Commonly Asked Questions

How Do I Join the Tour?  Send $1,500 in with membership application and choose your qualifying site.  Past champions (2 years) and Top 100 from the 2000 Money list are exempt from qualifying.  These exempt categories must complete membership application as well.  Note: Players may attempt to better their ranking number at the next site for an additional $750 if space is available.

How Do I Get in Tournaments?  The Tour uses a priority system based on 2000 earnings.  2000/2001 Qualifying results (even if you finish in last place in your school your are considered a member and will gain exempt status approximatley mid season) and past champions.  Based on the pool of players in relation to their Tour Ranking, it will be first come first serve.  We will reshuffle ranked players based on Official Earnings and also conduct local qualifying on Mondays.  The order of priority will be past champions (2 years), Top 100 available from 2000 Money List, Qualifiers from 2000/01 Tour Ranking School.  Tournament sign-up will remain first come, first serve.

How do you qualify for the NGA Tour Championship?  By using a cumulutive points system based on performance and participation (if you do not attain exempt status at q-school you are still considered participating in an event if you attempt the Monday local qualifier) in regular season tournaments is used to determine the players qualifying to compete in a season ending tour Championship with a total purse of $250,000. Details will be in the 2001 Player Handbood. (Top 3 Points Leaders prior to Championship will have PGA Qualifying School entry paid).

Am I Allowed to wear Other Sponsor Logo's?  Yes, however, it will be mandatory that players conform to the Tour's policies to be eligible for tournaments, bonus programs and point systems.  Approved Hooters and Naturally Fresh logos are part of these requirements.  Details of this program will be part of your Tour Player Handbook.

How Much Does The Tour Cost?  $1,500 Ranking/Membership fee (for all members and qualifiers), approximately $650 entry fee per tournament and approximately $400 in weekly travel expenses.

Are There Any Other Opportunities To Make Money?  Yes, Shootouts, Pro-Ams and Long Drive Contests at most tournaments, plus the Strata Tour low round bonus and qualifying for the NGA Tour Championship sponsored by Naturally Fresh Foods and Hooters of America.

Is Lodging Included in Fees?  No, but the Tour does offer discounts at Host Hotels and we assist players and clubs in matching available private housing with Tour Members.

Are Carts Allowed? No, only during practice rounds.

How Do Family Members Keep Track of My Progress?  Scores are sent daily to the AP Wire Services and USA Today. Many U.S. Newspapers carry scores as well as Golfweek and Golf World. Scores are posted daily on pgatour.com, golfweb.com, golf.com, golfonline.com, and our own ngatour.com

How Can Monday Qualifiers Join The Tour?  Winning automatically exempts the player for the remainder of the year, a Top 20 finish exempts the player for the following week.  Any qualifier accumulating a minimum of $4,000 in earnings will be offered Tour Membership.

Do I Have To Pay To  Play in Pro/Ams?  No, you are actually paid to play in Pro/Ams (either a fee or purse).

Are All The Tournaments 72 Holes?  Yes, the typical field size is 168 players with the top 60 and ties making the 36 hole cut.

Do I Have To Register On-Site?  No, paid entries through Tour office registers members.

Do I Have To Have A Caddy?  No, you can carry your own bag.  Some courses have local caddies available.

Do I Have To Pay For Practice Rounds?  No.  The Tour normally has access to the course through Sunday.  Practice rounds occur Monday thru Wednesday as well as special events like Pro/Ams.