One of the best Amateur Golf Tournaments in the nation has come to Seattle and the Puget Sound.

2008 American Amateur Championship- Golf Tournament

The American Amateur Championship values itself on the highest quality of competition, sportsmanship, and fair play. As such, we have developed the following system to ensure our players have the best experience and are competing on a level playing field.

HANDICAP SYSTEM: The American Amateur Championship will be conducted using the same handicap system as established by the USGA. Entrants to the tournament must have an established USGA handicap (or other acceptable Handicap index that is calculated using the same formula as the USGA Handicap System). For example, if you have established or purchased a Handicap through the internet, you MUST make sure it is in line and follows the requirements as set forth by the USGA. All Handicaps are subject to verification by the AAC Fair Play Committee. Please review the the guidelines set forth by the USGA, http://www.usga.org/playing/handicaps/handicaps.html,  or contact your local PGA Professional for more information about establishing a handicap. Handicaps must be established by July 1, 2008 at the latest.


TOURNAMENT HANDICAP: All players will use the most up to date Handicap prior to the beginning of the tournament. The last date in which the USGA updates handicaps prior to the tournament is July 23, 2008. Players handicaps will be adjusted prior to the beginning of the tournament. For example: A player registers in April as a 16 Handicap, but in July has a handicap of 13. The player will play in the tournament as a 13 Handicap and be placed in his or her respective flight.

The AAC reserves the right to ask any player for a “Handicap Certification Form.” This form will be submitted by each player to certify their handicap prior to start of tournament play. Players will provide information about their local course, Head Professional contact information, as well as tournament scores during the year to certify their handicap. Players will also be required to verify their Handicap by presenting a copy of their current Handicap card during check in. If NO Handicap Card is available, players must submit a signed letter from their Local PGA Professional or Men’s Club President.

AAC FAIR PLAY COMMITTEE: In order to promote fair play and improve the quality of competition, we have created the AAC Fair Play Committee. This Committee is established to promote fair play and sportsmanship, along with establish a standard of excellence which is the foundation of the American Amateur Championship. The Fair Play Committee will review each players handicap and will determine the flight each player will compete in, based on the players Handicap. The Fair Play Committee will meet at the end of each day of competition to ensure fair play is being exhibited. Handicaps will be adjusted as needed and all decisions made by the Committee are final.

SANDBAGGING IS NOT PERMITTED: Golf is a game based on honesty and integrity. Be it cheating on the course by not playing by the rules or by getting strokes before the game begins, cheating WILL NOT be allowed. There is the occasion where a 16 handicap goes out and the golf gods shine down on him as he shoots his best round of his life and posts a 72. There have also been stories of cheaters or people playing with inflated handicaps. To ensure we have a fair tournament we have taken the follow steps:

  • A USGA handicap (or other acceptable Handicap) is required
  • Players must submit a copy of current Handicap Card prior to check-in
  • A Handicap Certification Form must be submitted prior to the tournament
  • We reserve the right to contact your local Pro to Verify Your Handicap or request a signed "LOCAL PRO CERTIFICATION FORM”. This form is similar to References on a Resume, in which your local club house Pro or Men's / Women's Club President vouches for your handicap.
  • The Fair Play Committee reserves the rights to Disqualify any player from the tournament, or adjust players Handicaps if deemed necessary. If expelled from the tournament, the player will forfeit the opportunity to qualify for the final round at Chambers Bay and the opportunity to be crowned AAC Champion.
  • No Refunds will be given if a player is Disqualified for SANDBAGGING or Cheating. If In the unfortunate event that someone does Cheat, they will be subjected to our BLACK BALL list which will be posted on our site FOREVER!