ECWPGT Policies and Regs
Professional Eligibility
The ECWPGT is a highly competitive tour for professional female golfers, open to female professionals and amateurs meeting requirements below. Foreign players are required to be internationally recognized in order to play ECWPGT events. The ECWPGT reserves the right to refuse participation to anyone.
Female Professionals who are 15 years of age or older by the 1st round of any ECWPGT tournament for which she is registered.
Amateur Eligibility
Female Amateurs who are 15 years of age or older by the 1st round of any ECWPGT event they register to play and will be eligible to play on a space available basis only and must have a World Handicap System Index of 4.0 or less. Additionally, amateurs are eligible to win up to $1000.00 per tournament on the ECWPGT.
Tournament Format
Most tournaments will consist of 54-holes of stroke play (weather permitting). The maximum field at most events is 78 players, including 1 sponsor/host exemption. 2023 in most cases, will feature a no-cut format to give players their “reps.” We do reserve the right to enforce a cut depending on field size and other factors. When a cut is implemented, it will be noted in the tournament notes page and the field will be cut after 36 holes. The top 40% of the starting field, including ties will advance to the final round. Amateurs are included in the cut number and eligible for prize money consistent with current USGA/R&A rules.
Ties will be broken for first place only and will be broken by a “Sudden-Champion” (commonly known as sudden-death) playoff after all scores have been officially approved and posted. The designated starting hole for a playoff will be determined by the Committee when necessary. All subsequent holes will be determined on site.
Players are required to walk. Players may carry their own bag or use a push cart during tournament rounds. Should a player bring or hire a caddy, the caddy may use a push cart but must wear a caddy bib when provided. The ECWPGT reserves the right to amend this policy during tournament play should golf course conditions be unfavorable (i.e. wet/saturated areas that may be affected by push carts). All players will be notified of any change prior to the start of a tournament round.
Purse Payouts
Purse distribution will be made by direct deposit to the player’s US bank account approximately 5 business days following the final round of each event. Players will be required to fill out their paper work prior to the first event. All future direct deposit payments will be made to the bank account set up with the office. Contact the Office at (647) 980-8783 with any problems or changes that need to be made. This is the player’s responsibility to update information.
Direct deposit is not available for foreign players without a US social security number, TIN or ITIN, and US Federal Law requires the ECWPGT to withhold 30% of foreign players’ winnings for US taxes. Purse payments can be mailed to foreign players with a US mailing address, or payments can be wired to the foreign player’s bank account. A wire authorization form will be sent to all players that do not provide a US Social Security Number, TIN, or ITIN on the registration form.
Note: a player must complete all rounds of the event as played to receive a purse payment. However, should a player need to withdraw after the cut due to a medical or family emergency, she would receive the place check.
Tournament Entry Criteria & Ops
Tournament registration is available through the ECWPGT website under the tournament schedule. Click on the registration button next to the tournament you wish to sign-up for. Registration opening and closing dates are on the schedule.
Once a player registers, her status will show as registered and on the player list. If the tournament fills before the 14 day priority deadline, players will be moved to the waiting list according to the Priority List below. Entries will be taken by registration date in the following order of Priority:
Category 1: All ECWPGT Professional Members
Category 2: Non-member Professionals
Category 3: ECWPGT Members who are Epson Tour Players ranked outside the top 35 at close of entries, followed by those ranked 1-35.
Category 4: Guests who are players ranked outside the top 35 at close of entries, followed by those ranked 1-35.
Category 5: ECWPGT Amateur Members. Amateur players (top 75 ranked Golfweek Collegiate Rankings or top 200 on the current WAGR). Amateurs unranked will be considered on a case by case basis by email at info@ecwpgt.com. You will be notified by phone or email.
Category 6: Non-member Amateurs; Amateur players (top 75 ranked Golfweek Collegiate Rankings or top 200 on the current WAGR). Amateurs unranked will be considered on a case by case basis by email at info@ecwpgt.com. You will be notified by phone or email.
Category 7: Current LPGA Members ranked outside of #150 on the Official Money List are NOW eligible for ECWPGT events, and others when given permission upon committee approval. Considerations will be made for any LPGA players returning from extended leave due to injury, maternity, etc.
Waitlist criteria
After a tournament field has reached its capacity (to be determined by the tournament committee for each event, but usually set at 78), a waiting list will be established. As spots become available, players on the waitlist will fill the field in the order of priority by registration date. The Tour will contact the player to let her know if a spot opens. It is the player’s responsibility to provide a valid contact number and email, as well as to let the tour know if her plans change and she wants to be removed from the waiting list.
