Member Manual

Member Manual

APT MEMBER MANUAL

Ownership

The Amateur Players Tour name and all intellectual property, including but not limited to registered trademarks, patents, and/or trade secrets, are owned by APT Holdings, LLC, a Tennessee Limited Liability Company.  The Amateur Players Tour is operated by APT Events, LLC, a Tennessee Limited Liability Company.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Amateur Players Tour (the “Tour”) is to provide its members with the highest quality golf tournament experiences available in all of amateur golf at a reasonable value while also creating valuable partnerships with the highest quality brands in the industry that provide value-added benefits to all members of the Tour.  The Tour welcomes golfers of all ages and skill levels, regardless of race, age, sex, or socio-economic status, who enjoy participating in fun, well-organized golf competitions while meeting new people and building meaningful relationships through the shared love of the game of golf.

Core Values

The core values the Tour abides by and expects all Chapter Owners and Members to apply in all decisions, actions, and comments related or pertaining to the Tour:

    • Fairness
    • Respect
    • Integrity
    • Etiquette
    • Inclusivity
    • Transparency
    • Sportsmanship

Application for Membership

Player Membership in the Tour is limited to amateur golfers only.  Player Members must be able to provide proof of amateur status from the USGA, or comparable governing body, upon request in order to be eligible to compete in Tour Events.  Former professional players may be eligible for membership and eligible to compete in Tour Events only upon receipt of official reinstatement of Amateur Status from the USGA or other comparable governing body.  Professional golfers may own and operate a Local Chapter, but Local Chapter Owners who are professional golfers will not be permitted to compete in Tour Events.

All fields on the membership application must be completely and accurately filled out to be considered for admission.  Admission may be denied for any reason and the Tour shall not be required to disclose any reason for denial of admission.

Individual player information will not be sold or shared by the Tour.  However, collective demographic data may be used to promote the Tour and/or acquire promotional opportunities with equipment and accessory manufacturers, or other industry providers, for the benefit of the Members and the Tour.

Membership Benefits

  • Membership includes a Tour-branded gift package upon joining or renewing a Tour membership each season.
  • Members shall be eligible to enter, win prize funds, earn player of the year points, and win a trophy in any Tour Event anywhere in the APT Network.
  • Members shall establish a Tour Index based upon results in sanctioned Tour Events only.
  • Members may join the APT Hole-In-One Club for an additional fee of $30.
  • Members will receive access to exclusive offers and discounts from Tour Partners available only to members of the Tour.
  • Members will be subscribed to the Tour Newsletter and Email distribution to keep up with news and developments, special offers, and more.
  • Members may compete for the season long Player of the Year points race in their Local Chapter.
  • Members may compete for the season long National Player of the Year races in each Division.
  • Members may earn an invitation to exclusive events based on prior performance on the Amateur Players Tour.
  • Members may download and use the Amateur Players Tour Mobile App for 24/7 access to tournament registration, entry fee payment, live-scoring, and access to other pertinent information made available through the app.
  • Members may join the Amateur Players Tour Members Facebook page and be provided access to other members-only web pages or portals as they become available.
  • Members may enter and compete in all National Majors and any other Special Events hosted by the Tour throughout the calendar year.

Indemnification & Hold Harmless

Any Member, Guest, or other person who, in any manner, makes use of or accepts the use of any web application, software, apparatus, appliance, facility, privilege or service whatsoever owned, leased, licensed to, or operated by the Tour, any Local Chapter Owner, or by any Host Facility, shall do so at his or her own risk.  Members and their guests shall hold the Company, the Tour, Local Chapter Owner, any manager or operator of the Host Facility, their affiliates, their successors and assigns and their respective shareholders, partners, directors, officers, members, employees, representatives, and agents (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) harmless from any and all loss, cost, claim of injury, damage or liability sustained or incurred by him or her, resulting from the participation in Tour Events or the use of Host Facility’s property, arising out of or incident to membership in the Tour and/or from any act or omission of any of the Indemnified Parties, unless caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of any of the Indemnified Parties.  Any Member shall have, shall owe and shall observe the same obligation to the Indemnified Parties hereunder in respect to any such loss, cost, claim, injury, damage or liability sustained or incurred by any guest or family member guest.

Photo Release for Advertising/Marketing

Membership, or registration as a guest for entry into any Amateur Players Tour Event, includes an express waiver and consent to the use of each Member’s and/or competitor’s name, image and/or likeness by APT Holdings, LLC, its subsidiaries and/or assigns, for purposes of promoting, marketing, reporting, or otherwise advertising the Amateur Players Tour, its events, chapters, website, etc.  Said name, image, likeness may be used in all forms of media, including but not limited to the tour’s website, social media channels, digital marketing, print marketing materials, etc. By joining the Tour or registering for any Tour Event, each player expressly waives any right to compensation or control of the use of their name, image, or likeness by APT Holdings, its subsidiaries or assigns.

