SEA ISLAND, Georgia. – Five Canadians will take on an elite field of amateur golfers from across North America as the Jones Cup Invitational gets underway Friday at Ocean Forest Golf Club.

First contested in 2001, the Jones Cup is a 54-hole individual stroke-play event. It has become one of the most popular events on the amateur circuit due to the strength of the field.

The three-day event runs January 31 to February 2 and is being held at Ocean Forest Golf Club – a Rees Jones design which opened in 1995. The club, which has been ranked in the top 100 in the world, previously hosted the 1998 Georgia State Amateur Championship, the 1999 Southern Amateur Championship and the 2001 Walker Cup Match.

Canadians in the field this year include: Garrett Rank of Elmira, Ont.; Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C.; Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont.; Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont. and Kevin Carrigan of Victoria, B.C.

Also among the many notable players in the field is Eli Cole of Beverly Hills, Calif., the reigning Canadian Amateur champion.

Past participants read like a who’s who of PGA Tour stars. They include Luke Donald, Rickie Fowler, Lucas Glover, Dustin Johnson, Chris Kirk, Jeff Overton, Webb Simpson, Brandt Snedeker, Bubba Watson and Gary Woodland as well as past champions DJ Trahan, Gregg Jones, Nicholas Thompson, Luke List, Kyle Stanley, Patrick Reed and John Peterson.

Click here for opening-round pairings and start times.

Most people wouldn’t see golf as a team sport, but maybe that’s what separates Jeff Overholt apart from the rest.

Turns out the PGA of Ontario Coach of the Year for 2013 is a real team player who believes it’s one of the key ingredients for growing the game as the sport moves forward.

“Developing a team concept for junior golfers is important to keep the kids engaged in the game,” says the 31-year-old who co-owns Golf Performance Coaches which runs coaching programs at several locations such as Carrying Place & Coppinwood Golf Club. “You look at other major sports like hockey or soccer and players don’t practice and play in isolation, they’re part of a team, with their friends and having fun together and that is what has been missing from golf in the past. It’s a key piece to keeping them in the game and continuing to progress and improve to a higher skill level.”

Over the last few years Overholt, who started his own family team when his wife Amy gave birth to their first child this past June, has been busy designing and implementing coaching programs at club, regional and provincial levels. From 2009 through 2013, Overholt was the strength and conditioning coach for the Golf Association of Ontario’s Team Ontario High Performance Program. He’s taking on new duties for 2014 and just started working with the best under-17 players as head coach of the York Regional Team, one of three feeder teams leading towards the GAO’s provincial team.

“As a coach I really enjoy the relationships I build with the athletes I work with and the time we spend together working both on and off the course,” he says. “I really try to spend time with athletes out on the golf course, watching them compete and then working with them to improve their overall game and strategies as a result of what I observed in competition.”

Over the past three years, Overholt – a Class A member of the PGA of Canada for the past eight years – has been involved in the creation of the Junior Golf Development Centre (JGDC) initiative through the GAO which was adopted as a National program through Golf Canada in 2012. Extensive time was spent creating the “New Competitor” program handbook template and supporting resources, which is now available to all JGDC coaches.

As a Lead Coach for Golf Performance Coaches, Overholt and 2012 Coach of the Year, Jon Roy provide holistic junior golf coaching programs for introductory and competitive junior golfers between the ages of 10 to 18 years of age – the PGA Junior League, New Competitor Team and Developing Competitor Team. The goal of the year-round program offered at locations such as Coppinwood GC, Carrying Place GC, Wooden Sticks GC, The Golf Lab and the Metro Golf Dome is to deliver comprehensive support in the four pillars of performance – technical, physical, mental, and tactical – in all aspects of development for junior golfers and provide guidance to families on navigating the competitive junior golf landscape. He has also worked with the Crescent School Golf Team on player development and feels working with private schools will be one of his major opportunities for growth in the future.

He also offers a “Mid-Am” coaching program: This year-long program is designed for the competitive amateur golfer between the age of 20 to 45. This program offers a holistic approach to golf skills development for amateur golfers which have already had established careers in competitive golf and would like to continue to compete and train at a high level while working a full-time job.

