Mini-Tour Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 2009-10 Season
Membership Questions
What Is the Membership Fee to Join the Tour?
$85 Regular Tour Membership or $185 College Bound Membership.
What is the timeframe for 2009-10 Season Membership? Aug 1, 2009 –Aug, 31 2010. (Thirteen Months)
Can I play the Mini-Tour as a Non-Member? Yes, for an additional $20 for each event.
When will I receive my membership gifts? TJGT submits your names and emails for the Golfweek & Golf Digest Subscription twice a month. Your bag tag will be presented at the first tournament you play.
What gifts do I receive at each tournament? Each player at EVERY EVENT will receive a Nike Golf Shirt, Nike Hat and Two Sleeves of Nike Golf Balls.
Do Non-Members receive the tee gifts? Yes with a paid entry fee.
Why two levels of membership?
TJGT is offering an expanded membership to those members who want to receive and participate in the College Planning/Scholarship seminars, Q &A sessions, conference calls, AJGA strategy sessions, tournament planning. TJGT staff and the Board of Directors are all parents of AJGA and current/former college golfers. The counsel they can provide to a mini-tour parent can be very valuable to help plan your tournament schedule and save families thousands of travel costs when navigating which tournaments to play.
Can I join either one?
Yes, when you register, there is an overview of both memberships as well as a detailed description of both separate memberships. You will be asked in the membership registration process to select which level you want to join. You may also look under the membership icon dropdown under tour information for the description of both memberships.
Why makes the CBM membership more expensive?
Because the CBM members will receive exclusive additional gifts and benefits as discussed above. You can also look at the “Big Tour” FAQ section to read more.
Who Runs the CBM Program?
Coach Lynn Monzingo, former Univ. of Oklahoma Asst. Mens Coach & Eastern New Mexico along with TJGT President Dave Jones. Coach Monzingo brings a wealth of experience in assisting parents navigate the college recruiting process and providing exposure for their junior. He will help you in navigate junior golf thru the early years as well as thru the high school years. Tournament planning, equipment counsel, AJGA strategy, instructor recommendations, travel planning, etc. He has over 25 years of High School head coaching experience and college coaching experience and has played at the highest levels as a collegiate player.
Why join the CBM Program as a Mini-Tour Player?
Information is very valuable to you as parents of younger Jr. Golfers. The TJGT Staff have walked their own children thru every level of Junior Golf and College Golf. They are able to give you first hand information better than any other organization in the country because they have lived the experiences of planning tournament schedules, recruiting, hotels, AJGA PBE Strategy etc etc. They can tell you the insides of recruiting and how to network the best. For younger players’ families, Coach Monzingo and Dave Jones have extensive knowledge from their many years of experiences. They can counsel each family on travel, tournament planning, budgets, equipment choices, instructor choices etc etc. This information is what they want to share with each Mini-Tour parent to enable them to make wise and money saving decisions.
How Much is the CBM program?
The program is $100 at initial registration. You will be able to choose from the normal tour membership @ $85 or the CBM Plus for $185. This includes the normal and CBM program. The CBM membership is valid for your entire tour membership. Aug, 1 2009 – Aug 31, 2010. CBM members will be able to listen into the monthly conference calls, email support to coach Monzingo, attend the college planning seminars etc.
How Long Is My Membership?
Your membership allows you to play the entire schedule of tournaments starting from Aug 1st, 2009 to Aug, 31 , 2010.
What Is Included in My Membership?
Your ability to online register for all TJGT tournaments as well as the recipient of the Golfweek and Golf Digest subscriptions and personalized bag tag.
What Form of Payment Does TJGT Take for Membership & Tournament Registrations?
All payments are done online thru TJGT.com with Visa or Mastercard. TJGT does not accept Discover or American Experss. TJGT does accept debit cards if it is a bank card with the Master Card or Visa label on the card.
If I Do Not Have a Mastercard or Visa, Can I Still Sign Up?
Yes, please email or call TJGT & the staff will make arrangements on a case by case basis to allow you to make payment via check or cash.
What Will I Receive As Membership Gifts?
