VSWGA Frequently Asked Questions

by Pam Boyd

Welcome!

Are you a new member of the Vermont State Women’s Golf Association, or thinking about joining? Here are Frequently Asked Questions and links to more information:

  1. VSWGA – What is it?
    An association of women golfers founded in 1930 to organize an Amateur Championship, that expanded over the decades to offer more golfing opportunities for women in Vermont and to support junior programs.   Read more about our history.
  2. Why should I join VSWGA?
    You need to be a VSWGA member to play in VSWGA State Day events or to participate in our major tournaments: the Vermont Amateur Championship, the Mid-Amateur Championship, the Senior Championship, or the Tri-States (an annual tournament between Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine). You can play in a limited number of State Day events without being a member through our “Bring a Guest” program — see the link to more information at #6, below.
  3. How do I become a member?
    Beginning January 1, 2024, you can Join the VSWGA online at Golf Genius. Visit the link, create a profile with a user name and password, then choose “membership payment.” You can pay online using a credit card. The cost of annual membership is $30 for new members and $40 to renew your membership.
  4. What is a GHIN Card?
    To participate in VSWGA events, you also need to register for a GHIN card through your golf club at a cost of about $25 annually. GHIN is the system used to determine your handicap. You must have a GHIN number to play in VSWGA State Days and tournaments. If you are not a member of a Vermont golf club, you can join Lakeside, a virtual golf club, and get a GHIN card for $50 through the Vermont Golf Association (vtga.org) . Learn more about the Golf Handicap and Information Network (GHIN).
  5. What are State Days?
    18-hole stroke play events that bring women golfers together for a little friendly competition every Tuesday (and a few on Monday or Wednesday) throughout the Vermont golf season. Players pay a $10 fee to the VSWGA plus a course fee–generally $20 for 9-hole courses and $25 for 18-hole courses–plus a cart fee if riding. You must have an active USGA GHIN card (see #4, above) to participate.  Read more about State Days.
  6. Can I participate in a State Day before joining the VSWGA?
    Yes! We call it our “Bring a Guest” program, 
  7. How do I sign up for State Days? 
    Visit Golf Genius to join the VSWGA and create a profile or log in with your email address and password. Then visit “Tournament Registration” at the link above to see a list of State Day events and Championship Tournaments. Online registration opens on Golf Genius two and a half weeks prior to each State Day event and closes at 7:00 a.m. the day before to the event. You can register with others or as a single and you will be matched with other players. Read more about Registering.
  8. Do players win prizes?
    You bet! Through our season-long points system, both gross & net.  Read more about awards.
  9. Where can I learn more?
    Every member golf course has a Club Representative–contact yours,
    or send an email to the VSWGA: vswgaquestions@gmail.com