All they have been averaging for probably 8 years is 3200, so not cutting it much. They would get about 2,ooo on early sign up and the 1000 from there to the end.

I thought they reached the 3000 when they added some almost the last day. Either way I think that this is about where they can handle everything efficiently.

I think the limit is simply a matter of practicality in terms of event planning. With a hard limit they have a much better idea how many courses to book and how much food and beverage is needed. I’m sure it would not be easy trying to line up more courses as late as June or July if the participation number kept increasing.

I think w will struggle to hit 3,000 this year. Does anyone know how many Canadians play in an average year? We have around 20 so far.

Well, we’re getting closer, and it looks like the WA may not get to the 3,000 player limit. I have been around long enough to remember the days when we had over 5,000 players. I have a couple suggestions that may explain the lower turnout and what might generate more interest in the future.

1. The price tag. While I believe it is still a good deal for yourself and a guest, with the unlimited food and drink, not everyone brings a guest. Maybe make the guest pass an add on and drop the price for individual players. It definitely seems in the last few years we have gotten less for more.

2. The prizes: Gone I guess are the days of a condo giveaway but also the flight prizes are a little low. The $600 limit for amateurs was changed years ago to $1000. If this is truly the best tournament on the planet(which I still believe it is) the prizes should be commensurate.

3. Re-do a survey to see who wants Tee-times vs. shotgun. I myself prefer shotgun because of the camaraderie, the ease of skin games and the consistency. Back when I was younger and crazy I would often play an afternoon emergency 18 which would be impossible with a late tee time. It may actually be hurting the Myrtle Beach golf economy by going to tee times.

4. Pair the leaders on Thursday. Just a select few make the finals, but the tension of being in contention on Thursday make it exciting for 7 more players in each flight.

5. More Advertising to younger and female golfers. It seems the average age gets older every year and we need to bring in more players from those two groups.

Thats it. Post any other thoughts.

You can re-do the survey,but as long as the courses want tee times, that’s what it will remain. I personally prefer tee times. It is advertised as a tournament and that is what tournaments play is. Prize money should definitely go up; although I haven’t collected any lately. Paring on last day could actually happen if the hosting club would actually “step up” and do something other than sit back and just take in the money. I remember the days when they had rovers monitoring pace of play.

Geoff all great suggestions,

I think they will get really close to the cap. Last year it was just under and with everything going on in the world it’s not surprising that International players are probably down.

There have been a couple of Canadians here complaining about the Trump Tariff’s which is silly because letting Politics trickle into a Golf Tournament is Non Sense.

Tee times are here to stay. This is what the courses want. Is this a deal breaker for me, Nope.

Pairing the Leaders on the final day is a No brainer and really not that hard but might mess up people that need to have tee times near each other. But still a great idea.

I would love to see The WAM staff go after a female golfer also. I can only Imagine what Paige Spiranacs fee would be but if you want to bring in New golfers Someone like Paige would do it.

The Prizes are what they are. There are other tourneys to play if you want to play for more cash.

I just want to add that in 4 years, Never even sniffed any of the early entry prizes while some win them every year. As my kids would say, SUS