Pre-Qualifying - Stroke play contested over 54 holes.

The Pre-Qualifying competition will be conducted at stroke play, scheduled over 54 holes (3 rounds).

Applicants that are not exempt to First, Second or Final Qualiyfing Stage shall particpate in Pre-Qualifying.  Field sizes at each Pre Qualifying will be approximately 78 players, with no reduction (cut) of field.  The number of players advancing from each site will be on a pro rata basis (i.e., approximately the same percentage of players from each site will advance), and such number will be announced during Pre-Qualifying.  All players tying for the last qualifying position at the conclusion of play at each site will advance.  Successful Pre-Qualifying applicants will be assigned their First Qualifying Stage site in the order of the applicant's preference based on Pre-Qualifying finish position.  A blind clinical draw will be conducted at PGA TOUR Headquarters to determine the order that successful Pre-Qualifying applicants with the same finish position are assigned First Qualifying Stage sites.  Ties among those earning a First Qualifying Stage position at the same Pre-Qualifying site will be broken for the purpose of making First Qualifying Stage assignments by matching individual stipulated round scores in decending order beginning with the last round.  Ties remaining after a match of rounds will be broken by matching individual hole scores from the 18th hole of the last round backwards.  The entry fee includes: green fees, practice balls on all official practice and qualifying round days and liability insurance coverage covering liability, which may arise as a result of the applicant’s presence at the Pre-Qualifying site.  Players shall walk during all official practice and competitive rounds. 

The First Qualifying Stage competition will be conducted at stroke play, scheduled over 72 holes (4 rounds).

Successful Pre-Qualiyfing applicants and applicants exempt to First Qualifying Stage shall participate in the First Qualifying stage.  Field sizes, including positions reserved for successful Pre-Qualifying applicants, are scheduled to be approximately 78 players, with no reduction (cut) of field. The number of players advancing from each site will be on a pro rata basis (i.e., approximately the same percentage of players from each site will advance), and such number will be announced during the First Qualifying Stage.  All players tying for the last qualifying position at the conclusion of play at each site will advance.  Successful First Qualifying Stage applicants will be assigned their Second Qualifying Stage site in the order of the applicant's preference based on First Qualifying Stage finish position.  A blind clinical draw will be conducted at PGA TOUR Headquarters to determine the order that successful First Qualifying Stage applicants with the same finish position are assigned Second Qualifying Stage sites.  Ties among those earning a Second Qualifying Stage position at the same First Qualifying Stage site will be broken for the purpose of making Second Qualifying Stage assignments by matching individual stipulated round scores in decending order beginning with the last round.  Ties remaining after a match of rounds will be broken by matching individual hole scores from the 18th hole of the last round backwards.  The entry fee includes: green fees, practice balls on all official practice and qualifying round days and liability insurance coverage covering liability, which may arise as a result of the applicant’s presence at the First Qualifying Stage site.  Players shall walk during all official practice and competitive rounds.

The following applicants shall be exempt to First Qualifying Stage:

1. Members of the following international golf tours or Nationwide Tour during 2007-2011: PGA TOUR, PGA European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia, Sunshine Tour, Asian Tour, Canadian Tour and Tour de las Americas. 
2. Applicants that made the cut during 2010 or 2011 in a tournament awarding official money conducted by a Tour listed above as of the  Qualifying Tournament entry deadline of September 28, 2011.
3. Applicants that finished in the top 50, including ties in 2009 or 2010 in a First Qualifying Stage of the PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament.
4. Applicants that played in the Second Qualifying Stage of the 2008, 2009 or 2010 PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament.
5. Applicants ranked 101st through 200th on the Official World Golf Ranking as of the Qualifying Tournament entry deadline of September 28, 2011.
6. Applicants that made the cut at the 2011 PGA Professional National Championship.
7. Applicants that finished in the top 10, including ties, at the 2010 PGA Assistant Professional National Championship.
8. Applicants that played in the 2010 or 2011 Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, British Open or PGA Championship.
9. Applicants that were members of the 2011 U.S. Walker Cup Team or 2010 U.S. World Amateur Team.
10. Applicants that played in the Semi-Finals of the 2010 or 2011 U.S. Amateur or the Finals of the 2010 U.S. Mid-Amateur.
11. Applicants ranked 1st through 20th on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) as of the Qualifying Tournament
    entry deadline of September 28, 2011.

