TERMS OF THE COMPETITION

 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

This Championship is open to (1) male amateur golfers who (2) are at least 25 years old as of October 5, 2026 and (3) hold active, up-to-date USGA Handicap Index (8.4.0 max) issued through a licensed golf club in New York. Nonresidents of New York may be eligible, click here for the NYSGA's eligibility requirements.

 

Any eligible player can compete including those who have previously attempted to qualify.

 

ENTRY INFORMATION

  • Entries: Player must register online before the deadline.
  • Fee: This championship utilizes a two-tiered entry fee:
    • LCQ Fee: $140
    • Championship Fee: $225
  • Deadline: Entries must be received prior to the deadline (12PM EST on Friday, September 25, 2026). Late entries aren't accepted.
  • Refund Policy: A portion of the entry fee, based on the schedule below, will be refunded regardless of reason if the NYSGA is notified (315-471-6979 or champs@nysga.org).

    • PRIOR TO deadline: $20 Fee

    • AFTER deadline: $50 Fee

    • WITHIN 7 DAYS: No Refund

 

QUALIFIER INFORMATION

  • Format. 18 holes of stroke play
  • Start Time. 11:30AM
  • Yardage. Tee #2 - 6,720 yards, par 72
  • Field Size & Waitlist. 45 players. The field will be selected by the 45 players with the lowest USGA Handicap Index as of the entry deadline (Friday, September 25). The waitlist will be ordered by the same method, from low-to-high.
  • Qualifying Spots. Minimum of three (3) and maximum of seven (7) qualifying spots, depending on numerous factors. Qualifying spots may be added after the initial announcement due to withdrawals from the championship field. 
  • Alternates. There will be two (2) alternates.
  • Ties & Playoff. Ties for the last qualifying spot or either alternate will be broken by playoff or, if time does not permit, USGA method of matching scorecards. 

 

STARTING TIMES & GROUPINGS
Will be be posted here and sent to the field on Wednesday, September 30.

TEE TIME REQUESTS
The NYSGA will make an effort to accommodate tee time requests that are submitted (click here) before tee times are released.

 

STARTING PROCEDURES
Players should arrive to the first tee 10 minutes before their starting time for announcements and to receive their scorecard and Notice to Players (rules). There is no check-in or registration.

 

PRACTICE ROUNDS
Availability and pricing of practice rounds are set at the discretion of the host club.
 

GOLF CARTS & ONE-SEAT POLICY

The use of a golf cart is included in the entry fee for qualifiers - except for the Long Island Qualifier. The use of a golf cart is also permitted during championship rounds. A player is not required to take a golf cart.

 

The NYSGA One-Seat Cart Policy is in effect. If two players (or their caddie) are riding, they must take one cart. Either the player or his caddie can ride, never both at the same time regardless if a seat is 'open'. Failure to follow this policy is a breach of the NYSGA's Code of Conduct.

 

PUSH CARTS
The use of push carts, whether motorized or manual, is allowed.

 

CADDIES

A player may provide his own caddie for any stage/round of the championship. Caddies are required to dress appropriately (proper golf attire) and act in a manner consistent with the etiquette of golf. 

 

SPECTATORS AND CARTS

Spectators are permitted and must follow guidelines consistent with golf competitions. Spectators are expected to maintain a reasonable distance (at least 20 yards) from players and to always walk with or ahead of the group they are following. Spectators must not give players advice, doing so could result in the player being penalized. Spectators who are in breach of these recommendations may be subject to removal from the golf course.

 

The NYSGA is willing to accommodate spectators with an ADA disability by allowing them to ride in their own golf cart. To request this accommodation, a spectator must complete and return the NYSGA Golf Cart Request Form.


QUALIFYING PLAYERS
Players who qualify will be emailed an invoice to pay the $225 championship fee.

 

NYSGA POLICIES

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

 

WITHDRAWALS

To withdraw, promptly notify the NYSGA (call 315-471-6979, or e-mail champs@nysga.org). Failure to do so may result in disqualification from future NYSGA competitions.

 

PACE OF PLAY

It is a condition that players must play without undue delay in accordance with guidelines established by the Committee. To view the NYSGA's Pace of Play Policy.

 

PLAYER CONDUCT

Players and/or their guests must conduct themselves in a reasonable manner at all times. Any excessive display of anger, vulgar language, club throwing, alcohol abuse, illegal drug use, lack of golfing etiquette or disrespect to a fellow player or any other individual may be grounds or disqualification from any tournament. The NYSGA reserves the right to revoke a player's tournament entry, without a refund, at any time for conduct deemed inappropriate or damaging to the NYSGA.

 

NYSGA CONTACT
champs@nysga.org

(315) 471-6979