WCGT
HISTORY
As the legendary
Bobby Jones once said, "There is golf, and there is
TOURNAMENT GOLF !
Surprising
in its Simplicity
The
Weekly Challenge Golf Tour was organized and founded
in late 1989, by Dr. James Griseto, a retired dentist. With enthusiasm and determination,
he promoted an idea that was not readily available to the average golfer in most
areas: the thrills and excitement of playing golf competitively in accordance
with USGA rules, within a strict professionally-managed, tournament format.
Single
day 18 hole tournaments, on top quality golf courses, are open to both men and
women golfers in the 0 to 30 handicap range. Members may play as an amateur for
prizes and gift certificates, maintaining their Amateur status - or - play as
a non-amateur for prizes and cash awards. Golf in this format, with fair competition,
is truly a unique experience.
In
1989, the WCGT began with 147 enthusiastic members,
and a schedule of 20 events on Chicagoland public golf courses, that averaged
a field of 51 players. Without any advertising, the WCGT steadily grew in size
and participation. Soon advertisers, sponsors and many of the best golf courses
in Chicagoland were on board with the WCGT.
The
WCGT is managed by a group of enthusiastic golfers dedicated to a concept that
provides fair, competitive golf events for the average golfer. While the membership
is open to all skill levels, the majority of players are in a range of six to
sixteen in handicap index. A strictly enforced handicap process is maintained
for all members, using only WCGT scores for maintaining and updating handicap
factors.
MEMBERSHIP
How
much does it cost to join the WCGT?
Individual Member players Tour card is $175. (Includes
your 2012 CDGA Membership)
Returning
Member players Tour card is $150.
(Includes your
2012 CDGA Membership)
Must have been member last year.
The WCGT tour card fee
pays for the current season, and allows you to choose from the events offered
to create your own unique Tour schedule. You may play as many or as few
events as you wish.
To
be invited to play in the Tournament of Champions, you must win or tie for first in
an event and complete a minimum of six events.
How
much does it cost to play each event?
Total fees per event are determined
by adding together the green fee, cart fee, prize pool ($45 in regular tournaments
and $55 in major tournaments) and administrative fee ($34). The Tournament entry
fee is therefore an amount equal to $79 (regular tournaments) or $89 (major tournaments)
plus the cost of golf. Total fees do not change if you choose to walk in an event
instead of using a cart. Most golf courses will require a cart for all players
in a large group.
What
is a verifiable handicap?
Along with your application
you can submit a copy of your most recent verifiable handicap card as proof of
your handicap. Any other league year-end score sheets may be submitted, and we
will advise you if they are acceptable. We do contact your home course or other
golf organization or association that computed your handicap for verification
of your current handicap.
What do I do if I don't have
a handicap?
When you submit your application,
you must also submit 5 of your most recent scorecards, which accurately represent
the game you play. They must be signed by a player in your foursome, or
your home course pro, attesting that this is your range of normal scoring in a
round of golf. You can not schedule a qualifying round until we receive your scorecards.
Then the 1st
event you choose to play in is your qualifying round. Your entry fee will be $45
less (the prize money), because you cannot win any prize money in a qualifying
round. A qualifying round does not count as a round played in your stats. This
round and the five score cards are used to establish your handicap index which
will become applicable to your next round.
Submitting false scorecards
If it is determined by the players council that a
new member has submitted false scores, that players handicap will be adjusted
to an appropriate skill level or if extreme their membership
may be revoked.
For
an explanation of handicap adjustment per tournament ask for the WCGT
Handicap System flyer or read about our proprietary Handicap System
on this web site.
PLAYER
STATUS
Amateur
versus Non-Amateur
Whether you are Amateur or
Non, if you win $600 or more in the season as a WCGT player your winnings
must be declared to the IRS and you will receive a 1099 form. Therefore, we must
have a social security number on file for you or we cannot give you your winnings.
Non-Amateur
is a player who accepts cash for their winnings. We use this term, to prevent
the mistaken conclusion that only very good players can be professionals.
