Golf Channel Amateur Tour

[tmker]

Is anyone a member of one of the Golf Channel's amateur tours? I have a local tour in the Austin/San Antonio area and would like to get back competing in tournaments (flights based on handicap).

I would like to know about the tournament formats, etc. Are they fun to play in? Do you compete with the same people from event to event? Do the courses treat you in a friendly manner or as a distraction?

Any information that anyone might provide will be appreciated!

Tom

[Everardo]

I'd like to know more about the tour as well. I checked my local league and read that they are strict about handicaps and sandbagging but I am seeing different results in each flight.

[arbitrage]

I just joined the tour in my area (NY Metro - Long Island) toward the end of this past season. I didn't play in the actual point events. I played in the two modified stableford events that were meant to introduce new players to the league. The events are fun and you do normally play with the same people. There is a pull-down in the registration for each event where you can request your preferred partners. I have met a great bunch of guys that I would love to play with more often. Also, you get to play some courses that you don't normally have a chance to play (at least in my case).

My problem so far has been the cost of the events. I've heard the costs vary depending on location. For us, each event costs between $130-$160 and most do not include any food or beverages. I've heard that other locations only charge $80-$100 due to lower local costs.

One benefit of the tour is that you can sign up for events out of your area. For example, if you are on vacation in Florida you can register for their events.

All in all, it has been great so far except for the cost.

[tmker]

Thanks for the information! I plan on re-establishing my handicap over the next two months and join the Austin/San Antonio section in April.

[thumper07]

i called about the DC/Metro district and was over $200 per event, plus $100 and some just to join, too rich for my blood

-matt

[DGStinner]

I checked the website for the NJ region and it's $199 for membership plus $125-$185 for tournament fees. It does appear though that the membership fee is through 2011. It also appears as though it started in 2007, which would make it $50 per year. Now that 2007 is just about over, I wonder if they'll either extend it to 2012 or prorate it to $150 for membership.

[arbitrage]

FWIW, in the NY Metro-Long Island tour the $199 membership fee is only good for 1 calender year.

[thumper07]

yeah thats true in baltimore also, only one year. i really wish this wasn't so expensive, i would love to play competitive golf

-matt

[Lemay427]

i am going to join the st. louis area section this year. this seems like it could be fun.

[crawf061]

What kind of prizes do they give for winning your flight? Are we talking about a dozen Pro-V1s or $100 pro shop credit? More, less?

[Richie3Jack]

In Atlanta it's about $125 - $200 per event. That's expensive enough, although you get to play some quality courses. The bigger problems is down here they are scheduled on weekdays (which makes sense). So not only would I have to plop down a lot of $$$, but I would also have to take a day off from work.





3JACK

[ScottySnapps]

I joined the Birminmgham,AL tour, and spoke to the organizer at length. The entry fees are only slightly more than the "normal" greens fees would be at the venues, so it seems reasonable. Im very interested to see how honest the handiicaps are...

[crawf061]

I joined the Bham tour last night! It looks like we are going to be different divisions, at least to begin with.

It seems like I remember reading somewhere that they are going to adjust handicaps based on tournament scores. That said, I would expect there will still be some sandbagging the first few tournaments. Hopefully by June that won't be an issue.