Registration/Refund Policies

Deposit/Balance Registrations

The Tour has introduced Deposit/Balance Registration system for entering and paying for Tour Events.  The Tour will offer Deposit/Balance Registration for all National Majors and National Championships.  Most Local Chapters will offer Deposit/Balance registration for Tour Events on their local schedules.

The amounts of both the deposit and the balance can be seen on the Tournament Information Page (TIP) by hovering the cursor over the entry fee.  The deposit amount is the amount that will be charged to a participant’s credit card at the time of registration.  The balance will be charged to the same card at a later date closer to the scheduled date of the Tour Event.  Unless otherwise communicated on the TIP page or via email, participants should expect the balance to be charged at the close of registrations.  When a tournament is set up for Deposit/Balance Registration, there currently is not an option for a participant to pay in full.

Tournament Cancellation Policy

Members seeking to withdraw from a Tour Event prior to the close of registration may do so for a reasonable cancellation fee as set forth in the tournament registration form and/or the Tournament Information Page.  Local Chapter Owners shall strive to keep cancellation fees to a minimum, but credit card processing fees and other non-refundable expenses incurred by the Tour or Tour Event organizers shall determine the amount of all cancellation fees.  No refunds will be given after the close of the established registration deadline.

Registered and paid competitors who fail to show up on time for their tee time will not be entitled to any refund of their entry fee.  Repeated incidents by a member may result in disciplinary action from the Tour.

Membership Refund Policy

Membership dues shall become non-refundable after 30 days from the date of registration or after a player has registered for a Tour Event, whichever occurs first.  If a refund is processed, a $25 cancellation fee will apply to recover non-refundable credit card fees and software fees incurred at membership registration.  Membership dues are paid on a season-by-season basis, meaning a Player’s Membership shall conclude after the North American Championship of the season in which the membership was purchased regardless of what point in the season the membership is purchased, unless expressly agreed to in writing by the Tour.  Membership shall include the Membership Benefits set forth herein above.

Tour Schedule/Format

Tour Schedule

The Tour has adopted a wraparound season format that begins immediately after the North American Championship.  The 2023 Tour Season shall begin on October 13th, 2022 and continue through the 2023 North American Championship on September 24th, 2023.

Tour Format

Each Local Chapter will create a schedule of events for their local area.  Tour Events will consist primarily of one-day (18 holes) events and two-day (36 holes) events.  Unless clearly identified as a non-points event in the Tournament Information Page (TIP), all Tour Events will award Player of the Year points to all competitors based on the results thereof.  All points events will also award a prize pool and trophies.  Scoring and format for each Points Event may vary to include individual stroke play, individual match play, individual Stableford, Fourball, Foursomes, team match play, team Stableford, etc.  Format for non-points events may vary, but will generally be limited to Ryder Cup-style team events, post-season or swing-season events, scrambles or other team formats where individual points may not be determined, etc.

Tournament Index/Division Movement

Tournament Index

A Member’s Tournament Index consists exclusively of scores posted in Tour Events with formats that the Tour has determined to be acceptable for inclusion in the calculation of the Tournament Index.  The Tournament Index is NOT equivalent to a USGA GHIN handicap.  The Tournament Index is calculated using Tour Event scores only for the sole purpose of promoting fair competition.  The Tournament Index has been designed to divide Members into groups of relatively equally skilled competitors.  These divisions create fair competition among competitors within each division using gross scoring.  The Tournament Index will be calculated and adjusted based on the 14 most recent Tour Event scores, carried over from year to year, with each Tour Event score being adjusted for Course Index differential based on the USGA formula. 

The handicap will be calculated by using the appropriate (average of the # of Differentials Used *.96). The following table will be used to determine Tournament Index:

amateur golf tour

Tournament Index Validation

A Member’s Tour Index shall be validated upon posting seven (7) Tour Event scores.  Once a member’s index is validated, their tournament index will be the only factor used in Division placement.  Before a tour member’s index is validated, the Handicap Committee will use any relevant data available to ensure that a member is in the correct division.  This includes GHIN indexes, other reputable Tournament Indexes, and any other relevant data.  The Handicap Committee will have sole discretion to move a member up or down before their Tournament Index is validated.

Tournament Index Review

If a member fails to post 3 scores within the last 6 months, the Handicap Committee reserves the right to review that members APT Tournament Index, using more recent handicap data (GHIN, Other Tournament Index, etc.) to place the member in the proper division based on their recent playing history (up or down).

