2020 Duel in the Desert
Las Vegas Paiute Resort - Wolf, Snow Mountain & Sun Mountain
54-hole stroke play
January 29th, January 30th & January 31st
EVENT OVERVIEW
What makes The Duel unique? Unlike other events on the Golf Channel Amateur Tour, this tournament is open to BOTH Golf Channel Am Tour players and Non-Members and is a two-person team championship. Now is your chance to experience a two-person team championship at beautiful Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort leading up to one of the best football weekends in Vegas.The 54-hole, two-person team tournament consists of a scramble, modified alternate shot and best ball on three of Las Vegas’ finest courses – Paiute’s Snow
Mountain, Wolf & Sun Mountain.
Note - when registering as a guest, after clicking on Register -> Sign In with Golf ID, you will need to create a Golf ID account. Then you can proceed as a guest and complete your registration.
Duel competitors also enjoy the exclusive privilege of being the only players permitted on Paiute’s three courses throughout the duration of the tournament.
All two-person teams are scheduled to compete on each of the three different tournament-style courses. Once registration closes and the field has been finalized, flight assignments will be announced.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Rick Adamek
Regional Director
813.765.1987
rick.adamek@golfchannel.com
FORMAT
54-hole stroke play championship. All entries are on a first come, first served basis
Do I need to have a USGA/RCGA Handicap Index to play in this tournament?
YES. You and your partner both need to have a verifiable USGA (or RCGA from Canada) Handicap Index to compete in this tournament. Your USGA/RCGA Handicap Index must be valid and current as of December 15, 2019. If you do not have a current and active USGA/RCGA Handicap Index as of December 15, you will play at a scratch, or 0 handicap, no exceptions.
In what format will the event be played?
The tournament is a 54-hole, two-person team competition. Day one (Wednesday) will be a Modified Alternate Shot format, day two (Thursday) will be a Best Ball format, and day three (Friday) will be a Scramble format. USGA® rules are in effect at all times during play. All formats are stroke play and NOT match play.
How do I sign up for the Duel in the Desert?
Registration fee includes daily round trip coach transportation from Planet Hollywood to Paiute, three rounds of golf (one on each of the host courses), plus practice range balls the day of the tournament, shared use of golf cart as well as three night’s accommodation on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, tee prizes, and box lunch provided each tournament round at the golf courses.
What is the cost of the event?
All players will be staying at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Entry fee’s for the Duel in the Desert tournament. (All prices are per player)
Single Occupancy – GC Am Tour Member – $900 (One golfer, one hotel room)
Double Occupancy – GC Am Tour Member – $825 (Two golfers, share one hotel room)
Single Occupancy – Non GC Am Tour Member – $975 (One golfer, one hotel room)
Double Occupancy – Non GC Am Tour Member – $875 (Two golfers, share one hotel room)
Rates are based on the number of tournament golfers in a room. Contacting Rick Adamek at radamek@golfchannel.com with any questions.
Registration closes on December 15 or until the event is full (432 players max) whichever comes first.
Registration fee includes daily round trip coach transportation from Planet Hollywood to Paiute (regardless of whether you stay at Planet Hollywood or not), three rounds of golf (one on each of the Paiute courses), practice range balls the day of the tournament, discounts on practice rounds pre-tournament (see rates below), golf bag storage each night at Paiute as well as three (3) night’s accommodation Tuesday (1/28), Wednesday (1/29), & Thursday (1/30) at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, tee prizes, electronic scoring and box lunch provided each tournament round.
What does Single Occupancy and Double Occupancy mean?
The term single and double occupancy refers to the number of registered golfers per hotel room.
Single Occupancy registration encompasses one registered golfer (either alone and/or sharing a room with a non-golfer). Double Occupancy registration encompasses two registered golfers sharing a room.
Are there available discounts on additional room nights and how do I book them?
Yes. We have arranged for Duel in the Desert participants to receive special room rates for any additional room nights before or after the tournament if you arrive early or stay late.
The Sunday & Monday room rate is $85 + 13.38% tax and $12 Resort Fee. The Friday & Saturday room rate is $189 + 13.38% tax and $12 Resort Fee.
