WASHINGTON D.C. -- Building on its success as the premier Pro-Net Tour in the Mid-Atlantic, the Tournament Golf Association of America (TGAA) is proud to announce a successful 2008 season.
The 2008 season saw 45 tournament rounds played over 39 tournaments at many of the Mid-Atlantic's finest courses. There were 28 different winners, of which 8 were first-year players, and the overall average winning score was approximately three strokes below par NET. The tour paid out a total of $121,450 in official prize money. The winner's average TGAA handicap value was 14 and nearly 76% of the events were won by golfers whose handicaps were greater than 10. 7 of the top ten money leaders at year end were single digit players due to their consistency and 42 players made at least $1,000. The use of the TGAA Tour Handicap "Value" (patent pending) is what makes the tour so competitive and fair for all participants. Additionally, adherence to the USGA Rules of Golf and oversight by certified tournament directors ensures that the entire field is protected.
According to Dennis Baca, President and CEO of the TGAA Tour - "we averaged approximately 40 players per event in 2008. This is significant since, as professionals, we play in all conditions - cold, heat, rain and, yes, even some snow. We cap our fields at forty-eight (48) players. We find that this size field allows all players, and especially those players in the early groups, to be able to stay, enjoy the company of other TGAA professionals and observe the results as the other groups return their cards. We feel this adds to the overall enjoyment and excitement of tournament golf, as it creates the same experience that a PGA, LPGA, Nationwide or Champions Tour player feels when they are the leader in the clubhouse, waiting patiently and excitedly as the players behind them complete their rounds." Simply put, it allows them to "Experience the Dream!"â„¢
Steven Moses, the tour's Chief Operating Officer, recaps the schedule. "In 2008, we had forty (40) events on the schedule: thirty-five one day events, four two day events and one three day event. The five multi-day events included our Tournament of Champions event, three majors and the crown jewel of the season, the TGAA Tour Championship. All of our one day events were scheduled on weekends to accommodate our members' careers. In May, we scheduled one day events on both Saturdays and Sundays on alternating weekends, thereby bringing tournaments closer to our players." Baca adds: "It was important that we minimized the costs to the TGAA Tour player while maximizing their experience. Like everyone else, we kept a watchful eye on economic conditions; while at the same time continue to position the TGAA as the premiere Pro-Net Tour in the country. TGAA continues to promote carpooling and other energy saving programs and our players have responded accordingly. This allows our players to be more environmentally responsible…a TGAA core business value."
Moses discusses the competition: "having completed our twelfth season, we have seen many tours come and go throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Many of them have attempted to replicate our (TGAA) business model. There are several factors that have placed us head and shoulders above them all. The most important is the quality service to our members and their guests…that along with abiding by a set of standards that are neither subjective nor arbitrary. We include the players through independent Handicap and Players Committees. Everything we do can be statistically proven and has the supporting data and rationale consistent with the governing bodies of this game we love".
About the TGAA Tour:
Since 1996, the TGAA Tour (www.tgaatour.com) has been the premiere Pro-Net tour in the Mid-Atlantic. The TGAA Tour is a member organization that offers all golfers the most exciting advancement in competitive golf, regardless of age, gender, skill level or handicap. As a member of the TGAA Tour, you will be personally challenged as you compete against yourself, the course and your handicap. You will enjoy the company of other golf enthusiasts in addition to competing for cash as a TGAA professional or for certificates as an amateur. The events are professionally managed, governed by the USGA Rules of Golf and use a patent pending handicap system developed from TGAA tournament scores only. The goal is to develop and maintain the largest professional golf membership organization providing services for the avid to aspiring golfer - both locally and nationally.
For more information on how you can become a partner/sponsor of the TGAA Tour, visit www.tgaatour.com or email Steven Moses, COO at smoses@tgaatour.com. If you would like to become a franchisee and bring the success of pro-net tournament golf and the TGAA Tour to your area of the country, please contact Dennis M. Baca, CEO at dmbaca@tgaatour.com.
Media Contact for TGAA Tour:
Carol Brooker
SVP, Administration & Communication
703-754-8285 or 800-929-7449
cbrooker@tgaatour.com
www.tgaatour.com
