FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who Is Eligible To Play In The District?
The District is open to male and female amateur golfers who maintain their principal residence in Saginaw County and meet the tournament's eligibility requirements.
The Open Division is available to all eligible golfers. Players age 50 or older as of the first day of the tournament may elect to compete in either the Open Division or the Legends Division.
All participants must maintain an active GHIN Handicap Index.
How do I sign up?
If you are exempt from success in a previous tournament, you'll get an invitation and instructions on how to sign up. You WILL still need to provide your GHIN handicap number.
For General Registration you'll need to register at the Registration Page on this site. You MUST have a GHIN handicap to enter. Once you are registered, you will be placed on the list until we select the lowest handicaps from the participants.
What is a GHIN Handicap?
GHIN (Golf Handicap and Information Network) is the official handicapping service provided by the USGA. A GHIN Handicap Index measures a golfer's demonstrated playing ability based on their posted scores and the difficulty of the courses they play.
You do not need to belong to a private golf club to obtain a GHIN Handicap. Golfers can establish one through the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) or another authorized golf association.
Beginning in 2027, all District participants, including exempt players, must maintain an active GHIN Handicap Index. For non-exempt applicants, this Index will be used to determine selection into the tournament.
We are working to secure a discounted rate for GHIN Handicaps for our participants...stay tuned for that announcement.
How Do I Get a GHIN Handicap?
Getting a GHIN Handicap Index is easy, and you do not need to belong to a private golf club!
Golfers can obtain an official GHIN Handicap Index by joining the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM). An annual membership costs $45 and includes access to the GHIN mobile app, where you can post scores, track your handicap, and review your playing history.
Junior golfers ages 6–18 can obtain a GAM membership for FREE! Visit the GAM Junior Membership page to register.
To establish your first Handicap Index, you'll need to post scores totaling at least 54 holes of golf.
If you already have a GHIN number through your golf club or another authorized golf association, there's no need to purchase another membership. Just make sure your Index is active before registering for The District.
All participants must have an active GHIN Handicap Index by the June 14, 2027, registration deadline.
Is There a Minimum or Maximum Handicap?
No, there is no threshold you have to be "under" to be invited to the field. We will select participants by handicap until we have the required spots and then will select a handful of alternates as well. Those who are not invited will be fully refunded.
How Do I Become A Sponsor?
We have expanded our sponsorship opportunities for the tournament. If you are interested in sponsoring the tournament, please use the "contact us" page.
The SDGA is a 501(c)(3) organization! As a part of our mission to grow the game of golf, we will be making a donation the the First Tee of Eastern Michigan and will be exploring ways to partner with them on volunteer opportunities at their events.
Is there a qualifying tournament? What courses host the tournament?
The qualifying tournament was eliminated in 2016.
Beginning in 2020, the SDGA Tournament is now on a 4-course rotation (subject to change):
Apple Mountain Golf Course
Sawmill Golf Club
The Fortress
Saginaw Country Club