TERMS OF THE COMPETITION
LINKS: SCORING | PAIRINGS | THE FIELD


ELIGIBILITY

This Championship is open to male and female amateur golfers who meet the following requirements:

  • Membership: Hold an active GHIN Handicap Index at a club in the Capital Region (see below), including the NYSGA eClub - Capital Region. A person who does not reside in the Capital Region and who is not a full-time student or employed in the territory cannot join a club for the purpose of entering this Championship.

  • Capital Region Counties: Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, Washington.

  • Handicap Limits: 8.4 (men) and 18.4 (women).

 

FIELD INFORMATION

  • Field Size: The field is limited to 72 men and 24 women.
  • Selection Process: The field will be selected in order of players' USGA Handicap Index as of July 27, 2026. The top-10 players from the 2025 CRGA Men's Points List and top-20 finishers from the 2025 CRGA Amateur Championship will be exempt from this process.
  • Waitlist: Players who do earn a spot in this field will be placed on a waitlist ordered by USGA Handicap Index (low-to-high).

 

ENTRIES, DEADLINE, AND REFUND POLICY

  • Entries: An entry must be submitted online with payment prior to the deadline. Late entries will not be accepted, regardless of reason.

  • Entry Fee: $125

  • Deadline: Entries must be received prior to the deadline (12PM EST on Monday, July 27, 2026). Late entries will not be accepted, regardless of reason..

  • Refund Policy: A portion of the entry fee, based on the schedule below, will be refunded regardless of reason if the CRGA is notified (315-471-6979 or jcorcoran@nysga.org):

    • PRIOR TO entry deadline: Entry fee less $20

    • AFTER entry deadline: Entry fee less $50

    • WITHIN 2 DAYS of the competition: No Refund

 

FORMAT, CUT & YARDAGE

  • Format: 54 holes at stroke play
  • Cut: The field will be cut after 18 holes to low 32 players & ties for the Men's division and low 9 players & ties for the Women's division. 
  • Yardage: Men - Blue (6,310y); Women - Red (5,505y)

 
RULES

All play will be governed by the USGA Rules of Golf. Players will be provided a "Notice to Players" rules sheet containing local rules and conditions. There will be volunteer Rules Officials on the course to provide rulings and answer questions.

YARDAGE

The rated tees that each division will play is outlined below. Yardages may vary by round.

  • Men's Division: Blue (6,310 yards / par 71)
  • Women's Division: Red (5,505 yards / par 74)

 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

  • Friday, July 31 // Round 1
    • 7:30-10:40AM (Men)
    • 10:50-11:20AM (Women)
  • Saturday, August 1 // Round 2 // Tee times (12pm start)
  • Sunday, August 2 // Round 3 // Tee times (12pm start)

 

STARTING TIMES & GROUPINGS
Click here to view the pairings.
 

GOLF CARTS

The use of a golf cart is approved. The fee of $23 per player is payable in the pro shop. The NYSGA's One-Seat Policy is in effect. If only two players are riding, they must take one cart. Either the player or their caddie can ride, never both at the same time regardless of space availability.
 

CADDIES

Caddies are permitted for this tournament. The NYSGA's One-Seat Policy is in effect.

 

DRIVING RANGE

The use of the driving range is included in the entry fee. The range will be available to players one hour before the first starting time. 

PRIZES

Trophies will be awarded to the Champion and Runner-up. Gift certificates will be awarded to the top-finishers.

JUNIOR DIVISIONS (18 & UNDER)
A separate division will be created for Boys 18U and Girls 18U, which will be played concurrently with the CRGA Men's and Women's Amateur. These divisions are Junior Golf Scoreboard ranked events.

PRACTICE ROUNDS
There are no official practice rounds for this championship. Whether a practice round is offered is entirely up to the club, as are its availability and pricing. Contact the host club directly to inquire.

 

WAGR RANKING

The 2026 Capital Region Amateur Championship (Men's and Women's) is WAGR and (18U Boys' and Girls') Junior Golf Scoreboard ranked.

 

EXEMPTIONS

The winner in the men's championship will earn an exemption to the 2027 NYS Men's Amateur Championship and the 2026 NYS Men's Mid-Amateur Championship (CC of Buffalo).

                                                                                                                        

BALLSTON SPA COUNTRY CLUB

1366 Amsterdam Rd, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

(518) 885-7395

Michael Decker, PGA

www.ballstonspacc.com

 

CONTACT

Andrew Hickey
andrew@nysga.org