Oakville, Ont. – Longtime golf volunteer Barbara Allan of Kingston, Ont. as well as the late Norm Woods of Kitchener, Ont. – founder of both GolfScene magazine and the former GolfScene Junior Tour – will be honoured for their contributions to the game of golf as the 2014 co-recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award.

Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Awards will be presented to Allan as well as Woods’ son Steve, Saturday, February 8^th as part of the National Sport Organization’s Annual General Meeting to be held at the London Hilton Hotel in London, Ont.

“Golf Canada is proud to acknowledge Barbara Allan and Norm Woods and celebrate their outstanding contributions to the game of golf as our 2014 Distinguished Service Award recipients,” said Golf Canada CEO Scott Simmons. “In their own unique way, Barbara and Norm have made a significant impact on the game within their communities and across Canada. Their commitment and passion for our sport makes each of them a truly deserving recipient.”

Created in 1993, Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award has been awarded annually to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the game of golf in Canada.

Recipients of Golf Canada’s Distinguished Service Award are traditionally selected from within the province of the organization’s incoming president. On Saturday, February 8^th, Doug Alexander of London, Ont. will be sworn in as Golf Canada’s 111^th President.

As President-elect, Alexander will succeed 2013 President Mike Carroll of Vancouver.

Golf Canada’s Annual General Meeting and presidential appointment will conclude four days of meetings, February 5-8, at the London Hilton Hotel in London, Ont.

BARBARA ALLAN

Barbara Allan has devoted over 20 years of her adult life to the game of golf in Ontario and across the country. Allan’s passion for golf began in the 1980’s when her husband encouraged her to get into the sport.

Allan had an immediate connection with the game and began volunteering in the early 1990’s where she first served as the District Teams Assistant for the (former) Ontario Ladies Golf Association (OLG). She would later become the District Chair for the Association from 1998-2002. From 2001-2006, Allan served as a board member for the Golf Association of Ontario (GAO) and was welcomed as the President of the Association in 2005.

With a strong passion for women’s golf, Allan was invited to join Golf Canada as a volunteer Governor in 2006, serving as the Women’s Division Vice-Chair before becoming the Women’s Division Chair in 2007. She has served Golf Canada in numerous capacities since the (former) Canadian Ladies Golf Association’s amalgamation with Golf Canada in 2005, sitting on the Executive Committee from 2006-2008; the Board of Directors from 2009-2012 and also on the Governors’ Council from 2009-2013 where she served as the Chair from 2009-2012.

In addition to serving as a past Chair of the Women’s Fund, Allan’s volunteer efforts with Golf Canada will continue in 2014 as a member of Governors’ Council as well as Chair of both the Amateur Championships and Heritage Committees.

As well, she currently volunteers at the club, provincial and district level and is also a past Ladies Captain of Garrison Golf Club in Kingston where she serves as the Chair of Handicap and Rules.

Highlights from her time volunteering include becoming Level 4 Rules certified with Golf Canada in 2012; serving as the non-playing captain at the Five Nations Cup in South Africa in 2007; acting as a Tournament Chair at numerous Golf Canada championships and also being a member of the duty roster of officials at each of Canada’s National Open Championships – the RBC Canadian Open and Canadian Pacific Women’s Open.

NORM WOODS (1944-2011)

Norm Woods is remembered as a passionate sport enthusiast who strived to give individuals the opportunity to experience the game of golf. He was devoted to the benefits of health and fitness, receiving a Physical Education degree from the University of Waterloo in 1967 as well as a Masters degree in Physical Education from the University of Oregon in 1971.

He spent considerable time affiliated with the YMCA, first working as the Physical Education Director of the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA before later becoming a program coordinator with the Regina Saskatchewan YMCA where he spearheaded programs such as KinderSwim and KinderGym. In 1975, he was one of eight Canadians selected by Concordia University to travel to Russia to experience how Russian athletes trained and would later be named Director of Preventative Health for the Saskatchewan Government.

He returned to Ontario in 1976 and while working as Vice-President of the Institute of Canadian Advertisers, was involved in the launch of the national PARTICIPACTION program as well as the building of PARTICIPARKs.

He would also become an advocate for providing scholarships to student athletes and in 1991 he purchased the regional franchise for College Prospects of America, opening the door for many student athletes across the country. His College Prospects franchise provided upwards of $5 million in scholarships for Canadian athletes including numerous competitive golfers and many others who would go on to work in the golf industry.

