WAGC Am Tour rules & handbook

WAGC, WAGC USA & WAGC Am Tour

WAGC is the world's largest and most prestigious amateur golf tournament, open to male and female golfers with a handicap of 25 or better. WAGC currently plays in over 40 countries.

WAGC Am Tour is the exclusive organization operating local, regional, and national events in the United States. What sets WAGC apart from other amateur golf tours is the ability to compete nationally and win a position on Team USA to compete in the World Championship against WAGC competitors worldwide.

Membership with WAGC Am Tour

WAGC Am Tour membership is not required to play in any WAGC Am Tour event, other than the WAGC Am Tour National Championship. Membership is open to all amateur golfers, male and female, with a handicap of 25 or better. The annual membership fee is $100.00 and is good for one year from the date of enrollment.

Membership benefits

• Discounted entry into WAGC tournaments
• The ability to compete* in the US National Championship
• The ability to participate in golf trips organized by WAGC US
• The ability to compete* for a place on Team USA in the World Championship

*National and World events have qualifying requirements. Refer to the tournament information for specific requirements.

Members are placed in the local/regional tour group for their residential area. If you have more than one residence, you may choose which tour you'd like to belong to. If you live in an area without a local tour, you are considered a “National” member until a Tournament Director has been recruited. Registration for new membership is available at www.WAGCAmTour.com.

Flights & field size

WAGC Am Tour players are assigned to one of five flights. Assignment for a new member is based on the player's most current tournament index. There is no separate division for seniors, men, or women — all ages and genders play against each other.

National Championship flights

All other events — flights by size of field

Tournament index

A player's WAGC USA tournament index is calculated using the player's tournament scores in WAGC Am Tour events. A player must have a minimum of three scores in the current WAGC season to acquire a WAGC tournament index.

WAGC USA uses WAGC Am Tour event scores over a current 12-month time frame, a verified affiliate Am Tour handicap index, and a player's valid and current GHIN index. WAGC USA uses the lower of a player's WAGC scoring history, a verified affiliate Am Tour handicap index, and a GHIN index. A player without two data sources plays at 85% of the reported index. All players are asked to have a valid and current GHIN number.

Temporary WAGC USA index

New members, members, and non-members who have played fewer than five current-season rounds with WAGC USA are given a temporary WAGC USA index based on their current USGA or State Association index, a verified affiliate Am Tour handicap index, and any WAGC tournament scores.

Players without a current USGA index can submit their last five scorecards — showing hole-by-hole scores and the tees played — and the local tournament director will assign a temporary WAGC Am Tour index. New players with fewer than five WAGC Am Tour rounds may score less than net under par at local events, but the differential recorded will be used at the player's next WAGC Am Tour event.

Players with five or fewer current-season rounds cannot record a round less than their participating handicap index differential at a Major or National Championship. If they do, their score for that day is adjusted to reflect an index based on that score differential. A second adjusted gross score below the differential in the same tournament results in disqualification.

Worked example

A player has a USGA/WAGC handicap of 13.7, giving a course handicap (CH) of 14. The player shoots an adjusted gross score of 82 on a par-72 course with a slope/rating of 130/70. Their original net score would be 82 − 14 = 68 (four under par). Since they lack a five-round WAGC Am Tour index, the tournament index for the round is adjusted to the USGA differential based on the score: 10.4 = (82 − 70) × 113 ÷ 130, giving a new CH of 10. The net score is recalculated to 82 − 10 = 72 (even par). For the next round, their CH will be 10.

Local, Regional & PRE-National events

Requirements

• WAGC Am Tour members and non-members permitted, with a valid handicap index.

Tournament info

• 18 holes of golf including carts
• Trophies for all winners
• Optional side games
• Players earn points toward the Local or National Player of the Year

Majors (National Amateur Golf Series events)

Requirements

• WAGC Am Tour members and non-members permitted, with a valid handicap index.