The Second Qualifying Stage competition will be conducted at stroke play, scheduled over 72 holes (4 rounds).

Successful First Qualifying stage applicants and applicants exempt into Second Qualifying Stage shall participate in Second Qualifying Stage.  The overall field size will be based on 450 including ties from the First Qualifying Stage sites.  Field sizes will be approximately 78 players with no reduction (cut) of field.  The number of players advancing from each site will be on a pro rata basis (i.e., approximately the same percentage of players from each site will advance), and such number will be announced during the Second Qualifying Stage.  All players tying for the last qualifying position at the conclusion of play at each site will advance to the Final Qualifying Stage.  The entry fee includes: green fees, practice balls on official practice and qualifying round days and liability insurance coverage covering liability, which may arise as a result of the applicant’s presence at the Second Qualifying Stage site.  Players and caddies shall walk during all official practice and competitive rounds.  

The following applicants shall be exempt to Second Qualifying Stage:

1. 2011 PGA TOUR members.
2. Winners of Nationwide Tour tournaments whose victories are considered official, in the current calendar year plus the previous five (2006-2010) calendar years.
3. The top 10 available finishers, including ties, to a floor of 25th position, from the current year's PGA Professional National Championship.
4. Applicants who made the cut in the current year's Masters Tournament, PLAYERS, U.S. Open, British Open or PGA Championship.
5. The leading 4th through 10th available players to a floor of 25th position, on the PGA European Tour and Japan Golf Tour respective Official Money Lists as of the Qualifying Tournament's entry deadline, September 28, 2011 and the Australasian PGA Tour final Official Money List from the 2010 season.
6. Players who have made 50 or more cuts in PGA TOUR cosponsored or approved tournaments awarding official prize money in their careers as of the Qualifying Tournament entry deadline, September 28, 2011.
7. Players who finish from 41st through 70th on the 2011 Official Nationwide Tour Money List (as defined in the Nationwide Tour Tournament Regulations).
8. Those applicants ranked 51st through 100th on the Official World Golf Ranking as of the Qualifying Tournament entry deadline, September 28, 2011.
9. The leading 1st and 2nd available players, to a floor of 10th position, on the applicable Official Money List or Order of Merit as of the Qualifying Tournament entry deadline, September 28, 2011 of each of the following international tours: Asian Tour, Canadian Tour, Tour de las Americas and from the Sunshine Tour's final official money list for the 2010 season.

The Final Qualifying Stage competition is scheduled to be conducted at stroke play over 108 holes (6 rounds).

Successful Second Qualiyfing Stage applicants and applicants exempt to the Final Qualifying Stage shall participate in the Final Qualiyfing Stage.  The field size will be approximately 156 players plus ties from the Second Qualifying Stage sites with no reduction (cut) of field.  The entry for fee includes: green fees, practice balls on all official practice and qualifying round days and liability insurance coverage covering liability, which may arise as a result of the applicant’s presence at the Final Qualifying Stage site.  Players and caddies shall walk during all official practice and competitive rounds.

The following applicants shall be eligible to start at Final Qualifying Stage:

1. Those applicants among the top 25 finishers immediately after the 125th position on the final 2011 Official PGA TOUR Money List (as defined in the PGA TOUR Tournament Regulations).
2. Those Special Temporary Members of the PGA TOUR whose combined official money and money earned in official money World Golf Championship events is equal to or greater that the 150th place finisher on the 2011 Official PGA TOUR Money List (as defined inthe PGA TOUR Tournament Regulations).
3. Those applicants among Major and Minor Medical Extension category members (as defined in the PGA TOUR Tournament Regulations) whose Official Money earned in their Available Tournaments, when combined with the amount of Official Money in their Tournaments Played, equals or exceeds the amount of Official Money earned by the member who finished last in the 25 finishers beyond 125th place on the Official PGA TOUR Money List for the preceding calendar year shall be exempt into Final Qualifying Stage in that year provided that the Official Money earned in his Tournaments Played was less that the 150th finisher on the Official PGA TOUR Money List in the year of the applicant's injury.
4. Those applicants finishing 26th through 40th on the final 2011 Official Naitonwide Tour Money List (as defined in the Nationwide Tour Tournament Regulations).
5. The leading 1st, 2nd and 3rd available players, to a floor of 10th position, on the PGA European Tour and Japan Golf Tour respective Official Money List as of the Qualifying Tournament entry deadline, September 28, 2011 and the Australasian PGA Tour final Official Money List from the 2010 season.
6. Those applicants among the top 50 on the Official World Golf Rankings as of the Qualifying Tournament entry deadline, September 28, 2011.

Applicants withdrawing shall inform PGA TOUR by the applicable deadline listed below in order to receive a refund of their entry fee (minus the applicable withdrawal fee).  Verbal withdrawals must be made personally by the applicant and include the entry confirmation number to be accepted. All withdrawals must be substantiated in writing for a refund to be processed.

A. WITHDRAWAL DEADLINES

Pre-Qualifying (All Sites):

     5:00 p.m. EDT Friday, September 2, 2011.

First Qualifying Stage (All Sites):

     5:00 p.m. EDT Friday, October 7, 2011.

Second Qualifying Stage (All Sites):

     5:00 p.m. EDT Friday, November 4, 2011.

Final Qualifying Stage:

     5:00 p.m. EDT Tuesday, November 22, 2011.    

B. WITHDRAWAL FEES

From Pre-Qualifying:

Prior to applicable Withdrawal Deadline:  $300

After Withdrawal Deadline:  $600

Successful Pre-Qualifier From First Stage:

Prior to applicable Withdrawal Deadline:  $300

After Withdrawal Deadline:  $600

Exempt to First Stage Applicants From First Stage:

Prior to applicable Withdrawal Deadline:  $500

After Withdrawal Deadline:  $1,000

Exempt to Second Stage Applicants From Second Stage:

Prior to applicable Withdrawal Deadline:  $300

After Withdrawal Deadline:  $600

Exempt to Final Stage Applicants From Final Stage:

Prior to applicable Withdrawal Deadline:  $200

After Withdrawal Deadline:  $400                    

Notwithstanding any prior written notice of withdrawal furnished by an applicant, once an applicant begins play in any stage of the Qualifying Tournament or the applicant is removed for conduct unbecoming a professional or noncompetitive, the applicant will be ineligible to receive a refund.

VII. PGA TOUR MEMBERSHIP

The lowest 25 finishers and any tying for 25^thposition after the conclusion of play in the Final Qualifying Stage will be eligible for 2012 PGA TOUR membership, unless the PGA TOUR, in its sole discretion, elects not to award a membership based on other factors. NOTE: 1) Players finishing in the lowest 25 and ties who are under the age of 18 and players that do not become members are included in the lowest 25 and ties. 2) Players finishing in the lowest 25 and ties that finished in the top 25 on the 2011 Nationwide Tour money list are not included in the lowest 25 and ties.  Ties among those earning PGA TOUR membership will be broken for the purpose of ranking (i.e., determining a Qualifying Tournament player’s initial number on the 2012 eligibility list) by matching combined 5^th and 6^th round scores.  Ties remaining after a match of combined 5^th and 6^th round scores will be broken by matching 18-hole scores from the contestants’ last completed round on the Host Course or such course as designated by PGA TOUR. Ties remaining after a match of rounds will be broken by matching individual hole scores in descending order, beginning with the 18^th hole from the contestants’ last completed round on the Host Course or such course as designated by PGA TOUR.  (PGA TOUR reserves the right to periodically reevaluate Qualifying Tournament members in 2012 and to reorder the ranking based on competitive performance during the 2012 season).  If 5^th and 6^th rounds cannot be completed, the numbering would be consistent with Section X. C, Postponements and Cancellations; qualifying would revert back to the standings at the completion of the 4^th round.

