NYSGA Championship and Tournament Eligibility Guidelines
Participation in New York State Golf Association’s Championships requires entrants to (1) belong to an NYSGA Member Club and hold a valid, current handicap at said Club or (2) be a resident of New York State and an NYSGA Associate Member in good standing. All entrants must fully comply with USGA Rules of Amateur Status.
Exception – For the NYSGA Junior & Boys Amateur and the NYSGA Junior Girls Amateur, entrants must (1) be a resident of New York State or (2) belong to an NYSGA Member Club.
Note: Nonresidents of New York State who do not enjoy membership privileges at a Type 1* NYSGA Member Club are not eligible to compete in any NYSGA Championship.
For purposes of these eligibility guidelines, an individual is considered to be a “resident” of New York if, as of the entry deadline date and as of the last scheduled day of the tournament in which the individual seeks to compete, the individual (1) maintains his/her primary residence in New York, (2) is qualified to vote in local, state, and national elections in New York, and (3) is required to file state income tax returns in New York.
In addition to the general guidelines stated herein, a particular championship may have other requirements, including a maximum handicap, a minimum or maximum age, or a certain gender. Certain exceptions and/or clarifications to residency requirements are described immediately below (member club, handicap and amateur status requirements still apply, unless stated otherwise).
Minors/College Students: A minor (under 21 years of age) takes the residence of his parents or legal guardians, and the primary residence of the parents or guardians determine the minor’s eligibility for NYSGA Championships, as set forth above in the first paragraph. The only exception is that of an emancipated minor, who is self-supporting and independent of all parental control and financial assistance. Such status must be asserted and proven. A minor who has a student residence or an apartment lease is subject to the primary residence location of his or her parents or guardians.
Exceptions: Any exceptions to or clarification of this policy shall be made by the NYSGA after timely written request addressed to the NYSGA Executive Director. All decisions on eligibility will be made by a committee consisting of the Tournament Chairperson, Executive Director, and President of the NYSGA on a case by case basis. The NYSGA also reserves the right to reject an entry at any time up to and including during the Championship proper.
*Definition of a Type 1 Club - The members of a Type 1 club are located at a single specific golf course with a valid USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating where a majority of the club's events are played and where the club's scoring records reside.
Effective March 1, 2011