PGA Tour

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The PGA Tour is an organization that operates the main professional golf tours in the United States. It is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, a suburb of Jacksonville. Its name is officially rendered in all-capital letters as "PGA TOUR".

The PGA Tour operates the following three tours, all of which are primarily contested in the U.S.:

PGA Tour, the top tour

Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. possession of Puerto Rico host one event each year. Note, however, that the events in Mexico and Puerto Rico are "alternate" events held opposite one of the World Golf Championships tournaments and therefore have weaker fields than a regular tour event. In addition, one of the four annual major championships is held in the U.K.

Champions Tour, for golfers age 50 and over

One regular tournament is held in the Dominican Republic, and one of the senior majors is held in the U.K. Tournaments in Canada and South Korea will be added in 2010.

Nationwide Tour, a developmental tour

In terms of tournament locations, the Nationwide Tour actually has a greater event presence than either of the other tours. Canada, Mexico, and Panama host one tournament each, and the tour co-sanctions two events on the PGA Tour of Australasia—one each in Australia and New Zealand. A tournament will be added in Colombia for 2010.

The PGA Tour also conducts an annual Qualifying Tournament (known colloquially as Q-School), a six-round tournament held each fall; the top 25 finishers, including ties, receive privileges to play on the following year's PGA Tour. Remaining finishers in the top 75, plus ties, receive full privileges on the Nationwide Tour.

The top 25 money-winners on the Nationwide Tour also receive privileges on the following year's PGA Tour. A golfer who wins three events on that tour in a calendar year earns a "performance promotion" (informally a "battlefield promotion") which garners PGA Tour privileges for the remainder of the year plus the following full season.

At the end of each year, the top 125 money-winners on the PGA Tour receive a tour card for the following season, which gives them exemption from qualifying for most of the next year's tournaments. However at some events, known as invitationals, exemptions apply only to the previous year's top 70 players. Players who are ranked between 126–150 receive a conditional tour card, which gives them priority for places that are not taken up by players with full cards.

Winning a PGA Tour event provides a tour card for a minimum of two years, with an extra year added for each additional win with a maximum of five years. Winning a World Golf Championships event or The Tour Championship provides a three-year exemption. Winners of the major championships and The Players Championship earn a five-year exemption. Other types of exemptions include lifetime exemptions for players with twenty wins on the tour; one-time, one year exemptions for players in the top fifty on the career money earnings list who are not otherwise exempt; two-time, one year exemptions for players in the top twenty-five on the career money list; and medical exemptions for players who have been injured, which give them an opportunity to regain their tour card after a period out of the tour.

Similar to other major league sports, there is no rule limiting PGA Tour players to "men only." In 2003, Annika Sörenstam and Suzy Whaley played in PGA Tour events, and Michelle Wie did so in each year from 2004 through 2008. None of these three made the cut, although Wie missed by only one stroke in 2004.

The LPGA like all other women's sports, is limited to female participants only.

There is also a PGA European Tour, which is separate from either the PGA Tour or the PGA of America; this organization runs a tour, mostly in Europe but with events throughout the world outside of North America, that is second only to the PGA Tour in worldwide prestige. There are several other regional tours around the world. However, the PGA Tour, European Tour, and many of the regional tours co-sponsor the World Golf Championships. These, along with the major championships, usually count toward the official money lists of each tour as well as the Official World Golf Rankings.

Charity fundraising

The PGA Tour places a strong emphasis on charity fundraising, usually on behalf of local charities in cities where events are staged. With the exception of a few older events, PGA Tour rules require all Tour events to be non-profit; the Tour itself is also a non-profit company. In 2005, it started a campaign to push its all-time fundraising tally past one billion dollars ("Drive to a Billion"), and it reached that mark one week before the end of the season. However, monies raised for charities derive from the tournaments' positive revenues (if any), and not any actual monetary donation from the PGA Tour, whose purse monies and expenses are guaranteed. The number of charities which receive benefits from PGA Tour, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour events is estimated at over 2,000. In 2009, the total raised for charity was some $108 million.

Solar Powered Airplane Flies for 26 Hours Straight

from TreeHugger.com
by Brian Merchant, Brooklyn, New York

A solar-powered airplane piloted in Switzerland has just made a landmark achievement: It flew for well over 24 hours straight, continuing on its journey well after the sun went down. The story is making headline news all around the world, and for good reason -- it's a powerful example of the vast potential held by renewable energy.

Here's an excerpt from the New York Times' front page story about the flight:

Slender as a stick insect, a solar-powered experimental airplane with a huge wing span completed its first test flight of more than 24 hours on Thursday, powered overnight by energy collected from the sun during a day aloft over Switzerland.

The organizers said the flight was the longest and highest by a solar-powered craft, reaching an altitude of 8,564 meters, just over 28,000 feet, above sea level, at an average speed of 23 knots, around 25 miles per hour.

