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Jan 7, 2020

PNGA Announces Changes to 2020 Championships

In 2019, the PNGA went through a much-needed assessment on its purpose and mission, specifically when it comes to the administration of championships.

British Columbia Golf, Idaho Golf Association (IGA), Oregon Golf Association (OGA), and Washington Golf (WA Golf) are all active allied associations of the PNGA. We spend a great deal of time working together for the betterment of the game in the Pacific Northwest. When you collectively combine all of our different formats, schedules, and activities, it becomes very clear that some of our PNGA Championships are competing and/or conflicting with allied association events and we feel this is not good for the game.

PNGA Announces Changes to 2020 Championships
Laurent Desmarchais hits a tee shot during the final match of the 2019 PNGA Men’s Amateur.

The PNGA was founded in 1899 to conduct a regional men’s and women’s amateur championship and identify the top players in the Pacific Northwest, but also to allow top players from around North America to compete in our region. It was not until the 1980’s that the PNGA added net competitions to some of its championships. At the time, this was done to attract a more diverse range of handicaps and golfing abilities to play in PNGA Championships. Since then, our allied associations have evolved and added much needed tournaments within their state or province that appeal to every type of golfing ability and provides a great membership benefit.

Therefore, the PNGA Board of Directors approved changes to our championships that will result in the PNGA solely focusing on competitions for the top amateur golfers in the Pacific Northwest. This will be done by retiring some championships, eliminating net competitions, and some new eligibility requirements.  This will ultimately help to align all our schedules so that our regional championships are the next step a highly competitive player makes after playing in his or her State or Provincial championships.

This decision was extremely difficult, but we feel it is the right thing to do. We realize and are sensitive to the fact that by eliminating net competitions we could lose some loyal PNGA Championship participants.  However, we encourage everyone to take a strong look at your state or provincial golf association schedule.   We are confident you will find many opportunities and formats to enjoy.

Enclosed are the changes that will go into effect in 2020. This includes consolidating the number of championships and utilizing our time and resources efficiently to continue our reputation of administering the best regional amateur championships.

As we look into the future of PNGA Championships, we anticipate this philosophical change will ultimately provide top amateurs in the Pacific Northwest the ability to earn more World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points and earn recognition and qualify for regional, national, and international events.  Additionally, we hope to create the opportunity to invite other top amateurs from around the world to compete, further elevating our regional championships.

The golf industry strives to be more inclusive and inviting for anyone that wants to play or compete in this amazing game. The allied associations in the Pacific Northwest are better equipped to provide that opportunity for everyone and we hope you understand why this change is necessary.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact one of us. You can call our office at (206) 526-1238 or send us an email at [email protected] or [email protected].

Thank you for your support and we wish you a successful 2020 golfing season!

Sincerely,

Troy Andrew
PNGA Executive Director

Scotty Crouthamel
PNGA Senior Director of Rules and Competition

2020 Notable Championship Changes

PNGA Senior and Super Senior Men’s Amateur
June 2-4, 2020

  • Eliminate Open Division which also removes all net competition
  • Lower maximum handicap index from 12.4 to 8.4
  • Senior field limit is reduced from 72 to 60
  • Super Senior field limit remains at 42

PNGA Senior and Super Senior Women’s Amateur
June 2-4, 2020

  • Dates will move from October to June
  • Administered concurrently with PNGA Senior and Super Senior Men’s Amateur
  • Senior field limit reduced to 36
  • Super Senior field limit reduced to 18
  • Lower maximum handicap index for Seniors from 22.4 to 12.4
  • Lower maximum handicap index for Super Seniors from 26.4 to 12.4
  • Remove all net competition
  • This will become a 54-hole championship (previously was 36 holes) making the Senior Women’s eligible for World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.

PNGA Men’s Master-40 Amateur
June 22-26, 2020

  • Format will revert back to 36-hole stroke play qualifying
  • Lower maximum handicap index from 16.4 to 8.4
  • Only the low 32 players will advance to match play
  • There will be no longer be additional match play flights

PNGA Women’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur
July 13-17, 2020

  • Lower maximum handicap index for Women’s Amateur from 12.4 to 8.4
  • Lower maximum handicap index for Women’s Mid-Amateur from 16.4 to 12.4

PNGA Junior Boys’ and Junior Girls’
August 17-21, 2020

  • Lower maximum handicap index for Boys from 24.4 to 8.4
  • Lower maximum handicap index for Girls from 40.4 to 8.4
  • Boys – only the low 32 players will advance to match play
  • Girls – only the low 16 players will advance to match play
  • There will no longer be additional match play flights

PNGA Men’s Senior and Super Senior Team
PNGA Women’s Senior and Super Senior Team
N/A – Retired

  • Championships will be retired beginning in 2020