Handicap Committee

The Tour has created the APT Handicap Committee to oversee all Tournament Indexes and Division Movement.  The Handicap Committee shall consist of no less than three Local Chapter Owners.  The Tour may also appoint up to three (3) Player Members to the Handicap Committee to provide player input and representation on the Committee.  There may never be more Player Members on the Committee than Local Chapter Owners.  All decisions by the Handicap Committee are subject to approval by Tour Leadership.

The APT Handicap Committee will use any relevant data available to ensure that non-Members, new Members and Members with unvalidated Tour Indexes are placed in the correct division.  Relevant data includes USGA GHIN indexes and history, other reputable Tournament Indexes, and/or any other relevant data available to the committee.  The APT Handicap Committee may consult with Local Chapter Owners to gather information, but Tour Division Assignment will be determined by the APT Handicap Committee for all players.

Tour Divisions

Divisions are determined based on the calculation of the APT Tournament Index and are managed weekly by the APT Handicap Committee.

  • Division 1 – 3.4 & under
  • Division 2 – 3.5 – 8.4
  • Division 3 – 8.5 – 13.4
  • Division 4 – 13.5 – 18.4
  • Division 5 – 18.5 & above

Tour Division Placement

New Members will initially be placed in a Division based on a validated USGA-approved GHIN Handicap Index.  If a new Member does not have a valid GHIN, the Tour may consider any acceptable tournament index from a reputable amateur golf entity with recent scores posted.  If a new Member does not have a current USGA-approved handicap or acceptable tournament index from a similar golf entity, the player may provide references from the PGA Professional, Director of Golf, or other representative of the new Member’s home club.  If the new Member does not have a home club or other reliable reference to offer, the Local Chapter Owner will have the discretion to place the Member in the division they deem appropriate.  Until validated, the Handicap Committee in conjunction with the Local Chapter Owner will have sole discretion to move a new member up or down.  If a new Member posts a score more than four (4) strokes below the limit of their Division prior to obtaining a validated Tour Index, the Tournament Committee will have the option to disqualify the New Member from the event.  A Member’s Tour Index will be validated after posting their seventh (7th) tournament score.

Division Movement

Player advancing to higher division:
When a member’s validated Tournament Index drops below their current division limit, the Member will be automatically promoted to the higher division.  Upon promotion to a higher division, a Member will retain 70% of their current season points total. *NOTE – Any priority exemptions earned in the lower division will automatically carry over to the higher division.

Player falling to a lower division:
When a Member’s Tour Index rises at least one half stroke (0.5) above their current Division limit, the Member may request to drop to the lower division.  A move to a lower division will NOT be made automatically.  The Member MUST submit the request to the Handicap Committee via email to handicaps@aptgolf.org.  The Handicap Committee will review the request with the player’s Local Chapter Owner and make a recommendation to the Tour whether to grant or deny the request.  When a member requests a demotion, the Handicap Committee will review all handicap data to ensure that a demotion is warranted.  This includes a review of other data sources, including but not limited to GHIN, other Tournament Index, and other data available to the Handicap Committee.  Upon approval of such a request, a Member will retain 100% of their current season points total.

NOTE: Prior to January 15th, 2023 – members signing up can request a demotion if their index is above the division line.

NOTE:  Any Member who requests and receives a Division demotion during the current season shall be subject to promotion at any time by recommendation of the Handicap Committee if it is determined that the Member’s scores indicate that the demotion is no longer appropriate.  If a Member’s demotion is revoked during the same season, the Member will only retain 70% of their current points total.

Cut off for Division Movement:
Division movement may be imposed by recommendation of the Handicap Committee at any point during the season.  However, Division placement for the North American Championship will be determined based upon each Member’s Validated Tour Index going into their Local Championship.  If a Member’s Tour Index is not validated on or before their Local Championship, Division movement will remain possible until said Tour Index is validated.

If a Member’s Tour Index, validated or not, drops two-tenths of a stroke (0.2) below their Division limit between their Local Championship and the North American Championship, the Member will be automatically be promoted to the higher Division for the remainder of the season, including the North American Championship.

The deadline to request a movement to a lower division is June 30th, 2023.

Out of Division Scores

In the interest of protecting the integrity of the field participating in any Tour Event, the Tournament Committee shall have the discretion to take action during a Tour Event to either instantly promote OR disqualify a competitor if he/she posts a single round score that is:

  • More than three (3) strokes below their Division cut off (based on course index adjustment for course slope and rating); AND
  • More than three (3) strokes below their closest competitor within the division.

Battlefield Promotion – 2+day events ONLY
A Battlefield Promotion is the immediate promotion of a competitor to the higher Division at or before the conclusion of any round of a Tour Event.  This option is available to the Tournament Committee ONLY IF the competitor played from the same tees and course as the Higher Division.

