Policies and Procedures
Format
All events will be strokeplay
Tournament Purses
The purses of 2017 will vary from event to event but will be projected periodically up to each tournament date.
Eligibility
Professionals and amateurs are eligible for all events (unless stated otherwise). Professionals will be given priority over amateurs and amateurs are eligible on a spot available basis. In the occasion that the professional field is filled, any professional entries after will be added to the Waiting List (see below).
A limited number of spots will be made for amateurs at each event. Amateurs with a world, national or collegiate ranking (R&A WAGR, Scratch Players, Golfweek, etc.) will be given priority over others. In the occasion that the professional field of an event isn't filled by the Early Entry Deadline (see below), the remaining spots will be filled with amateurs on the waiting list.
Entry Deadlines
Please see each tournament page for more information. Each entry deadline is generally a week prior to the tournament date.
Entry Fees
The entry fees for 2016 can be found on our event webpages under the "Schedule" Tab
Waiting List
The NSPGT serves players on a "first come, first served" basis until the tournament field is at capacity
In the event that the player field is filled:
Priority on the professional waiting list works as follows:
Priority on the amateur waiting list works as follows:
Withdrawls and No Shows
No shows will absolutely not be tolerated. Any player who no shows will forfeit their entry fee for that event and will lose priority over others when signing up for any future event.
A player may withdraw without penalty up until the Entry Deadline (see above).
A player who withdraws after the Entry Deadline but before the day of the event will be charged a $100 administration fee.
A player who withdraws after 12:00am on the 1st day of the event will be considered a no show and will receive NO refund. Only life or death situations and emergencies may be submitted to a tournament director (via email) to request a refund.
For a players entry fee to count towards an event purse, the player needs to hit a minimum of one shot in competition during that event.
Practice Rounds
Practice rounds will be made available at a discounted rate at the host course. All players and caddies are expected to behave in a professional manner during practice rounds. Any behavior seen as unprofessional or unethical during practice rounds and through competition may be reviewed by the tournament committee. This review can result in a penalty or disqualification from the tournament. Also, see "Conduct"
Groove Policy
All players on the North Star Tour must use grooves that conform to the USGA's established standards for all clubs 25 degrees and higher. If a player fails to follow this policy will result in immediate disqualification.
Pace of Play
Rule 6-7 states, in part: "The player shall play without undue delay and in accordance with any pace of play guidelines which may be laid down by the Committee."
1. Definition of "Out of Position"
The first group to start will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, the group exceeds the time allotted per hole, as detailed on the applicable course's Local Rules Addendum. The second and third groups, and additional groups as determined by the Rules Committee when play is in pairs, to start will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, they (a) exceed the allotted time to play or (b) reach any place where there is an open par-3 and the group in front has left the next teeing ground or (c) reach any place where there is an open par-4 hole or (d) when the preceding group is on the putting green of a par-5 hole when the group in question is on the teeing ground. Any subsequent group will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, they reach any place where there is an open par-3 or par-4 hole, or the preceding group is on the putting green of a par-5 hole when the group in question is on the teeing ground.
2. Monitoring Groups
It is the responsibility of each player to be aware of his groups' position on the golf course. Any group that is over "time-par" or out of position will be advised of the situation and the group may immediately be put back "on-the-clock". A group will be subject to being timed until back in position with the group ahead or back on TIME PAR.
3. Timing
The timing of a player's stroke will begin when it is his turn to play and he can play without interference or distraction. Any time spent determining yardages will count as time taken for the next stroke. On the putting green, timing will begin after a player has been allowed a reasonable amount of time to mark, lift, clean and replace his ball, repair his ball mark and other ball marks on his line of putt and remove loose impediments on the line of his putt. A player will have 40 seconds to play a stroke when being timed. NOTE: An extra 20 seconds will be allowed for: A. The first player to play a stroke on a par-3 hole. B. The first player to play a second stroke on a par-4 or par-5 hole (when attempting to reach the putting green). C. The first player to play a third stroke on a par-5 hole. D. The first player to play on or around the putting green.
4. Penalties
Any player in a group out of position will be subject to being timed. Any player who exceeds the allotted time to play a stroke will be notified of such. Any player that has received notification of a bad time is considered to be in the Penalty Phase of the Pace of Play Policy. Players in the Penalty Phase of the Pace of Play Policy exceeding the allotted time to play a stroke will be penalized in the following manner.
