In order for the experience to be beneficial for the volunteer and for the GSGA’s competitions program, individuals should have a keen interest in the conduct and administration of a golf tournament and a willingness to improve his or her knowledge of the Rules of Golf, starting, scoring, scoreboard operations and golf course marking and preparation.
Opportunities for training include GSGA Tournament Administration Training videos, the annual GSGA/Georgia PGA Rules of Golf Seminar, a one-day event usually held in the Atlanta area during the winter, or a USGA PGA Rules of Golf Workshop, which is an extensive, three-day study of the Rules of Golf and is held in many areas of the country, including Atlanta, during the first three months of the year.
The GSGA’s course rating program operates in teams in the state for course rating. Volunteers who are interested in training to become a course rater should contact the GSGA office and speak with the Course Rating department to get an overview of the program.
The opportunity for a volunteer to enter the course rating program depends upon the availability of a position. If there are no positions available at the time the volunteer first contacts the GSGA office, he or she may ask to be placed on a waiting list for training.
In December or January, it is possible to determine where new raters are needed, and invitations are then extended to those on the waiting list who have indicated a strong interest in the program. In order to maintain their skills, it is important that a rater be given an opportunity to rate at least five courses in a year.
All raters - new and experienced - are required to attend annual training each spring. Seminars are offered in different areas of the state. Because all training occurs in February and March and a full schedule of ratings is planned to begin shortly thereafter, it is normally not possible to join the course rating program in mid-year.
The GSGA Junior Tour is a statewide program providing young golfers in Georgia an opportunity to participate in competitive junior golf. The program offers junior golf competitions throughout the state for players of all skill levels between the ages of 5 and 18 who have not yet started college. Through these competitive experiences, the GSGA strives to create memorable experiences for juniors and their families. This effort could not be achieved without the support from local communities and volunteers at host clubs.
The GSGA Junior Tour is a great opportunity for volunteers to get their first taste of administering competitions. Interested volunteers should have an interest not only in tournament administration, but also in helping junior golfers learn the basics of competing in a tournament setting.
At each event, there are a wide range of volunteer opportunities for all those who are interested regardless of volunteer experience.
Click here if you're interested in learning more about GSGA Junior Tour volunteer opportunities.
The Georgia State Golf Association Foundation is the charitable affiliate of the GSGA. It offers two college scholarship programs: Yates Scholarships, which are awarded to employees of GSGA Member Clubs or their dependents; and Moncrief Scholarships, which are awarded to students in the fields of agronomy or turfgrass management at the University of Georgia, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College or students who work and live in Georgia, but attend an accredited program outside the state.
Volunteers who have an interest in this area of GSGA service may be of great assistance to the Foundation in terms of contacts with golfers, clubs, corporations or other foundations that can be approached for contributions.
The GSGA Adaptive Golf Program is a complimentary all-inclusive community program that is proudly powered by the GSGA and Adaptive Golf Association. The purpose of adaptive golf is to help anyone (with a focus on individuals with mobility and cognitive challenges) find the best techniques and resources to play and enjoy golf!
We need your help in supporting our adaptive golf initiatives as we continue to expand across the state. Here are some ways that you and your club can get involved:
The Georgia State Golf Association (GSGA) is the governing body of golf in Georgia and serves as an Allied Golf Association to the United States Golf Association (USGA). Membership in the GSGA is open to all golfers, facilities and golf clubs throughout the state. Golfers that join the GSGA have access to invaluable resources that allow them to advance their knowledge of the game and numerous opportunities to play in both competitive and fun, casual events. By becoming a member of the GSGA, you will be joining a community that includes more than 350 clubs and 80,000 golfers who all have one thing in common: a passion for the game of golf.