When/where does the event take place?
In what format will the event be played?
How do I sign up for the Duel in the Desert?
What is the cost for the event?
I wish to play in the event but stay at another hotel, can I just pay for the golf portion only?
Why are there so many accommodations choices this year as opposed to past years?
Is there a cancellation policy?
Do you have to be a member of the Golf Channel Amateur Tour to play in the event?
Where will the event registration be held?
Can I have a caddy?
Can I have a guest and/or an extra cart?
Which courses will we play on which days?
What time do I tee off?
Where can I find pairings?
How are the flights determined?
I'm a 2 handicap; can I play with a 20 handicap?
Which tees do I play from?
Can I register to play even though I do not have a partner?
Are there any side games?
What are the prizes for the flight winners?
What is the age limit to play as a senior?
Will there be a 'super senior' designation for the event?
What happens in the event of a tie?
Where are the parties taking place?
When/where is the awards presentation taking place?
How do I book a practice round?
What happens in the event of weather delays?
How does the Tour ensure proper flighting?
What are the transportation/parking details for the event?
Can I my team use a range finder during play?
How do I book extra room nights and what is the cost?
Are there any specials for participants on car rentals or flights?

When/where does the event take place?
The 2008 Duel in the Desert will be played February 7-9 (Thur, Fri, Sat) in Mesquite, NV at the Casablanca, Falcon Ridge and Coral Canyon golf courses. For a printable map of the greater Las Vegas and Mesquite area, click here.

In what format will the event be played?
The tournament is a 54-hole, two-person team competition. Day one (Thurs) will be a scramble format, day two (Fri) will be a modified alternate shot format and day three (Sat) will be a best ball format. USGA® rules are in effect at all times during play. All formats are stroke play and NOT match play.

How do I sign up for the Duel in the Desert?
Register using the secure registration form or call the Golf Channel Amateur Tour office at (813) 288 0041. Email the Tour office for more information.

What is the cost for the event?
The cost of the event is $700 per player for double occupancy (staying with another player) and $750 for single occupancy (staying in your own room or with a non-player) at either the Eureka or Oasis Hotel.  There is limited availability to stay at the Casablanca Resort at $800 per player for double occupancy and $850 per player for single occupancy.  The latest you can register for the event is Wednesday, January 23rd or until the event is full (360 players), whichever comes first.

The registration fee includes three rounds of golf (one on each of the host courses) including range balls, three nights accommodation (Wed., Thur. & Fri.) at one of the three host resorts, a player prize pack, a registration happy hour on Wed. night (w/complimentary Michelob ULTRA) and two player parties including a buffet dinner and complimentary Michelob ULTRA (Thurs. & Fri. nights).

I wish to play in the event but stay at another hotel, can I just pay for the golf portion only?
The Duel in the Desert is a 'stay and play' package deal. This is the only event of its kind the Golf Channel Amateur Tour conducts all year. The pricing whether you stay at the resort or not is the same and there is not a ‘golf-only’ rate or option. Players that choose NOT to stay at the hotel will be charged a discounted rate of $600 per player. If you choose this option, contact the tour office at 813 288 0041 to register by credit card.

Why are there so many options for accommodations this year as opposed to past years?
When the event was moved to Mesquite, Nev. the tour was able to secure different properties to stay during the event. We realize that players may want a bit nicer accommodations than in years past so we were able to get a select number of rooms at Casablanca Resort Hotel & Casino. But don’t be so fast to look past the Eureka and Oasis as they have just finished modernizing their hotel rooms. For more information on the hotels visit the resorts page of the site.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes. By registering for the Duel in the Desert, you are agreeing to the following cancellation policy agreement: Any cancellations prior to January 23rd, 2008 will be refunded the entire applicable event fee (single or double). Any cancellations after January 23rd, 2008 will result in a refund to the participant totaling 75% of the applicable event fee.

Do I have to be a member of the Golf Channel Amateur Tour to play in the event?
You do NOT need to be a member of the Golf Channel Amateur Tour in order to compete at the Duel in the Desert, however you do need to have a verifiable USGA® handicap index. If you are unsure as to whether you have a verifiable USGA® handicap index, please contact the National Office at 813 288 0041 or send an email to info@theaagt.com.

