TGC Am Tour

[bogeypro]

Bogeypro: You are right - playing in an AmTour event will cost you more than playing a round with your friends.

 

Your entry fee in an AmTour event covers: greens fee, cart fee, range balls, prize pool, costs for the event, plus whatever margin the tour director makes for their time and travel to put on the event.

 

If all you are after is “playing golf†on a public course, this is definitely more expensive - because its a lot more than that: it’s a Tournament with competition, played using the rules of golf, and something on the line.

 

I don’t think you can really compare those two things. It's kind of like comparing (a) going out to run a 5k by yourself, or (b) paying an entry fee to run in a 5k race. The next day, you can run the course for free...but if you want to COMPETE in an EVENT with PRIZES, you have to PAY....

 

The problem I have is that they events are almost double the price of regular fees, in most cases. Our local tour plays the RTJ trail for most tournaments. Greens fees can easily be found for 65 or less (including cart). Charging double the price for a tournament is ridiculous. It's 200 to join on top of that!!

[sappytop]

My Dad has played on the AM tour for a bunch of years, won a few tournaments too. He's retired and he's played in events all over the country, went to the national championships a couple times too. He loves it. For him it's about making friends and staying active.

[jacobEDGE]

Golf Channel seems to be geared more towards people that can travel quite a ways. Looking at the 2017 schedule, it seems like 60% of the "Denver Tour" was played within 1 hour of Denver, while 40% of the events were either further away in Colorado, or out of the state entirely.

 

GolfWeek seems to have more local events, that are much closer (30 minute drives).

[bluejeeprubi]

So how fast does places like tpc sawgrass fill up? I mean is it like me trying to buy Taylor Swift tickets for my daughter or like it fills up in a few weeks after registration begins?

[TerpFangolfer]

So how fast does places like tpc sawgrass fill up? I mean is it like me trying to buy Taylor Swift tickets for my daughter or like it fills up in a few weeks after registration begins?

 

Sawgrass was filled by noon the day it opened! I know because I meant to register, forgot first thing in the morning, then went online ~2-3 pm that day - and already a waiting list!

 

But so far that's the only I saw that filled that fast...

[Bushwood Country Club]

Bogeypro: You are right - playing in an AmTour event will cost you more than playing a round with your friends.

 

Your entry fee in an AmTour event covers: greens fee, cart fee, range balls, prize pool, costs for the event, plus whatever margin the tour director makes for their time and travel to put on the event.

 

If all you are after is ⤽playing golf⤠on a public course, this is definitely more expensive - because its a lot more than that: it⤙s a Tournament with competition, played using the rules of golf, and something on the line.

 

I don⤙t think you can really compare those two things. It's kind of like comparing (a) going out to run a 5k by yourself, or (b) paying an entry fee to run in a 5k race. The next day, you can run the course for free...but if you want to COMPETE in an EVENT with PRIZES, you have to PAY....

 

The problem I have is that they events are almost double the price of regular fees, in most cases. Our local tour plays the RTJ trail for most tournaments. Greens fees can easily be found for 65 or less (including cart). Charging double the price for a tournament is ridiculous. It's 200 to join on top of that!!

you are comparing apples to oranges. I spelled out the differences clearly. If you want to play casually, carry on. If you want real competition beyond your foursome, the the AmTour is a good option. Nothing to debate.

[bogeypro]

This isn't apples to oranges. I'm saying that I just don't think gcamtour is a good value versus other tournament options in my area. It may be fun, but it is over priced versus golfweek tour.

 

Between the initial fees and tournament prices, the golf channel tour is simply not as good value as golfweek tour.

[irvtrain]

So how fast does places like tpc sawgrass fill up? I mean is it like me trying to buy Taylor Swift tickets for my daughter or like it fills up in a few weeks after registration begins?

 

Sawgrass was filled by noon the day it opened! I know because I meant to register, forgot first thing in the morning, then went online ~2-3 pm that day - and already a waiting list!

 

But so far that's the only I saw that filled that fast...

 

Some of the 'majors' fill up faster than others because they allow players to register at the Nationals before they even open up online. I guess a reward for making it to Nationals.

 

This isn't apples to oranges. I'm saying that I just don't think gcamtour is a good value versus other tournament options in my area. It may be fun, but it is over priced versus golfweek tour.

 

Between the initial fees and tournament prices, the golf channel tour is simply not as good value as golfweek tour.

 

Locally I would agree, however if you travel to the well known expensive courses, you'll find the tournament fees are actually lower than the regular green fee.

[irvtrain]

Hmm... maybe it varies from state to state, but every round is gross with different flights that I've played. I've played in several of the events to get out and play meaningful rounds at different courses. I like it because there are some good players in the championship flight including now a 3 time National Champion. He shot -14 under at Nationals this year lol.

