Standards and Rules for the VTSGA tournaments in 2026

We have developed some rules for how we run tournaments. We expanded those and created some standards by which we will operate our organization. Here they are.

• Entries typically close at 6:00 P.M. two days before an event and can be earlier for certain events.
• Refunds requested after entries close will be determined after the event.
• Each entry and refund will be charged a $5 credit card cost.
• $20 will be added to each entry for pro shop prizes.
• It is our goal to pay out all the prize entry money at each tournament. Examples of payout for events follow:
• Events up to 50 players (2 flights / 4 places paid) $25 for closest to pin.
• Events from 51 - 80 players (3 flights / 4 places paid) $25 for closest to pin.
• For pro shop prizes you compete within your flight, gross and net.
• “Skins” and “closest to pin” paid via checks, and you compete against the entire field. If you win both the net and gross skin we encourage the option of the double winner to donate one of the winnings to the VGA scholarship fund.
• Longer tees for the 1st flight should be in the range of 5,500 to 6,000 yards.
• Front tees should be in the range of 5,200 to 5,500 yards for 2nd and 3rd flights.
• Front tees are an option if the combination of your age and handicap index are 80 or above. You will play in the flight determined by your index.
• “VTSGA championship” winner based on gross must play in 1st flight and longest tees to be eligible to win.
• Stroke events “champions” based on “Net Winner” (exception VTSGA Championship).
• Tournament net competitions will be based on 80% of handicap.
• Team plays event champions based on “net winning team” using handicaps.
• Stableford events winner based on most points calculated by “Golf Genius” using handicap.
• We will use mobile scoring at every tournament.
• We typically play the ball down and putt everything out unless you are above triple bogey.
• We have adopted the USGA local rule for lost ball and out of bounds.  Ball dropped in fairway, not nearer hole, with 2 stroke penalty.
• In case of ties, we will have a “card off”, on a net basis of your last nine holes 9,6,3,1.
• Pace of play is important in every golf round, and we have a list of things under our new Pace of Play Guidelines.  We can all do something to speed up play. Everyone is encouraged to consider these suggestions as you play.
• We will post your score to GHIN after the round.
• If you are playing a competitive round with us on a course, you are a member and have green fees or a cart already covered with your membership, we will work with the pro to eliminate your greens fees cost in our event.