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By Russ Christ, special for GolfArizona.com  PHOENIX—(Nov. 29, 1999) - To appeal to a growing number of amateur golfers over 45 in Arizona, competitive tournaments conducted by the Arizona Golf Association are organized into Divisions determined both by yardage and a minimum age. Most golfers are discouraged from playing in competitive tournaments in general. They think a mid-to- high handicap will prevent them from winning. But with the AGA’s divisional format, where prizes are guaranteed for both gross and net, that is very far from the truth. Why should you participate? You don’t need a low handicap to win, compete, or most importantly, have fun. The golf courses chosen are highly-rated public and private facilities (where access is often difficult) located in all parts of Arizona. In every case, the entry fees are very affordable. The first tournament of the year where divisional play is offered is at the Arizona Divisional Short Course at Springfield Golf Resort in Chandler March 11-12. Other popular destinations on the 2000 calendar are Sedona Golf Resort in June, Scottsdale’s esteemed Desert Mountain Club and the popular Estrella Mountain Ranch Golf Club in July and Aspen Valley CC in September. The Masters division targets players 45 to 54+; yardage is 6,500+. The Seniors division appeals to players 55-64+; yardage is 6,200-6,700. The Legends division attracts players 65+; yardage is 6,000-6,300. A clarification of some key elements of divisional play: All three divisions have gross and net competition within the divisions. Yardage's are set up so average divisional players can reach most of the par 4s and par 5s in regulation. A long-hitting 56-year-old or even 67-year old player desiring to “play up” to a longer, more demanding course, may enter the Seniors or even the Masters division against players of a younger age division. Prizes are distributed gross and net within each division in proportion to the entrants in that division. Performance points are awarded based on finishes in each division for gross scores and participants may “play down” to younger ages for opportunities to earn more points. A player may choose to play from different tees throughout the year based on his playing ability on a particular course. Each division will honor a Player of the Year based on points accumulated during the year. If you have any questions regarding Divisional play call Audrey Damon at 602-944-3035 or 800-458-8484 or e-mail the AGA at aga@azgolf.org. More information is available on the Web site at www.azgolf.org. The Arizona Golf Association's mission is to foster the enhancement and expansion of the game of golf by leading in the development of member and information services, the promotion of opportunities for all who want to play, and the protection of the game's integrity and valued traditions. DIVISIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS & SPONSORED EVENTS 3/11-12 4/8-9 6/5-6 6/8 6/12 6/14 6/22-23 7/5-8 Arizona Divisional Match Play Championship 7/25-27 9/23-24 Related links: |
Sedona Golf Resort