thinking on heading this direction for future events.
I'll start with a C tier to keep entry fees low, maybe encouraging
some advanced players to come out and play with the big boys.

what backlash should i expect from local players? It's been suggested that once i make the decision, to stick to my guns!

any suggestions or experiences you care to share?

I throw this suggestion out all the time, but if you are going to have "pro" only tourneys, the lower entry fee to attract some advanced players is good, but how about going even further and allowing either:

1) the option of greatly reduced entry fees to anyone who wishes to play, but they aren't eligible for the cash. This appeals to those ams at any level who will spend a small amount in order to test themselves against better players, or just to see better players play; or better yet, IMO

2) separate entry fee pools. Have a base amount (everyone enter this pool) that is pretty cheap, but allow for those who want to play for more to do so (these people enter into a pool on top of the base pool). This is essentially a TD organized side bet amongst anyone who wants to enter. This option might appeal to ams of any level since the base price is cheap. This might also appeal to higher skilled ams and lower skilled pros who think they could possibly cash, but don't want to risk a large amount to find out.

The 2006 TD report makes it very easy to manage players who enter at reduced entry fees to play for trophies only, whether entering Pro or Am divisions.

You should be able to run whatever combination of divisions you want to. Your level of success will determine whether it was the right move. From a purely business standpoint, Pro only events don't make sense compared with Am only events.

thanks James,
i don't want to alienate the amateur players, those are great ideas.
are we talking about $10 base entry fee? Would that fee then go towards my event fees/open payout?

That is up to you, but if you can take some for the event fee, and move some into the pro purse, and at the same time give ams an affordable option, then everyone will hopefully be pleased.

Chuck,
I'm trying to avoid the 90 player events, I prefer the 25-50 player range (selfish, cuz then i can play) and cash payout is much less time consuming than figuring out script.
I know events can make more money when Ams play, as sponsors like to give merchandise, not prizes. What other business sense were you referring to?

The main draw back is that you don't have any profit on the merchastravaganza to pay for your $50 sanctioning fee, $2 player fees, insurance if you have to get it, and other expenses.

A big plus is that you'll be running tournaments for about 15 or 20 players at a time, so you won't be over worked. In fact, pros who understand who normally pays for insurance and sanctioning might decide to stay home, so maybe you are running a tournament for a dozen or fewer.

That's it. I can understand the smaller events for sure. Ams still help finance events with pros in them even just to cover event overhead without anything shifted to pro payout. I've been thinking about running PWG events (Pros, Women and Geezers) where male players under the age of 40 would be there only as pros. It's not that I don't care for the young guys but for the same reason you state which is to keep down the event size since Advanced and Intermediate can typically be the big divisions.

you're right Bruce, that's a concern. I don't want to reserve the park for a dozen golfers. I'm just looking for a low-key, competitive event to showcase some of Oregon's talent. If I plan it right, I could have Feldberg, Avery, Sprague, Lane Mason, Nate Sexton, Tom Embree, Doug Saulter and Randy Cox attend.

Would i still be eligible for CFR disc sales to generate added cash to payout? I was allowed a few years back when I ran an event on Maui, but I can't find the 06 TD report??

thanks again,
Brock

I am doing this same thing with my event in April. It is intended to be the State Rep selection event for USDGC. The nominee will recieve a paid entry to USDGC.

Being it will be a 3 round 2-day event. There is a demand in our state for 1 day events (some people do not like springing for a hotel). So I am offering a reduced entry, trophy only single day division. These players are not eligble for the nomination, but they at least get to play on what will be the toughest course in the state.

Most advanced players are going to play the 2-day, because they have a good chance at the nomination thanks to a creatively applied "bump" rule. But the single day event is better for the MA2 players.

The biggest killer is going to be the costs. Open players do not generate revenue. That is unless you can get them to buy a disc or two and even that is not enough to cover your expenses. You should be able to get into the CFR pretty easily, but buy early so that you can sell most of them by tournament time.