District Programs

There are 14 geographic Districts across the province that organize and conduct programs within the District for members of the GAO. Involvement and experience in District Programs is often the stepping stone for individuals to become involved in Provincial Programs. The districts offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities from serving on the District Executive Committee to tournament Starters, Scorers and Rules Officials.

Committees

The GAO has a range of committees that are involved in all aspects of GAO programming.  Committees meet regularly to discuss the introduction of new programs, enhancements to current programs and submit reports to the Board of Directors on an ongoing basis.

Supporting GAO Provincial Championships

Over the course of a season the GAO conducts a wide range of Provincial Championships for all age groups, male and female. The success of these Championships depends heavily on the involvement of volunteers in roles such as Starters, Scorers and Rules Officials. New Volunteers will receive training by experience Volunteers on the various roles.

Course and Pace Rating

All Member Clubs of the GAO will receive a Course Rating when they join and will periodically have that rating reviewed as the course ages or as design changes are made to the course. In a given year up to 200 courses may require a visit from a trained Course Rating Team. Course Raters must be flexible, organized and an affinity for math or statistics is a definite asset. There is a detailed training program for new and experienced raters that includes in class and on course training.

Rules of Golf

The GAO requires Volunteers who are trained and knowledgeable on the Rules of Golf to assist at District and Provincial Championships. To be involved at the Provincial or District Level as a Rules Official, an individual must have successfully completed, at minimum Level 2 of the RCGA's Rules of Golf training program. In addition, Rules officials must have an excellent understanding of the Rules of Golf and have the ability to work as a team member while making decisions under pressure. If you have not successfully completed one of the levels of Rules Training, but wish to work towards becoming a GAO Rules Official, please start your training by applying to become a GAO Tournament Volunteer.

GAO Rules Officials also assist other organizations – such as the Ontario PGA, Ontario Colleges;and Universities and the Greater Toronto Area Golf Association – with their requirements for Rules Officials.

Club Representatives

GAO Member Clubs have the opportunity and are encouraged to appoint GAO Club Representatives to act in various liaison roles with the GAO. The expectations for Club Representatives include communication to and from the club on a range of matters ensuring the GAO information is posted at the club and that the members understand the benefits of their GAO membership.