Additional Notes For Special Tournaments

The PAGC has been successfully running certain tournaments for over 50 years.  While it is always possible to change some of these formats and procedures, keeping some traditions going is a good thing too.  The following tournaments have some special things to consider when they are being set up.

New Members Tournament:  This tournament has only been running a few years and it has proved to be a great way to get some of our new members to actually play in our events.  The key here is to get the Board of Directors to actually get on the phone, welcome the new member, encourage him to enter the tournament, and explain some of ways we do things.  The TC should get the list of new members from the Membership Chairman and have it split up and in the hands of the directors by the end of December.  Also remember that we can make up handicaps for those who haven't established one yet; the goal is to get them out to the course.

NCGA Zone Qualifier:  For many of our members, this is one of the big ones.  The chance to compete at Poppy and Spyglass is a strong motivator.  Our policy is to run this as a four ball event and select the two winning teams to go Monterey.  In order to select the strongest team, the Blue Tees are used.  The 18.4 index limit and the reduction for teams with more than 8 strokes difference in their course handicaps is to be used.  For the prize money portion of the tournament, the 18.4 limit is removed resulting in the need for some teams to have two different scorecards.

NCGA Four-Ball Qualifier:  This tournament is handled in the same way as the Zone qualifier.  The only difference is the number of teams qualifying.  Check the NCGA Blue Book for the number of teams we can send based on the number of players on our club roster. The current method from NCGA is up to 499 members, 3 teams qualify. 500 and up, 6 teams qualify. Since NCGA 4 ball has 3 flights, it has become a defacto standard for the club qualifying and a fair way, that we have 3 flights and spread the qualifiers accordingly. That is, if we get 3 teams, one from each flight qualifies not just the 3 lowest overall. If we get 6, 2 from each flight.

NCGA Net Amateur Qualifier:  Here again, we play from the Blue tees and send the number of players specified by the NCGA.  And, just like the Four-Ball, it is customary to spread these across flights.

NCGA Senior 4 Ball Qualifier & Club BB:  This tournament is open to all players regardless of age and run separate competitions.  And, as with our other NCGA competitions, extra score cards may be required for those with indexes over 18.4.

Poppy Hills: The only thing to note here is that the signup sheet should be up early.  It is always a popular event and we want to give the spots to those who plan ahead. Also remember that the Tournament Policies dictates that all entries submitted on the first two days that a tournament is open are treated equally.  If the tournament is over subscribed, a lottery must be performed.

Match Play Championship:  This tournament is now run as a net tournament only.  If we could find 16 players who wanted to play scratch, we could set up a scratch flight but it hasn't happened for yours.  The TC's goal is to get as many 16 person flights as possible and avoid byes.  This is easier said than done; good luck.  The tournament is also run with a consolation bracket, insuring two days of play for all players.  The rules for setting up this tournament have been approved by the Board and are documented Match Play Format page on the web. Another defacto standard has been established for the Match Play Championship. The Tournament Chairman does NOT run this. It’s run by a volunteer. Usually from the board.

The Invitational:  This tournament is run by the Vice President who keeps good records and documentation for his successor.  No more need be said in this document.

Beat-The-Pro:  Remember to coordinate with the Pro Shop.  They set the betting limits, etc. Also it is useful to get straight on who plays for the shop and the tees to be used.

Turkey Shoot:  This tournament is run as a match between individual players, paired by computer (or by mutual player choice).  $25 Safeway gift certificates are usually the award of choice.  This allows a player to actually bring something home that his family may appreciate.  Getting the certificates takes some lead time. Also remember that this is the tournament where we give certificates to the pro shop staff and the restaurant staff. 

Ham Shoot:  This tournament is run as a four-ball match between computer paired teams or by mutual player choice.  As with the Turkey Shoot, $25 Safeway gift certificates are usually the award of choice. This is a team event so remember that the points are halved. 13 per winning team member.

Last Updated on 12/07/2008