Access to PGA TOUR cosponsored tournaments is determined by a player’s finish position at the PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament and is subject to change as a result of the periodic reorder, which benefits those players who perform best.  Listed below is the number of such cosponsored tournaments awarding official prize money that certain positions from the initial numbering and during the periodic renumbering were able to play in the last three years.

                                                                                NUMBER OF PGA TOUR TOURNAMENTS

CATEGORY POSITION                    2010                                        2009                                        2008

                QT #1                                    28                                             29                                            30

                QT #15                                  28                                             27                                            28

                QT #25                                  25                                             26                                            28

                QT Last Position                 20                                             18                                            19

All top 25 finishers plus ties who have not been members of the PGA TOUR (or for the last five years, 2007-2011) MUST attend the New Member Orientation program immediately following the Qualifying Tournament (December 5-7) in La Quinta, CA.  This program may be held over several days, with additional requirements to be met during the 2012 season.  Failure to attend the New Member Orientation or other new member programs without authorization from the PGA TOUR may result in the loss of eligibility or other membership benefits, and could result in a disciplinary fine. For more information please contact the PGA TOUR Player Relations Department.

IX. NATIONWIDE TOUR MEMBERSHIP

 lowest 25 finishers and ties who earn 2012 PGA TOUR membership, the remainder of players in the Final Qualifying Stage will be eligible for Nationwide Tour membership, unless the PGA TOUR, in its sole discretion, elects not to award a membership based on other factors.  The next number nearest 50 finishers will be eligible for a 2012 Nationwide Tour membership, as defined in the Nationwide Tour Tournament Regulations, in the “Next Number of Finishers Nearest 50 from the PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament” category.  Should there be an equal number of finishers at different scores at equal intervals above and below 50th position; the higher number shall be used.  All remaining players in the Final Qualifying Stage will be eligible for 2012 Nationwide Tour membership, as defined in the Nationwide Tour Tournament Regulations, in the “Additional Finishers from the PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament/Prior Year Members” category.   NOTE:  1) Players in the next number nearest 50 who are under the age of 18 and players that do not become members will not be removed from the next number nearest 50 for numbering purposes.  2) Players in the next number nearest 50 who finished in the top 25 on the 2011 Nationwide Tour official money list are not included in the next number nearest 50.  Ties among those earning Nationwide Tour membership will be broken for the purpose of ranking (i.e., determining a player’s initial number on the 2012 eligibility list) by matching combined 5^th and 6^th round scores.  Ties remaining after a match of combined 5^th and 6^th round scores will be broken by matching 18-hole scores from the contestants’ last completed round on the Host Course or such course as designated by PGA TOUR.  Ties remaining after a match of rounds will be broken by matching individual hole scores in descending order, beginning with the 18^th hole from the contestants’ last completed round on the Host Course or such course as designated by PGA TOUR.  If the 5^th and 6^th rounds cannot be completed, the numbering would be consistent with Section X. C. Postponements and Cancellations, qualifying would revert back to the standing at the completion of the 4^th round. Access to Nationwide Tourcosponsored tournaments is determined initially by a player’s finish position at the PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament and is subject to change as a result of the periodic reorder, which benefits those players who perform best. 

In accordance with Article III, Section A.1(e) of the Nationwide Tour Regulations, players who were fully-exempt PGA TOUR members for at least the preceding five consecutive calendar years will be eligible for a Nationwide Tour exemption in one of the first two years after the player fails to retain fully-exempt status on the PGA TOUR provided that he notifies the PGA TOUR no later than 10 days after the conclusion of the PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament for the year preceding the season in which he desires to use this exemption.  (A player may not use a Special Medical Extension in accumulating his five year total.)  To be eligible for this exemption, the player must have entered and competed in the PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament in the year preceding the season in which he desires to use this exemption.  Any eligible player may use this exemption only one time in his career.  For additional information regarding this exemption, please contact either the PGA TOUR or Nationwide Tour Membership Services Department.

