Amateur Prize limits and other options

THEIRISHMOB

Hey guys,
would really appriciate some feedback with regard to the following issues I have as an Amateur golf event organiser.

Amateur golfers can only win a prize to the Max value of 700euro.

1. If larger cash prizes were on offer for amateur golf events and tours around Ireland would you play in more of them?

2. Does it stop you travelling to enter events when you have no way of covering your costs?

3. Honestly would golfers prefer cash prizes instead of the standard vouchers, etc?

BigChap1759

No point in entering because of all the "handicap builders" :P

waterville72

The distinction has to be made between amateurs and professionals.
In my opinion prizes in amateur golf are secondary to the real enjoyment which is gained from playing well on the day. Its nice to have the performance recognised on the noticeboard/newspaper/internet etc. but a €100 voucher and what it can buy me produces a lot less satisfaction than the sense of accomplishment that a good score gives. I play to improve and for the challenge of it.
If you want cash reward then hit the practise ground for a few years and turn pro.

THEIRISHMOB

waterville72 wrote: »

The distinction has to be made between amateurs and professionals.
In my opinion prizes in amateur golf are secondary to the real enjoyment which is gained from playing well on the day. Its nice to have the performance recognised on the noticeboard/newspaper/internet etc. but a €100 voucher and what it can buy me produces a lot less satisfaction than the sense of accomplishment that a good score gives. I play to improve and for the challenge of it.
If you want cash reward then hit the practise ground for a few years and turn pro.

My point is that the lack of reward "Cash prizes" would put off a lot of golfers from travelling to take part in events/tournaments around the country as even if they win the event they are still out of pocket....!!!

So it makes taking part in these events financially harder. If you win you lose.

Now imagine a 2 day golf event that has prize money...at least you have a chance of paying for the trip by getting in the top 10.

Its not about profiting, its about having the chance to cover your costs.

BigChap1759

But amateaur golfers should not be playing in the hope of covering costs - this does not make sense?

Also, what level are you talking about?

mike12

THEIRISHMOB wrote: »

My point is that the lack of reward "Cash prizes" would put off a lot of golfers from travelling to take part in events/tournaments around the country as even if they win the event they are still out of pocket....!!!

So it makes taking part in these events financially harder. If you win you lose.

Now imagine a 2 day golf event that has prize money...at least you have a chance of paying for the trip by getting in the top 10.

Its not about profiting, its about having the chance to cover your costs.

Think that is wrong attitude, golf is about enjoying a game of golf not trying to break even on a golf trip. I think it would lead to all sorts of cheating if people are willing to do it for a trophy or a golf bag if it was for 700 quid it would be mad.
As far as i know u cannot receive cash it has to be a prize.
Mike

golfnut1

BigChap1759 wrote: »

No point in entering because of all the "handicap builders" :P

Spot on bigchap

k.p.h

Trophy and Medals if you ask me, it is competition after all, why can't it be treated like any other amateur sport.

I think the fact that prizes are given makes it feel like a raffle, and I suppose after all the recent debate some people tend to treat it as such.

dnjoyce

For "majors", GOY comps etc I think the trophy/medal route, but for the winner only - nobody wants a medal that says 5th nett on it (perhaps I'm wrong). For normal comps I am in favour of vouchers, especially if a number of prize-giving ceremonies are held at one time, which seems common enough these days, keep things simple. At least you can get something you want, instead of a dust-collector to put inthe corner.

Trips away and cash prizes are for the "sick of cheaters thread" I'd say...

THEIRISHMOB

I'm encouraged by the feedback so far.
Would like to see what the feedback would be from a large amount of golfers.

I also agree that Amateur golf should be all about the challenge and not the prize.

Theres a reason I am asking this question and I can't wait to let you all know about a 2 day event I am organising for next summer.
It will be the golf event of 2012 for Hardcore golfers. Keep the feedback coming.

sodbuster77

THEIRISHMOB wrote: »

I'm encouraged by the feedback so far.
Would like to see what the feedback would be from a large amount of golfers.

I also agree that Amateur golf should be all about the challenge and not the prize.

Theres a reason I am asking this question and I can't wait to let you all know about a 2 day event I am organising for next summer.
It will be the golf event of 2012 for Hardcore golfers. Keep the feedback coming.

By "hardcore" I assume you mean 72 holes over 2 days;).

THEIRISHMOB

sodbuster77 wrote: »

By "hardcore" I assume you mean 72 holes over 2 days;).

Nope. Much more exciting than that.
It will be the ultimate golf challenge, without being silly or overdone.

Jul3s

What he means by "hardcore" is that the competition which is his own branchild will be held on the finest links courses this land has to offer, otherwise it's not "hardcore" but just a n other golf comp!.

BigChap1759

And presumably a hefty entry fee hence all the asking about getting the chance to cover your costs!!:eek:

stringy

I couldn't give a toss about what the prize is, it's the sense of personal achievement and recognition that does it for me. As a junior the first prize was 3 golf balls, a token gesture, but it was the winning that mattered.

charlieIRL

I think amateur means amateur and little prizemoney but this would probably keep a lot of people away.

Personally its the competition that would attract me and not the pot of gold at the end.

Will there be a handicap limit on your competition OP?

THEIRISHMOB

BigChap1759 wrote: »

And presumably a hefty entry fee hence all the asking about getting the chance to cover your costs!!:eek:

No, the reason I asked this question about prize money was that some events can offer prize money if structured in a particular way.

But from the feedback I am getting so far it looks like trophy/vouchers looks the most popular route.
The event I am planning will also rule out the winner getting lucky and shooting a round of a lifetime.

I want the best overall golfers to do the best and that will be the structure of the event.

I am talking to golf courses and hotels at the moment to see what is the best possible deal I can get the golfers for a 2 day-2 night event.

Hardcore means for golfers that want to challenge ALL their skills as a golfer.
I'm so excited about the event because as a golfer myself I would love to play in this event.

THEIRISHMOB

charlieIRL wrote: »

I think amateur means amateur and little prizemoney but this would probably keep a lot of people away.

Personally its the competition that would attract me and not the pot of gold at the end.

Will there be a handicap limit on your competition OP?

Yes.
But I will confirm soon.
One thing I am thinking about handicaps is to leave any handicap play in the event but maybe limit the max handicap to 18. so if you play off 25 you can still play but must play off 18.

I will also have prizes for 0-9, 10-14, 14-18 handicaps.
So even if you don't win the overall event you can win your handicap catagory.

Give me as many ideas as you all can.. on what you would want from the Umtimate golf event over 2 days and I will make it happen.

THEIRISHMOB

charlieIRL wrote: »

I think amateur means amateur and little prizemoney but this would probably keep a lot of people away.

Personally its the competition that would attract me and not the pot of gold at the end.

Will there be a handicap limit on your competition OP?

Yes.
But I will confirm soon.
One thing I am thinking about handicaps is to leave any handicap play in the event but maybe limit the max handicap to 18. so if you play off 25 you can still play but must play off 18.

I will also have prizes for 0-9, 10-14, 14-18 handicaps.
So even if you don't win the overall event you can win your handicap catagory.

Give me as many ideas as you all can.. on what you would want from the Umtimate golf event over 2 days and I will make it happen.