Michigan Tournaments For Senior Amateurs

Loyal Reader bkuehn1952 posted this in the forums, but I thought it deserved to be bumped to the front page where more will see it:

The Michigan Publinx Senior Golf Association (MPSGA)kicks off its 34th season on April 27, 2010, with a rules seminar and 9 holes of golf at Pontiac Country Club.  Beginning in May, twelve (12) individual 18-hole flighted and handicapped events are held throughout the Summer.  The three day State Senior Open Amateur tournament is held in August with the annual Match Play championship conducted in early September.  Interested seniors (50+) can sign up for one or all events.  GAM membership and handicap service are provided free for those who participate in a minimum of 4 single day events.

The cost is reasonable.  If one signs up for 4 tournaments, the price is $245.  The cost drops somewhat the more events one plays in.  There are no other fees.  Carts and skins are included as is a modest gift certificate award for the first 5 finishers per flight ($100/$80/$60/$40/$20).  Play is conducted at nice courses (Majestic, Golden Fox, Mystic Creek, Fieldstone, Glacier Club, Tanglewood, etc…).

The flights typically have 25 to 30 players.  There are 2 to 4 flights depending on the event’s participation.  One plays with a full USGA handicap so your “10” can compete with his “2”.  Nobody gets rich from these competitions. Still, it gives everyone a chance to play with some competitive pressure. Personally, I have not seen any sandbagging since the prizes are modest and the membership is fairly constant.

A shotgun start is used so everyone finishes about the same time.  Pace of play can be a problem at times.  I have completed a round in 4 hours and also 5 hours but generally the groups move along at an even pace.

To get an application go to:  http://www.mpsga.org/