2026 Play Golf Lex Am Tour Guidelines, Rules, and Regulations
ELIGIBILITY
Any amateur golfer is eligible to participate. Players with no handicap can compete in the Brewer Division only. In order to participate in any other division players must have an active and validated USGA GHIN Handicap. Handicaps from other programs, leagues, or associations are not eligible. For more detailed information about handicaps see below.
SCORES and AWARDS
- Players will compete against other players in their division during each event.
- Gross scores will be used to determine the winner within each division, unless specified otherwise
- 1st place will be broken with a scorecard playoff except Club Championships and City Championships
-
- Back 9 Total Score
- Last 6 Holes Total Score
- Last 3 Holes Total Score
- Last 1 Hole Score
-
- All other ties for points will be divided equally
- If the competition has a split tee start within the same division, the “last nine holes, last six holes, etc.” is considered to be the last 9 holes of the course.
- AT LEAST 9 HOLES MUST BE COMPLETED TO BE CONSIDERED A TOURNAMENT
If an event is shortened due to inclement weather, scorecard playoffs will be determined by:
- 9 or more holes completed – last 9, last six, last three, last hole
- If the players are still tied using the above method, continue backwards from the last hole until a winner is determined
HANDICAPS and EXCEPTIONAL SCORES
One of the goals of the Play Golf Lex Am Tour is to allow players to compete against similarly skilled players. In order for players to compete fairly, players will begin to establish a Play Golf Lex Am Tour Handicap. USGA Handicap indexes and previous scoring history review will be used for players with less than 5 eligible PGLAT event scores.
Divisions are determined by player’s handicap index on the close of registration for that event
Handicaps can/will fluctuate throughout the season. Handicaps for the Playoff will LOCK after the final regular season event, currently scheduled for August 22nd at Tates Creek
Play Golf Lex Am Tour Handicap
Eligible scores from Play Golf Lex Am Tour events and a player’s USGA Handicap will determine their PGLAT Handicap. Players scores from any Play Golf Lex event that is eligible to be posted will be calculated towards a player’s PGLAT Handicap. Examples include Men’s City, Senior City, Am Tour, etc.
Please note that in cases of large variance between USGA Handicap Indexes and Play Golf Lex Am Tour Differentials the Tournament Committee reserves the right to modify a players Handicap to ensure fair competition. Any affected players will be notified.
|
Number of PGLAT Scores Posted |
Best PGLAT Differentials Used |
Calculation |
|
0-5 |
0 |
USGA |
|
6-8 |
2 |
PGLAT |
|
9-11 |
3 |
PGLAT |
|
12-14 |
4 |
PGLAT |
|
15-16 |
5 |
PGLAT |
|
17-18 |
6 |
PGLAT |
|
19 |
7 |
PGLAT |
|
20 |
8 |
PGLAT |
Formula for Calculating Play Golf Lex Differentials is the same as USGA. Scores and differentials will calculated by using the course rating and slope from the played distance. For exact formula please refer to USGA Handicapping page.
Scoring out of Division/Exceptional Scores
Play Golf Lex Am Tour Divisions are based off pairing players together of similar potential ability. To maintain the integrity of each division, the Play Golf Lex Am Tour Tournament Committee will review instances where members return a score that indicates their actual playing potential exceeds the general ability of their current division. The Committee will evaluate the playing record of the individual (including but not limited to the number of rounds on tour for established players versus rookies with few rounds, etc.) to determine whether the player will be disqualified from the event or moved to another division.
Factors that will cause consideration for disqualification or reassignment. This is not all inclusive
- Brewer or Holmes division players scoring four strokes or better below their division handicap
- Thomas, Perry, and Teater players scoring five strokes or better below their division handicap
- Meeting one of the conditions above plus shooting 3 shots better than their closest competitor
POINTS
Points will be awarded to all the finishers in each division at each regular season event and will accumulate throughout the year. Players can/will earn points in multiple divisions through the season, all those points will accumulate together regardless of what division they were earned in.
Regular Season Tournaments
|
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
5th |
6th |
7th |
8th |
9th |
10th |
11th+ |
|
200 |
185 |
170 |
155 |
140 |
125 |
110 |
95 |
80 |
65 |
50 |
Lexington Men's City Championship and Club Championships
|
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
5th |
6th |
7th |
8th |
9th |
10th |
11th+ |
|
300 |
275 |
250 |
230 |
210 |
190 |
170 |
150 |
130 |
110 |
90 |
Lexington City Match Play Championship
|
1st |
2nd |
Semi-Finals |
Quarter-Finals |
2nd Round |
1st Round |
|
300 |
275 |
240 |
185 |
140 |
95 |
Playoff Tournament
|
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
5th |
6th |
7th |
8th |
|
600 |
540 |
480 |
430 |
380 |
340 |
300 |
260 |
|
9th |
10th |
11th |
12th |
13th |
14th |
15th |
|
|
220 |
190 |
160 |
130 |
100 |
100 |
100 |
Players will earn a cumulative number of points throughout the year. All points awarded, regardless of division they are earned in, will count toward the players total points for the season.