 

That's good information to know as I contemplate playing. The fact that I'd be starting out down by double digits!

 

Lol...the best flight to play in is the Palmer, which is one down from championship. A lot more competition and money towards prizes. It is 3.9 handicap but if you shoot around 80 most tournaments you can play in that flight regardless of your handicap.

Not sure what tour you have had this experience on - but the Tour Director should slot you in the flight that aligns with your GHIN (if you are new) or the flight that aligns with your GCAT Tournament index. I play in the Hogan flight (8.0-11.9) Tournament Index), and the winning scores in this flight range from low 80s (83) to high 70s (78). The Palmer flight winners (4.0 - 7.9) generally score in the mid to high 70s. That's based on more than 10 years playing in these tournaments, so this should be pretty reliable. You can see the scores for local events in your area on the website, so that may be a good way to see what players in your area are shooting. Good luck!

 

I have quite a bit of experience. Most players usually start in too high of a flight to begin with. Palmer will vary wildly with even par to low 80s winning. Champ will be around par to a couple under. Anyway, the point is you can be moved accordingly due to tourney scores but most players who think they belong in the champ probably shouldn't consider it unless they consistently shooting mid 70s or better.

[MidwestGolfBum]

This isn't apples to oranges. I'm saying that I just don't think gcamtour is a good value versus other tournament options in my area. It may be fun, but it is over priced versus golfweek tour.

 

Between the initial fees and tournament prices, the golf channel tour is simply not as good value as golfweek tour.

 

This was the same things that I said about my local golf association, I can play plenty of courses (typically private) for less money than the GCAT in this area and have fantastic competition as well. It really is just a matter of where you play, when you can play, and what you are looking for in an event.

[deadsolid...shank]

Hmm... maybe it varies from state to state, but every round is gross with different flights that I've played. I've played in several of the events to get out and play meaningful rounds at different courses. I like it because there are some good players in the championship flight including now a 3 time National Champion. He shot -14 under at Nationals this year lol.

 

That's good information to know as I contemplate playing. The fact that I'd be starting out down by double digits!

 

Lol...the best flight to play in is the Palmer, which is one down from championship. A lot more competition and money towards prizes. It is 3.9 handicap but if you shoot around 80 most tournaments you can play in that flight regardless of your handicap.

Not sure what tour you have had this experience on - but the Tour Director should slot you in the flight that aligns with your GHIN (if you are new) or the flight that aligns with your GCAT Tournament index. I play in the Hogan flight (8.0-11.9) Tournament Index), and the winning scores in this flight range from low 80s (83) to high 70s (78). The Palmer flight winners (4.0 - 7.9) generally score in the mid to high 70s. That's based on more than 10 years playing in these tournaments, so this should be pretty reliable. You can see the scores for local events in your area on the website, so that may be a good way to see what players in your area are shooting. Good luck!

 

I have quite a bit of experience. Most players usually start in too high of a flight to begin with. Palmer will vary wildly with even par to low 80s winning. Champ will be around par to a couple under. Anyway, the point is you can be moved accordingly due to tourney scores but most players who think they belong in the champ probably shouldn't consider it unless they consistently shooting mid 70s or better.

 

That won’t be me! I’ll do everything possible to stay out of Championship flight!

[ferrispgm]

I keep going back and forth on this....GWAT is cheaper but the champ flight frequently has less than 4 people....GCAT has consistently more people but the cost is more...ahh decisions

[ecfritts]

Not trying to hijack the thread - but does anyone have any experience with the Texas Golf Association? Seems less expensive and plenty of tournaments within 4-6 hours of where I live (yeah...that's the problem living down here). I wouldn't be able to play in everyone or even a lot of them probably but I'd like to play some nicer courses and get the feel of competition.

 

Thanks in advance.

[DivinDave]

I'm seriously considering playing on the Dallas Tour this coming season. I'm already nervous !

[Bushwood Country Club]

Hmm... maybe it varies from state to state, but every round is gross with different flights that I've played. I've played in several of the events to get out and play meaningful rounds at different courses. I like it because there are some good players in the championship flight including now a 3 time National Champion. He shot -14 under at Nationals this year lol.

 

That's good information to know as I contemplate playing. The fact that I'd be starting out down by double digits!

 

Lol...the best flight to play in is the Palmer, which is one down from championship. A lot more competition and money towards prizes. It is 3.9 handicap but if you shoot around 80 most tournaments you can play in that flight regardless of your handicap.

Not sure what tour you have had this experience on - but the Tour Director should slot you in the flight that aligns with your GHIN (if you are new) or the flight that aligns with your GCAT Tournament index. I play in the Hogan flight (8.0-11.9) Tournament Index), and the winning scores in this flight range from low 80s (83) to high 70s (78). The Palmer flight winners (4.0 - 7.9) generally score in the mid to high 70s. That's based on more than 10 years playing in these tournaments, so this should be pretty reliable. You can see the scores for local events in your area on the website, so that may be a good way to see what players in your area are shooting. Good luck!