The decision whether or not to impose a Battlefield Promotion shall be made by the Tournament Committee in charge of the event.  The Tournament Committee may consult with the Handicap Committee and/or the Tour for guidance.  The Tournament Committee will review all relevant data to ascertain whether the score was truly exceptional or whether the player had the potential to play in a higher Division.  During review, the Tournament Committee will take into account a) whether the player moved from a higher division into a lower division within the last 18 months, b) if the player’s GHIN is more than 2 shots below the division limit, c) personal knowledge of the competitor’s scoring history and playing ability, d) the conditions of play for the event, e) the slope and rating of the tees played from, and e) any other relevant tournament data that would show a player’s potential when considering their options. 

Scores that are truly exceptional should be allowed to stand and promotion delayed until after the conclusion of the Tour Event.

Disqualification
If the competitor played from different tees as the higher Division, then disqualification of the competitor is the only option.  The Tournament Committee should consult with the Handicap Committee and/or the Tour prior to deciding to disqualify a competitor.   The same factors will be considered when weighing a decision to disqualify a competitor.

Players who are disqualified for out of division scores may be allowed to play the second round of a 2-day event for skins, etc. at the discretion of the Tournament Committee.  If a competitor is determined to have committed an egregious breach of integrity during the review, the Tour may impose additional sanctions against the player and the Tournament Committee may choose to decline to refund the competitor’s entry fee.

Tournament Policies

Tour Event Registrations

All Tour Events are open to all Members.  Guests must be sponsored and accompanied by a Member.  Prospective Members may play as unaccompanied guests in up to two (2) Tour Events as the Guest of the Local Chapter Owner or Tournament Committee.  See the Tour Guest Policy below.

All Tour Event registration and payment must be made through the Tour website or mobile application.  Payment must be made online by credit card or electronic payment application provided on the Tour website or mobile application.  Entry fees for all Tour Events must be paid in full prior to commencement of play.

To provide the Tournament Committee and the Host Facility with adequate time to prepare for each event, registration will generally be closed at least 72 hours prior to the first tee time of the Event.  Where Deposit/Balance Registration is not offered, Members are encouraged to register and pay as far in advance of each Tour Event as possible to reserve their place in the field and provide the Tournament Committee with ample time to plan and adjust to the demand for the event.

Dress Code & Code of Conduct

Members and Guests are expected to dress in a manner so as to present a positive public image of the Tour with a constant effort to positively reflect the Tour in all respects both on and off the golf course at any Tour Event.  Members are expected to dress appropriately for golf while on the golf course.  Collared shirts, including blade or mock collars, are required.  No jeans, denim or cutoff shorts of any kind will be permitted.  Any printed language, slogans, or logos should reflect positively on the Tour and its Members.

Members are expected to know and employ proper golf etiquette, and should conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the Core Values of the Tour at all times.  Fighting, either physically or verbally, with another competitor or any member of the Tournament Committee or Tournament Staff will not be tolerated in any shape, form or fashion.  The Tour will enforce a zero tolerance policy for fighting.  Members and Guests shall not use vulgar, intimidating, or offensive language, including but not limited to swearing at or threatening other competitors.  Members and Guests shall not throw fits of anger that include club-throwing, damaging property or equipment of the Host Facility (golf cart, pins, flags, tees, signs, etc.) while playing in any Tour Event or organized practice round.

Consumption of alcohol at Tour Events may be done at the risk of each individual Member or Guest.  Overconsumption of alcohol causing loud, obnoxious, offensive or belligerent behavior will subject the offending Member or Guest to disqualification and/or disciplinary action by the Tour.  Use of any illicit drug or narcotic during a Tour Event is expressly prohibited.

Unauthorized or dangerous operation of carts or other Host Facility equipment, disrespectful or malignant behavior will not be tolerated.  Cheating in any fashion violates the Tour’s Code of Conduct and shall give rise to potential discipline from the Tour.  Repeated violation of any portion of this section of the Member Manual may result in disqualification from a Tour Event, temporary suspension from the Tour, or permanent expulsion from the Tour.

Caddie Policy

No personal caddies are allowed at APT Events.  Caddies will only be allowed at specific golf courses where caddies are available to the entire field.  Caddie availability will be provided (cost, etc.) prior to the competition.

Spectator Policy

Spectators are welcome at each tournament, noting that each course may have different policies that we abide by as guests of the host facility. Spectators are the responsibility of the associated player whom is solely responsible for their proper golf etiquette and general decorum.  If any issue(s) arise with their behavior or lack of proper golf etiquette they will be asked to leave the premises. Golf carts are limited at each event to two carts per group and players always have priority use of a golf cart.  Spectators should anticipate and expect to walk the course.

Guests and Prospective Member Policy

Members are encouraged to invite and host Guests at Tour Events.  Members shall be permitted to host no more than two (2) Guests per event and must be paired with said Guests during play.  Unaccompanied Guests may be permitted to play in Tour Events at the discretion of the Tournament Committee, subject to availability.  The Tournament Committee should make every effort to pair Unaccompanied Guests with an experienced Member to provide guidance to the Guests on Tour Policies.

