WNYPGA JR TOUR FAQ's
This FAQ's page will be an on going information page. New questions and answers will be added as they arise.
Emergency on the golf course? If there is ever an emergency with a player/spectator on the course and no parent/spectator is present: TEXT Julie Haile at (585) 993-0513 OR if life threatening, call 911 then TEXT Julie Haile at (585) 993-0513.
WNYPGA JR TOUR FAQ's
This FAQ's page will be an on going information page. New questions and answers will be added as they arise.
WNYPGA JR TOUR ADMINISTRATION FAQ's
Who oversees the WNYPGA Jr Tour?
Julie Haile serves as the Director of the WNYPGA Jr Tour and Director ofFoundation Programming for the WNYPGA’s PGA REACH - WNY pillar. Julie works with the WNYPGA Jr Committee to maintain a direct line of oversight and communication between the WNYPGA Section’s Board of Directors, Executive Director Victoria Schiro and the PGA of America.
How can I reach the Jr Tour’s direct point of contact?
Julie Haile at pgahq.com or (585) 993 0513.
SCHEDULING FAQ's
How will I know my tee time and who I will be paired with for an event?
Tee times and pairings typically go out 2-3 days via text message to those numbers provided in the registration form before the scheduled tournament. Tee times and pairings can also be found in the Player Portal, under the specific event. All event specifics can be found in the Golf Genius app in the player portal for each event. Information like, driving range access, availability & cost of spectator carts, safety items, etc. will also be included. Tee times & pairings can also be found on your Golf Genius app in the player portal.
What do I do if I cannot play in an event?
If your player cannot play in an event they have signed up for, and it is before the entry deadline, please withdraw them through your Golf Genius account. If after the entry deadline, then email Julie Haile at jhaile@pgahq.com.
What happens if I wake up ill the morning of an event?
Please TEXT Julie Haile at (585) 993-0513.
Are Jr Tour events canceled due to bad weather?
See our Tour Weather Policy in the Handbook, but simply put, NO. Unless the course is closed due to unplayable conditions, we will play. Severe weather will be monitored closely. Always check your email and be on the lookout for updated weather/play texts before leaving for the golf course as conditions can change quickly.
How early should I arrive before my tee time?
All players, spectators and caddies (Developmental division only are asked to be on the first tee and ready to play a minimum of ten minutes prior to their scheduled tee time. This will allow for tournament instructions, last minute unforeseen adjustments to the pairings, and keep us on time! If your player wants to hit balls or practice putting and chipping, you can plan accordingly from there.
Why are some events only for some divisions and not others?
There are several answers that fit this question. The number of tee times we are alotted at a host facility are a factor. The difficulty of the host course. If it serves as a qualfier for a national event. If the event is division(s) specific.
GOLF GENIUS
What is the difference between the Golf Genius app vs the Western New York PGA Jr app?
When a player signs in to the Golf Genius app they will be able to see the event and proceed to mobile scoring. The Western New York PGA Jr (Golf Genius) app will allow players to edit their profile, register/withdraw for events, view the Leaderboard, see FAQ's, and more!
Does a player need to use the Golf Genius mobile scoring app for their tournament scorecard?
No, however, when using mobile scoring a player's round will be able to be seen on the Leaderboard tab of the Event Portal. It is also helpful to know what hole a player is on. Even when using the mobile scoring app, players should always keep a paper scorecard as well, this is a good back up in the event wifi is spotty or if a phone battery dies.
What if a player does not have a cell phone to keep their score on using the Golf Genius mobile app?
That is ok, they can keep a traditional hard card. Parents/spectators should not be keeping an official tournament score on a phone for the players.
CADDIES
Can my player use a caddy?
Please see Division descriptions for additional information. Quick response ONLY at the Developmental Division level. DEVELOPMENTAL DIVISION
WNYPGA Jr TOUR EASTER EGG!!! The 1st person to email me at jhaile@pgahq with the words "Found it in the FAQ's" will win a prize!
* CONGRATULATIONS TO CLINTON HILL HE WAS THE 1ST TO EMAIL WITH THE FOUND EASTER EGG! ENJOY YOUR CHIPOTLE! (3/24/26) *
WHAT TO DO AFTER THE ROUND
What should a player do directly after finishing their last hole?