TJGT will submit your names to Golfweek and Golf Digest after membership registration. The subscriptions should start apx. One month after your membership. The Golfweek is an online subscription. The Golf Digest is a print version.
What will I received at individual tournaments?
TJGT is the only tour that provides a $ 50-65 Nike Golf Shirt, Nike Golf hat and two sleeves of Golf Balls at each tournament to EVERY player. Mini-Tour gifts that are in conjunction with the TJGT “Big Tour” usually include surprise electronic gifts or any additional gift depending on individual tournament sponsorship. For example: mini-tour players received I-Pod speaker bases @ the Texas A &M invitational and I-Pod headphones and Nike backpacks @ Baylor last season.
Do I Have to Be a Member to Register for Tournaments?
No, you can register as a non-member for any mini tour event. There is a $20 extra charge for each event for e-commerce charges. We encourage everyone to join, this will save each family time when registering and you will receive the membership gifts.
If I Play As a Non-Member, Do I Still Get the Membership Gifts?
No, you would only receive the individual tournament gifts.
What Happens After I Online Register for Membership?
You will receive an ID & password from BlueGolf to register online for tournaments. It is very important that you print or write down this ID & password not to lose for future tournament registrations.
If I Lose My Password, How Do I Find It?
You need to email TJGT from the contact us page and it will be emailed to you depending on the availability at that time of TJGT staff.
Is There a Non-Member Option to Play?
Yes, if a player wants to play an individual tournament only, there is an extra $20 charge to the tournament fee. You can register online and click the non-member icon to proceed with the registration. Non-members will not receive the membership gifts but will be included in all tee gifts at the event.
What Are the Age Divisions for the TJGT?
All divisions both boys & girls: 8-9, 10-11, 12-13.
Is There a Proof or Birthdate/Birth Certificate Required to Play?
No, just make sure you input your age correctly on membership registration.
Can I Play up Into a Division?
Yes, with TJGT staff approval.
If I Play up Into a Division, How Do the Points Work?
Any points earned while playing up will not be awarded in the division the player normally plays in. Points will be awarded only in the older division for that tournament only.
If I Sign up in the 12/13 Division With the Mini-Tour Can I Also Play the TJGT Jr. All Star Division (12-15) on the TJGT?
Yes. If a 12-13 player wants to play on the TJGT “Big Tour”. he/she must register online for the regular membership of $200 to receive the membership gifts. If a player wants to play and not receive ANY membership gifts, please email TJGT staff and they will be registered into the TJGT after the request for no additional charge. It is important to make contact with Mr. Jones or Coach Monzingo if this is the case.
How Do I Know if Can Play As a 12/13 on the TJGT?
The standards for 12/13 are primarily for pace of play. If a player can carry his own bag without caddie, normally score below 95 from yardages between 6000-6300 yds then you can play in the 12-15 age division. TJGT staff reserves the right to inform any 12/13 player based on tournament performance whether they will be restricted to Mini-Tour or TJGT 12-15 division only.
How Do I Register for the 12-15 Age Group on the TJGT if I Am a Member Only on the Elite Mini-Tour?
Please email TJGT staff via TJGT.com and TJGT will input the 12/13 player into the TJGT database as well for no additional charge if no membership gifts are received. If TJGT membership gifts are wanted, player may register for regular TJGT membership for $200. See above FAQ question for explanation. Published tournament fees apply.
If I Play in the TJGT (12-15) on the "Big Tour", Do I Get the TJGT Membership Gifts As Well?
No, if you initially register for membership for the Elite Mini-Tour, you will receive only the Mini-Tour gifts and vice versa unless you pay for a regular or college bound membership on the TJGT. Regular: $200 College Bound Membership: $299 .
Is There a Limit of Tournaments That Any Player Can Play on the Mini-Tour or the TJGT?
No, you can play as many as you want.
Tournament Procedures/Rules
ALL TOURNAMENTS WILL BE CONDUCTED UNDER USGA RULES. THE TJGT "HARD CARD" FOR RULES AND PACE OF PLAY IS POSTED ON TJGT.COM
What Yardages Will Each Age Division Play?
