Who qualifies for membership?

Membership to the Golf Channel Amateur Tour (GCAT) is open to all amateur golfers with a verifiable and active handicap index. If a member does not have a verifiable index, the GCAT will accept the scores posted by the member to their Tour supplied Index.

What does membership cost?

The cost of a rolling annual year membership in GCAT is $199.00.  Returning members are charged $179.00.  GCAT member benefits include but are not limited to a membership package where the contents are published on the national web site. Membership gives you the ability to play in any Tour event across the country except for invitational and post-season play for which members must qualify. 

How do I register for membership?

If Internet access is available, access the National website www.thegolfchannel.com or the local website www.gcatphx.com.  On the National website click the ‘Sign Me Up!’ link. Select Phoenix from the drop down menu.  Click “Join Now.”   If you already have a “Profile” from last season or before, simply enter your email address and password from that time and click continue. If you are a new member you must first create a ‘Member Profile.’  This is accomplished by entering your information in the “New to the Golf Channel?”’ area of the page.  This information should be complete and accurate and may only be changed by the member.  In the box titled ‘USGA Handicap #’ enter your AGA Member Number if you have one.  Complete the rest of the information as necessary.  A word of caution when clicking the ‘FINISH’ button is that it only be clicked once as each click creates an additional registration and charge to your credit card.  The local site link will take you to the event “Profile” page for the Phoenix Tour.

 

By signing or electronically submitting a member application and entering and playing in a Golf Channel Amateur Tour Event, the member and/or guest understands and agrees that there are certain dangers involved with the participation in a golf event, including but not limited to being struck by lightning, getting hit by a golf club, suffering from heat exhaustion, heart attack or injury from uneven terrain, all of for which risks participant assumes and solely accepts, and waives all claims of injury to body or property against the American Amateur Golf Tour, LLC and/or the local Tour Director. Further, the participant agrees that while on the premises of a Golf Channel Amateur Tour Event ("Event"), as well as all other presenting sponsors, co-sponsors and representatives affiliated with the tournament, the participant, and any guest, relative or anyone else affiliated with participant, shall be present at their own risk and that the American Amateur Golf Tour, LLC and/or the local Tour Director shall not be liable for any claims for injuries or damages whatsoever to person or property of the participant or related person arising out of or in connection with the participation in the Event or presence at the Event. Member and/or guest agree to indemnify and hold harmless the American Amateur Golf Tour, LLC and the local Tour Director from all claims by or liability to member or affiliated person.

When do I get my membership package?

Membership packages will be distributed by the National Office upon payment of the annual membership fee.  All members should receive an email notice that contains links to allow for the ordering of the package at the time of registration. 

How do I register for events?

Access the National website www.thegolfchannel.com or the local website www.gcatphx.com.  On the National website click “Find Your Local Tour.” Click on the Phoenix link.  Click on the “event Schedule” link.  Click on the ‘Registration’ link for the event that you wish to register for.  Enter the email address and password that was setup during the membership registration.  The system will refresh with all of the information entered from the Member Profile.  Select the payment method “Credit Card” and click the ‘I agree’ box.  Click the ‘Continue’ button.  The system will refresh with all pertinent information summarized.  Review this information carefully and click the ‘FINISH’ button.  A word of caution when clicking the ‘FINISH’ button is that it only be clicked once as each click creates a registration and a charge to your credit card if you used one for payment.

How many events do I have to play in?
The Tour does not require any member to compete in any minimum number of events unless they are trying to qualify for post season play.  Please see the criteria for this near the end of this page.

What is the Tour policy for registration, payment and withdrawal’s?

Only Tour cardholders, guests of cardholders and guests of GCAT officials may participate in GCAT events. All entries must be received prior to the entry deadline, which is on the event schedule and is generally the Wednesday prior to the event.  The Phoenix Tour schedule is listed on both the national and local web sites.   Members can register for a respective event online, or by calling the Tour Office only if they do not have Internet access. Events may have a limitation on the number of entries, and therefore will be filled on a first-come first-serve basis. Membership to the Tour does not guarantee a playing position at any Tour venue.