First time Nationwide Tour members are required to attend the Nationwide Tour New Member Orientation Program the day following the completion of the final round of the Qualifying Tournament.  The orientation will be conducted over approximately ½ day and attendance is mandatory.   Failure to attend may result in the loss of eligibility or other membership benefits, and could result in a disciplinary fine.  Plan your schedule to allow for departure after the ½ day of orientation.

A.  TRANSPORTATION/GOLF CARTS/PULL CARTS

1. Transportation/Golf Carts:  Use of golf carts is prohibited.  Players and caddies shall walk during official practice and competitive rounds except; at Pre-Qualifying; First Stage or Second Stage caddies may use a golf cart during official Sunday practice rounds with a limit of two carts per grouping or: as otherwide permitted by the Rules Committee.  NOTE:  Anyone seeking use of a golf cart during practice rounds and competitive rounds due to a disability defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the PGA TOUR Competitions Department at 904/285-3700 to obtain information on procedures for submitting such requests. All such requests and required information must be submitted to PGA TOUR no less than 60 days prior to the competition.  Please note that requests due to injuries or impairments that do not qualify as a "disability" under the ADA will not be granted.
2. Caddies:  At Pre-Qualifying, First Qualifying Stage and Second Qualifying Stage caddies are not required.  At Final Stage caddies are required.
3. Pull Carts:  At Pre-Qualifying and First Qualifying Stages manual and motorized pull carts are permitted.  At Second and Final Qualifying Stage pull carts are prohibited.

B.  PRACTICE

1. Pre-Qualifying, First Qualifying Stage, Second Qualifying Stage: Official practice begins two days prior to the first scheduled qualifying round.
2. Final Qualifying Stage: Official practice begins three days prior to the first scheduled qualifying round. 

Practice before these designated times must be set up with course in advance by applicant.  Fees are at the discretion of the host facility.

C.  POSTONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS

If in the judgment of the on-site PGA TOUR Rules Official or designee, whose decision shall be final, conditions render commencement or continuation of tournament play inadvisable, play shall be postponed until such time as the PGA TOUR Rules Official or designee determines that such weather conditions or other occurrences or conditions have improved sufficiently for play to commence or resume.

In situations involving adverse weather conditions or any other occurrence or condition the first priority is the completion of three rounds of a Pre-Qualifying, four rounds of First or Second Qualifying Stage or six rounds of the Final Qualifying Stage.  Every effort will be made to achieve this objective by the end of the last scheduled competitive round day which may include playing more than one round in a day.  Pre-Qualifying, First or Second Qualifying Stages are "official" if at least two rounds have been completed.  The Final Qualifying Stage is "official" if at least four rounds have been completed.

In the event three rounds of a Pre-Qualifying Stage cannot be completed by the end of the last scheduled competitive day, the next priority will be the completition of two rounds be the end of the last scheduled competitive day.  Play at Pre-Qualifying will only be extended one additional day if two rounds have not been completed by the end of the last competitive day or to complete a round that has more than half the players starting that round finished.  Play of an "official" Pre-Qualifying competition will not be started or resumed if the round cannot be completed by the end of the last scheduled competitive day, unless half the field has completed that round.  In no situation would play start or resume in order to have half the filed finish so play may be extended beyond the last scheduled competitive day.

In the event four rounds of a First or Second Qualifying Stage, or six rounds of the Final Qualifying Stage cannot be completed by the end of the last scheduled competitive day, play will be extended one additional day.  If the completion of four rounds of a First or Second Qualifying Stage, or six rounds of a Final Qualifying Stage cannot be completed by the end of one additional day, the next priority will be the completion of three rounds of a First or Second Qualifying Stage or four rounds of the Final Qualifying Stage by the end of one additional day.  If three rounds of a First or Second Qualifying Stage cannot be completed by the end of one additional day, the next priority will be the completion of two rounds by the end of one additional day.  A round of an "official" First, Second or Final Qualifying Stage will not be started or resumed that cannot be completed by the end of one additional day, unless half the field has completed that round.  In no situtation would play start or resume in order to have half the field complete play so play may be extended beyond one additional day.

