State Amateur Tournaments....Should I play?

[Lemay427]

I quit competitive golf back in high school and I am 25 now. I have this urge to get into competitive golf again and play in some state level tournaments. My game is improving and for the first part of spring and summer I have improved tremendously in putting and my short game. I havent updated my handicap in awhile, but I am sure its a stroke lower for sure.


My question is for the people playing in these...Do I have the game to play in these events? Obviously, I am not looking to win...yet lol. I just feel I need the competition to improve my game. I also do not want to be out of place, either. Sorry if I sound like a noob, but I am clueless on competitive golf.

[Puttin4Bird]

Absolutely play! If you've got the game to do it then by all means, get out there and do it! I was really close at one point before an unfortunate ATV accident side tracked my game for a while, but I'm 34 and have been steadily improving and once I get there I'll be getting in some of these as well.

So while you're question was directed toward people playing them, allow me to offer a little insight from the other side, if you've got the game and don't at least try you'll always wonder "what if..."

Good luck and keep us posted!

[mikelz]

... ...Do I have the game to play in these events? Obviously, I am not looking to win...yet lol. I just feel I need the competition to improve my game. I also do not want to be out of place, either. Sorry if I sound like a noob, but I am clueless on competitive golf.

I've played in Ohio USGA tournaments because the good players need someone to beat.

Seriously, nobody notices you unless you win.

[Lemay427]

I've played in Ohio USGA tournaments because the good players need someone to beat.

HAHA. Ya I just didnt know the skill level of these tournaments and didnt want to get into something that I would be out of place in.

[ITgolfHack]

Are there any requirements for entering those tournaments?

[Lemay427]

I didnt see any but I didnt know if their were any implied requirements. I dont have any friends or know anyone that plays in these anymore.

[Shindig]

For what it's worth, when I meet the handicap requirements, I plan to play in California Amateur events. Whether or not this means you should give it a try is for you to determine.

[Lemay427]

For what it's worth, when I meet the handicap requirements, I plan to play in California Amateur events. Whether or not this means you should give it a try is for you to determine.

What are the handicap requirements in California?

[bigphil]

here are the requirements for the PNGA mens mid-amateur...im sure most state championships are close to this.

Championship Details

Format: 54-hole stroke play competition (cut to low 60 and ties after 36-holes)

Age Limit: 25 years of age or older as of September 9, 2008

Handicap Limit: 8.4

Field Limit: 120 (Field fill method: Exempt players followed by players with lowest handicap indexes/factors at entry deadline)

Entry Fee: $200 (US Funds)

[DJYoshi]

i played with someone that plays in the NJ Amateur every year. he's like it's $60 and that's your 1st round of golf and 2nd if you qualify for the 2nd day. He said people normally shoot anywhere from 3 under to 10 over.

[MrSandman]

Absolutely you should play. Make sure you wear your cargo shorts and keep the skateboard in the cart's basket, just to let everybody know that you keep it real.

[Lemay427]

your a fag

[Dent]

I'd say go for it as well, Golf can be made a little bit more fun when your actually going for something.As long as you don't post something way beyond your handicap, and shoot a good solid score, you shouldn't feel out of place. I personally don't like competitive golf either. Although I am on my HS golf team.

I may think of going into something called the Golf Town Amateur Tour when I'm older, sounds like a lot of fun.

[goblue107501]

Back on topic...

I think the MGA has a website with the criteria. I have looked into it for friend who played. I think you just need to be under a 5 or 6 to qualify. Then you pay your money and play. You get two or three rounds for a good price so it is well worth it if you just want to play. Who knows, you may do well and make it to the next rounds. Depending on which event it is, I think most events have a two round qualifier and then the higher finishers move to the next rounds.

[GaijinGolfer]

As long as you meet the handicap requirement, I say go for it. Even if you get smoked, look at it this way, if you play with a bunch of better players you will be able to watch how they do things and maybe pick up on why they are better players than you.
At least that way you can say that you gave it a shot, its better than one day asking yourself, "what if"...

[bruce]

Absolutely play! If you've got the game to do it then by all means, get out there and do it! I was really close at one point before an unfortunate ATV accident side tracked my game for a while, but I'm 34 and have been steadily improving and once I get there I'll be getting in some of these as well.

I agree with this chap 100%,positive input,get out there and enjoy yourself.

[RemyM]

If you have the index your should play. The entry fee alone is worth it around here to get to play some of the private courses the events are held on. And if they allow you a practice round there it's even better.

[jwnolefan]

Absolutely play. I played in a couple of tournaments around here, and most of the guys I played with that were 2-7 handicaps didn't break 80. It can be a bit intimidating, but most all of them were great guys and they made it a lot of fun.(plus I played really well, for me at least)


Go for it!!