History and information regarding Free State Seniors Golf Association

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The Free State Seniors Golf Association of Maryland, Inc., was formed in 1971. The purpose of the Association is to promote senior golf and to provide senior golfers (age 50 or older) the opportunity to enjoy regularly scheduled golf tournaments during the golfing season. Any amateur male golfer who is an annual dues paying member in good standing of a golf or country club in the State of Maryland may apply for membership and be placed on a "Waiting List". Currently all men on the "Waiting List" over 50 have been invited to join. This means that anyone over 50 applying for membership will be invited to join when approved by the membership committee.

Tournaments are usually held at country clubs or upscale public courses in the Maryland area starting in April and ending in October. The Association tries to schedule tournaments throughout the state and surrounding areas in an effort to play in all regions of our membership.

When the Free State Seniors began in 1971 there were four tournaments a year with a membership of approximately 100 golfers. Today the Association has almost 200 members and limits the field to 120 golfers. The Association’s membership is made up of members from over 55 different private and semi- private clubs in the State of Maryland.

The Association plays seven monthly tournaments each year. Members may apply to play in as many of these tournaments as fits their schedule, members are not required or expected to play in all the tournaments. We play a variety of formats in our tournaments.

All tournaments are flighted by handicap indexes. In 2018 the Free State Board decided that members could choose the tees that they felt best suited their games. The Free State Board of Directors established Super Seniors tees for use in all our tournaments. This allows any member whose age and handicap, when added together equals a total 85 or more, to play from the forward or senior tees. Anyone can play these tees, but if they do not meet the criteria, they will not be eligible for any gross prizes. The Free State Board of Directors also established a Legends set of tees for any member aged 75 and above, whose age and index equals a total of 90, to play an even shorter course, when available. The Board hopes this decision will encourage some of our older members to continue playing in our tournaments. We will monitor the tee selections available at each tournament site and try to offer a variety of tees that suit the needs of all our members. There are gross and net prizes awarded at each tournament. The gift certificates are redeemed at the host club's pro shop.

If a tournament is oversubscribed, a lottery is held by the Golf Committee to select the field. Those members placed on the waiting list are then given priority to play in the next scheduled tournament.

Tournaments are typically held on Mondays, which is a day most clubs reserve for outside functions. However, we will schedule to meet the convenience of the host club. Fees normally cover range balls, golf, cart, dinner and prizes.

The Free State Seniors also sponsor the Free State Match Play Team Championship (in memory of Wally Engle, a deceased member from Hillendale CC) held each year, beginning in May. This Championship is open to all clubs in the Association. This is a four-man team match, open to all handicaps with a pool format. The Association also competes with the Northern Virginia Seniors in a Ryder Cup style match called The Potomac Challenge. This match is held in the fall on an alternating home and away schedule.

The Free State Seniors was the first senior golf organization formed in the State of Maryland. Today there is a rich tradition of good golf and fellowship within the Association. If you have any questions, please contact the Executive Secretary, Free State Golf Association Inc., Jim Horn - 37 Hayride Lane Taneytown, MD 21787 at (443) 977-9238 or email freestateseniorsgolf1971@gmail.com.