5. Summary Penalties during a Round
First Offense: One timing exceeding the allotted time to play a stroke -- one stroke penalty. Second Offense: One more timing (a total of two) exceeding the allotted time to play a stroke -- two stroke penalty. Subsequent Offense: One more timing (a total of three) exceeding the allotted time to play a stroke -- disqualification.
6. Appeals
The player in question immediately upon completion of his/her round may refer any appeal of a penalty to the Tour Director. The Tour Director's decision shall be final.
Conduct
Any conduct unbecoming of a professional will not be tolerated on the North Star PGT. Such behavior includes abusive profanity, club throwing, and any act that results in personal or private property damage. Players are responsible for the conduct of their caddies and will be responsible for any penalties incurred. Breach of professional conduct will result in warnings, penalties or disqualification. It is the responsibility of all North Star Tour players to report any behavior they witness that is deemed conduct unbecoming of a professional.
Scoring
All players are required to return their scorecards to the scoring area immediately following the tournament round. Players are required to remain in the scoring area until all players in their group have returned their scorecards to the tournament staff.
The scoring area will be determined by the committee and will be defined by (but not limited to) a tent, rope, or the specific room in which it is located. A scorecard is deemed returned once the player has left this defined area.
Alcohol and Illegal Drugs
Any player who drinks alcohol or uses any illegal drugs during an official tournament round will be disqualified from the tournament. A second offense will result in loss of playing privileges for the remainder of the 2015 season.
Dress Code
No jeans or denim allowed. Shorts may be worn but must be of Bermuda length. Collared shirts are required at all events and should remain tucked in at all times. Soft spikes are mandatory at all events. Open-toed shoes are not permitted. This policy apply to all players AND caddies, and to all practice and tournament rounds.
Mobile Phones
Except for emergencies, cell phone use during a stipulated round is prohibited.
Exception: Players may call a "Committee Member/Tournament Director" for a "ruling".
Penalty for violation of this policy:
First offense: "Warning" and possible penalty for undue delay.
Second offense: Disqualification.
Electronic Measuring Devices
Electronic distance-measuring devices WILL be allowed on North Star Tour. A player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance only. However, if, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g., gradient, wind-speed, temperature, etc.), the player is in breach of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification, regardless of whether any such additional functions are actually used.
Playoffs & Ties
Ties will be decided by a sudden death playoff immediately following regulation play. Tour officials will decide the starting hole and hole procession.
Suspension of Play
Play may be suspended due to dangerous situations. A suspension of play for a dangerous situation shall be signaled by one long air horn blast. After a horn or siren has sounded, players must immediately halt play and may not resume again until the Committee has ordered to do so. Under suspension, the entire golf course, driving range, putting greens and all practice areas are closed until the "Committee" has declared them open again. Suspension of play due to fog, excessive rain, ice, wind or any other reason is not considered dangerous and will be signaled by consecutive air horn blasts. Players in the process of playing the hole may complete the hole. Players in between the play of two holes must stop immediately.
Golf Carts
The 2017 North Star Tour season will feature primarily walking events. However, the Tour has the right to designate any event a riding event if deemed necessary. Any changes will be posted on the tour's website.
Spectators are not allowed to ride in a player's cart at any time. Spectator carts are not allowed unless approved by the Tournament Director.
Pull carts are allowed during all tournament rounds.
Reduction of Rounds
The North Star Tour will do everything within reason to complete all scheduled rounds. In such cases where full rounds cannot be completed, partial rounds will not count. Every effort will be made to complete a round.
Disclaimer
The North Star Tour reserves the right to refuse entry to any player for any reason.
The North Star Tour is not responsible for any items lost, stolen or damaged at a host or secondary facility.
Participants in The North Star Tour are responsible for any damage they cause to the golf course and/or property of the golf course.
Payouts
All payouts and policy information is subject to change. Please consult with the registration table at each event.
Format
All events will be strokeplay
Tournament Purses
The purses of 2017 will vary from event to event but will be projected periodically up to each tournament date.
