Columnist Peter Benton: PGA Tour board announces changes

Peter Benton

Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2001 | 8:40 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

With the likes of young amateurs Ty Tryon, Kevin Na, et al, forgoing college golf in favor of turning professional, the PGA Tour Policy Board has made several changes in its eligibility rules and approved an age limit of 18 for tour membership. The new stipulated age limit goes into effect immediately.

Among other changes is one that would allow a Special Temporary Member the opportunity to play in the season-ending Tour Championship if he has earnings through the Oct. 25-28 Buick Challenge that would place him among the top 30 on the PGA Tour money list.

He also must apply for full membership the following year. That player would be added to the field and would not displace any of the 30 tour members who qualified.

Beginning next year, money earned by non-members and Special Temporary Members in official World Golf Championships events will be added to official money earned in PGA Tour co-sponsored or approved events. These combined earnings then will count toward determining Special Temporary Membership for the current season and/or full PGA Tour membership for the following year.

This modification does not affect any PGA Tour member's position within the top 125 for exempt status the following season. Any non-member or Special Temporary Member earning combined official and World Golf Championships prize money equal to the 125th position on the final money list would gain eligibility in a category after the top 125.

The minimum age limit of 18 was adopted in an effort to ensure that individuals earning membership are physically and mentally mature enough to handle the rigors of life on the PGA Tour and Buy.Com Tour.

To enter the PGA Qualifying Tournament, the player must turn 18 prior to the final official money event of the season for which the Q-School determines membership.

If a player under 18 qualifies for a PGA Tour exemption -- either by winning an event, finishing among the top 35 and ties at the Qualifying Tournament or earning the equivalent of the 125th position on the previous year's money list -- he would retain the remainder of his exemption and earn membership upon his 18th birthday.

Also beginning in 2002, a non-member will be allowed to play in a maximum of 12 PGA Tour official money events, regardless of how he gained access to the event.

UNR's Chandeni Grill was crowned Nevada State Women's Amateur Champion after rounds of 73-74-73--220. Christina Monteiro (Canyon Gate) placed third in the Championship Flight with 234.

This four-man scramble event has a noon start at the Highland Falls Golf club with an entrance fee of $90 per person.

For full entry information, please call 656-6878 or 837-5550.