Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Golfweek Amateur Tour?

Established in 1995, the Golfweek Amateur Tour gives amateurs of all ages, sexes, and handicaps the chance to compete in local stroke-play golf tournaments on a regular basis. The season ends with a National Tour Championship where top players in each flight compete against amateurs from across the country. The tour promotes golf through friendly, fair, and well-managed competition.

What is the DC Metro Tour history?

The DC Metro Tour started in 2009 and is entering its 17th year serving Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Lower Pennsylvania. The tour earned its first National Champion in 2025 when Zak Thompson won the D-Flight. In early 2026, Garrett Brown captured the DC Metro Tour’s first regional tournament title by winning the Tidewater Masters Regional at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg.

How much does it cost to join the Tour?

The annual DC Metro Golfweek Amateur Tour membership card costs between $105 and $125 per year, depending on when you join. Promotions and discounts are often offered during Black Friday, throughout December, and several times in the spring.

What is the cost of the tournaments?

DC Metro tournament entry fees currently range from $95 to $300, depending on the course and market. Each fee includes green fees, cart, and range balls. A portion of each entry also contributes to the prize purse.

What can I win?

First-place winners in each flight receive trophies. Prize purses are built from entry fees and, depending on flight size, top finishers can also earn gift certificates or gift cards. Optional games such as skins and closest to the pin may also be available.

What is the format of the tournaments?

Players are grouped into flights based on handicap and then compete in a gross stroke-play format within their flight.

What if I don’t have a current handicap?

The Local Director will evaluate your level of play using your most recent scores, the courses you played, and the tees you used. Once assigned to a flight, your tournament scores and handicap index are posted on the national webpage.

How is the integrity of the handicaps and flights maintained?

The tour creates a tour handicap index based only on your Golfweek tournament scores. If your index improves enough to fit a higher flight, you will be promoted. If it fits a lower flight, you are only moved down if you request it.

When and where are the tournaments played?

Tournaments are played on weekends, with most taking place on Saturdays. Tee times vary and are posted on the website. Events are held at local courses listed on the tour schedule.

How many tournaments do I have to play in?

You can play in as many or as few tournaments as you like. Playing more events gives you a better chance to accumulate points and qualify for the National Tour Championship.

How do I qualify for the National Tour Championship?

Qualification rules for the 2026 National Championship are under review and may be amended. Generally, members finishing in the top 10 of local points standings in A, B, C, and D Flights may qualify depending on tour size, while Regional Series flight winners qualify immediately. All Championship Flight players qualify regardless of points standings or tour size.

• Players must be a current Golfweek Amateur Tour member.
• Players must complete at least 4 valid tournament rounds during the 2026 season.
• Each day of a 2-day event counts as a separate round.
• If an entire flight fails to complete 18 holes, that round does not count.
• The National Championship is held in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

When does registration open for the National Championship?

Registration opens for qualified members in mid-August through invitations from the National office. This initial registration period is exclusive to eligible players for at least two weeks. After that, it may open to all Golfweek Amateur Tour members who have completed four tournament rounds in 2026.

Does being qualified guarantee me a spot?

No. Qualification does not guarantee a place in the field. Each flight has a maximum number of spots, and entries are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the flight sells out or October 1, whichever comes first.

If I join my local tour, can I play in events in other cities?

Yes. One of the biggest benefits of membership is the ability to register for and play in tournaments anywhere in the country.

Is there a deadline to join the Tour?

No. You can join at any time during the season. Joining earlier simply gives you more opportunities to earn points in the standings race.

Why should I join the Golfweek Amateur Tour?

If you enjoy weekend golf on quality courses, competitive stroke-play, improving your game under tournament conditions, and the excitement of winning prizes and trophies, the Golfweek Amateur Tour is built for you. Tournaments are played under USGA rules, and handicaps are tracked to protect the integrity of every flight.