 

The entry fee will be inclusive of all assessed fees that include:  green fees, warm-up balls, the use of a shared cart, prize pool contribution and a management fee to run the event.  Each event entry fee is posted on both web sites.

 

Each member shall be responsible for submitting the required tournament fee for each individual tournament. Each tournament fee is to be paid by the entry deadline of any given event or the deadline set forth by the tournament director.  Withdrawal from any event must be done prior to the entry deadline in advance of the tournament or there can be no refund.  Should a member on the event waiting list be able to fill the position of the withdrawn member, the withdrawn member will receive credit towards the next event.  It will be assumed that a member is not participating in a tournament if the registration is not submitted prior to the published deadline.  In the event a member’s entry is received after the deadline, the Tour Director may add a $15.00 late fee to the entry fee amount. Depending on when the late entry is received, a member’s participation may be denied if adequate space is not available in the flight.

Can I bring a guest?

Guests of members are always welcome to play in any GCAT tournament on a space available basis except in Regional Championships, season ending championships and post-season events.  Members should provide the Tour Director with as much notice as possible if a guest is being invited. Guests cannot be confirmed until registration closes to the general membership. Members also agree to be financially responsible to the Tour for their guests in the event the guest withdraws after the deadline or does not show for their tee time.

 

Scores will be posted for all guests for informational purposes only.  Guests must also possess a similar handicap or playing abilities to be paired with the member. Guests will be eligible for optional side games only if they possess an active and verifiable Index.  Guests will not be awarded Order of Merit points nor may they participate in the prize pool. 

How do I find out my tee time?

Tour events will utilize tee times. Pairings will be available on the local Tour website only, prior to the event as stated in the confirmation notice each registered member receives.  Pairings are subject to change anytime prior to the event.  If an individual tee time has been moved to an earlier pairing, the Tour Director will personally notify the individual(s) of the change.

What is the format of the events?

The majority of events played on the GCAT will be stroke play, gross competition within the assigned flight or as stated on the local web site. Tour play will be governed by the current Rules of Golf as approved by the United States Golf Association (USGA), and modified by the Rules and Conditions sheet prepared by the Committee. GCAT Tour Officials will be on site at every tournament to handle member registration/check-in, provide assistance, handle scoring/prize pools, monitor the pace of play and make rulings. Any Tour Official may assess penalty strokes for rules infractions or slow play subject to review by the Tour Committee. All decisions made by the GCAT Tour Committee will be final.

Do I have to check in at each event I play in?

All Tour members must personally check-in at least 30 minutes prior to the assigned tee times and be at the assigned starting point in time to see the group in front of them tee off.  The first group must be at the assigned tee no less than 10 minutes prior to the assigned start time. Failure to do so will result in a 2-stroke penalty. If a member is not at the starting point, ready to play, at the assigned starting time and his group has hit their 2nd shot, that member is disqualified.

What’s included in my entry fee for an event?

All GCAT-Phoenix event fees will include: greens fee, the shared-use of golf cart, prize fund contribution, limited range balls and administrative overhead.  Members must follow cart rules established by the golf course as noted on the Rules and Conditions.

Are spectators and caddies allowed?

The GCAT permits spectators and caddies at all of its events subject to course restrictions. Spectators known to the member and caddies are the responsibility of the member and those individuals are requested to practice proper golf etiquette while on the course.  If there is an issue with the behavior of a spectator(s), the individual(s) will be asked to leave the premises.  The use of an additional cart is at the member’s expense.  Any driver of a cart must be at least 18 and possess a valid driver’s license.  At no time will there be more than three (3) carts in a group nor may there be any more than 2 individuals in or on a cart..

What rules does the Tour play by?

Current USGA Rules of Golf will govern all play.  The Tournament Committee will provide an event rules sheet containing local rules and those rules will govern play for that tournament. If there is any confusion of a particular ruling during play, and a Tour Official is not accessible, the member is to enter a second ball into play (Rule 3-3). The member then plays both balls throughout the hole, keeping separate scores and must bring the situation to the Rules Committee at the end of the round for a ruling and prior to signing their scorecard.

ARE electronic distance measuring device ALLOWED?

