Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find out the Tour schedule?
There are several ways to find out this information. This website has the Tour Schedule, and posters will be on site at most of the golf courses in Alberta.
How much does it cost to join the Tour?
Nothing. Unlike other Junior Golf Tours, the McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour does not charge any fees to junior golfers to “join” the Tour. We merely act as a coordinating body to organize a series of existing Junior golf tournaments throughout Alberta. Competitors pay an entry fee at each event, but those funds are paid back to competitors in the way of prizes. A meal is also provided to entrants at each event. We expect that entry fees for one-day events will average about $50-65. The multi-day tournaments may be slightly more.
What is the age limit for the Tour?
Any junior boy or girl who is Under 19 years of age as of August 1st, 2024, is eligible to enter a Tour event.
Is there a minimum age to enter a Tour event?
Many Juniors have made Tour events their first competitive experience. We field many calls from parents asking if their child can enter tournaments as young as 9 or 10, for example. Although our role with the Tour is more geared towards coordinating the various events around the province rather than actually running the tournaments, we have not found any situations where a site would prohibit a youngster from entering a tournament solely due to age.
But we ask parents to answer the following three questions:
- Is the player old enough to carry or pull his or her clubs for 18 holes? (Caddies are not permitted in Tour events at this time)
- Is the player old enough to be able to keep his or her own score for 18 holes?
We do not expect the kids to be Rules experts; our role is to help coach and develop their knowledge of the Rules as they go along, but they should have enough of an understanding and maturity to keep their scores honestly and to the best of their abilities. - Is the player old enough to be able to keep the score of a fellow-competitor for 18 holes as well?
The kids exchange scorecards on the first tee and sit down after the round at the scoring table and sign off on each other’s score. Competitors have a responsibility to the rest of the field to do this fairly and accurately. - Is the player capable of completing a round of golf in 4 hours and 30 minutes?
Although a player may be able to do all of the requirements listed in the first three questions, pace of play becomes an issue for some of our younger competitors. As the long rounds go on, some juniors find themselves falling behind due to fatigue.
If the junior can answer “Yes” to these four questions, then he or she is possibly ready to begin their competitive career, even if they are only 9 or 10. But keep in mind that many Tour events may not have a large number of entrants in this younger age group, and the player may be directly competing with kids 2 or 3 years older. Some events with larger fields may have a 12 & Under Flight. If you are in doubt as to age requirements for a specific tournament, please check with the host site.
As a player, what can I expect at a Tour event?
Players can expect well-run tournaments with both a good level of competition for the elite player, and an atmosphere that will nurture those players just getting started in their competitive golf careers. Entry fees are reasonable, with all the entry fees returned to the players by way of meals and prizes. Players can expect to meet new friends, test their abilities on sometimes unfamiliar golf courses in a variety of conditions, and they can expect both fun and excitement when they play well.
What is expected of ME as a competitor at a Tour event?
Players are expected to behave as young gentlemen and ladies. This does not mean you cannot have fun. But we have certain expectations of competitors in terms of their respect for the game, their fellow-competitors, tournament officials and volunteers, and themselves. Please refer to our Code of Conduct section for complete details on dress code and behavior at Tour events.
What is the expected dress and behavior code for players on the Tour?
We have developed a written Code of Conduct for Tour players that is posted on the Tour website. We feel this would make very good grounds for a family discussion between players and their parents so that everyone has a solid understanding of the demands that this Tour places on participants in regards to their behavior while at Tour events. Our goal is to make all players very familiar with the standards expected of them once they have started to compete at a provincial and national level. Competitors will be expected to adhere to the dress code of the host club. In other words, if the host club permits blue jeans, players may wear blue jeans, but we expect all competitors to be neat and tidy in appearance at all times. We want to encourage participation in a fun atmosphere for the kids, but within reason.
As a parent, may I watch my child during his or her round?
Certainly! We value the support of parents for their kids’ activities, but once the round starts, the players are on their own. Parents may assist in the search for lost golf balls, but may offer NO advice or counsel to their child during the round. We ask that parents and spectators stay at least 30 yards from competitors at ALL times during the round.
Junior golf is about DEVELOPMENT, and this means providing the competitors the opportunity to learn how to manage their golf game and their emotions during a round without outside influence from parents or spectators. You will have plenty of opportunity to discuss strategy (or lack thereof) with the kids in the car on the way home after the tournament.
Do players require an official Golf Canada Handicap Factor to enter tournaments on the Tour?
No. But we STRONGLY recommend that all junior golfers establish and maintain an official Golf Canada Handicap Factor from their own club or online for the public. Most of the host clubs will insist on a player producing an updated Handicap Factor verification either printed or available online at registration, or they risk the chance of not being eligible to win `net` score prizes. One of the goals of the Junior Tour is to prepare players for what they will encounter at a higher level of competition and evidence of an official handicap is MANDATORY for entry into official provincial and national competitions.
How do I qualify for the Tour Championship?
Our goal as organizers has been to make this event very special and one of the tournament highlights of a Junior golfer’s season. The top 90 players based on Order of Merit across various age groups will be invited to compete in the Tour Championship, with spots being allocated based on the size of the division. The final 10 spots will be discretionary invites that Alberta Golf will distribute prior to the event.
Are distance range finders permitted at Tour events?
Yes, but only types that provide information on DISTANCE ONLY, not devices that also factor in elevation changes, wind speed or direction, or compass functions. If in doubt as to the legality of a particular range finder, obtain approval from a Tour official prior to using the range finder in Tournament play.
Are players permitted to use wireless devices or cell phones during competition?
Use of such devices is prohibited. Only in the event of medical or family emergencies may a competitor use his or her cell phone during the stipulated round. Competitors may also use their cell phones to obtain information about potentially dangerous weather in the immediate vicinity. Cell phones must be turned OFF during the round. Devices designed primarily for music listening capabilities are not permitted to be used at ANY time during the round.
I am new to competitive golf – will there be anyone on course to help me through my first round?
Yes! We have at least one rules official at all junior golf events to help with any rules questions there may be. It is important to note that a basic understanding of the rules is required, and constant reliance on the officials may result in extremely slow pace of play for everyone else.
I am worried about posting a really high score, is there a maximum?
Yes! We all have bad holes, that’s just the game of golf. For that reason, on The Alberta Junior Tour, we have a maximum score of +4 on a hole. This is to encourage good pace of play, and moving on to the next hole.
I signed up for a tournament – when will I know my tee time?
For every event, registration closes one week prior to the event itself. Tee times will be sent out within 24 hours of registration closing.
I need to withdraw from a tournament. Will I be refunded?
If you withdraw prior to registration closing, in other words 1 week or earlier before the event, you will be refunded in full less a $5 administration fee. If you withdraw within 1 week of the event, you will not be refunded unless a doctor’s note can be provided proving illness or injury.
If you have any questions that have gone unanswered, or relate to a specific event, please contact Mackenzie at mackenzie@albertagolf.org.