The craft, called the Solar Impulse, boasts 12,000 solar cells, and does indeed have a massive wingspan: It's 210 feet from tip to tip. One of the primary aims of the project was to prove that the plane can feasibly stay in the air indefinitely -- charging the batteries during the daytime, and using stored energy for travel at night. They hope to one day fly around the world in a solar plane. And indeed, the successful test flight goes a good ways towards meeting that goal... read more story at TreeHugger.com

Sportscience

www.sportsci.org/index.html

Professor Will Hopkins of AUT University in Auckland has been working in the world of sport science for decades, and his website is a crucial resource for people interested in such matters.

The Sportscience website features a peer-reviewed journal, information about sport science research methodologies, and thematic areas on sports medicine, sport nutrition, and statistics.

On the right-hand side of the site's homepage, visitors can look over the "Articles/Slideshows" area for helpful pieces on controlled trials, assessing athletes, and sample-size estimation.

Moving back to the journal, visitors have access to all of the past issues, and they can take advantage of the sophisticated search engine to look for specific materials. Finally, visitors to the site will also want to sign up to join the email list. [KMG]

From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout 1994-2010.
scout.wisc.edu

The Death Of The Ugly Golf Mug?

TheGiftOfGolf.ca Launches In Time for Father's Day

TORONTO, June 3, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - TheGiftOfGolf.ca announced that it has officially launched its website that allows consumers to purchase golf experiences from the comfort of their desk.

The online retailer aims to end the stream of terrible golf gadgets that golfers inevitably receive by offering a convenient alternative. Rounds of golf, golf lessons, and driving range packages are some of the experiences that are available.

"Every golfer has received a really bad golf related gift that sits in the back of a storage room somewhere, our mission is to eliminate this problem by offering a simple and convenient online solution" says Ray Wali, Managing Director at The Gift Of Golf.

The company is focused on the gift giving and corporate markets. There is an estimated 5 million golfers in Canada.

"What better gift to get a golfer than golf? We anticipate Father's Day to be one of our busiest periods" adds Wali.

The company has launched in Toronto and will be expanding across Canada in the coming months.

More information is available online at TheGiftOfGolf.ca

Wendel Clark joins the fight against arthritis

Canadian hockey legend available to discuss his personal experience with the disease and his participation in the Walk to Fight Arthritis


TORONTO, May 29, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - This Sunday, May 30, the Arthritis Society brings the Walk to Fight Arthritis, presented by the makers of TYLENOL(R), to communities across Canada, including Toronto, to help raise funds and awareness for the leading cause of disability in Canada.

For more than four million Canadians, arthritis is a debilitating and life-changing disease. While many believe that arthritis affects primarily the elderly, most people currently living with the disease are under the age of 65.

Joining the thousands expected to show their support across the country is hockey legend, Wendel Clark, who will be participating in the Toronto Walk and proudly wearing a special Blue Badge to show his connection to the cause and the fight against arthritis. All walk participants will be given a Blue Badge to wear during the walk to demonstrate that there are multiple forms of arthritis and that it impacts Canadians of all ages and not just the elderly.

Wendel is walking for his mother-in-law, who has struggled with severe arthritis in her joints, hands and fingers for the past 20 years. He is also walking for the number of friends and former hockey teammates who have developed arthritis over the years. This is a cause that is very close to Wendel.

Wendel Clark will be available on-site to discuss how arthritis has affected his life and the importance of finding a cure for this disease, including:

- Why participating in the Walk to Fight Arthritis is so important to him;
- How Canadians can support cutting-edge research and essential programs that support those living with arthritis;
- Tips on how to manage certain types of arthritis; and,
- The best resources for patient, friends and family to find information and support.

The Toronto Walk will be held at Glendon College of York University (2275 Bayview Ave.) and will start at 11 a.m. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. Participants can choose to walk 1 or 5 km. In addition to the Walk, lots of activities including lunch, entertainment, music and attendance prizes are planned for walkers and families.

For more information on tomorrow's Walk to Fight Arthritis, visit www.WalkToFightArthritis.ca.

Spark the fun without the folly this summer with safety tips from CSA International

TORONTO, May 20, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - Summer is a much anticipated time for many Canadians to enjoy the sun by spending more time outside, either at home or at the cottage. The warmer months can also be an opportune time to catch up on home and yard maintenance. Before cleaning out the garage, replacing the BBQ tank, or hitting the road for a camping trip, CSA International is reminding everyone to take a few moments to be proactive about safety.


CSA INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SAFETY TIPS


CSA International, a global testing and certification organization, is sharing its summer safety tips with consumers to help them avoid accidents and injuries while they enjoy the summer season.

Outdoor Entertaining

Gas Grills and Barbecues

- Before firing up the barbecue for the first time, carefully inspect burners and burner tubes for blockages due to dirt, grease, insects or rust build-up. Clean or replace any blocked parts or have a certified technician make repairs.