8-9: Apx. 4500 yds or the minimum rated USGA tee boxes depending on the course. TJGT staff will set course to have tournament nationally ranked if possible.
10-11: Apx. 5000-5500 yds or the minimum rated USGA tee boxes. usually the red (women or senior tee boxes).
12/13: Apx. 5500-5800 yds or the red tee (womens/senior/white tee boxes)
what is the purpose of these yardages? TJGT elite mini-tour events will be nationally ranked by jr. golf scoreboard. There are certain yardage and number of player requirements to meet ranked events. See NJGS.com for ranking guidelines.
Will Every Mini-Tour Event Be Nationally Ranked by NJGS?
Yes, for the 10-11, 12-13 age groups if there are enough players to meet the ranking requirements published by Jr. Golf Scoreboard. See http://www.njgs.com. TJGT will make every effort to meet the NJGS ranking guidelines at every tournament for the 10-11, 12-13 age groups.
Will the 8-9 Division Be Nationally Ranked?
Yes & no, depending on the course difficulty and the weather conditions as well as meeting the yardage ranking requirements, TJGT will determine at each venue if the NJGS ranking requirements can be met.
Is There a Stroke Limit?
No, in the 10-11 & 12-13 divisions. There are no stroke limits to comply with the NJGS national rankings. The TJGT Mini-Tour Director Coach Justin Mckown reserves the right to add a stroke limit if the need arises for the venue or pace of play requirements. Normally, stroke limits will only apply to the 8-9 division for pace of play purposes.
Is There a Stoke Limit in the 8-9 Division?
Yes, when the tournament will not be ranked by NJGS. No, when the tournament will be ranked by NJGS. There are stroke limit requirements with the NJGS ranking guidelines.
What Is the Stroke Limit?
8 on par three holes, 10 or all par four or fives (ie. after your 9th shot then the player must pick up the ball and discontinue play and makr their scorecard).
Who Can Score for the Players?
The player or caddie, if allowed may keep the score. The player is ultimately responsible for the score on each hole per usga rules. TJGT scoring staff is responsible for the correct addition of the score.
Will the Players Exchange Scorecards?
Yes, before the round each player/caddie is asked to exchange scorecards before play begins.
Is There a Cut Policy?
No. Only if a player cannot keep up with pace of play. TJGT staff will encourage the caddie to rent a spectator cart or will do everything to help the player keep in position.
What Are the Pace of Play Standards?
A player has 45 seconds to hit a shot once arriving at his ball initially. This means having a good idea of yardage and shot selection before he/she arrives.
Are There Distance Measuring Devices Allowed on TJGT or Elite Mini-Tour?
No, not until the AJGA adopts this policy.
Do You Allow Pull Carts?
Yes, please check with the individual course to see if permitted. Course information is listed on each tournament info page. Click Here for TJGT Pull Cart Policy.
Are Caddies Allowed?
Yes, for all age divisions on the Mini-Tour.
What Are the Caddies Rules?
Why Should I Play the Mini-Tour?
Because it TJGT’s experience with Elite Jr. Golf is second to none and the environment of tournament operations and parental support is unmatched. It will also get your junior into the national rankings at an earlier age to maximize their exposure to college coaches. TJGT Staff created the Mini-Tour to avoid the following that is usually experienced with other developmental junior programs across the state: 1. 6 hr plus rounds. 2. Only a young in-experience college intern monitoring play. 3. No counsel from the intern on navigating Jr. Golf 4. Venues that are not premium Your TJGT Mini-Tour experience will be significantly different in that the staff will be experience High School Golf Coaches and rounds will move quickly with continual help from TJGT staff. TJGT does not blow the horn and leave you out on the course to finish. TJGT staffs tournaments better than any tour with experienced High School & former College Golf Coaches. This is a significant difference that your many of your summer programs for ages 12 and under.
How Can I Get More Information About the TJGT & Elite Mini-Tour?
Please watch the videos on the video site as well as listen to the podcasts. They are very informative.
Isn’t It Too Young to Be Talking College Golf/Recruiting?