QUALIFYING FOR PLAYOFFS
The top 15 eligible players in each division will qualify for the PGLAT Playoffs
- Players must compete in a minimum of 8 PGLAT eligible events to be qualified for the playoffs
ELIGIBLE EVENTS
The below events are considered as eligible for qualification towards the Club Championships and Playoffs.
QUALIFICATION CRITERIA FOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS (MAJORS)
Registration is limited to qualified players only. Players must satisfy at least one of the criteria below to be eligible to compete for full points and prizes in the four Club Championships. Players who have not met the below criteria may participate as a non-competitor. That player would earn the minimum number of season points and have that event count as an eligible event toward participation in future club championships or the Am Tour Playoffs.
- Played in 2025 Play Golf Lex Am Tour Playoffs or Tour Championship
- Played in a minimum of 6 Am Tour eligible events in the 2025 Season
- Played in a minimum number of events preceding Club Championship in 2026 (list above)
- Tates Creek Club Championship 3 of 5 events
- Kearney Club Championship 5 of 9 events
- Lakeside Club Championship 6 of 13 events
- Picadome Club Championship 7 of 14 events
The top 9 players from each division will compete over 2 days on September 12th and 13th at Kearney Hill Golf Links. The player with the best adjusted score, within their division, at the end of the 2 days will be considered the TOUR CHAMPION.
Adjusted Scores to begin Tour Championship are based on the final points list after the Playoff event at Lakeside Golf Course. The point’s leader will begin the Championship at -10. Each player after that will start at the score based on how many points behind the leader they are. The maximum you may start behind is 10 shots.
|
1st |
(1-250) |
(251-500) |
(501-750) |
(751-1000) |
(1001-1250) |
(1251-1500) |
(1501-1750) |
(1751-2000) |
(2001+) |
|
-10 |
-8 |
-7 |
-6 |
-5 |
-4 |
-3 |
-2 |
-1 |
E |
The TOUR CHAMPION will receive FREE greens fees at all the 5 Lexington City Golf Courses from September 14, 2026 through September 13, 2027. Good any day and any time, course accessibility subject to tee time availability based on regular play, tournaments, outings, closures, etc. Cart fees and tournament fees are not included.
PRIZE MONEY
All prize money won will be issued to a PLAY GOLF LEX gift card. Each player will be given a gift card at the 1st event they play of the season. It is the golfer’s responsibility to hold on to the card for redemption. Upon winning money from an event the tournament operations team will add the prize money to your gift card electronically. Please allow 24-48 hours after conclusion of event. Prize money can be used for greens fees, cart fees, merchandise, food, and beverage purchases at any of the 5 Lexington City Golf Courses. Gift cards cannot be redeemed for cash and have no cash value.
EVENT PRIZE BREAKDOWN
*Below table is approximate and modifications may be made based on field size and other tournament adjustments. Average prize entry is $20 for single day events and $40 for multi-day events. Number is percentage of prize pool paid to player. This is based on paying out 40% of the participants
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Rules Govern Play except were modified in Am Tour local rules
1. Tee time/partner requests: PGLAT will set tee times for all participants based on tournament needs. You may request to play with one player during individual events if you so choose, we will try, but cannot guarantee such requests. Please advise who that player is during the registration process. The rest of foursome will be filled randomly. In team events you will be paired with your partner but the other team will be chosen at random.
2. Time of Starting/Late to Tee: If a player arrives at their starting tee five minutes or less past their starting time, the penalty for failure to start on time is two strokes at the first hole. The player may tee-off and join their group with a 2 shot penalty. If a player arrives for their tee time after their group has finished the opening hole that player will be disqualified.
3. Distance Measuring Device: Players are permitted to use optical devices (rangefinders) that measure distance based on a through-the-scope calculation by the player. GPS (global positioning system) devices with pre-programmed distances, and devices capable of gauging or measuring other conditions, are permitted. If GPS device shows slope or wind speed, these options must be disabled for tournament. Refer to USGA Rules of Golf for additional information.
4. Order of Play: Play “READY GOLF.” Players are not restricted to playing whom is farthest from the hole is first to hit or to maintain HONOR on the tee box.
5. Pace of Play: Each player must play without undue delay, which is defined as taking no more than 45 seconds to play a shot. Play “READY GOLF” and walk quickly.
A group will be deemed to be out of position on the golf course when they are over time par. Time par is determined by each hole taking an average of 14 minutes in threesomes (15 minutes in foursomes) to complete a hole and/or by staying up with the group in front. When it is determined that a group is out of position on the golf course the group will be warned and asked to speed up play. If the group does not get back into position, any player in that group who does not play their stroke within 45 seconds when it is their turn will incur a one-stroke penalty. Subsequent warnings will incur a two-stroke penalty for each occurrence. The 45-second rule is in place to assure playing without “undue delay”
6. Music on Course: Music is permitted to be played on the course during play. Music volume must be kept at a level that will not interfere with or disrupt other players/groups. Tournament officials reserve the right to tell players to either lower volume or turn off music if in violation.
