TERMS OF THE COMPETITION

 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • Open to male and female amateur golfers who are 18 years old or younger as of June 30, 2026. 
    • Juniors 14 and younger as of June 30, 2026 must qualify via Entry Priority (see below).
  • Hold a USGA Handicap Index from a NYSGA Member Club with at least five (5) scores posted in the previous 12 months- Boys max 8.4, Girls max 16.2
  • Be either (1) a resident of New York State or (2) an active NYSGA member. If entering from a public facility, or a club without real estate, the entrant must be a resident of New York. Proof of residency may be required.
  • Click here to read the complete NYSGA Championship policies regarding state residency, membership, and gender requirements.

 

ENTRY INFORMATION

  • Entries & Deadline: All players must register online prior to the deadline of 12PM EST on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Late entries will not be accepted, regardless of the reason
  • Fee: $200
  • Refund Policy: A portion of the entry fee, based on the schedule below, will be refunded regardless of reason if the NYSGA is notified via phone or email (315-471-6979 or Champs@nysga.org).

    • PRIOR TO deadline: $20 Fee

    • AFTER deadline: $50

    • WITHIN 7 DAYS: None

 

FIELD SIZE, WAIT LIST, AND HANDICAP REVIEW

  • Field Size: 156 players (102 - Boys’ 18U, 54 - Girls’ 18U).
  • Field Selection: Registration for this Championship is NOT on a first come, first served basis. See below for how each division's field is determined.
    • Girls' 18U: Selected via Entry Priority (see below).
    • Boys' 18U: Selected via Entry Priority (see below).
  • Handicap Review: A player may be subject to Handicap review if the do not have at least five scores posted since July 1, 2025. The NYSGA reserves the right to amend the field/waitlist at any time and for any reason.

ENTRY PRIORITY FOR JUNIORS AGES 12-18

  • 2026 Boys' Entry Priority: Entries meeting the criteria listed will be entered into the Championship on a first-come, first-serve basis up until the entry close date or the field is full. Any players registering from this entry priority list after the field is full will be placed on a wait list ordered by their time of entry submission.
  • 2026 Girls' Entry Priority: Entries meeting the criteria listed will be entered into the Championship on a first-come, first-serve basis up until the entry close date or the field is full. Any players registering from this entry priority list after the field is full will be placed on a wait list ordered by their time of entry submission.
  • Special Exemption Request: Submit to be considered for a special exemption, must demonstrate impressive recent tournament history.
  • The NYSGA reserves the right to revise any of the exemption categories. Exempt players must submit an entry prior to the deadline.

 

 

CHAMPIONSHIP, FORMAT & SCHEDULE

  • Format: 54 holes, individual stroke play.
  • Course Yardage:
    • Girls' 18U: 5,739y - par 72
    • Boys' 18U: 6,648y - par 72
  • Cut: There is a cut after 18 holes in each division to:
    • Girls' 18U - Low 24 & Ties
    • Boys' 18U - Low 40 & Ties
  • Age Groups: In addition to competing in the overall Championship, players will also compete within the following age divisions: 15, 16, 17, 18. Players 14 or younger do not qualify to compete in an age group - younger age group winners are identified at the 2025 NYS Boys' & Girls' 14U Junior Amateur Championship.
  • Schedule: The tentative schedule of events is listed below.
    • Monday, June 29 // Practice Rounds
    • Tuesday, June 30 // Round 1 (18 Holes)
    • Wednesday, July 1 // Rounds 2 & 3 (36 Holes)
  • Ties: The player with the lowest score after regulation will be the champion. In the event of a tie for either Championship, a sudden-death playoff will be held immediately following play. If there is a tie for the winner in the Age Groups, the tie will be broken using the USGA's method of matching scorecards.

 

2026 U.S. JUNIOR & GIRLS' JUNIOR AMATEUR EXEMPTIONS
The 2026 NYS Junior champions will earn an exemption into the following 2026 USGA Championships (must remain age eligible):

 

          

 

RANKINGS
This Championship is ranked by World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), the AJGA PBE and Junior Golf Scoreboard.

 

TOP-5 EXEMPT INTO NYS MEN'S AMATEUR
The top-5 players in the 2026 NYS Boys' 18U Junior Amateur Championship will earn an exemption into the 2026 NYS Men's Amateur Championship, played at Glens Falls Country Club on July 7-9.
 

CADDIES. GOLF CARTS, AND PUSH CARTS

  • Caddies: The use of a caddie is approved for both divisions. Caddies must not be a parent or guardian.
  • Golf Carts: Prohibited for practice and competition rounds.
  • Manual Push Carts: Allowed (electric push carts are not permitted).

 

PARENT EXPECTATIONS & RULES

Parents and family are welcome to attend this Championship as spectators. Below are important expectations and rules that we've established over the years due to conflicts with parents on the course. We take the experience of the player very seriously and strictly enforce these rules.

  1. Spectator carts are not permitted, except if the spectator is disabled and completes the required forms
  2. Behave appropriately, cheer - don't criticize
  3. Not speaking on a cell phone near players, it must be set to silent
  4. Do not caddie, including during the practice round - parent can carry clothes/food for their junior
  5. Do not give advice, either verbally or through signals
  6. Don't text your junior during the round, by submitting an entry you have agreed to allow the NYSGA to check phones if concerns are raised
  7. Stay 'outside-the-ropes', do not walk in the fairway and stay 10 feet from bunkers and putting greens
  8. Walk ahead of your group to not delay the group behind
  9. Help search for errant shots, be careful not to touch the ball or improve the lie
  10. Do not engage with Rules Officials when giving a ruling unless specifically asked
  11. Read the NYSGA's Spectator Policy for complete information


INFORMATION & PAIRINGS

Complete Championship details will be emailed to players and posted on this website after entries close. Pairing requests are not honored.

 

CAVALRY CLUB

 

STRACKALINE YARDAGE BOOKS
NYSGA partner StrackaLine is offering players in this Championship a 20% discount off their Greens Guide and Yardage Book (USGA approved).

NYSGA POLICIES

For a complete listing of NYSGA Championship Policies and Procedures, click here.
 

NYSGA CONTACT INFORMATION

315-471-6979

champs@nysga.org

 

CONDITIONS; TERMS; SCHEDULES

The NYSGA reserves the right to amend any of the conditions, terms, or schedules published for this Championship. The decision of the NYSGA in any matter will be final.
 

HISTORY

To view past results for these Championships, click here.

 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

Thank you to our valued sponsors, their support of the NYSGA and our member golf community helps us strengthen our services, member benefits and tournament experience. For more information about the NYSGA's sponsors, click here.