No, because the earlier a parent understands the process, the more money and time they can save in the future and better prepare their junior for college golf exposure.
How Will the Mini-Tour Be Involved at the TJGT Invitationals?
All the Mini-Tour players and parents will be right along side the TJGT players & parents at the banquets and college coach question & answer sessions. The parents will gain valuable information when networking with older players parents on junior golf and recruiting.
What if I Have a Question That Is Not Answered Here?
please read the TJGT policies and rules hard card on TJGT.com or The Elite Mini-Tour website.
What Is the Criteria for a Nationally Ranked Tournament With NJGS.com?
To be eligible to be ranked in The Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings a player must meet the following criteria.
- Have competed in four multi-day stroke play tournaments within the last 365 days for which we have received the results and they are listed by the same name and hometown.
- Have their high school graduation year in their tournament record. Missing yours? Read next paragraph.
- Still be in high school or prior to August 1st after graduation.
- Have competed in an age group that:
a. completes at least 36 holes,
b. has a minimum of 5 competitors that complete all scheduled rounds,
c. has played from a minimum of 4,500 yards and not shorter than the forward most USGA rated tees, and there is no stroke limit rule in place.
Caddies
Are Caddies Allowed on the Elite Mini Tour?
Yes, in all divisions.
Who Can Caddy?
Anyone so designated by the player. Caddies have to be a minimum age of 12 yrs old.
Can a Sibling Caddy for the Player?
Yes, provided the caddy complies with all the USGA rules and proper golf course etiquette. TJGT reserves the right to decline or terminate any caddy that is not in compliance with TJGT standards and policies.
Can the Caddy Walk, Ride or Pull?
The caddy can walk, ride in a spectator cart or use a pull cart if the golf course allows pull carts.
Can the Caddy Put the Players Clubs on the Back of a Spectator Cart?
Yes
Can Two Players Have One Caddy Who Is in a Spectator Cart but With Both Clubs on Back of the Cart?
No, a player must have a designated caddy/one per player in the spectator cart. Bottom line: one player cannot share a caddy unless siblings (ie. parent/grandparent of two brothers/sisters). Please see TJGT Mini-Tour policies.
I. Elite Mini-Tour Caddie Rules: Caddies are allowed for all age divisions. Players are allowed only one caddy and the caddy is the only person who may give advice to the player. The caddie may be anyone 11 yrs & older designated by the player. (Adults or High School Players are preferred as caddies) Players are responsible for the actions of the caddies. Caddies must comply with all TJGT conduct & pace of play policies. A player can share a caddy if pace of play is not sacrificed.
ALL PLAYERS MUST WALK AND CANNOT RIDE IN A SPECTATOR CART.
II. A caddy may carry the clubs, use a pull cart if approved by the host course or rent a spectator cart. (Pull Carts are approved if allowed by host course only) A caddy may share an electric/motorized riding cart with another caddy in the same playing group or another spectator provided that spectator does not offer any advice or slow the pace of play.
Can the Player Ride in the Spectator Cart With the Caddy?
No, unless directed by TJGT staff or signs indicating to shuttle players between long walks for example between holes.
Does a Caddie Have to Have a Caddie Bib?
No, Whatever is comfortable and complies with the host course dress code.
Food, Drink, Clothing, Umbrellas Etc?
Caddies and non-designated caddies can offer food or drink to players between holes and make every effort not to slow pace of play down. Please ensure players are dressed appropriately for weather conditions and always bring extra just in case weather conditions change. TJGT cannot stress this point enough.
Tournament Fees, Withdraws, Refunds, Rollovers?
Tournament Fees: Entry Fees
Elite Mini-Tour Events are priced between $175 & 225 depending on course venue. All tournament fees are subject to change at the discretion of the TJGT staff. All efforts will be made to keep tournament fees affordable depending on golf course availability. Please remember, TJGT plays the majority of the events of prime venues during the weekend when maximum revenue for public/private member play present.
Tee Gifts
Each Mini-Tour player will receive outstanding tee gifts at each tournament. The majority of the time, each player will receive two sleeves of Nike Golf balls, Nike Dri-Fit golf shirt & other gifts depending on the tournament venue. These very nice tee gifts in addition to th membership gifts will add significant value to each tournament.