If
you plan to play as an Amateur in any other events or amateur tours, you must
remain an Amateur in the WCGT. No more than $750.00
in prizes may be taken in any one event, by an amateur. If you do so, you automatically
loose your amateur status. Amateurs have an extensive list of retailers from which
they may choose to redeem their winnings.
REGISTRATION/PAYMENT/CANCELLATION
How
do I make reservations and payments for events?
Reservations
may be made for any event prior to 10 days before the event. Reservations
may be made by filling out the reservation form on the web site, by phone, fax
or at any event.
>>All reservations are confirmed in writing to
each member.
All
members with credit cards will be charged $10 (a nonrefundable deposit) for
each event reserved, at the time the reservation is made. This holds
their spot in the event. If you authorized the credit card to automatically
pay for event fees, then the balance of an event will be charged
to your credit card 10 days prior to the event date.
When you sign up
without a credit card on file, you
must include an escrow check for $140 along with the $10 nonrefundable
deposit for each event you wish to enter.
The
balance of the total fee (after deducting the $10 deposit) is due
10 days prior to each event date. If the escrow
amount on file is used for payment of the event, the $140 amount must be replenished
before the next event payment is due. Unused credit balances will be applied
to your account for the following season or will be refunded to you at the end
of the golf season at your direction.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If your credit card is declined, or payment is not received 10
days before the event, you may be removed from that event for non payment.
Your reservation may be given to a member on standby who has an authorized credit
card or escrow check on file.
What
do you mean by standby in an event?
We usually have
enough available tee times for all members who want to play. Occasionally, there
will be more demand than available spots. This will create a standby list of players
to be next into the event when a cancellation occurs. Our past experience with
our players is that there are always last minute cancellations for a number of
reasons. If you are notified that you are on standby for an event, don’t
panic! We will let you know when an opening occurs. To
avoid overbooking, the $10 reservation fee will not be refunded for changing a
reservation or cancellations!
If
a player is on the standby list and does not get to play in the event, the $10
deposit will be credited toward their next event.
How
do I cancel a reservation?
A
reservation may be canceled 10 days or more prior to the event date. All
cancellations are confirmed in writing. Cancellations may be made by
filling out a form on the web site, by phone, fax or at any event. The $10 deposit
will be forfeited, but any other prepaid or charged amounts will be credited toward
your next event. Cancellations by a member between 9 days and 4 days prior
to a tournament date will result in a refund of 50% of the original prepaid entry
fee. Cancellations by a member 3 days or less prior to a tournament date will
result in a forfeiture of the entire, prepaid entry fee regardless of whether
you are replaced in the tournament.
PRIZE
PAY-OUTS
What kind of prize money was won last year?
The average 1st place winnings in 2011 was $259.09
Top money winner in 2011– Claudia
Wciorka -
$2,035.00
Seventeen (17) players earned
over $1,000.00 in 2011 -
83 players or 84.5% of our members during 2011
won money or gift certificates
Over $2,150,000
has been paid out in prizes and purse
money
over the last 16 years for an average
of $134,375 per year.
How
is prize money paid out?
For each event each player
pays $45 ($55 in major tournaments) into the prize pool (this is part of the total
fee). By multiplying the total players by $45 or $55 you can quickly tell the
size of pools. (Updated info available at each event)
The playing field
of each event is broken into 2 or 3 classes as even in number
of players as possible. This permits spreading out the prize
money evenly to 30% of the players (40% in Major Tournaments).
This means paying down to approximately 6 to 8 or more places
in each class. Ties are split evenly after first place.
How
do you break ties?
A scorecard playoff settles
ties for 1st place only. Looking at the hardest hole on the course,
whoever shot the lowest wins, the second person is ranked tie for 1st,
but wins 2nd place money.
A
tie in any other place splits the prize money for those places. For example a
two-way tie for 4th would be called a tie for 4th and split
4th + 5th place money. The next in line after that would
be called 6th and win 6th place money.
How
do I get my prize?