Shake hands with those in their playing group. Review scores as they are walking off the green and proceed directly to the scoring area. Once at the scoring area, players will finalize their scores with Jr Tour staff. All players must agree on the hole by hole scores for each player in the pairing. If players are unable to do so, the hole in question will be reviewed with players & staff, with the staff making the final score to be recorded. Reminder: players who sign for a lower score than they actually had will be DISQUALIFIED and all POV points will be voided for that event (Players Division only)
How long do I have to correct a scorecard if I realized I made an error?
Once scores have been reviewed at the scoring table and all have agreed verbally to their scores being "ok to finalize", the score will stand.
SPECTATORS
What is meant by "spectators are a player's responsibility" and "they should not act as coaches, caddies, rules officials or referees"?
Players will hear this repeatedly on the 1st tee. As this is tournament golf, spectators are in violation if they act in a way that aids their player and the player could be penalized for such infraction per the WNYPGA Junior Tour Handbook. Examples: pushing/carrying a bag, raking a bunker, interpretation of a rule, giving playing advice, score keeping.
Spectator Dress Code:
Spectators will be held to the same standard as players when it comes to dress code. Jeans are not allowed, regardless of the weather. Shirts must have a collar and be tucked in. T-shirts are not allowed. Gym or workout type of pants are not allowed. Ball caps must be worn in a traditional manner. Like players, spectators will be asked to change if inappropriately dressed.
Where do I sign-in at an event as a spectator?
As per the WNYPGA Jr Tour Spectator Policy, ALL spectators must sign-in at the 1st tee prior to their player teeing off. It is recommended that spectators arrive at the 1st tee with their player 10 minutes ahead of their scheduled tee time. Spectator Sign-in Policy
What is a spectator allowed to do?
Stay 1 shot ahead of their player/pairing in the rough or on the cart path. Act as a spotter for all players in the group. Help find a golf ball (3 minutes search time). Be positive and cheer all our players on. Two good rules of thumb, “We never saw Tiger’s dad walking down the middle of the fairway with him.” and “Spectators should not act as coaches, caddies, referees, or rules officials.” Spectator Expectations
Can a spectator/caddy (Developmental Division only) consume alcohol or smoke during an WNYPGA Jr Tour event?
NO, we strive to promote a healthy environment and example for our young players. WNYPGA Junior Tour - Spectator Alcohol & Smoking Policy
RULES QUESTIONS
On-course rules questions?
Players should be familiar with the basic rules of golf and the Local Rules for each host facility. Players are allowed to use the USGA Rules app. Players should always talk with all their playing partners BEFORE making a ruling or taking a drop/relief. If a ruling or situation is still unclear, a) player can play 2 balls until contact is made with Tour staff or b) TEXT (585) 993-0513 for assistance. Spectators should not act as rules officials, as incorrect advise could result in the player being penalized or DQ’d.
MISCELLANEOUS
Can my player change divisions during the season?
Players can always move down to a division that is open to their age if they feel they are playing in a division that is too advanced for their ability. Request to Play Up process found in the WNYPGA Jr Tour Handbook
Should I thank our host professionals?
Absolutely! I encourage all of our players to take the time either before or after their round to go to the golf shop and say thank you! It goes a long way in helping to secure host facilities for future events. As a collective thank you, I will be asking random Tour players to write a quick thank you note to our host professionals and facilities. This great idea came from golf legend, Arnold Palmer. He and his wife, Winnie, believe in the power of the pen, a genuine thank you, and the positive impact it can make.
Can I bring food and drinks to the host facilities?
I encourage spectators and players to support the host facilities that are opening their courses to our Tour. With that said, a simple snack and water bottle to keep the fires fueled is fine. Most facilities have a Halfway House or grill for spectators and players to grab something a little more substantial or re-stock on a light snack.
Click Here: Event Withdrawal & Refunds
What does stroke & distance mean?
Click Here: How to Properly Drop a Golf Ball
Click Here: What if my ball is stuck in the ground, aka embedded ball?