Entries are open to male amateur golfers who are members of the Golf Association of Ontario and who have an up-to-date 2008 GAO Member Card with a Handicap Factor NOT EXCEEDING 8.4.  Exempt players must also meet the handicap requirement.  Entries are subject to rejection at any time (including during the Championship) by the Golf Association of Ontario.  The reason for rejection may include unbecoming conduct. 

ALL competitors must present their GAO/RCGA Handicap Factor Card upon registration.

All players including those exempt must apply on-line at www.gao.ca.

Only one entry may be filed per player. The entry fee of $167.00 includes GST and must be paid by every player.

Note:  There is no additional entry fee for those who qualify for the Championship through a qualifying round.

A $30.00 ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE WILL BE DEDUCTED FROM ALL REFUNDS.

By May 13 at 4:00 p.m.

FOR ALL PLAYERS:  The entry fee (less the $30.00 administration fee) will be refunded if any entrant cancels his entry online by May 13 at 4:00 p.m.

After May 13 at 4:00 p.m.

NON-EXEMPT PLAYERS (those qualifying):  The entry fee refund will be considered in the event of injury or illness, if requested in writing (Medical doctor's note required) by 4:00 p.m. five business days prior to the player's qualifying round.

REFUND POLICIES FOR EXEMPT PLAYERS ONLY: The entry fee refund will be considered in the event of injury or illness, if requested in writing (Medical doctor's note required) by 4:00 p.m. July 2, 2008.

Qualifying Location

Qualifying will take place at various qualifying sites throughout the province. Applicants may choose any site they wish subject to availability.

The GAO will determine the number of qualifiers’ places at each location after entries close based on the size of the qualifying field to the overall number of qualifying entries. A tie for last qualifiers’ place will be decided by the GAO tie breaking method. If a qualifying location cannot fill its qualifiers’ places, or if an exempt player withdraws, the place made available will be re-allotted to the Alternate List prearranged by the GAO. Alternate have no status at the Championship.

Successful Qualifiers Entry into Championship

Following play on the day of Sectional and Final Qualifying, every successful qualifier will automatically be entered into the Championship at Islington Golf Club with no additional fee. If a qualifier or exempt player withdraws, he must notify the sectional official or the GAO (905) 852-1101 promptly in order to insure an Alternate fair opportunity to play. Failure to comply may result in disqualification from future GAO competition.

Successful Qualifiers' Entry into Final Qualifying

Following play on the day of Sectional Qualifying, every successful qualifier to Final Qualifying will automatically be entered into the Final Qualifying at Summit Golf and Country Club with no additional fee. If a qualifier or exempt player withdraws, he must notify the sectional official or the GAO (905) 852-1101 promptly. Failure to comply may result in disqualification from future GAO competition.

NOTE:  Alternates for the Championship will be determined from Final Qualifying.  Alternates for Final Qualifying will be determined from Sectional Qualifying.

To apply for an exemption based on qualifications met in non-GAO events, please contact the Tournament Department at the GAO for approval only after entering the championship qualifying round. Contact must be made prior to the closing date for the tournament. 

PLEASE NOTE:  Exemption requests will not be considered unless the applicant has entered a qualifying round.

EXEMPTIONS INTO CHAMPIONSHIP (must also meet eligibility requirements)

All exempt players must submit a complete entry form and the required fee before the closing date.

1. Winners of the past five (5) GAO Amateur Championships

   2007 Christopher Ross

   2005 Graham Hill

2. Top fifteen (15) and Ties from the 2007 GAO Amateur Championship

   Graham Baillargeon	Darcy Donaldson	Mackenzie Hughes	Christopher Ross
   Kevin Blue	Robbie Greenwell	David Markle	Michael Rutgers
   David Byrne	Matt Hill	Michael Moreland	Scott Sinclair
   Victor Ciesielski	Matt Hoffman	Kyler Murphy	Jace Walker

3. Top fifteen (15) & Ties from the 2007 Amateur Rankings

   Kevin Blue	Darcy Donaldson	Matt Hill	David Markle
   Cam Burke	Michael Gligic	Matt Hoffman	Scott Sinclair
   David Byrne	Robbie Greenwell	Mackenzie Hughes	Jace Walker
   Victor Ciesielski	Graham Hill	Christopher Ross

4. Winner of the 2007 GAO Junior Championship

   Matt Hill

5. Current Year Members of RCGA Four Nations Team and World Amateur Team (if GAO Members)
6. Winner of the 2008 GAO Champion of Champions
7. Winner of the 2008 GAO Mid-Amateur Championship
8. Finalists of the 2008 GAO Match Play Championship
9. Winner of the 2007 Public Player Championship has the option to be exempt in either the Mid-Amateur (if age eligible) or the Men's Amateur. Must declare by the entry deadline.

