GWAT Chicago

Soxfan21 · August 22, 2014

Thinking about joining it next year, just wanted to hear some opinions about experiences with it. Both positive and negative feedback would be great.

preiter20 · August 24, 2014

This is my first year in the GWAT. I just played the Pine Meadow event yesterday. Have played four events in Chicago and one in Michigan. All the events I have been a part of have been very well run. I would highly recommend joining. There are two events left this year locally but if you join you can play events all across the US. I'll probably play a couple of Milwaukee events next year.

The next event is at Lost Marsh GC in Hammond, IN on 9/13. You can play as a guest for one tournament before joining if you want to give it a try.

zer0 · August 25, 2014

Also in my rookie season. Only been to 3 events, but its great. Rob does an amazing job running things, its really impressive when you think of all the moving parts involved. But, I've never seen any problems at the course. Rounds are very long, 5 hours for sure, but I guess that's to be expected in tournament play. Don't know, this is my first time ever playing competitive golf so I have nothing to compare it to in that regard. Met a lot of great people and made some friends even in my few appearances. Mostly everyone is super nice.

Courses are great for the most part, but there's a couple I wouldn't play because of condition issues. I skipped Pine Meadow and Thunderhawk because I don't think they are in good enough shape to warrant the price point let alone with an added GWAT charge on top.

The only downside for me has been that I've discovered that there's nothing more miserable than playing terrible in a tournament. People say there's no such thing as a bad time on the golf course, but I gotta disagree with that. I played well in 1 event and loved it, but terrible in the other two and had an awful time as a result. So if you're like me and can get really down on yourself when things aren't going well on the course keep that in mind.

I'll probably do it again next season and give it another run.

Soxfan21 · August 25, 2014

Thanks for the feedback so far guys, really appreciate it. One more question, about how many people show up for each tournament give or take? It sounds more and more like I will join next year.

UCBananaboy · August 26, 2014

For those who have played in these things -- what's pace of play like?

Generally, I hate competitive golf because people are so damn slow. I find it's hit or miss in these types of amateur tours so I'm curious what experience has been.

MountainKing · August 26, 2014

I've been thinking about this for next year myself. The only thing that makes me shy away is the costs they are charging for some of the courses. If I'm playing tournament golf and paying tournament rates I do expect tournament like conditions and it doesn't sound like the courses really bring that for these things. Also a bit shocked on the pace of play since the rules have it designated they aim for a good pace of play.

Argonne69 · August 26, 2014

Hmmm, let's see. Overpriced, under-maintained courses. Slow play. I assume there are plenty of sandbaggers. 'Sounds like a great time! :taunt:

zer0 · August 26, 2014

[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1409064104' post='10010621']
Hmmm, let's see. Overpriced, under-maintained courses. Slow play. I assume there are plenty of sandbaggers. 'Sounds like a great time! :taunt:
[/quote]

Most of the courses are in great shape, its just a couple that I avoided. Slow play is definitely an issue even with the triple bogey max rule in play.

Sandbagging might help you do well in an event or two, but they catch on and move the sandbaggers up to the appropriate flight.

Also keep in mind that its all day thing. Most of the start times are in the afternoon.

Argonne69 · August 26, 2014

[quote name='zer0' timestamp='1409065892' post='10010839']
[quote name='Argonne69' timestamp='1409064104' post='10010621']
Hmmm, let's see. Overpriced, under-maintained courses. Slow play. I assume there are plenty of sandbaggers. 'Sounds like a great time! :taunt:
[/quote]

Most of the courses are in great shape, its just a couple that I avoided. Slow play is definitely an issue even with the triple bogey max rule in play.

Sandbagging might help you do well in an event or two, but they catch on and move the sandbaggers up to the appropriate flight.

Also keep in mind that its all day thing. Most of the start times are in the afternoon.
[/quote]

'Good to hear about the SBers. That's the #1 reason I stopped playing CDGA tournaments. We reported one well know bagger to the CDGA for not posting all his scores, and they didn't do a damn thing.