MSGA Tournaments - Who Can Play?

All MSGA tournaments are open only to the amateur members of golf clubs and associations affiliated with the MSGA. All association members must have playing privileges at the course represented by the association.

An MSGA membership card must be purchased annually by all amateur players. This $20 card includes a Northern New England golf map and USGA rule book.

Exceptions to above:

Professionals may play in Maine Open and Father-Son Championship.

Only one team member in the Father-Son needs a card.

Female participants in Maine Mixed Championship need no card.

Employees of member clubs are eligible if they have playing privileges and meet amateur status and USGA approved handicapping requirements. They must also purchase MSGA membership card.

Our weekly tournaments are open to members of other USGA approved golf associations on a courtesy basis provided golf association membership and current USGA approved handicap are verifiable before play. This courtesy is intended for use "once" or "twice" during a season.

Handicapping

Under the current USGA Handicap System all players are handicapped by the Handicap Committee at their home course. It is the intention of the MSGA to conduct seminars, provide USGA Handicap Manuals and offer general assistance to club handicappers in performing their duties. The MSGA also offers the United States Golf Ass'n GHIN Handicap Service to member clubs on a fee basis.

NOTE

All players in MSGA handicap events must present verified documentation of a current USGA approved handicap index. Handicap index must be changed every two weeks to be "current". The schedule of change dates is mailed to all member clubs and should be posted at your home course. Players without a verifiable, current index will play at scratch.

Our MSGA scorers remain the final authority regarding handicapping in our events. (Click on the hyperlink to meet Dave and Roger.) They may modify an existing index at any time for appropriate cause. Questions regarding handicapping should be directed to the Executive Director.

Rules of Golf and Rules of Etiquette

It is the responsibility of every player in each MSGA tournament to know the Rules of Golf. In addition, players are expected to follow the Rules of Etiquette listed in the front of the Rule Book. Players are also expected to follow other posted club rules as they apply. Unbecoming behavior or breach of rules, including etiquette, could lead to loss of playing privileges in all MSGA events.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations for pre-booked tee times must be made by 3 p.m. on the Wednesday immediately preceding the tournament. A written warning will be issued on the first violation and on subsequent violations, half price will be charged. Pre-booked times that are missed entirely without any notice will be charged the full amount. Any team that incurs one of these penalties must pay the penalty before any subsequent tee times will be honored. Unusual circumstances will be considered individually.

Refund Policy

Advanced entry fees will be refunded regardless of reason if the MSGA is notified before the close of entries. After the close of entries, fees will be refunded only if the tournament remains full, or in the event of injury or illness. No refunds will be given after the start of the tournament. A 20 percent service charge will be deducted from all refunds.

Spikeless Policy

The MSGA has adopted a spikeless policy for all of its events, from junior events through the championship schedule. Players are prohibited from wearing spikes that are constructed of metal, ceramic, or any other piercing materials that may become available. Penalty for breach of policy is disqualification. There will be no exceptions.

MSGA Dress Code Policy

Players must follow the MSGA Dress Code, which does not permit denim jeans, cutoff shorts, gym shorts, bathing suits, tank tops, sweat suits or collarless shirts. Penalty for breach of policy is disqualification. There will be no exceptions.

Slow Play Policy

USGA Rule 6-7 states that the player shall play without undue delay and in accordance with any pace of play guidelines which may be laid down. Between completion of a hole and playing from the next teeing ground, the players shall not unduly delay play. For all regular weekend events, players shall not take longer than 15 minutes to play a par-four or par-five hole, and not longer than 13 1/2 minutes to play a par-three hole. Penalty for breach of rule shall be one stroke on the first offense and two strokes on the second offense. Any subsequent offense will be subject to disqualification.

Penalties will be assessed for all players in a group that is out of position. A group will be considered to be out of position if it is taking more than the allotted time to play or if it falls more than one hole behind the preceding group.

MSGA scorers and/or staff will have authority to assign penalties any time after a group has been warned for slow play.

For MSGA championship events, a pace of Play policy will be posted prior to the start of the tournament in conjunction with the Notice to Competitors.

Vouchers

Any time a player wins in an MSGA event, except the Maine Open, the winnings will be credited to a voucher account in that player's name. Winnings can be accumulated in the voucher account indefinitely as long as the player remains active in the MSGA. When a player has been inactive for a period of two years, unclaimed prize money will be transferred to the Scholarship fund.

Players may draw vouchers against accumulated winnings at any time, either on site at any MSGA tournament, or by calling the MSGA office at 846-3800. Players may also request vouchers via email at mainegolf@usga.org . Once a voucher is written, the player will have 90 days in which to redeem it, after which time it will become null and void.

Vouchers are redeemable at MSGA member club pro shops at full face value. Players are reminded that vouchers must be redeemed for merchandise only. They may not be used for green fees, cart fees, or any other fees, they may not be sold to other players, and they may not be redeemed at non-member club shops. Any players who abuse the voucher system may be subject to loss of amateur status and/or to suspension from MSGA events.