The Phoenix Tour allows the use of any electronic distance measuring device that conforms with the Rules of Golf.  The use of non-conforming devices is cause for disqualification and possible revocation of membership.

 

IS THE ONE-BALL CONDITION IN EFFECT?

New for 2008, Rule 5-1 and the corresponding Note: to the Rule, (the One Ball Condition) is in effect.  Under this Rule and the description in Appendix 1.c.(i) “During a stipulated round, the balls a player plays must be of the same brand and type as detailed by a single entry on the current List of Conforming Golf Balls.”  Therefore the use of “Practice” or “X-Out” balls during a round is not allowed.  The ball the player uses must also conform to requirements specified in Appendix III.

Does the Tour provide hole placement sheets?

The GCAT will provide members with hole placement sheets that designate the general location of the hole position on the green.

Is there a dress code policy?

The GCAT will strictly enforce a tournament dress code with no exceptions. Collared shirts are required, and no jeans, denims, jogging outfits, or sweat pants are permitted. Shorts may be worn, but must be within five inches of the knee.

Is there a code of conduct?

The GCAT will not tolerate swearing, vulgar language, alcohol abuse, lack of golfing etiquette, or other such behavior. Such conduct may result in tournament disqualification and suspension or expulsion from the Tour.  Any member that uses a cell phone, beeper, radio, IPod and other such electronic devices during play will incur a 2-stroke penalty per occurrence.  A Tour official need not be present or witness the use.  An exception will be made in the event of an on course emergency or request for assistance.  Any member that throws a club in anger or frustration will be immediately disqualified from the event.  Two disqualifications in any season for club throwing will warrant revocation of membership for the balance of that season.

How much of my entry fee is put into the prize fund?

A portion (usually not less than $35) of each member’s entry fee is used to generate each flight prize pool and varies by event. The prize certificates value at each event will be established prior to such event based on participation and will be published at the event registration table. The prize pool may vary slightly the day of the event due to late entries or withdrawals. In order to abide by the guidelines for amateur status put forth by the USGA, no single prize awarded will exceed $750 in value. 

Does the Tour present trophies in each event?

Amateur flight winners will receive a recognition award for winning an event.  A trophy is usually presented for a season point’s championship.

How many positions does the Tour pay?

The Phoenix Tour will award funds to individual members accounts for the top 33% of each flight from a pool of funds that are derived from a portion of the event entry fee. 

How do I redeem my winnings?

Monies from the flight prize pool are maintained in an escrow account for the benefit of its members.  These winnings may be withdrawn at any time payable to any sponsor or vendor that has a no-cash return policy and must be vendor specific.  The winnings must be used for the purchase of merchandise or within the guidelines set forth by the USGA.  Members must request that the gift card be purchased on their behalf by using the “Money List” link on the local website.  The gift cards must be vendor specific and may not contain a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or ATM system symbol on them.  There will not be any exceptions. 

 

New for 2008, if gift cards are to be mailed to the member, a $5.00 fee to cover the postage expense for priority mail, will be deducted from the request total.  There is now an option to have the card held until the next event you participate in for which there is no additional fee.  Requests for redemption are handled on a group basis, i.e.; individual requests will be bundled together and may take up to two weeks to purchase the gift cards.  Grocery stores are excluded regardless of their stated policy.  Regional championships will have gift certificates issued from a specific vendor and presented during the awards presentation.

Are there any skins or side games?

At each Tour event, there will be an “optional” skins game to be entered by cash payment only (no exceptions).  Skins are won by recording the lowest gross score on any hole and is scored within each flight or combination of flights as displayed prior to the event.  Once all scorecards are in, skin winners will be determined and payouts dispersed.  If any member or guest is not present to except their winnings, the money will be held until the next event they are entered in.  All disbursements made in person must be signed for.  If no skins are awarded for a particular flight, the pool will be returned to each of the members entered.  The skins game is optional and thereby does not conflict with amateur status rules.

What about pace of play?

The Phoenix Tour pace of play policy is located on the local Tour web site www.gcatphx.com and also on the Rules and Conditions at each event.

How are scorecards handled?