In 1999, he was instrumental in bringing some of the top U.S. golf coaches to Angus Glen Golf Club to showcase 144 of Ontario’s top golfers and coaches. His showcase provided many players with scholarships to U.S. universities including David Hearn as well as Sean Foley, who later went on the write his first series of instruction articles in GolfScene – a regional golf publication Woods launched in 2000 serving southwestern Ontario.

The GolfScene publication originated as a tabloid that was hand-delivered throughout the golf community. In 2008, the publication evolved into a magazine and continues to be delivered to over 340 courses and facilities.

Woods’ passion for junior golf lead to the development of the GolfScene Junior Tour, a recreational tour dedicated to providing fun golf competitions for juniors that instilled values such as integrity and fair play. The junior tour – which also encouraged parents and grandparents to play – saw Woods become a mentor, father figure and friend to countless golfers including the 2014 LPGA Tour rookie Jennifer Kirby, Team Canada members such as Corey Conners and Garrett Rank, Web.com TOUR rookie Cam Burke and PGA TOUR Canada players such as Michael Gligic.

Before his passing in 2011 at the age of 67, Woods – a past member of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada – was a social golfer who most enjoyed health benefits of walking the golf course, along with the camaraderie of friends. A mentor to many and lifelong proponent of health and wellness, Woods taught by example and provided opportunity to many enthusiasts who may have never been introduced to the game of golf.

UXBRIDGE, Ont. — The Golf Association of Ontario (GAO) has announced the formation of three regional junior teams comprised of some of the best under 17 athletes in the province, a first for the association.

The GAO Team Ontario program was formerly was made up of a under 19 and under 17 team, now the provincial team features the 12 best under 19 athletes, regardless of age, while three regional teams in the Ottawa, York and Waterloo regions have been set up for an additional 36 male and female athletes under the age of 17. Twelve players will comprise each regional squad.

The teams were created in the Fall of 2013, based on combines held in the three regions. Each region features a head coach and a strength and conditioning coach to help the athletes train during the winter months.

“The GAO is thrilled to be expanding the pool of talented athletes and coaches in Ontario and the opportunity to enhance our support to members clubs and families in all parts of this great province,” said GAO Managing Director, Sport Mike Kelly. “As we inch closer to golf’s return to the Olympic program in 2016 and 2015 Pan-Para Pan-Am Games in Toronto, investments like these will clear the path for podium performances in the near future, hopefully paved in gold.”

The program will run from November to March and is comprised of 11 three-hour training sessions – approximately two per month. The teams will conclude the program with a five-day training camp and Regional Team Competition during March Break in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Team Ottawa

Team Ottawa is made up of athletes from Ottawa and surrounding area stretching from Almonte to Kingston. The team is led by Head Coach Adam Holden, a PGA Canada and PGA Australia Class ‘A’ Professional.  Holden is in his 12^th year coaching at the Kevin Haime Golf School in Kanata. Allen Hicks is the team’s strength and condition coach. He brings more than 20-years of experience as a physiotherapist and strength coach.

Team Ottawa consists of:

• Jake Bryson, 14, from Dunrobin, a GAO Public Player
• Christopher Carwardine, 14, from Kanata and Kanata Lakes Golf & Country Club
• Ty Celone, 14, from Long Sault and Summerheights Golf Links
• David Iaderosa, 15, from Ottawa, a GAO Public Player
• James Parsons, 15, from Almonte and Mississippi Golf Club
• Tyler Read, 13, from Brockville and Brockville Golf & Country Club
• Nicolas Valiquette, 15, from Cornwall and Canadian Golf & Country Club
• Sarah Cushing, 14, from Brockville and the Brockville Golf & Country Club
• Danielle Humilde, 14, from Greeley and Greyhawk Golf Club
• Lilian Klekner-Alt, 15, from Ottawa and Camelot Golf Club
• Diana McDonald, 15, from Kingston and Loyalist Country Club
• Kiley Rodrigues, 13, from Kingston and Cataraqui Golf & Country Club

Team York

The York team pulls together athletes from the Toronto area as far east as Peterborough and the Oakville area in the west. They are coached PGA of Canada Class ‘A’ Professional Jeff Overholt. Overholt has worked with Team Ontario in the past and is the Head Coach of the Toronto North Junior Golf Development Centre.  He was named 2013 Coach of the Year by the PGA of Ontario. Kathryn Robinson is the team’s strength and condition coach. Robinson is currently the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Specialist at York University.

