History and information regarding Free State Seniors Golf Association
The Free State Seniors Golf Association of Maryland, Inc., was formed in 1971 and is celebrating its 42nd anniversary in 2012. 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 in 2012 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 Free State Seniors membership is divided into two Divisions; Division I is made up of clubs in the Baltimore Area. plus clubs on the Eastern Shore, Division II is made up of clubs from the Washington Area plus Western Maryland and Southern Maryland. The Association tries to schedule tournaments in each of these regions of the State every year or two.
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 over 300 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. Of the seven tournaments, four are team events (a four man and 3 two-man events) with the remaining tournaments individual events. The championship held in October is an individual tournament with a low gross and low net champion. The low gross and low net winners of the Championship Tournament are awarded trophies, plus having their names added to the Association's Championship Rolls.
All members are eligible to participate regardless of handicap. 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 over subscribed, 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, since the majority of our membership is retired, we will schedule to meet the convenience of the host club.
Each tournament is made as affordable as possible. Fees normally cover range balls, golf, cart, a commemorative golf ball, continental breakfast. dinner and prizes.
2012 SCHEDULE:
April 24 Lake Presidential GC
May 21 Hanover CC (PA)
June 18 Fountain Head CC
July 16 Andrews AFB
August 13 CC of Maryland
Sept 10 Piney Branch GC
October 22 Chartwell CC
The Free State Seniors also sponsors 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 single elimination. 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. In 2012 the matches will be played at Dominion Valley Country Club on October 2nd & 3rd.
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. Check out the Free State Seniors Web Site at www.freestateseniors.com. If you have any questions, please contact the Executive Secretary at 410 790-3304.
Click here to download membership application. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)