NJSGA Services
Championships
Twenty-four State Championship competitions are held annually between the months of April and October for women and men of all ages. Most notably, the NJSGA conducts the Open Championship, Amateur Championship, Women's Amateur Championship and most recently, the Women's Open Championship which are recognized as four of the most competitive events in the region. Other events include the Senior Open, Father & Son, Mixed Pinehurst, Four-Ball, Junior Boys and Girls, Senior Amateur, Men’s and Women’s Public Links, and the Men's and Women's Mid-Amateur. In addition, the NJSGA participates in three regional invitational matches: the Compher Cup with the Golf Association of Philadelphia; the Stoddard Trophy matches with the Long Island and Westchester Golf Associations, and the Senior Team Match with the Golf Association of Philadelphia, the Delaware State Golf Association, and the Maryland State Golf Association.
Communications:
The NJSGA reaches its member golfers and clubs through a variety of media outlets.
- www.njsga.org
The NJSGA website contains comprehensive information, news, and announcements specific to golf in New Jersey. A club directory is available for visitors to learn more about member facilities throughout the state. - New Jersey Golf
Our magazine is printed four times each year, and mailed to NJSGA members. This informative magazine covers “all things golf in New Jersey” through timely articles specific to golf in the Garden State. - NJSGA E-Links
The official electronic newsletter of the NJSGA is available to all NJSGA members. This newsletter features local golf news and reminders about important events and offers through the NJSGA. - Social Media
Stay in touch with the NJSGA through Instagram, X and Facebook at @NJSGA1900.
Handicapping
Computerized Handicapping service via the USGA's Golf Handicap and Information Network (GHIN) is available to our member facilities. Service for men, Women, and junior golfers (junior golfer handicaps are free to golfers under the age of 18) accompany this worldwide-acclaimed program which is fully supported by the NJSGA. NJSGA member golfers are able to post scores on the extensive GHIN app. Approximately 45,000 golfers in New Jersey subscribe to GHIN through the NJSGA.
Course Rating
Course Rating service is provided by highly trained and skilled NJSGA officials. In accordance with USGA specifications, 9 and 18-hole ratings are assigned to tee locations which weigh the effect of each individual hole's playing characteristics, yardage, and obstacles. Ratings are calculated for both an 'expert' and 'average' or 'bogey' golfer in order to determine the course's Slope Rating.
Member Golf Days
NJSGA Member Golf Days provide the opportunity for a broad range of golfers of different skill levels to play exclusive clubs in a casual, non-championship level competition. A golfer must have an active GHIN Handicap Index of 30.0 or less through an NJSGA member club or course in order to be eligible. A total of 10-12 Member Golf Days are scheduled each year and registration is done online.
NJSGA Hall of Fame
Individuals who have left their mark on the game of golf in New Jersey are recognized in the NJSGA Hall of Fame. The inaugural class was inducted on May 1, 2018. Each year the New Jersey golf community will nominate candidates with significant accomplishments and/or who have made extraordinary contributions to the game.
Caddie Scholarship Foundation
Since its creation in 1947 by several visionary trustees of the NJSGA, the Caddie Scholarship Foundation has provided nearly $18 million in college tuition grants to over 3,400 deserving caddie scholars from NJSGA member clubs. The mission has remained constant from the start: to financially assist talented young people pursue a college degree in their chosen field.
These scholarships, which are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, are based on scholastic achievement, College Board SAT scores, financial need, and length and quality of service as a caddie. An applicant must have caddied at an NJSGA member club for at least two seasons. Funds for the Caddie Scholarship Foundation are generated by contributions from generous individuals and NJSGA member clubs. NJSGA Caddie Scholarship applications are available online HERE.
Youth Foundation
Since its inception in 1993, the New Jersey State Golf Association Youth Foundation supports deserving youth golf and sports-related programs throughout the state of New Jersey. This support is provided through grants, as well as recognition through NJSGA publications and events. In 2023, more than $60,000 was awarded to deserving organizations from the proceeds of the Youth Foundation Pro-Am in July and the Corporate Golf Challenge Presented by Provident Bank in October. Organizations may apply for a grant by completing the online application HERE.
Seminars and Presentations
A variety of informative seminars covering such important topics as the USGA Handicap System, the Rules of Golf, and the Course Rating System are conducted annually. These seminars take place in the early spring and are available to members and employees of NJSGA member facilities. The NJSGA Golf Summit is held each spring, bringing together officials of the New Jersey State Golf Association, New Jersey PGA Section, Golf Course Superintendents Association of NJ, and the NJ Club Managers Association in an educational forum to discuss items of mutual importance.
Amateur Status
The NJSGA works with the USGA to assist in the process of Amateur Status reinstatement.
Relationships
In concert with various local, state, regional, national, and international golf associations, the NJSGA works to maintain a constant level of cooperation in the spirit of growing the game of golf both in New Jersey and beyond. Each relationship is dedicated to the promotion of our game and its ongoing growth.
New Jersey Legislative Representation
The NJSGA maintains legislative representation in Trenton which constantly monitors issues which affect golf in New Jersey. This representation serves the interests of our member clubs and courses and provides a proactive and diligent voice on behalf of the golf community in New Jersey. Such important items monitored by our representatives include the economic climate, taxation, land development, and water conservation/usage issues as they impact club operations. The NJSGA and its representatives provide clubs with reports and advisories when the need for action arises.