Withdraws, Refunds & Rollovers?
What Is the Refund Policy for a Tournament?
There are two polices for normal & invitational tournaments
a. See TJGT.com for tournament dates.
b. NON-INVITATIONAL/NORMAL TJGT/MINI-TOUR TOURNAMENT REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY: In an effort to streamline communication & coordination of cancellations, TJGT has enhanced the “BlueGolf” tournament software to provide parents/players the ability to cancel any tournament online by themselves. This will allow the TJGT to track and process cancellations & parents/players the convenience of cancelling online at their leisure. The Cancellation Fee is $60 for any Non-Invitational/Holiday Tournament not listed above. To cancel a tournament online: 1. Log into your players club account with ID & Password. 2. Click on Tournaments Icon. 3. Find the tournaments you are registered and Click on the Cancel Icon. 4. The software will walk you thru the process and immediately initiate a refund to your credit card on file that was used for membership less the $60 cancellation fee. (ie. Tournament Fee $175 - $60 Cancellation Fee = Total Refund $115).
Cancellation 72 hours before Tournament Start Time: Cancellations must be done before 72 hours of tournament start time. All tournament start times for this policy is 7 AM, CST. Therefore, cancellations done online via before 72 hours will be automatically refunded less the $60 cancellation fee.
Cancellation within 72 hours of Tournament Start Time: There are no refunds for the tournament fee within 72 hours of start time. (7 AM CST). You may cancel online and TJGT appreciates if you go ahead and cancel so other players on the waiting list will be allowed to play. TJGT would appreciate an email or phone call to the tournament director or Director of Operations (Coach Monzingo) if cancelling within 72 hours of the tournament. Tournament Directors Emails and phone numbers are found on the individual tournament info pages. Coach Monzingo: Email: Cell: 214-493-6329. Mr. Jones: Cell: 817-707-8460.
ONCE AGAIN: THERE ARE NO REFUNDS for any withdrawals within 72 hours of tournament start time. This policy is in effect due to the contractual obligations TJGT has with host venues scheduled months in advance. Every TJGT venue requires a guaranteed number of players a minimum of 72 hours before tournament start and many time 96 hours before. In order to continue obtaining quality venues, TJGT must honor & respect the venue policies. TJGT venues do not close the entire course down on weekends for TJGT tournaments and the golf courses schedule other tournaments and premium play around the number of players given to each course a minimum of 72 hours prior to start times.
Tournament Weather Cancellations
TJGT will make every effort to maximize safety during weather conditions. If a total of 9 holes are played for a scheduled 36 hole event then the tournament is considered complete and no refund will apply. If less that 9 holes are played, refunds minus a $60 administration fee will be issued via a credit towards a future tournament.
Credits
Any credit applied must be used in the tournament season. A player cannot carry forward a credit into the next TJGT season (ie. 2009/10 season). The 2009/10 season is from Aug. 1st, 2009 - July 31st, 2010. If a credit or rollover is not used with in the current season, no refund will apply.
Pace of Play
All pace of play guidelines are posted on TJGT.com. Briefly, each player as a maximum of 45 seconds once they reach the ball to play the shot. Caddies are to encourage and not cause players to take undue time thinking about the shot.
Tee-Times
TJGT will make every effort to post tee times nlt 5 pm on thrusday evening before a weekend tournament. Due to last minute withdraws or weather conditions affecting the tournament, please always check the website the night before for any last minute changes. Tee times will be emailed to each contestant when any changes are made. It is imperative that parents/players keep their email and contact information updated in the TJGT database. If any changes occur please email TJGT staff via the TJGT.com.
TJGT will not be responsible for tee time confusion if accurate, updated membership t information is not updated within the TJGT database. Please email TJGT if any changes occurs to emails, cell phones, addresses etc.