Tournament info

• 36 holes of golf including carts. In the case of inclement weather, the event is “official” if all players have completed 18 holes.
• Lunch for players
• Trophies for all flight winners
• Each overall championship winner (overall low net) wins an exemption to the National Championship
• Optional side games
• Players earn points toward the National Player of the Year (for Team USA)
• The player earning the most points in the National Amateur Golf Series events earns a playing spot in the WAGI (receives the benefits of Team USA; airfare is not included)

National Championship

Requirements

• Players must be a current full member (in good standing) of WAGC Am Tour with a valid handicap index.
• Must have played a minimum of three qualifying rounds in the current season. WAGC may, at its discretion, offer entry to a player who has not met the minimum.

Tournament info

• 54 holes of golf including carts. In the case of inclement weather, the event is “official” if all players have completed 18 holes.
• Optional side games
• Trophies for all flight winners
• Awards and reception, including the National Player of the Year
• Winners of all flights win a spot on Team USA to compete at the World Championship

World Amateur Golfers Championship

Players from each country compete at the world level in one of two divisions:

• World Championship (WAGC) — an earned position from the playing country. You compete both as a member of the five-person team and as an individual in your flight against other countries' players.
• Invitational Championship (WAGI) — an earned or paid entry. The National Player of the Year earns a spot on the Invitational team, playing with the Team USA captain to form a two-person team. Paid entries (sponsors, VIPs, etc.) can purchase an Invitational team spot. Invitational teams play both as two-person teams and individually by flight.

Requirements

• Championship (WAGC) players — position earned from the National Championship, creating Team USA (team and individuals).
• Invitational (WAGI) players — position earned by National Player of the Year points; sponsors, team captains, and VIPs can pay to attend at a predetermined cost.

Tournament info

• 72 holes including carts (and potentially caddies)
• One practice round (additional practice rounds available at the player's expense)

Team USA benefits

• Roundtrip coach airfare to the World Final from the player's nearest major US airport
• Hotel accommodations based on double occupancy
• Most meals and some drinks
• 6 rounds of golf (2 practice + 4 tournament rounds)
• All transfers in the host country
• Miscellaneous entertainment organized by the host
• Team USA golf bag and uniforms
• Caddies or golf cart (gratuity not included)
• Optional side games

Tournament distance

WAGC Am Tour follows the guidelines set by WAGC Ltd. Since all play is net stroke play, there is no separate division for seniors, men, or women — all ages and genders play against each other.

Majors (National Amateur Golf Series events)

• Men play from approximately 5,800 – 6,700 yards (Flights 1–2 from ~6,300–6,700; Flights 3–5 from ~5,800–6,300).
• Ladies play from approximately 4,800 – 5,900 yards (Flights 1–2 from ~5,300–5,900; Flights 3–5 from ~4,800–5,300).

National Championship

• Men play from approximately 5,800 – 6,700 yards (Flights 1–2 from ~6,200–6,700; Flights 3–5 from ~5,800–6,300).
• Ladies play from approximately 4,800 – 5,900 yards (Flights 1–2 from ~5,300–5,900; Flights 3–5 from ~4,800–5,300).

Optional side games

At each local tour event, Major, and the USA National Championship, optional side games are available. Participation is not mandatory. In the case of a shortened event due to weather, side-game money is calculated for the number of stipulated rounds completed. The side games are Quota, Skins, and Front 9/Back 9.

Quota

Each golfer is given a quota to meet based on their course handicap. The quota is 36 minus the player's course handicap. All players whose point total for 18 holes meets or exceeds their quota win. If no one meets their quota, the winner is the golfer who comes closest. First wins 65% of the pot; second receives 35%. Points are earned on gross (not handicap-adjusted) scores; your handicap is only used to calculate your quota. Maximum points over quota is 5.

Payout example: With a $2,000 pot, if Player A is 2 points over quota and Player B is 1 point over, the combined points over quota total 5 ((0+1+2) + (0+1) = 5). $2,000 ÷ 5 = $400 per point. Player A is paid $1,200 and Player B $800.

Skins

A skin is awarded to the player with the best score on any hole (it does not need to be birdie or better). Participants compete in both a Giant Gross Skins and a Giant Net Skins game.