Where will the event registration be held?
There will be a registration 'happy hour' Wednesday, Feb. 6th at the Casablanca Resort Hotel and Casino from 7-9pm. Players DO NOT have to check in at the party but information will be available regarding such items as rules, pairings/hole assignments, side games and such. No food will be provided that evening but complimentary beverages will be available for players and their guests.

Can I have a caddy?
No. Caddies will not be permitted for this event.

Can I have a guest and/or an extra cart?
Guests are welcome on the course but must remain out of play and CANNOT offer advice or suggestions for competitors. Any guest requesting an extra cart should contact the course ahead of time to find out the cost and/or availability.

Which courses will we play on which days?
All players will be playing one round at each of the 3 courses (Casablanca, Falcons Ridge and Coral Canyon). The course rotation will be set so that 2 flights travel together each day. For example, flights 1&2, 3&4 and 5&6 will each play the same course rotation, which will be announced when the field is finalized.

What time do I tee off?
All starts are shotgun and will begin promptly at 10am.

Where can I find pairings?
Once registration is closed (January 23rd), the first 2 rounds of pairings will be posted online at least a week before the tournament starts. The final round pairings will be available after Friday's round so that the leaders play against each other by flight.

How are the flights determined?
Assuming a full field (360 golfers), there will be six flights for the event and each flight will be a max. 30 teams per flight, distributed by team handicaps. Entries will be compiled and flight lines will be determined after registration has been closed. We will add each teammate’s handicap together to come up with a single team handicap in order to determine the final flight breakdowns. If the field consists of 240 or less golfers, there will be four flights equally distributed.

I'm a 2 handicap; can I play with a 20 handicap?
Any player can be paired up with and compete with any other player. The only stipulation is that, for purposes of flighting, the total team handicap can not have more than a 10 point difference. In other words, a 2 handicap can pair up and compete with a 20 handicap but their total team handicap will be 14. Working off of the lower handicap, the maximum allowable is 10 points higher than the 2 handicap, so the 20 would be adjusted down to a 12 and their total would be 2 + 12 or 14, NOT 22.

Which tees do I play from?

Can I register to play even though I don't have a partner?
Yes. We are accepting single registrations and will pair them up using a blind draw after registration has closed down.

Are there any side games?
Yes. There are 3 separate side games.

#1 – Skins by Flight
Skins will be awarded within each flight, each day. It will break down as $50 ($25 a player) a day for team skins for a 3-day
total of $150 ($75 a player).

#2 – Low Daily Score by Flight
The team with the top finish each day in each flight recieves the purse (1st place only). Low Daily Score each day is $20 ($10 a player) a day for a 3 day total of $60 ($30 a player). If after a round, two teams tie for low score, we will tiebreak using the total score from the last 9 holes. If the teams are still tied we will then use the last 6 holes, then last 3 (if needed). If they are still tied, the winner will be determined based on lowest team score for the #1 handicap hole going backwards until a winner is determined.

#3 – Low Overall Score by Flight
Low score for the overall 3-day event top flight finisher (1st Place Only).
Low Team Total $40 per team ($20 a player) for the 1st place finishing team. If two teams tie for low score, we will tiebreak using their last 9 holes, then last 6 holes, then last 3.  If they are still tied, the winner will be determined based on lowest team score for the #1 handicap hole going backwards until a winner is determined.

The total cost for all three games is $250 per team ($125 a player).

All teams can register for side games (cash only) from 7pm to 9pm at the registration check-in Wednesday night and also during registration check-in before the first round on Thursday. All skins payments will be made to the players on the following day of play. Saturday’s round payments will be made before departing the golf course on Saturday afternoon.

What are the prizes for the flight winners?
Prizes for the top finishers will be based on the number of players in each flight and will consist of online gift certificates, products and entries into future events. No single prize value will not exceed $750 in order to maintain the USGA® guidelines for amateur status.

Will there be a senior designation for the event?
Senior designations apply to all players 55 years of age or older as of the start of play on Thursday, February 7th. NOTE: This is different from the Golf Channel Amateur Tour where seniors are 50 and over.

Will there be a super senior designation for the event?
No.

What happens in the event of a tie?
If any teams are tied for 1st place in their respective flight upon completion of the event, a sudden death playoff will take place using the 2-person best ball format for as many holes as are necessary until a winner is declared, (assuming there is sufficient daylight and course availability at your golf course on Saturday). The committee will dictate which hole(s) will be used and oversee the playoff. All other ties for subsequent places will be based on the USGA® method for matching scorecards (back 9, last 6, last 3, etc.).

