Tristan Crew, PGA Executive Director - Member Services, has addressed Members asking to be released from scheduled PGA tournaments to compete in conflicting non-PGA tournaments.
The provision of playing opportunities for PGA Members, one of the nine principles of the Association, is recognised as the most valuable Member Service, with approximately 45% of the membership participating in PGA tournaments each year.
At the recent Regional Meetings, it was reported that for 2022 the prize funds across National and Regional tournaments will be £2.4 million, while the cost of delivering the service is in excess of £1.1 million each year.
As an organisation, The PGA is committed to developing its tournament offering, enhancing delivery standards and providing equity of access regardless of Member demographic or location. This is demonstrated for the coming season through the introduction of the seven Open Series events and through supporting a number of Regional Order of Merit tournaments by providing increased prize funds.
In order for The PGA to develop the playing opportunities it relies heavily on the support of its Members. This is recognised in the PGA regulations, requiring Members to support PGA Tournaments and those Tours recognised by the Association as a priority.
Over the years, a number of third-party golf tours have emerged, some with longer life spans than others. While these tours may provide alternative playing opportunities that can be attractive to PGA Members, they are not tours recognised within The PGA’s Regulations and therefore do not have priority over official PGA tournaments.
In recent weeks, the Association's national tournament team and a number of Regional Managers have received requests from Members asking to be released from scheduled PGA Tournaments to compete in conflicting non-PGA Tournaments.
It is important for Members to note that, unless there are exceptional circumstances, The PGA’s Regulations do not allow for their release from scheduled PGA tournaments either: -
• to enable them to play in conflicting tournaments presented by operators that are not recognised within the Regulations; or
• for lower ranking tournaments delivered by The PGA.
To some this may appear restrictive, however a significant amount of work and funds are committed by your Association to provide a comprehensive playing schedule and, without the players, the schedule will be compromised. It is requested that each individual playing Member supports the schedule so that we can continue to invest and improve your playing opportunities.
Should you wish to discuss any element of the communication, please contact the appropriate Regional Manager or the Head of Tournament Operations.
