Competition Policy
Your current handicap, reflecting a handicap index based on 18 holes, is required to complete your registration. The USGA handicap index is used to verify eligibility for the National Championship.
All indexes will be verified approximately 45 days prior to the competition and the index at that time will be used. Players must have a verified handicap or declare as a professional to be eligible to compete. For Canadian competitors, The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) will apply.
Tournament officials determine handicap ranges for the Golf Classic handicapped flights. Three senior flights are available: Senior 1 (age 50-56), Senior II (age 57-64) and Super Senior (age 65+). (Based on age requirement as of the close of registration deadline of Jan. 6, 2025). If you are eligible and wish to compete in a senior flight, you must include this on your registration form. Otherwise, you will be placed in the flight based on your handicap index. All affiliate and student members will be placed into the affiliate flight regardless of handicap index or age.
Repeat flight winners
If a competitor has won or been the runner-up for two consecutive years, the player will be subject to further handicap verification and review. The competitor will play in the current year to 85% of verified handicap and be placed into the flight corresponding to the adjusted handicap.
If it is determined that the competitor knowingly submitted an incorrect handicap, the competitor will be subject to disqualification and/or ineligibility to compete in the GCSAA Golf Championships. Tournament officials reserve the right to assign a player into any flight deemed appropriate.
Starting times and pairings
National Championship. Starting times and groupings for Round 1 will be available in registration area for the GCSAA Golf Championships at Omni La Costa. Pairings will not be made available prior to the opening of registration. Round 2 (final round) starting times and groupings will be sent via text during the 19th hole reception and posted on the GCSAA Golf Championship Golf Genius website.
Golf Classic. Competitors will have a shotgun start each day. Groupings and hole assignments will be available in registration area for the GCSAA Golf Championships at Torrey Pines. Pairings will not be made available prior to opening of registration. Round 2 (final round) starting times and groupings will be sent via text during the 19th hole reception and posted on the GCSAA Golf Championship Golf Genius website.
Competitors are solely responsible for knowing his or her tee time each day.
Registration deadlines
The deadline for early bird pricing is October 13, 2024. Those who secure their spot by this date will lock in the Early bird pricing. Standard pricing begins Dec. 9, 2024. All competitors must complete the registration process and submit appropriate fees beginning in September. Only one entry may be submitted per player. Registration for the 2025 GCSAA Golf Championships closes at midnight on Jan. 6, 2025.
A waiting list will be established if a full field of registrations is received prior to the deadline. All wait listed registrations, and all applications received after the deadline, will be returned and fee refunded after the event.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
Full or partial cancellation requests must have been received in writing by the entry deadline of midnight on Jan. 6, 2025, to receive a refund. After this date, entry fees will be refunded only in the event of injury or medical emergency, if requested in writing by the first day of competition.
No refunds can be given after the start of competition. Substitutions will not be accepted. A $50 administrative fee will be deducted from all refunds.
Official rules and regulations
Official rules and regulations for the GCSAA Golf Championships will be sent electronically to all registered competitors in January 2025 as part of the official competition package.