Athletes on Team York  are: 

• Kyle MacDonald, 15, from Oakville and Rattlesnake Point Golf Club
• Sam Meek, 15, from Peterborough and Kawartha Golf & Country Club
• Nicklaus Naumovski, 14, from Halton Hills and Brampton Golf Club
• Lachlan O’Hara, 14, from Mississauga and Credit Valley Golf & Country Club
• Jerry Anderson; Mathew Suarez, 15, from Toronto and Mad River Golf Club
• James Wyndham-West, 15, from King City and King’s Riding Golf Club
• David Yoon, 15, from Richmond Hill and Station Creek Golf Club
• Delana Basanisi, 13, from Mississauga and Trafalgar Golf Club
• Ellice Hong, 14, from Thornhill and Glendale Golf & Country Club
• Hailey McLaughlin, 12, from Markham and Cedar Brae Golf & Country Club
• Alexandra Naumovski, 16, from Hornby and Brampton Golf Club
• Emily Zhu, 9, from Richmond Hill and Station Creek Golf Club

Team Waterloo

The Team Waterloo region includes Kitchener-Waterloo and everything south and west to the U.S. boarder. Mike Martz, PGA Class ‘A’ Professional, is the Head Coach for this team. He has more than 25 years of experience. Most recently Mike has become Certified as a Coach for New Competitors and trained as a Coach for Developing Competitors with the PGA of Canada and Golf Canada. The team’s strength and conditioning coach is Angella Lee. She is currently the strength and conditioning coach of the Whistle Bear Junior Team in Cambridge.

The athletes on the team are:

• Jackson Bowery, 16, from London and Greenhills Golf Club
• Drake Jefferson, 15, from Bayfield and Bluewater Golf Club
• Vince Friyia, 15, from Niagara Falls and St. Catharines Golf Club
• Mackenzie Raines, 14, from Kitchener and Whistle Bear Golf Club
• Thomas Code, 16, from Dorchester, GAO Public Player
• Justin DiCienzo, 13, from Niagara Falls and St. Catherines Golf Club
• Sparky MacLean, 14, from Niagara Falls and St. Catherines Golf Club
• Madeline Marck-Sherk, 16, from Ridgeway and Bridgewater Golf & Country Club
• Isabella Portokalis, 12, from London and London Hunt and Country Club
• Haley Barclay, 13, from Strathroy and Sawmill Creek Golf
• Kristen Giles, 13, from Georgetown and Cutten Fields
• Taylor Kehoe, 9, from Strathroy and Whistle Bear Golf Club

BARRANQUILLA, ATLANTICO, Colombia – One of Team Canada’s newest members, Tony Gil, led all six Canadian men in the field to finish 6th, 10-strokes back of champion Paul Howard of England.

Gil, a 15-year-old Vaughan, Ont. native, had two very strong closing rounds (71, 72) to solidify his place in the top 10. Not far behind him was National Team member Garrett Rank of Elmira, Ont., who closed with a 4-over 76 to finish in a tie for ninth with three others. Fellow National Team member Chris Hemmerich of Kitchener, Ont. battled his way back Saturday with an even par 72 to finish tied for 19th.

On the women’s side, Valérie Tanguay of St-Hyacinthe, Qué. led the Canadian contingent with a final round 77 to finish eighth overall. Victoria, B.C. native Naomi Ko just missed the top 10, finishing tied for 12th after closing with a 6-over 78.

The women’s event was won by Lucia Gutierrez of Peru, who closed with the low score of 12-over par (77-79-72-72).