Eligibility
Professionals and amateurs are eligible for all events (unless stated otherwise). Professionals will be given priority over amateurs and amateurs are eligible on a spot available basis. In the occasion that the professional field is filled, any professional entries after will be added to the Waiting List (see below).
A limited number of spots will be made for amateurs at each event. Amateurs with a world, national or collegiate ranking (R&A WAGR, Scratch Players, Golfweek, etc.) will be given priority over others. In the occasion that the professional field of an event isn't filled by the Early Entry Deadline (see below), the remaining spots will be filled with amateurs on the waiting list.
Entry Deadlines
Please see each tournament page for more information. Each entry deadline is generally a week prior to the tournament date.
Entry Fees
The entry fees for 2016 can be found on our event webpages under the "Schedule" Tab
Waiting List
The NSPGT serves players on a "first come, first served" basis until the tournament field is at capacity
In the event that the player field is filled:
Priority on the professional waiting list works as follows:
- Professionals with residence in Minnesota
- Professionals who previously or currently have a tour card on any PGA affiliated tour (PGA Tour, Web, Canadian, Latino America, etc.)
- All others
Priority on the amateur waiting list works as follows:
- Top 500 ranked amateurs in R&A WAGR, Scratch Players, Golfweek and collegiate rankings
- Amateurs with other notable rankings
- Current winners of any notable Minnesota golf championships
- Amateurs with residence in Minnesota
- All others
Withdrawls and No Shows
No shows will absolutely not be tolerated. Any player who no shows will forfeit their entry fee for that event and will lose priority over others when signing up for any future event.
A player may withdraw without penalty up until the Entry Deadline (see above).
A player who withdraws after the Entry Deadline but before the day of the event will be charged a $100 administration fee.
A player who withdraws after 12:00am on the 1st day of the event will be considered a no show and will receive NO refund. Only life or death situations and emergencies may be submitted to a tournament director (via email) to request a refund.
For a players entry fee to count towards an event purse, the player needs to hit a minimum of one shot in competition during that event.
Practice Rounds
Practice rounds will be made available at a discounted rate at the host course. All players and caddies are expected to behave in a professional manner during practice rounds. Any behavior seen as unprofessional or unethical during practice rounds and through competition may be reviewed by the tournament committee. This review can result in a penalty or disqualification from the tournament. Also, see "Conduct"
Groove Policy
All players on the North Star Tour must use grooves that conform to the USGA's established standards for all clubs 25 degrees and higher. If a player fails to follow this policy will result in immediate disqualification.
Pace of Play
Rule 6-7 states, in part: "The player shall play without undue delay and in accordance with any pace of play guidelines which may be laid down by the Committee."
1. Definition of "Out of Position"
The first group to start will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, the group exceeds the time allotted per hole, as detailed on the applicable course's Local Rules Addendum. The second and third groups, and additional groups as determined by the Rules Committee when play is in pairs, to start will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, they (a) exceed the allotted time to play or (b) reach any place where there is an open par-3 and the group in front has left the next teeing ground or (c) reach any place where there is an open par-4 hole or (d) when the preceding group is on the putting green of a par-5 hole when the group in question is on the teeing ground. Any subsequent group will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, they reach any place where there is an open par-3 or par-4 hole, or the preceding group is on the putting green of a par-5 hole when the group in question is on the teeing ground.
2. Monitoring Groups
It is the responsibility of each player to be aware of his groups' position on the golf course. Any group that is over "time-par" or out of position will be advised of the situation and the group may immediately be put back "on-the-clock". A group will be subject to being timed until back in position with the group ahead or back on TIME PAR.
3. Timing
The timing of a player's stroke will begin when it is his turn to play and he can play without interference or distraction. Any time spent determining yardages will count as time taken for the next stroke. On the putting green, timing will begin after a player has been allowed a reasonable amount of time to mark, lift, clean and replace his ball, repair his ball mark and other ball marks on his line of putt and remove loose impediments on the line of his putt. A player will have 40 seconds to play a stroke when being timed. NOTE: An extra 20 seconds will be allowed for: A. The first player to play a stroke on a par-3 hole. B. The first player to play a second stroke on a par-4 or par-5 hole (when attempting to reach the putting green). C. The first player to play a third stroke on a par-5 hole. D. The first player to play on or around the putting green.
