Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is The TOUR?
The USGA classifies us as a “traveling tournament club” and used our club as the prototype for all such clubs across the country. The TOUR plays tournaments all around the Greater Boston/eastern New England area. We are a member club of the Massachusetts Golf Association (MGA) and the USGA, which qualifies our Members for participation in MGA and USGA sponsored events.
What's involved?
You join as a Member and that allows you to play as many or few events as you wish. We offer 50-60 events each year, half on weekday, half on weekends. The season runs from mid-April through late October.
How many events do I have to play?
One-third of our Members play only 6–10 events each year. You can play as often as you’d like (or as often as your schedule allows).
What does it cost?
The Tour annual Membership is $150. Then you just pay per event. The events are priced at normal greens fees plus the day’s prize pool fee. This membership fee includes your handicap via the GHIN service and the MGA. There is no need to join another club just to obtain a USGA handicap index.
How do I pay for events?
We accept VISA, MasterCard, and American Express. We do not accept cash or checks. All Members are required to keep a credit card on file. We charge Members approximately twice per month. See all your season's transactions at a glance in the MY ACCOUNT page.
Is there a deadline to become a Tour Member?
No, we accept Membership applications all through the season, but the earlier you join, the more events you have from which to choose.
How big are the events and what can I win?
The fields can range from 20 to 80 people depending on the course and date. At least 20% of all golfers in the field will win some prize at each event. The most common form of prize is a TOUR gift certificate. TOUR certificates may be used to cover greens fees and cart fees associated with upcoming events, or can be redeemed with selected Tour Partners. At some courses we will award Pro Shop certificates for the host course.
What if I don't have an official handicap?
We provide official USGA handicaps for our Members. If you don’t have one, we can start one for you. All you need is 5 scores turned into our handicap chairman.
How do I enter and play in a TOUR event?
You quickly and easily register for events via the website. Registration usually closes 7-10 days before the event date. We post your tee time on the member's website 48 hours before the event. Some Members like to enter two or three events at a time, which is fine. If events start to fill up, we let the Membership know, via the member's website, our e-newsletter, or both. On the day of an event we suggest you arrive at the course 30 minutes before your tee time to check in at The TOUR desk, receive your scorecard, local rules, and warm-up.
What are the rules of play?
We abide by USGA rules. No gimmes, mulligans, or "winter rules." We do our best to protect the field and the integrity of the game. We also have a Rules Committee which we use as a resource for establishing TOUR local rules to govern our events.
What’s the level of competition?
We always have gross and net prizes, and the whole field is always eligible for both. 25% of the Members have a single digit handicap. Another 20% is higher than 20. If you like scratch competition, you’ll find it. If you usually shoot high 90s, you’ll find friends at that level, too. The average handicap index is 12.5. It’s always a tournament when you play—and it’s only as competitive as you want to make it.
How good do I have to be to play on The TOUR?
As a tournament club we expect you to have a working knowledge of the rules and golf etiquette. If you can break 100, you will enjoy the TOUR and have the ability to compete against the field.
How large is Membership?
The past 3 years, Membership has averaged around 400. Women comprise 5-10% of our membership.
What is your cancellation policy?
You may cancel anytime up until the registration deadline (usually 7-10 days before an event), without penalty. Between the registration deadline and 48 hours before the event, your fee is $25 unless there’s a replacement found. Inside 48 hours before the event you pay full price of the event, unless a replacement is found.
Can I bring a guest to a TOUR event?
Our first priority is to ensure that all Members who wish to play in an event have a chance to do so. We will open events to guests on an event-by-event basis when we determine that an event in not likely so sell out. Our guest fee is an additional $10 per round which is charged to your account.