Canadian Results – Round 4

Men: Click here for full results

6. Tony Gil (Vaughan, Ont.) 75-76-71-72 (+6)
T9. Garrett Rank (Elmira, Ont.) 74-71-75-77 (+9)
T19. Chris Hemmerich (Kitchener, Ont.)  78-72-78-72 (+12)
T35. Étienne Papineau (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.) 81-81-75-73 (+22)
T38. Matt Williams (Calgary) 80-82-79-72 (+25)
56. Carter Simon (Sutton, Ont.) 83-84-81-76 (+36)

Women: Click here for full results

8. Valérie Tanguay (St-Hyacinthe, Qué.) 74-85-75-77, +23
T12. Naomi Ko (Victoria, B.C.), 80-74-81-78, +25
T27. Jaclyn Lee (Calgary)  81-87-79-77, +36

BARRANQUILLA, ATLANTICO, Colombia – Team Canada’s Garrett Rank of Elmira, Ont. fired a 3-over 75 to sit tied for 6th, five strokes back of leaders Paul Howard and Jimmy Mullen of England, following the third round of the South American Amateur Championship.

Fellow Canadian Tony Gil of Vaughan, Ont. continued his strong play as well, carding a 1-under 71 to climb into a tie for 12th on the leaderboard. Kitchener, Ont. native and National Team member Chris Hemmerich slipped to 24th after struggling with a 6-over 78.

Development Squad member Valérie Tanguay leads all Canadian females after shooting a 3-over 75 to move up six spots on the leaderboard to sit tied for 8th. Naomi Ko of Victoria, B.C. also cracked the top 10, sitting in a tie for tenth at 19-over par with the windy conditions at Barranquilla Country Club.

Canadian Results – Round 3

Men: Click here for full results

T6. Garrett Rank (Elmira, Ont.) 74-71-75 (+4)
T19. Tony Gil (Vaughan, Ont.) 75-76-71 (+6)
T24. Chris Hemmerich (Kitchener, Ont.)  78-72-78 (+12)
T47. Étienne Papineau (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.) 81-81-75 (+21)
T52. Matt Williams (Calgary) 80-82-79 (+25)
59. Carter Simon (Sutton, Ont.) 83-84-81 (+32)

Women: Click here for full results

T8. Valérie Tanguay (St-Hyacinthe, Qué.) 74-85-75, +18
T10. Naomi Ko (Victoria, B.C.), 80-74-81, +19
T30. Jaclyn Lee (Calgary)  81-87-79, +31

BARRANQUILLA, ATLANTICO, Colombia – Team Canada’s Garrett Rank fired one of the only under-par rounds of the day at the South American Amateur Championship on Thursday.

The Elmira, Ont. native closed his final nine with two birdies on a windy day at the Country Club de Barranquilla in Colombia to finish at 1-over 145 after 36 holes. Rank’s 1-under 71 vaulted him up the leaderboard into a tie for third with Colombia’s Mateo Gomez. The duo trails England’s Paul Howard by five strokes heading into the third round.

Chris Hemmerich of Kitchener, Ont. and Tony Gil of Vaughan, Ont. both moved inside the top-20 after solid second rounds. Hemmerich currently sits in a tie for 16th after carding an even-par 72, while Gil carded a 4-over 76 to finish the day in a tie for 19th.

On the women’s side, Development Squad member, Naomi Ko of Victoria, B.C. overcame tough conditions to card a 2-over 74 and move into a tie for third. Ko currently sits at 10-over 154. Scotland’s Gemma Dryburgh and Oona Vartianinen of Finland lead the championship at 6-over par.

Valérie Tanguay struggled during the second round carding a 13-over 85 to finish in tie for 14th. Calgary’s Jaclyn Lee sits in 38th position at 24-over.

Canadian Results – Round 2

Men: Click here for full results

T3. Garrett Rank (Elmira, Ont.) 74-71 (+1)
T16. Chris Hemmerich (Kitchener, Ont.)  78-72 (+6)
T19. Tony Gil (Vaughan, Ont.) 75-76 (+7)
T49. Étienne Papineau (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.) 81-81 (+18)
T49. Matt William (Calgary) 80-82 (+18)
T59. Carter Simon (Sutton, Ont.) 83-84 (+23)

Women: Click here for full results

T3. Naomi Ko (Victoria, B.C.), 80-74, +10
T14. Valérie Tanguay (St-Hyacinthe, Qué.) 74-85, +15
38. Jaclyn Lee (Calgary)  81-87, +24

OAKVILLE, Ont. – As we enter into personal income tax season, Golf Canada would like to remind you of the Canada Revenue Agency’s Children’s Fitness Tax Credit. This tax credit was designed to support children’s participation in programs that contribute to their fitness by allowing parents to claim up to $500 for each child younger than 16 years of age on their income tax return for fees associated with eligible programs.