Front 9/Back 9

The player(s) with the lowest net score on the front 9 wins, and the player(s) with the lowest net score on the back 9 wins. The USGA 3–5 Rule (players competing from different tees) applies. The number of participants determines how many players are paid out.

Inclement weather

Every effort is made to complete all 18 holes for local events (two stipulated rounds of nine holes), 36 for Majors (two stipulated rounds of 18 holes), and 54 for Nationals (three stipulated rounds of 18 holes).

If play must be suspended due to inclement weather, the committee, along with the host course, decides whether play continues. If play must be canceled, the event is considered official if the last pairing finished a minimum of 9 holes for local events, and 18 holes for Majors and Nationals. If the last group has not finished as described, the event will be rescheduled if possible. If the last group finishes more than that but less than the total, the event becomes a 9-hole event for local and 18 for Majors and Nationals.

Tie breakers

If possible, a net sudden-death playoff is used to break a tie. Based on handicaps, if a player receives a stroke on the hole used for the playoff, they get a stroke on the playoff hole as well.

If a sudden-death playoff is not an option, the tie is decided by the USGA-recommended method of low net back nine. If still tied, low net last 6, last 3, last 2, and last hole are used.

Points races

In the event of a tie in any points race, the tiebreaker is the point value from the highest tournament not being used in the point total. (Point races use points from a percentage of events played.)

Pace of play

Slow play — Rule 5.6 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 Tournament Committee.” The following guidelines and slow-play penalties, except during match-play competitions, have been adopted.

• Each player is responsible for policing their own group.
• A group is out of position if they fall more than 10 minutes behind the group in front of them.
• Each group has 2 hours 15 minutes to finish 9 holes, or must finish the 9th and 18th within 14 minutes of the group ahead.
• A group receives a one-stroke penalty (each player) if they finish 9 holes in more than 2h15 and are more than 14 minutes behind the group ahead. An additional 2-stroke penalty applies if the group finishes both nines in more than 2h15 and is more than 14 minutes behind.

Staying in position

• Scorecards show the time you need to finish each hole.
• Staff may mark your group's time on holes 4 and 13. Falling 11–14 minutes behind earns a yellow card; 15 minutes behind earns a red card. These are friendly reminders that your group is in jeopardy of a penalty.
• If you are in position after 6 holes but fall more than 14 minutes behind after hole 7, 8, or 9 and finish the nine in more than 2h15, your group receives a penalty without warning.
• If a foursome is out of position, a tournament official may split the group into twosomes to help all four players get back into position.
• Holes 9 and 18 may have an official who records your times and assesses penalties. Penalty strokes are added to the 9th or 18th hole depending on where the infraction occurred. Time is based on when the group enters the flag/pin into the hole.

Other monitoring methods

It is each player's responsibility to be aware of their group's position. Officials are not required to warn groups before taking these steps:

• Putting the group on the clock: each player has 40 seconds to make a shot. Exceeding 40 seconds earns a one-stroke penalty for the first offense, a two-stroke penalty for the second, and disqualification for the third.
• Three holes to catch up: a group told it is out of position has three holes to catch up. After three holes, if still out of position, each player receives a one-stroke penalty, then has two more holes to get into position to avoid a further two-stroke penalty. If the course requires a group to skip a hole to get into position, players must skip it and score par plus 4 on the skipped hole(s).

Cancelations & refunds

Cancelation policies vary from region to region. To be eligible for a full or partial refund, a player must withdraw prior to the cancellation date; otherwise, no refund is given. View the local tour's cancelation policy for details.

Electronic devices & cell phones

Electronic devices and cell phones are permitted for golf-related purposes only — such as measuring distance (not slope), calling the tournament director for assistance, scoring, or viewing live leaderboards. Phones must be on silent, and players should not receive calls during a stipulated round except in an emergency. A player deemed to abuse cell-phone use — such as taking personal calls, disrupting other players, holding up play, looking up wind speed or coaching tips, or listening to music or coaching — is issued a two-stroke penalty.