Where are the parties taking place?
The Wednesday night pairings 'happy hour' will be at the Casablanca Resort Hotel & Casino conference center from 7pm to 9pm on February 6th. There will be complimentary beverages for all players and their guests.

The Thursday night Dinner & Raffle Prize Party will be held from 7pm to 9:30pm on February 7th at the Casablanca Resort Hotel & Casino conference center. There will be a dinner buffet open to all competitors with complimentary Michelob ULTRA. Guests are welcome for a nominal guest charge of $20 at the door.

The Friday night Dinner & Raffle Prize Party will be held from 7pm to 9:30pm on February 8th at the Casablanca Resort Hotel & Casino conference center. There will be a dinner buffet open to all competitors with complimentary Michelob ULTRA. Guests are welcome for a nominal guest charge of $20 at the door.

When/where is the awards presentation taking place?
All awards will be presented at the Casablanca Resort Hotel & Casino conference center scoring area immediately following the completion of each flight on Saturday, February 9th. All players must take their prizes/trophies with them as they depart.

How do I book a practice round?
When making tee time reservations with the courses, mention you are with the GOLF CHANNEL Amateur Tour Duel in the Desert event to receive the preferred rates. Tee time restrictions (times and dates) may apply. Practice round rates and contact information for each tournament course is as follows:

CasaBlanca Golf Club: $70
(866) 401-6022

Falcon Ridge Golf Course: $70
(877) 270-GOLF

Coral Canyon Golf Course: $73
(435) 688-1700

What happens in the event of weather delays?
As everyone knows, “it never rains in the desert” however, the Golf Channel Amateur Tour Staff will do everything possible to get all holes completed for the event should there be any delays due to inclement weather. Should the course be deemed unplayable or dangerous lightning is eminent; the event may be reduced to a shortened number of holes. We will do everything possible to get all 54 holes completed but all players should be sure to check with the staff for any possible changes to tee times and/or events. PLEASE be prepared for any weather condition including heat/cold and sun/rain.

How does the Tour ensure proper flighting?
The Golf Channel Amateur Tour national office will look at every competitor’s index whether they are a Tour member and use the National Golf Network’s system or they use GHIN or another system. We will confirm every players handicap that enters the event. Note that the tournament organizers will establish an Exceptional Scoring Committee (ESC) that reserves the right to re-flight and/or disqualify any group that the committee determines has intentionally manipulated the concept of fair-play and clean-competition. 

What are the transportation/parking details for the event?
Each player is responsible for his/her own transportation to and from the airport, resort and golf courses during the event with the exception rounds at the Coral Canyon Golf Course, which is about a 30 minute drive from the Mesquite area. For those who need it, we will be providing bus transportation to/from the Coral Canyon Golf Course that is INCLUDED in the price of your event. More details on the Coral Canyon transportation available soon.

If you are not-planning on getting a rental car (we STRONGLY suggest you do), your best bet is to get a taxi ride from the airport to Mesquite, Nev. It is about an hour drive from the airport to Mesquite heading East on the I-15 freeway.

Can my team use a rangefinder during play?
The tournament committee has made a decision to ALLOW teams to use a rangefinder during the event.

How do I book extra room nights and what is the cost?
Pariticpants in the Duel in the Desert receive preferred pricing on additional rooms at the respective resorts.

CasaBlanca Resort Hotel & Casino
Call (888) 711 4653 ext. 2-6 and identify yourself as a Duel in the Desert participant. Room rates are $59.98/night weekdays and $89.98/night for weekend nights.

Eureka Hotel Casino
Call (866) 582 5386 ext. 1615 and speak with Patrick Hurt. Identify yourself as a Duel in the Desert participant and the room night rates for ANY day of the week are $52.33 for a single occupancy and $64.66 for double occupancy.

Oasis Resort/Casino/Spa
Call (888) 711 4653 ext. 2-6 and identify yourself as a Duel in the Desert participant. Room rates are $64.98/night for weekdays and $74.98/night for weekend nights.

Are there any special rates for participants on car rentals or flights?
Not at the present time, however check back for any updates on preferred rates.

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