Each golfer is responsible for the correctness of their scorecard even though a fellow competitor will be marking the scores on each hole. Each scorecard must be signed by the marker and attested by the competitor. In attesting the scorecard, the member is stating that the score for each individual hole during the round is correct. Members are not responsible for the calculation of the total round score. In an effort to equitably resolve any scoring disputes all members in a pairing must submit their scorecards at the same time to the scorer's table and each member must be available for a reasonable amount of time afterwards to answer questions by the Tournament Committee in the event that a ruling is required. Any protests need to be made to a Tournament Official as soon as possible after an incident occurs so that a proper ruling can be made in a timely fashion. In the event no protests are made within a five-minute period after all scores are posted for the flight on the tournament score system, the scoreboard shall be considered final.

What is the Tour policy on inclement weather?

The delaying or canceling of an event due to inclement weather will be determined by the host facility. In the event of a cancellation, the Tour will try and re-schedule the event date within the seasonal timeframe.  Should a member not show up due to the threat of inclement weather and the event proceeds, the member agrees to be financially responsible to the Tour.

How do I now what flight I will play in?

The GCAT is divided into six separate flights for the open division and six flights for senior divisions. Seniors must be at least 49 years and 10 months old at the time of registration to be considered for the division.  Qualifying members are not required to play in the senior division if they are 50 or over. Flights are based on the members Index as of the last revision date prior to the member’s first event.  Flights are determined by use of the then current USGA Index for new members and the use of a “Tour Index” for qualifying returning members as follows:

 

 

Championship Flight

3.9 or less

Palmer Flight

4.0 to 7.9

Palmer Flight

8.0 to 11.9

Hogan Flight

12.0 to 15.9

Sarazen Flight

16.0 to 19.9

Jones Flight

20.0 +

 

All members will be placed into a flight after Indexes have been reviewed.  All members must have and maintain a verifiable Index or be in the process of establishing one.  If a member does not have proof of an Index, the member can be placed into a flight based on submission of 6 scores that are to be posted to the Tour supplied Index.

 

The Tour maintains a Tour Index for all members for competitive reasons.  For the 2008 season, Indexes will be reviewed on the 30th day of April, June and August.  The members Index through those dates will determine whether the member is re-flighted.  There will no longer be a Index allowance either on the low or high threshold of the flight that triggers the move.  For the beginning of the 2008 season, members will be re-flighted to the qualifying flight however, members may elect to "play-down" a flight for their first three events if they were being moved.  If their Tour Index does not reach the specified range within that time then they will be re-flighted to the corresponding flight.  The August 30th Index will be the determining factor for which flight a member plays in if they qualify for the national championship. (Revised 1/1/08)

 

It is very important to provide an honest initial assessment if there is not a current Index available.  If a member is deemed to have ‘sandbagged’, that member could lose all points earned to that point and then be moved to the proper flight. Sandbagging will NOT be tolerated and could result in forfeiture of membership privileges.

 

SENIOR FLIGHTS

Senior members that request to participate in the Open division during the regular season will not be allowed to compete in any Regional or National Championship as a senior.  Any member that will turn 50 prior to June 12th will be allowed to play in the senior division from the beginning of the season or their registration date whichever is earlier.  Your date of birth must be clearly stated in your Tour profile.  Members turning 50 after June 12th will remain in the Open division, if they elect to initially compete there, until the 2008 regular and post-season play concludes.  This is especially important with the anticipation of a separate Senior National Championship which will be a 54-hole no-cut event.  The event, if implemented, will be played the Thursday through Saturday prior to the Team Championship.  For Regional Championships, a senior division must have a minimum of ten (10) members to form a separate flight. (New 11/1/07)

What if I have a few ‘rounds of my life’?

The Tour does not want to penalize members for getting better so the Tour monitors not only your USGA Index but monitors your play in Tour events as well by reviewing your “Tour Index” after each event.  The Tour recognizes that members will on occasion have an exceptional round of golf. 

 

If a member is moved from one flight to another, the member will not be allowed to move any higher than the top 33% of the destination flight. Points will be adjusted to reflect the move.

 

HOW MANY MEMBERS DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE A FLIGHT?