7. Red Penalty Areas: Areas on the golf course that are lined/staked in red and all natural/heather/tall grass areas on the course are to be played as a Red Penalty Area whether marked or not with red lines/stakes. USGA Rule 17
See diagram 17.1d for more details on how to take proper relief
8. Out of Bounds: Players must play from previous spot with one-stroke penalty. Out of bounds is defined where white stakes or fence posts are used, the nearest inside points at ground level define out of bounds. When out of bounds is defined by a white line on the ground, the line itself is out of bounds. A ball coming to rest on or crossing any public road is considered out of bounds, even if it comes to rest on another part of the golf course.
9. Ball Drops: A “drop zone” is an area enclosed by a white/yellow circle or sign. A “ball drop” is not ground under repair.
10. Environmental sensitive areas by Blue Stakes: To be treated as Ground Under Repair. Relief is mandatory.
11. Signals for Suspension and Resumption of Play: If play is suspended by one long siren or horn blast or verbal direction by a Rules Committee member, the player must immediately discontinue play and look for shelter. All practice areas are closed during suspension for a dangerous situation until the Committee has declared them open for use. Penalty for breach of this rule is a triple bogey on the first hole when play resumes. It is the player’s responsibility to be ready when play resumes that will be signaled by two short siren blasts repeated or verbal direction. All players failing to start play on time after a delay will be assessed a score of triple bogey on that and any subsequent hole(s) on which their group has already begun play. A player may not join a group during play of the hole; but must join them on the next tee. A player may discontinue play and seek shelter if he believes there is dangerous weather (lightning , tornado, hurricane, etc.) regardless of whether any tournament suspension siren has been heard. The player must report to the committee as soon as practical. Bad weather (rain, wind, etc.) is not itself a good reason for discontinuing play.
PGLAT will make all decisions regarding weather delays and/or cancellations on site the day of the event. The intention is to play the event on its scheduled day, and everything possible will be done in order to do so. The final eighteen hole round may be separated into a single nine hole round.
12. Code of Conduct: Violations of the code of conduct include: abusive language, club throwing, cheating, disrespect of volunteers, officials, staff, abuse to the golf course or the facilities, littering, or any other conduct unbecoming of a player. First offense: disqualification. Repeated violations may lead to rejection of future entries.
13. Dress Code: Players must adhere to the following dress code: Only acceptable golf attire is permitted. Collared shirts are not required. Denim is permitted. Players are prohibited from wearing shoes with metal spikes, footwear which can damage the course (boots, soccer cleats, etc), short shorts, or tank tops. Players not appropriately attired will not be permitted to participate.
14. Result of the Competition: When all the scorecards have been signed, attested, collected and approved by PGLAT, the result of the competition is deemed to have been officially announced.
15. Golf Car Rental: Anyone renting a cart must be at least 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license. Competitors are expected to obey the courses golf car rules for the day (90*, Cart Path Only) or the privilege will be revoked.
16. Push/Pull Carts: Push or pull carts are permitted during competition
17. Safety: Participation during a golf tournament can be dangerous. Please be aware of others near you at all times on the course and practice areas. When driving or riding in a golf cart, please follow the manufacturers safety notices at all times. Riding in a cart or being struck by a club or ball can cause serious injury or death. Should a player feel there are dangerous weather conditions, or are alerted to another good reason such as illness, they may discontinue play. Seek shelter or medical help should these conditions arise. You may use a cell phone to call for help at any time during an event. While necessary precautions are taken by PGLAT and the host facility to insure everyone’s safety, it is important that everyone work together to provide a safe environment.
18. Late Registration Policy: Registration for all PGLAT events will close 4 days prior to event day.
A player may request entry into an event after registration closes via email to cboysel@lexingtonky.gov
Once tee times are created, posted and e-mailed, it is difficult to change.
19. No Pay No Show Policy: The PGLAT allows for players to skip payment during the registration process if they would like to pay on the day of the tournament. If a player has elected to pay the day of the tournament and then does not show or cancels day of, they will not be allowed to register without payment again. This is to make sure that we can get people who may be on the waiting list into the field if someone has to cancel. All prepay policy decisions will be made by the tournament committee.
20. Waiting List: If an event is full at the time a player is registering, that player will be placed on a waiting list.
- If spots in an event open up BEFORE TEE TIMES ARE CREATED, those spots will be filled based on the order of registration on the waiting list
- If spots in an event open up AFTER TEE TIMES ARE CREATED, those spots will be filled based on the order of registration within the player’s division and tee times available
- Any player that is added from a waiting list will be notified via email of their opportunity to compete