VSGA Championship and Tournament Eligibility Guidelines
Participation in Virginia State Golf Association championships and qualifiers is open to individuals who (i) belong to a VSGA Member Club, (ii) hold a valid handicap index issued by a VSGA Member Club, and (iii) comply fully with USGA Rules of Amateur Statuas. In addition, individuals must either be a “resident” of Virginia (see clarification below) or if they are not a “resident” they must meet the non-resident requirements below.
Clarification of “Resident”
For purposes of these eligibility guidelines an individual is considered to be a “resident” of Virginia if, as of the deadline date for entry and as of the last scheduled day of the tournament in which the individual seeks to compete, the individual maintains a residence in Virginia and has resided in Virginia for a minimum of three (3) months out of the previous twelve (12) months.
College students are considered residents of Virginia if their parent(s)/guardian(s) maintain a residence in Virginia and have resided in Virginia for a minimum of three (3) months out of the previous twelve (12) months or they attend a college or university in Virginia.
Junior golfers are considered residents of Virginia if their parent(s)/guardian(s) maintain a residence in Virginia and have resided in Virginia for a minimum of three (3) months out of the previous twelve (12) months.
Non-Resident Eligibility
Individuals who are not residents, as clarified above, are eligible for VSGA events if they meet (i), (ii) and (iii) above and have a resident membership (if that is not offered, the highest classification of membership offered) at a VSGA member club and have played at least 50 percent of his/her rounds at VSGA members clubs.
Other VSGA Tournament Events
The following events are open to individuals who meet (i), (ii) and (iii) above, with no additional residency requirements:
- VSGA One-Day Events;
- VSGA Women’s State Team Matches;
- VSGA Virginias Women’s Stroke Play;
- Women’s Division Benefit Tournament;
- Women’s Four-Ball Stroke Play;
- Women’s Two Best Balls of Four;
- Women’s Four-Person Captain’s Choice
*Please refer to individual entry forms for any additional eligibility information.
Additional Guidelines
Except for the Women’s and Girls’ Events, VSGA Tournaments are open to male and female competitors, so long as they otherwise qualify. Unless the Tournament Rules provide otherwise, all competitors will play from the same tees.
Female Golfers: For VSGA Women’s and Girls’ events, only female competitors are permitted. The VSGA has adopted the USGA’s policy on transgendered golfers. If you are a transgendered individual, please refer to the USGA policy and entry application procedures for transgendered individuals at www.usga.org/championships/transgendered or contact the Virginia State Golf Association at (804) 378-2300 for the additional entry application procedures.
Disability: A player seeking a golf cart due to disability may only submit an entry by mail at least 30 days before the Tournament begins and may not file an entry via the Internet (see Transportation). Players requesting permission to use items on the List of Equipment Permitted Conditionally for Medical Reasons or under Exception 1 to Rule 14-3, please refer to www.usga.org/equipment/medical/general_guidelines.html for details. Any player using any equipment for medical or disability reasons must provide his/her own equipment.
Transportation: As provided by the Rules of Golf, players must not ride on any form of transportation during a stipulated round unless authorized by the Committee (currently participants, in all VSGA Championships and co-sanctioned events, except for Junior Championships, are permitted to use carts). The optional condition prescribed in Appendix I of the Rules of Golf will be in effect.
Anyone (player or caddie) seeking a golf cart due to a disability as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) should log onto www.usga.org/champs/ada or contact the VSGA at (804) 378-2300 to obtain information on procedures for submitting such requests. All such requests and required information must be submitted to the VSGA simultaneously and together with the entry application by mail and received by the VSGA no later than thirty (30) days prior to the start of the Tournament or by the entry deadline, whichever is earlier. Facsimile, phone, or online submissions not accepted. Requests due to temporary injuries or impairments that do not qualify as a permanent disability under the ADA will not be granted. In the event of a change in medical condition subsequent to submission of entry application, written submission of all documentation must be received by VSGA no later than seven days before event. Many VSGA member clubs have rules regarding the minimum age for drivers of golf carts, and the VSGA will respect those rules for tournaments. If a player desiring to ride in a cart for any reason is below that age, he/she either must not ride in the cart or must provide his/her own driver, if necessary.
Exceptions and Clarifications: Exceptions to these guidelines may be made at the sole discretion of the VSGA. Clarifications of these guidelines shall be made by the VSGA after a timely written request is delivered to the VSGA Executive Director. The Tournament Committee may revoke an individual’s eligibility on a case by case basis if it deems necessary.
