The 2009 Battle at the Beach will be played June 11-13 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) near Tampa, FL on the Copperhead and Island Courses at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, home of the PGA TOUR’s Transitions Championships.

In what format will the event be played?

The tournament is a 54-hole, two-person team competition. Day one (Thursday) will be a scramble format, day two (Friday) will be a modified alternate shot format, and day three (Saturday) will be a best ball format. USGA® rules are in effect at all times during play. All formats are stroke play and NOT match play.

How do I sign up for the 2009 Battle at the Beach?

Register online at www.golfchannel.com/amateurtour or call the GOLF CHANNEL Amateur Tour national office at (407) 355-4551. You can also email the Tour office at gcatsupport@golfchannel.com for more information.

What is the cost for the event?

The cost of the three-day tournament is $480 per player. Included in this registration fee are three rounds of golf at Innisbrook (cart, greens fee, and range balls included), a Welcome Reception Dinner, exclusive Battle at the Beach Welcome Pack, daily raffle prizes, and three sit-down lunches.

What is the deadline to register?

The latest you can register for the event is Friday, June 5 or until the event is full (360 players), whichever comes first.

Are there special rates for hotel accommodations?

We are pleased to offer the following room rates for individual call in reservations. All rates are based per night and include a 12% occupancy tax and a $15.00 Resort Service Fee for Deluxe Guestrooms, Executive Suites and One Bedroom Suites. Two Bedroom Suites include a 12% occupancy tax and $30.00 Resort Service Fee.

Deluxe Guest Room $120.00
Executive Suite $145.00
One Bedroom Suite $165.00
Two Bedroom Suite $290.00 should be $199.00

Individuals can make their reservations directly with the resort’s reservation office by calling (800) 456-2000. Please have your attendees refer to the Golf Channel’s Battle at the Beach to receive the special rates. The cut-off date for accepting reservations into this guest room block is Friday, May 15, 2009. A deposit equal to one night’s stay is required to hold each individual room reservation. The deposit shall serve to confirm the reservation for the dates indicated, and, upon check-in, shall be applied to the first night of the reserved stay. The deposit paid by individuals is refundable if notice is received at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to arrival. All deposits shall be charged at the time the reservation is made.

Is there a cancellation policy?

Yes. By registering for the 2009 Battle at the Beach you are agreeing to the following cancellation policy agreement: Any cancellations prior to June 5, 2009 will result in a $20 transaction fee. Any cancellations after June 5, 2009 will result in a $200 late cancellation fee. All payments for all competitors MUST be pre-paid via credit card via the website prior to June 5.

Are practice rounds available?

Yes, practice rounds are available during the week of competition for $75. Please contact Innisbrook for available tee times at (727) 942-2000.

Do I have to be a member of the Golf Channel Amateur Tour to play in the event?

No, you do NOT need to be a member of the GOLF CHANNEL Amateur Tour in order to compete at the 2009 Battle at the Beach, however you do need to have a verifiable USGA® handicap index. If you are unsure as to whether you have a verifiable USGA® handicap index, please contact the National Office at (407) 355-4551 or send an email gcatsupport@golfchannel.com.

Where will the event registration be held?

Wednesday, June 10 from 5:00PM-8:00PM GOLF CHANNEL Amateur Tour Staff will be at the Salamandar Grille in the Osprey Clubhouse to check-in all participants. Players MUST check in at this time to receive their Welcome Pack as well as receive information regarding such items as rules, pairings/hole assignments, and side games. A Welcome Dinner and reception will begin at 6:30PM in the Salamandar Grille.

When and where will the complimentary lunches be served each day?

Lunch will be served at the Copperhead Clubhouse following the conclusion of Thursday’s and Friday’s rounds (approximately 1:00PM) and at the Island Clubhouse following the conclusion of Saturday's round (approximately at 1:00PM).

When and where will scoring results be posted?

Scoring results will be displayed during the sit-down lunch following the conclusion of Thursday’s, Friday’s, and Saturday’s rounds.

Can I have a caddy?

No. Caddies will not be permitted for this event.

Can I have a guest and/or an extra cart?

Guests are welcome on the course, but must remain out of play and CANNOT offer advice or suggestions for competitors. Any guest requesting an extra cart should contact the course ahead of time to find out the cost and/or availability.

Which courses will we play on which days?

Players will complete Rounds 1 & 2 on the Copperhead course and Round 3 on the Island course.

What time do I tee off?

All starts are shotgun and will begin promptly at 8:00AM.

Where can I find pairings?

The first 2 rounds of pairings will be posted online by Monday, June 8. The final round pairings will be available after Friday's round so that the leaders play against each other by flight.

How are the flights determined?

Assuming a full field (360 golfers), there will be six flights for the event and each flight will be a max. 30 teams per flight, distributed by team handicaps. Entries will be compiled and flight lines will be determined after registration has been closed. We will add each teammate’s handicap together to come up with a single team handicap in order to determine the final flight breakdowns. If the field consists of 240 or less golfers, there will be four flights equally distributed.

I'm a 2 handicap; can I play with a 20 handicap?

