GCSAA Golf Championships provide members an opportunity to compete and network

Registration for the 2015 GCSAA Golf Championships in San Antonio opens on Nov. 4, and it marks the fourth year that I have had the privilege to work as a tournament coordinator at this terrific event. 

I have the championship highlighted on my yearly calendar as it is truly one of my favorite GCSAA events. The championship gives me the opportunity to re-engage in tournament operations where I previously spent a great deal of my professional career, and more importantly, allows me the opportunity to meet hundreds of our great members throughout the country. 

Cordillera Ranch, a Signature Jack Nicklaus design

This year’s event in San Antonio promises to be one of the best ever. The GCSAA Tournament Committee has selected four facilities that rank amongst the best in Texas and the southwest United States. 

The event, presented in partnership with Toro and benefiting the EIFG, will take place Feb. 21-23, 2015, and the host facilities include TPC San Antonio (host of the PGA Tour’s Valero Texas Open), Cordillera Ranch, The Palmer Course at La Cantera and long-time San Antonio favorite, The Quarry Golf Course. The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa will serve as the host hotel. 

This year’s schedule of events includes the National Championship, Golf Classic, Four-Ball and the increasingly popular Shamble. 

The GCSAA National Championship is a 36-hole, stroke-play event (Feb. 22-23) that features the top superintendents from across the U.S. competing for the Bobby Jones Trophy. The event is open to the first 100 entries with a verifiable USGA handicap index of 5.0 and below. 

The GCSAA Golf Classic is a 36-hole flighted event (Feb. 22-23) that uses a point quota scoring system. The event allows competitors to participate in a more relaxed atmosphere and provides outstanding opportunities to network with peers. 

The Four-Ball (Feb. 21) is a one-day event using the traditional four-ball format. Choose your own partner or GCSAA will assign you one from the pool. 

The Shamble (Feb. 22) is in its third year and has become a popular alternative for those who only have the chance to play one day, or prefer to play in a fun and relaxed event. 

Cost of the event is $475 for the National Championship or Golf Classic ($575 for affiliate members/Golf Classic only) and $175 for the Four-Ball or Shamble ($275 for affiliate members).  Entry fees include green fees, cart, range balls, on course contests, awards (gift certificates and plates), tee prize, Welcome Reception and refreshments at the 19^th Hole gatherings following each day of competition. 

This is a first-class tournament experience and I encourage all of our members to participate in one of the events, regardless of your skill level. You will have a chance to develop camaraderie, enjoy some great Texas hospitality and maybe even win a sought-after GCSAA Championship plate. 

If you have any questions on the event, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly or visit the website at http://www.golfindustryshow.com/gcsaa-golf-championships. I look forward to seeing all of you in San Antonio!