PRIORITY ACCESS CARD

The Optional Priority Access Card (Available to Class A Members Only) is a modest investment, similar to Southwest Airlines' Early Bird Access, designed to give you greater control, earlier access, and a smoother registration experience, based on feedback over the years. It also helps the Section sustain a high-quality tournament schedule and staff, diversify championship sites, expand on-course presence for pace of play, and manage rising costs. Just as important, this new model positions us to remain proactive as outside revenues fluctuate and continue creating meaningful opportunities for members and host clubs alike.

Priority Access Card Details

We know how stressful tournament registration can be with your busy schedules, based on the feedback we have heard. The Optional Priority Access Card (PAC) is our solution to help Class A Members lock in their season early and avoid being on the tee or with a customer when registration opens.

Why purchase a Priority Access Card?

  • One-Time Registration: Register for ALL regular 2026 Section-sanctioned tournaments at once (excluding Majors, Travel Pro-Ams, and Invitation Only tournaments). No more setting alarms month-to-month or day-to-day.
  • Pro-Am Registration: Have a greater ability to try to get into a morning or afternoon pro-am slot to add value to your amateur team members.
  • Reduced Upfront Costs: Priority Access Card holders pay only a $25 Deposit per event during the priority window (Feb 17 – Mar 3), rather than the standard $90 Pro-Am deposit.
  • Team Event Benefit: Only ONE player on a team (e.g., Pro-Pro) needs a card to register the whole team during the priority window.
  • Exclusive Window: Secure your spot before general registration opens.
  • Gift: All Priority Access Card holders will receive a special gift.


Card Details:

  • Price: $200
  • Availability: Limited to 100 cards only on a first come first serve basis to Class A members Only.
  • Sale Date: Monday, February 2nd at 9:00 AM MT
  • Priority Access Registration Window for Tournaments: February 17th - March 3rd


FAQs

Q: Do I need to purchase the Priority Access Card to register for the 2026 Tournaments?
A. No, this is a completely optional pilot program that is intended to try and help find solutions for those Members who continue to provide feedback surrounding registration timing, ability to get into am or pm pro-am slots, host site selection, pace of play, pro-only v. pro-am balance, etc. If you do not purchase a card, you simply sign up month-to-month via the registration above. The program will be reviewed during the 2027 Board Planning process to determine the success related to the short-term and long-term goals.


Q:  Where did the concept of the Priority Access Cards come from?

A:  Sections across the country, for many years, have used Player Card Fees to register for Section Tournaments. The Finance Committee, Tournament Committee, and Board did not want to establish a mandatory Player Card Fee, as some other Sections use, but to give an optional opportunity for an enhanced registration process. The Finance Committee, Tournament Committee, and Board of Directors presented and approved through the governance process.


Q:  What does this do for West Chapter Members who have had a week priority to their Chapter Tournaments in the past?

A:  Nothing. All Chapter Members will still have one week's priority to their Chapter Tournaments starting on Tuesday, February 10th, for a week.


Q:  How many Members and Associates compete in COPGA Section Tournaments?

A:  479 unique Members and Associates competed in at least one tournament in 2025. Over 70 unique Members and Associates competed in over ten tournaments in 2025.


Q:  Why can’t you use Member Dues or PGA ADP Funding for the Section Tournament Program to help support a long-term, sustainable tournament program?

A:  PGA Member Dues and PGA ADP Funding, legally, per our tax status, are restricted dollars that cannot be used for the Tournament Program. Funding sources for tournaments are strictly through entry fees and sponsorships. Creating a long-term, sustainable Tournament Program ensures that Member Dues and Additional Revenue sources can continue to be used correctly and to the capacity to support education, professional development, mentorship opportunities, networking opportunities, and leadership opportunities to benefit the Member today and the Member 10 years down the road.


Q:  How can this help long-term if successful?

A:  It allows for minimal disruption if our Section PGA Tour Dollars provided by National (based on the future of LIV/PGA Tour) go away, or the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifier and its revenue the Section receives from it ever leaves the Section Boundaries. It also allows us to re-imagine the balance of pro-only vs pro-ams in future years. It also gives the ability to have more opportunities to try and solidify the top championship venues across the Section that might not be able to host majors currently at the price point asked to host.


Q:  What if I have a Class A Staff Member transferring back to the Section for employment at my club currently, who wants to purchase a priority access card?

A:  Contact Justin Limon at jlimon@pgahq.comto assist this Member.