Guests and Prospective Members shall be permitted to participate in up to two single-day events per year or one two-day event.  After the 2nd event the guest must apply for membership to the Tour before he or she will be permitted to register for any additional Tour Events.  Members should have priority over Guests or Prospective Members for any event that is reasonably expected to sell out.  The Tournament Committee may place a Guest or Prospective Member on a waiting list until registration has officially closed to provide current Member’s priority access to register for the Tour Event.

Guests who have a verifiable handicap will be eligible to win prizes at APT events, but all prizes will be paid out in Tour Credit, with the first portion going towards the purchase of an APT membership.

Weather Policy

All questions as to whether a Tour Event will be played, delayed or cancelled, should be directed to the Tournament Committee.  Do not rely upon communication from the Host Facility staff regarding weather-related decisions.  The Tournament Committee and the Host Facility staff will confer to reach a decision regarding beginning, delaying, or stopping play.  That decision will be relayed to competitors via the Tour's mobile application, email and/or text.  Members should not assume that because it is raining or storming at their home that it is doing so at the Host Facility.  If the Host Facility permits play, and the Tournament Committee determines that it is safe, play will go on.

Weather-related conditions may delay or suspend play such as: 

  • Lightning
  • Weather Warnings
  • Course being deemed unplayable as determined by host facility

If there is a weather delay or suspension of play, every effort will be made by the Tournament Committee to complete the entire event.  If weather causes a delay, all players should remain on property and await official announcements from the Tournament Committee.  The Tour will communicate by either live announcement, text or email whether and when play will resume.

As a last option, if a weather delay prevents a tournament from finishing, the following may result in an official tournament:

  • 18-hole events may be shortened to 9-holes or the most number of common holes completed.  If this isn't possible, it may be rescheduled.
  • 36-hole events may become official and be shortened to an 18-hole tournament or 18-holes plus the most number of common holes completed.

While the Tour will do everything possible to complete an official and full event, there will be no refunds should inclement weather cause an event to be shortened unless the Host Facility provides a refund to the Tournament Committee.

Tour Event Prizes

All Tour Event prize pools will be paid out via APT Visa Gift Cards.  Tour Credit may be offered as an option.  However, Tour Credit MUST BE ELECTED by the Member at his/her sole discretion and may not be imposed by the Tournament Committee as a default form of payment.  Pro shop credit, merchandise prizes, or any alternative form of prize pool payout MUST BE clearly communicated in the Tournament Information Page prior to the event.

Prize Pool

Tour Event prizes may vary based on the size of the field in each Division, contribution of any event sponsors, and the format of each Tour Event.  A minimum of at least $20 per player will go into the prize pool per round.  The purse for each event may not be finalized until the commencement of play due to late entries or withdrawals.

The Amateur Player Tour observes all USGA Rules of Amateur Status.  No single prize awarded for a single Tour Event shall exceed the applicable limit set forth by the USGA.  Prizes will be awarded in the form of APT VISA Gift Cards, unless otherwise noted in rare circumstances on the Tournament Information Page of the event.

Trophies

Each Tour Event will award an Amateur Players Tour branded memento acknowledging the winners of each Division.  National Major Events and North American Championships will offer distinct, unique trophies to the winners of each Division.

Tour Event Check-In

The Tournament Committee should provide detailed instructions for all competitors in Tour Events at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the first tee time of a Tour Event regarding the time and location for event check in. Tournaments will either have check-in at the 1st tee or at a registration table when you arrive on-site.  Refer to the registration information provided by the Tournament Committee prior to the event for guidance.

Competitors are expected to arrive with ample time to check in prior to their designated tee time.  Failure to check in and/or failure to arrive at the starting tee (for tee time starts) or the cart staging area (for shotgun starts) within five (5) minutes after the competitor's designated start time shall result in a two-stroke penalty.  Failure to check in and/or arrive at the starting tee (for tee time starts) or the cart staging area (for shotgun starts) more than five (5) minutes after the competitor’s designated time may result in disqualification at the discretion of the Tournament Committee.  *The Tournament Committee has the right to move the tee time of a competitor in rare circumstances to a later time to accommodate a player’s request.

Pairings

The Tournament Committee will notify all registered competitors of their tee time and pairings at least thirty-six (36) hours prior to the first competitive tee time.  Tee times will be posted on the Tour website, mobile app, and will be emailed and/or texted to the field.  Please do not contact the Host Facility to inquire about tee times or pairings.  All communication regarding the Tour Event should be directed to the Tournament Committee.