Withdrawal Policy
Withdrawals will be accepted for any reason when notice is given by 5:00 PM, 7 days before a tournament’s first round. There will be a $50 administrative fee for all refunds. Players MUST call the Tour office at (647) 980-8783 or email stuart@ecwpgt.com to withdraw. For withdrawals after the deadline, the player will waive her entry fee to the tournament. Medical withdrawals after the deadline will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and, if accepted, there will be a $50 administrative fee. No Shows will NOT receive a refund or credit for any reason. No refund or credit will be given for any reason once a player has teed off.
Withdrawal to play in an Epson Tour/LPGA
First, congratulations for being called up! Players who are scheduled to play in a ECWPGT event, but qualify or become eligible to play in either a LPGA or Epson Tour event that same week will receive a full credit for their tournament entry fee less a $50 administration fee. Players need to notify the Tour office/staff of their desire to transfer their entry to another tournament as soon as they gain access to the LPGA/Epson field. If the player requires a refund, there will be a $50 administrative fee. No refunds are issued once a player tees off at a ECWPGT event.
Tournament Check-in
Check-in Days/Times are typically the day before and the day of a tournament.
Players who are officially registered must check in at the onsite Operation Center in advance of the tournament. Player Profile pictures will be taken at their first event.
Tee Time Procedure
Initial pairings are selected at random. Players will be re-paired after each round by tournament ranking. Official tee times will be posted by 5:00 PM, two days prior to the first round. Pairings will be posted at the Tour Operation Center on the tour website. Tee-times will also be sent via text message to each player, so it is the player’s responsibility to provide a contact number and enable text messages on the registration form. Tee times are NOT available at the Tour office. We reserve the right to create Featured Pairings based on location and for promotional purposes.
Late to the Tee
The player must start at the time established by the Committee. The tour encourages players to be present at the starting point of their designated starting hole at least ten minutes before the players scheduled tee time. Note under Rule 5-3a, Exception 1 – if a player arrives at the starting point and ready to play the player gets the General Penalty applied to their first hole. After five minutes late, the player is disqualified. The clocks at the starting areas are the “Official Time.”
Practice Rounds
Official practice round days are 1-2 days before each tournament’s first round. The Tour will negotiate a practice round rate. In some cases it may be free. Price will be indicated on the tournament event page. Players must call the host course to arrange tee times in advance.
Player Attire
Proper golf attire is required, and the LPGA dress code will apply at each event. Players are expected to dress and present themselves in a professional manner and reflect a positive image to the public (e.g. fans, sponsors, club officials, charities, junior golfers, etc.) when participating in ECWPGT events.
Weather Policy
All decisions for tournaments affected by rain or extreme conditions will be made on a case-by-case basis by the tour officials, host professional and event sponsors. Any weather-shortened tournament is official only after 36 holes, with tour officials making every effort to complete as many rounds as possible. Play may be extended an extra day, but not beyond. No partial rounds will count. A tournament may be cancelled if 36-holes cannot be completed. Refunds will not be issued for rained out play.
Preferred Lies Policies
Use of the Preferred Lies is a Local Rule.
We will always put the notice that we are playing preferred lies in the starter box. While we will instruct the starter (a volunteer) to notify each group, it is the players’ responsibility to check the starter box for the notice of play.
As a professional golf tour, the ECWPGT strives to honor the principles of “Play the ball as it lies.” However, adverse weather conditions can make a course nearly unplayable under the rules of golf due to temporary water on the greens, in bunkers and in closely mown areas of the General Area.
Under the rules for Temporary Water, if a player takes relief in the General Area, she must take full relief at the nearest point of complete relief, no nearer the hole. When a course is extremely wet, the nearest point of complete relief from temporary water may be in the rough or behind a tree, etc.
This local rule is to be used one round at a time and it may be discontinued for the next round if the course can be played under the rules.
It is Important to note, the Rules Committee will not use this local Rule simply because the ball may have a tendency to pick up mud. But rather, this Local Rule will only be used in extreme situations when it would be impactable to play the course fairly under the Rules.
Pro-Am Tournament Criteria
On occasion, the ECWPGT will host a charity or corporate pro-am prior to the event. Pro-ams provide you the opportunity to meet influential people and make contacts you may not otherwise get to meet. The number of professionals needed varies per event.
The pros assigned to the Pro-Am will be notified on the Friday before the tournament week. A cash skins game with a minimum $500 purse will be provided at each pro-am with 15 or more teams. The skins game is for Tour Members only. Should the Pro-am have less than 15 teams, then each pro will be paid $50 for participating in the Pro-am and no skins game will take place.
If selected and you opt not to play, players will be allowed to miss a maximum of two Pro-am tournaments over the course of the year. If a player needs to miss a Pro-am, she must notify the Tour by 5:00 PM on Friday before the tournament week.
Junior and Corporate Clinics
We believe clinics are an important part of an ECWGT tournament experience and will be offered to the host site for all tournaments, usually the day before the tournament. Each clinic will require 5-10 professionals. Players will be asked to volunteer for clinics. Clinic information will be posted on the Ops Center message board and the tournaments Schedule of Events.