The extra room night rates/availability are based on Planet Hollywood and are NOT guaranteed.
All questions, concerns, changes, or additional room nights should be directed to Rick Adamek at Radamek@golfchannel.com or at 813-765-1987.
Keep in mind your entry fee includes Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday accommodations at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes. By registering for the Duel in the Desert, you are agreeing to the following cancellation policy agreement: Any cancellation prior to December 15, 2019 will be refunded the entire applicable event fee (single or double occupancy) minus a $100 processing fee. Any cancellations received after December 15, 2019 will result in a player not being issued a refund. No exceptions.
Do I have to be a member of the Golf Channel Amateur Tour to play in the event?
No. You do NOT need to be a member of the Golf Channel Amateur Tour in order to compete in the Duel in the Desert; however, you do need to have a verifiable USGA® handicap index. If you are unsure as to whether you have a verifiable USGA® handicap index, please contact the National Office at (813) 765-1987 or send an email to radamek@golfchannel.com.
Can I have a caddie and/or can I have a guest and/or an extra cart?
Spectators are welcome at all Golf Channel Amateur Tour tournaments provided the course allows spectators to walk the course and the spectators do not interfere with pace of play. Spectators are the responsibility of the player they are watching and must remain out of play and practice proper golf etiquette at all times.
Caddies are the responsibility of the associated player and are requested to practice proper golf etiquette. If there is an issue with the behavior of a spectator(s), or caddie(s), the individual(s) will be asked to leave the premises. Per Rule 6.1, the player incurs the applicable penalty for any breech of a rule by his/her caddie, including unsportsmanlike conduct.
Spectators and/or caddies are not permitted in a player golf cart (exception: A caddie or spectator may ride in a cart to the starting hole and from green to tee. In addition a spectator or caddie may sit in a cart only when it is parked at a tee or at a green). Use of golf carts is for the sole purpose of the players. Any spectator or caddie found riding in a golf cart during play of a stipulated hole competition may result in the disqualification of the player(s) who are associated with the violating spectator(s) and/or caddie(s) at Major Championships and the National Championships.
For more information please refer to the Player Handbook.
Which courses will we play on which days?
All players are scheduled to play one round at each of the three courses (Snow Mountain, Sun Mountain and Wolf). Specific course rotations will be announced once the field is finalized.
What time do I tee off?
All starts are shotgun and will begin promptly at 10:00am. Driving ranges will close promptly at 9:30am and players will need to be in the carts for pre-tee announcements at 9:40am. Players will depart the cart staging area promptly at 9:45am.
Where can I find pairings?
Once registration has closed in early January, the first two rounds of pairings will be posted online as soon as possible. The final round pairings will be available after Thursday’s round is complete so that the leaders play against each other in each flight.
How are the flights determined?
Assuming a full field (432 golfers), the tournament committee will determine the final amount of flights for the event, determined by team handicaps. Each team will have a combined team handicap which will be used to determine the final flight breakdowns.
I’m a 2 handicap; can I play with a 20 handicap?
Any player can be paired with and compete with any other player. The only stipulation is that, for purposes of flighting, the total team handicap cannot be more than 10 points greater than the lower of the two’s handicap.
In other words, a 2 handicap can pair up and compete with a 20 handicap, but their total team handicap will be 14. Working off of the lower handicap, the maximum allowable is 10 points higher than the 2 handicap, so the 20 would be adjusted down to a 12 and their total would be 2 + 12, or 14, NOT 22.
Which tees do I play from?
Mid-Am Yardages (54 years of age or under)
Handicap of 7.9 or less – Black Tees (approximately 6500 yards)
Handicap of 8.0 – 15.9 – Gold Tees (approximately 6250 yards)
Handicap of 16 or higher – White Tees (approximately 6000 yards)
Ladies (all abilities) – Red Tees (approximately 5600 yards)
Senior Yardages (55 years of age or older)
Handicap of 7.9 or less – Black Tees (approximately 6500 yards)
Handicap of 8.0 – 11.9 – Gold Tees (approximately 6250 yards)
Handicap of 12 or higher – White Tees (approximately 6000 yards)
Ladies (all abilities – Red Tees (approximately 5600 yards)
Can I register to play even though I don’t have a partner?