Tour Event Scoring

The Tour will provide live electronic scoring for all Tour Events.  Official paper scorecards will be provided by the Tournament Committee at check-in.  Competitors are expected to verify their name, tee time, and proper Division upon receipt of their official scorecard.  One competitor in each group must agree to maintain the live scoring for the group.  All competitors must verify each player's hole-by-hole score prior to signing and submitting the official paper scorecards to the Tournament Committee.  The official paper scorecard will determine the competitors’ score.  All competitors must verify their score on their official scorecard with the Tournament Committee prior to leaving the designated scoring area.

Triple Bogey Max

Divisions 3, 4 & 5 will observe a triple bogey maximum on any hole.  Once a competitor reaches triple bogey for the hole, including penalty strokes, they MUST pick up their ball and discontinue play on that hole.

Tour Event Tee Assignments

All Tour Events will be played from the tees designated by the Tournament Committee for each division.  Tees may be marked by customized tee markers, or the Tournament Committee may elect to use the tee markers used for daily play by the Host Facility.  Generally, Tour Events Tee Assignments will follow the following formula:

(Division 1 yardage) – (Division 4/5 Senior Yardage) = Total Difference in Yardage

Total Difference in Yardage x 33% = Equal Yardage Divisor

Division 1:
Back Tees or yardage determined by Tournament Committee

Divisions 2 and 3:
Formula = Div. 1 Yardage – Equal Yardage Divisor

Divisions 4 and 5:
Formula =  Div. 2/3 Yardage – Equal Yardage Divisor

Division 4 and 5 Seniors:
Senior Tees or yardage determined by Tournament Committee

Ladies in all Divisions:
Tee boxes with similar ladies course rating as their men’s tees counterpart in the same Division.

Seniors aged 60 & up will play from the next Divisions tees forward of their Division’s assigned tees. (i.e. Division 1 Seniors would play from the Division 2/3 tees and the Division 2/3 Seniors would play from the Division 4/5 tees.). Senior competitors may opt to not play the Senior Tee, but must declare so before the start of the event.

Tiebreakers

Weather, course availability and daylight permitting, all ties for 1st place in each Division will be broken by sudden-death playoff on the course.  The Event Host will determine which hole the sudden-death playoff is to begin with consultation from the Host Facility regarding space availability.  If an on-course playoff for 1st is not available, a scorecard playoff according to USGA rules will be used to determine who wins the trophy, but points and purses will be split equally among the competitors.

As far as points are concerned, there will be no tiebreakers for 2nd place and beyond.

Notice to Competitors

Local Rules for the Day will be printed on the Notice to Competitors and included in the Rules Sheet given to players upon check-in.  Do not assume that a local rule used by the golf course will be in effect for tournament play.  This includes drop zones, etc.  If you have any question on the rules, play two balls and bring the question to the committee.

Uncertainty on the Rules

If a competitor is uncertain as to the application of the Conditions of Competition, Rules of Play or the USGA Rules of Golf, such as the proper procedure for taking a drop in any situation, the competitor may reach out to the Tournament Committee to obtain a ruling.  If the Tournament Committee cannot be reached in a timely manner, the competitor should play two balls from that point to complete the hole and obtain a ruling at the completion of the round before the competitor's final score is validated by signing the paper scorecard or affirming the electronic scoring.  The Tournament Committee will be the governing official in all issues involving Rules of Play.

Equipment Policy

Per the USGA Rules of Golf, tournament competitors may not have more than fourteen (14) golf clubs in their bag during a tournament round.  If a competitor has arrived at the first tee with more than fourteen (14) clubs and declares one to be out of play and removes it from his bag prior to hitting their first shot, there will be no penalty assessed so long as the competitor does not attempt any stroke with the removed club during the round.  All clubs used in competition must comply with all current USGA Equipment Rules.  Violation of these rules may result in penalty or disqualification.

Priority Exemptions

For the purpose of granting priority exemption spots equitably, the Tour has split all Local Chapters into 3 tiers based on the overall tour size.  When issuing invites and priority exemptions, the local chapter will fall under the tier size of last year’s membership OR current membership numbers as of the day the invitations are sent, whichever is HIGHER

Tiers
Tier 1 – Chapters with 99 members or less

  • National Majors – Top 3 Finishers in Each Division
  • North American Championship – Top 4 Finishers in Each Division
  • Senior Net – Top 8 Finishers

Tier 2 – Chapters between 100-199 members

  • National Majors – Top 5 Finishers in Each Division
  • North American Championship – Top 6 Finishers in Each Division
  • Senior Net – Top 10 Finishers

Tier 3 – Chapters 200 members and up

  • National Majors – Top 7 Finishers in Each Division
  • North American Championship – Top 8 Finishers in Each Division
  • Senior Net – Top 12 Finishers

Signature Major Priority Exemptions

The Amateur Players Tour will conduct a minimum of four (4) Signature Majors throughout the 2023 season.  They will be the APT Open Championship at Omni Bedford Springs, Memorial Day Classic @ Streamsong Resort (54-hole major), Independence Open @ Big Cedar Lodge, and the Labor Day at Chambers Bay.  To ensure the top fields from across North America, these events will have priority exemptions for registration.  Once the priority registration period has ended, registration will be made open to all Amateur Players Tour members.  This is to encourage the best fields and to place importance on season-long points finishes at the local level.