NOTE: every ECWPGT player is required to help with one clinic a season. If you commit and find yourself unable to attend, it is your responsibility to find a replacement. Players failing to attend are subject to a fine in the amount of $100.
Practice Areas
Range balls will be provided at each tournament. Range hours will be determined by host course pro shop. Players must cooperate with the closing hours of the range. A $100 fine will be assessed if a player does not comply with the host course range policy.
Course Markings
The tournament course will be marked by the Tour staff prior to the event. In addition to the normal course markings, the staff will place one, two or three small dots to indicate each day's pin placement for the tournament.
Scoring Policies
Immediately after completion of a round, players must bring their scorecards to the designated scoring area to check scores, sign cards and return them to the scoring official. It is the player’s responsibility to verify her hole-by-hole scores, as well as those of the player for whom she was the marker. Per USGA rules, once the player has turned in her scorecard and left the boundary of the scoring area, the scorecard is considered official.
During the round, at specific scoring checkpoints, the player may be asked by a Tour Official or volunteer for her score in order to update any on-line scoring. These requests will be made as unobtrusively as possible. Cooperation by the player is required and greatly appreciated.
Scoring checkpoints are generally as follows:
Round 1 & 2: 5, 10 & 15 and tees
Round 3: same unless live scoring is available
Use of Caddies
Employment of a caddie is optional. Players may carry their own bag or use a push cart during tournament rounds. It is the player’s responsibility for the conduct and behavior of her caddie.
It is the player’s responsibility to find a caddie. Local caddies shall be paid promptly. The Tour takes no responsibility for the player/caddie relationship.
Caddies MUST wear a Tour caddie bib when supplied during each tournament round.
Caddies may use pull/push carts during tournament play. If the Tour authorizes the use of golf carts, caddies may have to walk.
Appropriate golf attire is required for all caddies. Caddies must wear non-spiked rubber-soled shoes. Golf spikes and flip flops are prohibited.
Caddies must assist in maintaining the course by REPLACING/FILLING DIVOTS AND RAKING BUNKERS as soon as possible after their players have played.
During a round and when play is suspended caddies may not hit shots or putts anywhere on the practice areas or course except in specially approved competitions.
For any violation of these regulations which affect play, a fine of $100 will be levied against the player of the caddie.
Golf Carts for Disabled Family Members
While we will make every effort to accommodate disabled family members who need golf carts, we remind the players that additional golf carts on site at tournaments create numerous logistical concerns. As such, we have worked closely with tournament organizations to reduce the overall number of carts used during each tournament week. The following policy shall be applicable for members seeking to obtain the use of a golf cart for a disabled family member:
The request for the use of the cart must be made by the Tour member and must indicate the name of the person, the nature of the disability, and if requested by the Tour, provide medical reports or other data indicating the extent and nature of the disability.
A request must be made for each individual tournament and must be made no later than the Tuesday of the tournament week.
Carts will be made available only to family members who have a disability that prevents them from walking along with their players. The Tour Director’s decision shall be final.
If a cart is issued to the family member, the following rules relating to the use of the cart shall apply:
Carts must remain on paths at all times.
Carts will NOT be permitted in designated practice areas (e.g., range, putting green, etc.) at any time.
If in the Tour Director’s opinion, use of the cart could potentially damage the playing surface of the golf course (e.g., due to wet course conditions), the Tour Director shall have the right to deny the use of the cart.
Spectators Welcome
With the exception of caddies, all spectators must stay out of the fairways and off of greens and tees during play. It is permissible to gather near tees and greens, but we ask that spectators stay on the cart paths or rough while walking the course.
Player Conduct
This is a professional tour and the ECWPGT expects all players to conduct themselves as such. Club throwing, offensive language, destruction of property, and any other conduct deemed by the Tournament Committee to be unbecoming of a professional will not be tolerated. The following is a list of the possible offenses and penalties:
Offensive language (per tournament)
First Offense: Warning
Second Offense: DQ warning and $100 fine
Third Offense: Disqualification and subject to dismissal from Tour
Club Throwing (per tournament)
First Offense: DQ warning
Second Offense: Disqualification and $100 fine
Destruction of Property (annually accumulative)
First Offense: DQ warning
Second Offense: Disqualification, $100 fine, and Tour expulsion warning
Third Offense: Tour expulsion
Striking a Tee Marker (annually accumulative)
First Offense: DQ warning and $100 fine
Any Subsequent Offense: $100 fine and Disqualification
Failure to Rake Bunkers (per tournament)
All bunkers must be raked properly and thoroughly after a player has played from it. Raking with a club or foot is not acceptable. The bunker should be left in better shape than when the player entered it in order to create equal conditions for all participants. If a caddie fails to rake a bunker, the player is held responsible for his caddy’s actions. Failure to rake a bunker, penalties are as follows:
First Offense: DQ warning
Second Offense: Disqualification and $100 fine
Alcohol Consumption (per tournament)
Alcohol consumption during tournament rounds will not be tolerated. Up to a $100 fine will be assessed for each violation with possible disqualification from the tournament. This will be the sole discretion of the Tour Officials.
