Join as a Junior Golfer
2012 GCGA Junior Membership
It takes 3 easy steps to join the Greater Cincinnati Golf Association as a JUNIOR golfer:
- Visit any GCGA Member Golf Club/Course (entire listing of member clubs can be found on the Member Clubs link)
- Sign up for a USGA Handicap Index, and make sure to provide your address, email address and birth date so you will receive the all GCGA information as part of your membership.
- You will also receive a comprehensive schedule of events for juniors in April.
GCGA Junior Tour Registration
Membership & Fees
All eligible participates must be a member of the GCGA Junior Tour.
Membership fees are non-refundable.
GCGA Junior Tour membership fee is $50.
The fee for each event is $40.
For a schedule of all events click here.
Handicap Index
A Handicap Index is issued by your golf club and represents your potential scoring ability. When issued you are given a GHIN number which is your distinct account number for your Handicap Index. An active Handicap Index from a GCGA member facility/club is required for all juniors in order to apply for the GCGA Junior Tour. If you do not have an active Handicap Index and are a member of a private country club please contact your golf professional to activate. Otherwise, visit your local public golf course golf shop.
Entry Procedures
The GCGA will accept entries starting on January 1, 2012 at 9:00 am. No membership fees or tournament entries will be accepted for any reason before this date. Tournaments are filled in the order which entries are received. Default entry deadline is one week before event (subject to change).
A player is required to immediately notify the GCGA if they need to withdraw from a competition via the GCGA Online Tournament Registration System. If Internet access is not available then withdraw via phone. Failure to notify the GCGA may result in disciplinary actions, which may include a suspension from future GCGA competitions.
Refunds A proper withdrawal is required for a refund to be granted. There are no refunds for memberships.
Timeline 1
Withdrawal before the entry deadline of one week before event will receive a full refund.
- Refund amount is the entry fee
Timeline 2
Withdraws made after the deadline, a substitute can be inserted into that spot.
- Refund amount is the entry fee
Tournament Cancellation Procedures
The GCGA reserves the right to cancel an event in the case of inclement weather or other incidents. If weather is threatening, a player should check the status of an event by checking the website. If the event is cancelled, the GCGA will make every effort to reschedule the event and entry fees will be credited toward the rescheduled event.
Tour Divisions & Eligibility
There are two divisions, offering competition for all ages and playing abilities.
Boys Division
- Boys must be at least 13 years old and no older than 18 by the date of each invidividual event.
- Must have an active Handicap Index at a GCGA member facility/club
- There are two division 13-15 & 16-18.
Girls Division
- Girls must be at least 13 years old and no older than 18 by the date of each individual event.
- Must have an active Handicap Index at a GCGA member facility/club
On-Site Check-In Policy
All Divisions are conducted in a tee-time format. Starting times will be posted on the GCGA website prior to the event, and an email will be sent to all contestants. All players are to arrive at the tee 10 minutes prior to their tee-time ready to play.
No-Shows & No-Cards
If a player does not participate in an event he/she is registered for, and does not properly withdraw from the event, they are considered a No-Show. If a player fails to return his/her scorecard following the round, he/she will be disqualified from the event and are considered a No-Card. A player who No-Shows or No-Cards shall be contacted and given notice. A player who No-Shows and/or No-Cards twice shall have his/her playing privileges suspended for the remainder of the season.
Rules of Play
Play is governed by the USGA Rules of Golf. Conditions of Competition will be governed by Local Rules. Some key rule principles that apply to all divisions are listed below.
Participants must walk and carry their own equipment.
Caddies are not permitted.
Participants must exchange scorecards with other players in their group, and mark scores for that player throughout the round.
Pull carts are permitted only at the discretion of the host facility.
Rule 6-6: Upon completion of the round, players must immediately proceed to the official scoring area to return their scorecards to a GCGA official. Players are responsible for the accuracy of their individual hole scores on their own cards, and having the signature of the marker (scorekeeper) and themselves on the scorecard before it is officially returned.
USGA approved range finders are permitted for junior tour events.
Pace of Play
Rules 6-7 states a player must play without undue delay. Players must keep up with the group in front of them at all times or are deemed to be out of position and subject to penalty.
Spectator Policy
The GCGA encourages spectators and parents to attend GCGA Junior Tour events. Spectators are expected to conduct themselves appropriately at all times. The GCGA reserves the right to suspend and/or ban any spectator from events. Failure to comply with the following regulations may result in the immediate removal from the host facility and/or suspension of playing privileges for the junior member.
Spectators must check in at the registration table to receive a spectator badge. Spectators shall not give advice to players during the round. Spectators may carry player’s umbrella, apparel, or food but no equipment. Spectators may help players search for golf balls. Rulings and/or reports of rules violations will not be accepted from spectators. Spectators must remain on the cart path and 25 yards away from players at all times, except when searching for a golf ball in which case they are not allowed to communicate with a player.
Spectator Cart Policy
Rental carts are at the discretion of the host facilty at a price determined solely by the host facility. The GCGA reserves the right to revoke a spectators priveledges. Spectator carts must stay on cart path.
Code of Conduct
The GCGA takes great pride in the quality of its programs, players, and host facilities. All members are expected to adhere to a Code of Conduct, which requires participants to grow and mature by understanding and accepting the consequences of their actions. Violations of the Code of Conduct include but are not limited to: Abusive language Club throwing Cheating Disrespect of tournament officials or host facility staff Abuse of the golf course, including failure to repair divots and ball marks Use of any type of tobacco products, drugs, or alcohol Proper attire is part of the Code of Conduct, and required at all times. The following guidelines describe acceptable attire, unless stricter rules are required by a host facility.
Blue jeans, designer jeans, t-shirts, and tank tops are prohibited
Shorts must be mid-thigh length Golf shirts with a collar are required (except girls) and must be tucked in
Hats must be worn with the bill forward
Clothing referring to profanity, alcohol, tobacco, or sexual material is prohibited
The GCGA may assess any or all of the following penalties based on the severity of the violation. Two-stroke penalty, disqualification from the event where the violation occurs.
GCGA Junior Tour Standings
Each division and flight have separate season-long standings based on points earned at each event. The purpose of the GCGA Junior Tour Standings is to award members points for their participation in GCGA Junior Tour events.