Putting Green Pace of Play
Caddies are strongly encouraged to assit the player on the green but not to take excessive time helping the player “read putts” historically, this is where the most problems occur in pace of play when caddies take excessive time helping the younger players read putts. TJGT staff will monitor closely time on the greens to expedite pace of play. Please remember, the Elite Mini-Tour is an opportunity to train upcoming juniors for strict pace of play guidelines on the TJGT & AJGA.
Overall Doubt/Question to Any Policy/Procedure?
When in doubt of any policy, procedure, and registration question always go to TJGT.com and review the policies for the “big tour” and the faq section on for both the mini tour or the TJGT events.
All parents, please use the email function of the website. the primary communication tool to the TJGT staff is via email. we will make every effort to respond to you within 24 hours and a majority of the time within hourse of your email question.
It is imperative to read all the notes and schedule of events on each tournament info page. All tournament information will be posted here and this his how the tournament director communicates any last minute changes to the field.
Top Finisher Points
Located on TJGT.com is a table for points awarded to each finish for a normal or major event. Points will be kept for each player for the end of the year tour championship participation and banquet.
All-Tour Teams
Awards for the elite Mini-Tour (All Age Divisons) will consist of the top 3 point leaders and ties for all tournaments before the tour championship in Feb 2010 @ Horseshoe Bay Resort.
The Player of the Year
Will also be decided for all tournament points before the tour championship @ Horseshoe Bay Resort. There will be player of the year in each age division both both boys & girls.
The Tour Championship Field
Will be primarily selected off the tour points list. The TJGT staff per the invitational criteria/entries for the TJGT invitationals reserves the right to invite out of state & international players to increase the strength of field. TJGT staff will make every effort, depending on course limits of players, to include as many top point leaders as possible. The purpose is to select the strongest field for maximum national & collegiate coach exposure.
If I Want to Be Placed on the Waiting List, Who Should I Contact?
Contact the tournament director listed on the individual tournament information page or Coach Monzingo or Mr. Jones via TJGT.com. If the tournament is full, you can register online and you will automatically be put on the waiting list and not charged until a spot opens for all non-invitational tournaments.
If I Have to Withdraw from a Tournament, Who Should I Contact?
You may cancel online per TJGT cancellation policy. The steps for cancellation are listed in the is policy. It outsite 72 hours of tournament start time, then a cancellation charge of $60 will be charges and credit card refunded for the difference. Inside 72 hours of tournament start, you may still cancel online but there will be no refund. Ie. The tournament fee will be charged. It is a good idea to contact the tour director or director of operations via email or telephone if cancelling with 72 hours of the event. Each tour director’s contact information is located on the tournament information page for each tournament. Outside 72 hours prior to the event, you may just cancel online using the tournament players club account login, then click the tournaments icon, then find the cancel icon on the registered tournament. The software will walk you thru the process.
Order of Entry
TJGT Elite Mini-Tour events except the tour championship will be filled on a first come, first registration basis. TJGT will set the maximum number of players within the BlueGolf software to inform players/parents the tournament is full. TJGT staff will keep a waiting list of players after receiving an email request of your intention to play if the tournament registration is full. Email Mr. Dave Jones: or Coach Lynn Monzingo @ if you want to be placed on the waiting list.
Mini Tour Events with combined TJGT Invitationals.
Mini-tour Events that will include banquets with the TJGT players/parents. All banquets are mandatory attendance for players. Baylor: Sept. 12-13, Dec 5-6, Texas A&M Traditions Invitational: TJGT Tour Championship: Feb. 13-14 @ Horseshoe Bay Resort, Tyler Rose Invitational, May 22-23. These banquets are great fun and have special speakers or a fun pool party with dinner. Dinner for players is covered in the tournament fee. Parents are charged a nominal fee to cover the meal costs per person eating. Former speakers have included Head Golf Coaches from Univ. of Texas, LSU, Oklahoma, Ok. State, Olympic Golf Medalist and others. This is a great time to bring the family and “rub shoulders” in the invitational environment.
All these events registration fall under the invitational NO REFUND criteria posted on TJGT.com. For these mini-tour events only, once online registered there is NO REFUND of the tournament fee due to the financial commitment of TJGT for the banquet, course, tee gifts etc.
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