Yes. We are accepting single registrations and will pair them up using a blind draw after registration has closed. If you find a partner after you have registered as a single, contact Rick Adamek radamek@golfchannel.com and let him know.
Are there any side games?
Yes. An optional skins side game will be offered during check in.
What are the prizes for the flight winners?
Prizes for the top finishers will be based on the number of players in each flight and will consist of trophies, gift certificates and products. No single prize value will exceed $750 in order to maintain the USGA® guidelines for amateur status.
Will there be a Senior designation for the event?
Yes. Senior designations apply to players 55 years of age or older on the start of play on Wednesday of the tournament.
What happens in the event of a tie?
If any teams are tied for 1st place in their respective flight upon completion of the event, a sudden winner playoff will take place using the two-person best ball format for as many holes as are necessary until a winner is determined (assuming there is sufficient daylight and course availability at your course on Friday). The committee will dictate which hole(s) will be used and oversee the playoff. All other ties for subsequent places will be based on the USGA® method for matching scorecards (back 9, last 6, last 3, etc.).
Where will the event registration take place?
Early tournament check in will be at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Club from 2pm until 5:30pm on Tuesday. Players unable to check in on Tuesday will have the ability to check in prior to their first round on Wednesday morning at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Club. All players MUST check in before teeing off.
When and where is the tournament awards presentation?
All awards will be presented at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Club scoring area immediately following the completion of each flight on Friday. All players must take their prizes/trophies with them when they depart.
What happens in the event of weather delays?
The Golf Channel Amateur Tour Staff will do everything possible to get all holes completed for the event should there be any delays due to inclement weather. Should the course be deemed unplayable or if dangerous lightning is eminent, the event may be reduced to a shortened number of holes. We will do everything possible to get all 54 holes completed, but all players should be sure to check with the staff for any possible changes to tee times and/or events. PLEASE be prepared for any and all weather conditions.
How does the Tour ensure proper flighting?
The Golf Channel Amateur Tour national office will look at every competitor’s index whether they are a Tour member and use the Golf Channel Amateur Tour handicap system or if they use GHIN or any other system. We will confirm every player’s handicap that enters the event. Note that the tournament organizers will establish an Exceptional Scoring Committee (ESC) that reserves the right to re-flight and/or disqualify any group that the committee determines has intentionally manipulated the concept of fair-play and clean competition.
What are the transportation/parking details for the event?
Each player is responsible for his/her own transportation to and from the airport, host resort and golf courses during the event. The Golf Channel Amateur Tour offers transportation to and from the courses each tournament day via coach service at no additional cost to the player. Contact the National Office at (813) 765-1987 or send an email to radamek@golfchannel.com with any questions concerning transportation.
Are there any special rates for participants on car rentals or flights?
There are currently no special rates for flights or car rentals.
Are there available practice round rates and how do I book them?
Yes. We have arranged for Duel in the Desert participants to receive special practice round rates at all three golf courses.
(Optional) Practice Rounds
Practice rounds are optional and at the players expense. They can be booked by contacting the Golf Course Tournament Office at 702.395.1707 and identifying yourself as a Duel in the Desert competitor.
The following rates will be valid up to one week prior to the event:
Snow & Sun (Non Resident) Weekday (Monday-Thursday)
Before 11am -$79
11am – 1pm -$68
After 1pm – $55
Snow & Sun (Non Resident) Weekend (Friday-Sunday)
Before 11am – $95
11am –1pm – $79
After 1pm – $63
Wolf (Non Resident) Weekday (Monday-Thursday)
Before 11am – $87
11am – 1pm – $76
After 1pm – $63
Wolf (Non Resident) Weekend (Friday-Sunday)
Before 11am – $103
11am – 1pm – $87
After 1pm – $71
Practice rounds will be good for one week prior and should be made by calling The Paiute Golf Resort Tournament offices at 702.395.1707 and identifying yourself as a Golf Channel – Duel in the Desert Participant. You can also call Norm Stalzer number 702-395-1704 and Ashley Kennedy 702-395-1780 to book a practice round as well.
REGISTRATION OPENS at 12:00 Noon EST on OCTOBER 1