Priority Exemptions for National Majors:

A-1. (Week 1)

  • North American Champion (last 10 years)
  • National Player of the Year (last 7 years)
  • National Major Champions (last 4 years)
  • Local Player of the Year Winners (previous year)

A-2. (Week 2)

  • Tier 1 Chapters – Top 3 in Previous Year Local Player of the Year Rankings
  • Tier 2 Chapters – Top 5 in Previous Year Local Player of the Year Rankings
  • Tier 3 Chapters – Top 7 in Previous Year Local Player of the Year Rankings

A-3. (Open Registration)

  • All APT Members who have competed in at least 3 events

Seniors

Senior Competition

Local Chapters shall have two options to choose from regarding play for their Senior Members.  The Option chosen for Senior Competition is at the discretion of the Local Chapter Owner.  The purpose for providing these options is to account for Local Chapters of different size and demographic makeup while encouraging participation by members of all ages.  The goal is to make sure that Senior Members have an equitable platform in which to compete while keeping field sizes and payouts as large as possible for the Open Field.

Seniors aged 60 & up will play from the next Divisions tees forward of their Division’s assigned tees. (i.e. Division 1 Seniors would play from the Division 2/3 tees and the Division 2/3 Seniors would play from the Division 4/5 tees.). Senior competitors may opt to not play the Senior Tee, but must declare so before the start of the event.

Local Chapters may elect one of the following options:
Double-Dip: Senior Members (50&up) may elect to “double-dip” by paying an additional entry fee to compete in both the Open Field and the Senior-Only Field within their Division for two separate prize pools.  Senior Members who elect to “double-dip” by playing in both the Open Field and the Senior-Only Field will be awarded National Senior Player of the Year points for their finish in the Open Field, and may receive points for a Senior-Only points race where available.  Any additional fee charged for the “double-dip” shall be set by the Tournament Committee but shall not exceed forty ($40) dollars per round.

Senior Net:  Senior Members (50&up) may also pay an additional, optional entry fee to compete against their fellow Seniors for a separate Senior-only prize pool and/or trophy based on Net scoring across all Divisions.  Senior Members playing under this option will compete in gross scoring in the Open Field against all players in their Division only.  Seniors opting to play in the additional Senior Net Division may be awarded local points toward a local Senior Net Player of the Year where available.

NOTE: All National Majors will employ the double-dip option.  Points earned in the “Double-Dip” Senior Divisions will carry over to Senior Net Player of the Year races also.  Points earned in Senior Net, due to the larger size of fields, will not carry over into Local Senior “Double-Dip” Division Player of the Year races.

North American Championship

Priority Exemption Qualification

Priority Exemption Qualification

A-1. Winner of North American Championship/Senior North American Championship (last 10 years)
A-2. Winner of National Player of the Year/Senior National Player of the Year (last 5 years)
A-3. Winner of National Major (last 2 years)
A-4. 2023 Season Top 100 in National Player of the Year Races as of June 30th, 2023
A-5. 2023 Season Top 50 in Senior National Player of the Year Races as of June 30th, 2023.
A-6. Winner of Previous Year Local Player of the Year
A-7. Top 4/5/6 in Local Player of the Year Race as of June 30th, 2023*
A-8. Local Chapter Owners
*NOTE – Please note Chapter Tiers for Priority Exemptions Above

Registration will open for priority status on July 1st, 2023 and will run through July 31st, 2023.  For those with priority status, you must register before July 31st, 2023 to save your spot.  You will be notified via email on or before July 1st with your invite to register.  A wait list will be started with open registration and filled on a first come, first serve basis to complete the field at the conclusion of each chapter’s local finals.

Open Registration Process
Once the priority registration period ends on July 31st, registration will open to all members.  Members who have not earned priority registration status must compete in at least five (5) competitive rounds on the APT prior to competing in the North American Championship. Registrations in open registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Double-Dip Option for Seniors
The 2023 North American Championship will be a “double-dip” opportunity for Seniors to compete in both the open division and a senior division for an additional fee of $100, with $80 going directly to the prize pool.  Players who choose to double-dip will be eligible to win both the open and senior divisions.  Please note that the $1,000 USGA Max Prize Pool and Rules of Amateur Status will be strictly adhered to as in all APT sanctioned events.