A round of an "official" First or Second Qualifying Stage that is not completed by the end of one additional day with less than half of the field of that round finished will be cancelled and the results through the last completed round shall stand.  A round of an "official" First or Second Qualifying Stage that is not completed by the end of the one additional day with half or more of the field finished, may be extended a second additional day to complete that round only.  If that round cannot be completed by the end of the second additional day, the round will be cancelled and the results through the last completed round shall stand.

The sixth round of an "official" Final Qualifying Stage that is not completed by the end of one additional day with less than half of the field of that round finished will be cancelled and the results through the fourth round shall stand.  The sixth round of an "official" Final Qualifying Stage that is not completed by the end of the one additional day with half or more of the field finished, may be extended a second additional day to complete the sixth round only.  If the sixth round cannot be completed by the end of the second additional day, the round will be cancelled and the results through the fourth round shall stand.

D.  APPEARANCE/CONDUCT

While on the host facility property during official practice and tournament round days:

1. Players shall present a neat appearance in both clothing and personal grooming. Blue jeans, shorts or T-shirts shall not be worn. 
2. Caddies may wear solid neutral colored trousers or tailored knee-length shorts.  Blue jeans, cutoffs, T-shirts or tank tops shall not be worn. Neutral colored, smooth rubber sole, closed-toed shoes are required.  Golf shoes with metal or soft spikes, sandals, and open-toed shoes are prohibited.  Caddie bibs shall be worn at the Final Qualifying Stage.
3. Players must attempt to be competitive and must conduct themselves in a professional manner.
4. Consumption of alcoholic beverages on the competition course or designated practice areas by players or caddies is conduct unbecoming a professional.  Players or caddies found to be using or selling illegal substances or using alcohol in an abusive manner shall be considered to have engaged in conduct unbecoming a professional.
5. Players must accept responsibility for the conduct of their caddie. A caddie who conducts himself in an unbecoming manner could result in the removal of the player from the competition.

PGA TOUR reserves the right to remove a player from the competition for non-competitiveness or unbecoming conduct.

A. RULES OF GOLF

1. Play shall be governed in accordance with the Rules of Golf of the United States Golf Association, as modified by the 2011 PGA TOUR Local Rules and Conditions of Competition card and the Notice to Competitors for the applicable course.  
2. For Second and Final Qualifying Stages, clubs must conform to the Grooves and Punch Marks specifications effective January 1, 2010, detailed in Decision 4-1/1.  The exception referring to Decision 4-1/100 does not apply.
3. Pace of play will be in accordance with the 2011 PGA TOUR Pace of Play Policy, except the fine structure shall not apply.
4. All applicants shall play from the same teeing ground when starting play of a hole.
5. Players and Caddies shall walk during competitive qualifying rounds at all stages, except when permitted to ride by the Rules Committee.
6. Use of manual or motorized pull carts is permitted during Pre-Qualifying and First Qualifying Stage.

Questions or disputes shall be settled by the Rules Committee appointed by PGA TOUR, whose decisions shall be final.

A. NON-COMPETITIVE PERFORMANCE

PGA TOUR reserves the right to remove an applicant from the competition if an applicant returns a non-competitive  score at any level/stage of the PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament.

B. FIRST STAGE

The 50 applicants returning the lowest scores, including any applicant tied for the 50th position, at each 2011 First Qualifying Stage competition will be exempt from playing in a Pre-Qualifying competition in the 2012 PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament.

Direct inquires regarding the 2011 PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament to:

PGA TOUR Competitions Department

PGA TOUR, Inc.

112 PGA TOUR Boulevard

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL  32082

Phone: 904 / 285 - 3700     Fax: 904 / 273 - 3377

email: qualifying_tournament@pgatourhq.com