- Check for cracked, brittle or leaking hoses. To check for leaks, apply a 50/50 solution of soap and water to hoses and fittings and turn on the main gas or propane valve while leaving burners off. Any leaks will show up as bubbles. Replace any damaged hoses or fittings.

- Propane cylinders must be inspected and requalified every 10 years in Canada. A date stamp on the cylinder indicates when it was last qualified. Do not use a rusty or damaged cylinder. If in doubt, have your tank replaced.

- Keep grills and barbecues away from combustible materials such as fences, trees, buildings, awnings and carports. Never use a barbecue in a garage!

- When purchasing or installing a gas barbecue, make sure that it carries the mark of an accredited certification agency such as the CSA International Certification Flame indicating that it meets applicable national standards.

Decorative Lighting

- When installing decorative lighting on patios or along walkways, inspect your lighting to make sure that it is certified and marked for use outdoors. Always turn off the electricity supply before working with outdoor lighting and unplug lights when possible.

- Carefully inspect lights and lamps to make sure there are no broken or cracked sockets or housings and that there are no bare or frayed wires.

- Use a timer to turn lights on and off. Turn lights off during peak summer hours to avoid strain on local electricity resources.

Yard work and Renovations: Before mowing the lawn, pruning the bushes, or building a backyard deck, keep these safety tips on hand:

Lawn Mowers

- Before mowing, take the time to walk the yard to remove objects that may cause an obstruction or be tossed by the rotating blades.

- Children under 12 years of age should never operate a power lawn mower.

- Never clear an obstruction on a running mower! If the mower is electric, turn off the power and unplug the machine. If it is gas, turn off the power and make sure the engine is not running and that all safety features have been activated.

Portable Power Tools

- Inspect all power tools and cords before each use. Never use a power tool that has a cracked casing, loose parts or frayed cords. Ensure all safety guards have been put in place and are in proper working order.

- Use only electric power tools that have either a three-prong plug or double insulation with a heavy enough gauge - or wire size - to handle the electricity load. Use an outlet with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) to protect against electric shock.

- Make sure the tool is turned off before it is plugged in or unplugged. Always turn off and unplug the tool before changing parts such as drill bits or cutting blades.

- Use an extension cord only as a temporary connection. Never link extension cords; instead, use a single cord that is long enough to reach from the outlet to an appliance or tool without stretching. When working outside, only use cords clearly labelled for outdoor use.

- Never run an electrical cord through a doorway or under a carpet. If a cord becomes hot when plugged in, discontinue use immediately and replace with a heavier gauge cord.

Camping: Whether you are at a camp site, cottage or by the lake, remember the following tips for a safer summer expedition:

Camping Stoves and Lanterns

- Fuel-burning camping equipment such as stoves, lanterns and outdoor cookers should only be lighted outdoor, in well-ventilated areas and at least three meters from tents, combustible materials and vehicles. Never light a stove or lantern indoors or in a tent or vehicle! Before use, carefully inspect parts for leaks, blockages or damage

- Keep loose, flammable clothing away from open flames and carefully monitor children and pets around stoves and lanterns. Before packing up equipment, make sure it is completely turned off and cool to the touch.

For more everyday consumer tips and safety advice, please visit www.csasafetytips.com

About CSA International

CSA International is a provider of product testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products. Recognized in the U.S., Canada and around the world, CSA International certification marks appear on billions of products worldwide. CSA International is a division of CSA Group, which also includes CSA Standards, a leading solutions based standards organization, providing standards development, application products, training and advisory services; and OnSpeX, a provider of consumer product evaluation, inspection and advisory services for retailers and manufacturers. For more information, visit www.csa-international.org

OPP ready to use all available resources for upcoming May long weekend

ORILLIA, Ontario, May 18, 2010 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will use all its available resources and personnel this Victoria Day weekend to ensure that Ontario's highways, trails and waterways remain amongst the safest in the world.

"This weekend traditionally kicks off the summer driving season and we expect to see an increase in traffic", said OPP Chief Superintendent Bill Grodzinski, Commander of the Highway Safety Division. "Safety on the highways, waterways and trails is not only a concern for the OPP but for all citizens of Ontario and our visitors. The OPP aircraft will assist officers on the ground, watching for aggressive drivers and speeders".

As in previous years, the OPP will be working with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation enforcement officers to ensure that vehicles are safe, loads are secure and towing attachments are properly installed.

OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino supports the initiative.

"Enforcement is proven to reduce injuries and save lives on Ontario's highways, trails and waterways", said Fantino. "Our efforts are focused on it 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The increase in travel of the May long weekend gives our officers an excellent opportunity to remind everyone of safe driving practices".

This week is also the beginning of Safe Boating Awareness Week and the OPP Marine Unit will be out on the waterways to help prevent drowning and other incidents on Ontario waterways this long weekend. Remember to wear a certified personal flotation device and don't drink and boat.

Last year, over the Victoria Day weekend, 2 people were killed in 2 separate collisions on OPP patrolled roads and no watercraft or ATV fatalities reported.