Excessive alcohol consumption during a practice round, Pro-Am, and/or alcohol abuse during a Tour function will not be tolerated. Up to a $100 fine will be assessed for each violation with possible disqualification from the tournament. This will be the sole discretion of the Tour Officials.
In the administration of these player conduct guidelines, a member of the Rules Committee shall not tolerate abuse, oral or otherwise, by a player or caddy. Such abuse may constitute conduct unbecoming of a professional. Any excessive behavior deemed unprofessional is grounds for disqualification or tour expulsion, and is at the sole discretion of the Tour Officials. Players disqualified or expelled are not entitled to a refund or credit for their entry fee or Tour membership fee.
Any fines incurred must be paid before the player will be allowed to tee off for the next round. This Conduct Policy will be strictly enforced and applies to all competitors.
Pace of Play
OUT OF POSITION:
First Group: at any time during the round they exceed the allotted time to play.
Subsequent Groups: at any time during the round they; (a) exceed the allotted time and; (b) reach a par-3 hole that is open and free of play, reach par-4 hole and have not played a stroke from the teeing ground before the hole is open and free of play, or reach a par-5 hole and all players in the group have not played a stroke from the teeing ground before the hole is open and free of play.
NOTE: The Rules Committee reserves the right to time a group when the Committee deems it necessary. Further, if a player is determined by the Committee to be unreasonably slow, she may be timed individually at the Committee’s discretion regardless of whether her group is out of position.
TIMING: All players in a group that is out of position will be informed they are being timed. Below are guidelines for timing:
A group falling behind or just out of position, if possible, will be warned. However, timing may commence without a warning.
A group will be warned only once in a round. If possible, after a warning, a group will be monitored to determine if player(s) need to be timed individually. Timing could occur on any hole, including the finishing holes of a round or the next hole.
Other than on the putting green, timing of a stroke begins when it is the player’s turn to play and he/she can play without interference or distraction. Time spent determining yardage counts in the time taken for the next stroke.
On the putting green, timing begins after a player is allowed a reasonable amount of time to mark, lift, clean, and replace their ball, repair ball marks and remove loose impediments on their line of play.
A player has 40 seconds to play a stroke, with an additional 10 seconds (total of 50) when first to play: stroke on a par-3; a second stroke on a par-4 or par-5; a third stroke on a par-5; a stroke near the putting green or, a stroke on the putting green.
A player being timed, who exceeds the applicable time to play a stroke will be informed as soon as possible.
Penalties During Round
First Offense – no penalty
Second Offense – one Penalty Stroke
Third Offense – two Penalty Strokes
Fourth Offense – DISQUALIFICATION
Appeals
Any appeal of a penalty must be referred to the on-site Director of Rules and Competition immediately upon competition of the player in question’s round. The Tournament Director’s decision shall be final. If the players in question does not appeal immediately upon conclusion of their round any penalties shall stand.
Equipment Rules
To help ensure that players competing in the Tour tournaments use equipment which conform to the USGA Rules of Golf, players are encouraged to:
Confirm with equipment manufacturers that new equipment or samples have been approved by the USGA.
Have any altered or unusual clubs checked out by a Tour Rules Official before tournament use.
Verify that the ball chosen to be played is on the USGA’s Conforming Golf Balls list.
If a player fails to submit her equipment prior to competition, she assumes all risk of a ruling should the equipment NOT conform with the USGA Rules of Golf. Additionally, if required by a Tour official, a player is obligated to surrender any equipment if it is determined that additional off-site testing is necessary to rule on conformity. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. Electronic Devices The use of distance-measuring devices will be permitted in all ECWPGT events. The device must be used to only measure distance. If a player uses a distance-measuring device to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g., elevation changes, wind speed, etc.), the player is in breach of Rule 4.3a(1).
Mobile cell phones may be used to contact a Tour official, check the leaderboard, check the weather forecast or used as an electronic distance-measuring device.
Examples of uses of an electronic device that may assist the player in her play and therefore in breach of Rule 4.3a(1): Using the device to ask for or give advice, or Listening to music or a broadcast for prolonged period might assist the player in her play by eliminating distraction or promoting a good tempo.
Other electronic devices such as radios, ipods, MP3 players, televisions, and the like, are NOT permitted. Any use of such device during the stipulated round will result in disciplinary action and possible DISQUALIFICATION. (Use is defined as the device being on at any time during the stipulated round).