Hello Chicagolanders! Any NIMAGA members? (Northern Illinois Men's Amateur Golfers Association)

tincup27 · January 12, 2016

I did some searching around the site and couldn't find any threads on it. Sorry if there is and I missed it.

I was approached this summer by one of the organizers for this association while getting randomly paired up at a local course (St Andrews) on gorgeous Sunday afternoon. He said they are trying to get new members to join, and especially members of a younger generation (I'm 26, he was probably in his late 60s). So I am looking at potentially joining this association for this summer, and I was checking to see if there were any current/past members to help share some information about it. I don't know this forums policy on providing links but it can be found with a simple google search. I've only been playing a handful of years, never under any pressure really, more just out with friends type of thing. Of course there is a competitiveness to it, especially when I play a buddy (scratch golfer) who I loop for in tournaments, but I am very interested to try my hand at some tournament golf to see how I deal. Since they have 3 handicap divisions (low/mid/high), I would be paired up with players of my ability and handicap. I think it would be a fun way to get my toes wet.

They host quite a few events around Chicagoland (north/south) at various courses. You can either just join to be a member for a minimal fee and pay an entry fee per tournament you enter, or pay a larger total for entries into all events held by the group during the summer (saves about $65 if you go with the full package). The season runs from April to September.

Has anyone been apart of NIMAGA? Or are there other leagues/associations that you have joined in the area (i.e. Chicagoland/Western Burbs)? I am really looking to step up my game this summer and joining a "mini tour" or league like this would be very helpful to me, and most certainly, very revealing about my play. Thanks in advance for any help/information.

Regards,

TinCup27

crich88848 · January 13, 2016

I did some searching around the site and couldn't find any threads on it. Sorry if there is and I missed it.

I was approached this summer by one of the organizers for this association while getting randomly paired up at a local course (St Andrews) on gorgeous Sunday afternoon. He said they are trying to get new members to join, and especially members of a younger generation (I'm 26, he was probably in his late 60s). So I am looking at potentially joining this association for this summer, and I was checking to see if there were any current/past members to help share some information about it. I don't know this forums policy on providing links but it can be found with a simple google search. I've only been playing a handful of years, never under any pressure really, more just out with friends type of thing. Of course there is a competitiveness to it, especially when I play a buddy (scratch golfer) who I loop for in tournaments, but I am very interested to try my hand at some tournament golf to see how I deal. Since they have 3 handicap divisions (low/mid/high), I would be paired up with players of my ability and handicap. I think it would be a fun way to get my toes wet.

They host quite a few events around Chicagoland (north/south) at various courses. You can either just join to be a member for a minimal fee and pay an entry fee per tournament you enter, or pay a larger total for entries into all events held by the group during the summer (saves about $65 if you go with the full package). The season runs from April to September.

Has anyone been apart of NIMAGA? Or are there other leagues/associations that you have joined in the area (i.e. Chicagoland/Western Burbs)? I am really looking to step up my game this summer and joining a "mini tour" or league like this would be very helpful to me, and most certainly, very revealing about my play. Thanks in advance for any help/information.

Regards,
TinCup27

I'm a member of the MCPLA (Milwaukee County Public Links Association) in Wisconsin. We play an event every year, NIMAGA VS. MCPLA at Evergreen golf course in Elkhorn, WI. Just wanted to say that all the guys I've met from NIMAGA and played with were a good bunch of guys and I always enjoy this tournament.

tincup27 · January 13, 2016

Thanks for the input crich. If I do join, I hope these guys have just as nice things to say about you guys haha. I saw that on the schedule, and from what other members have told me, that event is usually fun, entertaining and possibly the event of the year (save the NIMAGA Cup).

crich88848 · January 13, 2016

Thanks for the input crich. If I do join, I hope these guys have just as nice things to say about you guys haha. I saw that on the schedule, and from what other members have told me, that event is usually fun, entertaining and possibly the event of the year (save the NIMAGA Cup).

It really is a fun event and we have a steak lunch afterwards. I believe the tournament has been going on for around 40 years now. Last years was really fun and actually ended in a tie (48-48). It was pretty funny because my match ended in a tie as well. It's a 3 point match play system with a shotgun start. 1 point for front 9, 1 point for back 9 and 1 point for overall. Maybe I'll see you there this year!

crich88848 · January 13, 2016

On a side note I lost my coin marker from last years event. Really ticks me off. Every once in a while I will rummage around trying to find it.

tincup27 · January 13, 2016

It really is a fun event and we have a steak lunch afterwards. I believe the tournament has been going on for around 40 years now. Last years was really fun and actually ended in a tie (48-48). It was pretty funny because my match ended in a tie as well. It's a 3 point match play system with a shotgun start. 1 point for front 9, 1 point for back 9 and 1 point for overall. Maybe I'll see you there this year!

On a side note I lost my coin marker from last years event. Really ticks me off. Every once in a while I will rummage around trying to find it.

That definitely sounds like it would be a fun event! As I sad in the original post, I've never tried any type of tournament golf so I'm definitely interested in finding something of the sort.

Sorry to hear about your ball marker though, I know I'm pretty attached to mine so I'm not sure what I'd do if it was gone (maybe a little too superstitious...)

crich88848 · January 13, 2016

It really is a fun event and we have a steak lunch afterwards. I believe the tournament has been going on for around 40 years now. Last years was really fun and actually ended in a tie (48-48). It was pretty funny because my match ended in a tie as well. It's a 3 point match play system with a shotgun start. 1 point for front 9, 1 point for back 9 and 1 point for overall. Maybe I'll see you there this year!
On a side note I lost my coin marker from last years event. Really ticks me off. Every once in a while I will rummage around trying to find it.

That definitely sounds like it would be a fun event! As I sad in the original post, I've never tried any type of tournament golf so I'm definitely interested in finding something of the sort.

Sorry to hear about your ball marker though, I know I'm pretty attached to mine so I'm not sure what I'd do if it was gone (maybe a little too superstitious...)

Well, I hope it works out for you.