Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

####I would like see San Diego on my own by renting a car for the off-day, Wednesday, August 9. How can I do that?
There is an Avis Rent-a-Car on-site at the Town and Country Resort.


####I like to golf. Are there options?
There is a golf course right across the street from the Town and Country Resort. Talk to the front desk as to rates.


####What are the check-in times for the Congress and the Town and Country Resort on Saturday, August 5?
Check-in is separate for the Go Congress and hotel. If one is staying at the Town and Country Resort, one checks-in in two places… one, in the foyer of the Golden Pacific Ballroom (Congress) and the other in the lobby of the hotel.

Check-in time for the Go Congress will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. when the opening ceremony will begin in the Golden Pacific Ballroom with the showing of the movie “The Surrounding Game.”
Check-in time for the Town and Country Resort begins at 3:00 p.m. Rooms may be available before this but it is the “Official” check-in time.


####How close is Mexico to San Diego?
Tijuana, Mexico is just south of San Diego. One can even take the trolley to the border. Everyone returning the the United States will have their passport checked. Some visitors to the United States, have a one-entry visa. This would mean if you have this type of visa, you cannot come back from Mexico. Also, the wait time at US Customs coming into the United States from Tijuana is sometimes four or five hours.


####I work but I would like to come one day for afternoon and evening events. What can I do?
A 1-day pass to be admitted to the afternoon and evening events will be for sale for $70 at the Help Desk each day of the Congress (except Wednesday which is a rest/sight-seeing day).


####My spouse would like to come to the Congress just to play in Pair Go with me on Thursday evening. Is that possible?
A special rate of $25 is available for those wanting to only play in the Pair Go Tournament. But only registered players will be able to play at the first table (where the winning pair goes to Japan for the World Pair Go Championship). A ticket can be bought at the Help Desk on Thursday.


####My wife is coming to San Diego just for the awards banquet on Saturday, August 12 at 6:00 p.m. How can I buy a ticket for her?
Extra banquet tickets for non-attendees can be purchased at check-in on Saturday, August 5, for $50 ($25 for under 10-years-old).


####What is the charge for children in the hotel room?
The Town and Country Hotel charges the same price for one or two people in a room. Children under 18-years-old, staying with their guardians stay for free unless a cot ($35) is placed in the room.


####What if I know I am going to be late for check-in for the US Open on Saturday, August 5? What if I need to withdraw from a round?
The policy last year was that any changes need to be sent before 10 PM.

Late arrivals should simply send the US Open tournament director an email to confirm that they will be on time for the next round before 10PM the previous night.
usopen2017@gocongress.org
Anyone checking-in in the morning, after notifying the TD the previous evening before 10 p.m., should allot extra time before the round starts. Note: morning rounds start at 9 a.m.
Ditto with withdrawals.


####What is the difference between the Royal Palm Tower ($170+ tax for 1 or 2 people) and the Regency Tower ($135 + tax for 1 or 2 people) and the Garden Apartments ($135 + tax for 1 or 2 people)?
So if 2 people share a room, the room rate/night/person is $85 and $67.50 + taxes). In the larger rooms, it is possible to add a 3rd and 4th person for $20/night/person. Cots are availavble for $35/night.
The Royal Palm Tower (ten floors) rooms were all refurbished in fall of 2016. It is a 1-minute walk from the convention center where all the go activities occur and meals are served. It has an adjoining pool and separate whirlpool.
The Regency Tower (8 floors) rooms are not refurbished and are a bit smaller. It is a three-minute walk from the convention center and courtyard where the meals are served. It has an adjoining swimming pool.
The Garden rooms are contained in one or two-story buildings and are smaller than the Regency Towers. Some of the rooms adjoin a swimming pool and others are a three-minute walk to the pool. The furthest Garden Rooms are a five-minute walk to the convention center. Many are a 2-3 minute walk.


####What is the difference between the US Open tournament and the US Masters tournament?
The US Open go tournament is a 6-round competition open to all registrants. Players are grouped by strength. It is played Sunday through Saturday (except Wednesday which is a rest or tour day) from 9 a.m. to noon.
The US Masters go tournament is a 9-round competition for the very strong players (usually 7-dan amateurs and stronger). It is played Sunday through Saturday (except Wednesday) from 9 a.m. to noon. And three evenings from 7-10 p.m. (Sunday, Tuesday, Friday). Players interested in being considered for the Masters should contact the US Open tournament director, Matthew Hershberger, at ‘usopen2017@gocongress.org’.


What is the weather like in San Diego in early August?

There is the almost perfect San Diego weather in August: San Diego averages a maximum temperature of 76 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius). The average minimum temperature is 67 °F (19 °C). And with an average rainfall in August of .04 inch (.1 cm), one can sing the old song “It Never Rains in Southern California” [in the summertime].


####I think that I am a much better player than my AGA rating. Can I play “up” in the US Open?
Self-promotion is discouraged in the US Open. One is expected to play at his/her AGA rating. If a player has documented evidence of being a stronger player than his/her AGA rating, he/she can use the “estimate rating” on the registration page to appeal to the US Open Tournament Director.


####If I am a 5-dan Chinese player, how am I ranked for the US Go Congress?
Players with Chinese ratings will be given the same AGA rating for the US Open unless they ask for an upgrade in the “estimate rating” field on the registration page.


####What does someone get for the $75 non-player registration?
The US Go Congress has traditionally had a fee for the non-playing attendees.
This year benefits would include
* The Welcome tote bag with coffee mug, T-shirt, enamel label pin and other items.
* Access to game rooms to watch games.
* Access to a.m. refreshment table.
* Reduced hotel rate.
* Subsidized meal package.
* Access to the Congress organized non-player group excursions in San Diego, e.g. zoo, downtown shopping, Balboa Park, Old Town, beaches, SeaWorld, La Jolla…
Organized at 9 a.m. on US Open mornings except Saturday.


####What are the cancellation fees for Congress registration?
There is a $25 cancellation fee to cover the cost of credit card charges and administration.
One can switch Congress registration credits to another person for a $5 administrative fee.
There is a $50 late fee if Congress registration is done after May 31, 2017.
There is another $50 late fee if Congress registration is done after June 30, 2017.


###How close is San Diego Airport from the Town and Country Resort? It is 6 miles from the airport to the resort. There are many options for getting to the resort from the airport.

Link


###What extra costs are involved in hotel room rentals? ###Hotel room rate does not include: * 10.5% Occupancy Tax * .60% California Tourism Assessment Fee * 2% San Diego Tourism Marketing District Assessment

###Hotel room rate does not include the mandatory Hotel Resort Fee of $10 per night per room (plus taxes as above). The $10 resort fee pays for the following services: * Complimentary guest room WI-FI * Unlimited access to the Fitness Center * 10% off spa services * Complimentary hotel shuttle service, daily 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. to points within a three-mile radius, which includes Fashion Valley Mall and Old Town State Park * Complimentary guest room local calls and 1-800 calls * Complimentary coffee in the guest room and in the hotel lobby 5 a.m. - 9 a.m. * Complimentary USA Today newspaper in the Hotel lobby * Complimentary computer access in the Hotel Lobby for printing airline ticket passes

###Nightly Parking fee is $5 for hotel residents and $8 for those who are not staying at the hotel.