relatively soft and manageable North Course. The challenging conditions really separated those who could keep their focus, with two players emerging well above their fellow competitors to shoot impressive scores given the challenging conditions.

In the B Flight, it was a familiar visitor atop his Flight: Toronto’s David Tollefson. The three-year Tour veteran was consistently fighting for the lead in the B Flight last year, and proved to be one of the Flight’s top competitors in the season’s final few tournaments, including a top-three finish at the Tour Championship. Today, Tollefson took it to the competition, putting up a very impressive 79, making him the only competitor today to break eighty. Perhaps this strong score today will be the start of Tollefson’s run towards this season’s Order of Merit title.

In second was another Tour veteran and long-time competitor Erin’s Roland Hill, who finished six shots behind Tollefson. Woodbridge’s Brandon Nguyen and Alton’s Peter Cuthbert finished third and fourth place, respectively.

Taking home C Flight honours today was Huntsville’s Jay White, another three-year Tour veteran. White’s score of 89 also represented an impressive feat, making him the only C Flight golfer to break ninety. Given the challenging weather conditions, White’s feat seems all the more impressive, and exemplifies the importance of steady play if you hope to come out on top in a Tour event.

Although White’s competition was a little closer, he still managed to handily take home the title by three shots over two Tour newcomers, hometown player Dante Carlos and Mount Hope’s Jeff Springsted. Tour regular, Toronto’s David MacLachlan finished fourth with a 93.

For full field scores, from today’s event, please visit www.gtaamateurtour.com.

Peter Cuthbert and Jeff Gates won the closest-to-the-pin and long-drive titles, respectively.

In addition to TaylorMade products awarded to the top-four finishers in each flight, participants on The Tour also have the chance to win draw prizes at every event with product from ECCO Shoes and The Mill Street Brew Pub.
Today's winner of the ECCO shoe draw was Arthur Vanek and Mill Street Brewery Gift Certificate was Matthew Sandoval.

The GTAAT will return to Coppinwood GC tomorrow with the Championship and A Flight completing The Mill Street Brewery Open.

Coppinwood GC hosts The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour’s B-C Flight Season Opener

UXBRIDGE (May 2, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour’s B and C Flights’ Ontario seasons kicked-off today at Coppinwood GC, near Uxbridge. Just under ninety players competed today on what has become one of the most popular venues. Slightly better weather graced today’s competitors than their Championship and A Flight counterparts on the previous day, with light morning rains turning to afternoon sunshine. It was another close competition amongst the two Flights, as the season’s first two winners were crowned.

In the C Flight it was Toronto’s Ben Briglio who managed to separate himself from the pack by shooting a solid 84, winning by one shot over Mississauga’s Dan Buckley. This was the 63-year-old’s first victory on the Tour since joining in 2009. The victory by Briglio will certainly be a memorable one, and hopefully mark the start of a great golf season.

Finishing in third and fourth were Aurora’s George Stephenson and Toronto’s Sharad Verma with scores of 87 and 89, respectively.

Brampton’s Fred Snel took home B Flight honours this week. The veteran Tour competitor has been a member since 2006, and has really managed to improve his game over the years. The one-time C Flight force took his game to the next level, competing in the B Flight, and has been a competitive member of the Flight over the past season and a half.

Snel’s score of 82 was an impressive feat on the challenging Fazio designed course, and was just enough to put him past second-place finisher Toronto’s Cyril Ma. Markham’s Jeff Lundy and Toronto’s David Tollefson finished in third and fourth, respectively.

The B and C Flight competitors will return to the course on Monday May 9 to play their second event of the season at Sleepy Hollow GC near Stouffville.

 

Howard Johnson Challenge kick-starts 2011 TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour Season

MARKHAM (May 1, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour (TMGTAAT) began its 2011 Ontario schedule today at Angus Glen GC: The Howard Johnson Challenge. Unfortunately the wet weather followed the Tour up from Myrtle Beach, making for a rainy opening day on The Tour. However, the players’ spirits and excitement were not broken, as seventy-three Championship and A Flight competitors teed off on Angus Glen’s North Course to begin The Tour’s eighth season. In the end, it was one fresh face, and one familiar, in the winner’s circle today.

In the A Flight, Jay Michael Lee made it an exciting start by edging out Mississauga’s Robert Sterling one a sudden-death playoff. The challenging conditions out there today made the playoff short lived, with Lee managing to capture the title on the first playoff hole. The Richmond Hill native admitted that he “never really thought of winning – I was just trying to play my best.” And his best proved good enough to take home the first A Flight title of the season.

Finishing third, behind Lee and Sterling, tied with 81s were Toronto’s Jeff Truman and Michael Gaertner.

In the Championship Flight, it was another great start to the season for Rob Cowan. The Waterloo native has been a seemingly unstoppable force on The Tour since joining in 2007, capturing the Flight’s Order of Merit title in the last four seasons. Today Cowan shot an impressive one-under to start the season; a card that included four birdies.

However, nipping at Cowan’s heels with an even-par 72 was Markham’s Steve Thompson. Toronto’s Peter Willis finished third with a 75. The season opening tournament win mirrors some of Cowan’s previous seasons meaning he might be on track for his fifth consecutive Order of Merit title.

