AJGA K12 Qualifiers

mkotthoff · January 12, 2010

How do they work?

I'm thinking about trying a few K12 Qualifiers this summer. I need a bit more info on them though. First, do I have to be an AJGA member to compete (don't want to pay $250 and not have a chance to play). Also are these qualifiers at the course that the tourney's going to be played at, like the day before or something? What scores are usually need to qualify? What's the course set-up like? What's the advantage of AJGA over a MAJGT (midwest tour) or any other regional or even national tour. I'm a freshman in high school, a 1.9 handicap (used to be +2.2), and I average 290 off the tee (launchmonitor verified).

Someone please help!

golferjoey3 · January 12, 2010

OK, I have played in a few of these.

To your first question, no you don't have to be a member to compete, but you get the lowest registration priority. In other words, all of the members will be able to register before you.

As for scores it depends on the course. The two that I played in 77 and 78 were in a playoff on a 6900 yard course. The whole procedure is pretty confusing. There is a top % of players that automatically qualify. But those that get in that top % have the option to opt-out and take an exemption instead. (Only AJGA members can opt out) Then those that weren't in the top % can move up into those vacated spots if they want to play, not opt-out. In short it is easier to qualify to play than it is to opt-out and take an exemption.

As for AJGA vs. the other tours, AJGA is just gets more exposure. More college coaches look to the AJGA than anywhere else. It is like the PGA Tour vs the Nationwide Tour/Hooters Tour/etc

Hope this helps

ahl3bomber · January 12, 2010

[quote name='golferjoey3' date='12 January 2010 - 07:54 PM' timestamp='1263344086' post='2177772']
OK, I have played in a few of these.

To your first question, no you don't have to be a member to compete, but you get the lowest registration priority. In other words, all of the members will be able to register before you.

As for scores it depends on the course. The two that I played in 77 and 78 were in a playoff on a 6900 yard course. The whole procedure is pretty confusing. There is a top % of players that automatically qualify. But those that get in that top % have the option to opt-out and take an exemption instead. (Only AJGA members can opt out) Then those that weren't in the top % can move up into those vacated spots if they want to play, not opt-out. In short it is easier to qualify to play than it is to opt-out and take an exemption.

As for AJGA vs. the other tours, AJGA is just gets more exposure. More college coaches look to the AJGA than anywhere else. It is like the PGA Tour vs the Nationwide Tour/Hooters Tour/etc

Hope this helps
[/quote]

Well said, i think you left out a few small things...one
the qualifier is at the same course the tourney is at
two
they are i think 75 dollars for a member and 100 dollars for a non member
then if you make it that gets deducted from the price of tourney (i think)
three
courses are set up pretty long, and decently hard...the ones i have done qualifying was 75 and 76.
usually less than 10 qualify

golferjoey3 · January 12, 2010

The one I qualified for I don't believe the qualifier fee was deducted from the total entry fee.

mkotthoff · January 12, 2010

How many kids are trying to qualify, on average?

golf001 · January 13, 2010

It always 80- boys and 20 girls
and no the qualifier isn't always on the same course.
If it is, they make it significantly shorter and easier for that qualifier day.
Its relatively easy to qualify. 2 and 3 years ago I went to maybe 7 qualifiers and made it every single time.
Got full exempt 3 times and 30 exemptions.
typically scores of 76- 78 will make it into the tournament depending on how many people opt out
the medalist can get an extra exemption AND play the tournament so its always a nice goal to shoot for.
Plus the medals they gave us for it were nice.

mkotthoff · January 13, 2010

[quote name='golf001' date='13 January 2010 - 10:27 AM' timestamp='1263400062' post='2179033'] It always 80- boys and 20 girls and no the qualifier isn't always on the same course. If it is, they make it significantly shorter and easier for that qualifier day. Its relatively easy to qualify. 2 and 3 years ago I went to maybe 7 qualifiers and made it every single time. Got full exempt 3 times and 30 exemptions. <img src='http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> typically scores of 76- 78 will make it into the tournament depending on how many people opt out the medalist can get an extra exemption AND play the tournament so its always a nice goal to shoot for. Plus the medals they gave us for it were nice. [/quote] 

Great, thanks, now I just have to go out and actually play half-way decent.