GB9
Topic: Event 3 GB9 Northern Masters

Mark - how do we make the tour more affordable then?

I just dont think the majority of people can or are willing to afford £250 an event.

As mentioned the hotels could be cheaper but not hugely.

The difference between 250 weekend and 200 weekend is not going to make the slightest bit of difference IMO, and its just going to make the tour look less appealing with less prize money. The US open gets 256 entries at $500 each only 10% of which can actually win it, but people play for the experience. Granted, that currently its not that easy with the current climate but if you change the format back, maybe we re-gain some of the players who feel they dont get a decent chance to actually get far. At least with a challenge event there is belief that the lesser players can get to the latter stages and actually cash as they cant draw a pro. IMO going back to Main, Pro, Challenge is the way forward for next year because like you say, it's more about the small fish then it is about the big...

Agree with a lot of that mark.

i also get what you are saying about the 200, 250 thing but if you think th eentry fee is 60 instead of 120 then that IS a big difference, ok maybe overall costs doesnt seem as big a difference but i think more players could/would (imo_) justify spending £60 on the actual entry fee. Hotes, petrol, food/drink can tbe avoided

Totally agree with Mark. The way forward isn't going back to were GB9 was but to go foward with bigger and better ideas. Myself as a novice would be willing to pay the money not for prize money but to gain the experience and the chance to play some of the top players with the UK and to play on the best equipment.

I just think lowering it to 60 is going to annoy more than it benefits. In my situation, even last year, I couldnt realistically make a lot of money as does nobody, but my backer is a businessman, he isnt going to back me when hes only ever going to realistically lose money? With the entry £60, id have to get to the semis + to break even for the weekend, whereas last year it was last 16 challenge and last 16 main in the weekend.

Even though a lot of people cant win, the maths still has to add up. Even if someone realistically cant go on and win the top prize, it still has to be large enough for them to justify what they're spending. Right now Last 16 gets you a decent wedge back, so it was a decent weekend and cheap. At 60 entry last 16 might only win me 60 back... Its a tough balance

Lee do you play on th etour? if not why not.

Idea is though mark if the entry fee is lower we get more players therefore prize money may not drop. also as the tables will be paid for that money can be used to help keep the prize money up.

I dunno maybe im completely wrong.

Maybe we are the wrong people to ask. I think the wider pool community somehow need to be engaged, hwo though im not quite sure!

Gb9 maybe have email details for all passed players? it would be interesting to know how many people have played gb9 over the years

Panther - I dont play on the tour but thats because i have just started playing pool again this year. I have played in a couple of T9B events this year which has thirst my interest into the game and will be looking to join GB9 in 2014.

Fair enough - hopefully see you on tour next year.

I must say this is a cracking read, thanks to everybody for their input.

I know that as committee members we don't usually post on here in that capacity but i'd just like to say keep the suggestions coming. As Mark rightly points out we do keep tabs on what's going on and being suggested and I can assure you that an awful lot of work is currently being put in to take a look at how we go forward into 2014 and beyond.

Agreed Ads - Wotever happens im sure you (Gb9 Commitee) will do the right things... Im very positive next season will be the break through season now the tables are completely paid for.....