Each tournament will vary in the size of the field. In order to present a competitive field in terms of competition, Order of Merit point distribution, prizes and side games, a division (Open and Senior) must consist of at least 8 members.  If a division has less than 8 members, those members will be combined within the same flight to form the competitive flight.  In the event the flight still cannot be formed the non-conforming flight will be combined with the next lower Indexed flight to form a flight.  In the event that flight is still non-conforming, the flight will stand on its own. 

 

EXAMPLE: The field for GCAT Fourth of July Classic has 47 participants (7 Championship, 4 Palmer, 11 Hogan, 12 Sarazen, 10 Jones, 3 Snead). The Palmer members would be moved/combined up to the Championship flight for the event and the Snead members would be moved/combined up to the Jones flight. Both the Palmer and Snead members would compete for merit points, prizes and trophies in the Championship and Jones flight. The Championship flight now consists of 11 members with the Jones flight consisting of 13 members. If the Palmer members finish 3rd, 5th, 8th and 11th, they will earn prize fund and merit points based on that finish.  This is not applicable to Senior division flights who will simply be added to their respective Open division flights.

What format does the Tour use?

With the exception of a Regional Championship and the Tour Championship, all tournaments are at a minimum 18-hole stroke play events. All tournaments are scored at scratch or gross score within each flight. There is no net scoring and under no circumstances are members to receive strokes.

What tees will I play from?

The Tournament Director, prior to each event will determine flight tee placement and course length. Seniors will normally play from the same tees as the Open flight they compete with depending on course length and conditions.  The tees and estimated yardages each flight will compete from are posted on the local web site www.gcatphx.com.  Ladies Indexes will be recomputed using USGA guidelines to determine their flight.  The use of Forward or Red tee markers by Ladies will not be allowed. (Revised 06/01/07)

 

A breakdown on the average distances the Tour tries to set yardage to (based on course availability):

 

FLIGHT

YARDS

Championship

<= 7,000

Palmer

6,600 - 6,900

Hogan

6,400 - 6,700

Sarazen

6,200 - 6,500

Jones

6,000 - 6,300

Snead

5,800 - 6,200

 

 

The yardage will vary depending on the course teeing grounds, slope and rating. The GCAT will attempt to provide every golfer with an opportunity to participate under the most competitive tournament set-ups possible.  Split tees within a group will be kept to a minimum.

Who keeps my score?

Members will exchange their scorecards with another member in the group prior to the start of a round.  A Marker’s score area is provided to allow each member to keep his or her own score.  Each member and Marker must sign the scorecard in the designated area on the card attesting that each hole score is correct. 

What happens if there is not a Rules Official available on the course?

If, during the course of play, a situation arises that requires a ruling and an official is not available, the member shall play two balls through the hole and keep score for both balls (Rule 3-3). The situation in question must be submitted to the Tournament Committee for an official (final) ruling prior to the signing of the scorecard.

What happens if a hole score on my scorecard is not correct?

If a member submits a scorecard that has not been signed or submits a signed card with a lower score on a particular hole than the actual score, the member will be disqualified from that event. If a member submits a signed card with a higher score on a particular hole than the actual score, the higher score will be posted. Members are only responsible for the score on each hole and not the total score (math).  The marker should initial an incorrect hole score after it is changed.

Where should I return my scorecard?

All scorecards should be reviewed and signed at the “scoring table" with all members from the group present.  Once the member has left the scoring table, the card is deemed to be accurate and complete.  Individual member’s have 15 minutes from the adjusted finishing time of the 18th hole to return their score card.  Penalty strokes are defined in the Tour's pace of play policy page.

How are points awarded?

Points will be awarded in each flight based on the order of finish. Points will be awarded as follows:

 

POSITION

POINTS

1st

175

2nd

125

3rd

100

4th

90

5th

80

6th

70

7th

60

8th

50

9th

40

10th

30

11th +

20

 

 

How are tie scores handled?