 

I have quite a bit of experience. Most players usually start in too high of a flight to begin with. Palmer will vary wildly with even par to low 80s winning. Champ will be around par to a couple under. Anyway, the point is you can be moved accordingly due to tourney scores but most players who think they belong in the champ probably shouldn't consider it unless they consistently shooting mid 70s or better.

agree 100 percent and count me in the group who thought they were a lower flight than I should have been in. It took me 6 years to get moved up a flight, but I did earn it. Great fun!

[irvtrain]

Not trying to hijack the thread - but does anyone have any experience with the Texas Golf Association? Seems less expensive and plenty of tournaments within 4-6 hours of where I live (yeah...that's the problem living down here). I wouldn't be able to play in everyone or even a lot of them probably but I'd like to play some nicer courses and get the feel of competition.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Can only comment on Colorado, but all state associations will have the best players in the state competing which usually is the high school/college kids with no jobs and playing golf 8-10 hours a day lol.

[OrangeGravy]

So how fast does places like tpc sawgrass fill up? I mean is it like me trying to buy Taylor Swift tickets for my daughter or like it fills up in a few weeks after registration begins?

 

Sawgrass was filled by noon the day it opened! I know because I meant to register, forgot first thing in the morning, then went online ~2-3 pm that day - and already a waiting list!

 

But so far that's the only I saw that filled that fast...

 

Some of the 'majors' fill up faster than others because they allow players to register at the Nationals before they even open up online. I guess a reward for making it to Nationals.

 

This isn't apples to oranges. I'm saying that I just don't think gcamtour is a good value versus other tournament options in my area. It may be fun, but it is over priced versus golfweek tour.

 

Between the initial fees and tournament prices, the golf channel tour is simply not as good value as golfweek tour.

 

Locally I would agree, however if you travel to the well known expensive courses, you'll find the tournament fees are actually lower than the regular green fee.

 

Up by me in WA I looked into one of these tours can't remember which one and Gamble Sands was on the rotation. I considered entering because the entry fee was slightly less for what you got compared to the regular weekend rate. I looked at it as a cheaper way to play the course. The regular rate was high enough that I would never pay it unless it was a special occasion type of golf outing

[rockinar]

[ I'm saying that I just don't think gcamtour is a good value versus other tournament options in my area. It may be fun, but it is over priced versus golfweek tour.

 

Between the initial fees and tournament prices, the golf channel tour is simply not as good value as golfweek tour.

 

 

Golfweek is a joke. Its Net score, and triple bogie max. That's not golf. Thats a charity scramble.

[Bushwood Country Club]

This isn't apples to oranges. I'm saying that I just don't think gcamtour is a good value versus other tournament options in my area. It may be fun, but it is over priced versus golfweek tour.

 

Between the initial fees and tournament prices, the golf channel tour is simply not as good value as golfweek tour.

Bogeypro,

Golfweek is max triple bogey - so again you are comparing apples to oranges. If you are in the Championship flight maybe that isn't a concern, but for the other 95 percent of us, that isn't real tournament golf. I don't mean to be argumentative, and it's great you enjoy the Golfweek tour... but they are different types of competition.

[jacobEDGE]

[ I'm saying that I just don't think gcamtour is a good value versus other tournament options in my area. It may be fun, but it is over priced versus golfweek tour.

 

Between the initial fees and tournament prices, the golf channel tour is simply not as good value as golfweek tour.

 

 

Golfweek is a joke. Its Net score, and triple bogie max. That's not golf. Thats a charity scramble.

 

Golfweek is absolutely, 100% Gross ONLY. There are no events that use a Net score whatsoever.

[Equipto]

For either GWAT or GCAT how are the on course rules enforced? By the players only or do they have officials for tricky rulings? I could foresee less than legit rules enforcement if it's left to the players...

[rockinar]

For either GWAT or GCAT how are the on course rules enforced? By the players only or do they have officials for tricky rulings? I could foresee less than legit rules enforcement if it's left to the players...

 

 

GCAT.....If they players don't agree you go to Rule 3-3 (play two balls) and then take it up for a ruling before you turn your card in. Often the tour director or an assistant is on the course in a cart somewhere and you can ask them for a ruling too.

[Bushwood Country Club]

[ I'm saying that I just don't think gcamtour is a good value versus other tournament options in my area. It may be fun, but it is over priced versus golfweek tour.

 

Between the initial fees and tournament prices, the golf channel tour is simply not as good value as golfweek tour.

 

 

Golfweek is a joke. Its Net score, and triple bogie max. That's not golf. Thats a charity scramble.

 

Golfweek is absolutely, 100% Gross ONLY. There are no events that use a Net score whatsoever.

