ELIGIBILITY: The Match Play Championship is an invitational-only event. The field is determined by the top 16 finishers (and ties) from the 2017 Maine Amateur Championship. The remainder of the field will be determined by the top point earners from the 2017 Player of the Year race, which concludes on July 31, 2017. All entrants must be a 2017 MSGA Championship Player to apply.
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. This championship is by invitation only. An entry form where any player is not active in GHIN at their home club, or is not a 2017 MSGA Championship Player, will be considered incomplete.
COST: The entry fee for the championship is $110. Entry deadline for all teams is August 4, 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 5 rounds of match play, where all matches are 18 holes.
Tuesday, August 15: First round, morning; Second round, afternoon
Wednesday, August 16: Quarterfinals, morning; Semifinals, afternoon
Thursday, August 17: Finals, morning. Any match that is tied after 18 holes will be decided immediately with a hole-by-hole playoff.
PRIZES: Winner: Crystal trophy. 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.