All first place ties in a flight will be settled by an on-course playoff, supervised by a Committee Member or designated marker if the course is available.  The playoff will continue until a member records a lower score than the other(s) on a particular hole (sudden victory). If an on-course playoff is not possible due to course restrictions, a scorecard playoff will take place following the routine described in Section 9 of the USGA Handicap System Manual and use scores for only the players who are tied for first place for comparison. Under this method, the Tour compares the players back nine score, then the sum of the last six holes, then the sum of the last three holes, then finally the last hole to determine a winner.  The summing effect is only continued in the event of equal total scores. Should one or more members that are tied for the lead not be present, those members are eliminated from the playoff both on-course and scorecard.

How do tie scores affect the number of points awarded?

For awarding points in the event of a tie, the Tournament Director will add up all points for the tied places and divide by the number of members tied for the spot. The tied members will then be awarded the same number of points (Example: If there are 3 members tied for 2nd place, add up 125, 100 and 90 and divide by 3 - each member will receive 105 points). 

How do tie scores affect my winnings?

Prize fund winnings will be computed in the same manner as points are handled.

What is a Regional Championship?

The Western Region will have a minimum of two Regional Championships.  This event is a two-day 36-hole event that include members from all Tours in this region.  These events are worth triple the Order of Merit points.  A member is only allowed to compete for points nationally in as many Regional Championships as their region has scheduled. The top three finishers in each flight qualify for the National Championship as long as the member plays in no less than the minimum number of local events required on their home Tour in the current season.  Regional Championships count as a local event only when they are held in the member’s home Tour area.  If the member fails to fulfill their respective Tour’s minimum event requirements, their qualification to the National Championship may be forfeited.

What is the TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP?

The Team Championship is the oldest event on The Golf Channel Amateur Tour.  Each local Tour will send a team of twelve (12) members to compete during “Championship Week” for the coveted Team Championship Cup.  The tournament is a 45-hole match play event with 27 holes played on day one and 18 holes on day two.  The typical format is 18 holes of best ball, followed by 9 holes of modified alternate stroke then 18 holes of individual match play.

 

The winning team will take home the Team Championship Cup. Each member will receive a smaller version of the Cup as well as individual gift certificates/merchandise.

How do I qualify for the TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP Cup Team? (Qualification is by Flight)

A member qualifies for the Phoenix Team Championship Cup Team by being one of the top two point’s leaders in their flight, not division, as of July 30th or a date mandated by the National Office.  The Phoenix Tour will use the Order of Merit points accumulated from local play only.  In the event one or both of the member’s cannot commit, the next highest points leader will receive the invitation.  This process will continue until the Team is filled.  Commitment to the Team also includes an exemption to the National Championship.  These standings will only be available on the local web site in the Results section and are only awarded from participation in local, non-regional championship events.

What is the National Tour Championship?

The National Tour Championship, held during the annual “Championship Week”, is a 72-hole event with a cut after the third round (54 holes) of competition. The cut line is based on a percentage of members in each flight. The members that make the cut will participate in the 18-hole final round to determine the National Champion in each flight.

How do I qualify for the National Championship? (Qualification is by Division within the flight)

Members of the Phoenix Tour will qualify for Nationals in the following manner:

 

By winning a season flight points championship.

By winning the Phoenix Tour Championship event.

By winning 4 or more regular season events in any division.

By being on the Phoenix Team Championship Cup Team.

By placing 1st , 2nd or 3rd in any Regional Championship.

 

All Tour's will now be able to qualify a certain percentage of their roster for the national championship which will be based on the size of its roster.  Phoenix will qualify 25% of its roster or over 50 members.  Regardless of how many qualification criteria a member comes under they must now compete in no less than 60% (12) of the number of events posted on their local Tour schedule of which 50% (6) would be actually competing in a Phoenix Tour event.  Failure to meet this event guideline voids any and all qualifying criteria.

Is there anything else I should know?

The Rules and Regulations of the GCAT-Phoenix are subject to revision. The GCAT is not associated with either the PGA or the USGA, and tournaments on the GCAT have not been sanctioned by either golfing organization. Failure to comply with the aforementioned rules and regulations could result in suspension or expulsion from the Tour.

What if I have more questions?

Any questions or comments on these FAQ’s should be submitted to your local Tour Director at gguest@theaagt.com.  To ensure timely responses please make your questions are specific in nature.