4. Penalties
Any player in a group out of position will be subject to being timed. Any player who exceeds the allotted time to play a stroke will be notified of such. Any player that has received notification of a bad time is considered to be in the Penalty Phase of the Pace of Play Policy. Players in the Penalty Phase of the Pace of Play Policy exceeding the allotted time to play a stroke will be penalized in the following manner.
5. Summary Penalties during a Round
First Offense: One timing exceeding the allotted time to play a stroke -- one stroke penalty. Second Offense: One more timing (a total of two) exceeding the allotted time to play a stroke -- two stroke penalty. Subsequent Offense: One more timing (a total of three) exceeding the allotted time to play a stroke -- disqualification.
6. Appeals
The player in question immediately upon completion of his/her round may refer any appeal of a penalty to the Tour Director. The Tour Director's decision shall be final.
Conduct
Any conduct unbecoming of a professional will not be tolerated on the North Star PGT. Such behavior includes abusive profanity, club throwing, and any act that results in personal or private property damage. Players are responsible for the conduct of their caddies and will be responsible for any penalties incurred. Breach of professional conduct will result in warnings, penalties or disqualification. It is the responsibility of all North Star Tour players to report any behavior they witness that is deemed conduct unbecoming of a professional.
Scoring
All players are required to return their scorecards to the scoring area immediately following the tournament round. Players are required to remain in the scoring area until all players in their group have returned their scorecards to the tournament staff.
The scoring area will be determined by the committee and will be defined by (but not limited to) a tent, rope, or the specific room in which it is located. A scorecard is deemed returned once the player has left this defined area.
Alcohol and Illegal Drugs
Any player who drinks alcohol or uses any illegal drugs during an official tournament round will be disqualified from the tournament. A second offense will result in loss of playing privileges for the remainder of the 2015 season.
Dress Code
No jeans or denim allowed. Shorts may be worn but must be of Bermuda length. Collared shirts are required at all events and should remain tucked in at all times. Soft spikes are mandatory at all events. Open-toed shoes are not permitted. This policy apply to all players AND caddies, and to all practice and tournament rounds.
Mobile Phones
Except for emergencies, cell phone use during a stipulated round is prohibited.
Exception: Players may call a "Committee Member/Tournament Director" for a "ruling".
Penalty for violation of this policy:
First offense: "Warning" and possible penalty for undue delay.
Second offense: Disqualification.
Electronic Measuring Devices
Electronic distance-measuring devices WILL be allowed on North Star Tour. A player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance only. However, if, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g., gradient, wind-speed, temperature, etc.), the player is in breach of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification, regardless of whether any such additional functions are actually used.
Playoffs & Ties
Ties will be decided by a sudden death playoff immediately following regulation play. Tour officials will decide the starting hole and hole procession.
Suspension of Play
Play may be suspended due to dangerous situations. A suspension of play for a dangerous situation shall be signaled by one long air horn blast. After a horn or siren has sounded, players must immediately halt play and may not resume again until the Committee has ordered to do so. Under suspension, the entire golf course, driving range, putting greens and all practice areas are closed until the "Committee" has declared them open again. Suspension of play due to fog, excessive rain, ice, wind or any other reason is not considered dangerous and will be signaled by consecutive air horn blasts. Players in the process of playing the hole may complete the hole. Players in between the play of two holes must stop immediately.
Golf Carts
The 2017 North Star Tour season will feature primarily walking events. However, the Tour has the right to designate any event a riding event if deemed necessary. Any changes will be posted on the tour's website.
Spectators are not allowed to ride in a player's cart at any time. Spectator carts are not allowed unless approved by the Tournament Director.
Pull carts are allowed during all tournament rounds.
Reduction of Rounds
The North Star Tour will do everything within reason to complete all scheduled rounds. In such cases where full rounds cannot be completed, partial rounds will not count. Every effort will be made to complete a round.
Disclaimer
The North Star Tour reserves the right to refuse entry to any player for any reason.
The North Star Tour is not responsible for any items lost, stolen or damaged at a host or secondary facility.
Participants in The North Star Tour are responsible for any damage they cause to the golf course and/or property of the golf course.
Payouts
All payouts and policy information is subject to change. Please consult with the registration table at each event.