We have prepared this brief to help the Canadian golf industry and parents understand whether their junior golf programs qualify for this tax credit.

Eligible Programs

Contrary to some reports, there are no specific sports included or excluded. Instead, the tax credit is designed to fight childhood obesity and therefore will consider any supervised physical activity that promotes cardio-respiratory endurance. To be specific, the definition of an eligible program for the purposes of the tax credit is as follows:

An on-going, supervised program, suitable for children, in which substantially all of the activities undertaken include a significant amount of physical activity that contribute to cardio-respiratory endurance, plus one or more of:

• Muscular strength
• Muscular endurance
• Flexibility, and
• Balance

Further, the programs should encourage children to strive toward at least 30 minutes of sustained moderate to vigorous physical activity per session for children under 10, and 60 minutes of sustained moderate to vigorous physical activity for children 10 and over.

Eligible programs must last at least eight weeks at a minimum of one session per week or, in the case of children’s camps, five consecutive days – provided in the latter case that more than 50 per cent of the program time is devoted to physical activity.

A child’s membership in a club, association or other organization for two months or more would also be considered participation in an eligible program if more than 50 per cent of the programs available as a result of membership are in the nature of an “eligible program”, or more than 50 per cent of the available time is devoted to activities in an “eligible program”.

So how does this translate to your junior golf programming?

Junior Golf Club Membership

A key component of an eligible program or membership is supervision. If your club has a membership category that allows a junior access to the golf course only under the supervision of an adult, this membership may qualify, as long as the other criteria such as frequency and level of physical exertion are met. A basic junior golf club membership without guaranteed supervision while the junior plays, does not qualify. We are reasonably confident that if the junior is walking and carrying his/her bag for at least nine holes, the cardio-respiratory requirement is met, but it is up to your club to determine if the supervision and frequency requirements are met. Clubs should consider the existence and frequency of course marshals, location of pro-shop with associated course visuals and other supervisory actions.

Competitions, Tournaments, Junior Tours

If a tournament is a minimum five days in length and the competitor plays all five days, the tournament may qualify as a “camp” under the definitions.

Again, if the competitor is playing a minimum of 18 holes per day, the tournament would meet the cardio-respiratory requirement. However, questions arise with supervision. The tournament must have qualified Rules officials and other adult supervisory staff out on the golf course to ensure a good level of supervision.

All CN Future Links Regional Championships should therefore qualify as a “camp” under the definitions, as long as the competitors also play in the practice round for a total of five consecutive days. The fee directly associated with each CN Future Link Championship should be eligible.

Further questions arise when a competitor is playing in events less than five consecutive days in length. We asked the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) if a series of two or three-day events played every week, to reach the minimum number of eight days at least once per week, such as a junior tour could qualify as a “program” under the definitions. Their response was not definitive. There should be consistency in supervision and organization. The events should all be run by the same organizers and must meet all other criteria. If the series of events does qualify for the tax credit, only the fees associated directly with the tournament days may be claimed. Annual fees for membership in a junior tour would not be eligible.

Junior Instructional Camps and Programs

The tax credit recognizes there is a developmental phase to learning a skill such as golf. However, the spirit of the tax credit is to encourage physical activity. CN Future Links camps which are a minimum of five consecutive days in length must include the minimum 30 or 60 minute vigorous physical activity, depending on age, each day to qualify for the tax credit. The instructional camps are by nature supervised, so this requirement is met, but the level and duration of exertion should be analyzed by organizers to ensure all criteria are met.

For supervised instructional summer programs that are spread out over a number of weeks, please note the minimum eight sessions at least once per week requirement, as well as the minimum physical activity requirement.

Receipting and Other Record-keeping

Clubs should ensure they provide parents with receipts for the eligible portion of the participation fee. Even though the parents will not be required to submit this receipt with their tax return, this receipt must be kept for six years and available if they are audited.

Because supervision is such an integral part of the tax credit criteria, camp/tournament/program organizers should keep record of the officials/instructors/supervisors involved in the event in question. Proof of supervision may be required at a later date.

Curriculum for all instructional camps and seasonal programs should also be kept or even shared with the parent should CRA require proof of the level of physical activity involved in each of these.