   Raymond Oh

10. Winner of the 2007 Thunder Bay & District GA Amateur Championship.

    Andrew Scavarelli

11. Winner of the 2007 Toronto Star Men's Amateur Championship (if GAO member)

    Dave Bunker

12. GAO Member Players who are exempt from qualifying for the 2008 RCGA and USGA Amateur Championships
13. GAO Member Players who advanced to the Second Stage of 2008 USGA Open Qualifying
14. GAO Member Players who qualified for the 2007 RBC Canadian Open
15. GAO Member Players in the Top 25 Ranked Players in the Sagarin College Rankings
16. GAO Member/NCAA Division I or II players who have won a Division 1 event in 07-08 (3 rounds minimum)
17. Thunder Bay & District Golf Association Qualifiers (2)
18. 2007 Northern District Golf Association Champion

    Jordy Legget

19. 2007 GAO Number 1 Ranked Junior Boy

    Matt Hill

20. Investors Group Sponsor Exemption
21. Committee Exemptions (up to 3)

22. Host Club Exemption

EXEMPTIONS INTO FINAL QUALIFYING AT SUMMIT GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB ON JUNE 18, 2008 (must also meet eligibility requirements)

All exempt players must submit a complete entry form and the required fee before the closing date.

Final Qualifying exemptions are forfeited if a player attempts to qualify at first stage of qualifying.

1. Players finishing 16-25 in the 2007 GAO Amateur Championship including ties

   Robert Cumming	Michael Gligic	Andrew Ross	Mitch Sutton
   Greg Doherty	Jesse Maytham	Richard Ross	Michael Zizek
   Lee French	Brett Pearl	Matt St.Louis

2. Players Ranked 16-25 in the 2007 GAO Amateur Rankings

   Graham Baillargeon	Rob Cowan	Jonathan Kim	Richard Ross
   Dave Bunker	Charles Fitzsimmons	Britt Pronk
   Jeff Clarridge	Daniel Kim	Andrew Ross

3. All College Players who participate in the NCAA Division I or II National Championships
4. All College Players who have won an NAIA or NCAA Division II Tournament in 07-08
5. NCAA Division I players who have won a Division I event in 07-08 that is 2 rounds

FIRST PLACE: Gold medal, Champions Trophy and the Gary Cowan Trophy (to be retained by the GAO).

SECOND PLACE: Silver medal. If a tie, duplicate medals will be awarded.

THIRD PLACE: Bronze Medal. Awarded only if no tie for Second Place. If a tie for third place, duplicate medals will be awarded.

The Golf Association of Ontario has a goal of having all of its tournaments recognized as the best Amateur Golf Tournaments in Ontario.

In order to continue to make Golf Association of Ontario Tournaments an enjoyable experience for all participants, spectators, club staff and volunteers who assist in organizing the events, the Association requires that all of the participants in its events adhere to a Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is a guideline that participants are expected to follow while participating in our Tournaments and events.

1. The Code of Conduct requires that, while on the Golf Course, all players:
   1. Will strictly adhere to the Rules of Golf
   2. Will refrain from using abusive or profane language
   3. Will refrain from displays of temper, such as throwing clubs
   4. Will complete all competitive rounds of golf, unless otherwise approved by the GAO Tournament Committee
   5. Will demonstrate respect for volunteers, spectators, tournament officials, the host course and staff, and their fellow golfers will adhere to the dress code during practice and competitive rounds
   6. Will not demonstrate any other conduct not becoming of a GAO member
2. The Code of Conduct requires that, while off the Golf Course, all players:
   1. Will not be associated with vandalism
   2. Will not demonstrate abusive behavior to any fellow competitors, tournament officials, host club members, or community officials
   3. Will avoid any other conduct not becoming of a GAO member
3. Official of the Golf Association of Ontario may assess any or all of the following penalties based on the severity of the violation of the Code of Conduct:
   1. Issue a written letter of warning to the player
   2. Disqualify the player from the tournament at which the violation occurs
   3. Reject selection of the player for teams that represent the Golf Association of Ontario
   4. Disqualify the player from future GAO tournament(s) for which the player is otherwise eligible
   5. Suspend the player’s membership in the Golf Association of Ontario, indefinitely

