ELIGIBILITY: The championship is restricted to Maine resident amateurs, except that non-residents who have been members of MSGA-affiliated clubs for ten years and who reside in Maine for at least five months annually are also eligible. Active duty service members who are stationed in Maine, live here, and hold membership with an MSGA-affiliated club are also eligible. All players must be in good standing of an MSGA member club on or before the date they submit their application. All players must be a 2017 MSGA Championship Player to apply.
ENTRY INFORMATION: All players, including those who are exempt, must file an entry for the championship. Players may apply for the championship either online at www.mesga.org or by paper application. Entries will not be taken over the phone. The field will consist of 132 players, including those already exempt. The rest of the field will be determined through three qualifying tournaments.
COST FOR EXEMPT PLAYERS: The entry fee for the championship is $140.
COST FOR QUALIFIERS: The entry fee for the qualifier is $55. For those who make it through the qualifier, an additional $85 entry for the championship proper must be paid no later than five days following his qualifying round. Players have the option to sign up for one of three qualifying sites. Players should indicate a preference for their qualifying site on the entry form, which will be honored in the order in which applications are received. No consideration will be given for preferential tee times. The MSGA has the final say in the makeup of all fields at qualifying sites. Entry deadline for all players, whether exempt or attempting to qualify, is June 5, 2017 at 5:00 pm. Players are reminded to apply early to allow time for resolving any errors, an incomplete application, or for not adhering to the eligibility as prescribed above.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: The championship will consist of 54 holes of stroke play. A cut will be made after two rounds to the low 40 and ties.
(3) QUALIFYING TOURNAMENTS
Thursday, June 15: Qualifier at Biddeford-Saco CC
Tuesday, June 20: Qualifier at Poland Spring GC
Thursday, June 22: Qualifier at Penobscot Valley CC
CHAMPIONSHIP PROPER
Tuesday, July 11: First round, 18 holes
Wednesday, July 12: Second round, 18 holes
Thursday, July 13: Final round, low 40 and ties, 18 holes In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided immediately by a hole-by-hole playoff.
PRIZES: Winner: Crystal Trophy and title of Maine Amateur Champion. Runner-up: Silver medal. Top finishers: Prize money, determined by finishing position, in the form of a voucher added to their MSGA account.
RULES OF GOLF: All play will be governed by The Rules of Golf as approved by the USGA, except as modified by Local Rules. The on-site Rules Committee will have the final authority on all rulings. The competition is deemed to be closed when the trophy is awarded to the champion.
TRANSPORTATION: Players will be allowed to use motorized carts in the championship. Carts may be limited at certain sites, so players are encouraged to call the host club ahead of time to reserve a cart.
WITHDRAWAL AND REFUND POLICY: Advanced entry fees will be refunded regardless of reason if the MSGA is notified before the close of entries. Refunds of entries made by credit or debit card will be applied to that same card, in keeping with proper merchant processing protocol. After the close of entries, fees will only be refunded 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. Unusual circumstances will be considered individually.
STARTING TIMES: After the application deadline, starting times will be posted at www.mesga.org, as well as emailed to all players in the field. Starting times will be made public no less than four days before the tournament begins.
CONDITIONS AND SCHEDULES: The MSGA Tournament Committee/on-site Rules Committee reserves the right to alter any of the conditions, provisions, and/or schedules herein. The decision of the Tournament Committee/on-site Rules Committee in any matter is final.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: For any additional information regarding this championship, or to resolve any questions, please contact the Maine State Golf Association at msga@mesga.org, or by calling the office at (207) 829-3549.