Have you recently become a member of the Vermont State Womens Golf Association, or are you considering joining?
Following are frequently asked questions. You are encouraged to reach out by email to us with any questions that are not addressed here. For general information, email: info@vswga.org or for questions about State Days, email: statedays@vswga.org
- What is the VSWGA?
The Vermont State Women’s Golf Association (VSWGA) was founded in 1930 to serve women golfers of all ages and abilities in Vermont. We offer weekly State Days at different courses throughout the state as well as major events including the State Amateur, Senior, Mid-Amateur, and Tri-States tournaments. In addition, the VSWGA participates in course ratings, GHIN handicapping, scholarship programs, promoting junior golf, and working with the Vermont Golf Association (VGA). - How do I become a member of the VSWGA, what does it cost, and what are the benefits?
You can join the VSWGA online or by mailing in the membership application, available on our website. The cost is $30 for new members or current members enrolling before January 24 (this date will vary by a few days from year to year), or $40 for renewing members after January 24. Junior members (18 or less) enjoy free membership. As a VSWGA member, you are eligible to participate in State Days and major tournaments throughout the season. Membership allows you to play in courses across Vermont for $10 per event payable to VSWGA and $20 for 9-hole courses or $25 for 18-hole courses in greens fees paid to the course at the pro shop. Carts are extra and some courses require players to rent carts. You must be a member of the VSWGA and have a valid USGA handicap card in order to play. - Can I participate in a State Day to see if I want to join VSWGA?
Yes! We offer this opportunity to anyone curious about State Days as a way to try it out and decide if you would like to join. In order to participate, you must have an active Vermont GHIN card and you must register in the Golf Genius system. Participation is limited to two State Day events. Read more on our Bring A Friend page. - What are State Days?
VSWGA State Days are weekly one-day 18-hole stroke play events that bring members together for some friendly competition. In 2020, VSWGA held 51 State Day events. The State Day Calendar displays the courses offered each week throughout the season. There are 2-3 courses to choose from each Tuesday, with venues in northern, central and southern Vermont. We celebrate the end the season with a day of golf, food, and fun at our annual Fall Awards Classic.
State Days are a wonderful way to meet other players, try new courses, and compete in a low-key setting. You can sign up to play with friends and at the end of the day, when all the scores are in, you learn whether you placed (1st, 2d or 3rd, etc.). There is also a Closest to the Pin contest, usually held on one or two holes at each course. While you play with your chosen foursome, or are matched with other players if you register as an individual, for scoring purposes, each player is also assigned to one of several flights for each State Day, according to your handicap. Players in any given foursome may be assigned to different flights. After your round, your score for the day will be compared with the other players in your flight to determine who placed.
You can win individual points for placing, and you can win points for your club. Individual points are tallied over the course of the season and assigned a certain value ($3 per point, for example). Players are presented with a certificate for the total value of the points earned at the Fall Awards Classic redeemable for pro shop credit at any VSWGA member course the following season. Club points are tallied to determine which clubs (in three categories, based on the number of State Day players per club) wins the trophy for the most points earned that season. There are also awards for the player earning the most points for the entire season, for the most improved player in each division (based on handicap), and recognition for players scoring holes-in-one. - How do I sign up for a State Day event?
Information and instructions for signing up are found on our Registration Page. Details about different aspects of State Days are listed in the menu . - How is the VSWGA addressing concerns to ensure the safety of players during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The VSWGA has established practices for play during the pandemic and follows guidelines as recommended by the Vermont Department of Health, the Office of the Governor, and the Vermont Golf Association. In 2020, member courses were required to observe these same guidelines by instituting practices to sanitize golf carts, to allow for removing a ball from the cup without touching the flag, and to remove rakes from bunkers and reduce or eliminate other touch points on the course. All VSWGA players were required to wear masks in common areas such as around the pro shop. - Where can I learn more?
Answers to most of your questions can be found on our website. If you can’t find the information you are looking for, please contact the VSWGA. For general information, email: info@vswga.org or for questions about State Days, email: statedays@vswga.org