In the event of a suspension of which the player wishes to appeal, the player is required to submit a written account of the incident to the Executive Committee of the Golf Association of Ontario Board of Directors within fifteen (15) days of the suspension. The player will be notified of the date when such appeal will be heard. The Board will issue a written decision within 30 days of such hearing. All such decisions are final.

Any player, whose membership is under suspension, will not be considered for post-season rankings, exemptions for future events, or selection for teams representing the Golf Association of Ontario.

Practice Rounds at Qualifying and Final Qualifying

There are no official practice rounds provided by the GAO at any qualifying stage.

Practice Rounds and Practice at Islington Golf Club

The official practice round day is Monday July 7 only.  Access to the club is not permitted prior to this date. 

Exempt players and successful qualifiers to the championship may arrange for a practice round Monday July 7 at Islington Golf Club by calling the Pro Shop (416) 231-1231 in advance to arrange a starting time.  Double booking of times is prohibited and violation of this policy may result in further disciplinary action.

One Ball Only in Practice Rounds
In an effort to maintain conditions of the course and speed of play, one ball only is permitted during the practice round with the following exceptions:

• If a player misses the green with his stroke to the green, he may play one additional ball (provided this does not unduly delay play)
• A player may practice putting or chipping on or near the putting green of the hole last played (provided a practice stroke is not made from a hazard and does not unduly delay play)

Violation of this policy may result in the player being removed from the golf course receive further disciplinary action.

Practice Facilities at Islington
The Practice Range at Islington Golf Club is for warm-up purposes only. Some arrangements have been made with several nearby driving ranges. Details will be available at registration.

Qualifying and Final Qualifying Rounds:

Those players not exempt should arrive 30 minutes prior to their starting time.

Championship:

Between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 7, eligible players must:

1. Register in person at Islington Golf Club; or
2. State arrival time directly to GAO Headquarters on site by emailing Dave Colling.

1. Evan Larocque
2. Eric Hawerchuck
3. Zac Bested
4. John Crowther
5. Daley Byles
6. Rob Cowan
7. Alex Carrigan
8. Adam Petrasovic
9. Matt MacKay

Performance in Sectional Qualifying

If a player fails to return a score lower than 95 at a Sectional Qualifying Round, an entry filed by him for a future GAO Championship that is handicap restricted may be declined unless the player can document that he is capable of competing at the required level.

Restriction related to qualifying - as individuals or as team members - for RCGA National Championships.

Individuals who reside in Ontario (within the area east of Brockville) and join the Golf Association of Ontario Public Player Program have access to compete in GAO Championships. However, competing in GAO Championships cannot be used to qualify for RCGA (National) Championships. Qualifying for RCGA Championships must take place within the traditional boundaries of the Provincial Golf Association. If you require further clarification of this, please contact Dave Colling, Director of Tournaments/Player Development at dcolling@gao.ca

The RCGA allots each Provincial Golf Association a number of quota spots for the Canadian Amateur Championship. The quota number is based on an RCGA formula and is available through the GAO.  The GAO fulfills its respective quota through the Ontario Amateur and then forwards the names of the eligible golfers to the RCGA. The number of quota spots for the Ontario Amateur will be made available on site.

If there is a tie for the final Quota spot, a hole-by-hole playoff will be held immediately following play.  A player not immediately available for the playoff shall for forfeit his spot.  Multiple no-shows shall be decided the GAO tie-breaking method.

Ontario's entry into the Willingdon Cup will be comprised of the 2008 Ontario Amateur Champion, and the next three low finishers at the 2008 Ontario Amateur, provided all eligibility requirements are met. A tie for the last team position will be decided immediately following the final round of play by a hole-by-hole playoff. The Team Selection Committee reserves the right to amend the selection process at any time during or following the Championship.