The Championship and A Flight competitors will return to the course on Tuesday May 10 at Sleepy Hollow GC, near Stouffville.

TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour announces The Golf Lab as The Tour’s Official Learning Facility and Teachers

RICHMOND HILL, ON (April 28, 2011) – The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour (TMGTAAT) is proud to announce The Golf Lab as its Official Learning Facility and Teachers. The Golf Lab is the first of its kind in the Tour’s eight year history, and marks an exciting move forward in helping to drive the game improvement objectives of Tour players. The agreement between the two parties marks an exciting step forward in helping to spread and improve competitive amateur golf throughout the wider Greater Toronto Area.

“The Golf Lab is such a unique and exciting addition to The Tour’s growing family of sponsors,” said Canadian Golf Tours Inc. President, Mark Young. “I am truly excited to work with such a trusted and established group of passionate and knowledgeable golf professionals. The Team at the Golf Lab will help to develop the level of play within the Tour, but also with the personal game-improvement aspirations of each of our members.”

As the Official Learning Facility and Teachers of the TMGTAAT, The Golf lab will be providing Tour members with an opportunity to join The Golf Lab at a significantly reduced rate on The Golf Lab’s service and license fees, in addition to waiving their initiation fee for Tour Member’s who decide to join The Golf Lab. Even more exciting is the presence of The Golf Lab Team members at six TMGTAAT events, spread out over the course of the season. At these events The Golf Lab will have a Mobile Tech Day where launch monitors and video cameras, along with Golf Lab professionals will work alongside Tour members to help them improve their game.

The Golf Lab is a unique facility, providing golf lessons and the necessary tools, through high-level technology, for golfers of all levels to make significant, quantifiable improvement to their golf game 365 days a year. “We are thrilled to be a part of the ever-growing TMGTAAT and look forward to helping every golfer reach their potential” said Liam Mucklow, CPGA Class A Professional, President of The Golf Lab.

• State-of-the-art Launch Monitors
• Professional Grade Video
• Premium Golf Balls
• Short Game Range
• PATIO Putting System featuring SAM Puttlab
• 3D Motion Analysis
• SAM Balance Lab Force Plate Analysis
• Golf Specific Fitness Lab
• Tour Service Club Building
• Swing trainers, demo clubs, and golf fitness tools for members to use at their leisure

Canadian Golf Tours Inc. unveils TaylorMade as new title sponsor of The GTA Amateur Tour

RICHMOND HILL, ON (April 20, 2011) – Canadian Golf Tours Inc. is proud to be once again working with TaylorMade Golf Canada, and this year their partnership will become more involved. After four seasons as the Tour’s presenting sponsor, TaylorMade Golf Canada has stepped into the role as Tour’s title sponsor, renaming the Tour as The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour. This move marks a significant growth in the partnership between these two companies as they help to build the Tour and sport in Ontario.

“The Tour is both proud and excited to once again be working with TaylorMade Golf,” said Canadian Golf Tours Inc. President, Mark Young. “They have been a wonderful long-time supporter of the Tour, and we are looking forward to connecting TaylorMade directly with Tour players and the other Tour sponsors. It is great to have the opportunity to continue to develop our relationship with the number one brand in golf.”

This move by TaylorMade will expand its relationship with the Tour, as it becomes, not only the title sponsor of the Tour, but also the Official Equipment supplier of The TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour. For the 2011 season TaylorMade Golf Canada will also continue in the role of Official Long Drive Sponsor. TaylorMade’s commitment to the Tour’s players has also taken a step up this year; they are now offering increased purchasing benefits for Tour players interested in the TaylorMade performance lab, and a TaylorMade rewards and prizing program for players who show a commitment to the company. TaylorMade will also continue to provide prizing to the top four players, in each of the four flights, for each of the 20 TaylorMade GTA Amateur Tour events.

“Working with Canadian Golf Tours Inc. and The GTAAT has been a really great experience for TaylorMade Golf Canada,” said Richard Sullivan, Director of Marketing, TaylorMade Adidas Canada. “Together we have really seen our brand grow amongst The Tour’s competitors, and it has been nice to see how our company has helped to elevate the sport in Ontario. We’re proud, and eager, to take our relationship with The Tour to the next level, as we see the sport continue to grow in Ontario.”

Current, and potential, Tour players are encouraged to take advantage of the exciting offers from TaylorMade early this season to ensure they are equipped and ready to start the season on May 1, 2011.

About The TaylorMade Greater Toronto Area Amateur Tour:

The TMGTAAT is owned and operated by Canadian Golf Tours Inc. and sponsored by TaylorMade Golf Canada, Mazda Canada, Sundog Eyewear, ECCO Shoes, The Millstreet Brewing Company, Prodigy Headwear, Buck Productions, Nature Valley, Howard Johnson Canada, Myrtle Beach Golf Holidays, Privilege Play, ECO Golf Tees, Knights Inn Canada, Paul Dermody Insurance Brokers, The Golf Lab, and The CPGA Ontario. Tournament rules officials are organized through the Golf Association of Ontario.

Chris McCafferty-Mumford

Director of Media

chris@gtaamtour.com

(416) 884-1277