State Amateur Qualifiers

[Cold_Canadian]

Hey guys,

 

Does anyone know if it's possible to play in a state amateur with having residency in that particular state?

 

I live in Canada and there are a bunch of qualifiers with 40 mins of the border. From what I've read, it looks like I can't. 

 

Can anyone recommend any competitions that would allow me to play. I signed up for the Golf Association of Michigan and got my GHIN last night hoping to play, but eligibility may be an issue. 

 

Thanks

[cubuffs]

Having lived in 3 different areas over the last few years, they generally restrict this to the state where you have your GHIN registered and for the most part is only one state (unless dual residency).

[Abh159]

I've never lived somewhere that allowed non-residents to play in their State Am. That would sort of defeat the whole purpose.

 

I'm sure Canada has plenty of amateur events. Why not play in those?

[Cold_Canadian]

2 hours ago, Abh159 said:

I've never lived somewhere that allowed non-residents to play in their State Am. That would sort of defeat the whole purpose.

 

I'm sure Canada has plenty of amateur events. Why not play in those?

I'm playing in those as well, but the majority of events exist about four hours north of where I live. Detroit is about a 16min drive from my house. 

I'd like to build a bit of a schedule this summer, but the Golf Association of Ontario only has three events that I qualify to play (Ontario Amateur, Mid-Amateur, and the Men's Match Play). All of these qualifiers take place in May with their respective finals in June. After June there is nothing. 

I'm just looking to play more competitive golf. 
 

[Abh159]

3 minutes ago, Cold_Canadian said:

I'm playing in those as well, but the majority of events exist about four hours north of where I live. Detroit is about a 16min drive from my house. 

I'd like to build a bit of a schedule this summer, but the Golf Association of Ontario only has three events that I qualify to play (Ontario Amateur, Mid-Amateur, and the Men's Match Play). All of these qualifiers take place in May with their respective finals in June. After June there is nothing. 

I'm just looking to play more competitive golf. 
 

 

Gotcha. You might be able to find some independent or national events in the US, but I wouldn't think there are many if any within close proximity to where you live. Maybe the city of Detroit has it's own municipal golf associate that isn't state related that would allow you to play? 

 

FWIW I've never known any state golf association to allow non-state residents to play. The states I've lived in wouldn't even let players from in-state colleges compete unless their permanent (aka parent's) residence was in that state.

[balladm]

You should call or write an email to the Michigan golf association explaining your situation. If you purchase an online ghin through their association and you live that close, they may allow it.

[Noles]

The same player won the PA, NJ and Delaware state ams in the last few years.  Some states are definitely less stringent than others.  

[DoughBack18]

On 2/19/2023 at 11:17 AM, Noles said:

The same player won the PA, NJ and Delaware state ams in the last few years.  Some states are definitely less stringent than others.  

That may have something to do with GAP (golf association of philly) covering such a huge area including parts of all 3 of those states. Don’t know that for sure but seems logical🤷🏻‍♂️

[golfinbrad]

The PA does not require residence.  You just need to belong to a PA Golf Org club or become an individual member.  I live in PA and thought you needed to be a resident as well.  I double check and this was on the application:

 

Eligibility: Open to any amateur who is a member of a PAGA Member Club or an Individual Member of the PAGA. Players must have a USGA Handicap Index of 7.4 or lower. PAGA Individual Members must be residents of the State of Pennsylvania.