For non-amateurs a check
is attached to your scorecard at your next event. Amateurs must fill out a claim
form letting us know how they wish their winnings paid out. Many department stores
and pro-shops are available from which to choose. Amateurs usually receive their
selected gift certificates at the first tournament after they select the type
of certificate they would like. The certificates are then attached to your next
scorecard. Amateurs who have their gift certificates mailed will pay a $10 certified
mailing fee which will be deducted from the total gift certificate amount.
COURSE
MANAGEMENT
What
is the average: size of the fields & start time?
Last year the fields ranged from 31 to 56,
with an average number of
42.8 players.
In 2012 events will be consecutive tee times starting in the
mornings or early afternoons. No shotgun starts. Tee times span
over a 2 to 4 hour range.
What
tees do you play from?
To make distances fair, yet challenging, and
at a length that provides speed of play, the tees at our courses
will be divided more or less equally within a range of 6,300
to 6,700 yards for men (lower handicaps playing from longer
yardages withn that range and higher handicaps playing from
shorter yardages within that range). Women will have the choice
of playing from the courses' Women's or usually red tee boxes
with a handicap limitation of 30 or from the shorter of the
2 men's yardages with a handicap limit of 36. Each woman member
must make an election in that regard that will apply for the
entire season.
What
handicap class will I play with?
All the classes
are mixed in a foursome during play. Our goal is to help people meet other new
players throughout the year, and play consistently good courses, at a good pace
of play. We have always been the Tour for the average player, and we treat everyone
the same, no matter what your handicap.
What
about walking?
Event fees are set at one price
only as many courses require carts for large groups. On courses that do allow
walking, those that wish to walk may do so, but there is no cart fee refund. We
appreciate it if you let us know along with your reservation, whether you will
be walking, so we can pair you with another walker if possible.
Can
I bring a caddie or gallery?
To find out about walking,
caddies and gallery, check out the Course Information sheet at the check-in desk
for every event. It tells you most everything you want to know about all the courses
on the Tour schedule. We appreciate you're letting us know if you plan on
bringing a caddie or gallery.
WCGT
& most courses do not allow gallery or caddies under
the age of 13.
Caddies
of members must adhere to the WCGT Dress Code. ( See Dress Code Information in
the handbook )
Caddies:
Courses that allow caddies fall into 3 classes: 1) you both walk 2) you
or your caddy must walk, and the other ride 3) caddies are available at
some of the courses, if you reserve ahead.
Galleries:
Those courses that do allow gallery fall into 2 classes: Your gallery must
walk behind your foursome and not disrupt play. Or your gallery must ride
with an additional fee for the other ½ cart.
Hold
Harmless Statement Caddies and galleries that accompany you on the course
must sign this form before the event begins. It states that the WCGT and the golf
courses are not responsible for your safety on the course. No one is allowed out
without signing such a form.
TEE TIMES
AND OTHER INFO
Tee times for each event are on
the WCGT Web site 48 hours before each event.
Results of each
event are on the Web Site 24 hours or less (usually much sooner)
after the end of each event.
Due
to the large size of our tournament fields, the tee times ran through a 2-5 hour
spread. Our computer randomly assigns tee times. We don't accept special requests
for pairings, however, if you call enough in advance (4 days minimum),
we will try and usually can accommodate special needs, such as a late tee time
due to work / or early for a wedding, etc. We do watch for abuse in this area,
and will bring such behavior up to the player’s council for review.
What
do you do if it rains?
We do play as long as
the course remains playable, so come prepared no matter what the weather conditions.
Who
keeps you moving?
We have On Course Technology
"Pace Monitors" for each foursome that tells at a glance where you should
be on the course letting you know if you are on pace or behind. Everyone must
keep moving and help their foursome keep up with the group in front of
them to maintain a 4-½ hour pace. The marshals, placed throughout the course will
inform groups if they are falling behind the group in front of them. If a consistently
slow player or group is found, they will be warned, followed by the head marshal
and penalized if necessary. The WCGT does issue slow play penalties during events
for players or groups who can not maintain the pace with the group in front of
them. Marshals are not there for rules
of golf, members are expected to know those! A player who will not keep up
pace of play after receiving a letter about slowness, will be set at the end of
tee times until their pace picks up.
