What is the purpose of the MSGA?
The Montana State Golf Association, founded in 1917, is a non-profit organization of member clubs, governed by amateur golfers, and dedicated to serving the game of golf in Montana. A century has come and gone, yet this fundamental principle continues to guide us.
How is the MSGA governed?
The MSGA is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
How are the Officers of the MSGA elected?
MSGA officers are elected yearly by the MSGA Board of Directors at their fall meeting.
How are the Board of Directors elected?
Montana is divided into five geographic districts and each district is assigned four members from the MSGA Board of Directors. A director is elected for each district, who serves a four-year term. Each member club has the opportunity to nominate a candidate for the MSGA Board of Directors prior to the fall meeting. As volunteers, these directors donate their time and pay their own expenses when they represent the MSGA.
When does the MSGA Board of Directors meet?
The MSGA Board of Directors meets regularly twice a year. Meetings are held in the spring and fall. Each member club is entitled to one voting delegate.
How is the MSGA financed?
Nominal member club dues plus a per-golfer membership fee are the principal revenue sources for the MSGA. Club junior members (18 & under) are exempt from the membership fee.
How do I become a member of the MSGA?
Contact any MSGA member club to join as a member of the MSGA, or join online at msgagolf.org/join-the-msga. A list of member clubs is located at msgagolf.org/course-search.
What does each member club and individual member receive from the MSGA?
This website is provided by the MSGA to notify members of tournaments, MSGA news, and other useful information. It also provides a link to post scores and register for tournaments.
The MSGA provides its members access to GHIN®, an internet-based handicap system. The MSGA’s official golf season extends from April 1st to October 31st. Daily revisions are calculated year round to accommodate members playing out of state during the off-season. An MSGA membership (with GHIN#) is required to play in any state tournament. An integrated tournament software package, with league capability, is also available to member clubs at no additional charge.
The MSGA furnishes trained course rating teams upon request by member clubs, for rating new courses, and for re-rating existing courses on a set schedule. It provides State Junior Golf Coordinators and District Junior Directors who are responsible for state Junior tournaments and Boys and Girls Junior Americas Cup teams. This JAC program is made of the Western States, Mexico, British Columbia and Alberta, Canada. Due to this exposure, many Montana youths have accepted major college scholarships in golf.
The MSGA donates yearly to the University of Montana and Montana State University golf teams. Money is also divided among the schools supporting golf teams in the Frontier Conference. Golf superintendents statewide benefit from a yearly contribution to the Peaks and Prairies chapter of the GCSA. Golf Professionals are awarded a yearly contribution to each of the PGA sections.
The MSGA conducts state championship competitions including the Men’s and Women’s State and Senior Amateurs, Mid-Amateurs, District Junior qualifiers and State tournament, Men’s and Women’s Four Ball, State Match Play, and State Seniors Tournament. The MSGA also conducts the Montana Cup with the State PGA chapters. It serves as a regional representative for the USGA®, conducts qualifying events for USGA® Championships, regulates handicaps, interprets the Rules of Golf and administers the Amateur Reinstatement Program… “Protecting the Integrity of the game.”
The MSGA provides news of Montana golf through a monthly MSGA E-Newsletter. It established and maintains a Montana State Golf Hall of Fame dedicated to the golfers of the state who have served in an extraordinary manner.
It has also established a Liaison program between the Board of Directors and member clubs to improve relations and communications. The MSGA works with the PGA Chapters and Montana Open Organization in establishing a relationship dedicated to the promotion of golf in cooperation with the agency in its sphere of influence.
For a list of MSGA Member benefits, click here.
How do I obtain a Montana License Plate sponsored by the MSGA?
The MSGA has sponsored a specialty license plate to benefit the game of golf in Montana. The majority of proceeds from this fundraiser are used in support of Junior golf. The initial fee is $40, with a $20 renewal fee each following year. To view the MSGA plate design and fees, click here. Plates can be obtained through your County Treasurer.
For any other questions, please contact the Executive Director: Nick Dietzen, PO Box 4306, Helena, MT 59604, (800) 628-3752, or by e-mail: nick@msgagolf.org.
