Established in 2020, the startup Toronto Players Tour has experienced steady growth in recent seasons, proving itself in a post-COVID golf industry. Back for another year, the TPT has some exciting new additions to keep an eye on this season.

Accessibility. That’s the mission of the Toronto Players Tour, established in 2020 by Russell Budd. The goal is clear—to allow anyone, regardless of professional status, handicap or age, the opportunity to hone their skills and involve themselves in tournament golf.

While the tour was born into the age of COVID-19 lockdown, where tours were shuttered, and competition opportunities were close to zero, the TPT has remained a viable option for aspiring professionals and adventurous amateurs alike. “We pride ourselves on being the best

preparation for PGA and LPGA-affiliated events,” said Jakob Ain, the TPT’s Tour Director. “Last year, 16 of our players got at least one start on the PGA Tour Canada, and three of our members have fully exempt status.”

Tour founder Russell Budd, who later moved onto competitions and rules at the PGA Tour Canada himself, placed the future of the TPT in the hands of Ain, a third-year McGill student. Ain had direct messaged him on Instagram a few years prior looking for a resume-boosting experience. Budd put Ain to work immediately as Assistant Director in 2021, and he has played a significant role in the tour’s growth ever since. “The coolest thing about being onboard through the last few years is seeing players develop and gaining additional opportunities through playing in our events,” says Ain.

After a successful 2020 season, Golf Town saw an opportunity to help take the up-and-coming tour to new heights. Two years ago, the tour marked the inaugural points race for the Golf Town Cup, a format modelled after the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup. The top 5 finishers each receive a cash bonus from Golf Town, and the winner receives paid entry into the PGA Tour Canada’s Qualifying Tournament along with a year-long Golf Town sponsorship. “Golf Town has come on as a great title sponsor, and we each try to help push each other’s initiatives,” said Ain.

In addition to Golf Town, grocery giant Sobeys and the OHL’s Guelph Storm have also become involved with the growing tour. Each has sponsored its own title event in the last two seasons (the Sobeys Open & Guelph Storm Shootout), contributing greatly to further recognition for the TPT.

In prior seasons, tournaments have typically run as two-day stroke play events, with no cuts and finishing points contributing to the Golf Town cup standings. Ain and the Toronto Players Tour have decided to shake things up in 2023.

For starters, the number of TPT events has been reduced from thirteen in 2022 to nine in 2023. “We felt that going into this year, having a few less tournaments would allow us to put a little extra TLC into each individual event,” Ain said of the reduction. “We also felt that elevating certain events would be a more successful formula to keep the momentum strong throughout the season.” Also new for 2023 is the tour’s inaugural match play event at Brooklea Golf & Country Club in late June. This first-of-its kind tournament allows TPT members the opportunity to compete head-to-head with one another. The tour has also added two three-day major tournaments for 2023, each featuring a 36-hole cut and double points for the winners. The first of the major tournaments is being held from July 4-6 at Quarry GC in Kawartha Lakes and the second is being played August 8-10 at Silver Lakes G&CC in Newmarket. The objective is to prepare players for the elevated stakes and pressure of a major tournament on tour, whether that be the PGA Tour Canada, Korn Ferry, or the PGA Tour itself.

For more information regarding the Toronto Players Tour or to register for TPT events, go to www.torontoplayerstour.com.