Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is the Athens Regional Foundation Classic?
The Athens Regional Foundation Classic is a professional golf tournament that is part of the PGA Tour’s Nationwide Tour. All proceeds from the golf tournament benefit the Athens Regional Foundation.
What is the Nationwide Tour and how does it relate to the PGA Tour?
The Nationwide Tour is an extension of the PGA Tour that serves as a breeding ground for future PGA Tour players. Annually, the top 25 players from the Nationwide Tour gain fully exempt status to the PGA Tour the following year. For example, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Chris DiMarco, David Toms, Stuart Appleby, John Daly, Stewart Cink, David Duval, Chad Campbell and many other PGA Tour stars all have played full time on the Nationwide Tour.
Can anyone play in the Athens Regional Foundation Classic?
The only way to play in the tournament is to qualify through the Georgia PGA open qualifying the week prior to the event (www.georgiapga.com).
Who are some of the players that played in the 2007 Athens Regional Foundation Classic?
Martin Laird (2007 winner), Steve Jones, Ricky Barnes, Guy Boros, Steve Pate, Nick Flanagan, Hank Kuehne, James Driscoll Jim McGovern and former Georgia Bulldogs – Chip Beck, Erik Compton, Justin Bolli, Franklin Langham and Paul Claxton.
What date is the tournament?
April 14 - 20, 2008.
What is the tournament format?
72 holes of stroke play. 156 players start and the field is cut to the low 60 scorers and ties after 36 holes.
What is the prize money for the Athens Regional Foundation Classic?
The overall purse is $525,000. with the winner taking home $94,500.
Where is the tournament played in 2008 and how do I contact the tournament office?
The tournament is played at Jennings Mill Country Club, which plays to a par 72 and is 7004 yards in length. You can contact the tournament office at (706) 475-7025; www.arfcgolf.org; or cuttsb@arfcgolf.org.
Where can I buy Athens Regional Foundation Classic merchandise?
A variety of things are available during the week of the tournament at Jennings Mill Country Club. Certain items are available during the year through the tournament office.
What happens during tournament week?
The entire event calendar can be viewed by visiting the tournament schedule page.
What time does tournament play begin and end?
On Thursday and Friday, the tee times begin at holes 1 and 10 from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM for the morning groupings and from 12:15 PM to 2:15 PM for the afternoon groupings. The admission gates open at 7:30 AM with play usually finishing around 7:00 PM.
On Saturday and Sunday, the tee times are generally from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM with play finishing around 6:00 PM.
How do I get tickets and how much do they cost?
Tickets may be purchased in advance through the tournament office or at the on site admission gates during all tournament days. Tournament “grounds only” tickets are $10. daily. Clubhouse access badges are $25. for the entire week.
Do you have directions or maps to the parking lot(s)?
Yes, please visit the Directions page.
When will the parking shuttles be in service?
The parking shuttles will begin running all tournament days at 7:30 AM and continue until everyone has left the golf course – approximately 7:30 PM. Shuttles will pick up and drop off every 15 – 20 minutes.
Pro-Am
What is the entry fee to play in the Pro-Am tournament?
To enter individually is $1,500. or you can enter as a foursome for $5,000.
What's included in the Pro-Am cost?
A round of golf with a top Nationwide Tour Pro. Each player receives an extensive tee gift package that is valued over $700. On Pro-Am day there is breakfast, lunch and/or awards party. There are soft drinks, sport drinks and bottled water on the course during play. For Wednesday players there is a Tuesday evening pairings party with dinner and beverages. All players will have access to the VIP parking area on Pro-Am day.
What type of tee gifts are typical?
In 2007 we gave a pair of Foot Joy golf shoes; Ashworth golf shirt; Ashworth wind shirt; Golf Bag Travel Cover; One Dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls; Tournament Cap; Tournament golf towel and Custom bag tag.
What is the format of the Pro-Am?
Four amateurs play with one Nationwide Tour professional. Scoring is based on the one best ball of the fivesome, where players pick the best drive and play their own ball.
How do I enter the Pro-Am?
Contact the tournament office for an entry form or print an entry form at the tournament web site www.arfcgolf.org. Entry forms may be faxed to (706) 475-6774 for completion.
Sponsorship
How can I get information about sponsorship opportunities?
Contact the tournament office at (706) 475-7025 or email tournament director Cutts Benedict at cuttsb@arfcgolf.org. Additionally, you can click the link “Sponsorships” for specific details.
What is the official charity of the tournament?
The tournament benefits the Athens Regional Foundation of Athens Regional Medical Center. The Foundation provides the means to generate funds and expand the availability of services to the greater community, involving and educating area citizens with Athens Regional Medical Center's health care services, providing a forum for increased dialogue between community, business leaders and ARMC, and identifying community health education and service needs and implement programs to meet those needs.
Volunteering
How do I become an official volunteer for the tournament?
Complete a volunteer application which is available at the tournament office. It can be sent to you via email or fax; or can be printed from the link “volunteer application”.
Return the application with check to Athens Regional Foundation Classic, 1199 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30606 – Attention: Volunteer.
What do volunteers do?
There are over 25 different volunteer committees associated with the tournament. A few examples are Pro-Am Coordination; Player Registration; Golf Course Hole Marshall; Hospitality; Parking and Admissions. For a complete listing with descriptions, please click “Volunteers”.
How many shifts am I required to work?
We ask that volunteers work at least 2 or 3 shifts during the week of the tournament. Each shift will last approximately 4 – 6 hours depending on the committee assignment.
Where do volunteers park?
All volunteers will be provided a pass to park at the designated volunteer parking lot located inside Jennings Mill. There will be a shuttle from there to the volunteer headquarters which will run about every 15 minutes.
Where do volunteers check in for their shift?
Volunteer Headquarters is located adjacent to the golf clubhouse in the golf cart storage building. We ask that volunteers check in 30 – 40 minutes prior to their shift for any instructions and to allow time to get into position.
What if I can't make it to work my shift?
Call your committee chairperson as soon as you know that you are unable to cover your shift. If they are not available, please contact volunteer headquarters or tournament office.
Should I report for my shift if it is raining?
Yes, even if your committee assignment is outdoors. In the case of any weather delays, your committee chairperson will provide you with instructions.
What do I need to bring?
You should arrive at volunteer headquarters wearing your volunteer shirt and headwear. Bring your volunteer badge and wear it at all times. Cell phones and cameras are not allowed on the course.
Where can I get something to eat or drink?
At volunteer headquarters, the tournament will give you breakfast or lunch before or after your shift of work. There will be a variety of snacks, water, soft drinks, etc. available throughout the day.
Why is there a fee to be a volunteer?
The $35 volunteer fee is used to offset the cost of volunteer uniforms and it is typical for major professional sporting events to charge a fee. Included in the fee, each volunteer receives:
- One official ARFC tournament logoed golf shirt.
- One official ARFC tournament logoed cap or visor.
- One volunteer badge that is good for admissions to the grounds for the entire tournament.
- Meal voucher for each shift worked.
- 6 tournament tickets to be used any way you like.
- Invitation to the volunteer party and autograph session with the 2008 Athens Regional Foundation Classic Champion.
