VSWGA Frequently Asked Questions

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?
   Join 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. Alternatively, you can download, print, complete, and mail this membership application to VSWGA at the address on the application. The cost of annual membership is $30 for new members anytime.
   
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 $40. 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 some Mondays) 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 with your email address. Online registration opens on Golf Genius 2 weeks prior to each State Day event and closes at noon the Thursday prior to the event. After registration closes Thursday, you can call the pro shop of the club beginning on Saturday morning until 6:00 p.m. on the day prior to the State Day event to ask to be added to the tee sheet if there is space available. 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. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected VSWGA events?
   We follow guidelines recommended by the Vermont Department of Health, the Office of the Governor, and the Vermont Golf Association to keep our players safe. 
   
10. 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