Winter Series Information

In 2003, the FSGA created the Winter Series for players 40 years and older. The series was created to give more players an opportunity to compete in a tournament setting who may not normally compete in FSGA events. The series runs from late November through early March. There are seven events scheduled for the 2012-2013 season: six individual events and one four-ball event.  

Generally, day one tee times will be late morning to early afternoon starting from the 1st and 10th tees or by shotgun. Day two will be a shotgun start at approximately 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM. After the first round, each age division may be flighted based on the number of competitors and/or the range of scores.

Eligibility

Entries are open to amateur golfers who are age 40 or older as of March 5, 2013. A Regular or Foundation membership level is required.

Format

The 2012-2013 Winter Series will conduct each event with 36-holes of gross only scoring.

Individual Age Divisions

• Mid-Senior (40-54)
• Senior (55-64)
• Super-Senior (65 & above)

Each player must compete in the age division commensurate with their age as of March 5, 2013. Competitors may not elect to play in a different age division or from a different tee than designated.

Four-Ball Age Divisions

A player and his partner can be of any age, but the team will compete in the division of youngest player's age as of March 5, 2013. Points earned by each competitor will remain in their actual age group. Both team members must play from the same tee.

Course Set-Up

Three sets of tees will be utilized:

• Mid-Senior plays approximately 6,700 yards
• Senior plays approximately 6,400 yards
• Super-Senior plays approximately 6,100 yards

Prizes

Age group champions at each event will receive a commemorative award. Gift certificates will be awarded to the top finishers in each of the age groups.

Points Competition

Throughout the series, the FSGA will maintain a “points list” that will determine which competitors win their age division. At the conclusion of the series, each series age division winner will receive a commemorative award.

See "Exemptions Into State Championships" below to see how players earn exemptions from the Winter Series into state championships.

Distance-Measuring Devices

During the 2012-2013 Winter Series of competition, a player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance only. However, if, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g., gradient, wind-speed, temperature, etc.), the player is in breach of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification, regardless of whether any such additional functions are actually used.

Groupings, Starting Times & Player

Information Information about practice rounds, directions, lodging etc. will be published on the FSGA website at www.fsga.org before the event. Starting times will be posted on the website two days after the close of entries for each event.

Practice Rounds & Cost

We are attempting to play golf during the busiest time of the golf season in Florida, and rounds cost more than during the summer months, including practice rounds. Accordingly, practice rounds will cost at least $50 and times will be limited.

Entry Fee

If you maintain your handicap at a Florida club on the GHIN Handicap system, you will pay a reduced entry fee of $20 per person per entry. All Foundation members will pay the Regular (GHIN) member rate regardless of club handicap affiliation.

Fortunately, we are playing at very fine courses at significantly discounted rates and we appreciate these clubs’ cooperation. Playing during “the season” comes at a significantly higher price and we are doing everything possible (including depressed entry fees) to make competition available to you during the season.

Refund Policy

Requests for refunds received prior to the entry closing date will be honored (less $20 per entry administration fee). Requests received after the closing date will be honored (less 50% of the entry fee). No requests will be honored within 48 hours of the first scheduled tee time.

Exemptions Into State Championships

Amateur Championship Exemption

The individual with the most points in the Mid-Senior (40-54) age division at the conclusion of the Winter Series will receive an exemption into the 2013 Amateur Championship to be contested at Jupiter Hills Club in Jupiter.

Mid-Amateur Championship Exemption

The individual with the most points in the Senior (55-64) age division at the conclusion of the Winter Series will receive an exemption into the 2013 Mid-Amateur Championship to be contested at Mountain Lake Golf Course in Lake Wales.

Senior Amateur Championship Exemption

The individual with the most points in the Super-Senior (65 & over) age division at the conclusion of the Winter Series will receive an exemption into the 2013 Senior Amateur Championship.

Those individuals in the following categories will receive an exemption into the 2013 Senior Amateur Championship to be contested at Quail Ridge Country Club in Boynton Beach.

Senior (55-64) Division Winners of the 2012-2013 season’s 55-64 age division Individual Winter Series Events and those top twenty and tied from the Winter Series Points List as of the Senior Amateur Championship close of entries (February 28, 2013).