Dress code & conduct

Collared shirts or mock turtlenecks are required. No jeans, denim, jogging outfits, or sweatpants are permitted. WAGC Am Tour will not tolerate swearing, vulgar language, club throwing, alcohol abuse, lack of golfing etiquette, or similar behavior per the USGA Rules of Golf. Any actions found to be detrimental to WAGC US will result in tournament disqualification and/or suspension and/or expulsion from the organization.

Solicitation

No member should be subject to any type of solicitation. No vendor, sponsor, or member has the right to solicit you in any form without the prior written approval of WAGC Am Tour. To keep our tour free from this, please report any solicitation to WAGC Am Tour.

Check in

National Championship

All tour players must personally check in on site at least 30 minutes prior to their assigned tee time and be at their starting point at least 10 minutes prior. Failure to do so may result in forfeiting the tee time. A player not at the starting point and ready to play at the assigned time is in breach of USGA Rule 5-3: less than five minutes late is a two-stroke penalty; more than five minutes late is disqualification.

Major Championships (National Amateur Golf Series)

All tour players must personally check in with the tournament director at least 30 minutes prior to their assigned tee time and be at their starting point at least 10 minutes prior. The same USGA Rule 5-3 penalties apply: less than five minutes late is a two-stroke penalty; more than five minutes late is disqualification.

Spectators & caddies

Spectators and caddies are welcome at all WAGC US tournaments, provided the course allows spectators to walk the course and they do not interfere with pace of play. Spectators and caddies are the responsibility of the player, must remain out of the area of play, and must always practice proper golf etiquette.

If there is an issue with the behavior of a spectator or caddie, the individual will be asked to leave. Per the USGA Rules of Golf, the player incurs the applicable penalty for any breach by their caddie, including unsportsmanlike conduct. Spectators and caddies may or may not be permitted to use a cart — the tour's policy is that they walk, but the course and tournament director may allow a cart at their discretion.

Scoring

WAGC Am Tour has live scoring capabilities, and players may be asked for their current scores during a round; these scores are considered “unofficial.”

After the round, players should bring their scorecards to the official scoring area together as a group, sign them, and turn them in to the scoring volunteers. Once a player has turned in their scorecard and left any boundary defining the scoring area, the scorecard is considered official. The scoring area is limited to players and their caddies; other players may not gather there while play is in progress.

Tournament Director participation

Tournament Directors (TDs) are considered WAGC Am Tour members with a few limitations. With some limitations they may play in all the Majors, other local tour events, the National Championship, and the World Championship.

Note: Tournament Directors who violate any provision of this policy will be disqualified from the event and will not be eligible to play in the USA National Championship.

Tournament point structure

WAGC Am Tour maintains a detailed tournament point structure (last revised July 26, 2024) used for the Local and National Player of the Year races. The full point tables are published in the official Players Handbook.

Points races use points from a percentage of events played. For the current, detailed point tables, contact the WAGC office at info@wagc.us or your local Tournament Director.

Liability waiver

By joining or electronically submitting a member application and entering and playing in a WAGC Am Tour tournament (“tournament”), the participant understands and agrees that there are certain dangers involved with participation in a golf tournament, including but not limited to being struck by lightning, getting hit by a golf club, suffering from heat exhaustion, heart attack, or injury from uneven terrain — all risks the participant assumes and solely accepts, and waives all claims of injury to body or property against World Amateur Golfers Championship USA, Inc.

Furthermore, the participant agrees that while on the premises of a WAGC Am Tour tournament, the participant and any guest, relative, or anyone else affiliated with the participant shall be present at their own risk, and that WAGC Am Tour shall not be liable for any claims for injuries or damages whatsoever to the person or property of the participant or related person arising out of or in connection with participation in the tournament or presence at the tournament. The participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless WAGC Am Tour from all claims by or liability to the participant or affiliated person.

Policy revisions

WAGC Am Tour reserves the right to revise the current Policies & Provisions, or any other aspect of tour operations and benefits, at its sole discretion and without notice to the public, membership, or any other entity.