Open Registration Process

Once the priority registration period ends on September 13th, registration will open to all members.  Members must compete in at least five (5) competitive rounds in the current APT season to compete in all North American Championships. Registrations in open registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Points System

Tournament Points

Each player in a points event will receive a base number of points for participation in the event.  The player must complete the event and turn in an official scorecard in order to receive points for the event.  Players who are disqualified, withdraw, no card, or no show are not eligible to receive points.  Players will receive a minimum number of points for participation in each event.  The points breakdown will be as follows:

1 Day Event – 150 points per player (50 point minimum)
2+ Day Event/National Majors – 300 points per player (100 point minimum)
Local Finals – 350 points per player (100 point minimum)
North American Championship – 350 points per player (100 point minimum)

The number of Points available will be determined by multiplying the number of players in the field by the points available above.  Points will be distributed at the conclusion of each event based upon the order of finish using the Amateur Players Tour Points Matrix.

EXAMPLE:  For a One-Day event with 10 players in the field, there would be 1,500 points available.

Multi-Division Tournament Points

In tournaments where Divisions are combined (i.e. Net Stableford event where all 5 Divisions compete against each other), points will be awarded based upon your finish against players in your Division.  Divisional contests will be awarded in the background to award points based upon your finish against players in your Division.

Match Play Points

The minimum points awarded in any winner’s bracket match will be 50 points.  100 points will be awarded to the winner of the match, while 75 points will be awarded to each competitor if the match is halved.

In a bracket setting, a 64-team event would require a player to win 6 matches to win the event.  The champion would earn 600 points (100 points per match).  The second place finisher would win 550 points (100 points per win plus 50 points for the final loss) and so on.

Team Event

Team Events follow the same formula based on tournament setup based on the Tournament Points or Multi-Division Tournament Points above.  If a field has 10 teams, points will be awarded for 10 spots based on the Amateur Players Tour Points Matrix and teams will split the points awarded plus the additional 50 point minimum.

Player of the Year Races

National Player of the Year Race

The Tour will award a National Player of the Year race in Divisions 1-5.  National Player of the Year Points will be tabulated using the following formula:

  • One-Day Events – Best 8 finishes (lowest point total discarded after 9 events completed)
  • Two-Day Events – Best 3 finishes (lowest point total discarded after 4 events completed)
  • Local Championship
  • North American Championship

Each Division Winner of the National Player of the Year race will receive a $1,000 VISA Gift Card, presented at the conclusion of the North American Championship.

Local Player of the Year Race

Local Chapter Player of the Year Points will be tabulated using the following formula:

  • One-Day Events – Best 8 finishes (lowest point total discarded after 9 events completed)
  • Two-Day Events – Best 2 finishes (lowest point total discarded after 3 events completed)
  • Local Chapter Championship

*EXCEPTION* - The week before the Local Chapter Championship, after the conclusion of the regular season, a player may request two unused one-day events point totals to be combined for a two-day events point total as long as the player has not competed in the required amounts of two-day events.  Requests can be made by emailing handicaps@aptgolf.org.

The Local Player of the Year races are considered complete at the conclusion of each chapters Local Championship.  Points cannot be earned after the conclusion of the Local Chapter Championship.

Prizes for the Local Chapter Player of the Year race vary based on the size of the local chapter.  Local Chapter Owners will post their Player of the Year prizes to their players.

NOTE – If a player fails to compete in a minimum of four (4) local events in their chapter, they may be deemed not eligible to win their local chapter’s Player of the Year race and only allowed to compete in the National Player of the Year race.

Senior Net National Player of the Year Race

The Tour will award a Senior Net National Player of the Year race.  Senior Net National Player of the Year Points will be tabulated using the following formula:

  • One-Day Events – Best 8 finishes (lowest point total discarded after 9 events completed)
  • Two-Day Events – Best 2 finishes (lowest point total discarded after 3 events completed)
  • Local Championship
  • North American Championship

The winner of the Senior Net National Player of the Year race will receive a $500 VISA Gift Card, presented at the conclusion of the Senior North American Championship.

Senior National Player of the Year Race

The Tour will award a Senior National Player of the Year race in Divisions 1-5.  Senior National Player of the Year Points will be tabulated using the following formula:

  • One-Day Events – Best 8 finishes (lowest point total discarded after 9 events completed)
  • Two-Day Events – Best 2 finishes (lowest point total discarded after 3 events completed)
  • Local Championship
  • North American Championship

Each Division winner of the Senior National Player of the Year race will receive a $500 VISA Gift Card, presented at the conclusion of the Senior North American Championship.

NOTE – Seniors will be ineligible to win both the Senior National Player of the Year and the Senior Net National Player of the Year.  They are intended to be separate based on what your local chapter offers.