Tournament Play?

[TN94z]

I really want to get good enough to play in some local tournaments and maybe one day play some kind of mini tour. My question is, at what level do you need to be to consider going this route? Is there a certain handicap that would be like a line to crossover into tournament play? I am the type of person that likes my score to depend on me and my play. Scrambles have been fun with my buddies, but too much depends on other people. I have played in one open at my local course sometime last year. I had been shooting high 70's going in, but shot low 80s while actually playing in the tournament. If I had shot my average for that time frame, I would have won it....but how many people can say that, right? Anyway, what are your suggestions on this topic? I plan on really practicing this year as I never practice as it is. I just go play. I want to try and play competitively!

[David in FL]

I really want to get good enough to play in some local tournaments and maybe one day play some kind of mini tour. My question is, at what level do you need to be to consider going this route? Is there a certain handicap that would be like a line to crossover into tournament play? I am the type of person that likes my score to depend on me and my play. Scrambles have been fun with my buddies, but too much depends on other people. I have played in one open at my local course sometime last year. I had been shooting high 70's going in, but shot low 80s while actually playing in the tournament. If I had shot my average for that time frame, I would have won it....but how many people can say that, right? Anyway, what are your suggestions on this topic? I plan on really practicing this year as I never practice as it is. I just go play. I want to try and play competitively!

Don't worry about your handicap. Most non-professional tournaments are broken down into flights so that golfers of similar abilities are competing against each other. Tournaments are fun and a great learning experience no matter what your current skill level or ultimate golfing goals. Just do a quick search for local amateur tours/tournaments, go for it, and have fun!

[elementz]

I am looking forward to entering some tournaments as my golfing skills progress. However, since I just took up the game a year ago, I am holding off until I can at least break 100 consistently and probably wait until I can break 90 consistently.

I did play in a few Best Ball/Scrambles and had a blast.

[Bump-n-MI]

I play strictly in amateur events. Most of the amateur qualifying and championship events (that I play in anyway) have restrictions based on USGA Handicap Index. Typically to compete in the open or championship flight they require a >5 index and have a tournament scoring average of 79 or below. All players with a <5 index compete in net or flighted brackets. The organization I play in has a net #2 division and is geared for 11-20 (max) handicapper.

[Big Earn]

Some of the best tournaments to play in are those organized by the governing golf association in your state. For example, I enjoy playing in the State Match Play, Alabama Open, State Amateur, etc. These are all great when it comes to experience. Check out golfhousetennessee.com since you live in Tennessee.

[TN94z]

So, do you have to have a USGA handicap? I don't have one but I plan on getting one as soon as the weather breaks and I can get in some rounds.

[Bump-n-MI]

So, do you have to have a USGA handicap?

To play in a USGA, GAM (Golf Association of Michigan), MIPUBLINX (Michigan Publinx Golf Association) or any other sanctioned body the answer is yes.

However, there are other sponsoring organizations that may flight you based on your ability to score without an established hdcp. The Amateur Golf Tour is the first group that comes to mind. They flight their groups up as follows: Championship Flight 0-5 A Flight 6-10 B Flight 11-15 C Flight 16-21 D Flight 21 and above

[thedoxology]

when you say mini-tours do you mean professional? because you should be a plus-handicap to play in them.

But back to amateur, also check for a golf association in your closest metro area. A lot of times they will have local tournaments with less stringent hdcp requirements. It's also a great way to meet people and get some connections and games going in your area.

[TN94z]

Yes, that is what I was referring to...but that is a long term goal! There used to be a golf association in this area but I can't seem to find any information on it. It was called the Southern Cup Golfers Tour, I think. Anyone from TN know anything about that??

[pusher]

Go to your local muni and ask if they have a golf association you can join. Most will be affiliated with the state association and the USGA. Then you can establish your USGA handicap. Those local associations often hold tournaments as do the state golf associations. Check out www.usga.org