Any player can be paired up with and compete with any other player. The only stipulation is that, for purposes of flighting, the total team handicap cannot have more than a 10 point difference. In other words, a 2 handicap can pair up and compete with a 20 handicap but their total team handicap will be 14. Working off of the lower handicap, the maximum allowable is 10 points higher than the 2 handicap, so the 20 would be adjusted down to a 12 and their total would be 2 + 12 or 14, NOT 22.

What tees do I play from?

Players will complete Rounds 1 & 2 on the Copperhead course and Round 3 on the Island course.

Can I register to play even though I don't have a partner?

Yes. We are accepting single registrations and will pair them up using a blind draw after registration has closed.

Are there any side games?

Yes. There are 3 separate side games and all are OPTIONAL.
#1 – Skins by Flight
Skins will be awarded within each flight, each day. It will break down as $50 ($25 a player) a day for team skins for a 3-day total of $150 ($75 a player).
#2 – Low Daily Score by Flight
The team with the top finish each day in each flight receives the purse (1st place only). Low Daily Score each day is $20 ($10 a player) a day for a 3 day total of $60 ($30 a player). If after a round, two teams tie for low score, we will tiebreak using the total score from the last 9 holes. If the teams are still tied we will then use the last 6 holes, then last 3 (if needed). If they are still tied, the winner will be determined based on lowest team score for the #1 handicap hole going backwards until a winner is determined.
#3 – Low Overall Score by Flight
Low score for the overall 3-day event top flight finisher (1st Place Only).
Low Team Total $40 per team ($20 a player) for the 1st place finishing team. If two teams tie for low score, we will tiebreak using their last 9 holes, then last 6 holes, then last 3. If they are still tied, the winner will be determined based on lowest team score for the #1 handicap hole going backwards until a winner is determined.
The total cost for all three games is $250 per team ($125 per player)
All teams can register for side games (cash only) from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at the registration check-in Wednesday night and also during registration check-in before the first round on Thursday. All skins payments will be made to the players on the following day of play. Saturday’s side game payments will be made before departing the scoring area Saturday afternoon.

When and where will skins be paid out?

Skins will be posted and paid out at the conclusion of lunch each day.

What are the prizes for the flight winners?

Prizes for the top finishers will be based on the number of players in each flight and will consist of trophies, gift certificates, and merchandise. No single prize value will exceed $750 in order to maintain the USGA® guidelines for amateur status.

Are GCAT Callaway Order of Merit Points awarded at this tournament?

YES, like other Regional Majors, there will be double Callaway Order of Merit points awarded. This event is designed to be a competitive, but family-friendly tournament, for all GCAT members and non-members. Please see the official BlueGolf Tournament Information page for a breakout of how points are awarded.

Will there be a senior designation for the event?

Yes, senior designations apply to any players 50 years of age or older as of December 31, 2008.

Will there be a super senior designation for the event?

No.

What happens in the event of a tie?

If any teams are tied for 1st place in their respective flight upon completion of the event, a sudden death playoff will take place using the 2-person best ball format for as many holes as are necessary until a winner is declared, (assuming there is sufficient daylight and course availability at your golf course on Saturday). The committee will dictate which hole(s) will be used and oversee the playoff. All other ties for subsequent places will be based on the USGA® method for matching scorecards (back 9, last 6, last 3, etc.).

When and where is the awards presentation?

All awards will be presented at Innisbrook’s Island Clubhouse immediately following the completion of each flight on Saturday, June 13. All players must take their prizes/trophies with them as they depart.

What happens in the event of weather delays?

The GOLF CHANNEL Amateur Tour Staff will do everything possible to get all holes completed for the event should there be any delays due to inclement weather. Should the course be deemed unplayable or dangerous lightning is eminent; the event may be reduced to a shortened number of holes. We will do everything possible to get all 54 holes completed but all players should be sure to check with the staff for any possible changes to tee times and/or events. PLEASE be prepared for any and all weather conditions.

How does the Tour ensure proper flighting?

The GOLF CHANNEL Amateur Tour national office will look at every competitor’s Tour Index if they are a Tour member and use the GOLF CHANNEL Amateur Tour handicap system or a USGA-certified handicap will be used. We will confirm every player's handicap that enters the event. Note that the tournament organizers will establish an Exceptional Scoring Committee (ESC) that reserves the right to re-flight and/or disqualify any group that the committee determines has intentionally manipulated the concept of fair-play and clean-competition.

What are the transportation and parking details for the event?

Each player is responsible for his/her own transportation to and from the airport, resort and golf courses during the event.
If you are not planning on getting a rental car (we STRONGLY suggest you do), your best bet is to get a taxi ride from the Tampa airport to Palm Harbor.

What is the address of Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club?

36750 U.S. Highway 19 North
Innisbrook, FL 34684-1239

Can I/my team use a rangefinder during play?
Yes, USGA-compliant rangefinders are allowed. GOLF CHANNEL Amateur Tour especially encourages the use of SkyCaddie during competition, a device proven to speed up pace of play.
How do I book extra room nights and what is the cost?
Participants will receive preferred pricing on additional rooms at Innisbrook. Please call (800) 456-2000.
Are there any special rates for participants on car rentals or flights?
There are currently no special rates for car rentals or flights.