TERMS OF THE COMPETITION
ELIGIBILITY
This Championship is open to male and female amateur golfers who meet the following requirements:
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Membership: Hold an active GHIN Handicap Index at a club in the Capital Region (see below), including the NYSGA eClub - Capital Region. A person who does not reside in the Capital Region and who is not a full-time student or employed in the territory cannot join a club for the purpose of entering this Championship.
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Capital Region Counties: Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, Washington.
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Handicap Limits: 8.4 (men) and 18.4 (women).
FIELD INFORMATION
- Field Size: The field is limited to 72 men and 24 women.
- Selection Process: The field will be selected in order of players' USGA Handicap Index as of July 27, 2026. The top-10 players from the 2025 CRGA Men's Points List and top-20 finishers from the 2025 CRGA Amateur Championship will be exempt from this process.
- Waitlist: Players who do earn a spot in this field will be placed on a waitlist ordered by USGA Handicap Index (low-to-high).
ENTRIES, DEADLINE, AND REFUND POLICY
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Entries: An entry must be submitted online with payment prior to the deadline. Late entries will not be accepted, regardless of reason.
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Entry Fee: $125
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Deadline: Entries must be received prior to the deadline (12PM EST on Monday, July 27, 2026). Late entries will not be accepted, regardless of reason..
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Refund Policy: A portion of the entry fee, based on the schedule below, will be refunded regardless of reason if the CRGA is notified (315-471-6979 or jcorcoran@nysga.org):
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PRIOR TO entry deadline: Entry fee less $20
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AFTER entry deadline: Entry fee less $50
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WITHIN 2 DAYS of the competition: No Refund
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FORMAT, CUT & YARDAGE
- Format: 54 holes at stroke play
- Cut: The field will be cut after 18 holes to low 30 players & ties for the Men's division and low 12 players & ties for the Women's division.
- Yardage: Men - Blue (6,310y); Women - Red (5,505y)
JUNIOR DIVISIONS (18 & UNDER)
A separate division will be created for Boys 18U and Girls 18U, which will be played concurrently with the CRGA Men's and Women's Amateur. These divisions are Junior Golf Scoreboard ranked events.
WAGR RANKING
The 2026 Capital Region Amateur Championship (Men's and Women's) is WAGR and (18U boys) Junior Golf Scoreboard ranked.
EXEMPTIONS
The winner in the men's championship will earn an exemption to the 2027 NYS Men's Amateur Championship and the 2026 NYS Men's Mid-Amateur Championship (CC of Buffalo).
RULES
All play will be governed by the USGA Rules of Golf. Players will be provided a "Notice to Players" rules sheet containing local rules and conditions. There will be volunteer Rules Officials on the course to provide rulings and answer questions.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
- Friday, July 31 // Round 1 // Tee times TBA
- Saturday, August 1 // Round 2 // Tee times (12pm start)
- Sunday, August 2 // Round 3 // Tee times (12pm start)
TEE TIME REQUESTS (ROUND 1 ONLY)
The CRGA will make every effort to accommodate tee time requests for Round 1 (early/late), which must be submitted here no later than 12PM on Monday, July 27. Pairing requests will not be honored but you may request to be paired near another player for traveling purposes.
FIRST ROUND TEE TIMES AND PAIRINGS
The first round pairings will be available on Wednesday, July 29 and will be emailed/texted to players.
CADDIES
Caddies are permitted for this tournament. The NYSGA's One-Seat Policy is in effect.
GOLF CARTS
The use of a golf cart is approved. The fee of $20 per player is payable in the pro shop. The NYSGA's One-Seat Policy is in effect. If only two players are riding, they must take one cart. Either the player or their caddie can ride, never both at the same time regardless of space availability.
DRIVING RANGE
The driving range will be available for use.
PRIZES
Trophies will be awarded to the Champion and Runner-up. Gift certificates will be awarded to the top-finishers (minimum $4,000 purse).
BALLSTON SPA COUNTRY CLUB
1366 Amsterdam Rd, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 885-7395
Michael Decker, PGA
CONTACT
Jack Corcoran
NYSGA, Manager of Regional Associations & Junior Golf
jcorcoran@nysga.org