ELIGIBILITY: Entries are open to Professionals, Maine Chapter PGA Professionals, and Maine resident amateur golfers with a USGA Handicap Index of 5.0 or less. Out-of-state amateurs will be admitted by invitation only. Please contact the MSGA if you are interested in being considered. The field is limited to 120 Professionals and 36 amateurs.
ENTRY INFORMATION: All players 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.
COST: Professional: $375 Maine Chapter Pro: $210 Amateur: $160. Entry deadline for all players is July 14, 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. The MSGA has the final say in determining the professional and amateur fields.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: The championship will consist of two rounds of 18 holes. There will be a cut after 18 holes for amateurs only, with the low 20 amateurs (and ties) advancing to the second round. There will be no cut for professionals.
Monday, July 24: First round, 18 holes
Tuesday, July 25: Second round, 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 the title of Charlie’s Maine Open Champion. Runner-up: Silver medal Top finishers: Prize money, determined by finishing position, in the form of cash for professionals, or voucher money for amateurs added to their MSGA account. Note: Trophies and medals will be awarded to winners and runner up in three divisions – Professional, Maine Chapter Professional, and Amateur.
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.