How it works
TOUR FORMAT USGA Rules + exceptions

All tournaments are gross stroke play with USGA Rules of Golf in effect.

  • Triple bogey rule applies to Flights A–D (does not apply to Championship Flight).
  • Host course local rules take precedence if in conflict.
TOUR FLIGHTS Index ranges
Flight Index Range
Championship 0.0 – 3.9
A Flight 4.0 – 8.9
B Flight 9.0 – 13.9
C Flight 14.0 – 18.9
D Flight 19.0+
TOUR INDEX POLICY (AGT Index) How it works

The AGT Index promotes fair competition by grouping members into flights of comparable ability.

  • Indexes are based only on Tour rounds (not GHIN/outside scores).
  • Updated after every tournament.
  • Uses the triple bogey rule in place of Equitable Stroke Control.
  • Only completed 18-hole rounds are used.
  • Indexes may fluctuate until at least 8 complete rounds are posted within the past 2 years.
Note: The AGT Index is not a USGA handicap and cannot be used as such.

Differentials Used (Best of Recent Rounds)

# of AGT Scores # of Differentials Used
2 or less Best 1
3–4 Best 2
5–6 Best 3
7–8 Best 4
9–10 Best 5
11–12 Best 6
13–14 Best 7
15–16 Best 8

Validated vs. Unvalidated

  • Validated once based on best 4 of last 8 rounds within 2 years.
  • Unvalidated indexes may be subject to review (see “Scoring Out of Flight”).
FLIGHT MOVEMENT RULES Promote / Retreat

Moving into a higher flight (Promotion)

  • Automatic promotion when a player’s AGT Index drops below the current flight range.
  • 75% of current points transfer; adjusted so player does not exceed tied 5th in new flight standings.
  • To retreat after promotion: complete 3 rounds in the new flight with at least 2 rounds within the lower flight range.

Moving into a lower flight (Restricted)

  • Applies to unvalidated indexes (fewer than 8 rounds in 2 years).
  • Requires 3 completed 18-hole rounds in current flight and index within the new flight range.
  • Must be requested before August 15; max 2 retreats per season.
  • No flight retreats after August 15 for any reason.
National Championship note: Members who move down a flight must card 3 complete 18-hole rounds in the lower flight (after the retreat and before Nationals) to be eligible to compete in the lower flight at Nationals. Weather-shortened official events do not count toward this requirement.
SCORING OUT OF FLIGHT Committee review
  • Only players with an unvalidated AGT Index may be reviewed.
  • A/B Flight: ~4 strokes below index may trigger review.
  • C/D Flight: ~5 strokes below index may trigger review.
  • Validated index players are not subject to review.
DEVICES What’s allowed
  • Rangefinders allowed — slope/wind must be off.
  • No green-reading devices (Green Books or apps).
PRIZES & TROPHIES Payouts

Tournament Prizes

  • Prize pools vary by tournament and by flight field size.
  • No single prize exceeds $1,000 (USGA Amateur Status).
  • No cash prizes — gift cards only (Visa/Mastercard/AmEx, retail, or host pro shop).
  • Payouts are posted with results.

Tournament Trophies

Each flight winner receives a custom AGT award (crystal trophy, plaque, or similar).

REGISTRATION & TEE TIMES How to enter
  • Register through the AGT Local Tour website (Schedule tab).
  • Registration typically ends one week prior to the event (see event deadline).
  • Registration does not guarantee entry if the tournament sells out.
  • Payment guarantees your spot.
  • Paid status is updated within 24–48 hours.

Withdrawals

  • Email the Local Tour Director as soon as possible.
  • Refunds depend on the tournament’s posted withdrawal deadlines.
TOURNAMENT TEE BOXES Yardage guidelines
Flight Target Yardage
Championship 6,500 – 7,000
A Flight 6,500 – 6,800
B Flight 6,400 – 6,600
C Flight 6,200 – 6,400
D Flight 5,900 – 6,200

Women’s tees: closest comparable slope rating to men in same flight; if not available, ~85–90% of men’s distance.

POINTS SYSTEM Non-Major vs Major

Ties split points evenly (except first place). After 20th, deduct points per place until the field is accounted for.

Place Non-Major Major
1 450 900
2 275 550
3 225 450
4 175 350
5 165 330
6 155 310
7 145 290
8 135 270
9 125 250
10 115 230
11 100 200
12 90 180
13 85 170
14 80 160
15 75 150
16 70 140
17 65 130
18 60 120
19 55 110
20 50 100
  • Outside Top 20: deduct -2 points per place (Non-Major)
  • Outside Top 20: deduct -4 points per place (Major)
POINTS TRANSFERS (AWAY EVENTS) Make-ups

Players may make up a maximum of 4 missed local points events by playing away events that transfer points back to their Home Tour.

  • 1-Day replaces 1-Day; 2-Day replaces 2-Day (non-regional).
  • Points are banked automatically and applied when home events are missed (chronological).

Transfer % by flight size

Flight Size % Transferred
8+ players 80%
5–7 players 60%
2–4 players 40%
Solo competitor 0%
TOUR TRANSFERS (Changing Home Tour) During season
  • Allowed once per season, must be before August 1.
  • Request must be made in writing to the Local Tour Director and National Office.
  • 75% of former points move to the new Tour, adjusted to ensure not higher than tied 5th.
Tip: On mobile, tables scroll sideways if needed.

Posted: 1/29/2024 2:01:32 PM