 

Golfweek uses a triple bogey max score - that's not tournament golf.

[rockinar]

I'm seriously considering playing on the Dallas Tour this coming season. I'm already nervous !

 

 

Dallas Tour is good. Good turnout, good competition and well run. I would relax, nothing to be nervous about.

[onetime19]

Is the "Dallas Tour" the Mulligan Tour? When I google Dallas Tour, lots of tours come up, but not Dallas tour thanks.

[jacobEDGE]

[ I'm saying that I just don't think gcamtour is a good value versus other tournament options in my area. It may be fun, but it is over priced versus golfweek tour.

 

Between the initial fees and tournament prices, the golf channel tour is simply not as good value as golfweek tour.

 

 

Golfweek is a joke. Its Net score, and triple bogie max. That's not golf. Thats a charity scramble.

 

Golfweek is absolutely, 100% Gross ONLY. There are no events that use a Net score whatsoever.

 

Golfweek uses a triple bogey max score - that's not tournament golf.

 

And what are the odds of someone that cards a triple bogey or higher winning an event? I can't even remember the last time I had a triple bogey. It's been years. I played in the A & B flight, and I can't remember anybody actually picking their ball up because they reached the maximum strokes.

 

Sounds like you guys just want something to complain about.

[deadsolid...shank]

[ I'm saying that I just don't think gcamtour is a good value versus other tournament options in my area. It may be fun, but it is over priced versus golfweek tour.

 

Between the initial fees and tournament prices, the golf channel tour is simply not as good value as golfweek tour.

 

 

Golfweek is a joke. Its Net score, and triple bogie max. That's not golf. Thats a charity scramble.

 

Golfweek is absolutely, 100% Gross ONLY. There are no events that use a Net score whatsoever.

 

Golfweek uses a triple bogey max score - that's not tournament golf.

 

And what are the odds of someone that cards a triple bogey or higher winning an event? I can't even remember the last time I had a triple bogey. It's been years. I played in the A & B flight, and I can't remember anybody actually picking their ball up because they reached the maximum strokes.

 

Sounds like you guys just want something to complain about.

 

I agree with you on the first part. Anyone carding a triple is probably not cashing. Maybe it helps with pace. That’s a good thing.

 

But I think triples are much more common than you think. Any course with ample OB or water (especially yellow staked) that also has any length is going to produce plenty of big numbers. Even for low handicappers.

[jacobEDGE]

Yeah, the triple bogey rule is 100% to save time on the course. They want to keep rounds at a strict 4 hour 30 minute pace...if not faster.

 

And to address a question up above about rules...the Tour Director and a couple of others drive around the course like Marshalls, and check in with groups during the round. If you have any questions, one of them is usually pretty close by.

 

I can't recommend the GWAT enough. Sure, slight gripes at paying $120 to play a $65 course, but there's no better feeling than pulling out a W against 20 or so guys. Not to mention, it just takes one good hole to make quite a bit in skins. I know I won $95 in skins during a round where I played absolutely horrible.

[Bushwood Country Club]

[ I'm saying that I just don't think gcamtour is a good value versus other tournament options in my area. It may be fun, but it is over priced versus golfweek tour.

 

Between the initial fees and tournament prices, the golf channel tour is simply not as good value as golfweek tour.

 

 

Golfweek is a joke. Its Net score, and triple bogie max. That's not golf. Thats a charity scramble.

 

Golfweek is absolutely, 100% Gross ONLY. There are no events that use a Net score whatsoever.

 

Golfweek uses a triple bogey max score - that's not tournament golf.

 

And what are the odds of someone that cards a triple bogey or higher winning an event? I can't even remember the last time I had a triple bogey. It's been years. I played in the A & B flight, and I can't remember anybody actually picking their ball up because they reached the maximum strokes.

 

Sounds like you guys just want something to complain about.

 

Pretty sure we are not "complaining" about anything. I am simply pointing out that any event that lets you pick up you ball before you hole out is NOT Tournament Golf. It can be fun, challenging, and all that stuff - but a triple bogey max isn"t Golf as described by the rules of golf. If you are playing parkland courses with no OBN or water, a triple may be rare - but elsewhere, not so rare. Also, remember that there are many other flights than the people who are single digits - and for them, a triple bogey pickup is a game changer in a way that hurts competition.

 

I'm glad you enjoy the GWAT, and I am sure I would too - but it's a different game when you can pick up after a triple (think about the guy who snap hooks two OB off the tee, and he can just brush it off rather than having to tee up a third time and finish the hole...)

[jacobEDGE]

But it's equal across the board.

 

It's not like you're letting Player A pick up at a triple while forcing Player B to card a 10. If the rules are the same for everyone, I don't see how it matters. Like I said, even with the higher handicaps, if you're making multiple triple bogeys in a round, you're nowhere near contention anyway.