Please include the following information on the receipt:

• Organization’s name and address
• Name of the eligible program or activity
• Total amount received, date received, and the amount that is eligible for the children’s fitness tax credit
• Full name of the payer
• Name of the child and child’s year of birth
• Authorized signature (not required for electronically generated receipts)

Further Information:

Each club is responsible for assessing their programs, lessons and membership to determine eligibility for the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit. Clubs should seek the assistance of qualified tax advisors or the CRA should they have questions about their particular programs, lessons and memberships.

Should you have questions directly related to your program, please contact the Canadian Revenue Agency or visit the webpages below:

Information for Organizations Providing Prescribed Programs of Physical Activity
Children’s Fitness Tax Credit Eligibility Checklist

BARRANQUILLA, ATLANTICO, Colombia – After the opening round of the South American Amateur two Team Canada members sit inside the top-15 with the windy conditions at the Country Club de Barranquilla in Colombia.

On the women’s side, Valerie Tanguay opened with a 2-over 74 and currently sits in a tie for 3rd. Tanguay carded three birdies on Wednesday and trails Colombia’s Cynthia Diaz by two strokes. Naomi Ko of Victoria, B.C. carded a 8-over 80 to finish the day in a tie for 20^th, while Calgary’s Jaclyn Lee struggled carding a 9-over 81 and is tied for 26th.

In the men’s competition, Garrett Rank of Elmira, Ont. leads the Canadian squad at 2-over par after an opening round 74. Rank currently sits in a tie for 12^th, eight strokes behind Jimmy Mullen who opened with a 6-under 66.

Team Canada Development Squad member Tony Gil of Vaughan, Ont. carded a 3-over 75. The 15-year old currently sits as the second low Canadian in a tie for 15^th. National Squad member Chris Hemmerich posted a 6-over 78 and sits in a tie for 32^nd. Étienne Papineau opened with a 9-over 81, while Carter Simon finished at 11-over.

Canadian Results – Round 1

Men: Click here for full results

T12. Garrett Rank (Elmira, Ont.) 74, +2
T15. Tony Gil (Vaughan, Ont.), 75, +3
T32. Chris Hemmerich (Kitchener, Ont.) 78, +6
T41. Matt Williams (Calgary) 80, +8
T47. Étienne Papineau (St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Qué.) 81, +9
59.   Carter Simon (Sutton, Ont.) 83, +11

Women: Click here for full results

3. Valérie Tanguay (St-Hyacinthe, Qué.) 74, +2
T20. Naomi Ko (Victoria, B.C.), 80, +8
T26. Jaclyn Lee (Calgary)  81, +9

UXBRIDGE, Ont – The Golf Association of Ontario (GAO) has announced its 2014 tournament schedule that will again feature some of the best golf courses in Ontario.

Kicking off the schedule is the Men’s Better-Ball Championship on May 15 at Oakdale Golf & Country Club in Toronto.

“I think we have strong clubs lined up for 2014, especially for our major events,” said Director of Rules and Competitions Dave Colling.

The GAO is also pleased to return to Northern Ontario at the Timberwolf Golf Club, just outside of Sudbury, for the Investors Group Junior Boys’ Championship, July 15-18. The Junior Boys’ event will feature final qualifying this year, similar to what has been used with the Men’s Amateur.

This year, both the Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships will take place at the same time, July 8-11, in the same area. The Brampton Golf Club will welcome the ladies, while The Club at North Halton in Georgetown will host the men. A pair of changes to the Women’s Amateur Championship in 2014 are that it will be a 72-hole event, a first for the tournament, and there will be a reduction in the eligible handicap from 12 to 8.4.

The GAO is also returning to Eastern Ontario with the Bantam (U15) Boys’ and Girls’ Championships at the Canadian Golf and Country Club in Kanata. There will be off-site qualifying for this event at three different courses.

The 2014 Juvenile (U17) Boys’ and Girls’ Championships will be run as part of the Ontario Summer Games August 8-10 at Roseland Golf and Country Club in Windsor. This year’s field has been expanded to include 90 players, 60 boys and 30 girls.

Finally, the George S. Lyon Team Challenge, September 2 at The Club at Bond Head, reverts to an open format in 2014 after a senior tournament in 2013. The event will continue to alternate between the two formats in future years.

Registration and qualifying info is set to go live on gao.ca at noon on Jan 27.