Commonly Asked Questions
How Do I Join the Tour? Send $2000 in with membership application and choose your qualifying site. Past champions and Top 120 from the 2007 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. (Retries are subject to an alternate list as first time qualifiers take precedence.) Florida Schools always fill to capacity.
What are the benefits of my membership fee? Professional golfer membership status (card issued), opportunity to earn Exempt full time status at Ranking School (all players attending ranking school receive a Tour Bag). Free practice rounds and range fees at every event. Weekly complimentary snacks and beverages during events. Non-exempt members are ranked according to their performance at Ranking School and enter tournaments on a space available basis. (There are two (2) reshuffles during the season based on earnings where players can improve their ranking number)
What if I earn my PGA or Nationwide Tour Card after I pay my NGA Hooters Tour membership fee? Your fee will be refunded.
How Do I Get in Tournaments? The Tour uses a priority system based on 2007 earnings, 2008 Ranking School results and past champions. Players not fully exempt will receive a ranking number based on their performance at Ranking School. Those players will be re-shuffled twice during the season based on earnings. Based on the pool of players in relation to their Tour Ranking, entries will be taken on a first come, first served basis (deadlines apply). We conduct local qualifiers (10 spots) on Mondays.
How Do I Monday Qualify? Contact the host club. Fees: Members $150.00, Non-members $200.00, amateurs $250.00 (Entry fee balance due upon qualifying for event)
Am I Allowed to wear Other Sponsor Logo's? Yes, however, it will be mandatory that players conform to the Tour's policy of Player Attire.
How Much Does The Tour Cost?
$2000 Ranking/Membership fee (for all members and qualifiers), approximately $1,000 entry fee per tournament and approximately $500 in weekly travel expenses.(estimated individual 7 day expenses)
Are There Any Other Opportunities To Make Money? Yes, Shootouts, Pro-Ams and Long Drive Contests at tournaments (where applicable).
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. Scores are posted daily on golfweek.com and our own HOOTERSTOUR.COM
How Can Monday Qualifiers Join The Tour? If a qualifier or non-member wins an event, he will be given full exempt status for the remainder of the year. Non-members must acquire a membership by paying member dues for the year to invoke this privilege. A Top 20 finish exempts the player for the following week. Members without full exempt status who accumulate $3000 in earnings earn exepmt status for the rest of the season. Non-members who accumulate $4500 in earnings will be offered Tour Membership. Non-members must acquire a membership by paying membership fees to invoke this privilege.
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 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.