VSWGA State Days are weekly, one-day 18-hole stroke play events that bring members together for some friendly competition. Venues include northern, central and southern Vermont courses, both public and private, often with several courses to choose from each week. See our schedule of events here.
Players at every level, from beginning golfers with high handicaps to low-handicap players, are encouraged to join VSWGA! State Days are a wonderful way to meet other golfers, develop new friendships, improve your game, and learn the rules of golf. At State Day events, the field of players is divided into flights by handicap. While you can play with whoever you register with, regardless of handicap, for scoring purposes each player will be competing in a flight with other players of similar ability. Many players stay and enjoy lunch at the host club after the round.
VSWGA membership allows you to play 18 holes at Vermont golf courses at reduced rates ($25 at the course plus the $15 VSWGA administration fee for each event).
To be eligible to play in State Days:
- pay the $45 annual membership fee to become a VSWGA member (free for juniors, see below, and for golfers 80+ years old);
- get a Golf Handicap Index from a VSWGA member club or through Lakeside, a non-real estate club for this purpose;
- Our “Bring a Guest” program allows you to try out State Days before joining.
Out-of-state golfers can purchase a VT GHIN and it can be linked to your existing GHIN so all scores show up in the same place (email vswgaquestions@gmail.com to ask for our assistance with this procedure).
Players earn point for gross or net placement in each State Day event. Participants accumulate award points over the season toward end of season awards for individual points, club points, and significantly lowering their handicap. Individuals with the most points overall compete for the coveted Janet Lang Trophy. Clubs compete as teams for the Mae Murray Jones Cup in three separate divisions. Awards are presented at the popular annual Fall Awards Classic with a day of golf, food, and fun. Players also receive certificates for the value of awards points earned during the season that can be redeemed for merchandise at member club pro shops.
To be able to register for VSWGA State Days or Major Championship events, participants must join VSWGA and have an active, up-to-date Vermont GHIN handicap index through a VSWGA member club or other Vermont based golf organization unless playing as a guest. There is no maximum handicap limit for playing in a VSWGA State Day, however, the USGA caps the handicap for women at 54.0. Players will play to their full course handicap.
Vermont Junior GHIN memberships are free. An active GHIN handicap is required for all junior golfers participating in VSWGA State Days, tournaments, and Vermont Junior Tour events. To qualify as a Junior, golfers must be a resident of the state of Vermont who has not reached their 19th birthday by the day of the event or tournament. Learn more about Junior Golf.
We look forward to your participation in VSWGA and VGA events this season!